EP3256020B1

EP3256020B1 - Carrying case

Info

Publication number: EP3256020B1
Application number: EP16749930.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Melanie Cole; Vicky DEROUCHEY
Original assignee: Ugowear LLC
Current assignee: Ugowear LLC
Priority date: 2015-02-12
Filing date: 2016-02-12
Publication date: 2021-03-24
Anticipated expiration: 2036-02-12
Also published as: US20180228260A1; US20180020791A1; EP3256020A4; US20180228261A1; EP3256020A1; WO2016130876A1

Description

FIELD

The present teachings relate generally to a carrying case. More specifically, the teachings herein relate to a carrying case for carrying and protecting items like, for example, currency, passports, makeup, and candy; electronic devices like cellular telephones, tablets, cameras, and portable music players; and cards like identification cards, credit cards, and business cards.

BACKGROUND

Most days, a person carries with them various forms of currency (i.e., coins and paper), cards like identification cards, credit cards, passports and business cards, lip balm, keys, and electronic devices like a cellular telephone, a tablet, and a portable music player. U.S. 2014/0374302 A1 discloses an example of a known carrying case. While a person may carry these items and other like similar items in a purse or backpack, some of the items may be damaged when the purse or backpack is exposed to water, like if the person is caught in a rainstorm, for example. Or, if the person is at a pool or beach and the purse or backpack is inadvertently splashed or if the purse or backpack falls into the water, some of the items may be damaged. Moreover, if the person is caught in a rainstorm, taking a telephone out of the purse or backpack may expose the telephone to the rain, which may cause it to malfunction. Some attempts have been made to resolve these problems. For example, U.S. Patent number 8,923,938 B2 appears to disclose a protective carrying apparatus for a cellular phone and essential personal items; however, the protective carrying apparatus does not appear to be waterproof or able to float, should the apparatus accidently get wet or fall into water. It would therefore be desirable to provide a carrying case that is fashionable, waterproof, and can float. It would also be desirable to provide a carrying case that allows a person to view and/or manipulate an electronic device, like a cellular telephone or a portable music player, contained in the carrying case without actually taking the electronic device out of the carrying case (e.g., Bluetooth and phone call capability would still be possible within the case).

SUMMARY

The present invention meets one or more of these needs by providing a carrying case that is fashionable, waterproof, and can float.
The present invention also meets one or more of these needs by providing a carrying case for personal items and electronic devices that allows a person to view and/or manipulate an electronic device contained in the carrying case without having to actually take the device out of the carrying case.
The present invention is directed to a waterproof carrying case as defined by the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B each illustrate a front view of the outer surface of the first portion of the carrying case according to the present invention;
FIGS. 2A and 2B each illustrate a front view of the outer surface of the second portion of the carrying case according to the present invention;
FIG. 2C illustrates a front view of an area of the outer surface of the second portion of the carrying case according to the present invention;
FIG. 3A illustrates a front view of the inner surface of the first portion of the carrying case according to the present invention;
FIG. 3B illustrates a perspective view of the inner surface of the carrying case according to the present invention;
FIG. 4A illustrates a front view of the inner surface of the second portion of the carrying case according to the present invention;
FIGS. 4B and 4C each illustrate a perspective view of the inner surfaces of the carrying case according to the present invention;
FIGS. 5, 6, and 7 each illustrate side views of the carrying case according to the present invention;
FIGS. 8A, 8B, 9A, 9B, and 10 each illustrate perspective views of the carrying case according to the present invention;
FIG. 11 illustrates a front view of the straps according to the present invention;
FIG. 12 illustrates a partial front view of the straps according to the present invention; and
FIG. 13 illustrates a front view of the zipper according to the present invention;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This Application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/115,171, filed on February 12 2015 . The explanations and illustrations presented herein are intended to acquaint others skilled in the art with the teachings, its principles, and its practical application. Those skilled in the art may adapt and apply the teachings in its numerous forms, as may be best suited to the requirements of a particular use. Accordingly, the specific embodiments of the present invention as set forth are not intended as being exhaustive or limiting of the teachings. The scope of the present invention should, therefore, be determined not with reference to the description herein, but should instead be determined with reference to the appended claims.
The teachings herein provide a carrying case. The carrying case may be a purse, a wristlet, a clutch, a messenger bag, a medicine bag, a spots bag, a backpack, a fanny pack, the like, or a combination thereof. The carrying case can be configured to be held in a user's hand; worn around a user's wrist; worn over and/or around a user's neck, torso and/or shoulder; hung from a hanger, a chair, or a door knob; or a combination thereof. In other words, the carrying case can be any bag, container, apparatus and/or or device for carrying and/or protecting one or more items like makeup, candy, currency, keys, key fobs, a checkbook, a passport, a telephone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a cellular telephone and associated chargers, a portable music device, a camera, an electronic device, pens, pencils markers, pictures, mirrors, coupons, pepper spray, electronic cigarettes, firearms, medicine, tools, epi pens, food, the like, or a combination thereof. The carrying case, according to the invention, is water proof. The carrying case is water proof so that the one or more items in the carrying case remain dry when the carrying case is subjected and/or exposed to water or moisture. The carrying case may float. The carrying case may be fabricated from one or more materials that may include RFID blocking products to block electromagnetic energy needed to power and communicate with RFID items located in the carrying case like passports, credit cards, enhanced drivers licenses, the like, or a combination thereof. The carrying case includes a first portion and an opposing second portion.
The first portion cooperates with the second portion to form the carrying case. The first portion may be selectively opened, moved and/or separated from the second portion so that one or more items, personal items, electronics, foods, the like, or a combination thereof can be placed into the carrying case or removed from the carrying case. The first portion may be fabricated from a single material or component, or may be fabricated from two or more materials and/or components. The first portion may be fabricated from any suitable material like, for example leather, cloth, nylon, fabric, suede, metal, plastic, polyester, a polyester webbing with a TPU or PVC coating, thermoplastic polyurethane, polyurethane, one or more natural materials, one or more synthetic materials, the like, or a combination thereof. The first portion may be fabricated from a BioThane® material, a NIKE® TPU material with a woven backing, the like, or a combination thereof. The first portion is fabricated from a material that is waterproof. At least a portion of the first portion may be flexible so that the first portion can at least partially stretch. That is, the first portion may at least locally stretch when a larger item or a plurality of items are placed into the carrying case. At least a portion of the first portion may be rigid so that the first portion does not stretch. The first portion may be fabricated from a material that is lightweight and may be resistant to marring, scratching, fading, nicking, puncturing, ripping, tearing, stretching, the like, or a combination thereof. The first portion may include, or may be fabricated from, one or more materials or components including RFID blocking products. The first portion may include, or may be fabricated from, one or more materials or components that are or include solar panels so that an electronic device, a battery, or both within the carrying case can be charged. The first portion may include a means for cooling and/or heating the pack (e.g., a means to prevent any electronics located therein from becoming too cold or too hot). The first portion includes an outer surface, an opposing inner surface, and a plurality of edges around a circumference thereof. A cross-section of the first portion may resemble a U-shape. In other words, the first portion may include planar outer and inner surfaces, and edges extending around a circumference there of that extend generally perpendicular to the planar outer and inner surfaces. One or more of the edges may be rigid, or at least partially flexible. One or more of the edges may include accordion-type features and/or geometry so that the carrying case can expand and/or adapt when larger and/or multiple items are placed into the carrying case.
The outer surface of the first portion may include one or more hooks, snaps, buttons, loops, or other like similar devices for attaching items and/or accessories to the carrying case. One or more lights, reflectors, mirrors, logos, or a combination thereof may be attached or connected to the outer surface of the first portion. The outer surface of the first portion may include one or more rings. The one or more rings may be connected to the outer surface of the first portion via one or more reinforcements. One or more straps may be connected to the outer surface, to the one or more rings, or both so that a wearer can hang, manipulate, wear, hold, and/or handle the carrying case. The outer surface of the first portion may include one or more windows providing visual access into the carrying case, into one or more pockets or areas located between the outer and inner surfaces of the first portion, or both.
The one or more windows may function to provide a user with the ability to view and/or manipulate an electronic device such as a cellular telephone or a portable music player located within the carrying case, the first portion pocket, or both. The one or more windows may function to provide a user with the ability to view and manipulate an item in the carrying case without opening the carrying case and without removing the item from the carrying case. The one or more windows may function to provide a user with the ability to view and manipulate an item in the carrying case during conditions that may be less than ideal for manipulating the item (i.e., viewing or manipulating a cellular telephone or portable music player during a rain storm or while swimming, for example). The one or more windows may be fabricated from a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) material or other like suitable transparent or at least partially transparent material. The outer surface of the first portion may include one or more colors. patterns, figures, grains, textures, logos, designs, patches, the like, or a combination thereof. The outer surface of the first portion may be fabricated from the same material as the other parts of the carrying case, or may be fabricated from a different material.
The inner surface of the first portion may include one or more slots or features for receiving, retaining, holding, and/or protecting one or more cards, like credit or debit cards, identification cards, medical cars, calling cards, insurance cards, transit cards, business cards, proximity cards, a driver's license, a social security card, gift cards, the like or a combination thereof. The one or more slots or features may be or may include one or more cutouts or slits in the inner surface of the first portion; may be or may include one or more transparent card holders attached or connected to the inner surface; or may be any other suitable feature(s) for holding one or more cards. The inner surface may include one or more holders for receiving, retaining, holding, and/or protecting one or more items like gum, candy, lip balm, lipstick, pepper spray, pens, hand sanitizer, memory sticks, the like, or a combination thereof. The one or more holders may be or may include an elastic band, a pocket with or without a bottom; a strap; an adjustable strap; an elastic strap; a pouch; a bag; the like, or a combination thereof. The one or more holders may be fabricated from polyester, polyester elastic, the like, or a combination thereof. The inner surface may also include one or more books, loops, latches, attachments, or other features or devices for hanging, securing, and/or attaching one or more other items like keys or pendants. The inner surface of the first portion may include one or more mirrors. The inner surface may include one or more openings, slits, apertures, the like, or a combination thereof. providing access to a first portion pocket.
The first portion pocket may be one or more pockets located between the inner surface of the first portion and the outer surface of the first portion. The first portion pocket may function to seal, conceal, hold, hide, and/or protect items, personal items, and/or goods. The first portion pocket may function to seal and protect electronics like cellular telephones, tablets, computers, calculators, portable music players, cameras, camcorders, the like, or a combination thereof; coins, paper currency, a checkbook, a passport; foods; knives; conceal and carry hand guns; the like, or a combination thereof. The first portion pocket may include one or more compartments, dividers, separators, the like or a combination thereof therein so that items, personal items, goods, electronics, coins, foods, the like, or a combination thereof can be kept separate. The first portion pocket may include a closing feature.
The closing feature for the first portion pocket may function to provide selective access to the first portion pocket. The closing feature for the first portion pocket may function to provide selective access to the first portion pocket when the carrying case is at least partially opened (i.e., when the first portion is at least partially separated from the second portion). The closing feature for the first portion pocket may be one or more closing features that may restrict or prevent access to the first portion pocket The closing feature for the first portion pocket is a waterproof zipper. The closing feature for the first portion pocket is fabricated from one or more materials that are water proof so that when the closing feature is closed, the items in the first portion pocket can be kept dry when the carrying case is exposed to moisture or water regardless if the carrying case is opened or closed.
The second portion may cooperate with the first portion to form the carrying case. The second portion may be selectively opened, moved and/or separated from the first portion so that one or more items, personal items, electronics, foods, the like, or a combination thereof can be placed into the carrying case or removed from the carrying case. The second portion may be fabricated from a single material or component, or may be fabricated from two or more materials and/or components. The second portion may be fabricated from any suitable material like, for example, leather, cloth, nylon, fabric, suede, metal, plastic, polyester, a polyester webbing with a TPU or PVC coating, thermoplastic polyurethane, polyurethane, one or more natural materials, one or more synthetic materials, the like, or a combination thereof. The second portion may be fabricated from a BioThane® material, a NlKE® TPU material with a woven backing, the like, or a combination thereof. The second portion is fabricated from a material that is waterproof. At least a portion of the second portion may be flexible so that the second portion can at least partially stretch. That is, the second portion may at least locally stretch when a larger item or a plurality of items are placed into the carrying case. At least a portion of the second portion may be rigid so that the second portion does not stretch. The second portion may be fabricated from a material that is lightweight and may be resistant to marring, scratching, fading, nicking, puncturing, ripping, tearing, stretching, the like, or a combination thereof. The second portion may include or may be fabricated from one or more materials or components that include RFID blocking products. The second portion may include or may be fabricated from one or more materials or components that include or are solar panels so that an electronic device, a battery, or both within the carrying case can be charged. The second portion may include an outer surface, an opposing inner surface, and a plurality of edges around a circumference thereof. A cross-section of the second portion may resemble a U-shape. In other words, the second portion may include planar outer and inner surfaces, and edges extending around a circumference there of that extend generally perpendicular to the planar outer and inner surfaces. One or more of the edges may be rigid, or at least partially flexible. One or more of the edges may include accordion-type features and/or geometry so that the carrying case can expand and/or adapt when larger and/or multiple items are placed within the carrying case.
The outer surface of the second portion may include one or more hooks, snaps, buttons, loops, or other like similar devices for attaching items and/or accessories to the carrying case. One or more lights, reflectors, mirrors, logos, or a combination thereof may be attached or connected to the outer surface of the second portion. The outer surface of the second portion may include one or more rings. The one or more rings may be connected to the outer surface of the second portion via one or more reinforcements. One or more straps may be connected to the outer surface, to the one or more rings, or both so that a user or wear can hang, manipulate, wear, hold, and/or handle the carrying case. The outer surface of the second portion includes one or more windows providing visual access into the carrying case, into one or more pockets or areas located between the outer and inner surfaces of the second portion, or both. The one or more windows function to provide a user with the ability to view and manipulate an electronic device such as a cellular telephone or a portable music player located within the carrying case, the second portion pocket, or both. The one or more windows function to provide a user with the ability to view and manipulate an item in the carrying case without opening the carrying case. The one or more windows function to provide a user with the ability to view and manipulate an item in the carrying case during conditions that may be less than ideal for manipulating the item (i.e., viewing or manipulating a cellular telephone or portable music pool during a rain storm or while swimming, for example). The outer surface of the second portion may include one or more colors, patterns, figures, grains, textures, logos, designs, patches, the like, or a combination thereof. The outer surface of the second portion may be fabricated from the same material as the other parts of the carrying case, or may be fabricated from a different material.
The one or more windows may function to provide visual access into the carrying case, a pocket or area located between the outer and inner surfaces of the second portion, or both. The one or more windows may cover an entire portion of the outer surface of the second portion, or a portion thereof. The one or more windows are transparent and may be fabricated from a clear, transparent, or at least partially transparent material, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) material, or a combination thereof. The one or more windows form a water-tight seal with the outer surface of the second portion and/or with the carrying case so that moisture and/or water is restricted or prevented from entering the second portion pocket or the inside of the carrying case. The one or more windows may function to provide a user with the ability to view and manipulate an item like a cellular telephone or a portable music player located within the carrying case, the second portion pocket, or both. The one or more windows function to provide a user with the ability to view and manipulate an item in the carrying case without opening the carrying case. The one or more windows function to provide a user with the ability to view and manipulate an item in the carrying case during conditions that may be less than ideal for manipulating the item (i.e., viewing or manipulating a cellular telephone or portable music pool during a rain storm or while swimming, for example). The one or more windows, the first portion, the second portion, or a combination thereof may include one or more openings so that a charging cable, head phones, the like, or a combination thereof can extend out of the carrying case, while still maintaining a water proof carrying case design. In this regard, one or more bushings or seals may complement the one or more openings so that a wire or cord can extend into the carrying case, while maintaining a waterproof design.
The inner surface of the second portion may include one or more slots or features for receiving, retaining, holding, and/or protecting one or more cards, like credit or debit cards, identification cards, medical cars, calling cards, insurance cards, transit cards, business cards, gift cards, a driver's license, a social security card, the like, or a combination thereof. The one or more slots or features may be or may include one or more cutouts or slits in the inner surface of the second portion, one or more transparent card holders attached to the inner surface, or any other suitable feature(s) for holding one or more cards. The one or more holders may be fabricated from polyester, polyester elastic, the like, or a combination thereof. The inner surface of the second portion may include one or more holders for receiving, holding, retaining, and/or protecting one or more items like gum, candy, lip balm, lipstick, pepper spray, pens, hand sanitizer, memory sticks, keys and/or key fobs, garage door openers, the like, or a combination thereof. The one or more holders may be or may include a band, a pocket with or without a bottom; a strap; an adjustable strap; an elastic band or strap, a bag, a container, the like, or a combination thereof. The inner surface of the second portion may include one or more mirrors. The inner surface of the second portion may include one or more hooks, loops, latches, or other devices for hanging, securing, and/or attaching one or more other items like keys or pendants. The inner surface of the second portion may include one or more openings, slits, apertures, the like, or a combination thereof providing access to a second portion pocket.
The second portion pocket is one or more pockets located between the inner surface of the second portion and the outer surface of the second portion. The second portion pocket may be similar to the first portion pocket. The second portion pocket may function to seal, conceal, hide, hold, and/or protect items, personal items, and/or goods. The second portion pocket may function to seal and protect electronics like cellular telephones, tablets, computers, calculators, portable music players, cameras, camcorders, the like or a combination thereof; coins, paper currency, a checkbook, a passport; foods; knives; hand guns; the like, or a combination thereof. The second portion pocket may include one or more compartments, dividers, separators, the like or a combination thereof therein so that items, personal items, goods, electronics, coins, foods, the like, or a combination thereof can be kept separate. The second portion pocket includes a waterproof closing feature.
The closing feature for the second portion pocket may function to provide selective access to the second portion pocket. The closing feature for the second portion pocket may function to provide selective access to the second portion pocket when the carrying case is at least partially opened (i.e., when the first portion is at least partially separated from the second portion). The closing feature for the second portion pocket may be one or more closing features that may restrict or prevent access to the second portion pocket. The closing feature for the second portion pocket may be or may include one or more zippers, buttons, snaps, hook and loop fasteners, magnets, flaps, seals, locks, key-locks, combination locks, the like, or a combination thereof. The closing feature for the second portion pocket may be a #3 waterproof zipper. The closing feature for the second portion pocket may be fabricated from one or more materials that may be water resistant or water proof so that the items in the second portion pocket can be kept dry when the carrying case is exposed to moisture or water. The closing feature for the second portion pocket is fabricated from one or more materials that are water proof so that when the closing feature is closed, the items in the second portion pocket can be kept dry when the carrying case is exposed to moisture or water regardless if the carrying case is opened or closed.
One or more spaces or areas may be located between the inner surfaces of the first and second portions of the carrying case. The one or more spaces may function to receive, hold, retain and/or protect one or more items placed in the carrying case like notebooks, note pads, pens, batteries, knives, screwdrivers, knives, gum, candy, lip balm, lipstick, pepper spray, hand sanitizer, memory sticks, keys, key fobs, garage door openers, cards, currency, the like, or a combination thereof.
The zipper, which extends between the first portion and the second portion, functions to provide and/or restrict access into the carrying case. The zipper may be one or more zippers. The zipper may extend along one or more edges of the carrying case, along two or more edges of the carrying case, preferably three or more edges of the carrying case, or even all of the edges of the carrying case. The zipper may extend at least partially along one or more edges. The zipper may be a T-zip zipper. The zipper may be a TIZIP® waterproof zipper available from Titex GmbH, Germany. The zipper may provide for the first portion to be at least partially separated from or moved away from the second portion, or vice versa. The zipper may be any form, size, or style. The zipper may be or any color, design, pattern, texture, or a combination thereof. For example, the zipper teeth may be bright green in color providing a signature look for the carrying case. The zipper may be attached to the first and second portions by sewing, stitching, gluing, rivets, the like, or a combination thereof. The zipper forms a waterproof seal so that when the zipper is closed, the inner portions if the carrying case, the inner surfaces of the carrying case, and items located within the carrying case are protected from water and/or moisture.
One or more hooks, rings, or features may extend from the carrying case for attaching one or more straps, bands, hooks, attachments, the like or a combination thereof to the carrying case. The one or more rings may be formed from the same material as the first and second portions, or from a different material. The one or more rings may be fabricated from a metal like aluminum, brass, or steel. The one or more rings may be fabricated from brass with smoke color anodizing. The one or more rings may be attached to one or more of the outer surfaces, the inner surfaces, the first portion, the second portion, or a combination thereof. The one or more rings may be attached to the carrying case with reinforcing portions for adding strength to the rings, the carrying case, or both. The one or more rings may be any color, pattern, size, shape, or style. For example, the rings may be the same color as the carrying case, or the rings may be a different color. The rings may be circular, oval, square, or even triangular shaped.
The one or more straps may function to provide a user with the ability to wear, handle, manipulate, and/or hang the carrying case. The one or more straps may be any length so that a user can wear the carrying case over a shoulder, across a shoulder, around a torso, around a waste, around a wrist, or a combination thereof. The one or more straps may include an adjustment device so that the length or size of the strap can be adjusted. The one or more straps may be fabricated from any suitable material like, for example leather, cloth, nylon, fabric, suede, metal, plastic, polyester, a polyester webbing with a TPU or PVC coating, thermoplastic polyurethane, polyurethane, one or more natural materials, one or more synthetic materials, the like, or a combination thereof. The one or more straps may be fabricated from a BioThane® material, a NIKE® TPU material with woven backing, the like, or a combination thereof. The one or more straps may include or may be fabricated from one or more materials or components that include or are solar panels so that an electronic device, a battery, or both within the carrying case can be charged. The one or more straps may be any color, shape, and pattern. For example, the one or more straps may be bright green to provide a distinctive look for the carrying case. The one or more straps may include one or more attachments.
The one or more attachments may function to attach the one or more straps to the carrying case. The one or more attachments may function to attach the one or more straps to the one or more rings of the carrying case, the inner surfaces, the outer surfaces, the first portion, the second portion, or a combination thereof. The one or more attachments may function to provide a removable connection with the carrying device. The one or more attachments may be integrally formed with the one or more straps, or may be mechanically attached thereto. The one or more attachments may be swivel hooks that may swivel and/or spin. The one or more attachments may be fabricated from metal, brass, aluminum, or steel. The one or more attachments may be fabricated from brass with smoke color anodizing.
Figures 1A and 1B illustrate the carrying case 20. The carrying case 20 includes a first portion 22 and an opposing second portion 24 (Figures 2A and 2B). The first portion 22 includes an outer surface 34. A zipper 26 extends between the first and second portions 22, 24 so that the carrying case 20 can be selectively opened to expose the inner surfaces of the carrying case 20 and the items contained therein. The zipper 26 can also be selectively closed to protect the items placed into the carrying case 20. The zipper 26 includes a handle 28 for easier manipulation of the zipper 26 for opening and closing the carrying case 20. Rings 30 are secured to the first portion 22, the second portion 24, or both via reinforcements 32 so that one or more straps 76, 76' (Figures 2C and 8A-10) can be attached to the carrying case 20 to hang, carry, manipulate, and/or handle the carrying case 20.
Figures 2A, 2B, and 2C illustrate the second potion 24 of the carrying case 20. The second portion 24 includes an outer surface 36 with a window 38 for viewing one or more items 40 located within a second portion pocket 68. The carrying case 20 includes one or more straps 76, 76' connected to one or more of the rings 30 via attachments 74.
Figures 3A and 3B illustrate an inner surface 42 the first portion 22. The inner surface 42 includes one or more slits 44 for holding one or more cards 46; one or more holders 48 for holding one or more items 50; and an opening 52 providing access to a first portion pocket 54 located between the inner surface 42 and the outer surface 34 of the first portion 22. A zipper 56 can be selectively opened to access through the opening 52 the first portion pocket 54 and/or the contents contained in the first portion pocket 54. The zipper 56 can also be selectively closed to restrict and/or prevent access through the opening 52 to the first portion pocket 54 and/or the contents contained in the first portion pocket 54.
Figures 4A, 4B, and 4C illustrate an inner surface 58 of the second portion 24. The inner surface 58 includes one or more slits 60 for holding one or more cards 46; one or more holders 64 for holding one or more items 50'; and an opening 66 providing access to the second portion pocket 68 located between the inner surface 58 and the outer surface 36 of the second portion 26. A closing feature 70 can be selectively opened to access through the opening 66 the second portion pocket 68 and/or the one or more items 40 located in the second portion pocket 68. The closing feature 70 can be selectively closed to restrict and/or prevent access through the opening 66 to the second portion pocket 68 and/or to the one or more items 40 located therein. The one or more items 40 can viewed and/or manipulated through the window 38 of the outer surface 36 of the second portion 24 while the carrying case 20 is in an open position (i.e., FIGS. 3B, 4B, 4C), a closed position (i.e., FIGS. 2B, 8A, 9A), or both. A space 72 located between the inner surfaces 42, 58 of the first and second portions 22, 24, respectively can be used to hold other items that are not specifically illustrated.
Figures 5, 6, and 7 illustrate various side views of the carrying case 20, showing the zipper 26 and the strap 76, 76'.
Figures 8A and 8B illustrate the carrying case 20 ready to be worn around the shoulder of a wearer. The length of the straps 76, 76' is adjustable via an adjustment device 78. A shorter strap 76' can provide for the carrying case 20 to be worn around the wrist of the wearer.
Figure 9A illustrates the carrying case 20 worn across the torso and shoulder of a wearer with the outer surface 36 of the second portion 24 facing away from the wearer.
Figure 9B illustrates the carrying case 20 worn across the torso and shoulder of a wearer with the outer surface 34 of the first portion 22 facing away from the wearer.
Figure 10 illustrates the carrying case 20 worn around the waist of wearer with the outer surface 36 of the second portion 24 facing away from the wearer.
Figure 11 illustrates the straps 76, 76' including the attachments 74 for attaching the straps 76, 76' to the rings 30 on the carrying case 20. An adjustment device 78 provides for the length of the strap 76, 76' to be adjusted longer or shorter so that a wearer can comfortably use, hang, manipulate, and/or handle the carrying case 20.
Figure 12 illustrates a partial view of attachments 74 connected to strap 76, 76'.
Figure 13 illustrates a partial view of the zipper 26.

Listing of Reference Numerals

20 carrying case
22 first portion
24 second portion
26 zipper
28 zipper handle
30 rings
32 reinforcements
34 outer surface of first portion 22
36 outer surface of second portion 24
38 window
40 item
42 inner surface of first portion 22
44 slit
46 card
48 holder
50 item
50' item
52 opening
54 first portion pocket between outer surface 34 and inner surface 42
56 zipper
58 inner surface of second portion 24
60 slit
64 holder
66 opening
68 second portion pocket between outer surface 36 and inner surface 58
70 closing feature
72 space between first portion 22 and second portion 24
74 attachment
76 strap
76' strap
78 adjustment device

The term "consisting essentially of" to describe a combination shall include the elements, ingredients, components or steps identified, and such other elements ingredients, components or steps that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the combination. The use of the terms "comprising" or "including" to describe combinations of elements, ingredients, components or steps herein also contemplates embodiments that consist essentially of the elements, ingredients, components or steps. By use of the term "may" herein, it is intended that any described attributes that "may" be included are optional.
Plural elements, ingredients, components or steps can be provided by a single integrated element, ingredient, component or step. Alternatively, a single integrated element, ingredient, component or step might be divided into separate plural elements, ingredients, components or steps. The disclosure of "a" or "one" to describe an element, ingredient, component or step is not intended to foreclose additional elements, ingredients, components or steps.

Claims

A waterproof carrying case (20) suitable for carrying an electronic device whereby the device can be seen and manipulated from outside the case comprising
a) a first portion (22) including a first inner surface (42), a first outer surface (34) defining a first pocket (54) between the first inner surface and the first outer surface

b) a second portion (24) including a second inner surface (58), a second outer surface (36) to define a second pocket (68) between the second inner surface and the second outer surface wherein the second outer surface includes one or more transparent windows (38) which form a watertight seal with the second outer surface and which provide visual access into the second pocket of the carrying case and an ability to manipulate an item located in the second pocket, and the second pocket is provided with a closing feature (70) that is waterproof

c) a first waterproof zipper (26) extending between the first portion and the second portion

d) wherein the first pocket includes a second waterproof zipper (56) such that when the second zipper is in a closed position the first pocket is kept dry irrespective of whether the first zipper is in the closed position

e) wherein when the first waterproof zipper is in a closed position the first inner surface and the second inner surface are kept dry irrespective of whether the second zipper is in the closed position.
A carrying case of Claim 1, wherein the second pocket includes a flap and when the flap is in a closed position, the second pocket is kept dry when the carrying case is exposed to moisture regardless if the zipper extending between the first portion and the second portion is in the closed position.
A carrying case of any of the preceding claims, wherein the first inner surface, the second inner surface, or both includes one or more slits (44, 60) for holding one or more cards.
A carrying case of any of the preceding claims, wherein the first inner surface, the second inner surface, or both includes one or more holders (48, 64) for holding one or more items.
A carrying case of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first inner surface and the second inner surface each include one or more slits (44, 60) for holding one or more cards.
A carrying case of any of the preceding claims, wherein the carrying case includes one or more straps (76, 76').
A carrying case according to any of the preceding claims wherein the second outer surface includes two rings (30) for attaching one or more adjustable straps to the carrying case.
A carrying case of any of the preceding claims, wherein the closing feature of the second pocket is a waterproof zipper.
A carrying case of any of the preceding claims, wherein the carrying case is waterproof.
A carrying case according to any of the preceding claims which floats on water.
A carrying case according to any of the preceding claims in which the first waterproof zipper extends along two or more edges of the carrying case.
The use of a carrying case according to any of the preceding claims for carrying an electronic device while swimming.