Patent Publication Number: US-9845174-B1

Title: Holder having multiple carry devices and removable front case for use with photographic items

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This patent application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/563,932 filed Dec. 8, 2014, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,365,311 on Jun. 14, 2016, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/075,873 filed Nov. 5, 2014. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH 
     Not Applicable. 
     REFERENCE TO A SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING APPENDIX SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC 
     Not Applicable. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     A. Field of the Invention 
     The field of the present invention relates generally to holders having two or more storage compartments which are sized and configured for removably receiving photographic items therein. In particular, the present invention relates to such holders that are configured for use with multiple carrying devices, such as being clipped on to the user&#39;s belt, carried on the user&#39;s shoulder by a strap or held on to the user&#39;s arm by an arm band. Even more particularly, the present invention relates to such holders that have at least a back case and a front case, with the front case being removably attached to the back case and adaptable to being carried separately from the back case. 
     B. Background 
     Apparatuses for holding items and for carrying such items by the user of the apparatus are commonly available. Generally, such holding apparatuses, hereinafter referred to as holders, are configured with one or more walls that define a storage compartment in which items are removably received and stored and/or carried between uses of the items. These holders are typically configured with a carrying device that allows the holder to be easily carried by the user, typically in a hands-free manner. One such carrying device is a clip that is positioned on a rear surface of the holder that allows the holder to be secured to the user&#39;s belt, pants, pocket or other clothing location. Alternatively, the carrying device may comprise a loop attached to the rear surface of the holder that is sized to receive the user&#39;s belt through the loop to carry the holder on the belt. Another common carrying device is an elongated strap that allows the user to carry the holder on one of his or her shoulders or across his or her neck. Another type of carrying device is an arm band, which may be made out of an elastic material, that allows the user to secure the holder to part of his or her arm, such as the wrist, forearm or upper arm. Although most holders are provided with only one of these carrying devices, some holders have two or more carrying devices. 
     As well known in the art, most holders have a plurality of walls that define either a generally rectangular or square shaped container with a like-shaped storage compartment therein being defined by the walls of the holder. The back wall has a rearward facing outer surface that is generally positioned or held against the user by the carrying device when the user is using the holder to hold and transport items in the storage compartment. The side and front walls of the holder generally face away from the user and are often decorated, whether being painted, etched or covered with material or the like, as desired by the manufacturer and/or user. The storage compartment is usually sized and configured to hold one or more of the items for which the holder was specifically designed to receive, store and transport. Although it is common to have a single storage compartment inside the holder, being specifically defined by the walls of the holder, many holders have two or more storage compartments inside the walls. Often, the multiple storage compartments are provided by subdividing the internal area of the holder, which may result in sub-compartments that are the same or different size. Alternatively, the multiple storage compartments may result from providing one or more separate storage areas inside the main storage compartment of the holder. The use of this type of holder is particularly common for carrying items that comprise a relatively large item and multiple smaller items that are associated with the large item, such as carrying a camera and various batteries and electronic storage cards for use with the camera. 
     As well known in the art, it is also relatively common to have a holder with an internal compartment that is defined by the walls of the holder and a second or outer compartment that is attached to or integral with the outer surface of one or more of the walls. Such holders are also useful for carrying a relatively large item in the internal compartment and one or more smaller items that can be used with or which are otherwise associated with the large item in the outer compartment. As before, one example of such a holder are those that are configured for use with modern cameras. Such holders allow the user to carry the camera in the larger internal compartment and the batteries, memory cards or other items that may be beneficially utilized with the camera in the smaller outer compartment. An example of such a holder is set forth in U.S. Pat. No. D262,412 to Sibbett (also the inventor of the holder of the present invention). This holder was configured for use with photographic film and prints, particularly the type of film and prints which are of the instant developing type sold by Polaroid and others. The design of the above-identified patent was the subject of a product sold as the Picture Pocket™ in the early to mid-1980s. The holder was formed into two compartments out of one compartment by the insertion of a divider wall, which was positioned so as to create a relatively large back compartment and a relatively small front compartment. A lid for enclosing the back compartment was pivotally attached to the divider. A lid for enclosing the front compartment was pivotally attached to the front wall of the holder. The product was provided with a clip device on the back wall of the holder for attachment to the user&#39;s belt or other object and slots in each of a pair of small tabs that extended rearward from the back wall of the holder for use with a shoulder strap or the like. On the packaging for the product, it was promoted for use to store a package of film in the larger back compartment and for placement of the prints from the camera, as they developed or processed into a picture and after the prints developed, in the smaller front compartment. 
     The above-described product solved several major issues with regard to the use of instant cameras, namely where to carry an extra package of film for use when the film in the camera is used up, where to place the self-developing prints as they processed into photographs and where to store the prints after they developed. When using these instant cameras, it was always beneficial to carry an extra pack of film as most packages were only able to provide a limited number, typically eight to twelve or so, of self-developing prints before a new package of the prints needed to be placed into the camera. With regard to the prints themselfs, it was necessary to allow the prints to develop without being exposed to sunlight or being touched, mishandled (i.e., bent, folded or the like) or exposed to fluids. As well known with regard to this type of film, it was also important not to mishandle a print or expose it to water even after the print finished developing. Most people tended to place the developing and developed prints in a pocket of an item of clothing or on a table, counter or other surface. Unfortunately, these places were not always that safe for the prints. The advent of digital cameras and technology related thereto, with the advantages of such technology, resulted in the instant print cameras generally falling out of use in the late 1980s to early 1990s. 
     Relatively recently, cameras that utilize instant developing film to take, eject and develop a photographic print have made a comeback. Although the cameras and film generally work about the same, with improved technology the quality of the cameras and the film have resulted in a much better product. As with the older Polaroid-type cameras and film, special self-developing film is placed in the camera, a picture is taken using the camera, an undeveloped photographic print pops out of the camera and then the print develops into a developed print over a relatively short amount of time (typically 60 seconds or so). During the time while the print is self-developing, the user must be careful not to touch the photograph portion, expose it to sunlight or contact it with water or other fluids. To help the user avoid touching the photograph portion, the print is provided with a border that surrounds the photograph. Generally, part of the border is of sufficient size that the user can write on it to describe the subject of the photograph, put the date thereon, autograph it or otherwise annotate it. 
     The new instant developing cameras, as well as other electronic cameras (including many cellular or smart phones), have a number of items that can be used with the camera. For instance, the instant developing cameras require the special self-developing film which, when used up in the camera, must be replaced. Therefore, it was generally advantageous for the person to carry an extra pack of the special film with them when using the instant developing features of the camera. In addition, when a photograph is taken and the print ejected from the camera, the photographic prints themselves must be placed somewhere. As stated above, as these prints develop they must be placed where they can safely process into the developed print without being touched, mishandled or exposed to fluids. Once developed, the photographic prints must be stored in a place where they will not be damaged or exposed to fluids. The instant and other cameras require batteries or a battery pack to power the operation of the camera. Often, it is beneficial to have a backup supply of batteries or a backup battery pack when using the camera. Digital and other cameras, including some of the instant print type, typically store photographs on removable electronic storage media, such as an SD card or the like, that is placed in the camera during use and which can be removed for copying the data (i.e., pictures) to a computer or other device. Recently, a small printer has become available that allows a person to print photographs from a smart phone or other digital photographic device, which may also include cameras, by connecting to the device via a wired or wireless connection (i.e., Bluetooth®) to print self-developing photographs that are somewhat similar to those associated with instant cameras. For purposes of the present application the term “camera” refers to the instant developing cameras, digital cameras and cellular/smart phones having cameras associated therewith. The cameras and the various items that can be used with or which are otherwise associated with these cameras, including film packs, prints (as they develop and after developing), batteries, digital storage media, printers and the like, are herein after collectively referred to as “photographic items”. 
     As well known, the user often does not have a safe and convenient place to store and carry photographic items. Although large cases and the like can be used to carry photographic items, as was commonly done with SLR cameras and the like, most people prefer not to have to lug around a large case when he or she desires to use their camera. What is needed, therefore, is a new holder for carrying photographic items that is sized and configured to be more conveniently carried by the user of the items. The holder should be able to safely store and carry a plurality of photographic items. The improved holder should be adaptable for use with multiple types of carrying devices so the user can choose how he or she desires to carry the holder when using it to store and transport photographic items. The new holder should have multiple compartments for separating and carrying the photographic items. Preferably, the improved holder should comprise separate cases, each having a compartment therein, which can be joined together to carry as one or which can be separated to allow the user to carry only one of the cases when use of both of the cases is not needed or desired. The holder should be configured to be relatively inexpensive to manufacture and, in a preferred configuration, be adaptable for being customized by the user. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The holder of the present invention provides the benefits and solves the problems identified above. That is to say, the present invention is directed to an improved holder for storing and transporting photographic items while being carried by or on a person. The holder of the present invention comprises two cases, a back case and a front case, that each define a compartment therein which is sized and configured to receive and store one or more photographic items as the items are being carried by the user of the holder. In a preferred configuration, the back case is the larger of the two cases and is used to store and carry items such as a camera, film pack or a printer. The front case, preferably the smaller of the two cases, is used to carry the photograph prints, batteries, electronic storage media and the like. The two cases are removably joined together to form the holder and each case is configured to safely protect the photographic items stored therein. When the two cases are utilized together, the back surface of the front case is positioned against and secured to the front surface of the back case, which then lays against the user. Multiple types of carrying devices can be utilized with the holder to allow the user to store and carry photographic items in the manner which best suits him or her at the time he or she is using the holder and one or more of the photographic items. The front case can be removed from the back case and carried separately when the user only needs to safely store and carry the smaller photographic items, such as the prints, batteries and electronic storage media. The user can select which type of carrying device can be utilized with the front case when the case is being carried separately from the back case. The holder of the present invention can be made out of a wide variety of materials and in a number of different sizes and configurations. As a result, the new holder for photographic items of the present invention can be relatively inexpensive to manufacture. In a preferred configuration, the new holder is adaptable for being customized by the user. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, the holder for use with photographic items generally comprises a back or proximal case, a front or distal case and a mechanism for connecting the front case to the back case. The back case has a plurality of walls comprising a front wall, a back wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, a bottom wall and a lid. The walls and the lid are cooperatively configured so as to define a back compartment that is sized and configured to receive one or more photographic items therein. The lid is pivotally attached to at least one of the walls with a pivot mechanism being positioned at or near an upper end of the back case. The pivot mechanism is configured to place the back case in an open condition that allows access to the back compartment or in a closed condition that at least substantially encloses the back compartment. In a preferred embodiment, the lid pivots forward away from the front wall. The front case also has a plurality of walls comprising a front wall, a back wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, a bottom wall and a lid, with the walls and the lid cooperatively configured so as to define a front compartment that is sized and configured to receive one or more photographic items therein. The lid is pivotally attached to at least one of the walls with a pivot mechanism being positioned at or near an upper end of the front case. The pivot mechanism is configured to place the front case in an open condition that allows access to the front compartment or in a closed condition that at least substantially encloses the front compartment. As with the back case, in a preferred embodiment the lid of the front case pivots forward away from the front wall thereof. The connecting mechanism is associated with at least one of the back case and the front case and is configured to removably connect the front case to the back case. The cases connect in a manner that positions the back wall of the front case adjacent the front wall of the back case when the front case is connected to the back case. The connecting mechanism allows each of the back case and the front case to separate so the two case may each be utilized separately. 
     In one of the preferred embodiments, the connecting mechanism comprises a first side member and a second side member that are attached to or integral with either the back case or the front case. The first side member and the second side member are disposed in spaced apart relation and are sized and configured to define an open receptacle for receiving and engaging the side walls of the other case (i.e., the front case when the side members are associated with the back case or the back case when the side members are associated with the front case). In one embodiment, the connecting mechanism further comprises a transverse member that is configured to engage a bottom wall of either the front case or the back case when the front case is connected to the back case. In a preferred configuration, the inner surfaces of the side members frictionally engage the side walls of the other case. In another embodiment, the first side member and the second side member each have a securing slot that is sized and configured to receive and engage a securing pin that is associated with the side walls of the case that does not have the side members. 
     To facilitate carrying the holder or one of the two cases alone, each of the back case and the front case has one or more device attachment mechanisms associated therewith. Each of the device attachment mechanisms, whether on the back case, front case or both cases, are structured and arranged to connect to a carrying device selected so as to support one of the back case and the front case on a user who is utilizing either the holder, the back case or the front case to carry one or more photographic items. Example device attachment mechanisms are a clip support member, a strap slot or a mounting engagement slot, wherein the clip support member is configured to support a belt clip, the strap slot is configured to receive an elongated strap and the mounting engagement slot is configured to receive an engagement pin that is attached to a belt clip or an arm band. In a preferred configuration, the back wall of the front case comprises at least two pairs of the strap slots and a pair of mounting engagement slots. The back case can include one or more slot tabs (two being preferred) extending rearward from the back wall of the back case, with each of the slot tabs having a strap slot. 
     In another embodiment, the holder is particularly useful for storing and carrying a printer, a film pack for the printer and a plurality of developing and/or developed prints. In this configuration, the printer is carried in the back case and the front case has a front section and a back section, with the back section being sized and configured to receive and store a film pack and/or photographic prints. Preferably, the front section is pivotally connected to the back section in a manner that allows the front case to move between a closed position enclosing one or more areas of the back section and an access position allowing easier access to the area(s) of the back section. In a preferred configuration, the back section has a divider element that defines an upper area and a lower area, with the upper area being sized and configured to receive and store a plurality of the photographic prints and the lower area being sized and configured to receive the film pack. The back section can have at least one side engaging wall that extends generally forward from the back wall of the front case, with the side engaging wall being structured and arranged to frictionally engage one of side wall of the front case so as to secure the front section in the closed position. Preferably, the back section has a pair of side engaging walls, with one of the side engaging walls frictionally engaging each of the side walls. 
     Accordingly, the primary aspect of the present invention is to provide an improved holder for photographic items that has the advantages discussed above and which overcomes the various disadvantages and limitations associated with prior art holders for such items. 
     It is an important aspect of the present invention to provide a new holder that is specially configured to store and carry a variety of photographic items in a manner which protects the items from damage while in the holder and which is more convenient for the user to carry than existing holders for such items. 
     It is also an important aspect of the present invention to provide a new holder for storing and carrying photographic items that is configured to be utilized with multiple types of carrying devices, including belt clips, shoulder straps and elastic arm bands, so the user can choose which type of carrying device is most convenient for him or her. 
     It is also an important aspect of the present invention to provide a new holder for photographic items which comprises a back case and a front case, with the back case being sized and configured to receive, store and carry items such as a camera, film pack or printer and the front case being sized and configured to receive, store and carry items such as photographic prints, batteries and electronic storage media. 
     It is also an important aspect of the present invention to provide a new holder for photographic items which comprises a back case and a front case that are removably joined to be utilized together as a single unit by one of a variety of different carrying devices, with the front case being able to be separated from the back case and used alone with a carrying device. 
     It is also an important aspect of the present invention to provide a new holder for photographic items that comprises a back case and a front case, with the front case being removably attached to the back case and specially configured with areas for photographic prints and a film pack which can be utilized with a printer that is being carried in the back case. 
     It is also an important aspect of the present invention to provide a new holder for photographic items that can be made out of materials which, if desired, result in the holder being relatively inexpensive to manufacture. 
     Another important aspect of the present invention is to provide a new holder for photographic items that is adaptable to being customized by the user with designs and other materials. 
     The above and other aspects of the present invention are explained in greater detail by reference to the attached figures and to the description of the preferred embodiments which follows. As set forth herein, the present invention resides in the novel features of form, construction, mode of operation and combination of the above presently described and understood by the claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the drawings which illustrate the preferred embodiments and the best modes presently contemplated for carrying out the present invention: 
         FIG. 1  is a side perspective view of a holder for photographic items that is configured according to a first embodiment of the present invention shown in with both cases in their closed conditions and with the carrying device being a clip attached to the back/proximal case; 
         FIG. 2  is a right side view of the holder of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a back view of the holder of  FIG. 1  particularly showing the clip and the two pairs of strap slots for use with an elongated strap; 
         FIG. 4  is a top view of the holder of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a top view of the holder of  FIG. 1  with the back/proximal case shown in its open condition; 
         FIG. 6  is a left side view of the holder of  FIG. 1  with the back/proximal case and the front/distal case shown in their open conditions with a prior art film package disposed in the back/proximal case and a plurality of prior art prints in the front/distal case; 
         FIG. 7  is a front view of the prior art film package of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a front view of the prior art prints of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a side perspective view of the holder of  FIG. 1  shown with the front/distal case separated from the back/proximal case to illustrate the connecting mechanism that joins the two cases together; 
         FIG. 10  is a back view of the front/distal case showing the mounting engagement slots and strap slots on the back wall of the front/distal case; 
         FIG. 11  is a right side view of the clip of  FIGS. 1-6 and 9 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a right side view of the front/distal case shown in its closed condition with the clip of  FIG. 11  attached and a plurality of prints disposed inside the case; 
         FIG. 13  is a side perspective view of the front/distal case of  FIG. 12  shown in its open condition; 
         FIG. 14  is a side view of an alternative carrying device configured as an arm band having an elastic strap attached to a case mounting mechanism which engages the mounting engagement slots shown in  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a side perspective view of the front/distal case of  FIGS. 1-6 and 9  shown with an alternative carrying device configured as an elongated strap that engages the strap slots of  FIGS. 3 and 10 ; 
         FIG. 16  is a side perspective view of a holder for photographic items that is configured according to a second embodiment of the present invention shown with the front/distal case engaged with the back/proximal case with both cases being in their closed conditions and with the carrying device being a clip that is attached to the back/proximal case and the strap slots being provided in molded tabs which extend rearward from the back surface of the back/proximal case; 
         FIG. 17  is a top view of the holder of  FIG. 16 ; 
         FIG. 18  is a side perspective view of the holder of  FIG. 17  with the front/distal case shown separated from the back/proximal case; 
         FIG. 19  is a side perspective view of the holder of  FIG. 17  shown with the outer surfaces of the two cases having decorations thereon; 
         FIG. 20  is a side perspective view of a holder for photographic items that is configured according to a third embodiment of the present invention shown with the front/distal case engaged with the back/proximal case with both cases being in their closed conditions; 
         FIG. 21  is a side perspective view of the holder of  FIG. 20  with the front/distal case shown separate from the back/proximal case; 
         FIG. 22  is a right side view of the holder of  FIG. 20  with the each of the back/proximal case and front/distal case shown in their open conditions with a prior art printer disposed in the back/proximal case and a plurality of prior art prints in the front/distal case, with the printer shown ejecting a print therefrom; 
         FIG. 23  is a right side view of the holder of  FIG. 22  with the front wall of the front/distal case pivoted from its closed position, shown in  FIG. 22 , to its access position to provide easier access to the photographic prints and film pack stored therein; 
         FIG. 24  is a right side view of the front/distal case of the holder of  FIG. 23  shown separate from the back/proximal case; 
         FIG. 25  is a front view of the front/distal case of the holder of  FIG. 24 , without the front wall thereof, showing the photographic prints and film pack stored in the front/distal case; 
         FIG. 26  is a side perspective view of a holder for photographic items that is configured according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention shown with both cases in their closed conditions and with the front/distal case separated from the back/proximal case to illustrate the connecting mechanism component on the back/proximal case that joins the two cases together; 
         FIG. 27  is a back view of the front/distal case of  FIG. 26  showing the connecting mechanism component on the front/distal case that joins the front/distal case to the back/proximal case; 
         FIG. 28  is a right side view of the holder of  FIG. 26 ; 
         FIG. 29  is a top plan view of the holder of  FIG. 26 ; 
         FIG. 30  is a top view of the holder of  FIG. 29  with the back/proximal case shown in its open condition; 
         FIG. 31  is a back view of the holder of  FIG. 26  particularly showing use of a new multi-clip as the carrying device attached to the back/proximal case; 
         FIG. 32  is a front view of the multi-clip of  FIG. 31 ; 
         FIG. 33  is a side view of the multi-clip of  FIG. 32 ; 
         FIG. 34  is a front view of the multi-clip of  FIG. 32  shown connected to an elongated strap; and 
         FIG. 35  is a side view of the multi-clip and strap of  FIG. 34 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     With reference to the figures where like elements have been given like numerical designations to facilitate the reader&#39;s understanding of the present invention, the preferred embodiments of the present invention are set forth below. The enclosed figures are illustrative of several potential preferred embodiments and, therefore, are included to represent several different ways of configuring the present invention. Although specific components, materials, configurations and uses are illustrated, it should be understood that a number of variations to the components and to the configuration of those components described herein and shown in the accompanying figures can be made without changing the scope and function of the invention set forth herein. For instance, although the description and figures included herewith generally describe and show particular materials, shapes and configurations for the various components of the new holder of the present invention, as well as the photographic items with which new holder can be utilized, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is not so limited. In addition, the exemplary embodiment of the present apparatus is shown and described herein with only those components that are required to disclose the present invention. As such, many of the necessary mechanical elements for attaching and using the present invention are not shown or necessarily described below, but which are well known to persons skilled in the relevant art. As will be readily appreciated by such persons, the various elements of the present invention that are described below may take on any form consistent with forms that are readily realized by a person of ordinary skill in the art having knowledge of holders, cases and the like for carrying photographic items. 
     A holder that is configured pursuant to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown generally as  10  in  FIGS. 1-6 and 9 . A second embodiment of the holder  10  of the present invention is shown in  FIGS. 16-18 . A third embodiment of the holder  10  of the present invention is shown in  FIGS. 20-25 . A fourth embodiment of the holder  10  of the present invention is shown in  FIGS. 26-35 . As set forth in more detail below, the holder  10  of the present invention is configured for use to receive, store and carry a variety of photographic items, which are collectively identified as numeral  12  in the figures, including the film pack  14 , photographic prints  16  and printer  17  shown in  FIGS. 6-8 and 22-25 . The holder  10  of the present invention comprises two cases, a back or proximal case  18  and a front or distal case  20 , with the terms “proximal” and “distal” referring to the relative location of the cases  18 / 20  to the user&#39;s body when the holder  10  is being carried by the user on a belt, over a shoulder, on an arm or elsewhere on his or her body. As is set forth in more detail below, the two cases  18 / 20  are each structured and arranged to be utilized together, as shown in  FIGS. 1-6 , to form a single holder  10  that is useful for photographic items  12 . Unlike prior art holders, however, the holder  10  of the present invention is also structured and arranged so the two cases  18 / 20  can be utilized separately to carry such items as the photographic items  12 . To accomplish this objective, the two cases  18 / 20  are configured so the front case  20  removably, but securely, attaches to the back case  18  utilizing a connecting mechanism  22 , best shown in  FIGS. 9 and 18 . As also set forth in more detail below, the holder  10  is adaptable for use with multiple types of carrying devices, which are collectively identified as  24  in  FIGS. 2-3, 5-6, 11-12 and 14-15 , such as the belt clip  26  shown in  FIGS. 2-3, 5-6, 11-12 and 22-23 , the arm band  28  shown in  FIG. 14  and the elongated strap  30  shown in  FIG. 15 . The configuration and use of the carrying devices  24  referenced above, as well as other such carrying devices  24  that are or may be suitable for use with holder  10 , are generally well known to persons skilled in the relevant art. 
     The back case  18  has a plurality of walls, namely front wall  32 , back wall  34 , first side wall  36 , second side wall  38 , bottom wall  40 , and a lid  42  that define a back compartment  44 , as shown in  FIGS. 1-6, 9 and 16-19 . In one use of the holder  10 , the back compartment  44  of back case  18  is sized and configured to receive, hold and carry a film pack  14  therein, such as shown in  FIG. 6 . The back compartment  44  can be specifically sized and configured to carry various other photographic items  12 , such as a the printer  17 , camera or the like. As will be readily appreciated by persons skilled in the art, a back compartment  44  that is sized and configured to carry one photographic item  12 , such as film pack  14 , may also be able to be utilized to carry a camera, printer  17  or other photographic items  12 . Of course, various other items, including non-photographic items such as a wallet, passport, notepad and the like, may be carried in the back compartment  44 , as desired by the user of the holder  10 . As explained in more detail below, the back case  18  is also sized and configured, with attachment mechanism  22 , to removably receive and support the front case  20 , as shown in  FIGS. 1-4, 6 and 9 . In the embodiment shown in the figures, the attachment mechanism  22  is associated with the front wall  32  of the back case  18  and is structured and arranged to removably attach the front case  20  to the front wall  32  of the back case  18 . The back case  18  can be made out of a variety of materials and in a variety of different shapes. For instance, the back case  18  can be made out of plastic, metal, composites and even, if desired for low cost, certain types of paper or cardboard products. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the back case  18  is made out of plastic using an injection molding process. Although the back case  18  is shown in the figures as being rectangularly shaped, which may be appropriate for most photographic items  12 , including film pack  14 , printer  17  and most small cameras, back case  18  can have a variety of sizes and shapes and still accomplish the objectives of the present invention. For instance, if desired the back wall  34  thereof can be slightly curved to better lay against the user. 
     The lid  42  of back case  18  is configured to be removed or moveably open to place the back case  18  in its open condition  46 , shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , to allow access to the compartment  44  and to close place the back case  18  in its closed condition  48 , shown in  FIGS. 1-4, 9 and 16-19 . In the open condition  46 , the compartment  44  is open for the user to place photographic items  12  or other items therein and/or to remove the items therefrom. In one embodiment, the lid  42  is fully removable from back case  18 . In a preferred embodiment, however, the lid  42  is pivotally attached to one of the front wall  32 , back wall  34 , first side wall  36  or second side wall  38 . In the embodiments shown in the figures, the lid  42  is pivotally attached to the front wall  32  of the back case  18  so the lid  42  will pivot away from the user when he or she pivots the lid  42  so as to move the back case  18  between its open condition  46  and closed condition  48 . This configuration will make it easier for the user to place photographic items  12  or other items into the compartment  44  or remove the items therefrom when the holder  10  is secured to the user at his or her waist, hanging around his or her neck or attached to his or her arm. To facilitate movement of the lid  42 , back case  18  has a pivot mechanism  50  that interconnects the front wall  32  and the lid  42 , as shown in  FIG. 5 . In the embodiment shown in the figures, the pivot mechanism  50  is a “living hinge” that is added during the manufacturing process (i.e., injection molded plastic). In other embodiments, the pivot mechanism  50  can comprise a separate hinge (not shown) that operates to allow the lid  42  to pivot while being attached to the front wall  32 . As well known in the art, a variety of different types of hinges can be utilized for the pivot mechanism  50  to pivotally attach the lid  42  to front wall  32  (or one of the other walls) of the back case  18 . 
     To secure the lid  42  closed when the back case  18  is in its closed condition  46  and prevent any photographic items  12  in compartment  44  from falling out during use of holder  10 , the back case  18  includes a locking mechanism  52  that keeps lid  42  against the upper end  54 , opposite lower end  56 , of the plurality of walls  32 / 34 / 36 / 38  of the back case  18 , best shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . In the embodiment shown in the figures, the locking mechanism  52  secures the lid  42  at a position generally at or near back wall  34 . More specifically, locking mechanism  52  shown in the figures comprises a pair of outwardly extending locking members  58  on the lower side of the lid  42  that are sized and configured to lockedly engage a clip support member  60  that is used, as set forth below, to support the belt clip  26  on the back case  18 . When the lid  42  is closed, the locking members  58  engage the clip support member  60  to lock the back case  18  in its closed condition  48 . In the preferred embodiment, the locking members  58  are attached to or integral with an extension area  62  of lid  42 , as shown in  FIG. 6 . As best shown in  FIGS. 1-2, 4, 6, 9 and 16-19 , the extension area  62  is a part of the lid  42  that generally extends rearward beyond the back wall  34  to cover the clip support member  60  when the back case  18  is in its closed condition  48 . In the embodiment shown in the figures, the lid  42  of back case  18  also has a side panel  64  that is attached to or integral with (preferred) the portion of the lid  42  that covers the top of the compartment  44  that provides a more secure and fully closed compartment  44  when the back case  18  is in its closed condition  48 . As will be readily appreciated by persons skilled in the art, the back case  18  should have a height (i.e., from upper end  54  to lower end  56 ) and a width (i.e., between first side wall  36  and second side wall  38 ) that are sufficient to allow the photographic item  12  and/or other items to fully fit within the interior of the compartment  44  with the lid  42  being able to close in a manner that allows the locking mechanism  52  to engage and lockedly close the back case  18  in its closed condition  48 . The back case  18  has outer surfaces  66  that can be painted, covered, coated, imprinted or otherwise decorated as may be desired by the manufacturer and/or the user of holder  10 . 
     As set forth above, a number of carrying devices  24  can be utilized with holder  10  to allow the user to more easily and conveniently carry one or more photographic items  12 , including film pack  14  and a plurality of photographic prints  16 , as shown in  FIG. 6 . Carrying device  24  can be a belt clip  26  that is structured and arranged to secure the holder  10  to the user&#39;s belt or a belt-like item, including a strap on a backpack or the like, or to other objects, such as the waistband or pocket of the user&#39;s pants or other clothing item, associated with or utilized by the user. The configuration and use of belt clips are generally well known in the art. The belt clip  26  utilized with the holder  10 , as with other belt clips, is configured to provide a gap  68  between the belt clip  26  and the back wall  34  of the back case  18 , as best shown in  FIG. 2 , in which the belt or other object is received to secure the holder  10  on the belt/object. For use with the holder  10  of the present invention, the belt clip  26  can be a single, integral component with clip support member  60 , which can be integral with or fixedly attached to the back wall  34  of the back case  18 . In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1-6 , the belt clip  26  is removably received in clip support member  60 , which is fixedly attached to or integral with (generally preferred) the back wall  34  of the back case  18 . In this embodiment, the lower end  70  of the belt clip  26  is sized and configured to fit through the space between the clip support member  60  and the back wall  34  and the upper end  72  of the belt clip  26  is sized and configured to tightly fit within that space and/or to engage the clip support member  60  in a manner that holds the belt clip  26  securely in place on the back case  18 . Once in place, the user can attach the belt clip  26  to his or her belt or onto another object, as set forth above. 
     Instead of the belt clip  26 , the user can utilize an arm band  28  or an elongated strap  30  to carry holder  10  on his or her person, examples of which are shown and described in use with the front case  20  with regard to  FIGS. 14-15 . The configuration and use of these and other types of carrying devices  24  are generally well known to persons skilled in the relevant art. For use with the arm band  28 , the back case  18  of holder  10  can be attached to the elastic arm band  28  of  FIG. 14  by sliding the arm band  28  into the gap  68  between the back wall  34  and the belt clip  26 . For use with the elongated strap  30 , an example of which is shown in use with the front case  20  in  FIG. 15 , the back wall  34  of back case  18  can be provided with strap slots  74  that are each sized and configured to receive the elongated strap  30  therethrough so the user can hang the holder  10  from the strap  30  over his or her shoulder. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the back wall  34  can have a pair of strap slots  74  on each side of the clip support member  60  that are sized and positioned to allow the user to thread the elongated strap  28  through the strap slots  74 . Once an end  76  of the elongated strap  30  is threaded through the strap slots  30 , the end  76  can be fed through a loop, clip, buckle or other securing member  78 , as shown in  FIG. 15 , to prevent the elongated strap  30  from disengaging from the strap slots  74 . As well known in the art, the ends  76  of the elongated strap  30  can be provided with holes, snaps, hook-and-loop material and the like that can be utilized to securely engage the securing member  76 . 
     The front case  20  has a plurality of walls, namely front wall  82 , back wall  84 , first side wall  86 , second side wall  88 , bottom wall  90 , and a lid  92  that define a front compartment  94 , as shown in  FIGS. 1-2, 4-6, 9-13 and 15-19 . In one embodiment of the holder  10 , the front compartment  94  of front case  20  is sized and configured to receive, hold and carry a plurality of photographic prints  16  therein, such as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 13 . The front compartment  94  can be specifically sized and configured to carry various other photographic items  12 , such as batteries, digital memory cards and the like. As will be readily appreciated by persons skilled in the art, a front compartment  94  sized and configured to carry one photographic item  12 , such as photographic prints  16 , may also be utilized to carry batteries, memory cards or other photographic items  12 . Of course, various other items, including non-photographic items such as a drivers license or other ID, cash, credit cards, paper and the like, may be carried in the front compartment  94 , as may be desired by the user of the holder  10 . As explained in more detail below, the front case  20  is also sized and configured, with attachment mechanism  22 , to removably attach to and be supported by the back case  18 , as shown in  FIGS. 1-4, 6 and 9 . As described above, in the embodiment shown in the figures, a portion of the attachment mechanism  22  is associated with the front wall  32  of the back case  18  and is structured and arranged to removably attach the front case  20  to the front wall  32  of the back case  18 . As with back case  18 , the front case  20  can be made out of a variety of materials and in a variety of different shapes. For instance, the front case  18  can be made out of plastic, metal, composites and even, if desired for low cost, certain types of paper or cardboard products. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the front case  20  is made out of plastic using an injection molding process in the same manner as back case  18 . Although the front case  20  is shown in the figures as being generally rectangular-shaped, which may be more appropriate for photographic items  12  such as photographic prints  16 , the front case  20  can have a variety of sizes and shapes and still accomplish the objectives of the present invention. 
     The lid  92  of front case  20  is configured to be removed or moveably open to place the front case  20  in its open condition  96 , shown in  FIGS. 6 and 13 , to allow access to the compartment  94  and closed to place the front case  20  in its closed condition  48 , shown in  FIGS. 1-2, 4, 9-10, 12 and 15-19 . In the open condition  96 , compartment  94  is open for the user to place photographic items  12  or other items therein and/or to remove the items therefrom. In one embodiment, the lid  92  is fully removable from the front case  20 . In a preferred embodiment, as with back case  18 , the lid  92  is pivotally attached to one of the front wall  82 , back wall  84 , first side wall  86  or second side wall  88 . In the various embodiments shown in the figures, the lid  92  is pivotally attached to the front wall  82  of the front case  20  so the lid  92  will pivot away from the user when he or she pivots the lid  92  so as to move front case  20  between its open condition  96  and closed condition  98 . Such a configuration will make it easier for the user to place photographic items  12  or other items into the compartment  94  or remove the items therefrom when the holder  10  is secured to the user at his or her waist, hanging around his or her neck or attached to his or her arm. To facilitate movement of the lid  92 , front case  20  has a pivot mechanism  100  that interconnects the front wall  82  and the lid  92 , as shown in  FIG. 5 . In the embodiment shown in the figures, the pivot mechanism  100  is a “living hinge” that is added during the manufacturing process (i.e., injection molded plastic). In other embodiments, pivot mechanism  100  can comprise a separate hinge (not shown) that operates to allow the lid  92  to pivot while being attached to the front wall  82 . As well known in the art, a variety of different types of hinge devices can be utilized for the pivot mechanism  100  to pivotally attach the lid  92  to the front wall  82  (or one of the other walls) of the front case  20 . 
     To secure the lid  92  closed when the front case  20  is in its closed condition  96  and prevent any photographic items  12  in compartment  94  from falling out during use of holder  10 , the front case  20  includes a locking mechanism  102  that keeps the lid  92  against the upper end  104 , opposite lower end  106 , of the plurality of walls  82 / 84 / 86 / 88  of the front case  20 , best shown in  FIGS. 1, 2 and 6 . In the embodiment shown in the figures, the locking mechanism  102  secures the lid  92  at a position generally at or near the back wall  84 . More specifically, locking mechanism  102  for front case  20  comprises the frictional engagement between the side panels  108  of the lid  92  and the angled upwardly extending sections  109  of both the first side wall  86  and second side wall  88  at the upper end thereof, the components of which are shown with regard to first side wall  86  in  FIG. 6 . When the lid  92  pivots at the pivot mechanism  100  to close the compartment  94 , the two side panels  108  frictionally engages the two extending sections  109  in a manner that holds the lid  92  closed and keeps the front case  20  in its closed condition  98 . As will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art, various other types of locking mechanisms  102  can be utilized with front case  20  to keep it in its closed condition  98  with the lid  92  pivoted closed. The front case  20  should have a height (i.e., from upper end  104  to lower end  106 ) and a width (i.e., between first side wall  86  and second side wall  88 ) that are sufficient to allow the photographic item  12  and/or other items to fully fit within the interior of the compartment  94  with the lid  92  being able to close in a manner that allows the locking mechanism  102  to engage and lockedly close the front case  20  in its closed condition  98 . The front case  20  has outer surfaces  110  that can be painted, covered, coated, imprinted or otherwise decorated as may be desired by the manufacturer and/or the user of holder  10 . As with the holder  10  itself, a number of carrying devices  24  can be utilized with front case  20  to allow the user to utilize just the front case  20  to easily and conveniently carry one or more photographic items  12 , including photographic prints  16 , as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 12-13 . The carrying device  24  can be a belt clip  26  that is structured and arranged to secure the front case  20  to the user&#39;s belt or a belt-like item, including a strap on a backpack or the like, or to other objects, such as the waistband or pocket of the user&#39;s pants or other clothing item, which may be worn or otherwise utilized by the user. The belt clip  26  utilized with front case  20 , as with other belt clips generally and with holder  10  itself, is configured to provide a gap  68  between the belt clip  26  and the back wall  84  of the front case  20 , as best shown in  FIG. 12 , in which the belt or other object is received to secure the front case  20  on the belt or other object. For use with the front case  20 , the belt clip  26  should be removably attached to the back wall  84  of the front case  20  so that the belt clip  26  will not interfere with attaching the front case  20  to the back case  18  when the cases  18 / 20  are used together. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the belt clip  26  (attached to or integral with the clip support member  60 —as shown in  FIG. 11 ) is a separate component that removably engages front case  20  using a device attachment mechanism  112 . As shown in  FIGS. 10-13 , in one embodiment the attachment mechanism  112  comprises a pair of mounting engagement slots  114  on the back wall  84  of front case  20  that are sized and configured to removably receive and to be engaged by a pair of outwardly extending engagement pins  116  on the back side of the clip support member  60  to removably attach the belt clip  26  to the front case  20 , as best shown in  FIGS. 10-11 and 13 . The mounting engagement slots  114  and the engagement pins  116  are cooperatively sized and configured so the pins  116  will fit within and engage the slots  114  to hold the belt clip  26  on the back wall  84  of the front case  20 . In the embodiment shown in the figures, the engagement pins  116  are L-shaped pins that angle downward. The pins  116  are placed in the mounting engagement slots  114  and then the belt clip  26  is moved downward to engage the pins  116  in the slots  114  with the back wall of the clip support member  60  against the back wall  84  of front case  20  to securely, but removably, attach the belt clip  26  to the front case  20 . Once in place, the user can attach the belt clip  26  to his or her belt or onto another object, as set forth above. The configuration and use of attachment mechanisms  112  are generally well known in the art. As will be readily appreciated by persons skilled in the art, various other device attachment mechanisms can be utilized to secure the belt clip  26  to the front case  20 . 
     Instead of the belt clip  26 , the user can utilize an arm band  28  or an elongated strap  30  to separately carry the front case  20  on his or her person, examples of which are shown in  FIGS. 14-15 . The configuration and use of these and other types of carrying devices  24  are generally well known to persons skilled in the relevant art. For use with the arm band  28 , the front case  20  can attach to the elastic arm band  28  utilizing a device attachment mechanism  112  comprising the engagement pins  116  described above and a strap support member  118 , as shown in  FIG. 14 . The strap support member  118 , which functions substantially the same as the clip support member  60  of  FIG. 11 , is fixedly or moveably (i.e., it can be configured to slide along the arm band  28 ) to the arm band  28 . The two engagement pins  116 , which are preferably configured the same as on the belt clip  26  of  FIG. 11 , extend outwardly from the strap support member  118  to be received in and engage the engagement slots  114  on the back wall  84  of the front case  20 . Once connected, the user can carry the front holder  20  on his or her arm or the like to store and transport photographic items  12 , such as the photographic prints  16  or, if the front case  20  is large enough, film pack  14  and/or a camera, and/or other items, including drivers license, passport, credit cards, cash and the like. For use with the elongated strap  30 , an example of which is shown in  FIG. 15 , the back wall  84  of front case  20  can be provided with strap slots  74  that are each sized and configured to receive the elongated strap  30  therethrough so the user can hang the front case  20  from the strap  30  over his or her shoulder. As shown in  FIG. 10 , the back wall  84  can have a pair of strap slots  74  on each side of the mounting engagement slots  114  that are sized and positioned to allow the user to thread the elongated strap  28  through the strap slots  74 . Once an end  76  of the elongated strap  30  is threaded through the strap slots  30 , the end  76  can be fed through a loop, clip, buckle or other securing member  78 , as shown in  FIG. 15 , to prevent the elongated strap  30  from disengaging from the strap slots  74 . As well known in the art, and as set forth above, the ends  76  of the elongated strap  30  can be provided with holes, snaps, hook-and-loop material and the like that can be utilized to securely engage the securing member  76 . 
     As set forth above, one of the primary features of the holder  10  of the present invention is that the front case  20  can be removed from the back case  18  and used alone when the user only needs a small case to store and carry his or her photographic items  12  and/or other items. Although separating the front case  20  from the back case  18  and carrying the front case  20  alone reduces the amount of space available to store and carry items, doing so also significantly reduces the size of the case being carried by the user. To accomplish the objective of being able to quickly and easily remove or reattach the front case  20  from the back case  18 , the holder  10  has a connecting mechanism  22  that, while strongly holds the two cases  18 / 20  together, is easy for the user to operate to separate the cases  18 / 20 . In one embodiment, the connecting mechanism  22  comprises an open receptacle  119 , best shown in  FIGS. 9 and 18 , associated with back case  18  in which the front case  20  is removably received. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the connecting mechanism comprises a generally U-shaped receptacle  119  having a first side member  120 , a second side member  122  and a transverse member  124 . In this embodiment, each of these members  120 / 122 / 124  are fixedly attached to or integral with the front wall  32  of the back case  18  and configured to extend outwardly therefrom. In the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-6, 9-10, 12-13 and 15 , the connecting mechanism  22  further comprises one or more securing slots  126 , with two being shown, in each of the two side members  120 / 122  and cooperatively configured and positioned securing pins  128  on the side walls  86 / 88  of the front case  20 , as best shown in  FIGS. 9-10 . The securing slots  126  are configured to receive and retain the securing pins  128  so as to secure the front case  20  on the back case  18  with the back wall  84  of the front case  20  against the front wall  32  of the back case  18 , as shown in  FIGS. 1-2 and 4-6 . In the embodiment shown, the securing slots  126  are generally L-shaped such that the securing pins  128  slide in and then down. In use, the user aligns the securing pins  128  with the opening into the securing slots  126 , pushes the back wall  84  of the front case  20  against the front wall  32  of the back case  18  and then slides the front case  20  downward to move the securing pins  128  down in the securing slots  126  until the bottom wall  90  of the front case  20  is, preferably, abutting the transverse member  124  of the open receptacle  119  defined by the members  120 / 122 / 124 . The use and configuration of this type of connecting mechanism  22  is generally well known in the art. 
     If desired, the lower surface of the transverse member  124  can be provided with a balance member  130 , shown in  FIGS. 2, 6, 9 and 18 , that is sized and positioned to help allow the holder  10  to stand upright, particularly when the front case  20  is joined to the back case  18 . In the embodiment shown in the figures, the balance member  130  is positioned on the lower surface of the transverse member  124  generally at or near the center thereof. The balance member  130 , which can be attached to or integral with the transverse member  124 , extends downward from the transverse member  124  to contact the surface on which the user places the holder  10  in a manner that helps support the holder  10  in its upright position. 
     As shown in  FIG. 19 , the outer surfaces  66  and  110  of one or more of the back case  18  and the front case  20 , respectively, can be coated, engraved, covered or otherwise decorated, whether completely or partially, with one or more decorative materials to enhance, beautify or personalize the holder  10 . As will be readily appreciated by persons skilled in the art and persons who may use the holder  10  of the present invention, the manufacturer and/or the user of the holder can apply one or more decorative items  132  on the back case  18  and/or one or more decorative items  134  on the front case  20  of the holder  10 . There is a wide range of materials that can be utilized as the decorative item  132 / 134 . For instance, one or more of the outer surfaces  66 / 110  of the holder  10  can be coated with paint, leather, chrome or a wide range of coatings and coating-like materials. Depending on the material which the cases  18 / 20  are made out of, the outer surfaces  66 / 110  of the holder  10  can be engraved, carved, molded or otherwise modified to include one or more decorative items  132 / 134 . Likewise, the outer surfaces  66 / 110  can be completely or partially covered with cloth, mesh and/or other fabric or fabric-like materials. Stickers, rhinestones and other types of decorations, including those commonly referred to as “bling,” can also be applied to the outer surfaces  66 / 110  of holder  10 . As will be readily appreciated by persons skilled in the art, virtually any type of decorative materials can be utilized for the decorative items  132 / 134  and these materials may be placed on any of the outer surfaces  66 / 110  of the cases  18 / 20  of holder  10 . In one embodiment, a kit that comprises a plurality of decorative items  132 / 134  can be provided separately from the holder  10  to allow the user to more easily and conveniently decorate the back case  18  or front case  20  of his or her holder  10 . 
     A second embodiment of the holder  10  of the present invention is shown in  FIGS. 16-18 . In this embodiment, each strap slot  74  is positioned in a rearwardly extending slot tab  136  that is attached to or integral with the back wall  34  of the back case  18 . The slot tabs  136  are positioned on either side of the clip support member  60  and are sized and configured for the strap slots  74  to fit within the body of the slot tabs  136 , the use of which will be readily understood by those skilled in the art. The embodiment of the holder  10  in  FIGS. 16-18  is configured with a connecting mechanism  22  that does not utilize the securing slots  126  and securing pins  128  that are best shown in  FIG. 9 . Instead, as best shown in  FIG. 18 , the connecting mechanism  22  of this embodiment comprises the inner surfaces  138  of each of the side members  120 / 122  and the transverse member  124  of the open receptacle  119 . The open receptacle  119  formed at the front wall  32  of the back case  18  is cooperatively sized and configured with the front case  20  such that the inner surfaces  138  of the members  120 / 122 / 124  will tightly engage the side walls  86 / 88  and the bottom wall  90  of the front case  20  to securely hold the front case  20  on to the back case  18 . As will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art, it is likely only necessary that the inner surfaces  138  of the side members  120 / 122  be configured to tightly engage the side walls  86 / 88  of the front case  20  to secure the front case  20  to the back case  18 . In addition to the space between the side members  120 / 122  being selected so as to engage, preferably tightly, the side walls  86 / 88  of the front case  20 , the material for the inner surfaces  138  of the side members  120 / 122  and/or the material for the side walls  86 / 88  can be selected to facilitate the engagement of these components when the user places the front case  20  against the front wall  32  of the back case  18 . 
     A third embodiment of the holder  10  of the present invention is shown in  FIGS. 20-25 . In this embodiment, the connecting mechanism  22  is configured with the side members  120  and  122  attached to or integral with the side walls  86 / 88  of the front case  20  (in contrast to being associated with the side walls  36 / 38  of the back case  18 ). As described above with regard to the second embodiment, the side members  120 / 122  are spaced apart such that the inner surfaces  138  of side members  120 / 122  will tightly engage the side walls  36 / 38  of the back case  18  to secure the front case  20  to the back case  18 . In addition to the space between side members  120 / 122  being selected to engage, preferably tightly, the side walls  36 / 38  of the back case  18 , the material for the inner surfaces  138  of the side members  120 / 122  and/or the material for the side walls  36 / 38  can be selected to facilitate the engagement of these components when the user places the front case  20  against the front wall  32  of the back case  18 . One benefit of the configuration of the third embodiment is that the outer surface  66  of the front wall  32  of the back case  18  will be smooth, as best shown in  FIG. 21 , across the width thereof without the side members  120 / 122  extending outward from the back case  18 , as shown with the previous embodiments of holder  10  in  FIGS. 9 and 18 . As will be readily appreciated, the smooth outer surface  66  of the front wall  32  provides the user with a more attractive look when the back case  18  is utilized alone (i.e., without the front case  20  attached to the back case  18 ). 
     As best shown in  FIGS. 22-25 , this embodiment is also modified to be more useful when the photographic item  12  being carried in the back case  18  is a printer  17  and to be able to carry a film pack  14  for the printer  17  and one or more photographic prints  16  printed by the printer  17  in the front case  20 . As shown in  FIGS. 22 and 23 , the printer  17  can be placed in the compartment  44  of the back case  18  with its discharge slot  140  positioned upward so a new photographic print, shown as  16   a  in  FIGS. 22-23 , can eject upward out of the discharge slot  140  when the back case  18  is in its open position  46  (i.e., with the lid  42  pivoted open). As will be familiar to many users and persons skilled in the relevant art, relatively recently a number of new printers are available that are small sized so as to be easily portable and are configured to produce photographic prints therefrom that are of a very good quality. In contrast to the cameras that are configured to eject photographic prints, such as the Polaroid® and similar cameras, these printers are separate from the camera. Like the older film and in contrast to most computer printers, however, once the prints are ejected from the printer they still have time to develop into the final print. These printers can connect to the camera, which may be a cell phone or smart phone, with wires or wirelessly (i.e., by using Bluetooth® or the like). An example of such a printer is the LG Pocket Photo™, which uses the new Zink® (for zero ink) paper. The holder  10  of the present invention can be utilized with this printer and many others like it. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 22-25 , the printer  17  can be placed in the compartment  44  of the back case  18  and the photographic prints  16  that are ejected from the printer  17 , as shown with regard to photograph print  16   a  in  FIGS. 22-23 , can be placed in the compartment  94  of the front case  20 . As shown in  FIGS. 22-25 , the compartment  94  of the front case  20  can be modified to store the photographic prints  16  as they develop and after they have developed and to store a film pack  14  that is used with the printer  17 . In one embodiment, the compartment  94  has a divider element  142  that divides the compartment  94  into an upper area  144  that is sized and configured to receive and hold photographic prints  16  and a lower area  146  that is sized and configured to receive and hold a film pack  14 , as best shown in  FIG. 25 . As will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, the user merely has to flip the lid  92  of the front case  20  to place the front case  20  in its open condition  96  and drop one or more photographic prints  16  into the upper area  144  defined by the divider element  142  and then close the lid  92  to keep the photographic prints  16  in the front case  20  as they develop or after they develop. As will also be appreciated to those skilled in the art, however, access to the film pack  14  in the lower area  146  can be difficult to reach. To facilitate access to the film pack  14 , as well as easier access to the photographic prints  16 , the front case  20  of this embodiment of the holder  10  is provided with a front section  148  that is pivotally attached to a back section  150  to move the front case  20  between its closed position  152 , shown in  FIGS. 20-22 , and its access position  154 , shown in  FIGS. 23-24 . As with the lids  42 / 92  of the two cases  18 / 20 , a pivot mechanism  156  interconnects the front section  148  with the back section  150  in a manner that allows the front section  148  to pivot to the access position  154 .  FIG. 25  is a front view of the back section  150 , with the front section  148  removed, showing the photographic prints  16  in the upper area  144 , the film pack  14  in the lower area  146 , the divider element  142  between the two areas  144 / 146 , the upper portion of the back wall  84  and the pivot mechanism  156 . When front section  148  is pivoted downward, the user can more easily retrieve the film pack  14  from front case  20 . 
     As with the lids  42 / 92  of the back case  18  and the front case  20 , respectively, various devices can be utilized for the pivot mechanism  156  to pivot the front section  148  towards and away from back section  150 , including a “living hinge” or a separate hinge device. The back section  150  can be provided with a pair of outwardly extending side engaging walls, namely first side engaging wall  158  and second side engaging wall  160 , as best shown in  FIGS. 24-25 , that are sized and configured to help enclose the film pack  14  and the photographic prints  16  in the back section  150  and to engage the side walls  86 / 88  of the front section  148  in a manner that secures, preferably tightly but in a manner in which the user can easily open, the front section  148  against the back section  150  and keeps the front case  20  in its closed position  152 , which will prevent the film pack  14  and photographic prints  16  from falling out of the holder  10  as it is being carried or otherwise utilized by the user. If desired, a locking mechanism similar to locking mechanism  52 , can be used to secure the front section  148  to back section  150 . A fourth embodiment of the holder  10  of the present invention is shown in  FIGS. 26-35 . In this embodiment, the holder  10  utilizes a specially configured multi-clip  170  as the connecting mechanism  22  and as the carrying device  24 . The embodiment of the holder  10  in  FIGS. 26-35  is configured with a connecting mechanism  22  that does not utilize the securing slots  126  and securing pins  128  that are shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 9 . Instead, as best shown in  FIGS. 26 and 27 , the connecting mechanism  22  of this embodiment comprises the specially modified multi-clip  170  associated with the back wall  84  of the front case  20  and a clip receiver  172  associated with the front wall  32  of the back case  18 . The holder  10  of this embodiment also utilizes the side members  120 / 122  to form the open receptacle  119 . As set forth above, the open receptacle  119  formed at the front wall  32  of the back case  18  is cooperatively sized and configured with the front case  20  such that the inner surfaces  138  of the side members  120 / 122  will engage the side walls  86 / 88  of the front case  20  to guide the front case  20  on to the back case  18  with the multi-clip  170  being inserted into the clip receiver  172 . As will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art, it may not be necessary for the inner surfaces  138  of the side members  120 / 122  to tightly engage the side walls  86 / 88  of the front case  20  to secure the front case  20  to the back case  18 , as the insertion of the multi-clip  170  into the clip receiver  172  will secure the front case  20  to the back case  18 . In addition to the space between side members  120 / 122  being selected to engage the side walls  86 / 88  of front case  20 , the material for the inner surfaces  138  of the side members  120 / 122  and/or the material for the side walls  86 / 88  can be selected to facilitate the engagement of these components when the user places the front case  20  against the front wall  32  of back case  18 . 
     The multi-clip  170 , which is sized and configured to be received by and engage the clip receiver  172 , comprises a clip body  174  having two or more open sections, shown as first open section  176  and second open section  178  and a clip base member  180 , with the clip base member  180  being at an upper end  182  of multi-clip  170 , the first open section  176  being towards the upper end  182  of the multi-clip  170  and the second open section  178  being towards a lower end  184  of the multi-clip  170 , as best shown in  FIGS. 32 and 33 . The back wall  84  of the front case  20  has a generally u-shaped clip support member  186  that is sized and configured to extend outward from the back wall  84  to form a passage  188  therethrough in which the multi-clip  170  is inserted, except the clip base member  180  which is received inside the clip support member  186 , as best shown in  FIG. 27 . An engagement mechanism  190  at or just below the clip base member  180  is structured and arranged to engage the clip support member  186  and secure the clip base member  180  of the multi-clip  170  in the clip support member  186  and the multi-clip  170  generally at the back wall  84  of the front case  20  when the multi-clip  170  is inserted through the clip support member  186 , as shown in  FIG. 27 . As will be explained in more detail below, the portion of the clip body  174  below the clip base member  180  is in spaced apart relation to the back wall  84  of the front case  20  when the multi-clip  170  is secured to the front case  20  to allow the multi-clip  170  to be utilized as a belt clip that removably attaches the front case  20  to a belt or to the top of an article of clothing or other item when the front case  20  is utilized by itself (i.e., independent of the back case  18 ). 
     As set forth in more detail below, the multi-clip  170  of the present invention is utilized as both the connecting mechanism  22  that connects the front case  20  to the back case  18  and as the carrying device  24  associated with the back case  18  for carrying the holder  10 . The multi-clip  170  at the back wall  84  of the front case  20  also functions as a carrying device  24  for the front case  20  when it is utilized independent of the back case  18 . For purposes of identifying the particular use of the multi-clip  170 , the multi-clip  170  associated with the front case  20  that is being utilized as the connecting mechanism  22  is shown as first multi-clip  170   a  in  FIGS. 27 and 29  while the multi-clip  170  associated with the back case  18  that is being utilized as the carrying device  24  is shown as second multi-clip  170   b  in  FIGS. 28, 30 and 31 . In a preferred configuration, the two multi-clips  170   a / 170   b  are configured at least substantially the same. As such, the description herein of either multi-clip  170  will typically apply to both of the multi-clips  170   a / 170   b.    
     The clip body  174  of the multi-clip  170  has a first side wall  192  and a second side wall  194  that extend from the clip base member  180  to the lower end  184  of the multi-clip  170 , as best shown in  FIG. 32 . In a preferred configuration, each of the side walls  192 / 194  taper inward slightly for ease of inserting the clip body  174  through the respective clip support members  60 / 186  (as set forth below). As shown in  FIGS. 27 and 32 , the first open section  176  extends inward away from the first side wall  192  and the second open section  178  extends inward away from the second side wall  194 . The open sections  176 / 178  are sized and configured to receive a portion of an elongated strap  30  therein, as shown in  FIGS. 34 and 35 , to secure the holder  10  (or just the front case  20 ) to the elongated strap  30 . To better secure the multi-clip  170  to the elongated strap  30 , each of the open sections  176 / 178  extend inward a sufficient amount to create an overlap segment  196  where the two open sections  176 / 178  overlap each other, as best shown in  FIG. 32 . The overlap segment  196  allows the elongated strap  30  to lay substantially flat against the clip bod  174  of the multi-clip  170 , as best shown in  FIGS. 34 and 35 . To accommodate the width of most elongated straps  30 , it is preferred that the overlap segment  196  is at least ¾ of an inch wide. The open sections  176 / 178  should have an opening that is sufficiently wide and long to accommodate the thickness and width of most, or at least the typical, elongated straps  30  that will be utilized to carry the holder  10  or either the back case  18  or the front case  20  by themselves so the strap  30  can be woven through the two open sections  176 / 178 , as shown in  FIGS. 34 and 35 . 
     In the preferred configuration of the multi-clip  170 , the multi-clip  170  has an engagement mechanism  190  that is structured and arranged to securely engage the clip base  174  of the multi-clip  170   a  in the clip support member  186  of the front case  20 , as shown in  FIG. 27 , or the clip base  174  of the multi-clip  170   b  in the clip support member  60  of the back case  18 , as shown in  FIGS. 28 and 31 . In the preferred configuration, the engagement mechanism  190  is of the type that has a small hooked end which engages a portion of the clip support members  60 / 186  when the clip base  174  is received in the subject clip support member  60 / 186 . The clip body  174  will be flexible enough that when the clip body  174  is inserted through the subject clip support member  60 / 186 , the engagement mechanism  190  will press against the inside surface of the clip support member  60 / 186  until it passes below the clip support member  60 / 186  where the spring action of the flexible clip body  174  will push the engagement mechanism  190  outward to engage the bottom of the clip support member  60 / 186 , as shown in  FIGS. 27, 28 and 31 , to hold the multi-clip  170  in place. 
     When utilized to attach the front case  20  to the back case  18 , as shown in  FIGS. 28-30 , the multi-clip  170   a  on the back wall  84  of the front case  20  is received in the clip receiver  172  on the front wall  32  of the back case  18 , which is shown in  FIG. 26 . The clip receiver  172  should be sized and configured to receive the portion of the multi-clip  170   a  extending below the clip support member  186 , as shown in  FIG. 27 , to removably support the front case  20  on back case  18 . The clip receiver  172  is attached to or integral with the front wall  32  of the back case  18 . In a preferred configuration, the clip receiver  172  is molded with the front wall  32  of the back case  18  so as to be integral therewith, as shown in  FIG. 26 . The clip receiver has receiver body  198  with an upper end  200 , lower end  202 , first side wall  204 , second side wall  206  and a front wall  208 . The side walls  204  and  206  are sized and configured to position the front wall  208  of the clip receiver  172  in spaced apart relation with the front wall  32  of the back case  18  to form a passage  210  between the inside surface of the front wall  208  of the clip receiver  172  and the front wall  32  of the back case  18 , as shown in  FIG. 26 . The clip body  184  of the multi-clip  170   a  below the clip base member  180  will extend through the passage  210  from the upper end  200  towards, to or beyond the lower end  202  of the clip receiver  172 . In a preferred configuration of the multi-clip  170  and the clip receiver  172  the side walls  192 / 194  of the clip body  174  of the multi-clip  170  will abut against and engage the inner surfaces  212  of the side walls  204 / 206  of receiver body  198  of the clip receiver  172 , at least along the side walls  192 / 194  toward the clip base member  180  for the clip body  174  having tapered side walls  192 / 194 , to at least somewhat securely position the multi-clip  170   a  inside the passage  210  of the clip receiver  172  to hold the front case  20  on the back case  18 . 
     For use with the back case  18 , the multi-clip  170   b  is receive in the clip support member  60 , as shown in  FIGS. 28, 30 and 31 . As described above with regard to the multi-clip  170   a  for the front case  20 , the multi-clip  170   b  can have its side walls  204 / 206  tapered and the multi-clip  170   b  and the clip support member  60  can be cooperatively sized and configured such that the side walls  204 / 206  abut against and engage the inner surfaces (not shown) of the side walls  204 / 206  to more securely receive the multi-clip  170   b  in the clip support member  60  (although this may not be necessary with the engagement mechanism  190  holding the multi-clip  170   b  in place). As described above with regard to the belt clip  26 , when the multi-clip  170   b  is in place, there should be a gap  68  between clip body  174  and the back wall  34  of the back case  18  so the carrying device  24  can fit over a belt or over an edge of an article of clothing or the like. 
     In the preferred configuration of the present invention, the holder  10  uses the multi-clip  170  described above to connect the front case  20  to the back case  18  (multi-clip  170   a ) and to secure the back case  18  to a belt, elongated strap  30  or other device. In an alternative configuration, a variety of other clip members can be utilized for one or more of the purposes of the multi-clip described above. In one embodiment, the clip member can be the belt clip  26  shown  FIGS. 2 and 3 , having no open sections  176 / 178 . 
     In use, the user secures the front case  20  to the back case  18  using the connecting mechanism  22 , such as those described above and shown in the figures. Perhaps the easiest and least expensive to manufacture is the connecting mechanism  22  that comprises the side members  120 / 122  either being integral with the side walls  36 / 38  of the back case  18  so as to engage the side walls  86 / 88  of the front case  20  or being integral with the side walls  86 / 88  of the front case  20  so as to engage the side walls  36 / 38  of the back case  18 . Although both of these configurations are relatively easy to manufacture and use, the latter (i.e., the third embodiment) has the benefit of the front wall  32  of the back case  18  being smooth, which will generally be more attractive when used alone. The fourth embodiment uses the multi-clip  170   a  and clip receiver  172  to more securely, but removably, attach the front case  20  to the back case  18 . The user then connects the carrying device  24  to the holder  10 , places the desired photographic items  12  in the compartments of the cases  18 / 20  and uses the holder  10  to store and carry these items  12  until he or she needs them for use or otherwise desires to remove the items  12  from the holder  10 . When the holder  10  is being carried by the user, the lids  42 / 92  of the two cases  18 / 20 , respectively, can be pivoted open to allow the user to retrieve one or more photographic items  12  from the holder  10  or to place the items  12  into the holder  10 . In the preferred embodiments, the lids  42 / 92  are pivotally attached to the top edge of the front walls  32 / 82  so as to pivot forward away from the front walls  32 / 82 , as shown in the figures. As also described above, the holder  10  can be utilized to carry larger sized film packs  14 , cameras and printers  17 , among other items, in back case  18  and developing or developed photographic prints  16  in the front case  20  and/or the holder  10  can be utilized to carry a printer  17  in the back case  18  and both a film pack  14  and developing or developed photographic prints  16 . Naturally, the holder  10  can also be utilized to carry money, credit cards, identification cards, passports and/or other items along with the photographic items  12 . In the preferred embodiments, the holder  10  of the present invention is relatively inexpensive to manufacture, easy for the user to utilize and a convenient device for holding and carrying photographic items  12 . 
     While there are shown and described herein a specific form of the invention, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention is not so limited, but is susceptible to various modifications and rearrangements in design and materials without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In particular, it should be noted that the present invention is subject to modification with regard to any dimensional relationships set forth herein and modifications in assembly, materials, size, shape and use. For instance, there are numerous components described herein that can be replaced with equivalent functioning components to accomplish the objectives of the present invention.