Protective case adapted for floatation

Abstract

The present teachings relate to a carrying case comprising: a first portion including a first inner surface and a first outer surface; a second portion including a second inner surface and a second outer surface; a pocket defined by the first inner surface and the second inner surface; a sealing device located on the first portion, the second portion, or both, and wherein the sealing device provides for access to the pocket; wherein the pocket and one or more items stored therein are kept dry when the sealing device is in a closed position; and wherein the carrying case, with the one or more items stored therein, is buoyant in water.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A carrying case comprising:
 a first portion including a first inner surface and a first outer surface;   a second portion including a second inner surface and a second outer surface;   a pocket defined by the first inner surface and the second inner surface;   a sealing device located on the first portion, the second portion, or both, and wherein the sealing device provides for access to the pocket;   wherein the pocket and one or more items stored therein are kept dry when the sealing device is in a closed position; and   wherein the carrying case, with the one or more items stored therein, floats in water.   
     
     
         2 . The carrying case of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more items stored in the pocket can be viewed and/or manipulated from the first outer surface, the second outer surface, or both. 
     
     
         3 . The carrying case of  claim 2 , wherein the one or more items include one or more mobile devices. 
     
     
         4 . The carrying case of  claim 3 , wherein the first portion, the second portion, or both are configured so that a user can manipulate a touchscreen of the one or more mobile devices while the one or more mobile devices are stored in the pocket. 
     
     
         5 . The carrying case of  claim 1 , wherein the first portion, the second portion, or both comprise thermoplastic polyurethane, chlorosulfonated polyethylene synthetic rubber, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polycarbonate, or any combination thereof. 
     
     
         6 . The carrying case of  claim 1 , wherein the first portion and the second portion are connected by a seam; and
 wherein the seam is located along a perimeter of the first portion and along a perimeter of the second portion.   
     
     
         7 . The carrying case of  claim 6 , wherein the seam is formed by a weld, a chemical fastener, or both. 
     
     
         8 . The carrying case of  claim 7 , wherein the weld is obtained by radio-frequency welding. 
     
     
         9 . The carrying case of  claim 7 , wherein the chemical fastener includes an acrylic adhesive, an epoxy adhesive, a styrene-butadiene-styrene adhesive, or any combination thereof. 
     
     
         10 . The carrying case of  claim 1 , wherein the carrying case further includes an air space between the one or more items, the first inner surface, and the second inner surface; and
 wherein the air space provides for buoyancy of the carrying case.   
     
     
         11 . The carrying case of  claim 1 , wherein the carrying case further comprises a sealing device handle, which provides a grip for users to actuate the sealing device. 
     
     
         12 . The carrying case of  claim 11 , wherein the sealing device handle is buoyant in water. 
     
     
         13 . The carrying case of  claim 1 , wherein the first inner surface, the second inner surface, or both include one or more slots; and
 wherein the one or more slots are configured to accept a planar item.   
     
     
         14 . The carrying case of  claim 1 , wherein the first outer surface, the second outer surface, or both include one or more attachment features attached thereto. 
     
     
         15 . The carrying case of  claim 14 , wherein the one or more attachment features are configured to accept one or more attachment devices; and
 wherein the one or more attachment devices are configured to secure the carrying case to an object.   
     
     
         16 . The carrying case of  claim 14 , wherein the one or more attachment features are attached to the first portion, the second portion, or both by a weld, a chemical fastener, or both. 
     
     
         17 . The carrying case of  claim 16 , wherein the weld is obtained by radio-frequency welding. 
     
     
         18 . The carrying case of  claim 16 , wherein the chemical fastener includes an acrylic adhesive, an epoxy adhesive, a styrene-butadiene-styrene adhesive, or any combination thereof. 
     
     
         19 . The carrying case of  claim 1 , wherein a surface area of the first portion, the second portion, or both contributes to buoyancy of the carrying case. 
     
     
         20 . The carrying case of  claim 1 , wherein the sealing device is attached to the first portion, the second portion, or both by a weld, a chemical fastener, or both.