WO2013132355A2 - Case having a foldable flap to selectively bypass hook and loop fasteners - Google Patents

Abstract

A case includes a main body portion and a closure panel that may be selectively closed in a first configuration which utilizes a strong hook and loop fastener such as VELCRO or a second configuration which utilizes a quieter alternative closure mechanism, such as magnets. The quieter alternative closure mechanism may be preferred in situations where a loud hook and loop release sound is not desired, such as a meeting or wedding. To convert between the first and second configurations, an integral flap of the closure panel folds and functions to bypass or avoid the hook and loop fasteners and expose the quieter alternative closure mechanism for selective engagement thereof.

Description

CASE HAVING A FOLD ABLE FLAP TO SELECTIVELY BYPASS HOOK AND LOOP

FASTENERS

Inventors: Luis Quehl

Peter Hill

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a non-provisional application claiming the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/590,603 filed January 25, 2012, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The invention is related to a case having a foldable flap to selectively utilize or avoid hook and loop fasteners.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Hook and loop fasteners such as VELCRO are often used for securing a closure flap of a bag or case. Although hook and loop fasteners offer a very strong or secure closure mechanism, the release or disengagement of the hook and loop fasteners often generates a loud ripping noise. Such noise may be undesirable when opening and closing the bag in particular situations, such as during a wedding or a meeting.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Embodiments hereof relate to a bag or case having a main body and a closure panel. The main body includes a first side panel, a second side panel, a back panel, a front panel, and a bottom panel which collectively define an interior volume having an open top. The closure panel is coupled to and extends from the back panel. The closure panel is configured to removably close over the top of the main body and be secured to the front panel in either a first closure configuration which includes hook and loop fasteners or a second closure configuration which includes magnets. In order to transition between the first and second closure configurations, the closure panel includes a flap which selectively folds over hook or loop fasteners located on the closure panel and thereby selectively avoids the hook or loop fasteners and exposes at least one magnet located on the closure panel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0005] The foregoing and other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description of the invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, further serve to explain the principles of the invention and to enable a person skilled in the pertinent art to make and use the invention. The drawings are not to scale.

[0006] FIG. 1 is a front view of a case according to an embodiment hereof, wherein the case is closed in a first configuration which utilizes hook and loop fasteners as the closure mechanism.

[0007] FIG. 2 is a front view of the case of FIG. 1, wherein the case is closed in a second configuration which utilizes magnets as the closure mechanism and selectively avoids the hook and loop fasteners.

[0008] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the case of FIG. 1, wherein a closure panel of the case is opened to illustrate an interior volume of a main body of the case.

[0009] FIG. 4 is a side view of the closure panel, wherein an integral flap of the closure panel perpendicularly extends from the remainder of the closure panel for illustrative purposes only.

[0010] FIGS. 5-6 are front and side views, respectively, of the case with the closure panel in an extended or open position with respect to the main body, wherein the integral flap is positioned to allow for closure via the hook and loop fasteners of the case.

[0011] FIGS. 7-8 are front and side views, respectively, of the case with the closure panel in an extended or open position with respect to the main body, wherein the integral flap is positioned to allow for closure via the magnets of the case.

[0012] FIGS. 9-12 are illustrations of the case transforming from the first closure configuration which utilizes hook and loop fasteners as the closure mechanism into the second closure configuration which utilizes magnets as the closure mechanism. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Specific embodiments of the present invention are now described with reference to the figures, wherein like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements. The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the invention or the application and uses of the invention. Although the description of embodiments hereof are in the context of an accessory case for holding cameras and camera accessories, such as lenses, flashes, batteries, cards, etc, the invention may also be used in any other applications where it is deemed useful. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description.

[0014] Embodiments hereof relate to a bag or case 100. Case 100 is described herein for housing a camera and/or camera accessories. However, it should be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that case 100 may be utilized for housing other items or devices such as electronic devices, video devices and accessories, personal items, and the like and thus is not limited to housing camera accessories. For example, and not by way of limitation, case 100 may be in the form of a briefcase or a portable computer case. Case 100 includes a main body portion 102 and a closure panel 110. As will be explained in more detail herein, closure panel 110 may be selectively closed or secured in a first configuration which utilizes strong hook and loop fasteners such as VELCRO or a second configuration which utilizes a quieter alternative closure mechanism, such as a magnetic closure mechanism. The second configuration which utilizes the quieter alternative closure mechanism is useful in situations where a loud hook and loop release sound is not desired, such as a meeting or wedding. To transition between the first and second configurations, an integral flap 114 of closure panel 110 folds and functions to bypass or avoid the hook and loop fasteners and expose the quieter alternative closure mechanism for selective engagement thereof. FIG. 1 is a front view illustration of case 100 closed in the first configuration, wherein closure panel 110 extends substantially the full length of case 100, and FIG. 2 is a front view illustration of case 100 closed in the second configuration, wherein closure panel 110 extends approximately half the length of case 100. [0015] Referring to FIG. 3, main body portion 102 of case 100 includes a first side panel 104A, a second side panel 104B, a back panel 106, front panel 108, and a bottom panel (not shown) which collectively define an interior volume having an open top. All panels of main body portion 102 are generally planar rectangular structures and preferably are formed from a soft protective material such as nylon or polyester that is capable of protecting camera(s) and/or camera accessories from impact and shock forces, extreme temperatures, and water damage. Further, in one embodiment, the inner surfaces of one or more panels may include an inner lining of a soft, non-scratch material and/or a thin padding or cross-linked foam to protect the contents stored within the interior volume of accessory case 100. Back panel 106 and front panel 108 extend generally parallel to each other and are connected via first and second opposing side panels 104A, 104B that extend generally perpendicularly between the side edges of back and front panels 106, 108, respectively. In addition, the bottom panel extends generally perpendicularly between the bottom edges of side panels 104A, 104B, front panel 108, and back panel 106. Side panels 104A, 104B, back panel 106, front panel 108, and the bottom panel may be integral with each other or may be coupled together by stitching or any other appropriate mechanical fasteners.

[0016] Closure panel 110 is coupled to and extends from back panel 106. Closure panel 110 may open and close over the open top of case 100 in order to access contents within the interior volume of case 100. In FIG. 3, closure panel 110 is opened and flipped backwards over back panel 106 and is generally obscured from view. When closed, closure panel 110 may be secured to front panel 108 in either the first closure configuration shown in FIG. 1 or the second closure configuration shown in FIG. 2. Referring additionally to FIG. 4, closure panel 110 includes a first portion 112, a flap 114, and an extension or tab 116. First portion 112 includes a first end coupled to back panel 106 and a second end opposite the first end. Extension or tab 116 is coupled to the second end of first portion 112 and extends substantially in-line with first portion 112. In the embodiment shown, extension or tab 116 is formed integrally with first portion 112 such that a first panel of material constitutes both elongated portion 112 and extension 116, but tab 116 may be a separate piece coupled to first portion 112 through stitching or other appropriate mechanical fasteners. In one embodiment, a second panel of material, which may be approximately half the length of the first panel of material, constitutes flap 114. The second panel of material, or flap 114, is sewn or otherwise attached to the interior surface of the first panel of material at a seam 138 (shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 7) such that flap 114 is foldable with respect to first portion 112. In one embodiment, seam 138 is located between one and two inches from end edge 111 of tab 116. Those of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that tab 116 may be eliminated such that closure 110 includes only first portion 112 and flap 114. In such an embodiment, flap 114 may be formed integral with first portion 112 with a seam disposed between them such that flap 114 is foldable relative to first portion 112. Flap 114 may also be a separate piece attached to and foldable with respect to first portion 112. In such an embodiment, magnet 134, described in detail below, would be disposed in flap 114 near the seam between flap 114 and first portion 112. Tab 116 provides a finished look to closure panel 110 when in the second closure configuration, rather than the appearance of a folded closure panel 110 in the embodiment without tab 116.

[0017] As will be explained in more detail herein, first elongated portion 112 includes one or more patches of hook or loop fasteners configured to engage corresponding loop or hook fasteners located on front panel 108, and extension or tab 116 includes at least one magnet configured to engage at least one corresponding magnet located on front panel 108. A user positions integral flap 114 to select which type of closure mechanism, i.e., the hook or loop fasteners or the at least one magnet, is utilized to secure closure panel 110 onto front panel 108.

[0018] FIGS. 5-6 illustrate front and side views, respectively, of closure panel 110 in an extended or open position with respect to main body 102 with flap 114 positioned to allow for closure via the hook and loop fasteners of accessory bag 100. More particularly, flap 114 extends away from first portion 112 such that flap 114 is substantially in line with or parallel to first portion 112. Flap 114 further extends over or blocks an inner surface of extension 116 (obscured from view in the front view of FIG. 5). An interior surface 118 of first portion 112 includes two patches 124A, 124B of hooks, while an exterior surface 120 of front panel 108 includes two corresponding patches 126 A, 126B of loop fasteners, which are configured to fasten or couple together as known in the art of hook and loop fasteners, such as VELCRO. It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the shape, size, and number of patches with hooks on first portion 112 may vary according to design as long as front panel 108 includes mating patches of loop fasteners. For example, first portion 112 may include a single elongated patch of hooks or may include a line of smaller, multiple patches of hooks. Patches of hook or loop fasteners described herein may be circular, oval, square, rectangular, triangular, or any suitable shape or size. As shown in FIG. 5, patches 126A, 126B of loop fasteners on front panel 108 are longer than patches 124A, 124B of hooks on closure panel 110 in order to accommodate closing case 100 with different volumes of contents contained within main body 102.

[0019] In addition to corresponding or mating patches 124A and 126A, 124B and 126B, the embodiment of FIGS. 5-6 illustrates a secondary set of hook and loop fasteners which act to further secure case 100 closed in a first closure configuration. An interior surface 122 of flap 114 includes two relatively smaller patches 130A, 130B of hooks, while exterior surface 120 of front panel 108 includes two corresponding patches 132A, 132B of loop fasteners, which are configured to fasten or couple together as known in the art of hook and loop fasteners, such as VELCRO. Again, as shown in FIG. 5, patches 132A, 132B of loop fasteners on front panel 108 are longer than patches 130A, 130B of hooks on closure panel 110 in order to accommodate closing accessory bag 100 with different volumes of contents contained within main body 102. It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the shape, size, and number of patches with hooks on flap 114 may vary according to design provided that front panel 108 includes mating patches of loop fasteners. In addition, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that only one mating or corresponding set of hook and loop fasteners between closure panel 110 and front panel 108 are required to secure accessory bag 100 closed in a first closure configuration. Front panel 108 of accessory bag 100 does not require hook and loop fastening between two sections of closure panel 110, i.e., first portion 112 and flap 114, although having multiple sets hook and loop fasteners creates a stronger closure bond between closure panel 110 and front panel 108.

[0020] In order to close case 100 in the first closure configuration utilizing hook and loop fasteners, closure panel 110 having flap 114 extending away from first portion 112 as shown in FIG. 5 is simply laid flat against front panel 108. Patches 124A, 124B of hooks located on first portion 112 mate or couple with patches 126A, 126B of loops located on front panel 108. Similarly, patches 130A, 130B of hooks located on flap 114 mate or couple with patches 132A, 132B of loops located on front panel 108. Accordingly, referring back to FIG. 1, closure panel 110 secures case 100 closed in a first closure configuration that utilizes strong hook and loop fasteners. Since flap 114 is positioned between front panel 108 and extension 116, the magnetic closure mechanism described below is not engaged. However, those of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the magnetic closure need not be blocked in the first closure configuration.

[0021] FIGS. 7-8 illustrate front and side views, respectively, of first portion 112 of closure panel 110 in an extended or open position with respect to main body 102 and with flap 114 positioned to engage the quieter magnetic closure mechanism of case 100. More particularly, flap 114 is folded onto or laid flat against the interior surface 118 of first portion 112, extending away from extension 116 which now forms an end edge 111 of closure panel 110. Referring back to the front view of FIG. 5, interior surface 122 of flap 114 includes two patches 128 A, 128B of loops. When flap 114 is folded down and pressed against first portion 112 as shown in FIG. 7, patches 128A, 128B of loops engage and couple to at least portions of patches 124A, 124B of hooks on elongated portion 112. As such, patches 124 A, 124B of hooks on first portion 112 are canceled or negated as closure mechanisms for case 100. In addition, since flap 114 is maintained or held in the folded over position via the hook and loop connection between coupled patches 124A and 128A, 124B and 128B, secondary patches 130A, 130B of hooks located on flap 114 are obscured from view and thus also are canceled or negated as closure mechanisms for case 100.

[0022] Rather, a magnetic attraction between a magnet 134 located within extension 116 and a corresponding or mating magnet located within front panel 108 is available as the closure mechanism for case 100. As shown in FIG. 7, case 100 may include a series of several magnets 136A, 136B, 136C at incremental heights on front panel 108 to accommodate closing case 100 with different volumes of contents contained within main body 102. For example, when case 100 is relatively empty, closure panel 110 is pulled securely over main body 102 and magnet 134 of extension 116 reaches and couples with magnet 136C at the lowest relative position on front panel 108. Conversely, when case 100 is relatively full, closure panel 110 is pulled securely over main body 102 and magnet 134 of extension 116 reaches and couples with magnet 136A at the highest relative position on front panel 108. Although shown with three magnets on front panel 108, case 100 may include one magnet, two magnets, or more than three magnets on front panel 108 for coupling to magnet 134 on extension 116. Magnets 134, 136A, 136B, 136C are shown in phantom because they are located within an interior of closure panel 110 or front panel 108, respectively. [0023] In order to close case 100 in the second closure configuration utilizing the magnetic closure mechanism, closure panel 110 having flap 114 folded against and secured to first portion 112 as shown in FIG. 7 is simply laid flat against front panel 108. Magnet 134 of extension 116 is magnetically attracted to and couples with one of magnets 136A, 136B, 136C located on front panel 108, depending upon the volume of contents within case 100. Accordingly, referring back to FIG. 2, closure panel 110 secures case 100 closed in a second closure configuration that utilizes a relatively quieter magnetic closure mechanism. Since flap 114 is folded over to obscure or block patches 124A, 124B, 130A, 130B of hooks, the hook and loop fasteners of case 100 are not engaged. Stated another way, when flap 114 is folded over as shown in FIG. 7, patches 124A, 124B, 130A, 130B of hooks located on closure flap 110 cannot contact patches of loop on front panel 108.

[0024] Although magnets are described herein as the relatively quieter closure mechanism as compared to hook and loop fasteners, other closure mechanisms which do not generate noise upon engagement or release may be utilized. For example, snaps or buttons may be utilized as alternatives to magnets. As will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, a first component of the snap or button is placed on the closure panel and a second corresponding component of the snap or button is placed on the front panel.

[0025] FIGS. 9-12 are schematic illustrations of case 100 transforming from the first closure configuration in which closure flap 110 is secured via one or more hook and loop fasteners into the second closure configuration in which closure flap 110 is secured via an alternative quieter closure mechanism, such as magnets. FIG. 9 illustrates case 100 closed in the first closure configuration, wherein closure panel 110 is secured to front panel 108 (obscured from view in FIG. 9) with hook and loop fasteners. To disengage, closure panel 110 is pulled upwards to disengage the hook and loop fasteners. FIG. 10 illustrates closure panel 110 in an extended or open position with respect to main body 102, with flap 114 extending away from first portion 112. Flap 114 is folded over to press against interior surface 118 of first portion 112, as shown in FIG. 11 and described above with respect to FIGS. 7-8. Extension 116 having magnet 134 is now exposed and accessible. As a final step, closure flap 110, having flap 114 folded against and secured to first portion 112, is laid flat against front panel 108 and magnet 134 contacts and mates with one of magnets 136A, 136B, 136C on front panel 108. FIG. 12 illustrates case 100 closed in the second closure configuration, wherein closure panel 110 is secured to front panel 108 with magnets. Although not as strong as hook and loop fasteners, it may be desirable to utilize a magnetic closure mechanism in situations in which the user wishes to open and close case 100 without generating much noise, such as a wedding, a meeting, or in any location where noise is undesirable.

[0026] It is important to note that the description of case 100 herein includes patches 124 A, 124B, 130A, 130B of hooks on closure flap 110 and corresponding patches of loops 126A, 126B, 132A, 132B on front panel 108 but placement of hooks and loops may be switched. For example, closure flap 110 may include patches of loops and front panel 108 may include patches of hooks. However, if closure flap 110 includes patches of loops, patches 128A, 128B on flap 114 must be modified to be patches of hooks so that when flap 114 is folded down, patches 128 A, 128B couple with patches 124A, 124B such that patches 124A, 124B are canceled or negated as closure mechanisms for accessory bag 100. Stated another way, although patches of hooks and loops described herein may be switched, such changes must be consistent so that mating sections are positioned on first portion 112 and front panel 108, first portion 112 and flap 114, and flap 114 and front panel 108, if applicable. Further, rather than including hook patches 128 A, 128B to mate with loop patches 132A, 132B on front panel 108 in the first closure configuration and separate loop patches 130A, 130B on flap 114 to mate with hook patches 124 A, 124B of first portion 112 when flap 114 is folded, flap 114 may include only loop patches and patches 132A, 132B on front panel 108 could be hook patches. In such a configuration, patches 124 A, 124B are hook patches that mate with loop patches 126 A, 126B in the first closure configuration and patches 128 A, 128B are loop patches that mate with hook patches 132A, 132B in the first closure configuration and mate with hook patches 124A, 124B in the second closure configuration. Such a configuration would eliminate the need for patches 130A, 130B.

[0027] Case 100 may optionally include various features such as a carrying or shoulder strap 150 (shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2), a pocket or slot 152 (shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 7) formed on the interior or exterior of any panel forming main body 102 for receiving identification means, and/or various compartments formed on the interior or exterior of any panel forming main body 102 for housing various devices or accessories. [0028] While various embodiments according to the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of illustration and example only, and not limitation. It will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art that various changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the appended claims and their equivalents. It will also be understood that each feature of each embodiment discussed herein, and of each reference cited herein, can be used in combination with the features of any other embodiment. All patents and publications discussed herein are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A case comprising:

a main body including a first side panel, a second side panel, a back panel, a front panel, and a bottom panel which collectively define an interior volume having an open top; and

a closure panel coupled to and extending from the back panel, the closure panel being configured to removably close over the top of the main body and be secured to the front panel in either a first closure configuration wherein hook and loop fasteners on an interior surface of the closure panel mate with corresponding hook and loop fasteners on an exterior surface of the front panel or a second closure configuration wherein a flap of the closure panel is folded such that the hook and loop fasteners on the interior surface of the closure panel are blocked from the corresponding hook and loop fasteners on the exterior surface of the front panel and wherein a first non-hook and loop fastener device on the closure panel is coupled a second non-hook and loop fastener device on the front panel.

2. The case of claim 1, wherein the first and second non-hook and loop fastener devices are magnets oriented to be attracted to each other in the second closure configuration.

3. The case of claim 1, wherein the closure panel includes a first portion extending from the back panel, wherein the flap is foldable against the first portion.

4. The case of claim 3, wherein the flap includes an interior surface having hook elements or loop elements thereon, wherein an interior surface of the first portion includes the other of hook elements or loop elements disposed thereon such that when the flap is folded against the first portion, the hook elements and loop elements connect, and wherein the exterior surface of front panel includes one of hook elements and loops elements such that in the first closure configuration the flap extends away from the first portion and the hook elements or loop elements of the first portion or the flap couple with the hook elements or loop elements of the front panel.

5. The case of claim 4, wherein the first and second non-hook and loop fastener devices are magnets oriented to be attracted to each other in the second closure configuration.

6. A case comprising:

a main body including a first side panel, a second side panel, a back panel, a front panel, and a bottom panel which collectively define an interior volume having an open top; and

a closure panel coupled to and extending from the back panel, the closure panel including a first portion extending from the back panel, the first portion having a first end coupled to the back panel and a second end opposite the first end, the closure panel further including a flap coupled to the first portion adjacent the second end of the first portion, the flap being foldable with respect to the first portion;

hook elements or loop elements coupled to an interior surface of the flap;

loop elements or hook elements coupled to an interior surface of the first portion such that when the interior surface of the flap is folded against the interior surface of the first portion, a hook and loop fastener connection;

hook elements or loop elements coupled to an exterior surface of the front panel such that in a first closure configuration with the flap extending away from the second end of the first portion of the closure panel and an interior surface of the closure panel extending over the exterior surface of front panel, the hook elements or loop elements of the front panel mate with at least one of the hook elements or elements of the flap and the loop elements or hook elements of the first portion;

a first magnet coupled to the front panel; and

a second magnet coupled to the closure panel, wherein in a second closure configuration the interior surface of the flap is folded against the interior surface of the first portion and the closure panel extends over the front panel such that the second magnet is magnetically coupled to the first magnet.

7. The case of claim 6, wherein the flap is coupled to the first portion of the closure panel a first distance from the second end of the first portion, and wherein the second magnet is coupled to the first portion of the second panel between the second end of the first portion and the flap.

8. The case of claim 8, wherein the first distance is between one and two inches.

9. The case of claim 7, wherein the exterior surface of the front panel includes at least a first set of hook elements or loop elements and a second set of hook elements or loop elements, and wherein in the first closure configuration the first set of hook elements or loops elements is configured to mate with the loop elements or hook elements on the flap and the second set of hook elements or loop elements is configured to mate with the loop elements or hook elements on the first portion of the closure panel.