PROTECTIVE INSERTS FOR CAMERA BAGS AND STORAGE SYSTEMS INCLUDING THE SAME

Abstract

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

Claims

1. A protective case for a camera bag, comprising: a base; walls extending from the base, the base and the walls defining a cavity capable of receiving a camera, ends of the walls located opposite from the base defining an opening of the cavity, the walls including at least a first wall and a second wall located adjacent to one another, each wall of the walls including a pair of superimposed layers joined together at selected locations defining elongated cells that are parallel to one another, in flow communication with one another, and capable of being selectively inflated and deflated, first elongated cells of the first wall extending in a first orientation, second elongated cells of the second wall extending in a second orientation, the first orientation and the second orientation being different from one another; and a lid capable of being positioned over the opening of the cavity.

2. The protective case of claim 1, wherein, when the walls are inflated, the first orientation of the first elongated cells of the first wall and the second orientation of the second elongated cells of the second wall capable of preventing the protective case from collapsing along a height, a width, and a depth of the cavity.

3. The protective case of claim 2, wherein the first orientation and the second orientation are perpendicular to one another.

4. The protective case of claim 3, wherein the first orientation is parallel to a width of the first wall and the second orientation is parallel to a height of the second wall.

5. The protective case of claim 1, wherein the base and the lid are inflatable.

6. The protective case of claim 5, further comprising: a valve in communication with the elongated cells of the walls and cells of the base and the lid.

7. The protective case of claim 5, wherein cells of the lid are aligned with elongated cells of a wall of the walls.

8. The protective case of claim 7, wherein the cells of the lid are aligned with elongated cells of a rear wall of the walls.

9. The protective case of claim 8, wherein the walls comprise four walls, including the rear wall, a front wall opposite from the rear wall, a first side wall adjoining first edges of the rear wall and the front wall, and a second side wall opposite from the first side wall and adjoining second edges of the rear wall and the front wall.

10. The protective case of claim 9, wherein the cells of the lid, the elongated cells of the rear wall, and elongated cells of the front wall are oriented parallel to one another and perpendicular to elongated cells of the first side wall and elongated cells of the second side wall.

11. The protective case of claim 9, wherein: the elongated cells of the rear wall and the elongated cells of the front wall are oriented substantially perpendicular to the base; and the elongated cells of the first side wall and the elongated cells of the second side wall are oriented substantially parallel to the base.

12. The protective case of claim 7, wherein cells of the base are aligned with the elongated cells of the wall.

13. A protective storage system for a camera, comprising: a pack including: a shell; an interior defined by the shell, the interior including: a primary receptacle; a protective case caseable into and removable from the primary receptacle of the pack, the protective case comprising an inflatable cavity with: a base; walls extending from the base, the base and the walls defining a cavity capable of receiving a camera, ends of the walls located opposite from the base defining an opening of the cavity, the walls including at least a first wall and a second wall located adjacent to one another, each wall of the walls including a pair of superimposed layers joined together at selected locations defining elongated cells that are parallel to one another and capable of being selectively inflated and deflated, first elongated cells of the first wall extending in a first orientation, second elongated cells of the second wall extending in a second orientation, the first orientation and the second orientation being different from one another; and a lid capable of being positioned over the opening of the cavity.

14. The protective storage system of claim 13, wherein the pack lacks padding.

15. The protective storage system of claim 13, wherein the pack lacks a structural support element.

16. The protective storage system of claim 15, further comprising: an inflatable frame caseable into and removable from the primary receptacle of the pack, the inflatable frame, when inflated, capable of imparting the pack with structural rigidity.

17. The protective storage system of claim 16, wherein the protective frame has a shape that corresponds to a shape of a major panel of the shell of the pack.

18. A method for protecting photography equipment, comprising: introducing at least one piece of photography equipment into a cavity of a protective case; inflating panels of the protective case defining the cavity of the protective case; and introducing the protective case into a receptacle of a bag.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein inflating panels occurs before introducing the at least one piece of photography equipment into the cavity.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein inflating panels occurs after introducing the at least one piece of photography equipment into the cavity.

21. The method of claim 18, introducing the protective case comprises introducing the protective case into a receptacle of a bag that lacks padding.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] In the drawings:

[0023] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a protective case according to this disclosure, showing the protective case in an uninflated state;

[0024] FIG. 1B is a perspective view showing the embodiment of protective case of FIG. 1A in an inflated state, with a lid thereof in a closed position;

[0025] FIG. 1C is a representation of an arrangement of panels that may be folded and whose edges may be secured together to define a protective case, such as the embodiment of protective case illustrated by FIGS. 1A and 1B;

[0026] FIG. 1D is a cross-sectional representation through a portion of a portion of a panel of the embodiment of protective case shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B;

[0027] FIGS. 2A and 2B provide front views of the protective case of FIGS. 1A and 1B in uninflated and inflated states, respectively;

[0028] FIGS. 3A and 3B provide first side views of the protective case of FIGS. 1A and 1B in uninflated and inflated states, respectively;

[0029] FIGS. 4A and 4B provide rear views of the protective case of FIGS. 1A and 1B in uninflated and inflated states, respectively;

[0030] FIGS. 5A and 5B provide second side views of the protective case of FIGS. 1A and 1B in uninflated and inflated states, respectively;

[0031] FIGS. 6A and 6B provide top views of the protective case of FIGS. 1A and 1B in uninflated and inflated states, respectively;

[0032] FIGS. 7A and 7B provide bottom views of the protective case of FIGS. 1A and 1B in uninflated and inflated states, respectively;

[0033] FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of a bag with which a protective case of this disclosure may be used;

[0034] FIG. 9 shows a portion of a primary receptacle of the bag of FIG. 8 within which the protective case of FIGS. 1A-7B may be placed;

[0035] FIG. 10 depicts an inflatable frame that may be used with the bag shown in FIG. 8; and

[0036] FIG. 11 depicts an embodiment of placement of the inflatable frame of FIG. 10 within the bag of FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] FIGS. 1A-7A depict an embodiment of a protective case 10 in a deflated state. FIGS. 1B-7B depict the same embodiment of protective case 10 in an inflated state. The protective case 10 may include a plurality of panels 20, 30, 40, etc., that define a receptacle 12. Each panel 20, 30, 40, etc., may include an airtight bladder (not shown in FIGS. 1-7A). The bladders of the panels 20, 30, 40, etc., may communicate with one another. Each airtight bladder may communicate with a valve 50, through which one or more corresponding panels 20, 30, 40, etc., may be selectively inflated and/or deflated. As depicted, the protective case 10 includes a single valve 50 that communicates with the airtight bladders of all of the panels 20, 30, 40, etc., of the protective case 10.

[0038] The disclosure that follows refers to orientations; for example, front, back, left, right, top, bottom, etc. These and other orientations correspond to the orientations of their respective elements when the protective case 10 is oriented in the manner shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B; they should not be considered to limit the protective case 10 or any of its elements or features to any particular orientation.

[0039] In some embodiments, such as that depicted by FIGS. 1A-7A and 1B-7B, the panels 20, 30, 40, etc., may be interconnected; for example, in the manner depicted by FIG. 1C. The panels 20, 30, 40, etc., may be folded and their edges secured (e.g., sewn, bonded, etc.) to each other to define an embodiment of the protective case 10, such as that depicted by FIGS. 1A and 1B.

[0040] Panel 20 of the protective case 10 comprises an elongated panel that defines the front side 13, bottom side 14, and back side 15 of the protective case 10. Edges along the left side of the front side 13, bottom side 14, and back side 15 of the panel 20 may be respectively secured corresponding front, bottom, and rear edges of panel 30, which defines a left side 16 of the protective case 10. Likewise, edges along the right side of the front side 13, bottom side 14, and back side 15 of the panel 20 may be respectively secured to corresponding front, bottom, and rear edges of panel 40, which defines a right side 17 of the protective case 10.

[0041] In addition, panel 20 may define a top side 18 of the protective case 10. The top side 18 of the protective case 10 may have a configuration that enables it to be selectively positioned in a closed orientation over the receptacle 12 defined by the remaining sides of the protective case 10 or in an open orientation, in which the receptacle 12 is exposed. A back edge of the top side 18 may be continuous with a top edge of the back side 15 defined by the panel 20, while side edges of the top side 18 may remain separate from top edges of panels 30 and 40 (i.e., the left side 16 and right side 17, respectively, of the protective case 10).

[0042] A flap 19 may extend from a front edge of the top side 18. The flap 19 may be continuous with the top side 18. The flap 19 may facilitate closing and/or opening of the top side 18 relative to an opening to the receptacle 12. In addition, the flap 19 may enable the top 18 to be secured in place over the opening to the receptacle 12. In some embodiments, cooperating members of a fastener (e.g., a Velcro fastener, etc.) may be positioned on locations of an interior surface of the flap 19 and an exterior surface of the front side 13 that are opposed when the top 18 is in its closed orientation. Alternatively, cooperating members of a clip at the ends of straps that are secured to the flap 19 and the front side 13 of the protective case 20 may engage one another to hold the top 18 in the closed orientation over the opening to the receptacle 12 and disengaged from one another to enable the top 18 to be transitioned (e.g., moved, etc.) from the closed orientation to the open orientation.

[0043] With reference to the cross-sectional representation provided by FIG. 1C, panel 20 may include an outer layer 21 and inner layer 23. The outer layer 21 and inner layer 23 may be secured together along their outer peripheral edges 22 and 24, respectively, defining a peripheral seam 25 of the panel 20. Optionally, the outer layer 21 and the inner layer 23 may also be secured together at one or more discrete locations 26 interior to their respective outer peripheral edges 22 and 24 (i.e., at one or more central locations), which may impart the panel 20 with a quilted appearance. At other locations, opposed surfaces of the outer layer 21 and the inner layer 23 are not secured to each other, and may be separable from one another, defining cells 27 of the panel 20. Together, the peripheral seam 25, any discrete locations 26 where the outer layer 21 and the inner layer 23 are secured together, and the cells 27 define a bladder 28 of the panel 20.

[0044] In some embodiments, the outer layer 21 and the inner layer 23 of the panel may be formed from a single sheet of material.

[0045] In embodiments where one or both of the outer layer 21 and the inner layer 23 are defined from flexible materials, the opposed surfaces at such separable locations may be forced apart from one another; for example, when air or another fluid is introduced into the bladder 28, to increase a thickness of the panel 20. Panels 30, 40, etc., may have configurations similar to that of panel 20.

[0046] The outer layer 21 and the inner layer 23 may comprise any of a variety of suitable materials. Without limitation, the material from which the outer layer 21 and the inner layer 23 are formed may comprise a gas impermeable material. The material used to make the outer layer 21 and the inner layer 23 can be gas impermeable. Examples of gas-impermeable materials include, without limitation, films formed from polyethylene, polypropylene, polyurethane, urethane, silicone rubber, latex rubber, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), expanded PTFE, butyl rubber, Mylar, or the like. Alternatively, the material from which the outer layer 21 and the inner layer 23 are formed can be coated or laminated to be gas impermeable. More specifically, the outer layer 21 and/or the inner layer 23 may comprise a fabric that has been coated with a gas impermeable material or laminated to a gas impermeable material. The gas impermeable material that coats or is laminated to the material from which the outer layer 21 and/or the inner layer 23 is formed may comprise a polymer, such as any of the above-identified polymers.

[0047] Any of a variety of suitable techniques may be used to secure the outer layer and the inner layer 23 at selected locations; for example, to define the peripheral seam 25 and at any centrally located discrete location(s) 26. For example, ultrasonic welding, laser welding, stamp heat welding, hot plate welding, adhesive bonding, taping, sewing, and other fabric joining techniques known to those of ordinary skill in the art may be used. In specific embodiments, the outer layer 21 and the inner layer 23 may be secured together to define the peripheral seam 25 and any centrally located discrete locations 26 with an ultrasonic welding drum or a hot plate welding drum that has been machined and/or is operated in a manner that impresses a pattern into outer layer 21 and the inner layer 23.

[0048] The bladder 28 of the panel 20 (and of panels 30, 40, etc.) may be airtight, watertight, or the like. In such embodiments, a compressible fluid (e.g., air, an inert gas, a mixture of inert gases, a compressible liquid, etc.) may be introduced into cells 27 of the bladder 28 to inflate the cells 27 and, thus, the panel 20. As various examples, a compressible fluid may be introduced into the cells 27 of the bladder 28 to a pressure of up to about 2 psi, greater than 2 psi, greater than 3 psi, greater than 5 psi, or even greater than 10 psi. The pressure to which the panel is inflated may be less than 30 psi, less than 15 psi, less than 10 psi, or even less than 5 psi.

[0049] With returned reference to FIGS. 1A-7A and 1B-7B, the valve 50 of the protective case 10 communicates with the cells 27 (FIG. 1D) of the bladder 28 (FIG. 1D) of each panel 20, 30, 40, etc., in a manner that enables a compressible fluid to be introduced into and released from the cells 27 of the bladder 28. The valve 50 may have a configuration that enables the cells 27 of the bladder 28 to be inflated as an individual blows into the valve 50 and/or it may have a configuration that enables it to be coupled to a pump (e.g., a manual pump, a mechanical pump, etc.).

[0050] When the cells 27 (FIG. 1D) of the panels 20, 30, 40, etc., of the protective case 10 are inflated and the top 18 is in the closed orientation, the protective case 10 may protect an item, such as a camera, other photography equipment, a portable electronic device, or the like, from an impact. Without limitation, the protective case 10 may protect such an item from impacts on a bag or a case (e.g., a backpack, a shoulder bag, a camera bag, etc.) within which the protective case 10 has been placed. In addition, the protective case 10 may protect such an item from impacts by other objects within the bag or case within the bag or case, but outside of the protective case 10. Such impacts may occur in a variety of situations, such as when the bag or case is carried, dropped, or even stored.

[0051] In some embodiments, the protective case 10 may include one or more attachment tabs 60. Each attachment tab 60 may include an aperture 62 or another opening capable of receiving a strap, a clip, or another device that may be used to carry the protective case 10. While FIGS. 1A and 1B depict the aperture 62 as comprising a slot, other embodiments of apertures, including without limitation round openings, slits, and the like, are also within the scope of this disclosure. Without limitation, the aperture 62 of the attachment tab 60 may have a configuration that enables it to be engaged by a should strap, a belt, or the like.

[0052] FIGS. 8-11 depict an embodiment of a bag 100 with which the protective case 10 may be used. As illustrated by FIGS. 8, 9, and 11, the bag 100 may comprise a backpack. In some embodiments, the bag 100 may lack its own padding and any other cushioning elements. The bag 100 may include a receptacle 102 within which the protective case 10 may be placed. In addition, as shown in FIG. 8, the receptacle 102 of the bag 100 may receive an inflatable frame 110, such as the embodiment of inflatable frame 110 depicted by FIG. 10.

[0053] Although the preceding description and the accompanying drawings are limited to a few specific embodiments, the specific embodiments that have been described and illustrated should not be construed as limiting the scope of any of the appended claims. Features from different embodiments may be employed in combination. All additions to, deletions from, and modifications of the disclosed subject matter that fall within the scopes of the claims are to be embraced by the claims.