Transit Case Assembly

A transit case assembly for carrying a firearm scope includes a shell, a first insert, and a second insert. The shell comprises a top piece, which is hingedly engaged to a bottom piece. An interior space defined by the shell is accessible when the top piece is hinged relative to the bottom piece. The first insert and the second insert are engaged to the top piece and the bottom piece, respectively, and substantially occupy the interior space. The first insert and the second insert comprise pre-scored foam and can be selectively plucked to create a cavity that is complimentary to at least one of a scope and an optical accessory. The at least one of the scope and the optical accessory can be inserted into the cavity and secured therein and thus be protected by the shell, the first insert, and the second insert.

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Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

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STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

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THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

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INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC OR AS A TEXT FILE VIA THE OFFICE ELECTRONIC FILING SYSTEM.

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STATEMENT REGARDING PRIOR DISCLOSURES BY THE INVENTOR OR JOINT INVENTOR

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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION (1) Field of the Invention.

The disclosure relates to case assemblies and more particularly pertains to a new case assembly for carrying a firearm scope.

(2) Description of Related Art including information disclosed under 37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98.

The prior art relates to case assemblies. Prior art case assemblies may comprise a case with a foam insert positioned therein, wherein the foam insert has one or more cavities positioned therein for insertion of objects. The prior art does not teach foam inserts having cavities intended for insertion of scopes for firearms or the accessories for the scopes.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An embodiment of the disclosure meets the needs presented above by generally comprising a shell, a first insert, and a second insert. The shell comprises a top piece, which is hingedly engaged to a bottom piece. An interior space defined by the shell is accessible when the top piece is selectively hinged relative to the bottom piece.

The first insert and the second insert are engaged to the top piece and the bottom piece, respectively, and substantially occupy the interior space. The first insert and the second insert comprise pre-scored foam and thus are pluckable and configured to be selectively plucked to create a cavity that is complimentary to at least one of a scope and an optical accessory. The cavity is configured for insertion of the at least one of the scope and the optical accessory so that the at least one of the scope and the optical accessory is secured within the cavity. The shell, the first insert, and the second insert are configured to protect the at least one of the scope and the optical accessory.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the disclosure in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the disclosure that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

The objects of the disclosure, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the disclosure, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

The disclosure will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is an isometric perspective view of a transit case assembly according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is an isometric perspective view of an embodiment of the disclosure in a closed configuration.

FIG. 3 is an isometric perspective view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 4 is an isometric perspective view of an embodiment of the disclosure in an open configuration.

FIG. 5 is an in-use view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to FIGS. 1 through 6 thereof, a new case assembly embodying the principles and concepts of an embodiment of the disclosure and generally designated by the reference numeral 10 will be described.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 6, the transit case assembly 10 generally comprises a shell 12, a first insert 14, and a second insert 16. The shell 12 comprises a top piece 18, which is hingedly engaged to a bottom piece 20. An interior space 22 defined by the shell 12 is accessible when the top piece 18 is selectively hinged relative to the bottom piece 20, as shown in FIG. 4. The shell 12 is at least one of rigid and flexible. The shell 12 may comprise at least one of plastic, metal, and the like, so that the shell 12 is rigid. The shell 12 also may comprise at least one of elastomer, canvas, cloth and the like, so that the shell 12 is flexible.

The first insert 14 and the second insert 16 are engaged to the top piece 18 and the bottom piece 20, respectively, and substantially occupy the interior space 22. The first insert 14 and the second insert 16 comprise pre-scored foam and thus are pluckable. The first insert 14 and the second insert 16 comprise at least one of polyethylene foam, polyurethane foam, and the like.

The first insert 14 and the second insert 16 are configured to be selectively plucked to create a cavity 24 that is complimentary to at least one of a scope and an optical accessory, as shown in FIG. 5. The first insert 14 and the second insert 16 being pluckable allows for creation of one or more cavities 24 specifically sized for a respective scope for a firearm. The cavity 24 is configured for insertion of the at least one of the scope and the optical accessory so that the at least one of the scope and the optical accessory is secured within the cavity 24. The shell 12, the first insert 14, and the second insert 16 are configured to protect the at least one of the scope and the optical accessory.

A closure 26 is engaged to the bottom piece 20 and is selectively engageable to the top piece 18. The closure 26 is positioned to engage the top piece 18 to the bottom piece 20 to secure the shell 12 in a closed configuration, as shown in FIG. 3. The closure 26 may comprise a zipper 28, as shown in FIG. 3, or other closing means, such as, but not limited to, clasps, latches, and the like.

A flap 30 is engaged to and extends circumferentially around the top piece 18, as shown in FIG. 4. The flap 30 is positioned to be selectively extended over the zipper 28, as shown in FIG. 2. A first connector 32 is engaged to the flap 30. A second connector 34 is engaged to the bottom piece 20 and is complementary to the first connector 32. The second connector 34 is positioned to selectively engage the first connector 32 to fixedly position the flap 30 over the zipper 28. The flap 30 is configured to limit penetration of liquids through the zipper 28. The second connector 34 and the first connector 32 may comprise a perimeter hook and loop fastener 36, or other fastening means, such as snap closures, magnetic closures, and the like.

A handle 38 is engaged to the shell 12 and is configured to be grasped in a hand of a user. The user is positioned to lift and to carry the shell 12 and contents thereof. The handle 38 may comprise a pair of hand straps 40, as shown in FIG. 2. Each hand strap 40 has opposed limits 42 that are engaged to a respective one of the top piece 18 and the bottom piece 20 to define an associated hand loop 44. The hand loops 44 are configured for insertion of the hand of the user.

A fastener 46 is engaged to one hand strap 40 and is configured to selectively engage the other hand strap 40 so that the hand straps 40 of the pair of hand straps 40 are mutually engaged. The fastener 46 may comprise a panel 48, which has a hook element 50 and a loop element 52 disposed singly proximate to opposed edges 54 thereof. The panel 48 is positioned to be wrapped around the other hand strap 40, positioning the hook element 50 to engage the loop element 52 to mutually engage the hand straps 40 of the pair of hand straps 40. The present invention anticipates the fastener 46 comprising other fastening means, such as, but not limited to, snap closures, button closures, and the like.

The assembly 10 also may comprise a shoulder strap 56, which has opposed endpoints 58. Each opposed endpoint 58 has first coupler 60 is engaged thereto. The shoulder strap 56 also may have a pad 62 engaged thereto and positioned substantially equally distant from the opposed endpoints 58.

Each of a pair of second couplers 64 is engaged to a respective opposed end 66 of the bottom piece 20 of the shell 12 and proximate to side face 68 thereof. The second coupler 64 is complimentary to the first couplers 60 and thus is positioned to selectively engage a respective first coupler 60 so that the shoulder strap 56 defines a shoulder loop 70. The shoulder loop 70 is configured for insertion of a shoulder of the user so that the shoulder strap 56 is positioned upon the shoulder. The shoulder strap 56 thus is configured to support the shell 12 and contents thereof. The second coupler 64 and the respective first coupler 60 may comprise a ring and snap hook coupler 72, or other coupling means, such as, but not limited to, side release buckles, snap closures, and the like.

Each of a plurality of bottom straps 74 is intermittently engaged to a lower face 76 of the bottom piece 20 defining a plurality of bottom loops 78, as shown in FIG. 3. The bottom straps 74 extend in parallel so that associated bottom loops 78 are aligned. The associated bottom loops 78 are configured for insertion of an article, such as a knife, to engage the article to the shell 12.

A patch connector 80 is engaged to the top piece 18 and is configured to selectively engage a patch (not shown) to couple the patch to the shell 12. The patch connector 80 allows the user to attach a logo to the shell 12. The patch connector 80 may comprise one element of a hook and loop fastener 82, as shown in FIG. 2, or other connecting means, such as, but not limited to, pressure sensitive adhesives, magnets, and the like.

In use, the first insert 14 and the second insert 16 are selectively plucked to create the cavity 24 that is complementary to the at least one of the scope and the optical accessory. The at least one of the scope and the optical accessory is inserted into the cavity 24 and the shell 12 is closed and secured with the zipper 28. The flap 30 is positioned over the zipper 28 and secured with the perimeter hook and loop fastener. The user can carry the shell 12, and contents thereof, using the handle 38 or the shoulder strap 56.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of an embodiment enabled by the disclosure, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by an embodiment of the disclosure.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the disclosure. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the disclosure to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the disclosure. In this patent document, the word “comprising” is used in its non-limiting sense to mean that items following the word are included, but items not specifically mentioned are not excluded. A reference to an element by the indefinite article “a” does not exclude the possibility that more than one of the elements is present, unless the context clearly requires that there be only one of the elements.

Claims

1. A transit case assembly comprising:

a shell comprising a top piece hingedly engaged to a bottom piece, such that an interior space defined by the shell is accessible when the top piece is selectively hinged relative to the bottom piece; and
a first insert and a second insert engaged to the top piece and the bottom piece, respectively, such that the first insert and the second insert substantially occupy the interior space, the first insert and the second insert comprising pre-scored foam such that the first insert and the second insert are pluckable, wherein the first insert and the second insert are configured for being selectively plucked for creating a cavity complimentary to at least one of a scope and an optical accessory, wherein the cavity is configured for insertion of the at least one of the scope and the optical accessory, such that the at least one of the scope and the optical accessory is secured within the cavity, wherein the shell, the first insert, and the second insert are configured for protecting the at least one of the scope and the optical accessory.

2. The transit case assembly of claim 1, wherein the shell is at least one of rigid and flexible.

3. The transit case assembly of claim 2, wherein the shell comprises at least one of plastic and metal such that the shell is rigid.

4. The transit case assembly of claim 2, wherein the shell comprises at least one of elastomer, canvas, and cloth such that the shell is flexible.

5. The transit case assembly of claim 1, wherein the first insert and the second insert comprise at least one of polyethylene foam and polyurethane foam.

6. The transit case assembly of claim 1, further including a closure engaged to the bottom piece and being selectively engageable to the top piece, such that the closure is positioned for engaging the top piece to the bottom piece for securing the shell in a closed configuration.

7. The transit case assembly of claim 6, wherein the closure comprises a zipper.

8. The transit case assembly of claim 7, further including:

a flap engaged to and extending circumferentially around the top piece, such that the flap is positioned for being selectively extended over the zipper;
a first connector engaged to the flap; and
a second connector engaged to the bottom piece, the second connecter being complementary to the first connector, such that the second connector is positioned for selectively engaging the first connector for fixedly positioning the flap over the zipper, wherein the flap is configured for limiting penetration of liquids through the zipper.

9. The transit case assembly of claim 8, wherein the second connector and the first connector comprise a perimeter hook and loop fastener.

10. The transit case assembly of claim 1, further including a handle engaged to the shell, wherein the handle is configured for grasping in a hand of a user, positioning the user for lifting and carrying the shell and contents thereof.

11. The transit case assembly of claim 1, wherein the handle comprises a pair of hand straps, each hand strap having opposed limits engaged to a respective one of the top piece and the bottom piece defining an associated hand loop, wherein the hand loops are configured for insertion of the hand of the user.

12. The transit case assembly of claim 11, further including a fastener engaged to one hand strap and being configured for selectively engaging the other hand strap such that the hand straps of the pair of hand straps are mutually engaged.

14. The transit case assembly of claim 12, wherein the fastener comprises a panel having a hook element and a loop element disposed singly proximate to opposed edges thereof, such that the panel is positioned for wrapping around the other hand strap, positioning the hook element for engaging the loop element for mutually engaging the hand straps of the pair of hand straps.

15. The transit case assembly of claim 1, further including:

a shoulder strap having opposed endpoints, each opposed endpoint having first coupler engaged thereto; and
a pair of second couplers, each second coupler being engaged to a respective opposed end the bottom piece of the shell and proximate to side face thereof, the second coupler being complimentary to the first couplers, such that the second coupler is positioned for selectively engaging a respective first coupler, such that the shoulder strap defines a shoulder loop, wherein the shoulder loop is configured for inserting a shoulder of a user, such that the shoulder strap is positioned upon the shoulder and wherein the shoulder strap is configured for supporting the shell and contents thereof.

16. The transit case assembly of claim 15, further including the shoulder strap having a pad engaged thereto and positioned substantially equally distant from the opposed endpoints.

17. The transit case assembly of claim 1, wherein the second coupler and the respective first coupler comprise a ring and snap hook coupler.

18. The transit case assembly of claim 1, further including a plurality of bottom straps, each bottom strap being intermittently engaged to a lower face of the bottom piece defining a plurality of bottom loops, the bottom straps extending in parallel such that associated bottom loops are aligned, wherein the associated bottom loops are configured for an inserting article for engaging the article to the shell.

19. The transit case assembly of claim 1, further including a patch connector engaged to the top piece and being configured for selectively engaging a patch for coupling the patch to the shell.

20. A transit case assembly comprising:

a shell comprising a top piece hingedly engaged to a bottom piece, such that an interior space defined by the shell is accessible when the top piece is selectively hinged relative to the bottom piece, the shell being at least one of rigid and flexible, the shell comprising at least one of plastic and metal such that the shell is rigid, the shell comprising at least one of elastomer, canvas, and cloth such that the shell is flexible;
a first insert and a second insert engaged to the top piece and the bottom piece, respectively, such that the first insert and the second insert substantially occupy the interior space, the first insert and the second insert comprising pre-scored foam such that the first insert and the second insert are pluckable, wherein the first insert and the second insert are configured for being selectively plucked for creating a cavity complimentary to at least one of a scope and an optical accessory, wherein the cavity is configured for insertion of the at least one of the scope and the optical accessory, such that the at least one of the scope and the optical accessory is secured within the cavity, wherein the shell, the first insert, and the second insert are configured for protecting the at least one of the scope and the optical accessory, the first insert and the second insert comprising at least one of polyethylene foam and polyurethane foam;
a closure engaged to the bottom piece and being selectively engageable to the top piece, such that the closure is positioned for engaging the top piece to the bottom piece for securing the shell in a closed configuration, the closure comprising a zipper;
a flap engaged to and extending circumferentially around the top piece, such that the flap is positioned for being selectively extended over the zipper;
a first connector engaged to the flap;
a second connector engaged to the bottom piece, the second connecter being complementary to the first connector, such that the second connector is positioned for selectively engaging the first connector for fixedly positioning the flap over the zipper, wherein the flap is configured for limiting penetration of liquids through the zipper, the second connector and the first connector comprising a perimeter hook and loop fastener;
a handle engaged to the shell, wherein the handle is configured for grasping in a hand of a user, positioning the user for lifting and carrying the shell and contents thereof, the handle comprising a pair of hand straps, each hand strap having opposed limits engaged to a respective one of the top piece and the bottom piece defining an associated hand loop, wherein the hand loops are configured for insertion of the hand of the user;
a fastener engaged to one hand strap and being configured for selectively engaging the other hand strap such that the hand straps of the pair of hand straps are mutually engaged, the fastener comprising a panel having a hook element and a loop element disposed singly proximate to opposed edges thereof, such that the panel is positioned for wrapping around the other hand strap, positioning the hook element for engaging the loop element for mutually engaging the hand straps of the pair of hand straps;
a shoulder strap having opposed endpoints, each opposed endpoint having first coupler engaged thereto, the shoulder strap having a pad engaged thereto and positioned substantially equally distant from the opposed endpoints;
a pair of second couplers, each second coupler being engaged to a respective opposed end the bottom piece of the shell and proximate to side face thereof, the second coupler being complimentary to the first couplers, such that the second coupler is positioned for selectively engaging a respective first coupler, such that the shoulder strap defines a shoulder loop, wherein the shoulder loop is configured for inserting a shoulder of the user, such that the shoulder strap is positioned upon the shoulder and wherein the shoulder strap is configured for supporting the shell and contents thereof, the second coupler and the respective first coupler comprising a ring and snap hook coupler;
a plurality of bottom straps, each bottom strap being intermittently engaged to a lower face of the bottom piece defining a plurality of bottom loops, the bottom straps extending in parallel such that associated bottom loops are aligned, wherein the associated bottom loops are configured for an inserting article for engaging the article to the shell; and
a patch connector engaged to the top piece and being configured for selectively engaging a patch for coupling the patch to the shell.
Patent History
Publication number: 20210356233
Type: Application
Filed: May 13, 2020
Publication Date: Nov 18, 2021
Inventor: Eric Holbrook (Whitesburg, KY)
Application Number: 15/930,489
Classifications
International Classification: F41G 11/00 (20060101); A45F 3/02 (20060101); A45C 11/08 (20060101); A45C 13/02 (20060101);