Abstract: An expandable sling bag has a shape and a shoulder strap that enable the sling bag to be worn across an individual's back, chest and/or abdomen, or side, under the individual's arm. The expandable sling bag includes an expandable receptacle that enables the sling bag to accommodate an oversized item, such as a portable computer, a sleeve for a portable computer, or the like, with dimension that exceed a height of the sling bag. More specifically, the expandable sling bag may include a receptacle with an opening at its top, an expandable base positionable within a bottom portion of the receptacle, and a bottom opening through which the expandable base may be extended to expand a length of the receptacle. Methods of using an expandable sling bag to carry oversized items are also disclosed.

Abstract: An expandable sling bag has a shape and a shoulder strap that enable the sling bag to be worn across an individual's back, chest and/or abdomen, or side, under the individual's arm. The expandable sling bag includes an expandable receptacle that enables the sling bag to accommodate an oversized item, such as a portable computer, a sleeve for a portable computer, or the like, with dimension that exceed a height of the sling bag. More specifically, the expandable sling bag may include a receptacle with an opening at its top, an expandable base positionable within a bottom portion of the receptacle, and a bottom opening through which the expandable base may be extended to expand a length of the receptacle. Methods of using an expandable sling bag to carry oversized items are also disclosed.

Abstract: A protective case is defined by inflatable panels and an inflatable top. When the panels of the protective case are inflated, they may protect an object (e.g., a camera, other photography equipment, a portable electronic device, etc.) that has been placed within a receptacle of the protective case from impacts on the protective case. The protective case may be used alone to carry the object, or it may be introduced into a bag (e.g., a backpack, a camera bag, etc.) that may in turn be carried by an individual. Methods for storing and transporting objects, such as photography equipment and portable electronic devices, are also disclosed.