Patent Publication Number: US-2004045780-A1

Title: Soft-sided carrying case

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
     [0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/759,683, entitled “Soft-Sided Carrying Case” and filed Jan. 12, 2001, which is a non-provisional application claiming priority from Provisional Application Serial No. 60/227,214, filed Aug. 23, 2000. 
    
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002] The present invention relates to soft-sided carrying cases. More specifically, the present invention relates to a soft-sided carrying case having a number of compartments, with at least some of the compartments being shiftable between folded and unfolded positions.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003] Soft-sided luggage or soft-sided carrying cases are generally well known in the art. Soft-sided carrying cases typically offer one or more distinct advantages over conventional luggage. For example, soft-sided luggage is typically lighter weight than conventional luggage, it can typically be carried using a shoulder strap, it typically includes external pockets that can be accessed without completely opening the case, and, if it is well built, it is less prone to damage from improper handling.  
       [0004] Despite the popularity of known soft-sided carrying cases or luggage, there is a continuing need for improved soft-sided luggage. 
     
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
     [0005] Certain features and advantages in the apparatus disclosed and claimed herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed descriptions and the accompanying drawings, in which:  
     [0006]FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a soft-sided carrying case assembled in accordance with the teachings of a first preferred embodiment of the invention;  
     [0007]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the soft-sided carrying case of claim 1 shown with the upper compartments opened to their unfolded positions;  
     [0008]FIG. 3 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 2 but illustrating the flaps to the various compartments opened;  
     [0009]FIG. 3A is a perspective view similar to FIG. 2 but showing an alternate form for the panels or flaps;  
     [0010]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the device of FIGS.  1 - 3  but illustrating an optional leg assembly;  
     [0011]FIG. 5 is a view of the device of FIG. 4 but taken from a different perspective;  
     [0012]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a soft-sided carrying case assembled in accordance with the teachings of a second preferred embodiment of the invention;  
     [0013]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a soft-sided carrying case assembled in accordance with the teachings of a third preferred embodiment of the invention;  
     [0014] FIGS.  7 A(i) through  7 A(v) are enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional views of a number of alternative arrangements in the area of the hinge line, which alternative arrangements are equally applicable to any of the embodiments disclosed herein;  
     [0015]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 7 but illustrating the upper compartments in the unfolded positions;  
     [0016]FIG. 8A(i) through  8 A(v) are enlarged fragmentary views in perspective taken about the circumscribed portion of FIG. 8 and illustrating a number of alternative details in the area surrounding the hinge, which details are equally applicable to any of the embodiments disclosed herein;  
     [0017]FIG. 8B(i) through  8 B(v) are enlarged fragmentary elevational views taken about the circumscribed portion of FIG. 7 and illustrating alternative details similar to those shown in FIGS.  8 A(i) through  8 A(v), but illustrating those details applied to the outside surface of the soft-sided carrying case;  
     [0018]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a soft-sided carrying case assembled in accordance with the teachings of a fourth preferred embodiment of the invention;  
     [0019]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 9 but illustrating the upper compartments in the unfolded positions;  
     [0020]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a soft-sided carrying case assembled in accordance with the teachings of a fifth preferred embodiment of the invention;  
     [0021]FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 11 but illustrating the upper compartments in the unfolded positions;  
     [0022]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a soft-sided carrying case assembled in accordance with the teachings of a sixth preferred embodiment of the invention;  
     [0023]FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 13 but illustrating the upper compartments in the unfolded positions;  
     [0024]FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a soft-sided carrying case assembled in accordance with the teachings of a seventh preferred embodiment of the invention;  
     [0025]FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 15 but illustrating all of the upper compartments in the unfolded positions;  
     [0026]FIG. 17 is a perspective view of two of the upper compartments that have been separated from the balance of the soft-sided carrying case of any of the previously shown embodiments and which are being shown being attached to each other to form an additional smaller soft-sided carrying case;  
     [0027]FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a soft-sided carrying case assembled in accordance with the teachings of an eighth preferred embodiment of the invention;  
     [0028]FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 18 but illustrating the upper compartments in the unfolded positions;  
     [0029]FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a soft-sided carrying case assembled in accordance with the teachings of a ninth preferred embodiment of the invention;  
     [0030]FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 20 but illustrating the upper compartments in the unfolded positions;  
     [0031]FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a soft-sided carrying case assembled in accordance with the teachings of a tenth preferred embodiment of the invention;  
     [0032]FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 22 but illustrating the upper compartments in partially unfolded positions;  
     [0033]FIG. 24 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 23 but illustrating the upper compartments in more fully unfolded positions;  
     [0034]FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a soft-sided carrying case assembled in accordance with the teachings of yet another preferred embodiment of the invention; and  
     [0035]FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 2 but illustrating the upper compartments in unfolded positions. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
     [0036] The following description of the preferred embodiments is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the precise forms disclosed, but instead is intended to be illustrative of the principles of the invention so that others skilled in the art may follow its teachings.  
     [0037] Referring now to FIGS.  1 - 3  of the drawings, a soft-sided carrying case assembled in accordance with the teachings of the present invention is generally referred to by the reference numeral  10 . The soft-sided carrying case generally includes four sidewalls  10   a ,  10   b ,  10   c , and  10   d , a bottom wall  10   e  and a top wall  10   f  (FIG. 1). The case  10  further includes a lower compartment  12  and a pair of upper compartments  14  and  16 . The lower compartment  12  includes a plurality of sidewalls  12   a ,  12   b    12   c , and  12   d . The lower compartment  12  also includes a bottom wall  12   e  and a top wall  12   f  (visible in FIGS. 2 and 3). The first upper compartment  14  includes four sidewalls  14   a ,  14   b ,  14   c  (obscured in FIG. 1 but visible in FIGS. 2 and 3), and  14   d . The first upper compartment  14  also includes a bottom wall  14   e  and a top wall  14   f  (the bottom wall  14   e  being visible in FIGS. 2 and 3). The second upper compartment  16  includes sidewalls  16   a ,  16   b ,  16   c  (visible in FIG. 3), and  16   d . The second upper compartment also includes a bottom wall  16   e  and a top wall  16   f  (visible in FIG. 2). The first and second upper compartments  14 ,  16  are separated from the lower compartment  12  by a boundary or interface  18 .  
     [0038] As will be outlined in greater detail below, the first upper compartment  14  is pivotable about a first hinge line  14   g  between the closed or folded position of FIG. 1 and the open or unfolded positions of FIGS. 2 and 3. Similarly, the second upper compartment  16  is pivotable about a hinge line  16   g  between the closed or folded position of FIG. 1 and the open or unfolded positions of FIGS. 2 and 3. It will be noted that the hinge lines  14   g  and  16   g  are generally adjacent to the interface  18  (i.e., the hinge lines  14   g  and  16   g  may lie in the same plane as the interface  18 ).  
     [0039] In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 through 3, it will be noted that the sidewall  14   a  of the first upper compartment  14  is generally contiguous with the sidewall  12   a  of the lower compartment (i.e., the sidewall  14   a  of the first upper compartment  14  is an extension of the sidewall  12   a  of the lower compartment). Similarly, the sidewall  16   a  of the second upper compartment  16  is contiguous with or is an extension of the sidewall  12   c  of the lower compartment  12 .  
     [0040] The soft-sided carrying case  10  preferably includes a zipper  20  which engages each of the first and second upper compartments  14 ,  16  in order to secure each of the first and second upper compartments  14 ,  16  in their respective closed positions, such as is shown in FIG. 1. Upon release of the zipper  20 , the first and second upper compartments  14 ,  16  may be pivoted about their respective hinge lines  14   g ,  16   g  to their respective unfolded positions as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The zipper  20  may be disposed along a longitudinal edge  14   h ,  16   h  (FIG. 1), of the first and second upper compartments  14 ,  16 .  
     [0041] Instead of the zipper  20 , it will be appreciated that alternate closure mechanisms may be provided in order to secure the first and second upper compartments  14 ,  16  in there respective folded positions. At least some of these possible alternate mechanisms are discussed below with respect to other forms of preferred embodiments. It will be understood that the closure mechanisms of the various embodiments may be readily substituted for each other as would be apparent to those of skill in the art.  
     [0042] Referring to FIG. 1, the soft-sided carrying case  10  will preferably include a handle  22 , which in the preferred embodiment shown will include a pair of straps  22   a ,  22   b , which straps  22   a  and/or  22   b  may be removably attached to the soft-sided carrying case  10  by a releaseable mechanism such as one or more buckles  24 , such as commercially available Litelocke buckles. Alternatively, the straps  22   a  and  22   b  may be permanently affixed to the soft-sided case  10 , such as by sewing, etc. The straps  22   a  and  22   b  will preferably be joinable to form the handle  22  using a section  25  of flexible material which is joinable using hook and loop closures or similar material as is known in the art. Additional handles  26 ,  28  may also be provided as desired, with the number of additional handles being within the choice of the designer. At least one of the handles (i.e., the handle  28 ) may be extendable, and when used in conjunction with a plurality of wheels  30  will enable the soft-sided carrying case  10  to be wheeled in a fashion similar to a luggage cart. The handle  28  may be made of commercially available materials, and further will preferably have a telescoping handle  28   a  enabling the entire handle  28  to be stowed in a zipper pocket in the bottom wall  10   e  of the carrying case  10 . The wheels  30  are preferably commercially available in-line skate style wheels using sealed ball bearings. Other commercially available wheels may also be used.  
     [0043] Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, the lower compartment  12  preferably includes one or more panels or flaps  32   a ,  32   b  in the top wall  12   f  of the lower compartment  12 . As shown, the flaps  32   a ,  32   b  each include a zipper  34 , which enable the flaps  32   a ,  32   b  to be opened as shown in FIG. 3 to provide access to the lower compartment  12 . It will be appreciated that one or more interior dividers  36  may be provided as desired inside the lower compartment  12 .  
     [0044] Each of the bottom walls  14   f ,  16   f  of the first and second upper compartments  14 ,  16 , respectively, will preferably include a panel or flap  36   a ,  36   b , respectively. A zipper  38  maybe provided for each of the flaps  36   a ,  36   b , thus enabling the flaps  36   a ,  36   b  to be secured in the closed position shown in FIG. 2 or opened to provide access to the first and second upper compartments  14 ,  16 , as is shown in FIG. 3. One or more interior dividers  40  may be provided in either of the upper compartments  14 ,  16 .  
     [0045] It will be appreciated that the soft-sided carrying case  10  may include additional compartments, such as side compartments or pockets (not shown) and/or end compartments or pockets (not shown), all of which are commonly used in the art. The soft-sided carrying case  10  may also include one or more mesh pockets of known construction.  
     [0046] The zippers used herein are preferably heavy-duty zippers, which zippers preferably have been taped as is known in the art. Further, the soft-sided case  10  may constructed of any one of a variety of commercially available fabrics and/or materials, all of which may be chosen based on design considerations for the specific application and all of which would be known to those of skill in the art. Rip-stop materials, which are readily available, may also be used.  
     [0047] In operation, the soft-sided carrying case  10  would normally be used and/or transported in the configuration of FIG. 1 with the first and second upper compartments  14 ,  16  in their respective closed or folded positions, generally overlying the lower compartment  12 . The zipper  20  is shown securing the upper compartments  14 ,  16  in the folded positions. Using the section  25  the straps  22   a  and  22   b  may be joined together to form the handle  22 . It will be understood that the soft-sided carrying case  10  may be readily assembled using known methods of manufacturing.  
     [0048] When it is desired to access the lower compartment and/or the first and second upper compartments  14 ,  16 , the zipper  20  (or other closing mechanism) should be disengaged, as should the section  25  holding the straps  22   a  and  22   b  together. Either or both of the upper compartments  14 ,  16  may be pivoted about their respective hinge lines  14   g ,  16   g  to the unfolded positions shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. Access to the upper compartments  14 ,  16  may be gained by disengaging the zippers  38  (or other closing mechanism), thus enabling the flaps  36   a  and  36   b  to be opened. Access to the lower compartment  12  is gained by disengaging the zippers  34  (or other closing mechanism) thus enabling the flaps  32   a  and/or  32   b  to be opened.  
     [0049] In the embodiment of FIGS.  1 - 3  the hinge line  14   g  may be defined solely by a flexible portion  10   g  of the sidewall  10   a , while the hinge line  16   g  may be formed solely by a flexible portion  10   h  of the sidewall  10   c , with no actual physical hinge structure being employed. It will be appreciated that the flexible portions  10   g  and  10   h  are disposed substantially in line with the interface  18  between the lower compartment  12  and the first and second upper compartments  14  and  16 . Alternatively, the hinge lines  14   g  and  16   g  may be defined by actual physical hinge structures as shown and described below with respect to the other embodiments.  
     [0050] Each of the upper compartments  14 ,  16  may also include an additional exterior flap or zipper (not shown) in order to provide access to the first and second upper compartments  14 ,  16  without pivoting the upper compartments  14 ,  16  to their unfolded positions. Further, additional side pockets may be provided on the soft-sided carrying case  10  in a manner that is known to those skilled in the art. Further, it will be understood that the bottom wall  10   e  may be constructed of a relatively stiff material or a rigid material for greater durability. Such relatively stiff and/or rigid materials are known to those skilled in the art and are readily available.  
     [0051] Compression straps (not shown) may be provided in order to secure the upper compartments in their closed positions.  
     [0052] Also, it will further be appreciated that zippers shown above may be replaced with any number of known closing or securing mechanisms, such as, by way of example and not limitation, straps, buckles, snaps, buttons, and hook and loop closure materials.  
     [0053] Referring now to FIG. 3A, an alternate form for the soft-sided carrying case is shown, also designated as  10  for ease of reference. The soft-sided carrying case  10  illustrated therein is substantially similar to the soft-sided case  10  discussed above, with each of the like elements retaining the same reference characters. As shown in FIG. 3A, the lower compartment  12  includes only a single flap  32   a  with a zipper  34 . It will be appreciated that the lower compartment  12  may include additional access flaps (not shown), with the actual number and configuration of the access flaps being governed by design considerations.  
     [0054] Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, any of the embodiments of the soft-sided carrying case disclosed herein may optionally be equipped with a retractable stand  42 . In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the soft-sided carrying case  10  is shown equipped with the optional stand  42 . As shown in FIG. 5, the stand  42  may include a pair of legs  44  and  46 . The leg  44  includes an upper end  44   a  attached to the soft-sided carrying case  10  by a pivot  44   b , while the leg  46  includes an upper end  46   a  attached to the soft-sided case  10  by a pivot  46   b . A cross bar  48  is disposed to connect a lower end  44   c  of the leg  44  to a lower end  46   c  of the leg  46 . A strap  50  engages the cross bar  48  and the case  10  in order to limit the extension of the stand  42  away from the case  10 . A pair of hook and loop retaining straps  52  are provided in order to retain the stand  42  in a retracted position against the bottom wall  10   e  of the carrying case  10  when the stand  42  is not in use.  
     [0055] Referring now to FIG. 6, a soft-sided carrying case assembled in accordance with the teachings of a second preferred embodiment of the invention is generally referred to by the reference numeral  110 . For ease of reference, all elements that are the same or similar to the elements described above with respect to the first embodiment will retain the same reference numerals, but which have been increased by  100 . The soft-sided carrying case  110  generally includes four sidewalls  110   a ,  110   b ,  110   c , and  110   d , a bottom wall  110   e , which may be rigid, and a top wall. The case  110  further includes a lower compartment  112  and a pair of upper compartments  114  and  116 . The lower compartment  112  includes a plurality of sidewalls  112   a ,  112   b ,  112   c , and  112   d . The lower compartment  112  also includes a bottom wall  112   e . It will be noted that no top wall is shown for the compartment  112 , with the upper extent of the compartment  112  being defined upon the closing of the compartments  114  and  116 . Alternatively, a top wall (not shown) or a mesh panel (not shown) may be provided.  
     [0056] The first upper compartment  114  includes encircling sidewalls  114   a , a bottom wall  114   e  and a top wall  114   f , which may be defined by a flap or a mesh panel. The second upper compartment  116  includes sidewalls  116   a , and includes a bottom wall  16   e  and a top wall  16   f , which may be defined by a flap or a mesh panel. The first and second upper compartments  114 ,  116  are pivotally joined to the lower compartment  112  by one or more hinges  14   g ,  16   g  which lie along an interface  118  between the upper compartments  114 ,  116  and the lower compartment  112 , and which permit pivotal movement of the upper compartments between the folded positions (i.e., with the upper compartments  114 ,  116  disposed above the lower compartment  112  in the manner described above with respect to the first embodiment) and the open or unfolded positions shown in FIG. 6. Preferably, the embodiment of FIG. 6 will include a seal  119  disposed at the interface  118  of the lower compartment  112  and the upper compartments  114 ,  116 . Flaps  136   a ,  136   b  are provided for the compartments  114 ,  116 , respectively, each of the flaps  136   a  and  136   b  being closeable with a zipper  138  or similar closing mechanism. The carrying case  110  preferably includes one or more closing buckles  120 . The soft-sided carrying case  110  will also preferably include one or more handles  126 ,  128 , with the handles  128  being extendable. A plurality of wheels (not shown) may also be provided.  
     [0057] Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8, a soft-sided carrying case assembled in accordance with the teachings of a third preferred embodiment of the invention is generally referred to by the reference numeral  210 . For ease of reference, all elements that are the same or similar to the elements described above with respect to the first embodiment will retain the same reference numerals, but which have been increased by  200 . The soft-sided carrying case  210  generally includes four sidewalls  210   a ,  210   b ,  210   c , and  210   d , a bottom wall  210   e  and a top wall  210   f . The case  210  further includes a lower compartment  212  and a pair of upper compartments  214  and  216 . The lower compartment  212  includes a plurality of sidewalls  212   a ,  212   b ,  212   c , and  212   d . The lower compartment  212  also includes a bottom wall  212   e  and a top wall  212   f (FIG. 8).  
     [0058] The first upper compartment  214  includes a plurality of sidewalls  214   a , a bottom wall  214   e  (FIG. 8) and a top wall  214   f  (FIG. 7). The second upper compartment  216  includes a plurality of sidewalls  216 A, and includes a bottom wall  216   e  (FIG. 8) and a top wall  216   f  (FIG. 7). The first and second upper compartments  214 ,  216  are pivotally joined to the lower compartment  212  by a flexible fabric hinge  214   h ,  216   h , respectively, defined in the sidewalls  210   b  and  210   d  of the soft-sided carrying case  210 , and lying generally along an interface  218  between the upper compartments  214 ,  216  and the lower compartment  212 . The fabric hinges  214   h ,  216   h  permit pivotal movement of the upper compartments  214 ,  216  between the folded positions (i.e., with the upper compartments  214 ,  216  disposed above the lower compartment  212  in the manner described above with respect to the first embodiment) and the open or unfolded positions shown in FIG. 8.  
     [0059] An access flap  232   a  having a zipper  234  is provided in the top wall  212   f  of the lower compartment  212 . Flaps  236   a ,  236   b  are provided for the compartments  214 ,  216 , respectively, each of the flaps  236   a  and  236   b  being closeable with a zipper  238  or similar closing mechanism. The carrying case  210  preferably includes one or more sections of hook and loop closure mechanisms  220 . Alternatively, straps or other mechanisms may be used. The soft-sided carrying case  210  will also preferably include a shoulder strap  226  (FIG. 7), or a handle (not shown).  
     [0060] Referring now to FIGS.  7 A(i) through  7 A(v), alternative details are shown for the construction of the soft-sided carrying case  210  in the region of the hinge line  216   h . It will be understood that the details shown therein are equally applicable to the hinge line  214   h , and also are equally applicable to any of the other embodiments described herein. However, for the sake of brevity, the details will be discussed only with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 7 and 8. For ease of reference, to the extent possible similar elements will retain like reference numerals through each of FIGS.  7 A(i) through  7 A(v).  
     [0061] As shown in FIG. 7A(i), a fabric strap  217  having an upper edge  217   a  and a lower edge  217   b  is secured to the soft-sided carrying case  210 . The upper edge  217   a  is secured to the upper compartment  216  by a line of stitching  217   c , while the lower edge  217   b  is secured to the lower compartment  21  by a line of stitching  217   d . Two additional straps  219   a  and  219   b  are provided, with the strap  219   a  being stitched to the upper edge  217   a  as well as to the upper compartment  216 , and with the strap  219   b  being stitched to the lower edge  217   b  as well as to the lower compartment  212 . Preferably, the lines of stitching may be bartack stitching for greater durability in high stress areas.  
     [0062] As shown in FIG. 7A(ii), a single fabric strap  217  may be employed, having an upper edge  217   a  stitched at  217   c  to the upper compartment  216 , and further having a lower edge  217   b  stitched at  217   d  to the lower compartment  212 .  
     [0063] As shown in FIG. 7A(iii), a line of piping  217  may be employed along the hinge line  216   h.    
     [0064] As shown in FIG. 7A(iv), a zipper  217  may be disposed along the hinge line  216   h . The zipper  217  is preferably a #8 or #10 heavy-duty, taped, clear coil zipper.  
     [0065]FIG. 7A(v) is similar in all respects to FIG. 7A(i), except for the addition of a line of stitching  217  at the hinge line  216   h  which may be required when the upper compartment  216  and the lower compartment  212  are manufactured of dissimilar materials or dissimilar colors.  
     [0066] Referring now to FIGS.  8 A(i) through  8 A(v), further alternative details are shown for the construction of the soft-sided carrying case  210  in the region of the hinge line  216   h . It will again be understood that the details shown therein are equally applicable to the hinge line  214   h , and also are equally applicable to any of the other embodiments described herein. Again, for the sake of brevity, the details will be discussed only with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 7 and 8. For ease of reference, to the extent possible similar elements will retain like reference numerals through each of FIGS.  7 A(i) through  7 A(v).  
     [0067] As shown in each of FIGS.  8 A(i) through  8 A(v), a fabric strap  217  having edges  217   a  and  217   b  is secured to each of the upper and lower compartments shown,  216  and  212 , respectively. In each of the details shown, the straps are secured such that the straps  217  are only revealed upon opening of the upper compartment  216  to its unfolded position. In FIG. 8A(i), the strap  217  is secured by one or more fasteners  217   c , such as a snap, a rivet, a threaded bolt, a button, or any other suitable fastener, either alone or in combination with stitching.  
     [0068] FIGS.  8 A(ii) and  8 A(iii) illustrate straps  217  having different overall dimensions secured by bartack stitching. FIGS.  8 A(iv) and  8 A(v) illustrate straps  217  secured in a manner similar to that shown in FIGS.  7 A(i) and (ii), albeit with the details being applied to the inside of the hinge line  216   h  rather than to the outside of the case  210 .  
     [0069] Referring now to FIGS.  8 B(i) through  8 B(v), illustrated therein are arrangements similar to FIGS.  8 A(i) through (v), but with each of the respective arrangements being shown secured to the outside of the soft-sided carrying case  210 .  
     [0070] Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10, a soft-sided carrying case assembled in accordance with the teachings of a fourth preferred embodiment of the invention is generally referred to by the reference numeral  310 . For ease of reference, all elements that are the same or similar to the elements described above with respect to the first embodiment will retain the same reference numerals, but which have been increased by  300 . The soft-sided carrying case  310  generally includes four sidewalls  310   a ,  310   b ,  310   c , and  310   d , a bottom wall  310   e  and a top wall  310   f . The case  310  further includes a lower compartment  312  and a pair of upper compartments  314  and  316 . The lower compartment  312  includes a plurality of sidewalls  312   a ,  312   b ,  312   c , and  312   d . The lower compartment  312  also includes a bottom wall  312   e  and a top wall  312   f  (FIG. 10).  
     [0071] The first upper compartment  314  includes a plurality of sidewalls  314   a , a bottom wall  314   e  (FIG. 10) and a top wall  314   f . The second upper compartment  316  includes a plurality of sidewalls  316   a , and includes a bottom wall  316   e  and a top wall  316   f . The first and second upper compartments  314 ,  316  are pivotally joined to the lower compartment  312  along a pair of hinge lines  314   g ,  316   g , respectively, defined in the sidewalls  310   b  and  310   d  of the soft-sided carrying case  310  by a two lines of stitching  314   h ,  316   h , respectively. The lines of stitching  314   h ,  316   h  are disposed lying generally along an interface  318  between the upper compartments  314 ,  316  and the lower compartment  312 . Other suitable, hinges may be employed. Thus, the upper compartments  314 ,  316  are shiftable between the folded positions (i.e., with the upper compartments  314 ,  316  disposed above the lower compartment  312  in the manner described above with respect to the first embodiment) and the open or unfolded positions shown in FIG. 10.  
     [0072] An access flap  332   a  having a zipper  334  is provided in the top wall  312   f  of the lower compartment  312 . Flaps  336   a ,  336   b  are provided for the compartments  314 ,  316 , respectively, each of the flaps  336   a  and  336   b  being closeable with a zipper  338  or similar closing mechanism. The carrying case  310  preferably includes one or more sections of hook and loop closure mechanisms  320 . Alternatively, straps or other mechanisms may be used. The soft-sided carrying case  310  will also preferably include a suitable handle  322  and or an extendable handle  328 .  
     [0073] Referring now to FIGS. 11 and 12, a soft-sided carrying case assembled in accordance with the teachings of a fifth preferred embodiment of the invention is generally referred to by the reference numeral  410 . For ease of reference, all elements that are the same or similar to the elements described above with respect to the first embodiment will retain the same reference numerals, but which have been increased by  400 . The soft-sided carrying case  410  generally includes four sidewalls  410   a ,  410   b ,  410   c , and  410   d , a bottom wall  410   e  and a top wall  410   f . The case  410  further includes a lower compartment  412  and a pair of upper compartments  414  and  416 . The lower compartment  412  includes a plurality of sidewalls  412   a ,  412   b ,  412   c , and  412   d . The lower compartment  412  also includes a bottom wall  412   e  and a top wall  412   f (FIG. 12).  
     [0074] The first upper compartment  414  includes a plurality of sidewalls  414   a , a bottom wall  414   e  (FIG. 12) and a top wall  414   f . The second upper compartment  416  includes a plurality of sidewalls  416   a , and includes a bottom wall  416   e  (FIG. 12) and a top wall  416   f . The first and second upper compartments  414 ,  416  are pivotally joined to the lower compartment  412  along a pair of hinge lines  414   g ,  416   g , respectively, defined in the sidewalls  410   a  and  410   c  of the soft-sided carrying case  410  by a releasable zippers  414   h ,  416   h , respectively. The zippers  414   h ,  416   h  are disposed lying generally along an interface  418  between the upper compartments  414 ,  416  and the lower compartment  412 . Other suitable releasable mechanisms may be employed. Thus, the upper compartments  414 ,  416  are shiftable between the folded positions (i.e., with the upper compartments  414 ,  416  disposed above the lower compartment  412  in the manner described above with respect to the first embodiment) and the open or unfolded positions shown in FIG. 12.  
     [0075] As with the above embodiments, suitable access flaps may be provided to provide access to the various compartments. Also, carrying case  410  preferably includes one or more closing straps  420 , each of which may include one or more buckles  421  or other suitable releasable closing mechanisms, such as straps having hook and loop closures, snaps, buttons, etc. The soft-sided carrying case  410  will also preferably include a suitable handle, such as the handle  422 .  
     [0076] Referring now to FIGS. 13 and 14, a soft-sided carrying case assembled in accordance with the teachings of a fifth preferred embodiment of the invention is generally referred to by the reference numeral  510 . For ease of reference, all elements that are the same or similar to the elements described above with respect to the first embodiment will retain the same reference numerals, but which have been increased by  500 . The soft-sided carrying case  510  generally includes four sidewalls  510   a ,  510   b ,  510   c , and  510   d , a bottom wall  510   e  and a top wall  510   f . The case  510  further includes a lower compartment  512  and a pair of upper compartments  514  and  516 . The lower compartment  512  includes a plurality of sidewalls  512   a ,  512   b ,  512   c , and  512   d . The lower compartment  512  also includes a bottom wall  512   e  and a top wall  512   f  (FIG. 14).  
     [0077] The first upper compartment  514  includes a plurality of sidewalls  514   a , a bottom wall  514   e  (FIG. 14) and a top wall  514   f . The second upper compartment  516  includes a plurality of sidewalls  516   a , and includes a bottom wall  516   e  (FIG. 14) and a top wall  516   f . The first and second upper compartments  514 ,  516  are pivotally joined to the lower compartment  512  along a pair of hinge lines  514   g ,  516   g , respectively, defined in the sidewalls  510   b  and  510   d  of the soft-sided carrying case  510  by lines of stitching  514   h ,  516 , respectively. The lines of stitching  514   h ,  516   h  are disposed lying generally along an interface  518  between the upper compartments  514 ,  516  and the lower compartment  512 . Other suitable hinge mechanisms may be employed. Thus, the upper compartments  514 ,  516  are shiftable between the folded positions (i.e., with the upper compartments  514 ,  516  disposed above the lower compartment  512  in the manner described above with respect to the first embodiment) and the open or unfolded positions shown in FIG. 14.  
     [0078] As with the above embodiments, suitable internal and/or external access flaps may be provided to provide access to the various compartments. Also, carrying case  510  preferably includes one or more closing straps  520 , each of which may include one or more buckles  521  or other suitable releasable closing mechanisms, such as straps having hook and loop closures, snaps, buttons, etc. The soft-sided carrying case  510  will also preferably include a suitable handle, such as the handle  522 , and/or a shoulder strap  523 .  
     [0079] Referring now to FIGS. 15 and 16, a soft-sided carrying case assembled in accordance with the teachings of a sixth preferred embodiment of the invention is generally referred to by the reference numeral  610 . For ease of reference, all elements that are the same or similar to the elements described above with respect to the first embodiment will retain the same reference numerals, but which have been increased by  600 . The soft-sided carrying case  610  generally includes four sidewalls  610   a ,  610   b ,  610   c , and  610   d , a bottom wall  610   e  and a top wall  610   f . The case  610  further includes a lower compartment  612  and three upper compartments  614 ,  615 , and  616 . The lower compartment  612  includes a plurality of sidewalls  612   a . The lower compartment  612  also includes a bottom wall  612   e  and a top wall  612   f  (FIG. 16).  
     [0080] Each of the upper compartments  614 ,  615 , and  616  includes a plurality of sidewalls, a top wall and a bottom wall. As shown in FIG. 16, all three compartments  614 ,  615 , and  616  are pivotally joined to the lower compartment  612  by hinges  614   g ,  615   g , and  616   g , respectively, disposed along an interface  618 . Thus, all three of the upper compartments  614 ,  615 , and  616  are shiftable between the folded positions (i.e., with the upper compartments  614 ,  615 , and/or  616  disposed above the lower compartment  612 ) and the open or unfolded positions shown in FIG. 16.  
     [0081]FIG. 17 illustrates the manner by which any of the upper compartments of the previously mentioned embodiments (for example, the upper compartments  414  and  416  of the embodiment of FIGS. 11 and 12) may be removed from the case and may be joined together to form a second, smaller carrying case  411 . A handle (not shown) may be provided.  
     [0082] FIGS.  18 - 21  illustrate two different configurations for a tri-fold soft-sided carrying case assembled in accordance with the teachings of still further embodiments of the present invention, each designated as  710 . The cases  710  shown therein each include a lower compartment  712  and pair of upper compartments  714  and  716 . It will be noted that the hinge lines  714   h  and  716   h  are in different planes when the cases  710  are in the folded positions of FIGS. 18 and 20. The remainder of the cases shown therein may be constructed in accordance with the teachings of the above-described embodiments.  
     [0083]FIGS. 22 and 23 illustrate a soft-sided carrying case  810  having a plurality of compartments  812 ,  814 ,  816 ,  818 , and  820 . The compartments  814  and  816  pivot about vertical hinge lines  814   h  and  816   h , while the compartment  818  may pivot about a horizontal hinge line  818   h  (FIG. 23). The compartment  820  my be removable as shown in FIG. 23, or may pivot about a hinge line  820   h  (FIG. 23).  
     [0084] FIGS.  24 - 26  illustrate two additional embodiments incorporating the teachings of the present invention.  
     [0085] Although certain exemplary embodiments constructed in accordance with the teachings of the invention have been described herein, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all embodiments of the teachings of the invention fairly falling within the scope of the appended claims either literally or under the doctrine of equivalents.