Patent Publication Number: US-2015068933-A1

Title: Accessory bag with selectively deployable storage compartment

Description:
This U.S. Non-Provisional patent application claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/875,864, filed Sep. 10, 2013, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to storage cases. More specifically, one embodiment of the present invention relates to a storage case with a tilt-out or selectively deployable compartment that provides a temporary storage area for various devices, including camera lenses. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Expensive electronic equipment and devices, particularly those of the portable variety, often require a high level of protection. Existing storage cases are employed to provide protection from the elements and from impacts, which may be encountered by stored cameras and lenses. However, such devices provide numerous drawbacks and deficiencies in the field of storing, transporting, and facilitating changing and manipulation of lenses, for example. 
     Known camera and lens storage bags generally either provide for a plurality of permanent and/or adjustably sized storage compartments for camera and lens devices, thus creating a relatively large volume bag, or provide for a single protective sleeve that only accepts or stores a single item. Thus, a user is frequently presented with the option of carrying either a large article, or carrying a smaller item that lacks the versatility of a larger device and poses risks of dropping or losing devices when lenses or equipment is being changed, for example. Such problems are common to prior art devices including, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 8,474,613 to Murdoch et al., the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     In addition, it is often desirable to maintain a lens on the camera when it is stored to protect sensitive components of the camera and lens. Camera cases are often provided with a storage compartment for the camera and auxiliary storage compartments for the lenses, wherein the user must remove the camera and lens and interconnect them prior to being able to use the desired lens to capture an image. 
     There exists a long felt need in the field of photography and storage cases to provide a camera case that allows a user to store devices, such as additional lenses, while also providing an additional deployable pocket for temporary storage of a lens that is being changed. There is a further need to provide such a case or device without unnecessarily increasing the overall volume or weight of the device. Thus, the following disclosure describes an improved storage case with a selectively deployable storage compartment useful for receiving and storing items when the device is positioned in at least one position of use. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Although various embodiments of the present invention contemplate a storage case adapted for receiving camera equipment, it will be recognized that the present invention is not so limited. Indeed, embodiments of the present invention are not limited to storage of any particular item or to any particular type of bag or luggage device. In preferred embodiments, the present invention provides a selectively deployable, temporary pocket or storage area provided on a bag or luggage item, the pocket for receiving a camera lens. In various embodiments it is contemplated that a deployable, temporary pocket is provided on any number of bag types such as backpacks, shoulder bags, messenger bags, rolling luggage, duffles, attaches, lens cases, handbags, etc. In various embodiments, the deployable, temporary pocket is provided and adapted to receive any number of items or features and the present invention is not limited to the storage of camera lenses. In one embodiment, a backpack is provided with shoulder straps and wherein at least one shoulder strap comprises a deployable storage pocket in accordance with one or more of the embodiments shown and described herein. 
     It is one aspect of the present invention to provide a camera lens storage case which is positioned immediately adjacent to the camera or lens storage pocket which has a “cage” or catch basin to hold one lens while another lens is being changed, cleaned, etc. More specifically, one embodiment of the present invention comprises a storage case that comprises at least one main storage compartment and at least one deployable pocket for temporary storage or securement of items generally associated with photography, such as lenses, film, cameras, cleaning supplies, instructions, light sources, etc. One embodiment of the present invention also includes a plurality of compartments that have selectively adjustable storage volumes. 
     In certain embodiments, the present invention comprises a lens storage bag comprising a primary lens storage compartment for storing and transporting a camera lens that is detached from a camera, for example. The bag comprises a hinged cover portion positionable between at least two positions of use, the first position of use comprising a closed position wherein the cover portion substantially covers or closes a primary lens storage compartment, and a second position of use comprising an open position wherein the primary lens storage compartment is accessible by a user and the cover portion is rotated approximately 180 degrees with respect to the first position of use. In various embodiments, the cover portion is connected to the primary lens storage compartment by a hinge and a webbing member or mesh. When the device is provided in the second position of use, the open cover portion provides an additional lens storage compartment adjacent to and of similar volume as the primary lens storage compartment. 
     It is yet another aspect of the present invention to provide a storage case with storage compartments for the securement of lenses and other items. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention include side storage compartments that are adapted to secure various devices. In addition, a storage compartment may include a padded lens divider that is selectively interconnected to the walls of the storage compartment. Thus, a lens storage compartment may be customized depending on the sizes of the lenses, or alternatively, the storage compartment divider may be removed entirely so that other items, such as an auxiliary storage case, may be stored. 
     It is still yet another aspect of the present invention to provide a storage case that has a tilt-out compartment. The tilt-out compartment enables a user to store an item in the compartment securely within the interior of the storage case, while maintaining ease of access to the compartment. This is made possible by attaching the compartment to the access door rather than to the interior of the storage case. Thus both the compartment and its contents tilt-out with the opening of the access door. 
     It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a “cage” or structure associated with a deployable storage pocket which secures a lens or similar object. In one embodiment, the cage comprises a wireframe member and one or more materials interconnected thereto. The materials may comprise elasticity so as to bias the member closed, at least when an object is not provided therein. 
     It is still yet another aspect of the present invention to provide a storage case that includes handles and locations for the interconnection of a shoulder strap. More specifically, it is desirable to ensure that the storage case is easy to carry and comfortable to the user, thus a plurality of handles and a shoulder strap may be provided thereby giving the user various options for handling and transporting the case. 
     It is yet another aspect of the present invention to provide a storage case that is durable and resistant to the elements. More specifically, one embodiment of the present invention is constructed from resilient materials, such as nylon, plastic, rubber, koskin, etc. that are resistant to impacts and fluids. In one embodiment the lower portion of the case is comprised of a water resistant plastic or rigid foam to prevent the infiltration of moisture and provide structural support. Also, embodiments of the present invention include zippers that seal closable compartments that include water resistant sheaths that substantially prevent liquid from entering the storage compartments of the storage case when the compartments are sealed. In various embodiments, a rain or water cover is provided that substantially conforms to an outer geometry of the bag, yet still leaves straps and handle features accessible for their intended use. 
     It is still yet another aspect of the present invention to provide a storage case that is adapted to secure items associated with a camera and provide easy access thereto. One embodiment of the present invention includes a selectively accessible compartment that facilitates the extraction of the items held therein, as shown and described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/836,430, filed Apr. 30, 2004, which is incorporated by reference herein. More specifically, it is another aspect of the present invention to provide a method and mechanism for facilitating the removal of items stored within the selectively accessible compartment. 
     It is yet another aspect of the present invention to provide a storage case that is constructed from commonly used materials, thus inexpensive to construct. More specifically, one embodiment of the present invention is fabricated from nylon, cloth, leather, or any other compliant material known in the art. In addition, the carrying case of one embodiment of the present invention is constructed by methods generally used in the art, preferably stitching and gluing. Portions of the storage compartment may be selectively interconnected together with a zipper, for example. However, one skilled in the art will appreciate that other selectively interconnection devices, such as hook and loop fasteners, buttons, clasps, latches, etc., may be employed without departing from the scope of the invention. Further, one embodiment of the present invention includes a device that is adapted for selective interconnection to a users belt. In a related aspect of the present invention, the storage compartment may be adapted for interconnection to storage cases of a larger magnitude, wherein it may be interconnected to the inner surface of a briefcase, for example. As described herein, and which will be shown in more detail below, the carrying case of one embodiment of the present invention secures small electronic devices. 
     U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0048849 to Crandall discloses a camera accessory case with an expandable housing, and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Crandall fails to disclosure various novel features of the present invention as shown and described herein. For example, the present invention provides a novel arrangement including an articulating or hinged cover portion that provides for a deployable pocket while minimizing the overall space and volume of the bag when the deployable pocket is compressed or closed as described in more detail herein. 
     In one embodiment, a carrying case is provided, the case comprising a flexible front panel, a rear panel, a pair of side panels, a top panel and a bottom panel. The side panels comprise opposing panels provided substantially perpendicular to the front panel and the rear panel, and the top panel and bottom panels comprise opposing panels provided substantially perpendicular to the side panels. A primary storage pocket is provided and enclosed within said panels. A closure, such as a zipper, extends at a predetermined angle along each of the side panels. The front panel comprises a flexible material such that said top panel is rotatable about a point on the front panel at least when said closure is provided in an open position. A collapsible member is secured to an inner surface of the top panel, the collapsible member provided within the interior storage pocket when said top panel is provided in a closed position, and a secondary storage pocket is provided when the top panel is provided in an open position, the open position characterized in that the top panel is provided substantially parallel and adjacent to the bottom panel and the collapsible member is provided in an expanded state. 
     The Summary of the Invention is neither intended nor should it be construed as being representative of the full extent and scope of the present invention. The present invention is set forth in various levels of detail in the Summary of the Invention as well as in the attached drawings and the Detailed Description of the Invention and no limitation as to the scope of the present invention is intended by either the inclusion or non-inclusion of elements, components, etc. in this Summary of the Invention. Additional aspects of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the Detailed Description, particularly when taken together with the drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the general description of the invention given above and the detailed description of the drawings given below, serve to explain the principles of these inventions. 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of an accessory bag according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a rear perspective view of an accessory bag according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a side elevation view of an accessory bag according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a front perspective view of an accessory bag according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a side elevation view of an accessory bag in a first position according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a front perspective view of an accessory bag according to one embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 7  is a front perspective view of an accessory bag according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     To assist in the understanding of the present invention the following list of components and associated numbering found in the drawings is provided herein: 
     
       
         
           
               
               
             
               
                   
               
               
                 # 
                 Component 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
            
               
                 2 
                 Storage case 
               
               
                 4 
                 Cover portion 
               
               
                 6 
                 Closure means 
               
               
                 8 
                 Main body portion 
               
               
                 10 
                 Side panel 
               
               
                 11 
                 Side pocket closure 
               
               
                 12 
                 Handle 
               
               
                 14 
                 Strap connection 
               
               
                 16 
                 Front panel 
               
               
                 18 
                 Upper panel 
               
               
                 20 
                 Bottom panel 
               
               
                 22 
                 Rear portion 
               
               
                 24 
                 Strap 
               
               
                 26 
                 Collapsible member 
               
               
                 28 
                 Main compartment 
               
               
                 29 
                 Inner sleeve 
               
               
                 30 
                 Deployable compartment 
               
               
                 32 
                 Adjustable padding 
               
               
                 34 
                 Panel 
               
               
                 36 
                 Support member 
               
               
                 38 
                 Elastic portion 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. In certain instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the invention or that render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that the invention is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  depicts one embodiment of the present invention, wherein a carrying case  2  comprises a cover portion  4  interconnected to a main body portion  8  via a closure means  6 . In the depicted embodiment, closure means  6  comprises a known zipper. Various alternative closure means include, for example, hook and loop closures, clasps, buckles, straps, etc. Side panels  10  are provided, which comprise pockets for additional storage in various embodiments. Pockets of the side panel  10  are accessible via a side pocket closure  11 . Means for carrying and securing the device  2  are provided. For example, a handle  12  is provided wherein the handle  12  comprises known materials and is adapted for grasping by a human hand. Additional strap connections  14  are provided for receiving one or more straps, such as shoulder straps and waist straps for communication with a user. 
     The closure means  6  of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  comprises an arrangement allowing for a specific rotational motion of the cover portion  4 . As shown, the closure means  6  extends diagonally along side panels of the device  10 , and extends laterally proximal an intersection of the cover portion  4  and the rear panel  22  of the device  2 . A front panel  16  of the case  2  is provided, the front panel  16  preferably comprises a flexible or collapsible material, wherein the front panel  16  is devoid of closure means  6  such that the cover portion  4  hinges or pivots open about a point or line provided along the front panel  16 . The use of the term “panel” in the present disclosure is not limited to planar objects. Rather, “panel” as used herein refers generally to portions of the device that define outer boundaries of the bag or case  2 . These portions may be planar, arcuate, concave, convex, etc. In various embodiments, panels of the present invention transition smoothly into one another and are not necessarily limited to distinct panels joined by right angles, or any predetermined angle(s). One of skill in the art will recognize that the panels of the present may take on various shapes and dimensions for the purposes of enclosing an internal volume. 
       FIG. 2  is a rear perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  depicting the rear panel  22 . The rear panel  22  is adapted to rest against a user, at least in certain embodiments. Accordingly, the rear panel  22  is preferably provided with a soft and/or padded material to increase comfort of the device  2 .  FIG. 2  further depicts the placement of the closure means  6 , wherein the closure means  6  extends at an angle along the side portions of the bag  2 , and extends transversely across an upper panel of the bag  2  and proximal to or at the union of the upper panel  18  and the rear panel  22 . 
       FIG. 3  is a side elevation view of the bag  2  in an open position. As shown, the closure means  6  is open and the cover portion  4  is rotated away from the main body portion  8 . In this position, a main compartment  28  is opened and accessible, and a deployable compartment  30  is provided by components previously operable to close or seal the device  2 . A collapsible member  26  is provided and secured between the cover portion  4  and main body portion  8 . The collapsible member  26  limits the amount of rotation of the cover portion  4  and further provides for sidewalls of the deployable compartment  30 . In the depicted embodiment, the compartment  30  comprises a selectively deployable compartment such that when the cover portion  4  is closed, the collapsible member  26  is compressed. The collapsible member  26  preferably comprises a thin-walled material such that when the device  2  is closed, the member  26  does not occupy a substantial amount of the internal volume of the case  2 . When the case  2  is provided in an open position, the collapsible member  26  is extended such that the member  26  is at least somewhat taught, and such that the member  26  comprises sidewalls that do not substantially impede ingress and egress of items with respect to the deployable compartment  30 . 
       FIG. 4  is a phantom perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention. As shown, a bag  2  is provided with a main compartment  28  and an additional compartment  30  formed by opening a cover portion  4 . In an open position, an upper panel  18  of the cover portion  4  is provided substantially co-planar with a bottom panel  20  of the main body portion  8 . The main body portion  8  comprises an inner sleeve  29  extending upwardly therefrom. A collapsible member  26  is provided and secured generally between the inner sleeve  29  and the cover portion  4 . In the open position, the cover portion  4  forms at least a portion of a deployable compartment  30 , the deployable compartment  30  being substantially adjacent to the main compartment  28 . When the device  2  is closed, the collapsible member  26  is collapsed within the main compartment  4  such that only a single, closed main compartment  28  is provided, and the device  2  is returned to a compact case for carrying a single lens or similar object. The deployable compartment  30  provides various functionality including, for example, the ability to temporarily store a lens while lenses are being changed on a camera body. 
     In various embodiments, the bag  2  comprises adjustable padding  32 . The adjustable padding  32  is moveable and selectively securable at various locations within the device  2 . Padding  32  is capable of being positioned in various orientations such that excess volume may be selectively occupied and items of various sizes securely stowed within the main compartment  28 . For example, where a small device is required to be placed within the main compartment  28 , the adjustable padding  32  may be configured to occupy unused space. In certain embodiments, the padding  32  comprises one or more hook and look closure elements for selectively securing the padding  32  to an interior wall of the main compartment  28 . 
     It will be recognized that while various embodiments of the present invention contemplate storage of camera lens devices and bags sized to receive the same, the present invention is not so limited. The present invention is not limited to nor defined by any particular item to be stored. Embodiments of the present invention are provided as useful for housing various features and aiding in various activities including, for example, fishing, cycling, hiking, skiing, etc. and the various associated devices, equipment and features that are typically associated with such activities. 
     Additionally, the present invention is not limited to cases comprising a single main compartment and a single corresponding deployable compartment, although such cases are contemplated in various embodiments. In one embodiment, it is contemplated that a luggage item such as a backpack or messenger bag is provided with a single primary storage compartment. The luggage item comprises at least one additional side pocket, the at least one additional side pocket comprising a deployable pocket as shown and described herein such that a plurality of pockets are provided, and at least one of the pockets comprises fold-out or deployable additional pocket(s) as shown and described herein. 
       FIG. 5  is a side elevation view of a bag  2  of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be recognized, however, that the present disclosure is not limited to any particular dimensions or arrangements.  FIG. 5  and the following discussion are provided for illustrative purposes only and refer to certain embodiments contemplated by the present invention. Various different types of bags and various different sizes and proportions of the features discussed herein are contemplated. Accordingly, no limitation is provided or suggested by the following discussion.  FIG. 5  and the foregoing discussion are provided for illustrative purposes only. Various embodiments of the present invention are adapted for storing and carrying known camera lenses. Accordingly, various embodiments of the present invention comprise a depth d 1  at an upper portion of the device  2 , wherein said depth d 1  is between approximately 10 cm and 20 cm. In preferred embodiments, said depth d 1  is between approximately 12 and 15 cm. A second depth d 2  is provided at a lower portion of the bag  2 . Various embodiments of the present invention comprise a depth d 2  between approximately 10 cm and 20 cm. In preferred embodiments, said depth d 1  is between approximately 12 and 15 cm. An overall height h 1  of the case  2  is provided. In various embodiments, the total height h 1  of the case  2  is between approximately 20 cm and 30 cm. In preferred embodiments, the total height h 1  is between approximately 23 cm and 26 cm. A second height h 2  is provided, the second height h 2  comprising a height between a bottom portion of the case  2  and mid-point or hinge of the front panel  16 . In various embodiments, the second height h 2  comprises a height between approximately 10 cm and 20 cm. In preferred embodiments, the second height h 2  comprises a height between approximately 13 cm and 15 cm 
       FIG. 6  is a phantom perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention depicting an accessory bag  2 , the bag  2  comprising a cover portion  4  with various features forming a deployable compartment  30 . A main compartment  28  of the bag  2  comprises at least one panel portion  34 , the panel portion provided for receiving and protecting an item stored within the bag  2 , such as a camera lens. In one embodiment, a plurality of panels  34  are provided and spaced apart to securely received lenses or similar features of slightly different dimensions and providing impact and scratch protection thereto. In various embodiments, the panels  34  are provided as adjustable or moveable panels, wherein the panels  34  are interconnected to an inner wall of the main compartment by hook and look closures such that may be repositioned and removed as may be desired by a user. 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a case  2  according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the case  2  comprises a main body portion  8  and a cover portion  4  separated from the main body portion  8  by a closure means  6 . A main compartment  28  is provided within an inner sleeve  29 . In an open position, the case  2  comprises a deployable pocket  30 . In the depicted embodiment, the deployable pocket  30  comprises a support member  36 . In certain embodiments, the support member  36  comprises a hinged wire frame member that defines an opening of the deployable pocket  30  when the pocket  30  is deployed. The wire frame member  36  hinges when the case is closed such that it is disposed proximal to the closed closure means  6 . The wire frame member  36  comprises a point of attachment for the collapsible member  26 , the collapsible member  26  extending downwardly therefrom. As shown in the depicted embodiments, the wire frame member  36  is provided within a flexible fabric material, such as nylon an thereby interconnected to the collapsible member  26 . It will be recognized, however, that the wire frame member  36  may be interconnected to the collapsible member  26  by a variety of methods and connections. An elastic member  38  is provided between the inner sleeve  29  and the support member  36 . The elastic member  38  comprises an elastic material such as lycra or spandex and biases the deployable opening  30  toward a closed position. In preferred embodiments, the elastic member is not of sufficient strength or elasticity to overcome the weight of an item (e.g. lens) placed within the deployable pocket  30 . Thus, the weight of a stored item expands the elastic member  38  and creates a relatively taught, easily accessible cage or pocket portion  30 . The collapsible member  26 , the support member  36 , and the elastic member  38  fold or collapse and occupy minimal volume when the cover portion  4  is closed and the device is reduced to an arrangement having a single pocket  28 . 
     While various embodiments of the disclosed device have been described in detail, it is apparent that modifications and alterations of those embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. However, it is to be expressly understood that such modifications and alterations are within the scope and spirit of the present invention, as set forth in the following claims. Further, the invention(s) described herein are capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. In addition, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purposes of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “adding” and variations thereof herein are meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof, as well as, additional items. 
     The foregoing discussion of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing is not intended to limit the invention to the form or forms disclosed herein. In the foregoing description for example, various features of the invention have been identified. It should be appreciated that these features may be combined together into a single embodiment or in various other combinations as appropriate. The dimensions of the component pieces may also vary, yet still be within the scope of the invention. Moreover, though the description of the invention has included description of one or more embodiments and certain variations and modifications, other variations and modifications are within the scope of the invention, e.g. as may be within the skill and knowledge of those in the art, after understanding the present disclosure. It is intended to obtain rights which include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted, including alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps to those claimed, whether or not such alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps are disclosed herein, and without intending to publicly dedicate any patentable subject matter. 
     The present invention, in various embodiments, includes components, methods, processes, systems and/or apparatus substantially as depicted and described herein, including various embodiments, subcombinations, and subsets thereof. Those of skill in the art will understand how to make and use the present invention after understanding the present disclosure. The present invention, in various embodiments, includes providing devices and processes in the absence of items not depicted and/or described herein or in various embodiments hereof, including in the absence of such items as may have been used in previous devices or processes, e.g., for improving performance, achieving ease and/or reducing cost of implementation. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of any single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate preferred embodiment of the invention.