Carrying Case
This invention relates to a portable case adapted for holding handheld devices such as phones, cameras, camcorders, radios and other products as well as non-electronic devices such as flashlights. The case is supported by a selectively bendable stand which may be altered in any variety of positions to provide a support for the case and associated electronic equipment. The case may also include an elastic cord element to removably interconnect the electronic device on an exterior surface of the case during use.
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This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/758,473, filed Jun. 5, 2007, which is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/839,601, filed May 4, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,270,255, which is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/902,510, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,729,518, filed Jul. 9, 2001, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. Nos. 60/216,977 and 60/241,631, filed Jul. 7, 2000 and Oct. 19, 2000, respectively, and is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/137,521, now U.S. Design Pat. D453,417, filed Feb. 21, 2001, each application or issued patent incorporated by reference in their entirety herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates to carrying cases for handheld apparatus and more specifically to carrying cases having an interconnected selectively adjustable and reversible stand to provide an apparatus for supporting or hanging the carrying case in a plurality of positions.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONHandheld cases are used for any variety and number of purposes to protect electronic devices such as cameras, camcorders and other products from exposure to weather and other elements. These cases are also used to hold products such as flashlights, cell phones, global positioning systems (GPS), personal digital assistants (PDA's) portable radios and other similar handheld devices (herein collectively “electronic device”) These handheld cases are typically made of leather, nylon, or other fabrics which are resistant to wear yet provide protection from the elements. Certain cases also have the additional feature of providing a belt strap or other interconnection mechanism to attach the case to a user's belt or clothing. This feature prevents the case and associated electronic device from being inadvertently lost or stolen, yet allowing a user to have their hands free for other uses. One example of this type of case is a cell phone case manufactured and sold by McGuire-Nicholas which comprises a sheath or holster designed to receive the phone, and which is interconnected to a short, rigid metallic clip extending from the back of the sheath. Although the clip can be used on a belt, the carrying apparatus and enclosed electronic device cannot be supported in a stable upright position on a flat object such as a desk top. Further, the metallic clip is incapable of being reversibly bent to either support or hang the carrying case in any number of positions.
Another type of holder especially designed for a flashlight is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,206,542 for a “Flashlight Support Device”. This device allows a flashlight to be positioned in one of numerous different positions with four independently operated legs, yet is incapable of holding and securing other electronic devices within the rigid plastic sleeve. Further, the lower end of the plastic sleeve does not independently provide a stable base to secure an apparatus in a stable, upright position, nor provide a means for securing an electronic device to an exterior surface of the sleeve.
Thus, none of the existing prior art storage cases provide a means for supporting or hanging an electronic device in a preferred position of use, while otherwise allowing the electronic device to be stored in a secure position adjacent a user's body. For example, to access the key pad on a cellular phone or PDA, it is preferable to have the device supported in a secure upright position. A further problem exists with flashlights which can be utilized in a number of different ways if the beam of light can be oriented in a preferred direction. For example, when a user needs both hands to operate tools or other machinery, it is preferable to have some type of case which can be used to support or hang the flashlight, yet can also be secured adjacent a user's body during transportation.
Thus, a need exists for a carrying case which has a selectively adjustable support stand which allows the case to be oriented and positioned in a firm upright position or hung from an object to orient an electronic device in a preferred position of use. Additionally, a need exists for the support stand to be reversibly bendable in such a degree that it can be alternatively used as a belt clip or a support device with a plurality of positions of use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIt is thus one aspect of the present invention to provide a portable carrying case for an electronic apparatus with a built-in selectively adjustable stand which can be either supported on an object such as a table top or hung from an object. As previously stated, these electronic apparatus may include but are not limited to cellular telephones, personal digital assistants (PDA's), radios, global positioning systems, (GPS), cameras, flashlights and other similar devices. The invention is designed to provide a reversibly bendable support member interconnected to a sheath or holster such that the apparatus and/or the case can be used in a multiplicity of applications. For example, the carrying case in one embodiment is designed to hold a cellular telephone. The selectively adjustable stand can be used to position the cellular phone in an upright position on a table or desk top for hands free operation. Further, the device can be used to hang the phone from an object such as a rear view mirror or cup-holder in an automobile. The selectively adjustable stand may also be used as a belt clip for securing the case to one's belt or another article of clothing when not in use. Further, the case may be secured on a belt and tilted in a preferred orientation of use while removably interconnected to a user's belt or pocket.
In one aspect of the present invention, a removably bendable support stand is provided which may be bent in at least two distinct directions to allow the carrying case to either be supported on or hung from an object. In one embodiment of the present invention a bendable metallic material is provided for the support stand which is preferably covered with a fabric, plastic, rubber or other material.
It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a means for supporting the electronic apparatus on the exterior of the carrying case to allow use while exposing keypads, buttons, speakers and other gadgetry associated with the electronic device. In one embodiment of the present invention, an elastic cord is interconnected on a front surface of the sheath to accommodate this feature. Alternatively, mesh fabric materials, hook and loop straps or other types of similar devices may be used for the same purpose.
It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a carrying case with a reflective flap cover, wherein the interior surface of the flap has a reflective lining. This reflective lining may be chosen from metal foils or any other reflective fabrics to reflect a light source in a preferred direction. The reflective inner lining is preferably used in conjunction with a flashlight to deflect light similar to a lantern. Thus, the flashlight/carrying case may be adjusted using the selectively adjustable stand to deflect light off the flap inner lining to disburse the light over a greater area than a typical flashlight.
It is yet a further aspect of the present invention to provide one or more sleeves interconnected to the case for storing batteries or other auxiliary devices. The sleeves are generally created by an elastic band sewn or otherwise attached to the carrying case body. The elastic sleeves are typically sized for the batteries commonly used in the device for which the carrying case is designed to carry, although other types of accessory items commonly used with the electronic apparatus can also be conveniently stored on the case.
It is yet another aspect of the present invention to provide a secondary elastic band or other similar apparatus which is interconnected to the support stand, sheath, or both and which enables the carrying case to be attached to a secondary object. In the example of the flashlight carrying case, this feature enables a user to create an adjustable headband for holding the carrying case and associated flashlight on a user's head.
It is a further aspect of the present invention that the support member and associated sheath and backing plate have sufficient rigidity to provide at least three distinct points of support, i.e. from a minimum of two corners on the sheath back support and one on the selectively adjustable support member. Preferably, at least four distinct points of support are provided, i.e., two from the corners of the sheath back support and two from the corners of the adjustable support stand corners to provide a stable, secure stand that will not easily tip over during use. Alternatively, in one embodiment of the present invention a support member with two distinct legs is provided which works in operable combination to support or suspend the carrying case and electronic apparatus.
It is a further aspect of the present invention to provide a sheath and/or support member with a skid-resistant material such as rubber or soft plastic which in use is in direct contact with a table top or other planer object to impede slipping. Thus, in one embodiment of the present invention a rubber material is positioned along a lower edge of the support member, or sheath back support.
It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a removable support stand in combination with a carrying case for use with cameras and other similar devices wherein the selectively adjustable stand may be used as a tripod for a camera for which the case is designed. More specifically, the camera case can be selectively adjusted to support a camera, camcorder or other similar hand-held object in a stable, preferred position wherein a remote control or timing device can be used to operate the camera in a “hands-off” mode. When not in use, the selectively adjustable support stand can be removed and stored in a sleeve, pocket, or other similar storage area integral to the case.
It is yet another aspect of the present invention to provide a flexible sheath made of a sewn and stitched material with a rigid backing sheet to provide sufficient support for the apparatus while positioned upright on a planar object such as a table or desk top. As opposed to rigid plastic cases, the sewn and stitched type sheath provides flexibility for different sized electronic devices, and is cost effective to manufacture.
In one embodiment of the present invention, a one-piece bendable, metallic support member is provided, and which extends along substantially the entire rear portion of the sheath. Preferably, the one-piece bendable metallic support stand has a sufficient length to comprise both a back support for the sheath and the selectively adjustable support member, and being bendable in a position substantially midway between a first end and a second end. Alternatively, dual support legs which operate in substantial unison may be provided with the sheath to provide a case with sufficient support to be oriented in an upright position.
It is a further aspect of the present invention that the support member include a snap, button or other similar securement device which allows the support member to be removably interconnected to the sheath to allow the carrying case to be secured to a belt or other object. Preferably, the device may be secured with the use of one hand, such as with a snap on hook and loop material.
Thus, in one aspect of the present invention, a case adapted for protecting an apparatus and providing a selectively adjustable support stand is provided, which comprises:
a case body comprising a back support and a sheath for defining an interior space to receive the apparatus, said sheath comprising an upper end, a lower end and opposing lateral edges positioned therebetween;
a support member having a free end, a connecting end and opposing lateral edges positioned therebetween, said support member being reversibly bendable along substantially an entire length and interconnected on said connecting end to said sheath, wherein said support member can be maintained closely adjacent to said sheath or selectively bent to either support or hang said carrying case in a plurality of positions.
To assist in the understanding of the invention and associated drawings, the following list of components and associated numbering are included herein.
Referring now to the drawings,
The adjustable support member 40 is bendable and positionable so as to allow selective adjustment and orientation of the carrying case to a desired position of use or storage. Preferably, the adjustable support member 40 is hingedly interconnected to the back support upper end 38. More preferably, the adjustable support member 40 is bendable in at least a first direction and a second direction, and has the ability to repeatedly be bent and configured in a plurality of positions without damaging the bendable material associated with the adjustable support member 40. It is also preferred that the adjustable support member 40 be flexible enough to be repositioned to another desired position or to its original position, i.e., reversibly bendable. Additionally, it is preferable that the adjustable support member 40 be reversibly bendable along at least substantially its entire length.
In a preferred embodiment, the adjustable support member 40 has a sufficient length to extend substantially along an entire length of the sheath 34, and thus serves the dual role of being both a back support 32 and a selectively adjustable support member 40. In one embodiment, the selectively adjustable support member 40 is used in conjunction with a sewn and stitched, durable fabric material which provides some flexibility to hold different types of apparatus in the same case in a cost effective manner. To enhance the flexibility, the sheath 34 may be constructed with elastic panels which interconnect the back support 32 to a front panel of the sheath 34. Further, in some embodiments which store electronic devices, it is preferable to have some form of aperture or opening on a lower end of the sheath 34 to allow the removable interconnection of attachment devices such as headphones, etc.
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With regard to the physical shape and characteristics of the selectively adjustable support member 40, any number of configurations could be used for the same purpose of providing a selectively adjustable support which can be reversibly and repeatedly bent in a plurality of positions. More specifically, the support member 40 may have a generally rectangular, square, or triangular shape, or may be comprised of two legs (as opposed to one) working in operable combination to provide a stable support mechanism capable of supporting or hanging the sheath 34. Further, in one embodiment of the present application it is anticipated that the adjustable support member be biased to extend outwardly when pressure is applied to a lower portion of the sheath 30, back support lower end 36, or a lower portion of the support member 40. Thus, the selectively adjustable support member 40 can be automatically extended upon setting the case body 30 on a surface (not shown). Further, anti-skid materials such as rubber may be placed on a lower portion of the adjustable support member 40, lower portion of the back support 32, or lower portion of the sheath 34 to inhibit the device from sliding while positioned on a table top or other similar surface.
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The foregoing exemplary descriptions and the illustrative preferred embodiments of the present invention have been explained in the drawings and described in detail with varying modifications and alternative embodiments being taught. While the invention has been so shown, described and illustrated, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that equivalent changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention, and that the scope of the present invention is to be limited only to the claims except as precluded by the prior art. Moreover, the invention as disclosed herein, may be suitably practiced in the absence of the specific elements which are disclosed herein.
Claims
1. A case adapted for carrying and protecting a handheld device, comprising:
- a case body comprising a back panel, a front panel and opposing lateral surfaces positioned therebetween that define a sheath adapted to receive the handheld device, said sheath also comprising an upper end and a lower end; and
- a pocket associated with said back panel within said sheath, said money pocket being adapted to store at least one of a business card, a calculator, and a credit card.
2. The case of claim 1, wherein said opposing lateral surfaces are flexible and further comprising at least one storage sleeve interconnected to at least one of said opposing lateral surfaces, wherein said sheath and said at least one storage sleeve are both resiliently deflectable to allow the selective insertion and removal of the handheld device and to allow for the secondary storage of an accessory device in said at least one storage sleeve.
3. The case of claim 2, further comprising at least one secondary storage sleeve interconnected to said at least one storage sleeve, said at least one secondary storage sleeve comprising a resiliently deflectable material that is capable of assuming a generally tubular shape to retain at least one of a flashlight, a battery and a tool.
4. The case of claim 1, wherein said case body is further defined by at least one support member interconnected to said lower of said sheath, said at least one support member having at least one aperture wherein removal of the handheld device is facilitated by pushing upwardly through the aperture on the handheld device.
5. The case of claim 1, further comprising a cover hingedly interconnected to said back panel and an auxiliary sleeve that is attached horizontally between said opposing lateral surfaces adjacent to a hinged point of said cover point of said cover.
6. The case of claim 1, further comprising a flexible, generally cylindrical member that is adapted to secure at least one of a writing instrument, a knife and a tool that is interconnected to at least one of an interior portion of said sheath and at least one of said opposing lateral surfaces.
7. The case of claim 1, further comprising a cover hingedly interconnected to said back panel and an auxiliary sleeve that is attached horizontally between said opposing lateral surfaces adjacent to a hinged point of said cover point of said cover; and
- a flexible, generally cylindrical member that is adapted to secure at least one of a writing instrument, a knife and a tool that is interconnected to at least one of an interior portion of said sheath and at least one of said opposing lateral surfaces.
8. A flexible case adapted for carrying and protecting a handheld device, comprising:
- a case body comprising a back panel, a front panel and opposing stretchable lateral surfaces positioned therebetween that define a flexible sheath adapted to receive the handheld device, said flexible sheath also comprising an upper end and a lower end, said opposing stretchable lateral surfaces each having a first edge associated with said front panel and a second edge associated with said back panel to define a width of said lateral surface;
- at least one storage sleeve interconnected to at least one of said opposing stretchable lateral surfaces, said at least one storage sleeve including a first edge interconnected adjacent to said front panel and a second edge interconnected adjacent to said back panel, wherein said first edge of at least one of said opposing stretchable lateral surfaces coincides with said first edge of said storage sleeve and wherein said second edge of at least one of said opposing stretchable lateral surfaces coincides with said second edge of said storage sleeve such that said at least one storage sleeve spans said width of said at least one of said opposing stretchable lateral surface and rests flat against said at least one opposing stretchable lateral surface when said at least one storage sleeve is positioned in a non-deflected state, and wherein said flexible sheath and said at least one storage sleeve are both resiliently deflectable to allow the selective insertion and removal of the handheld device and to allow for the secondary storage of an accessory device in said at least one storage sleeve; and
- a pocket associated with said back panel within said sheath.
9. The flexible case of claim 8, further comprising at least one secondary storage sleeve interconnected to said at least one storage sleeve, said at least one secondary storage sleeve comprising a resiliently deflectable material that is capable of assuming a generally tubular shape to retain at least one of a flashlight, a battery and a tool.
10. The flexible case of claim 8, wherein said case body is further defined by at least one support member interconnected to said lower end and said back panel, said at least one support member having at least one aperture wherein removal of the handheld device is facilitated by pushing upwardly through the aperture on the handheld device.
11. The flexible case of claim 8, further comprising a cover hingedly interconnected to said back panel and an auxiliary sleeve that is attached horizontally between said opposing stretchable lateral surfaces adjacent to a hinged point of said cover point of said cover.
12. The flexible case of claim 8, further comprising a flexible, generally cylindrical member that is interconnected to at least one of an interior portion of said sheath and at least one of said opposing stretchable lateral surface.
13. The flexible case of claim 8, further comprising a cover hingedly interconnected to said back panel and an auxiliary sleeve that is attached horizontally between said opposing lateral surfaces adjacent to the hinged point of said cover point of said cover;
- and a flexible, generally cylindrical member that is interconnected to at least one of an interior portion of said sheath and at least one of said opposing stretchable lateral surface.
14. A flexible case adapted for storing at least one of a cellular phone, radio or other electronic device, comprising:
- a case body comprising a back surface, a front surface and opposing stretchable lateral surfaces positioned therebetween that define a flexible sheath, said opposing stretchable lateral surfaces each having a first edge associated with said front panel and a second edge associated with said back panel to define a width of said opposing stretchable lateral surface;
- a flexible sleeve associated with said opposing stretchable lateral surfaces, said at least one flexible sleeve includes a first edge, which coincides with said first edge of said opposing stretchable lateral surface, and a second edge, which coincides with said second edge of said opposing stretchable lateral surface such that said flexible sleeve spans said width of said at least one of said opposing stretchable lateral surface and is oriented substantially parallel to said opposing lateral surface when said flexible sleeve is positioned in a non-deflected state, and extends outwardly to accept and restrain a device for storage when the flexible sleeve is positioned in a second position of use; and
- a flexible, generally cylindrical member that is adapted to secure at least one of a writing instrument, a knife and a tool that is interconnected to at least one of an interior portion of said sheath and at least one of said opposing stretchable lateral surface.
15. The flexible case of claim 14 further comprising a pocket associated with said back panel, said pocket being adapted to store at least one of a business card, a calculator, and a credit card.
16. The flexible case of claim 14 further comprising a cover hingedly interconnected to said back panel and an auxiliary sleeve that is attached horizontally between said opposing lateral surfaces adjacent to a hinged point of said cover point of said cover.
17. The flexible case of claim 14, further comprising a pocket associated with said back panel, said pocket being adapted to store at least one of a business card, a calculator, and a credit card and a cover hingedly interconnected to said back panel and an auxiliary sleeve that is attached horizontally between said opposing lateral surfaces adjacent to the hinged point of said cover point of said cover.
18. The flexible case of claim 14, further comprising a belt clip interconnected to said back panel.
19. The flexible case of claim 14, wherein said flexible sleeve is capable of resiliently deflecting to secure a handheld tool, a writing device, or a flashlight.
20. The flexible case of claim 14, wherein said case body is further defined by at least one support member interconnected to a lower end and said back surface, said at least one support member having at least one aperture.
Type: Application
Filed: Oct 5, 2009
Publication Date: Mar 18, 2010
Applicant: Intelligent Designs 2000 Corp. (Commerce City, CO)
Inventors: Paul Badillo (Littleton, CO), Sandra Martinez (Littleton, CO)
Application Number: 12/573,269
International Classification: B65D 85/00 (20060101); B65D 85/28 (20060101);