TRAVEL CASE

Abstract

An example of a carrying case includes an inner cover and an outer cover. The inner cover includes a first end and a second end. The outer cover also includes a first end and a second end. The first end of the outer cover is rotatably connected to a first pivot point at the first end of the inner cover and the second end of the outer cover is rotatably connected to a second pivot point at the second end of the inner cover. The outer cover can be rotated around the inner cover along the longitudinal axis of case to open and close the carrying case. The inner and outer covers form a storage compartment.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/386,455, filed Sep. 24, 2010, entitled “Travel Case.”

BACKGROUND

Aeration of wine is a common practice that can be used to improve the flavor profile of wine. Conventional techniques for aerating wine include pouring the wine into a decanter or other container that increases the wine's exposure to the air. While decanting is effective, it is also time consuming For example, some younger red wines that have high tannin levels may require as much as an hour of decanting time to reap the benefits of the process.

Venturi devices have been developed as a quick and effective alternative to decanting, such as a Vinturi® brand aeration device developed by Area 55, Inc. of Carlsbad, Calif. and described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,614,614. Wine is poured into the Venturi apparatus to aerate the wine. The wine is pulled through the device by gravity, and as the wine moves through the device, the wine is mixed with air from the atmosphere. Models for aerating white wines have also been developed that provide a different ratio of air to wine that is tailored to the unique characteristics of white wines.

SUMMARY

Travel cases are disclosed herein that can be used to transport a portable Venturi device for aerating wines or other liquids. The carrying case is compact in size, allowing the Venturi device to be carried in a pocket, purse, travel bag, backpack, or other means for carrying objects. For example, a carrying case fits the device closely and helps protect the Venturi device from being scratched or damaged during transport. The carrying case also can also help keep dust, dirt, lint, and other foreign objects from contaminating the Venturi device while the device is being transported. Furthermore, the carrying case can serve as a drip guard that can help prevent wine residue remaining in the device from staining clothing or other articles after the Venturi apparatus has been used to aerate wine.

An example of a portable carrying case includes an inner cover and an outer cover. The inner cover has a first end and a second end. The outer cover has a first end and a second end. The first end of the outer cover is rotatably connected to a first pivot point at the first end of the inner cover, and the second end of the outer cover is rotatably connected to a second pivot point at the second end of the inner cover. The outer cover is rotatable relative to the inner cover along a longitudinal axis of the inner and outer covers, and the outer cover is rotatable to an open position relative to the inner cover and the outer cover is rotatable to a closed position relative to the inner cover. The inner cover is received by the outer cover when the outer cover is rotated to the open position relative to the inner cover. An inner surface of the outer cover and an inner surface of the inner cover form a storage compartment when the outer cover is in a closed position relative to the inner cover. The case also includes a retention mechanism to retain the inner cover and the outer cover in the closed position.

Implementations of such a portable carrying case may include one or more of the following features. The inner cover defines a longitudinal opening to provide access through the inner cover to a chamber defined by the inner cover. The inner cover and outer cover comprise a portion forming an asymmetrical, approximately dual-frustoconical shape. The inner cover and outer cover comprise a portion forming dual-truncated obovoids. The outer cover comprises a portion forming approximately one half of a cylinder bisected along the longitudinal axis of the cylinder. The inner cover and the outer cover are rotationally symmetric. When the outer cover is rotated to the closed position relative to the inner cover, the storage comportment is surrounded by the inner cover and the outer cover. When the outer cover is rotated to the open position relative to the inner cover, the storage compartment is accessible through an opening in the inner cover and an opening in the outer cover. The retention mechanism also retains the outer cover in the open position relative to the inner cover. The retention mechanism includes magnets, and the inner cover includes a first set of magnets and the outer cover includes a second set of magnets, the first set of magnets are aligned with the second set of magnets when the outer cover is in the open position relative to the inner cover. The retention mechanism includes a first retention element on one of the covers and a second retention element on the other of the covers, and wherein frictional force between the first retention element and the second retention element maintains the outer cover in the closed position. The first retention mechanism include a recess and the second retention mechanism comprises a knob corresponding to the recess. A retaining member affixed to an interior wall of the storage compartment configured to retain an object disposed in the storage compartment in place when the object is inserted into the storage compartment. The retaining member includes a deformable material that conforms to the shape of the object stored in the storage compartment of the carrying case. Outer surfaces of the outer cover and the inner cover include a soft-touch coating. The inner cover and the outer cover surround the storage compartment when the outer cover is in a closed position relative to the inner cover.

An example of a portable carrying case incudes an inner cover and an outer cover. The inner cover has a first end and a second end. The outer cover has a first end and a second end. The first end of the outer cover is rotatably connected to a first pivot point at the first end of the inner cover, and the second end of the outer cover is rotatably connected to a second pivot point at the second end of the inner cover. The outer cover is rotatable relative to the inner cover along a longitudinal axis of the inner and outer covers, and the outer cover is rotatable to an open position relative to the inner cover and the outer cover is rotatable to a closed position relative to the inner cover. The inner cover is received by the outer cover when the outer cover is rotated to the open position relative to the inner cover. An inner surface of the outer cover and an inner surface of the inner cover form a storage compartment when the outer cover is in the closed position relative to the inner cover, and the storage compartment having a shape that approximates the shape of the Venturi device. The inner cover and the outer cover surround the Venturi device when the outer cover is in the closed position relative to the inner cove The case also includes a retention mechanism to retain the inner cover and the outer cover in the closed position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a carrying case in an open position.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the carrying case, illustrated in FIG. 1, in a closed position.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the carrying case, illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, in a partially-closed position.

FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C are exploded views of an outer cover of the carrying case illustrated in FIGS. 1-3.

FIG. 4D is an end view of a main body of the outer cover;

FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D are front, top, perspective, and side views of a top end cap of an inner cover of the carrying case.

FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C and 6D are front, bottom, perspective, and side views of a bottom end cap of the inner cover of the carrying case.

FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C and 7D are a front, top, perspective, and side views of a top end cap of an outer cover of the carrying case.

FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C and 8D are a front, bottom, perspective, and side views of a bottom end cap of the outer cover of the carrying case.

FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C are exploded views of an inner cover of the carrying case illustrated in FIGS. 1-3.

FIG. 9D is an end view of a main body of the inner cover of the carrying case illustrated in FIGS. 1-3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Travel cases are disclosed herein that can be used to transport a portable aerator, e.g., a Venturi device, for aerating wines or other liquids. The carrying case is compact in size, allowing the Venturi device to be carried in a pocket, purse, travel bag, backpack, or other means for carrying objects. For example, a carrying case fits the device closely and helps protect the Venturi device from being scratched or damaged during transport. The carrying case also can also help keep dust, dirt, lint, and other foreign objects from contaminating the Venturi device while the device is being transported. Furthermore, the carrying case can serve as a drip guard that can help prevent wine residue remaining in the device from staining clothing or other articles after the Venturi apparatus has been used to aerate wine.

Referring to FIG. 1, a carrying case 100 comprises an inner cover 110 and an outer cover 120. The inner cover 110 and the outer cover 120 each form approximately one half of a cylinder bisected along the longitudinal axis of the case 100. The inner cover 110 defines a longitudinal opening to provide access through the inner cover 110 to a chamber, storage compartment 105, defined by the inner cover.

The outer cover 120 is rotatably connect to each end of the inner cover 110 allowing the outer cover 120 rotate around the inner cover 110 along the longitudinal axis of the carrying case 100. The outer cover 120 can preferably rotate about the inner cover 110 in either direction without end. Alternatively, the outer shell 120 could be inhibited from rotating without end, e.g. by being bound to rotating about +/−180°.

The inner cover 110 and the outer cover 120 define a storage compartment 105 that can be accessed by rotating the outer cover 120 relative to the inner cover 110 to position the cover 110 as show in FIG. 1. The covers 110, 120 define dual, asymmetrical near frusto-conical chambers, here dual-truncated obovoids. The chamber perimeters are somewhat cylindrical and somewhat conical, but here with non-linear, rounded cross-sectional perimeters. Top portions of the chambers are wider than bottom portions of the chambers. Ends of the inner cover 110 and the outer cover 120 are tapered to provide an aesthetically pleasing shape to the carrying case 100 and to provide an ergonomic shape that is easy for a user to hold.

As can be seen in FIG. 1, the inner cover 110 is slightly smaller than the outer cover 120, which allows the outer cover 120 to receive the inner cover 110. The inner cover 110 nests within the outer cover 120 when the carrying case 100 is opened. The carrying case 100 can be closed by rotating the outer cover 120 relative to the inner cover 110 such that the storage compartment 105 is surrounded by the inner cover 110 and the outer cover 120 (see FIG. 2). When in the closed position, the inner cover 110 and the outer cover 120 surround the storage compartment 105. In the closed position, the covers 110, 120 help protect an object stored in the storage compartment 105 from physical damage, such as scratching or cracking. When closed, the covers 110, 120 can also help prevent an object stored in the storage compartment from being tainted by dust, dirt, or other contaminants.

The inner compartment 105 of the carrying case 100 can be used to store and safely transport a portable aerator. The shape of the inner compartment 105 preferably approximates the shape of aerator 190 (FIG. 3), here a Venturi device, to receive and retain the aerator in place to help prevent damage to the aerator while transporting the device 190 in the carrying case 100. The shape of the aerator 190 can be a dual, asymmetrical near frusto-conical shape, here dual-conical, but here with non-linear, rounded cross-sectional perimeters. The perimeter of the aerator 190 can be slightly larger than the chamber perimeters formed by the inner and outer covers, such that inner and outer covers provide some resistance when inserting the aerator 190 into the carrying case 100 or removing the aerator 190 from the carrying case 100.

The inner cover 110 provides an opening 131 and the outer cover 120 provides an opening 133. The opening 131 of inner cover 110 radially aligns with opening 133 of outer cover 120 when the case is in the open position The openings 131, 133 are substantially similar, e.g., both spanning between about 130° and about 160° (e.g., about) 150°. The shape of the opening 131 of the inner cover 110 is preferably approximately equal to, but slightly larger than, a largest two-dimensional (e.g., cross-sectional) peripheral shape of the aerator 190. The inner cover 110 and the outer cover 120 each extend between about 210° and about 220°, but the opening 131 of the inner cover 110 is slightly smaller than the opening 133 of the outer cover 120. Thus, with the case 100 in a closed position, the inner and outer covers 110, 120 overlap, here by about 60-80°. The inner cover 110 and the outer cover 120 are preferably configured such that the entire inner cover opening 130 is accessible through the outer cover opening 133 with the openings 131, 133 aligned, and the inner cover 110 extending over the entire span of the outer cover opening 133 with the inner cover 110 rotated about 180° from the openings 131, 133 being aligned. This will help keep the Aerator 190 clean while in the case 100, inhibiting dirt or other materials from reaching the Aerator 190. The covers 110, 120 are rotationally symmetric, other than where the covers 110, 120 define the openings 131, 133.

A retaining member 107 is secured to the inner wall of inner cover 110 of the storage compartment 105. The retaining member 107 can engage with the aerator 190 to help retain the device 190 in place within the carrying case 100. The retaining member can engage with a recess in the aerator.

In FIG. 3, the aerator 190 is stored in the carrying case 110. The retaining member 107 can be formed from a soft, deformable material that can conform to the shape of an opening of the aerator 190 and that allows the device 190 to be inserted into and removed from the carrying case 100 without damaging the aerator 190. The retaining member 107 is also rigid enough to help maintain the position of aerator 190 within the carrying case 100 and to allow the device 190 to rotate with respect to the inner cover 110. The retaining member 107 can comprise silicone rubber or another rubber-like compound that is safe for use around food and beverages. A retaining member can also be included at the other end of the storage compartment 105 to help retain the position of the aerator 190 in the carrying case 100. Alternatively, or in addition to retaining member 107, the aerator 190 can also include a high-friction band 195, e.g., made of silicon, disposed around a midsection of the aerator 190 that interacts with the inner shell walls to help inhibit undesired passage of the aerator 190 from inside the inner cover 110 through the opening 131.

Referring to FIG. 2, the outer cover 120 of the case 100 has been rotated into a closed position relative to the inner cover 110. When in the closed position, the inner cover 110 and the outer cover 120 surround the storage compartment 105 illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a perspective view of the carrying case 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 where the carrying case 100 is partially open and a aerator 190 is stored in the storage compartment 105. As can be seen in FIG. 3, the aerator 190 loosely fits into the storage compartment 105, but with little room between the device 190 and walls of the chamber 105 (of the inner cover 110 and the outer cover 120). Furthermore, when the covers 110, 120 of the carrying case are closed, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the aerator 190 is protected from damage or soiling.

FIG. 3 illustrates that the top of the inner cover 110 is configured such that a portion of the top of the aerator 190 is exposed when the inner shell 110 and the outer shell 190 is in the open position. Preferably, enough of the aerator 190 is exposed to facilitate a user hooking a lip 142 of the aerator 190 with the user's finger. The aerator 190 can be removed from the inner cover 110 by hooking the lip 142 of the aerator 190 and pulling the aerator 190 away from the inner cover 110 to overcome the resistance provided by the interaction between the walls, e.g., edges providing the opening 131, of the inner cover 110 and the Venturi device's outer surface. The opening 131 of the inner cover 110 is close to, but slightly larger than, the width of the aerator 190.

Referring to FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D, the outer cover 120 comprises three parts: a main body 129 and end caps 125 and 127. Alternatively, the outer cover 120 can comprise a single part that incorporates the main body 129 and the end caps 125 and 127.

FIG. 4A is a top view of outer cover 120 where the end caps 125 and 127 have been removed from the main body 129 of the outer cover 120. The end caps 125 and 127 can comprise stamped stainless steel, and the main body of the outer cover 120 can comprise a plastic material. For example, the main body 129 can comprise polyurethane or other plastic that has been treated to provide soft-touch coating. This coating can provide improved haptic perception to a user handling the carrying case, and the coating also provides a non-slip surface for a user to grasp that facilitates opening and closing the outer cover 120. The end caps 125 and 127 can comprise other types of materials, and the body of the outer cover 120 can comprise other types of materials. For example, the body of the outer cover 120 can also comprise stainless steel or other corrosion resistant material.

The outer cover 120 includes pivot holes 124 and 126 through which pivot pins (not shown) can be inserted. The pivot holes 124 and 126 provide a pivot points around which the outer cover 120 can rotate. The pivot pins can also prevent the outer cover 120 from separating from the inner cover 110 and allow the outer cover 120 to be rotated around the inner cover 110 along the longitudinal axis of the carrying case 100.

As can be seen in FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D, the pivot holes 124 and 126 provide pivot points on which the outer case 120 can rotate. Other configurations can be used for the pivot points. For example, pivot holes 124 and 126 can be replaced with indentations that allow the pivot pins of the inner cover 110 be inserted into the indentations.

The top view of the outer cover illustrated in FIG. 4A illustrates the shape of the outer cover 120. As can be seen in FIG. 4A, the outer cover 120 is roughly shaped like a cylinder that has been bisected along the longitudinal axis. The ends of the cover 120 are slightly tapered, with the end of the outer cover 120 corresponding to end cap 127 having a slightly narrower diameter than the opposite end of the outer cover 120. Accordingly, the inner surface of the outer cover 120 defines an asymmetrical near frusto-conical chamber that is somewhat cylindrical and somewhat conical. The cover 120 defines a dual-truncated obovoid, i.e., an elongated, egg-shaped volume with both ends flattened as opposed to being rounded. The top portion of the chamber is wider than the bottom portion of the chamber.

The tapered shape of the outer cover 120 can conform to the tapered shape of a portable Venturi device, such as portable aerator 190 illustrated in FIG. 3. The tapered shape of the inner cover 110 and outer cover 120 provides both an aesthetically pleasing shape for the carrying case and an ergonomic shape that is easy to grasp.

FIG. 4B provides a side view of the outer cover 120 illustrated in FIG. 4A with the end caps 125 and 127 removed. FIG. 4C provides a prospective view of the outer cover 120.

One or more retention mechanisms are provided to retain the outer cover 120 in an open position or in a closed position. For example, magnets of opposite polarity can be placed in the inner cover 110 and the outer cover 120 such that the magnets in the inner cover 110 align with those of the outer cover 120 when the outer cover 120 is in an open position as shown in FIG. 1 or in a closed position as shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 4C illustrates that the outer cover 120 includes a pair of indexing magnets 122. The inner cover 110 also includes a corresponding pair of indexing magnets (not shown). When the outer cover 120 is rotated to the open position, the indexing magnets 122 are attracted to the corresponding set of indexing magnets of the inner cover 110. The magnetic attraction between the indexing magnets 122 of the outer cover 120 and the indexing magnets of the inner cover 110 helps to maintain the open position of the covers but would not impede a user from manually rotating the outer cover 120 to close the carrying case. Similarly, when the outer cover 120 is rotated to the closed position, the indexing magnets 122 of the outer cover 120 align with the indexing magnets of the inner cover 110. Magnetic attraction between the indexing magnets 122 of the outer cover 120 and the indexing magnets of the inner cover 110 helps maintain the closed position of the covers, but would not impede a user from manually rotating the outer cover 120 to reopen the carrying case 100. FIG. 4D provides a view of the left end of the outer cover 120 where pivot point 124 and indexing magnets 122 are visible.

Referring to FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C and 9D, the inner cover 110 comprises three parts: a main body 119 and end caps 115 and 117. Alternatively, the inner cover 110 can comprise a single part that incorporates the main body 119 and the end caps 115 and 117.

FIG. 9A is a top view of inner cover 110 where the end caps 115 and 117 have been removed from the main body 119 of the outer cover 110. The end caps 115 and 117 can comprise stamped stainless steel, and the main body of the inner cover 110 can comprise a plastic material. The main body can comprise any plastic or other material with adequate tensile strength to ensure acceptable rigidity. For example, the main body 119 can comprise polyurethane or other plastic that has been treated to provide soft-touch coating. This coating can provide improved haptic perception to a user handling the carrying case, and the coating also provides a non-slip surface for a user to grasp that facilitates opening and closing the inner cover 110. The end caps 115 and 117 can comprise other types of materials, and the body of the inner cover 110 can comprise other types of materials. For example, the body of the inner cover 110 can also comprise stainless steel or other corrosion resistant material.

The outer cover 110 includes pivot pins 114 and 116. The pivot pins 114 can be inserted into the pivot hole 124 of the outer cover 120, and the pivot pin 116 can be inserted into the pivot hole 126 of the outer cover 120. As can be seen in FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C and 9D, the pivot pins 114 and 116 provide pivot points on which the outer case 120 can rotate about the inner cover 110. The pivot pins 114, 116 can also help prevent the outer cover 120 from separating from the inner cover 110 and allow the outer cover 120 to be rotated around the inner cover 110 along the longitudinal axis of the carrying case 100. Other configurations can be used for the pivot points. For example, pivot holes 124 and 126 can be replaced with indentations in the outer cover 120 that allow the pivot pins 114 and 116 of the inner cover 110 to be inserted into the indentations of the outer cover 120. Alternatively, pivot pins could be included on the outer cover 120 that fit into indentations on the inner cover 110.

Referring to FIG. 9A, the inner cover 110 is roughly shaped like a cylinder that has been bisected along the longitudinal axis. The ends of the inner cover 110 are slightly tapered, with the end of the inner cover 110 corresponding to end cap 117 having a slightly narrower diameter than the opposite end of the inner cover 110. Accordingly, the inner surface of the inner cover 110 defines an asymmetrical near frusto-conical chamber that is somewhat cylindrical and somewhat conical. Thus, the inner cover 110 defines a dual-truncated obovoid, i.e., an elongated, egg-shaped volume with both ends flattened as opposed to being rounded. The top portion of the chamber is wider than the bottom portion of the chamber.

The tapered shape of the inner cover 110 substantially conforms to the shape of an item to be inserted into the cover 110, e.g., substantially conforming to the tapered shape of a portable Venturi device, such as portable aerator 190 illustrated in FIG. 3. The tapered shapes of the inner cover 110 and outer cover 120 provide both an aesthetically pleasing shape for the carrying case and an ergonomic shape that is easy to grasp.

FIG. 9B provides a side view of the inner cover 110 illustrated in FIG. 9A with the end caps 115 and 117 removed. FIG. 9C provides a prospective view of the outer cover 110.

The inner cover 110 includes a corresponding pair of indexing magnets 112. The openings 113 in end cap 115 line up with the indexing magnets 112. The indexing magnets 112 can extend out from the surface of the inner cover 110 and be inserted into the openings 113. When the outer cover 120 is rotated to the open position, the indexing magnets 122 of the outer cover 120 are attracted to the corresponding set of indexing magnets 112 of the inner cover 110. The magnetic attraction between the indexing magnets 122 of the outer cover 120 and the indexing magnets 112 of the inner cover 110 helps to maintain the open position of the covers 110, 120 while allowing a user to manually rotate the inner cover 110 relative to the outer cover 120 to close the carrying case 100 by overcoming the attractive forces. Similarly, when the outer cover 120 is rotated to the closed position, the indexing magnets 122 of the outer cover 120 align with the indexing magnets 112 of the inner cover 110. Magnetic attraction between the indexing magnets 122 of the outer cover 120 and the indexing magnets 112 of the inner cover 110 helps maintain the closed position of the covers, while allowing the user to manually rotate the inner cover 110 relative to the outer cover 120 to open the carrying case 100 by overcoming the attractive forces. FIG. 9D provides a view of the left end of the inner cover 110 where pivot pin 114 and indexing magnets 112 are visible.

Instead of or in addition to magnets, the inner cover 110 and the outer cover 120 can include corresponding retention elements that help to maintain the position of the case 100 in the open or closed position. For example, the outer cover 120 can include retention element(s) that can be physical knobs or detents to retain the case 100 in the open position. For example, one or more knobs on the top of the inner cover 110 and one or more corresponding recesses on the bottom/inner surface of the outer cover 120 could mate when the outer cover 120 is in the open position or in the closed position. The knobs and recesses would be shaped and disposed such that the recesses receive portions of the knobs. Frictional force(s) between the knob(s) and the recess(es) can help maintain the open or closed position of the covers, while allowing rotation by overcoming the frictional force(s). The recess(es) and knob(s) will preferably have angled and/or rounded interfering surfaces to provide resistance to rotation without completely preventing the rotation. The knobs and recesses can be provided on/in either of the covers, or even mixed between the two covers (e.g., a knob on each cover and a recess in each cover).

FIG. 5A is a top view of the end cap 115 of the inner cover 110 of the carrying case. FIG. 5B is a front view of the end cap 115. FIG. 5C is a perspective view of end cap 115 and FIG. 5D is a front view of end cap 115.

Pivot point 114 can be seen in FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C. The pivot point 114 aligns with pivot point 124 of the outer cover 120 described above. The pivot point 114 comprises a hole through which a pivot pin (not shown) mounted on the body of the inner cover 110 is inserted, and the pivot pin passes through the pivot point 114 and into the pivot point 124 on the outer cover 120. This arrangement holds the outer and inner covers together and allows the outer cover 120 to rotate freely about the inner cover 110. Alternatively, the pivot point 114 can comprise a pivot pin that can be inserted into the pivot point 124 of the outer cover 120.

FIG. 6A is a front view of end cap 117 of inner cover 110. FIG. 6B is a bottom view of the end cap 117. FIG. 6C is a perspective view of end cap 117, and FIG. 6D is a side view of end cap 117.

Pivot hole 116 can be seen in FIGS. 6B and 6C. The pivot hole 116 aligns with the pivot hole 126 of the outer cover 120. The pivot hole 116 comprises a hole through which a pivot pin (not shown) mounted on the body of the inner cover 110 is inserted, and the pivot pin passes through the pivot hole 116 and into the pivot hole 126 on the outer cover 120. This arrangement helps to hold the outer and inner covers 120, 110 together and allows the outer cover 120 to rotate freely about the inner cover 110. Alternatively, the cap 117 could have a solid end that provides a pivot pin that can be inserted into the pivot hole 126 of the outer cover 120.

FIG. 7A is a top view of end cap 125 of the outer cover 120. FIG. 7B is a front view of end cap 125. FIG. 7C is a perspective view of end cap 125, and FIG. 7D is a view of the right side of end cap 125.

FIG. 8A is a top view of end cap 127 of the outer cover 120. FIG. 8B is a front view of end cap 127. FIG. 8C is a perspective view of end cap 127, and FIG. 8D is a view of the right side of end cap 127.

The end caps 125 and 127 inhibit access to the indexing magnets and can also provide aesthetic appeal to the carrying case. For example, as described above, the end caps 125 and 127 can comprise stainless steel and/or can be a contrasting or complimentary color that can accentuate the aesthetic appeal of the carrying case.

While the foregoing disclosure shows illustrative examples of a travel case, various changes and modifications could be made herein without departing from the scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims. For example, although elements of the described embodiments may be described or claimed in the singular, the plural is contemplated unless limitation to the singular is explicitly stated. Additionally, all or a portion of one example may be utilized with all or a portion of another example. Further, while retention mechanisms were discussed as being provided by end caps or at ends of covers, retention mechanisms could also or alternatively be provided along lengths of the covers, on/in the bodies of the covers.

Claims

1. A portable carrying case comprising:

an inner cover having a first end and a second end; and

an outer cover having a first end and a second end, the first end of the outer cover being rotatably connected to a first pivot point at the first end of the inner cover, and the second end of the outer cover being rotatably connected to a second pivot point at the second end of the inner cover;

wherein the outer cover is rotatable relative to the inner cover along a longitudinal axis of the inner and outer covers;

wherein the outer cover is rotatable to an open position relative to the inner cover and the outer cover is rotatable to a closed position relative to the inner cover;

wherein the inner cover is received by the outer cover when the outer cover is rotated to the open position relative to the inner cover;

wherein an inner surface of the outer cover and an inner surface of the inner cover form a storage compartment when the outer cover is in a closed position relative to the inner cover; and

wherein at least one of the inner cover or the outer cover includes a retention mechanism to retain the inner cover and the outer cover in the closed position.

2. The carrying case of claim 1 wherein the inner cover defines a longitudinal opening to provide access through the inner cover to a chamber defined by the inner cover.

3. The carrying case of claim 1 wherein the inner cover and outer cover comprise a portion forming an asymmetrical, approximately dual-frustoconical shape.

4. The carrying case of claim 3, wherein the inner cover and outer cover comprise a portion forming dual-truncated obovoids.

5. The carrying case of claim 1 wherein the outer cover comprises a portion forming approximately one half of a cylinder bisected along the longitudinal axis of the cylinder.

6. The carrying case of claim 1 wherein the inner cover and the outer cover are rotationally symmetric.

7. The carrying case of claim 1 wherein when the outer cover is rotated to the closed position relative to the inner cover, the storage comportment is surrounded by the inner cover and the outer cover.

8. The carrying case of claim 1 wherein when the outer cover is rotated to the open position relative to the inner cover, the storage compartment is accessible through an opening in the inner cover and an opening in the outer cover.

9. The carrying case of claim 1 wherein the retention mechanism also retains the outer cover in the open position relative to the inner cover.

10. The carrying case of claim 9 wherein the retention mechanism comprises magnets, wherein the inner cover includes a first set of magnets and the outer cover includes a second set of magnets, the first set of magnets being aligned with the second set of magnets when the outer cover is in the open position relative to the inner cover.

11. The carrying case of claim 9 wherein the retention mechanism comprises a first retention element on one of the covers and a second retention element on the other of the covers, and wherein frictional force between the first retention element and the second retention element maintains the outer cover in the closed position.

12. The carrying case of claim 11 wherein the first retention mechanism comprises a recess and the second retention mechanism comprises a knob corresponding to the recess.

13. The carrying case of claim 1 further comprising a retaining member affixed to an interior wall of the storage compartment configured to retain an object disposed in the storage compartment in place when the object is inserted into the storage compartment.

14. The carrying case of claim 13 wherein the retaining member comprises a deformable material that conforms to the shape of the object stored in the storage compartment of the carrying case.

15. The carrying case of claim 1 wherein outer surfaces of the outer cover and the inner cover include a soft-touch coating.

16. The carrying case of claim 1 wherein the inner cover and the outer cover surround the storage compartment when the outer cover is in a closed position relative to the inner cover.

17. A portable carrying case for a Venturi apparatus comprising:

an inner cover having a first end and a second end;

an outer cover having a first end and a second end, the first end of the outer cover being rotatably connected to a first pivot point at the first end of the inner cover, and the second end of the outer cover being rotatably connected to a second pivot point at the second end of the inner cover,

wherein the outer cover is rotatable relative to the inner cover along a longitudinal axis of the inner and outer covers,

wherein the outer cover is rotatable to an open position relative to the inner cover and the outer cover is rotatable to a closed position relative to the inner cover,

wherein the inner cover is received by the outer cover when the outer cover is rotated to the open position relative to the inner cover,

wherein an inner surface of the outer cover and an inner surface of the inner cover form a storage compartment when the outer cover is in the closed position relative to the inner cover, the storage compartment having a shape that approximates the shape of the Venturi device,

wherein the storage compartment receives the Venturi device, and

wherein the inner cover and the outer cover surround the Venturi device when the outer cover is in the closed position relative to the inner cover; and

a retention mechanism to retain the inner cover and the outer cover in the closed position.