Patent Publication Number: US-2015069966-A1

Title: Camera cases and bags with integrated charging system

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is generally directed to cases and bags for the storage and/or protection of cameras. It is more specifically directed to such cases and bags that include an integrated charging system. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Certain cases and bags for the storage and/or protection of cameras are known. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 8,718,457, entitled “Camera Case”, is allegedly directed to the following invention: “Disclosed camera cases are configured to be positioned around a camera such that the camera is retained within the case while remaining operable. The case can have a generally cuboid shape with front, rear, top, bottom, left and right sides. At least two of these sides can comprise at least one mounting feature, such as a threaded hole. The rear side can comprise a door configured to allow a camera to be inserted into the case. The rear door can comprise an adjustable portion that can be coupled to the rear door in at least two different positions, such that the case is adjustable to be used with cameras of different sizes. A trigger button on a side of the case can be configured to activate a camera button positioned on a top side of a camera within the case. The case can be dirt and moisture resistant.” Abstract. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 8,544,643, entitled “Waterproof Camera Case With A Lock”, is allegedly directed to the following invention: “A waterproof camera case includes first and second case members and a lock mechanism for locking the first and second case members together. The lock mechanism includes a side flip hingedly connected to a side of the rear case member and moveable between a flip open position and a flip closed position where an inner surface of the side flip abuts against a side of the front case member. A press member is pivotable about a first shaft mounted on the inner surface of the side flip and moveable between a non-pressing position and a pressing position. A free distal side of the press member is configured to press against a ledge projected from the side of the front case member on a surface oppositely facing the rear casemember. A lock member is slidable along a second shaft mounted on the inner surface of the side flip and moveable between an unlocked position and a locked position. The lock member has a latch portion adapted to insert into a slot defined by a catch portion formed on the side of the front case member. A torsion spring is used to bias the press member in the non-pressing position, and a compression spring is used to bias the lock member in the locked position.” 
     U.S. Pat. No. 8,424,680, entitled “Camera Case with Selective Lens Storage”, is allegedly directed to the following invention: “A camera storage case is provided that includes a camera support system. The camera support system may be made of EVA foam and made to conform to the exterior perimeter surface of the camera. The camera support system may also include a tube to protect the camera&#39;s interconnected lens. The storage case can be configured as a backpack, messenger bag, or holster. Flexible lens holders are included in the storage case to facilitate easy access to stored lenses. Furthermore, the storage case provides dividing walls to allow the user to selectively configure the interior storage compartment of the camera case.” Abstract. 
     Despite the certain cases and bags for the storage and/or protection of cameras, there is still a need for new types of cases and bags. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         FIG. 1  shows a top view of one embodiment of an open case according to the invention. 
         FIG. 2  shows a side view of one embodiment of an open case according to the invention. 
         FIG. 3  shows a bottom view of one embodiment of a closed case according to the invention. 
         FIG. 4  shows a side view of one embodiment of a closed case according to the invention. 
         FIG. 5  shows a side view of one embodiment of a closed case according to the invention. 
         FIG. 6  shows a side view of one embodiment of a closed case according to the invention. 
         FIG. 7  shows a top view of one embodiment of an open case according to the invention. 
         FIG. 8  shows a top view of one embodiment of an open case according to the invention. 
         FIG. 9  shows a top view of one embodiment of an open case according to the invention. 
         FIG. 10  shows a top view of one embodiment of an open case according to the invention. 
         FIG. 11  shows a cut-away side view of one embodiment of a closed case according to the invention. 
         FIG. 12  shows a cut-away bottom view of one embodiment of a closed case according to the invention. 
         FIG. 13  shows a top view of one embodiment of an open bag according to the invention. 
         FIG. 14  shows a side view of one embodiment of a closed bag according to the invention. 
         FIG. 15  shows a front view of one embodiment of a closed bag according to the invention. 
         FIG. 16  shows a side view of one embodiment of an open bag according to the invention. 
         FIG. 17  shows a side view of one embodiment of an open bag where the outside of the bag has been cut away. 
         FIG. 18  shows a top view of one section of an embodiment according to the invention, where the section is capable of holding a camera. 
         FIG. 19  shows a top view of one section of an embodiment according to the invention, where the section includes a power source (e.g., battery). 
         FIG. 20  shows a cut away, side view of an embodiment according to the invention. 
     
    
    
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a camera case or bag. The case or bag includes the following: a case bottom, wherein the case bottom comprises a built in energy storage system and at least one camera storage section, and wherein the energy storage system can be operably connected to a camera placed in the camera storage section; a case cover connected to the case bottom, such that the case cover can be closed on the case bottom. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is generally directed to cases and bags for the storage and/or protection of cameras. It is more specifically directed to such cases and bags that include an integrated charging system. That the portion of the case/bag that is denoted as “top” or “bottom” is only for reference in relation to figure elements should be understood. One could, of course, flip the case/bag over such that the “bottom” became the “top”. 
       FIG. 1  shows a top view of one embodiment of an open case ( 100 ) according to the invention. Case bottom  118 , as shown, includes a built in energy storage system  102  (e.g., battery), which can be charged through a charge input ( 104 ). The charge provided to charge input  104  can be from any suitable device, including, without limitation, the following: a USB; a mini USB; a micro USB; and a  9  V battery. Power-in bridge  106  transfers power from charge input  104  to energy storage system  102 . One or more (e.g., two) power-out bridges  108  transfer power from energy storage system  102  to one or more charge out slots  110 , which can connect to one or more cameras. The charge out slots can be of any suitable form, including, without limitation, the following: a USB; mini USB; micro USB; 9V out battery slot to charge batteries directly; camera dock to plug in camera directly. Case bottom  118  further includes one or more (e.g., two) camera storage sections  112 , which can be of any suitable shape. One or more accessory storage sections  114  are optionally included—also of any suitable shape—as well as an optional handle  120 . Case cover  116  is attached to case bottom  118  through a mechanism allowing it to open and close in connection with the bottom (e.g., hinge, zipper, straps, clips, locks, clamps). In certain embodiments case cover  116  is detachable; in others it is not. 
       FIG. 2  shows a side view of one embodiment of an open case according to the invention. Case bottom  118  is connected to case cover  116 . As shown, optional handle  120  is connected to case bottom  118 . 
       FIG. 3  shows a bottom view of one embodiment of a closed case according to the invention. Case bottom  118  is connected to case cover  116  through hinge  122 . 
       FIG. 4  shows a side view of one embodiment of a closed case according to the invention. Optional handle  120  is shown attached to case bottom  118 . Charge inlet  124 , which is built into case bottom  118 , allows an energy source to be connected directly to the outside of case  100 . Inlet  124  is connected to charge input  104  (not shown). 
       FIG. 5  shows a side view of one embodiment of a closed case according to the invention. Optional handle  120  is shown attached to case bottom  118 . Solar panel  126 , which is built into case bottom  118 , provides energy to charge input  104  (not shown). 
       FIG. 6  shows a side view of one embodiment of a closed case according to the invention. Optional handle  120  is shown attached to case bottom  118 . A power generating mechanism is built into case bottom  118 , consisting of dynamo  128  which is connected to arm  130 . Arm  130  is connected to crank handle  132 . Electricity is generated by rotating crank handle at a particular speed for a particular length of time. The power generating mechanism provides energy to charge input  104  (not shown). 
       FIG. 7  shows a top view of one embodiment of an open case ( 200 ) according to the invention. Case bottom  202 , as shown, includes a built in energy storage system  210  (e.g., battery), which can be charged through a charge input ( 206 ). The charge provided to charge input  206  can be from any suitable device, including, without limitation, the following: a USB; a mini USB; a micro USB; and a 9 V battery. Power-in bridge  208  transfers power from charge input  206  to energy storage system  210 . A power-out bridge  212  transfers power from energy storage system  210  directly to camera storage section  214 , which will allow direct power transfer to a camera positioned in the section (not shown). One or more accessory storage sections  216  are optionally included, as well as an optional handle  218 . Case cover  204  is attached to case bottom  202  through a mechanism allowing it to open and close in connection with the bottom (e.g., hinge). In certain embodiments case cover  204  is detachable; in others it is not. 
       FIG. 8  shows a top view of one embodiment of an open case ( 300 ) according to the invention. Case bottom  302 , as shown, includes a built in energy storage system  306  (e.g., battery), which can be charged through a charge input ( 308 ), which is directly connected to energy storage system  306 . The charge provided to charge input  308  can be from any suitable device, including, without limitation, the following: a USB; a mini USB; a micro USB; and a 9 V battery. One or more (e.g., two) power-out bridges  310  transfer power from energy storage system  306  to one or more charge out slots  312 , which can connect to one or more cameras. The charge out slots can be of any suitable form, including, without limitation, the following: a USB; mini USB; micro USB; 9V out battery slot to charge batteries directly; camera dock to plug in camera directly. Case bottom  302  further includes one or more (e.g., two) camera storage sections  314 , which can be of any suitable shape. One or more accessory storage sections  316  are optionally included—also of any suitable shape—as well as an optional handle  318 . Case cover  304  is attached to case bottom  302  through a mechanism allowing it to open and close in connection with the bottom (e.g., hinge). In certain embodiments case cover  304  is detachable; in others it is not. 
       FIG. 9  shows a top view of one embodiment of an open case ( 400 ) according to the invention. Case bottom  414 , as shown, includes a built in energy storage system  402  (e.g., fuel cell), which does not need to be charged using an external source. One or more (e.g., two) power-out bridges  404  transfer power from energy storage system  402  to one or more charge out slots  406 , which can connect to one or more (e.g., two) cameras. The charge out slots can be of any suitable form, including, without limitation, the following: a USB; mini USB; micro USB; 9V out battery slot to charge batteries directly; camera dock to plug in camera directly. Case bottom  414  further includes one or more (e.g., two) camera storage sections  408 , which can be of any suitable shape. One or more accessory storage sections  410  are optionally included—also of any suitable shape—as well as an optional handle  416 . Case cover  412  is attached to case bottom  414  through a mechanism allowing it to open and close in connection with the bottom (e.g., hinge). In certain embodiments case cover  412  is detachable; in others it is not. 
       FIG. 10  shows a top view of one embodiment of an open case  500  according to the invention. Case bottom  508 , as shown, includes a built in energy storage system  512  (not shown) which can charge a camera wirelessly (e.g., inductive charging), and which can be charged through a charge input ( 514 ). One or more cameras (e.g., two) can be charged using energy storage system  512  by placing them in one or more (e.g., two) storage sections  502  on top of energy storage system  512 . One or more accessory storage sections  504  are optionally included, as well as an optional handle  510 . Case cover  506  is attached to case bottom  508  through a mechanism allowing it to open and close in connection with the bottom (e.g., hinge). In certain embodiments case cover  506  is detachable; in others it is not. 
       FIG. 11  shows a cut-away side view of one embodiment of a closed case ( 500 ) according to the invention. Case bottom  508  optionally includes at least one accessory section  504 . One or more camera sections rest on top of wireless energy storage system  512 . Optional handle  510  is attached to case bottom  508 , and case cover  506  is closed on top of case bottom  508 . 
       FIG. 12  shows a cut-away bottom view of one embodiment of a closed case ( 500 ) according to the invention. Case bottom  508  optionally includes at least one accessory section  504 . As shown, two camera sections  502  rest on top of a wireless energy storage system  512 . Case cover  506  is closed on top of case bottom  508 . 
       FIG. 13  shows a top view of one embodiment of an open bag according to the invention. Case bottom  602 , as shown, includes a built in energy storage system  606  (e.g., battery), which can be charged through a charge input ( 608 ). The charge provided to charge input  408  can be from any suitable device, including, without limitation, the following: a USB; a mini USB; a micro USB; and a 9 V battery. Power-in bridge  610  transfers power from charge input  608  to energy storage system  606 . One or more (e.g., two) power-out bridges  614  transfer power from energy storage system  606  to one or more charge out slots  612 , which can connect to one or more cameras. The charge out slots can be of any suitable form, including, without limitation, the following: a USB; mini USB; micro USB; 9V out battery slot to charge batteries directly; camera dock to plug in camera directly. Case bottom  602  further includes one or more (e.g., two) camera storage sections  616 , which can be of any suitable shape. One or more accessory storage sections  618  are optionally included—also of any suitable shape. Case cover  604  is attached to case bottom  602  through a mechanism allowing it to open and close in connection with the bottom (e.g., zipper, straps, clips, locks, clamp). In certain embodiments case cover  604  is detachable; in others it is not. 
       FIG. 14  shows a side view of one embodiment of a closed bag according to the invention. Case bottom  602  is connected to case cover  604  with zipper  622 , although any suitable connection mechanism may be used. As shown, optional one or more straps (e.g., two)  620  is connected to case bottom  602 . 
       FIG. 15  shows a front view of one embodiment of a closed bag  700  according to the invention. Flap  704 , which includes clasp  708  (although any suitable closure mechanism will work), is attached to top  702  and folds over front  706 . The side ( 712 ) of top  702 , when the bag is closed, is in contact with side  710 . 
       FIG. 16  shows a side view of one embodiment of an open bag according to the invention. Flap  704  is in an open position and is attached to clasp  708  and top  712 . Side  710  is also shown. 
       FIG. 17  shows a side view of one embodiment of an open bag where the outside of the bag has been cut away. As with  FIG. 16 , flap  704  is in an open position and is attached to clasp  708  and top  712 . The side of three different storage sections is shown: a section that is capable of holding a camera ( 714 , not shown); a section that includes an energy storage device ( 716 , not shown); and a general storage section ( 718 ). It should be understood that the energy storage device section  716  could be above camera section  714  and that general storage section  718  could be above either of the other sections. 
       FIG. 18  shows a top view of one section of an embodiment according to the invention, where the section ( 720 ) is capable of holding a camera. At least one camera holding compartment ( 722 ) is included in section  720 . When included in compartment  722 , a battery can be operably connected to power out slot  724 . 
       FIG. 19  shows a top view of one section of an embodiment according to the invention, where the section includes a power source ( 726 , e.g., battery). Power source  726  is connected to power in bridge  728  which is connected to charge input  730 . Power source  726  is further connected to power out bridge  732  as shown in  FIG. 20 . 
       FIG. 20  shows a cut away, side view of an embodiment of a bag ( 700 ) according to the invention. Flap  704  is in an open position and is attached to clasp  708  and top  712 . Camera holding section  714 , energy storage device section  716  and general storage  718  are shown. Energy storage device (e.g., battery)  726  is connected to power out bridge  732 , which is connected to power out slot  724  situated in camera holding section  714 . 
     The cases and bags of the present invention can be made of any suitable material. For example, the outside can be of soft-sided or hard-sided material. The inside, where the storage sections are present, can, for example, be made of a foam or other resilient polymer that can provide form fit around components. Elements such as solar cells, dynamos, fuel cells, etc. are made using standard methods known to those in the art.