CARRYING CASE AND METHODS OF USE THEREOF

Abstract

A carrying case is disclosed. The carrying case generally includes a first body and a second body. The first body includes a first reservoir and the second body includes a second reservoir. The first and second reservoirs are provided with at least one opening to provide access to the same. The first reservoir provides for the containment and storage of at least a first component and the second reservoir provides for the containment and storage of at least a second component. Closure mechanisms can be formed with the openings to provide for closure of the openings. A holding strap is included.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/729,737, filed Nov. 26, 2012, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to portable carrying and/or storage devices, and more particularly to carrying bags for transporting products, equipment, goods, and/or consumables.

BACKGROUND

The advent of the foldable chair has had a significant impact spanning multiple industries including event planning, concerts, personal home use, and others. Foldable chair technology has provided benefits to users in terms of space savings, portability, and decreased weight. In more recent years, collapsible chairs took this concept to a new level by further improving the user experience and targeting a new sector of the market. The collapsible chair has become attractive to outdoor enthusiasts and others due to its light weight, ease of carry, and ability to collapse into a portable bag which easily fits into the trunk of a car or other area. The product has succeeded in the market in part because of its numerous advantageous features that benefit the user. The design matches the human body's natural form creating a comfortable and relaxing place to sit where one can enjoy the intended environment. Furthermore, by implementing armrests the product creates additional comfort to the user. Well reputable collapsible chair manufactures have been known to include TravelChair® (available online at www.travelchair.com), Kijaro® (available online at www.kijaro.com), Coleman® (available at www.coleman.com), and many others.

Despite the benefits of the collapsible chair it also has several shortcomings. Existing technology encompasses only the chair and does not truly consider all the needs and desires of the user. For example, when people go to outdoor functions for any reasonable amount of time, they generally desire to have at least two things: a place to sit and a hot/cold drink. Typically, to accomplish this common desire, people lug around big, bulky coolers along with their collapsible chairs, which can be an extremely troublesome hassle. And, instead of freeing the user from this hassle, their gear constrains them and generally causes more trouble than it's worth. Thus, in some instances, the user does not truly enjoy the experience due to not having a drink with them while relaxing in their chair. In other instances, the user somewhat enjoys the experience by having a drink although the hassle and trouble they have to go to enjoy this experience dampens the thought of doing it again in the future.

Accordingly, it can be seen that needs exist for improved equipment for use with collapsible chairs. It is to the provision of a carrying case and methods of use thereof meeting these and other needs that the present invention is primarily directed.

SUMMARY

In example embodiments, the present invention generally relates to a carrying case. In one form, the carrying case includes a first body and a second body. The first and second bodies can be integrally formed therewith or can be separable. The first body defines a first reservoir and the second body defines a second reservoir. The first reservoir includes at least one opening to provide access to the first reservoir, and the second reservoir includes at least one opening to provide access to the second reservoir. In example forms, closing means is provided with each opening for restricting access to the respective reservoirs. In one form, the closing means of the second opening provides the second reservoir with a water-proof seal.

In one aspect, the present invention relates to a carrying case including a first body and a second body coupled to the first body. The first body includes a first opening defining a first reservoir therein and the second body includes a second opening defining a second reservoir therein. In one form, the first reservoir provides for the containment of a chair and the second reservoir provides for the containment of at least one container. The at least one container includes a consumable liquid contained therein. The chair can be in the form of a camp chair, a travel chair, and/or a foldable chair, and is collapsible between an expanded configuration and collapsed configuration.

Optionally, the second body is provided with an insulative material for substantially reducing the transfer of heat to and/or from the second reservoir. Optionally, the openings of the first and second reservoir include closing means for restricting access to the first and second reservoirs. Optionally, the closing means of the second opening provides the second reservoir with a water-proof seal. Optionally, the first and second bodies are formed from a textile-like material. Optionally, the carrying case includes an impermeable layer lining at least the second reservoir. Optionally, the second body is generally removably coupled to the periphery of first body. Optionally, at least one holding strap is mounted to the carrying case. Optionally, the second body includes a second closure mechanism for permitting access to the second reservoir at a location different that the second opening. Optionally, the second body and/or the second reservoir are adapted and configured for containing one or more cooling or heating elements for maintaining the at least one container contained therein at a desired temperature.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to a carrying case for a collapsible chair including a first body and a second body. The first body includes at least a first opening defining a first reservoir therein. The first reservoir is adapted and configured for containing the collapsible chair therein. The second body is removably coupled to the first body and includes at least a second opening defining a second reservoir therein. The second reservoir is adapted and configured for containing at least one consumable beverage therein. An insulative material is provided for lining at least the second body for reducing the transfer of heat to and/or from the second reservoir. An impermeable layer is provided for lining the insulative material, which restricts a liquid contained within the second reservoir from penetrating through the second body. The first and second opening each include closing means for restricting access to the first and second reservoirs. Preferably, the closing means of the second opening provides the second reservoir with a water-proof seal.

In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to a method of using a carrying case. The method generally includes providing a carrying case including a first body and a second body coupled together, the first body having a first opening defining a first reservoir therein, the second body having a second opening defining a second reservoir therein; containing at least a first component in the first body; and containing at least a second component in the second body. In some forms, the second body is configured to substantially insulate the second component that is contained therein. In some forms, the first component is a collapsible chair and the at least one second component is a container. Optionally, a holding strap can be included to provide for carrying or toting the case. Optionally, the second body is provided with an insulative material for substantially reducing the transfer of heat to and/or from the second reservoir. Optionally, the openings of the first and second reservoir include closing means for restricting access to the first and second reservoirs. Optionally, the closing means of the second opening provides the second reservoir with a water-proof seal. Optionally, the first and second bodies are formed from a textile-like material. Optionally, the carrying case includes an impermeable layer lining at least the second reservoir. Optionally, the second body is generally removably coupled to the periphery of first body. Optionally, the second body includes a second closure mechanism for permitting access to the second reservoir at a location different that the second opening. Optionally, the second body and/or the second reservoir are adapted and configured for containing one or more cooling or heating elements for maintaining the at least one container contained therein at a desired temperature.

These and other aspects, features and advantages of the invention will be understood with reference to the drawing figures and detailed description herein, and will be realized by means of the various elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following brief description of the drawings and detailed description of the invention are exemplary and explanatory of preferred embodiments of the invention, and are not unnecessarily restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a carrying case according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the carrying case of FIG. 1 showing the reservoir having a support structure including an optional bi-pod support and support members.

FIGS. 3-3A show perspective views of the carrying case of FIG. 1 showing alternate closure mechanisms for restricting access to the reservoirs.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a carrying case according to another example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a carrying case according to another example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a carrying case according to another example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a carrying case according to another example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a carrying case according to another example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a carrying case according to another example embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 10-10A show perspective views of a carrying case according to another example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a side view of the second body of the carrying case shown in any of FIGS. 1-10A removably coupled to a collapsible chair according to another example embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of the invention taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be unnecessarily limiting of the claimed invention. Any and all patents and other publications identified in this specification are incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein.

Also, as used in the specification including the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment.

Example embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a carrying case comprising at least a first and a second reservoir for containing and/or storing elements therein. In example forms, the first reservoir is defined by a first body and a second reservoir is defined by a second body. In some forms, the first and second bodies are generally formed from a sheet material that can be permanently or removably mounted together, for example, wherein stitching may be provided for a permanent connection, and interengagement features may be provided for a removable connection. Preferably, the first and second bodies each have at least one opening to provide access to their respective reservoir. In example forms, at least one of the reservoirs may be provided with an insulative material to substantially restrict the transfer of heat to and/or from the reservoir. Optionally, an impermeable layer can be included within the body and/or the insulative material to prevent a liquid, mixture or other material from penetrating through either the first and/or second body.

In some example forms, the first body is provided for containing a collapsible chair and the second body is provided for containing a plurality of individually packaged beverages. Preferably each body defines a reservoir therein wherein the component is to be contained. In example forms, the first and second body each comprise at least one opening to provide access to the reservoir defined therein. In example embodiments, a closure mechanism can be provided with each reservoir to permit for the closure of the opening as desired. In one example form, the closure mechanism formed with each reservoir can provide the openings (e.g., the reservoir) with an airtight and/or water-proof seal. In other embodiments, the closure mechanism can provide the openings with a substantially closed seal. Optionally, additional openings and/or reservoirs can be provided with the first and second bodies as desired, for example, to allow for additional/alternate access to the reservoirs or to contain other elements or goods, for example, a snack, cell phone, keys, etc.

With reference now to the drawing figures, wherein like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout the several views, FIG. 1 shows an example embodiment of a carrying case 10 according to an example embodiment of the present invention. In example forms, the carrying case 10 is generally formed from a first body 12 and a second body 20. In example forms, the first and second bodies 12, 20 are generally formed from sheet material wherein the first body 12 defines a first reservoir 16 and the second body 20 defines a second reservoir 24. The sheet materials forming the first and second bodies 12, 20 can comprise of a plurality of fabrics (e.g., canvases, nylons, leathers, cottons, vinyls, and/or other textiles) or other materials as desired. In one form, the first and second bodies 12, 20 are formed together with the same sheet material. For example, a generally rectangular fabric sheet is joined at its respective adjacent edges (forming a large reservoir and wherein one of the ends is closed) and a divider or protruding member I is placed therein to generally define two reservoirs, for example, one reservoir for containing a collapsible chair C and one reservoir for containing a plurality of individually packaged beverages 26. In some forms, the divider I is an insulative material, and acts to substantially surround the individually packaged beverages 26. In other forms, the first and second bodies are formed from separate sheet materials wherein the bodies can be permanently coupled together (e.g., stitching, threading, adhesives, heat treatment, bonding, magnetics, etc.) or removably coupled together (e.g., interengagement features, magnetics, etc.), for example, as will be described below.

The carrying case 10 is preferably flexible and collapsible so that it may be easily deformed (e.g., folded or compressed) for convenient storage. In one configuration, as depicted in FIG. 1, the first body 12 defines an opening 14 for providing access to the first reservoir 16, and the second body 20 defines an opening 22 for providing access to the second reservoir 24. In one form, the first body 12 is generally elongate and extends along a first longitudinal axis (see X1), and the second body 20 is generally elongate and extends along a second longitudinal axis (X2). As depicted, the longitudinal axis X2 is generally laterally offset relative to the first longitudinal axis X1. Optionally, the bodies are coupled together as desired, for example, wherein the longitudinal axes X1 and X2 can be orientated with respect to each other as desired. In example forms, the bodies 12, 14 can be permanently mounted together (e.g., stitching, threading, adhesives, heat treatment, bonding, magnetics etc.) or removably coupled together (e.g., interengagement features, magnetics etc.) as desired.

In example forms, the openings 14, 22 can be provided with a closure mechanism or closing means to substantially close or seal the same, for example, pull cords, zipper tracks (water-proof or water-resistant), Velcro®, snaps, buttons, hooks, magnetic components, buckles, fasteners, hook and loop materials, and/or other interengagement features as desired. In the depicted embodiment, for example, a first pull cord 30 is provided for substantially closing the opening 14 (e.g., restricting access to the first reservoir 16) and a second pull cord 32 is provided for substantially closing the opening 22 (e.g., restricting access to the second reservoir 24). In example embodiments, the cord runs through a channel defined along the outer contour of each opening and receives a biasing pin that provides pressure on the cord. To close the openings 14, 22, the cord is tightened and the biasing pin maintains contact with the cord to prevent the same from coming loose so that the openings 14, 22 remain substantially closed.

In example forms, the carrying case can provide for the containment of a plurality elements or components. For example, in one example form, the first reservoir 16 provides for the containment of a collapsible chair C (e.g., tailgate chair, lawn chair, etc.) and the second reservoir 24 provides for the containment of a plurality of drink or beverage containers 26 (e.g., cans, bottles, jars, packages, etc.). The first reservoir 16 is generally sized, shaped and formed to contain the folding or collapsible chair C (e.g., adapted to fold or collapse into an elongated package) and the second reservoir 24 is sized, shaped and formed to provide for containing the plurality of drink containers 26 (e.g., depicted as containing a quantity of 7 beverage cans). Generally, the collapsible chair C is collapsible between an expanded configuration (e.g., wherein the user can sit therein) and a collapsed configuration (e.g., folded or collapsed in the elongated, generally compact package). Optionally, in other forms, the collapsible chair C is in the form of a stool, for example a collapsible stool-like chair comprising three or more foldable legs.

In example forms, an insulation material and an impermeable material are lined within the second body 20 to provide a suitable reservoir or chamber (e.g., the second reservoir) for limiting the transfer of heat to and/or from the second body, thus, providing for the ability to maintain the drink containers 26 at a desired temperature. In one form, the insulation or insulative material is lined within the second body, (generally surrounding the second reservoir), and the impermeable layer is lined within the insulative material.

In one form, it may be desirable to maintain the containers 26 within the first reservoir 24 of the second body 20 at a relatively low temperature. For example, a sports fan, spectator, outdoorsman, etc. may be interested in remaining hydrated or having an area wherein a consumable product can be generally kept at a desired temperature. In one example, the containers 26 can be cold (e.g., having an initial temperature iT) when being placed within the reservoir of the second body 14, and for example remain within for example about 10-15 degrees Fahrenheit, more preferably about 5-10 degrees Fahrenheit, or about 0.0005-5 degrees of the initial temperature of the cans after having been contained therein for about three hours, for example, wherein the carrying case 10 remains within an environment having an ambient temperature of about 75 degrees Fahrenheit. In another form, the containers 26 can be cooled within the reservoir 24 of the second body 20 by applying a cool pack (e.g., refreezable package), ice, and/or other cooling elements within the reservoir. Preferably, the reservoir 24 is sized and shaped to provide for a desired orientation of the containers 26 therein, and wherein the cool pack, ice and/or cooling elements to be placed therein can be dispersed relatively evenly such that the containers may be cooled appropriately. For example, it may be desired to apply a relatively small amount of ice (e.g., about 5-10 pieces) for each container that is placed within the reservoir 24 so that the ice is displaced evenly throughout the same. Optionally, the containers 26 are placed within the reservoir, and the remaining volume not occupied by the containers 26 within the reservoir is generally filled with ice. Further optional, a combination of the two may be desired.

In one example form, the impermeable layer contains the cooling elements (e.g., cool pack, ice, water, etc) such that a change in phase of the cooling elements does not cause unexpected leaking, overflow, or otherwise penetration of the second body 20 by a liquid contained within the second reservoir 24. Optionally, ice packs or other forms of cooling and heating elements can be removably coupled to or contained within the second body 20 to accommodate a desired temperature. Further optional, phase change materials (PCM's) can be utilized to alter the cooling or heating procedure, thus providing the capability to prolong or curtail the cooling or heating period depending on the desired behavior and the particular PCM's chosen. Further optionally, the second body 20 can comprise a vacuum chamber or similar chamber-like insulative barrier to provide for insulating the plurality of containers 26 within the second reservoir 24.

Additionally, a shoulder or handle strap 40 and/or hand grip 42 may be provided to accommodate holding or supporting the carrying case 10. As such, the position, orientation and configuration of the strap can be adjusted as desired, for example at an optimal or desired position, configuration and orientation on the bodies. Optionally, the strap is adjustable to span a particular length, for example wherein a clasp or other form of attachment/component allows for adjusting the length of the strap. Additionally, at least two or more straps may be provided as desired. Further optional, a portion of the first and/or second bodies 12, 20 can be provided with padding or supporting portions to provide comfort against a user's body when carrying or toting the carrying case 10 (e.g., a person's back, shoulder, etc.).

Optionally, a drain plug 50 can be provided at the bottom end of the second body 20 for permitting the draining of a liquid or other liquid-like product or material that may be present within the second reservoir 24. For example, when ice or other cooling/heating elements that are contained within the second reservoir 24 melt or turn to liquid (e.g., condensation in the case of cooling packs), the drain plug 50 will provide for easily removing the unwanted liquid therefrom. Further optional, a second closure mechanism 60 may be optionally provided on the second body 20 for providing access to the second reservoir 24. As depicted in FIG. 1, the second closure mechanism 60 is in the form of a water-proof zipper and located near the bottom end of the second body 20. Preferably, due to gravity causing the containers 26 to settle within the bottom end thereof, the closure mechanism 60 provides the user with easily accessing the plurality of containers 26 contained therein, for example, instead of having to reach deep within the second opening 22 to retrieve a container 26.

Further optional, the first and/or second body 12, 20 may comprise a foldable bi-pod support 70 and/or one or more support members 74, 75. As depicted in FIG. 2, the bi-pod support 70 comprises a first and second foldable leg 71, 72 and a support rod 73. Preferably, the support 70 permits the carrying case 10 to be supported in a standing orientation, for example, similar to a golf bag. The legs 71, 72 may be spring-loaded or otherwise configured to operate between a standing configuration and a collapsed configuration (e.g., when the bag is being carried or generally lying on the ground). Preferably, the support members 74, 75 are generally removably mounted to the first body 12 along an internal and/or external periphery thereof such that the first reservoir retains its shape when the collapsible chair C is not contained therein. Preferably, the support members 74, 75 are substantially resilient and somewhat flexible to provide for maintaining the reservoir's shape while also being easily deformable (e.g., folded or compressed) when it is desired to store the carrying case 10. Optionally, one or more additional support members can be provided along additional portions of the first body 12 to further support and retain the openness/shape of the first reservoir 16, for example wherein the support members are generally shaped similarly to the contour to the body and are mounted generally along the periphery (internal or external) thereof in a direction that is generally transverse to the support members 74. In some example forms, users may like the carrying case to retain its general shape for easily inserting/removing the collapsible chair C.

FIGS. 3-3A show the carrying case 10 comprising alternate closing means for generally restricting access to the first and second reservoirs 16, 24. For example, the second opening 22 of the second body 20 may be provided with a flap 81 comprising a substantially similar shape to that of the second opening 22 and the first body 12 may be provided with a flap 91 comprising a substantially similar shape to that of the first opening 14 of the first opening 14. As depicted in FIG. 3A, the first flap 91 comprises a magnetic closure mechanism 93 for releasable engagement with a magnet or magnetically-attracted material 95 that is mounted to a portion of the first body 12. Optionally, two or more magnetic closure mechanisms may be provided. The second flap 81 comprises a zipper-like closure mechanism 84 which provides for substantially sealing the second reservoir 24. In one example form, the closure mechanism 84 comprises a water-proof zipper and provides the second reservoir 24 with an airtight seal. In another example form, the closure mechanism 84 comprises a water-resistant zipper and provides the second reservoir 24 with a substantially airtight seal. Preferably, in some forms, the second flap 81 comprises an insulative material and an impermeable layer. Also preferably, in some example forms, the first and second flaps 91, 81 comprise at least a portion that is mounted to a portion of the opening, for example, to act as a hinge.

FIGS. 4-11 show additional example embodiments of a plurality of carrying cases according to other example embodiments of the present invention. Preferably, the carrying cases disclosed throughout the following figures depict alternative forms and configurations of the carrying case. Preferably, the components, features and/or optional components, elements, etc. of the alternate embodiments can be combined as desired with the carrying case 10.

FIG. 4 shows a carrying case 100 according to another example embodiment of the present invention. Generally, the carrying case 100 comprises a first body 112 and a second body 120. As depicted, the second body 120 is generally shorter that the first body 112, for example, wherein the second body 120 defines a reservoir 124 that can contain about six containers 126. Further, the second body 120 is generally removably coupled to the first body 112, for example, wherein interengagement members 150, 152 provide for removable engagement between the first body 112 and the second body 120. In general, the interengagement members 150, 152 comprise interengagement features 154 (e.g., zipper, snap buttons, etc.) so that the second body can removably engage the first body 112 as desired. In one form, the sides of the interengagement members 150, 152 permanently mount to the bodies 112, 120 and provide for removable interengagement therebetween. Optionally, hand grips 142, 144 may be provided on the bodies 112, 120 so that the same may be supported when it is removed from engagement. Further, a shoulder strap may be provided on the same as desired. Further optional, as will be described below, a portion of the interengagement members 150, 152 (for example, the sides extending from the second body 120) may be used for interengagement therebetween to removably couple the second body 120 to additional components, for example, the collapsible chair C.

FIG. 5 shows a carrying case 200 according to another example embodiment of the present invention. In example embodiments, the carrying case 200 is substantially similar to the carrying case 10 as described above, comprising a first body 212 and a second body 220. As depicted, the second body 220 is coupled to the first body 212 to form a helical or thread-like configuration about the periphery of the first body 212. In example forms, the reservoir 224 of the second body 220 has a capacity to contain about seven containers 226 therein. Optionally, a second opening or drain 250 may be formed with the second body 220 to facilitate the draining of water, liquid or other materials contained within the reservoir 224 or the insulating material/impermeable material I therein.

FIG. 6 shows a carrying case 300 according to another example embodiment of the present invention. In example embodiments, the carrying case 300 is substantially similar to the carrying case 10 as described above, comprising a first body 312 and a second body 320. As depicted, the second body 320 is generally in the form of a puck-like shape and coupled to an end of first body 312. In example forms, the reservoir 324 of the second body 320 has a capacity to contain about seven containers 326 therein, but can contain more or less as desired. Generally, the second body 320 is formed such that the periphery of the bodies 312, 320 are generally uniform. For example, the puck-like shape of the second body 320 is generally formed so that the outer periphery of the two bodies 312, 320 are generally similar. Preferably, a closure mechanism 332 is provided with an upper portion of the second body 320 to permit access to the second reservoir 324.

FIG. 7 shows a carrying case 400 according to another example embodiment of the present invention. In example embodiments, the carrying case 400 is substantially similar to the carrying case 10 as described above, comprising a first body 412 and a second body 420. As depicted, the second body 420 is coupled to the periphery of the first body 412 to form a pouch-like reservoir 424 wherein a plurality of containers 426 can be contained. In example embodiments, a zipper-like closure mechanism 432 is provided to seal or substantially seal the opening 422 that provides access to the reservoir 424. Optionally, one or more additional reservoirs may be provided on the second body as desired.

FIG. 8 shows a carrying case 500 according to yet another example embodiment of the present invention. In example embodiments, the carrying case 500 is generally similar to the carrying case 10 as described above, comprising a first body 512 and at least two second bodies 520a, 520b. As depicted, the second bodies 520a, 520b are coupled to the periphery of the first body 512 wherein each respective reservoir 524a, 524b can contain about six containers 526. In some forms, two carrying straps 540a, 540b can be provided to assist in carrying or toting the carrying case 500. Optionally, other straps or handles can be provided as desired.

FIG. 9 shows a carrying case 600 according to yet another example embodiment of the present invention. In example embodiments, the carrying case 600 is generally similar to the carrying case 10 as described above, comprising at least two first bodies 612a, 612b and at least two second bodies 620a, 620b. For example, it can be seen that the carrying case 600 can be formed by combining at least two of the carrying cases as described above (e.g., carrying case 400 of FIG. 7). Optionally, other forms and configurations can be provided such that the carrying can contain at least two collapsible chairs and comprise at least one reservoir for containing the containers 626 therein.

FIGS. 10-10A show a carrying case 700 according to another example embodiment of the present invention. As depicted, the carrying case 700 is generally similar to the carrying case 10 as described above, comprising a first body 712 and a second body 720. Preferably, the second body 720 comprises a plurality of slots 725a-d, which surround the reservoir 724 and provide for the containment of ice W and/or other forms of cooling or heating elements therein, for example, to provide for maintaining the containers 726 therein at a desired temperature. Preferably, both the reservoir 724 and the slots 725a-d are lined with an impermeable layer for preventing any liquid therein from leaking therefrom. Optionally, as described above, an additional opening may be provided for allowing access to the second reservoir. Further optional, each of the plurality of slots may be provided with an additional opening for facilitating the addition or removal of the heating and/or cooling elements. Additionally, at least one or more drain plugs may be provided.

FIG. 11 shows an additional example embodiment 800 of the present invention. As depicted, the user is carrying the collapsible chair C on their back by utilizing a carrying strap 840, which extends from a portion of the chair to another portion of the chair. Additionally, the second body 820 is removably coupled to another portion of the chair C, which comprises a plurality of containers 826 contained therein. For example, in one example embodiment and as described above with respect to FIG. 4, the second body 120 of the carrying case 100 can be utilized to removably couple to the collapsible chair, for example, if it is desired that the user carry the collapsible chair C. Thus, in some example forms, it may be desired that the second body 820 be removably coupled from the first body and removably coupled to a portion of the chair C. Preferably, the chair C can comprise an additional strap (unshown) to carry the chair C like a backpack. Optionally, one or more additional straps may be provided as desired.

Optionally, a plurality of other improvements can be included with the carrying cases of the present invention. For example, a viewing window may be formed with the second body 220 to provide a user with the ability to generally view the contents (e.g., number of containers) contained within the second body 220. In some forms, the viewing window can be formed at a desired location to correspond to a particular quantity of containers contained therein. Further optional and as described above in some example embodiments, an additional opening can be formed along the second body 220 (and extending within the second reservoir 224) as desired, to further facilitate the user accessing the containers 226 contained therein. For example, it may be desired to remove the containers 226 from the second reservoir 224 of the second body 220 when the carrying case 200 is generally positioned in an orientation that is not pleasing or practical for removing the containers 226 from the second reservoir 224, for example, when the carrying case 200 is positioned in a generally vertical orientation. Therefore, for example, it may be advantageous to the user that is toting the carrying case to have access to the reservoirs (e.g., remove the containers as desired), for example by supporting the strap 240 on the users shoulder and using at least one hand to access at least one of the optional additional openings. If such an additional opening was desired, it may be desired to for the closure to provide an air-tight seal, wherein contents contained therein would not leak or penetrate through the seal. At least one example form of the additional opening (e.g., second closure mechanism 60) can be seen in FIG. 1.

In commercial embodiments, the plurality of example embodiments of the carrying case can be constructed of a plurality of materials as desired. In one example form, the first and second bodies are constructed from a textile-like fabric material, the insulation material is constructed from an open or closed cell foam-like material, the closure mechanisms are water-proof zippers, and the carrying strap is constructed from a nylon material. Optionally, other materials can be utilized as desired with respect to any of the plurality of elements as described above, for example, including other textiles (including but not limited to canvases, nylons, leathers, threading, cottons, vinyls, impermeable sheets and/or layers), metals (including but not limited to aluminum, steel, titanium, copper, etc.), insulative materials (including but not limited to aluminum bubble materials, foils, Mylar, reflective films, polyurethane, permafrost insulation, neoprene, plastic foams, synthetic foams, open cell foams, closed cell foams, rigid foams, flexible foams, other foams, etc.), plastics (including but not limited to flexible plastics, resilient plastics, rigid plastics, etc.), rubbers (including but not limited to impermeable sheets, other rubberized materials, etc.), vacuum chambers, wood, composites, natural materials, synthetic materials, or other materials and/or combinations thereof.

In additional example embodiments, the present invention relates to a method of using a carrying case. The method generally includes providing a carrying case including a first body and a second body (the first and second bodies permanently or removably coupled together), the first body having a first opening defining a first reservoir therein, the second body having a second opening defining a second reservoir therein; containing at least a first component in the first body; and containing at least a second component in the second body. In some forms, the second body is configured to substantially insulate the second component that is contained therein. In some forms, the first component is a collapsible chair and the at least one second component is a container. Optionally, a holding strap can be included to provide for carrying or toting the case.

In yet additional example embodiments, additional accessories or components can be formed or included with the carrying case of the present invention. For example, in one form, a bottle opener and/or wine bottle opener can be provided on at least a portion of the carrying case. Optionally, one or more battery-powered or solar-powered lights can be provided.

While the invention has been described with reference to preferred and example embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that a variety of modifications, additions and deletions are within the scope of the invention, as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A carrying case, the carrying case comprising:

a first body comprising a first opening defining a first reservoir therein; and

a second body coupled to the first body, the second body comprising a second opening defining a second reservoir therein.

2. The carrying case of claim 1, wherein the first reservoir provides for the containment of a chair.

3. The carrying case of claim 1, wherein the second reservoir provides for the containment of at least one container.

4. The carrying case of claim 3, wherein the at least one container comprises a consumable liquid contained therein.

5. The carrying case of claim 2, wherein the chair is collapsible between an expanded configuration and collapsed configuration.

6. The carrying case of claim 5, wherein the chair can be in the form of a camp chair, a travel chair, and/or a foldable chair.

7. The carrying case of claim 1, wherein the second body is provided with an insulative material for substantially reducing the transfer of heat to and/or from the second reservoir.

8. The carrying case of claim 1, wherein the openings of the first and second reservoir comprise closing means for restricting access to the first and second reservoirs.

9. The carrying case of claim 8, wherein the closing means of the second opening provides the second reservoir with a water-proof seal.

10. The carrying case of claim 1, wherein the first and second body are formed from a textile-like material.

11. The carrying case of claim 7, further comprising an impermeable layer lining at least the second reservoir.

12. The carrying case of claim 1, wherein the second body is generally removably coupled to the periphery of first body.

13. The carrying case of claim 1, further comprising at least one holding strap mounted thereto.

14. The carrying case of claim 1, wherein the second body comprises a second closure mechanism for permitting access to the second reservoir at a location different that the second opening.

15. The carrying case of claim 3, wherein the second body and/or second reservoir are adapted and configured for containing one or more cooling or heating elements for maintaining the at least one container contained therein at a desired temperature.

16. A method of using a carrying case, the method comprising:

providing a case comprising a first body coupled to a second body, the first body having a first opening defining a first reservoir therein, the second body having a second opening defining a second reservoir therein;

containing at least a first component in the first body; and

containing at least a second component in the second body, the second body configured to substantially insulate the second component contained therein.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the first component is a collapsible chair.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein the second component is a container.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the container is a consumable beverage.

20. A carrying case for a collapsible chair comprising:

a first body comprising a first opening defining a first reservoir therein, the first reservoir adapted and configured for containing the collapsible chair therein;

a second body removably coupled to the first body, the second body comprising a second opening defining a second reservoir therein, the second reservoir adapted and configured for containing at least one consumable beverage therein;

an insulative material lining at least the second body for reducing the transfer of heat to and/or from the second reservoir; and

an impermeable layer lining the insulative material for restricting a liquid contained within the second reservoir from penetrating through the second body,

wherein the first and second opening each comprise closing means for restricting access to the first and second reservoirs, and wherein the closing means of the second opening provides the second reservoir with a water-proof seal.