Carrying case with a selectively accessible compartment

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to a carrying case that is adapted to secure a electronic device or other small item. More specifically, one embodiment of the present invention includes a compartment with a resiliently deflectable tab that is adapted to support the electronic device. To remove the electronic device, a user simply deflects the tab out of the compartment, thus forcing the electronic device partially out of the compartment for easy extraction.

1 . A carrying case adapted for securing an electronic device, comprising: 
 a compartment defined by at least a front panel, a rear panel, and opposing lateral panels interconnected thereto;    an opening defined by said front panel, said rear panel and said opposing lateral panels, said opening adapted to receive the electronic device;    a retraction means having an upper end, a lower end and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween, said lower end of said retraction means extending into a lower portion of said compartment and interconnected to at least one of said front panel and said rear panel, and said upper end extending beyond said opening, wherein when an upward force is applied to said retraction means, the electronic device travels upwardly to facilitate grasping of the electronic device.    
   
   
       2 . The carrying case of  claim 1 , wherein said retraction means comprises a strap.  
   
   
       3 . The carrying case of  claim 1 , wherein said upward force causes said upper end of said retraction means to travel at least about 1.0 inches.  
   
   
       4 . The carrying case of  claim 1 , wherein said retraction means travels between a first storage position and a second retracted position, wherein in said first storage position said compartment has a first storage volume, and in said second retracted position said compartment has a second storage volume that is less than said first storage volume.  
   
   
       5 . The carrying case of  claim 1 , further comprising a secondary compartment interconnected to said rear panel.  
   
   
       6 . The carrying case of  claim 1 , wherein said retraction means comprises a strap that includes an interconnection means adjacent to said upper end, wherein said front panel includes a mating interconnection means that is adapted to selectively interconnect with said interconnection means of said upper end of said retraction means, thus positioning said strap over a portion of the electronic device.  
   
   
       7 . The carrying case of  claim 1 , wherein said rear panel is adapted for interconnection to a larger carrying case.  
   
   
       8 . The carrying case of  claim 7  wherein said a larger carrying case is a suitcase, a briefcase, a purse, or a backpack.  
   
   
       9 . The carrying case of  claim 1 , wherein said electronic device is a cellular phone or a PDA.  
   
   
       10 . A carrying case, comprising: 
 a compartment with a first panel interconnected to a second panel, said first panel having an upper edge and a lower edge;    a resiliently deflectable tab with a first end and a second end, wherein said first end is interconnected to said first panel and said second end is operably interconnected to said second panel, said resiliently deflectable tab having a first position of use wherein a portion of said predetermined length forms a support surface a predetermined distance from said upper edge of said first panel, and a second position of use wherein said predetermined distance between said support surface and said upper edge of said first panel is reduced; and    wherein said compartment is adapted for securing an item therein such that the item is adapted to rest on said support surface of said resiliently deflectable tab when secured in said compartment, and wherein access to the item is achieved by transitioning said resiliently deflectable tab from said first position of use to said second position of use.    
   
   
       11 . The carrying case of  claim 9 , wherein a said resiliently deflectable tab includes an interconnection means adjacent to said second end of said resiliently deflectable tab, and wherein said first panel includes a mating interconnection means such that said interconnection means of said resiliently deflectable tab is adapted for selective interconnect thereto, thus creating an upper surface with said resiliently deflectable tab to secure an item.  
   
   
       12 . The carrying case of  claim 11 , wherein said interconnection means of said resiliently deflectable tab and said front panel is a hook and loop fastener, a snap, a button, a magnet, a clasp, or a latch.  
   
   
       13 . The carrying case of  claim 10 , wherein said second panel is interconnected to secondary compartment that is adapted to secure additional items.  
   
   
       14 . The carrying case of  claim 10 , wherein said second panel is adapted for interconnection to a larger carrying case.  
   
   
       15 . The carrying case of  claim 14 , wherein said larger carrying case is a suitcase, a briefcase, a purse, or a backpack.  
   
   
       16 . The carrying case of  claim 10 , further comprising, a secondary compartment with means interconnected thereto for selective interconnection to an article of clothing.  
   
   
       17 . The carrying case of  claim 10 , wherein said item is a cellular phone, a PDA, or a MP3 player.  
   
   
       18 . The carrying case of  claim 10 , wherein said first panel and said second panel are constructed of a compliant material.  
   
   
       19 . The carrying case of  claim 10 , wherein at least a portion of said first panel or said second panel are constructed of a rigid material.  
   
   
       20 . A carrying case, comprising: 
 a compartment defined by at least a front panel, a rear surface, and opposing lateral panels interconnected thereto;    an opening defined by an upper edge of said front panel, said rear surface and said opposing lateral panels, said opening adapted to receive an electronic device;    a retraction means having an upper end, a lower end and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween, said lower end of said retraction means extending into a lower portion of said compartment and interconnected to at least one of said rear panel and said front panel, and said upper end extending beyond said opening, wherein when an upward force is applied to said retraction means, at least a portion of the electronic device travels upwardly above said upper edge of said opening to facilitate grasping of the electronic device.    
   
   
       21 . The carrying case of  claim 20 , wherein said carrying case is a brief case, a purse, a suitcase, or a backpack.  
   
   
       22 . The carrying case of  claim 20 , wherein said carrying case is a briefcase, a purse, a suitcase, or a backpack, and wherein said compartment is disposed therein such that said rear surface constitutes an inner wall of said briefcase, purse, suitcase or backpack.