Selectively reconfigurable carrying case with perimetrical zipper

Abstract

Collapsible or otherwise selectively reconfigurable carrying cases, and methods for the manufacture and use thereof, are provided. The carrying cases are constructed of at least two body panels made of puncture-resistant material and are selectively reconfigurable between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration by the use of a zipper disposed around all or substantially all of a perimeter or circumference of the at least two body panels. The carrying cases are adapted to receive and securely store and carry fragile items, e.g. cameras and photographic equipment, when in the expanded configuration and to collapse or otherwise significantly reduce in volume when in the collapsed configuration for easy storage and transportation.

1 . A carrying case, comprising:
 first and second body panels, each of the first and second body panels comprising a substantially puncture-resistant material; and   a zipper, wherein a first set of teeth of the zipper is disposed about substantially all of a perimeter or circumference of the first body panel and a second set of teeth of the zipper is disposed about substantially all of a perimeter or circumference of the second body panel,   wherein a user may selectively reconfigure the carrying case between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration by selectively fastening or unfastening the zipper,   wherein, when the zipper is fully fastened, corresponding edges of the first and second body panels are joined to form a plurality of walls defining an enclosed interior volume such that the carrying case is in the expanded configuration, and   wherein, when the zipper is fully unfastened, corresponding edges of the first and second body panels are disjoined and do not define an enclosed interior volume such that the carrying case is in the collapsed configuration.   
     
     
         2 . The carrying case of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of walls comprises a top wall, a bottom wall, two side walls, and two end walls such that the interior volume defined thereby is substantially in the shape of a rectangular prism. 
     
     
         3 . The carrying case of  claim 1 , wherein the substantially puncture-resistant material is a polymeric material. 
     
     
         4 . The carrying case of  claim 3 , wherein the polymeric material is a nylon. 
     
     
         5 . The carrying case of  claim 4 , wherein the nylon is 210D nylon. 
     
     
         6 . The carrying case of  claim 1 , wherein at least one body panel comprises a multi-layer or composite portion. 
     
     
         7 . The carrying case of  claim 6 , wherein an outer surface of the at least one body panel comprises the substantially puncture-resistant material. 
     
     
         8 . The carrying case of  claim 6 , wherein an inner surface of the at least one body panel comprises a durable cushioning material. 
     
     
         9 . The carrying case of  claim 6 , wherein the multi-layer or composite portion comprises an outer surface layer, an inner surface layer, and at least one intermediate layer. 
     
     
         10 . The carrying case of  claim 1 , adapted to receive and securely carry a camera or other photographic equipment within the interior volume when in the expanded configuration. 
     
     
         11 . A collapsible insert for a carrying case, comprising:
 back and front body panels, each of the back and front body panels comprising a substantially puncture-resistant material; and   a zipper, wherein a first set of teeth of the zipper is disposed about substantially all of a perimeter or circumference of the back body panel and a second set of teeth of the zipper is disposed about substantially all of a perimeter or circumference of the front body panel,   wherein a user may selectively reconfigure the collapsible insert between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration by selectively fastening or unfastening the zipper,   wherein, when the zipper is fully fastened, corresponding edges of the back and front body panels are joined to form a plurality of walls defining an enclosed interior volume such that the collapsible insert is in the expanded configuration, and   wherein, when the zipper is fully unfastened, corresponding edges of the back and front body panels are disjoined and do not define an enclosed interior volume such that the collapsible insert is in the collapsed configuration.   
     
     
         12 . The collapsible insert of  claim 11 , wherein the plurality of walls comprises a top wall, a bottom wall, a left wall, a right wall, a back wall, and a front wall such that the interior volume defined thereby is substantially in the shape of a trapezoidal prism. 
     
     
         13 . The collapsible insert of  claim 11 , wherein the substantially puncture-resistant material is a polymeric material. 
     
     
         14 . The collapsible insert of  claim 13 , wherein the polymeric material is a nylon. 
     
     
         15 . The collapsible insert of  claim 14 , wherein the nylon is 210D nylon. 
     
     
         16 . The collapsible insert of  claim 11 , wherein at least one body panel comprises a multi-layer or composite portion. 
     
     
         17 . The collapsible insert of  claim 16 , wherein an outer surface of the at least one body panel comprises the substantially puncture-resistant material. 
     
     
         18 . The collapsible insert of  claim 16 , wherein an inner surface of the at least one body panel comprises a durable cushioning material. 
     
     
         19 . The collapsible insert of  claim 16 , wherein the multi-layer or composite portion comprises an outer surface layer, an inner surface layer, and at least one intermediate layer. 
     
     
         20 . The collapsible insert of  claim 11 , adapted to receive and securely carry a camera or other photographic equipment within the interior volume when in the expanded configuration.