Patent Publication Number: US-2022211153-A1

Title: Optical instrument case with low profile lid and harness for the same

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation patent application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/690,781 filed Nov. 21, 2019, which claims priority to and is a non-provisional patent application of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/770,243 filed Nov. 21, 2018, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The disclosure relates to cases optical instruments, and more particularly to a case for binoculars having a low profile lid and which can be connectable to a harness. 
     BACKGROUND 
     There are currently a number of cases, packs, and other types of pouches (collectively referred to herein as “cases”) available for holding optical instruments, such as binoculars, in place against the chest of user. Such cases generally include the case itself which holds the optical instrument, a harness for securing the case to the user, and, in some cases, additional accessory cases. These cases serve to protect the optical instrument while a user is moving about when the optical instrument is not in use and keep the optical instrument within reach to allow the user to quickly and easily access the optical instrument. The cases therefore generally further include easy to operate covers. 
     Current cover designs are insufficient when it comes to hassle-free use and safe storage of the optical instrument. For example, when the case is worn on a user&#39;s chest, the cover must either open against the user&#39;s chest or outwardly away from the user. If the cover is opened toward the user, it can hinder the user&#39;s ability to quickly pull the optical instrument out of the case. When the optical instrument has been removed, these covers tend to fall back into place on top of the case. This prevents debris from entering the case as the user walks around, but makes it more difficult to return the optical instrument to the case after use because the user must both hold the optical instrument and manipulate the cover. This creates unnecessary movement and can be an annoyance to the user. 
     On the other hand, if the cover is opened away from the user, it is out of the way for removing and replacing the optical instrument, but extends from the case thereby creating extra bulk. The open cover projects or dangles from the case and can get caught on brush, trees, and other objects while the user is moving around. The open cover also acts as a bowl and collects dust, dirt, debris and even moisture. If the cover is not thoroughly cleaned before closing the case, the dust, dirt, debris, moisture and anything else caught by the cover is dropped directly on the optical instrument when the cover is closed. This creates a safety concern for the user and may damage the optical instrument. 
     Accordingly, the need exists for a case for optical instruments that permits easy access and retains a low profile when the cover is in an open position. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one embodiment, the disclosure provides a case for an optical instrument. In accordance with embodiments of the disclosure, the case comprises a body having a bottom, two pairs of oppositely disposed side walls connected to the bottom forming a cavity; a lid having a top cover, and two pairs of oppositely disposed side portions, wherein the lid has a closed position and an open position, and wherein the each of the side portions of the two pairs of oppositely disposed side portions corresponds to and overlaps with a corresponding side wall in the closed position; and wherein a first of the two pairs of oppositely disposed side walls each includes an elastic chord connecting the respective side wall to the corresponding side portion of the lid. 
     In a further embodiment, a case for an optical instrument is provided, the case comprising a body having a generally rectangular bottom, a front side wall, a rear side wall, a right side wall, and a left side wall; and a lid having a top cover, a front side portion, a rear side portion, a right side portion, and a left side portion; wherein the lid has a closed position and an open position; wherein the top cover is in contact with at least a portion of the front side wall, rear side wall, right side wall and left side wall when in the closed position; and wherein the lid is compressed against the front side wall when in the open position. 
     Other embodiments will be evident from a consideration of the drawings taken together with the detailed description of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a case for an optical instrument in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure with the cover in the closed position; 
         FIG. 2  is a front view of the case of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a rear view of the case of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a top view of the case of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a bottom view of the case of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a right side view of the case of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a left side view of the case of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 8  is an isometric view of the case of  FIG. 1  with the cover in the open position; 
         FIG. 9  is a front view of the case of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a rear view of the case of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a top view of the case of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a bottom view of the case of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a right side view of the case of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a left side view of the case of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 15  is an isometric view of the case of  FIG. 8  with binoculars inside; 
         FIG. 16  is an isometric view of the case of  FIG. 1  with the accessory pouch of  FIG. 16  attached; 
         FIG. 17  illustrates a harness for use with a case in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 18  is an isometric view of the case of  FIG. 1  connected with the harness of  FIG. 17 ; 
         FIG. 19  is an isometric view of the case and harness of  FIG. 18  with the cover in an open position; 
         FIG. 20  is an isometric view of the case and harness of  FIG. 19  with the cover in an open position and the binoculars removed from the case; 
         FIG. 21  is an isometric view of the case and harness of  FIG. 18  on a person in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 22  shows the case and harness of  FIG. 21  with the accessory pouch included; and 
         FIG. 23  shows the case of  FIG. 1  worn on a belt in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The disclosure relates to cases for holding optical instruments and associated harnesses, and more particularly to cases for binoculars having a low profile lid and which can be connectable to a harness. Certain preferred and illustrative embodiments of the invention are described below. The disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. 
     As used herein, “optical instrument” and related terms refer to any optical viewing device. Non-limiting examples of optical instruments include binoculars, telescopes, sights, microscopes camera, and any other device which processes light waves to enhance an image for viewing. 
     As used herein, a “stiffening element” refers to a structure which provides rigidness to an otherwise flexible or malleable structure. Non-limiting examples of stiffening elements include plastic structures, layered material, thickened material, paper board, thin metal structure, framework and other such structures. 
       FIGS. 1-7  illustrate a case for an optical instrument  100  in a closed position in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 5 , the body  5  of the case  100  includes a bottom  10 , which in the embodiment shown is generally rectangular. Two pairs of opposed side walls  12 ,  14  and  16 ,  18  (see  FIGS. 1-3 and 6-7 ) are connected to the bottom to form the body  5  of the case  100 . While in the embodiment shown the bottom surface  10  is generally rectangular which together with the side walls  12 ,  14 ,  16  and  18  form a body  5  having a generally rectangular prism shape. However, it will be appreciated that the bottom  10  may take any variety of shapes, including, but not limited to, square, oval, circle, trapezoid, or other quadrilateral or polygon, with the appropriate number of sides to create the corresponding three-dimensional prism shape. 
     The bottom  10  and side walls  12 ,  14 ,  16  and  18  are made of a durable fabric material, or layers of such materials, which has water repellent and tear resistant properties. Preferably the durable fabric is also lightweight and makes little noise when folded or manipulated. Non-limiting examples of suitable materials include nylon, CORDURA® fabrics, or other similar technical fabric, and combinations of these materials. In some embodiments, one or more of the bottom  10  and side walls  12 ,  14 ,  16  and  18  may include one or more stiffener elements. Providing one or more stiffening elements with one or more of the bottom  10  and/or side walls  12 ,  14 ,  16  and  18  results in a case  100  having additional shape and support to hold an optical instrument. In a preferred embodiment, the bottom  10  includes one or more stiffening elements, and preferably a single stiffening element, which is a single panel of a rigid material (e.g., plastic) within the material of the bottom  10 . 
     In an embodiment, one of more of the bottom  10  and side walls  12 ,  14 ,  16  and  18  may further include a padding material, such as fibrous/resinous material (e.g., cotton, polyester, etc.). 
     It will be appreciated that the particular dimensions of the bottom  10  can vary by convenience; however, in the embodiment shown, the bottom  10  is rectangular with an approximate length from 5.0 inches, or 5.5 inches, or 6.0 inches, or 6.25 inches to 6.5 inches, or 6.75 inches, or 7.0 inches, or 7.5 inches, or 8.0 and an approximate width from 3.0 inches, or 3.25 inches, or 3.5 inches, or 3.75 inches to 4.0 inches, or 4.25 inches, or 4.5 inches, or 4.75 inches, or 5.0 inches. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-2 , the front side wall  12  is generally rectangular; although, as discussed above, the front side wall  12  may take any shape depending on the overall desired shape of the body  5 . In the embodiment shown, the front side wall  12  is from approximately 5.0 inches, or 5.5 inches, or 6.0 inches, or 6.25 inches to 6.5 inches, or 6.75 inches, or 7.0 inches, or 7.5 inches, or 8.0 inches in height and from approximately 5.0 inches, or 5.5 inches, or 6.0 inches, or 6.25 inches to 6.5 inches, or 6.75 inches, or 7.0 inches, or 7.5 inches, or 8.0 inches in width. 
     The front side wall  12  further includes an attachment panel  24  having a plurality of slits  25  through which a strap or other fastener may be passed to secure accessories to the front side wall  12 . In the particular embodiment shown, the attachment panel  24  is made of hook-and-loop material with the loop portion of the material exposed. Further, as shown in  FIGS. 1-2 , the attachment panel  24  includes six slits  25 . In further embodiments, the attachment panel  24  may be omitted or be made of a different material with a different structure/arrangement to facilitate the attachment of accessories to the case  100 . For example, in alternative embodiments, the attachment panel  24  may comprise a plurality of loops, clasps or other structures which engage accessories to secure them to the case  100 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the back side wall  14  has a shape and dimensions substantially similar to the front side wall  12 . That is, in the embodiment shown, the rear side wall  14  is generally rectangular, having a height from approximately 5.0 inches, or 5.5 inches, or 6.0 inches, or 6.25 inches to 6.5 inches, or 6.75 inches, or 7.0 inches, or 7.5 inches, or 8.0 inches and a width from approximately 5.0 inches, or 5.5 inches, or 6.0 inches, or 6.25 inches to 6.5 inches, or 6.75 inches, or 7.0 inches, or 7.5 inches, or 8.0 inches. However, in further embodiments, the shape and size of the back side wall  14  may differ depending on the shape of the bottom  12  and desired shape of the case  100 . 
     As will be described below, the back side wall  14  is designed to be in contact with a user&#39;s body (e.g., chest, side, hip, waist, etc.). In some embodiments, therefore, the back side wall  14  may include a layer of breathable material. The breathable material may include a treatment, such as a moisture-wicking treatment, antimicrobial treatment, antifungal treatment, and/or an odor-eliminating treatment. Further, in some embodiments, the back side wall  14  may include additional padding material and/or stiffening elements in an ergonomic arrangement to make carrying the case  100  more comfortable for the user. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 3, 6 and 7 , the back side wall  14  also includes a slide panel  38  and harness attachment points  205 . The slide panel  38  comprises one or more flat fabric or elastic panels secured at the top and bottom edges to the back side wall  14  to form a loop with the back side wall  14 . The slide panel  38  can be used to attach the case  100  to a belt or other strap for user to wear. Alternatively, the slide panel  38  may also be used to attach accessories to the case  100 . In further embodiments, the back side wall  14  may include different structures, such as, for example, clasps, clips, hook-and-loop fasteners, etc., to facilitate attachment of the case  100  to a belt or strap for a user to wear or to secure accessories to the case  100 . 
     The harness attachment points  205  are used to secure the case  100  to a harness  200  (not shown) as will be discussed with reference to  FIGS. 17-18 . In the embodiment shown, the harness attachment points  205  are loops or ends of chording. However, in further embodiments, the harness attachment points  205  could be any structure or device designed to secure the case  100  to a given harness. 
     The left and right side walls  16 ,  18 , respectively, are generally symmetric. As shown in  FIGS. 6-7 , the left and right side walls  16 ,  18  are generally rectangular, each having a height from approximately 5.0 inches, or 5.5 inches, or 6.0 inches, or 6.25 inches to 6.5 inches, or 6.75 inches, or 7.0 inches, or 7.5 inches, or 8.0 inches and a width from approximately 3.0 inches, or 3.25 inches, or 3.5 inches, or 3.75 inches to 4.0 inches, or 4.25 inches, or 4.5 inches, or 4.75 inches, or 5.0 inches. However, in further embodiments, the shape and size of the left and right side walls  16 ,  18  may differ depending on the shape of the bottom  12  and desired shape of the case  100 . 
     Each of the left and right side walls  16 ,  18  includes a mesh pocket  20 ,  22 , respectively. The mesh pockets  20 ,  22  each have an elastic opening  21 ,  23  to keep the openings tight to the side walls  16 ,  18 . The pockets  20 ,  22  can be used to store accessories. In the particular embodiment shown, the pockets  20 ,  22  are generally the width of the side walls  16 ,  18  with the elastic openings  21 ,  23  running generally diagonal across the width of the side walls  16 ,  18  with the highest end of the opening  21 ,  23  near the front side wall  12  and the lowest end of the opening  21 ,  23  near the back side wall  14 . In further embodiments, the pockets  20 ,  22  may be made of a material other than mesh, such as, for example, be a solid material, and may use different openings with or without closure mechanisms. That is, in an embodiment, the openings may be loose openings. In a further embodiment, the openings may include one or more closure mechanisms such as, by way of non-limiting example, magnets, snaps, clips, hook-and-loop fasteners, drawstrings, ties, etc. 
     The left and right side walls  16 ,  18  each further include an elastic chord  30 ,  32  which passes through a loop  34 ,  36  and secures at its free ends to the lid  42 , which is described in further detail below. The loop  34 ,  36  is secured to the respective side wall  16 ,  18  at a reinforcing seam  26 ,  28 , which in the embodiment shown runs parallel to the opening  21 ,  23 . In further embodiments, the elastic chord  30 ,  32  may be secured to their respective side wall  16 ,  18  using other means, including, for example, sewn directly to the side wall  16 ,  18 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-4 and 6-7 , the case  100  further includes a lid  42 . In the embodiment shown, the lid  42  is generally rectangular in shape with a top cover  46  and four side portions  48 ,  50 ,  52  and  54  connected thereto. In particularly, the lid  42  includes two pairs of opposed side portions  48 ,  50  and  52 ,  54  connected to the top cover  46  to form the lid  42 . While in the embodiment shown, the lid  42  is generally rectangular which together with the side portions  48 ,  50 ,  52 , and  54  forms a lid  42  having the shape of a rectangular prism, it is appreciated that the specific shape of the lid  42  will vary to correspond to the shape of the body  5  of the case  100 . 
     Like the body  5 , the top cover  46  and side portions  48 ,  50 ,  52  and  54  are each made of a durable fabric material, or layers of such materials, which has water repellent and tear resistant properties. Preferably the durable fabric is also lightweight and makes little noise when folded or manipulated, such as the materials describe above with reference to the body  5 . The top cover  46  further includes a stiffening element to provide rigidity to the lid  42  and provide some shape for the lid  42  (and particularly for the side portions  48 ,  50 ,  52  and  54 ) so that the lid  42  can properly secure over the base  5 . In further embodiments, the side portions  48 ,  50 ,  52  and  54  may also include a stiffening element; however, as described in further detail below, it is preferable that the side portions  48 ,  50 ,  52  and  54  are able to compress under force. 
     In an embodiment, one of more of the top cover  46  and side portions  48 ,  50 ,  52  and  54  may further include a padding material, such as fibrous/resinous material (e.g., cotton, polyester, etc.). 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the lid  42  is designed such that the side portions  48 ,  50 ,  52  and  54  overlap the base  5 . The top cover  46  therefore has dimensions just greater than that of the bottom  10 . In an embodiment, the top cover  46  has an approximate length from 5.0 inches, or 5.5 inches, or 6.0 inches, or 6.25 inches to 6.5 inches, or 6.75 inches, or 7.0 inches, or 7.5 inches, or 8.0 inches and an approximate width from 3.0 inches, or 3.25 inches, or 3.5 inches, or 3.75 inches to 4.0 inches, or 4.25 inches, or 4.5 inches, or 4.75 inches, or 5.0 inches. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 2-3 , the front and rear side portions  48  and  50 , respectively, are shown to overlap with the base  5  along the entirety of their respectively lengths. However, in further embodiments, the rear side portion  50  does not overlap with the base  5  along the entirety of its respective length. That is, in a particular embodiment, the optical instrument stored in the case  100  may be at least partly exposed along the rear side where the rear of the lid  42  and body  5  meet. The gap between the lid  42  and the body  5  creates a location at which a user can more readily and easily grasp the lid  42  to manipulate it into an open position as discussed more thoroughly with respect to  FIGS. 8-14 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2-3 , the front and rear side portions  48  and  50 , respectively, are rectangular while the right and left side portions  52  and  54 , respectively, are trapezoidal or, in further embodiments, right trapezoidal. As a result, the front side portion  48  is larger than the rear side portion  50 . As will be described in further detail with respect to  FIGS. 9-14 , the configuration of the lid  42  permits the lid  42  to be moved downward along the front side wall  10  of the base  5  with little to no obstruction of the opening (not shown). In the particular embodiment shown, the front and rear side portions  48 ,  50  each have approximate length from 5.0 inches, or 5.5 inches, or 6.0 inches, or 6.25 inches to 6.5 inches, or 6.75 inches, or 7.0 inches, or 7.5 inches, or 8.0 inches. The front side portion  48  has an approximate height from 2.5 inches, or 2.75 inches, or 3.0 inches to 3.25 inches, or 3.5 inches, or 3.75 inches, or 4.0 inches. The rear side portion  50  has a height less than that of the front side portion  48 , and preferably from 15% to 50% less than that of the front side portion  48 . In an embodiment, the rear side portion  50  has an approximate height from 1.0 inches, or 1.25 inches, or 1.5 inches, or 1.75 inches to 2.0 inches, or 2.25 inches, or 2.5 inches, or 2.75 inches, or 3.0 inches. 
     Because the right and left side portions  52  and  54  are trapezoidal, the length of each of their sides is different. Generally, the upper length  52   a ,  54   a  of the side portions  52 ,  54  corresponds to the width of the top cover  46 . That is, in an embodiment, the upper length  52   a ,  54   a  of the side portions  52 ,  54  is from 3.0 inches, or 3.25 inches, or 3.5 inches, or 3.75 inches to 4.0 inches, or 4.25 inches, or 4.5 inches, or 4.75 inches, or 5.0 inches. The long side length  52   b ,  54   b  of the side portions  52 ,  54  corresponds to the height of the front side portion  48 . That is, the long side length  52   b ,  54   b  of the side portions  52 ,  54  is from 2.5 inches, or 2.75 inches, or 3.0 inches to 3.25 inches, or 3.5 inches, or 3.75 inches, or 4.0 inches. The short side lengths  52   c ,  54   c  of the side portions  52 ,  54  are less than the height of the front side portion  48 , and preferably from 15% to 50% less than the height of the front side portion  48 . In an embodiment, short side lengths  52   c ,  54   c  are approximately from 1.0 inches, or 1.25 inches, or 1.5 inches, or 1.75 inches to 2.0 inches, or 2.25 inches, or 2.5 inches, or 2.75 inches, or 3.0 inches. In view of the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the diagonal lengths  52   d ,  54   b  of the sides  52 ,  54  will vary depending on the measurements of the other three sides, but generally, the diagonal lengths  52   d ,  54   d  are longer than the upper lengths  52   a ,  54   a . In a particular embodiment, the diagonal lengths  52   d ,  54   d  are from 3.0 inches, or 3.25 inches, or 3.5 inches, or 3.75 inches to 4.0 inches, or 4.25 inches, or 4.5 inches, or 4.75 inches, or 5.0 inches. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 6-7 , the elastic chords  30 ,  32  are secured to the inside of the side portions  52 ,  54 , and preferably on the inside of the side portions  52 ,  54 . An elastic band  56  is also provided to connect the lid  42  via the front side portion  48  and the front side wall  10 , as shown in  FIGS. 1-2 . That is, the elastic band  56  helps keep the lid  42  in the closed position by providing tension in the downward direction on the front of the lid  42 . The elastic band  56  is secured to the inside of the front side portion  48  of the lid  42  and the outside of the front side wall  10 . In a particular embodiment, such as shown in  FIGS. 1-2 , the elastic band  56  is secured to the outside of the front side wall  10  between the front side wall  10  and the attachment panel  24 . 
     The lid  42  also includes a loop  44 . The loop  44  functions as a handle for a user to grab to assist in opening the case  100  and manipulating the lid  42  to the open position, as shown in  FIGS. 8-15 . In the embodiment shown, the loop  44  is secured to the lid  42  at the junction between the top cover  46  and the rear side portion  50 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-7 , the body  5  of the case  100  may include a variety of additional structures to enable a user to carry additional accessories, or even personal belongings. For example, the body  5  further includes a plurality of attachment loops  40  configured to secure additional items by way of clips, ties, carabiners, etc. In further embodiments, one or more additional pockets or pouches may be provided on the outside of the body  5 , or even lid  42 . 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 8-14 , the case  100  is shown with the lid  42  in the open position. That is, the lid  42  has been manipulated along the front side wall  12  such that the top cover  46  is approximately parallel with the front side wall  12  and held against the front side wall  12  by the elastic chords  30 ,  32 , and the elastic band  56  (not shown) is loose (no tension). Because the side portions  48 ,  50 ,  52  and  54  are made of a fabric material with little to no stiffening element, the side portions  48 ,  50 ,  52  and  54  can be compressed against the front side wall  12 , such as shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14 . The compression of the lid  42  against the front side wall  12  limits or prevents debris and water (e.g., rain) from being captured by the lid  42  while in the open position. 
     The inside surface (not shown) of the top cove  46  is generally flat and in some embodiments includes a padding material and/or covering to prevent damage to the optical instrument contained in the cavity  60 . For example, in some embodiments, in addition to a stiffening element contained in the top cover  46 , the inside surface of the top cover  46  may additionally include a cotton or polyester fill layer. In further embodiments, the inner surface of the top cover  46  may be lined with a material which does not scratch glass or optical lenses. Further, as shown in  FIG. 11 , the cavity  60  of the case may likewise include a padding material and/or lining to prevent damage to the optical instrument. 
     As shown in  FIG. 11 , the cavity  60  itself is a simple single cavity  60 . However, in further embodiments, the cavity  60  may have contouring specific to a desired optical instrument, additional structure and/or padding material to cushion or better secure a desired optical instrument, and/or contain divisions or additional compartments for storing and carrying different optical instruments and related accessories. In still further embodiments, the cavity  60  may include pockets or similar dividers for organizational purposes. Likewise, the inside of the lid  42  (not shown) may include contouring, additional structure and/or padding material to cushion or better secure a desired optical instrument, assist in securing the lid  42  (not shown) to the body  5  of the case  100 , and/or assist in aiding a user in moving the lid  42  (e.g., from a closed position to an open position and/or vice versa). For example, in an embodiment, the inside of the lid  42  (not shown) may include a lip or other projection or structure along all or a portion of its edges to help keep the lid  42  (not shown) in place when in a closed position. 
     Also shown in  FIGS. 8-14 , and perhaps best shown in  FIGS. 8 and 11 , are the upper edges  12   a ,  14   a ,  16   a  and  18   a  of side walls  12 ,  14 ,  16  and  18 . In the embodiment shown, the upper edges  12   a ,  14   a ,  16   a  and  18   a  are reinforced and, in some embodiments, may include a stiffening element (e.g., plastic frame). Reinforcing or stiffening the upper edges  12   a ,  14   a ,  16   a  and  18   a  makes it easier for a user to remove or replace an optical instrument in the cavity  60 . In the embodiment shown, upper edges  12   a ,  14   a  are straight edges and mate with the inside surface of the top cover  46  along the length of the upper edges  12   a ,  14   a  to provide a secure fit between the lid  42  and the body  5 . In contrast, upper edges  16   a ,  18   a  are contoured and have a dip, or indentation, partway along the upper edges  16   a ,  18   a , as shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14 . This contouring facilitates the removal and insertion of an optical instrument into/out of the cavity  60 . Further, in some instances, it may be beneficial for a user to be wearing an optical instrument, e.g., binoculars, with a strap around the user&#39;s neck, while still carrying the optical instrument in the case  100 , e.g., for protection. The indentations long the upper edges  16   a ,  18   a  allow the neck strap of the optical instrument to properly lie around the user&#39;s neck. Indeed, in some embodiments depending on the particular design of the case  100  and the particular optical instrument, the lid  42  may remain in closed position while the neck strap remains around a user&#39;s neck with the neck strap projecting through the indentations around the respective side portions  52 ,  54 . 
       FIG. 15  illustrates the case  100  with the lid  42  in the open position along the front side wall  12  of the body  5  and an optical instrument  180 , in this case, binoculars, contained within the cavity  60  (not shown). In the embodiment illustrated, the optical instrument  180  sits in the cavity  60  (not shown) approximately flush or lower than the upper edges  12   a ,  14   a ,  16   a , and  18   a . In this way, the optical instrument  180  remains somewhat protected when the lid  42  is in the open position. Moreover, when the optical instrument  180  does not extend beyond the upper edges  12   a ,  14   a ,  16   a  and  18   a , the lid  42 , and particularly the top cover  46  of the lid  42  sits against, so as to be in physical contact with, the upper edges  12   a ,  14   a ,  16   a  and  18   a . This limits physical contact between the optical instrument  180  and the lid  42 , as well as creates a better barrier around the cavity  60  to limit debris and moisture from entering the cavity  60  when the lid  42  is in the closed position. 
     In contrast, in embodiments in which the optical instrument  180  protrudes above the upper edges  12   a ,  14   a ,  16   a  and  18   a , the lid  42 , and particularly the top cover  46  of the lid  42 , physically contacts the optical instrument  180  and sits against the optical instrument  180  rather than the upper edges  12   a ,  14   a ,  16   a  and  18   a . As a result, the lid  42  may not sit securely, e.g., may wobble and, in some embodiments, the side portions  48 ,  50 ,  52  and  54  may not overlap with the body  5  of the case  100 . In any event, when the optical instrument  180  protrudes above the upper edges  12   a ,  14   a ,  16   a  and  18   a , the lid  42  does not form as tight a closure around the body  5  of the case  100 , creating a greater chance that debris and/or moisture may enter the case  100 . 
       FIG. 16  shows the case  100  in use with an optional accessories case  160 . In the embodiment shown, the accessory case  160  is attached to the attachment panel  24  using the hook-and-loop type attachment. However, in further embodiments, the accessory case  160  may be secured to the attachment panel  24  using buckles, straps, ties or other similar structures passed through the slits  25 , or attached to the case  100  with structures engaging one or more attachment loops  40 . 
     In the embodiment shown, the accessory case  160  has a silent zipper feature  165  to open and close the accessory case  160  Silent zippers are known in the art and include a number of different structures and mechanisms for quieting the zipping sound. In other embodiments, the accessory case  160  may include a drawstring closure, clips, snaps, hook-and-loop closure, or any other style of closure known in the art. 
       FIG. 17  illustrates an exemplary harness  200  for use with a case  100  in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The harness  200  includes a back plate portion  201  with four straps  210  extending outward from the back plate portion  201 . In the embodiment shown, the back plate portion  201  has generally a figure-eight configuration; however, in further embodiments, the back plate portion  201  may be a solid portion and/or have any shape or size from which the four straps  210  may extend. 
     Because the back plate portion  201  will be in physical contact (directly or indirectly) with a user&#39;s back, in a preferred embodiment the back plate portion  201  is made of a breathable, moisture wicking material. In further embodiments, the back plate portion  201  may include one or more stiffening elements to provide some rigidity to the back plate portion  201  and better support its load, e.g., the case and optical instrument. In still further embodiments, the back plate portion  201  may include one or more padding materials for the comfort of the user. 
     Each strap  210  is secured to the back plate portion  201  with reinforced stitching. In other embodiments, the straps  210  may connect with the back plate portion  201  in any manner which facilitates a secure connection when carrying a load. Further, each strap  210  has a case attachment structure  215  at its end for attachment to the harness attachment points  205  (not shown) of the case  100  (not shown) and a length adjustment structure  220 . It will be appreciated that, while the case attachment structures  215  are shown as a buckle with the strap woven through, and the length adjustment structures  220  are shown as a slide or strap adjuster, in further embodiments, the case attachment structures  215  and length adjustment structures  220  may take any form capable of fulfilling the attachment and adjustment roles. 
       FIG. 18  illustrates the case  100  attached to a harness  200 . Each of the straps  210  is connected (via the attachment structures  215 ) to the case  100  at harness attachment points  205 , with the lid  42  of the case  100  in the closed position.  FIG. 19  illustrates the case  100  attached to the harness  200  with the lid  42  in the open position. The tether  181  of the optical instrument  180  is hanging out of the case  100  at the indentations in upper edges  16   a  and  18   a  (not shown) such that the lid  42  could be closed over the tether  181 , if desired.  FIG. 20  illustrates the case  100  attached to the harness  200  with the lid  42  in the open position and the optical instrument  180  removed from the case  100  and ready for use. 
       FIGS. 21-22  show the case  100  and harness  200  in use on a person  300 . In the embodiments shown, the back plate portion  201  (not shown) of the harness  200  is against the user&#39;s back, with the lower straps  210  (not labeled) wrapped around the user&#39;s waist and secured to the case  100 . The upper straps  210  (not labeled) go up and around the user&#39;s shoulders and connect to the case  100 . It will be appreciated that the lower straps  210  (not labeled) which wrap around the user&#39;s waist connect to the lower pair of harness attachment points  205  on the case  100  while the upper straps  210  which go up and around the user&#39;s shoulder connect to the upper pair of harness attachment points  205  on the case  100 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 18-22 , the case  100  is positioned with the harness  200  such that the rear side wall  14  (not shown) of the case is against the user&#39;s  300  torso. As a result, the loop  44  (not labeled) of the lid  42  (not labeled) is also nearer the user&#39;s  300  torso and the lid  42  (not labeled) opens away from the user  300 . By opening away from the user  300 , the lid  42  (not labeled) does to create additional bulk between the case  100  and the user  300  and further does not obstruct access the user&#39;s  300  access to the cavity  60  (not shown) when the lid  42  (not labeled) is in the open position. Moreover, as shown in  FIGS. 19-20 , and as described previously, when the lid  42  (not labeled) is in the open position, the elastic chords  30 ,  32  (not shown) pull the lid  42  (not labeled) against the front side wall  12  (not labeled) so as to compress the lid  42  (not labeled). Compressing the lid  42  (not labeled) against the front side wall  12  (not labeled) reduces bulk extending from the front of the case  100  and keeps the cavity formed by the opened lid  42  (not labeled) from collecting dust, debris, moisture and other particulate material. When an accessory case  160  is used on the front side wall  12  (not labeled), as shown in  FIG. 22 , compression the lid  42  (not labeled) against the front side wall  12  (not labeled) also serves to increase the accessibility of the accessory case  160 . 
     While the embodiments described above with reference to  FIGS. 17-22  describe the use of the case  100  in combination with a harness  200 , in further embodiments, the case  100  can be secured or attached to a user  300  via other means, such as a belt or waist strap  270  as shown in  FIG. 23 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 23 , the belt or waist strap  270  is passed through the slide panel  38  (see  FIG. 3 ) and tightened around the user&#39;s  300  waist. In further embodiments, the case  100  can be attached or secured in the same manner to a cross-body strap or bag, backpack straps, chest strap, or any other strap-like structure worn on the user&#39;s  300  body. 
     Various modifications and variations of the described compositions and methods of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. One skilled in the art will recognize at once that it would be possible to construct the present invention from a variety of materials and in a variety of different ways. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. While the preferred embodiments have been described in detail, and shown in the accompanying drawings, it will be evident that various further modification are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in marksmanship, computers or related fields are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.