Register or Login To Download This Patent As A PDF
| United States Patent Application |
20120043360
|
| Kind Code
|
A1
|
|
Kope; Tyler R.M.
;   et al.
|
February 23, 2012
|
CAMERA TRANSPORT SYSTEM
Abstract
A camera carrying enclosure for use with a camera having an engagement
member. The enclosure includes a shoulder strap and a camera attachment
strap with one end thereof slidably attached to the shoulder strap and
the other end attachable to the camera or similar device. The enclosure
permits the user to transition the camera from a secured transport
position to a secured operating position. The enclosure is configurable
to provide several manners of transporting the camera. A wrist strap is
selectively connectable to the enclosure or the camera.
| Inventors: |
Kope; Tyler R.M.; (Seattle, WA)
; Henry; Ronald D.; (Seattle, WA)
; Gunnersen; Carrie A.; (Mountlake Terrace, WA)
; Peterson; Kurt K.; (Lynnwood, WA)
|
| Serial No.:
|
031127 |
| Series Code:
|
13
|
| Filed:
|
February 18, 2011 |
| Current U.S. Class: |
224/257 |
| Class at Publication: |
224/257 |
| International Class: |
A45F 3/14 20060101 A45F003/14 |
Claims
1. A camera carrying enclosure for use with a camera having an engagement
portion, the camera bag comprising: an enclosure body having an enclosed
interior area and an exterior defined by a wall, the wall having an
aperture therein sized for passage of the camera therethrough between the
interior area and the exterior, the enclosure body further having a door
positioned at the aperture and selectively movable between an open
position allowing passage of the camera through the aperture for moving
the camera into and out of the interior area and a closed position
closing the aperture, the interior area being sized to fully receive the
camera therein and permit movement of the door into the closed position
with the camera therein; a shoulder strap with a first end portion and a
second end portion, each attached to the exterior of the enclosure body;
a first coupler having a first portion and a second portion releasably
attached together, the first portion of the first coupler being
configured to slideably engage with the shoulder strap and being slidable
therealong a sufficient distance to permit sliding movement of the first
coupler along the shoulder strap between a lowered transport position for
the camera and a raised operating position for the camera; and a camera
attachment strap having a first end portion and a second end portion, the
first end portion of the camera attachment strap being attached to the
second portion of the first coupler, and the second end portion of the
camera attachment strap being attachable to the engagement portion of the
camera, the camera attachment strap being of a length permitting the
camera to be to be passed through the aperture of the wall of the
enclosure body and fully into the interior area when the first portion of
the first coupler is attached to the second portion of the first coupler,
and the door of the enclosure body being configured to define a
passageway between the wall and the door when the door is in the closed
position sized to permit the camera attachment strap to extend
therethrough and thereby pass from inside the interior area of the
enclosure body to the exterior of the enclosure body when the door is in
the closed position.
2. The camera carrying enclosure of claim 1, wherein the first end
portion of the shoulder strap is attached to the exterior of the
enclosure body by a second coupler and the second end portion of the
shoulder strap is attached to the exterior of the enclosure body by a
third coupler, and wherein the second coupler has a first portion and a
second portion releasably attached together, the first portion of the
second coupler being attached to the exterior of the enclosure body and
the second portion of the second coupler being attached to the first end
portion of the shoulder strap, and wherein the third coupler has a first
portion and a second portion releasably attached together, the first
portion of the third coupler being attached to the exterior of the
enclosure body and the second portion of the third coupler being attached
to the second end portion of the shoulder strap, the second portion of
the first coupler and the first portion of the second coupler being
configured to be releasably couplable together when the second portion of
the first coupler is disconnected from the first portion of the first
coupler and the first portion of the second coupler is disconnected from
the second portion of the second coupler, the camera attachment strap
being of a length permitting the camera to be to be passed through the
aperture of the wall of the enclosure body and fully into the interior
area when the second portion of the first coupler is attached to the
first portion of the second coupler, thereby the camera attachment strap
can be selectively disconnected from the shoulder strap and connected
directly to the enclosure body while being positionable within the
interior area of the enclosure body.
3. The camera carrying enclosure of claim 2, wherein the first portion of
the second coupler is attached to the exterior of the enclosure body at a
location closer to the aperture than the first portion of the third
coupler is attached to the exterior of the enclosure body.
4. The camera carrying enclosure of claim 2, wherein the first portion of
the second coupler is attached to the exterior of the enclosure body at a
location toward a first portion of the aperture, and the first portion of
the third coupler is attached to the exterior of the enclosure body at a
location toward a second portion of the aperture spaced apart from the
first portion of the aperture.
5. The camera carrying enclosure of claim 2, further including a wrist
strap attached to a fourth coupler configured to be releasably couplable
to the first portion of the third coupler when the second portion of the
third coupler is disconnected from the first portion of the third
coupler, thereby the shoulder strap can be selectively fully disconnected
from the enclosure body and the wrist strap selectively connected to the
enclosure body for carrying the enclosure body using the wrist strap in
lieu of the shoulder strap with the camera attachment strap selectively
connected directly to the enclosure body.
6. A camera carrying enclosure for use with a camera having an engagement
portion, the camera bag comprising: an enclosure body having an enclosed
interior area and an exterior defined by a wall, the wall having an
aperture therein sized for passage of the camera therethrough between the
interior area and the exterior, the enclosure body further having a door
positioned at the aperture and selectively movable between an open
position allowing passage of the camera through the aperture for moving
the camera into and out of the interior area and a closed position
closing the aperture, the interior area being sized to fully receive the
camera therein and permit movement of the door into the closed position
with the camera therein; a shoulder strap with a first end portion and a
second end portion, each attached to the enclosure body for carrying of
the enclosure body; a first coupler having a first portion and a second
portion releasably attached together, the first portion of the first
coupler being configured to slideably engage with the shoulder strap and
being slidable therealong a sufficient distance to permit sliding
movement of the first coupler along the shoulder strap between a lowered
transport position for the camera and a raised operating position for the
camera; and a camera attachment strap having a first end portion and a
second end portion, the first end portion of the camera attachment strap
being attached to the second portion of the first coupler, and the second
end portion of the camera attachment strap being attachable to the
engagement portion of the camera, the camera attachment strap being of a
length permitting the camera to be to be passed through the aperture of
the wall of the enclosure body and fully into the interior area when the
first portion of the first coupler is attached to the second portion of
the first coupler, and the door of the enclosure body being configured to
define a passageway between the wall and the door when the door is in the
closed position sized to permit the camera attachment strap to extend
therethrough and thereby pass from inside the interior area of the
enclosure body to the exterior of the enclosure body when the door is in
the closed position.
7. The camera carrying enclosure of claim 6, wherein the first end
portion of the shoulder strap is attached to the enclosure body by a
second coupler and the second end portion of the shoulder strap is
attached to the enclosure body by a third coupler, and wherein the second
coupler has a first portion and a second portion releasably attached
together, the first portion of the second coupler being attached to the
enclosure body and the second portion of the second coupler being
attached to the first end portion of the shoulder strap, and wherein the
third coupler has a first portion and a second portion releasably
attached together, the first portion of the third coupler being attached
to the enclosure body and the second portion of the third coupler being
attached to the second end portion of the shoulder strap, the second
portion of the first coupler and the first portion of the second coupler
being configured to be releasably couplable together when the second
portion of the first coupler is disconnected from the first portion of
the first coupler and the first portion of the second coupler is
disconnected from the second portion of the second coupler, the camera
attachment strap being of a length permitting the camera to be to be
passed through the aperture of the wall of the enclosure body and fully
into the interior area when the second portion of the first coupler is
attached to the first portion of the second coupler, thereby the camera
attachment strap can be selectively disconnected from the shoulder strap
and connected directly to the enclosure body while being positionable
within the interior area of the enclosure body.
8. The camera carrying enclosure of claim 7, wherein the first portion of
the second coupler is attached to the enclosure body at a location closer
to the aperture than the first portion of the third coupler is attached
to the enclosure body.
9. The camera carrying enclosure of claim 7, wherein the first portion of
the second coupler is attached to the exterior of the enclosure body at a
location toward a first portion of the aperture, and the first portion of
the third coupler is attached to the exterior of the enclosure body at a
location toward a second portion of the aperture spaced apart from the
first portion of the aperture.
10. The camera carrying enclosure of claim 7, further including a wrist
strap attached to a fourth coupler configured to be releasably couplable
to the first portion of the third coupler when the second portion of the
third coupler is disconnected from the first portion of the third
coupler, thereby the shoulder strap can be selectively fully disconnected
from the enclosure body and the wrist strap selectively connected to the
enclosure body for carrying the enclosure body using the wrist strap in
lieu of the shoulder strap with the camera attachment strap selectively
connected directly to the enclosure body.
11. A camera carrying enclosure for use with a camera having an
engagement portion, the camera bag comprising: an enclosure body having
an enclosed interior area and an aperture therein sized for passage of
the camera therethrough between the interior area and an exterior of the
enclosure body, the enclosure body further having a door positioned at
the aperture and selectively movable between an open position allowing
passage of the camera through the aperture for moving the camera into and
out of the interior area and a closed position closing the aperture, the
interior area being sized to fully receive the camera therein and permit
movement of the door into the closed position with the camera therein; a
shoulder strap with a first end portion and a second end portion, each
attached to the enclosure body for carrying of the enclosure body; a
first coupler having a first portion and a second portion releasably
attached together, the first portion of the first coupler being
configured to slideably engage with the shoulder strap and being slidable
therealong a sufficient distance to permit sliding movement of the first
coupler along the shoulder strap between a lowered transport position for
the camera and a raised operating position for the camera; and a camera
attachment strap having a first end portion and a second end portion, the
first end portion of the camera attachment strap being attached to the
second portion of the first coupler, and the second end portion of the
camera attachment strap being attachable to the engagement portion of the
camera, the camera attachment strap being of a length permitting the
camera to be to be passed through the aperture of the enclosure body and
fully into the interior area when the first portion of the first coupler
is attached to the second portion of the first coupler, and the door of
the enclosure body when in the closed position defining a passageway
sized to permit the camera attachment strap to extend therethrough and
thereby pass from inside the interior area of the enclosure body to the
exterior of the enclosure body when the door is in the closed position.
12. The camera carrying enclosure of claim 11, wherein the first end
portion of the shoulder strap is attached to the enclosure body by a
second coupler having a first portion and a second portion releasably
attached together, the first portion of the second coupler being attached
to the enclosure body and the second portion of the second coupler being
attached to the first end portion of the shoulder strap, the second
portion of the first coupler and the first portion of the second coupler
being configured to be releasably couplable together when the second
portion of the first coupler is disconnected from the first portion of
the first coupler and the first portion of the second coupler is
disconnected from the second portion of the second coupler, the camera
attachment strap being of a length permitting the camera to be to be
passed through the aperture of the enclosure body and fully into the
interior area when the second portion of the first coupler is attached to
the first portion of the second coupler, thereby the camera attachment
strap can be selectively disconnected from the shoulder strap and
connected directly to the enclosure body while being positionable within
the interior area of the enclosure body.
13. The camera carrying enclosure of claim 12, further including a wrist
strap attached to a wrist strap coupler configured to be releasably
couplable to the second portion of the first coupler when the second
portion of the first coupler is disconnected from the first portion of
the first coupler, thereby the camera attachment strap can be selectively
fully disconnected from the shoulder strap and the enclosure body, and
the wrist strap selectively connected to the camera attachment strap for
carrying the camera using the wrist strap without connection of the
camera attachment strap to the shoulder strap or the enclosure body.
14. The camera carrying enclosure of claim 11, wherein the enclosure body
has a wall portion with the aperture therein, and the door has a lower
portion and first and second opposed side portion, the lower portion of
the door being hingely connected to the wall portion below the aperture
and the first side portion being connectable to the wall portion to one
side of the aperture by a first zipper portion and the second side
portion being connectable to the wall portion to another side of the
aperture by a second zipper portion, the first and second zipper portions
terminating above the aperture at spaced apart locations to define the
passageway for the camera attachment strap to extend through when the
camera is within the interior area of the enclosure body and the door is
in the closed position.
15. The camera carrying enclosure of claim 11, wherein the enclosure body
has a wall portion with the aperture therein, and the door has an first
attachment portion and a second attachment portion spaced away from the
first attachment portion, the first attachment portion of the door being
hingely connected to the wall portion adjacent to the aperture and the
second attachment portion being releasably attachable to the wall portion
to maintain the door in the closed position with at least a portion of
the door being disconnected from the wall portion when in the closed
position to define a passageway for the camera attachment strap to extend
through when the camera is within the interior area of the enclosure body
and the door is in the closed position.
16. A camera carrying enclosure for use with a camera having an
engagement portion, the camera bag comprising: an enclosure body having
an enclosed interior area and an aperture therein sized for passage of
the camera therethrough between the interior area and an exterior of the
enclosure body, the enclosure body further having a door positioned at
the aperture and selectively movable between an open position allowing
passage of the camera through the aperture for moving the camera into and
out of the interior area and a closed position closing the aperture, the
interior area being sized to fully receive the camera therein and permit
movement of the door into the closed position with the camera therein; a
shoulder strap with a first end portion and a second end portion, each
attached to the enclosure body for carrying of the enclosure body; a
first coupler configured to slideably engage with the shoulder strap and
being slidable therealong a sufficient distance to permit sliding
movement of the first coupler along the shoulder strap between a lowered
transport position for the camera and a raised operating position for the
camera; and a camera attachment strap having a first end portion and a
second end portion, the first end portion of the camera attachment strap
being attached to the first coupler, and the second end portion of the
camera attachment strap being attachable to the engagement portion of the
camera, the camera attachment strap being of a length permitting the
camera to be to be passed through the aperture of the enclosure body and
fully into the interior area when the first coupler is engaged with
shoulder strap, and the door of the enclosure body when in the closed
position defining a passageway sized to permit the camera attachment
strap to extend therethrough and thereby pass from inside the interior
area of the enclosure body to the exterior of the enclosure body when the
door is in the closed position.
17. The camera carrying enclosure of claim 16, wherein the enclosure body
has a wall portion with the aperture therein, and the door has a lower
portion and first and second opposed side portion, the lower portion of
the door being hingely connected to the wall portion below the aperture
and the first side portion being connectable to the wall portion to one
side of the aperture by a first zipper portion and the second side
portion being connectable to the wall portion to another side of the
aperture by a second zipper portion, the first and second zipper portions
terminating above the aperture at spaced apart locations to define the
passageway for the camera attachment strap to extend through when the
camera is within the interior area of the enclosure body and the door is
in the closed position.
18. The camera carrying enclosure of claim 16, wherein the enclosure body
has a wall portion with the aperture therein, and the door has an first
attachment portion and a second attachment portion spaced away from the
first attachment portion, the first attachment portion of the door being
hingely connected to the wall portion adjacent to the aperture and the
second attachment portion being releasably attachable to the wall portion
to maintain the door in the closed position with at least a portion of
the door being disconnected from the wall portion when in the closed
position to define a passageway for the camera attachment strap to extend
through when the camera is within the interior area of the enclosure body
and the door is in the closed position.
19. A camera carrying enclosure for use with a camera having an
engagement portion, the camera bag comprising: an enclosure body having
an enclosed interior area and an aperture therein sized for passage of
the camera therethrough between the interior area and an exterior of the
enclosure body, the interior area being sized to fully receive the camera
therein; a shoulder strap with a first end portion and a second end
portion, each attached to the enclosure body for carrying of the
enclosure body; a first coupler configured to slideably engage with the
shoulder strap and being slidable therealong a sufficient distance to
permit sliding movement of the first coupler along the shoulder strap
between a lowered transport position for the camera and a raised
operating position for the camera; and a camera attachment strap having a
first end portion and a second end portion, the first end portion of the
camera attachment strap being attached to the first coupler, and the
second end portion of the camera attachment strap being attachable to the
engagement portion of the camera, the camera attachment strap being of a
length permitting the camera to be to be passed through the aperture of
the enclosure body and fully into the interior area when the first
coupler is engaged with shoulder strap.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates to an apparatus for storing and carrying a
device such as a camera, while allowing the device to transition from a
stored position to an operating position without disconnecting the device
from the apparatus.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Conventional camera storage carrying systems help to store and
transport cameras when not in use. Unfortunately, they include aspects
that can hinder and slow down retrieval of a camera being stored so that
p
hotographic opportunities are missed. Further, cameras that are not
stored in a protective enclosure risk damage by accidentally dropping
them.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] FIG. 1 is a side view of an implementation of the configurable
apparatus, shown in a configuration of a shoulder strap, a slideably
engaged coupler, an attachment strap and an enclosure.
[0006] FIG. 2 is a top view of the enclosure.
[0007] FIG. 3 is a fragmentary side view of the implementation depicted in
FIG. 1, further illustrating the storage of a camera within the
enclosure.
[0008] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the implementation
depicted in FIG. 3, further illustrating the door of the enclosure in an
open position.
[0009] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of the implementation
depicted in FIG. 3, further illustrating the camera transitioning through
an aperture of the enclosure.
[0010] FIG. 6 is a side view of the implementation depicted in FIG. 3,
showing the camera outside the enclosure and slideably engaging with the
shoulder strap.
[0011] FIG. 7 is a side view of the implementation depicted in FIG. 6,
further illustrating the shoulder strap disconnected from the enclosure.
[0012] FIG. 8 is a side view of an implementation of the configurable
apparatus, shown in a configuration of a shoulder strap connected unto
itself, a slideably engaged coupler, an attachment strap, and a camera.
[0013] FIG. 9 is a side view of the implementation depicted in FIG. 8,
further illustrating the attachment strap disconnected from the shoulder
strap and a camera.
[0014] FIG. 10 is a side view of an implementation of the configurable
apparatus, showing an enclosure, a wrist strap, an attachment strap, and
a camera positioned outside of the enclosure.
[0015] FIG. 11 is a side view of an implementation of the configurable
apparatus, shown in a configuration of a wrist strap, an enclosure, an
attachment strap, and a camera positioned within the enclosure.
[0016] FIG. 12 is a side view of an implementation of the configurable
apparatus, shown in a configuration of a wrist strap, an attachment
strap, and a camera.
[0017] FIG. 13 is a side view illustrating the attachment strap
alternately attached to a conventional camera attachment point.
[0018] FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of a first alternative
implementation of the configurable apparatus, shown in a configuration of
a shoulder strap, a slideably engaged coupler, an attachment strap, and
an enclosure.
[0019] FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of the implementation depicted
in FIG. 14, further illustrating the door of the enclosure in an open
position.
[0020] FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of the a second alternative
implementation of the configurable apparatus shown in a configuration of
a shoulder strap, a slideably engaged coupler, an attachment strap and an
enclosure.
[0021] FIG. 17 is a front perspective view of the implementation depicted
in FIG. 16, further illustrating the door of the enclosure in an open
position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0022] Referring now in detail to the drawings, an apparatus or camera
carrying enclosure is illustrated that includes an enclosure 34 generally
comprises an exterior 36 and an enclosed interior compartment or area 38
(see FIG. 4). A camera 50 or similar device is stored within the interior
area 38, while not in operation. The interior area 38 may be accessed
through an aperture 44 located at one end of the enclosure. The aperture
is sized and shaped to allow passage of the camera 50. A door 40 is
situated and located to be hingely connected adjacent to the aperture so
as to cover the aperture when in the closed position, thus limiting
access to the interior area 38 of the enclosure 34. While in the closed
position, the door may be further secured to the enclosure by way of
closures 42, such as a pair of zippers. With the door 40 in the open
position, the camera 50 is permitted to transition through the aperture
44, allowing the camera to be located within the interior area 38 for
transport and storage, or located outside 62 of the enclosure for use and
operation.
[0023] As shown in FIG. 1, a second coupler 12 has a first portion 16 and
a second portion 14. The first portion 16 of the second coupler 12 is
attached to the exterior 36, of the enclosure 34. A third coupler 18 has
a first portion 20 and a second portion 22. The first portion 20 of the
third coupler 18 is attached to the exterior of the enclosure, and is
located a distance from the first portion 16 of the second coupler 12.
The second portion 14 of the second coupler 12 is attached to a first end
portion 10a of a shoulder strap 10. The second portion 22 of the third
coupler 18 is attached to a second end portion 10b of the shoulder strap
10. While the first portion 16 and second portion 14 of the second
coupler 12 are connected to each other, and the first portion 20 and
second portion 22 of the third coupler 18 are connected to each other,
the strap 10 facilitates wearing the apparatus described on a shoulder of
a user. The length of the strap may be adjusted by actuating an adjuster
11 located near the second end portion 10b of the shoulder strap 10.
[0024] As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, the camera 50 interfaces with the
apparatus by using a camera attachment strap 30. A second end portion 31
of the attachment strap 30 is attached to the camera by using an
engagement point 52 located on the camera, or instead a camera tripod
socket 54. When using the camera's tripod socket 54, the second end
portion 31 of the camera attachment strap 30 is attached to a fastener 32
which is threadably engaged with the camera's tripod socket 54. A first
end portion 29 of the camera attachment strap 30 is attached to a second
portion 26 of a first coupler 24. As shown in FIG. 3, with the camera 50
positioned within the interior area 38 of the enclosure 34, and the door
40 in the closed position, the camera attachment strap 30 is permitted
passage from the interior to the outside 62 through a passageway 48.
[0025] As shown in FIG. 6, the first coupler 24 has a first portion 28
having an aperture 25 therein sized and shaped to allow sliding passage
of the shoulder strap 10 therethrough. The first coupler 24 is slideably
engaged with the shoulder strap 10. When the first coupler 24 is coupled
so that the first portion 28 and the second portion 26 are connected
together, the camera attachment strap 30 and camera 50 become slideably
engaged with the strap 10, as illustrated by the movement 56.
[0026] As shown in FIG. 7, the second and third couplers 12 and 18 may be
selectively disconnected, having the first portion 16 of the second
coupler disconnected from the second portion 14, and the first portion 20
of the third coupler 18 disconnected from the second portion 22.
[0027] As shown in FIG. 8, the apparatus 4 has the second portion 14 of
the second coupler 12 connected to the second portion 22 of the coupler
18, forming the shoulder strap 10 into a continuous loop, so as to be
used in the absence of the enclosure 34. The camera 50, camera attachment
strap 30, and first coupler 24 are slideably engaged with the looped
shoulder strap 10, as illustrated by the movement 56. FIG. 9 illustrates
the same apparatus depicted in FIG. 8, further having the first portion
28 and second portion 26 of the first coupler 24 disconnected from each
other, allowing disconnection and removal of the camera from the
apparatus.
[0028] As shown in FIG. 10, a wrist strap 58 and the camera 50 are
selectively connectable to the enclosure 34. The wrist strap 58 has a
fourth coupler 60 sized and shaped to engage with the first portion 20 of
the third coupler 18. The second portion 26 of the first coupler 24 is
sized and shaped to engage with the first portion 16 of the second
coupler 12.
[0029] FIG. 11 illustrates the fourth coupler 60 of the wrist strap 58
connected to the first portion 20 of the third coupler 18, thus engaging
the wrist strap with the enclosure 34. The second portion 26 of the first
coupler 24 is connected to the first portion 16 of the second coupler 12.
The attachment strap 30 is permitted passage through the enclosure by the
passageway 48 when the camera 50 is within the interior area 38 of the
enclosure 34.
[0030] FIG. 12 illustrates the apparatus with the fourth coupler 60 of the
wrist strap 58 sized and shaped to selectively connect with the second
portion 26 of the first coupler 24 of the camera attachment strap 30. In
this configuration the user may carry and operate the camera 50 using
only the wrist strap 58.
[0031] As shown in FIG. 13, the second end portion 31 of the attachment
strap 30 may be attached to the alternate engagement portion 52 located
on the camera 50.
[0032] FIG. 14 illustrates the enclosure 34 as having a passageway 48
formed by the door 40 in the closed position and the closure 42 in the
engaged position. The attachment strap 30 is permitted passage through
the passageway 48. The door 40 is illustrated in the open position and
the closure 42 in the disengaged position in FIG. 15.
[0033] FIG. 16 illustrates the enclosure 34 as having the second coupler
12 and the third coupler 18 adjacent to opposite sides of the aperture
44. The door 40 is in the closed position and forming the passageway 48
between the exterior 36 of the enclosure 34 and door. FIG. 17 illustrates
the configuration depicted in FIG. 16, showing the door 40 in the open
position, with the aperture 44 exposed to allow transition of a camera
from the interior area 38 to the outside 62. The coupler 24 is slideably
engaged with the shoulder strap 10, as indicated by the movement 56.
[0034] As noted, a camera carrying enclosure is described for use with a
camera having an engagement portion. The camera carrying enclosure
includes an enclosure body having an enclosed interior area and an
exterior defined by a wall. The wall has an aperture therein sized for
passage of the camera therethrough between the interior area and the
exterior. The enclosure body further has a door positioned at the
aperture and selectively movable between an open position allowing
passage of the camera through the aperture for moving the camera into and
out of the interior area and a closed position closing the aperture. The
interior area is sized to fully receive the camera therein and permit
movement of the door into the closed position with the camera therein.
[0035] The camera carrying enclosure further includes a shoulder strap
with a first end portion and a second end portion, each attached to the
exterior of the enclosure body
[0036] Also included is a first coupler having a first portion and a
second portion releasably attached together. The first portion of the
first coupler is configured to slideably engage with the shoulder strap
and be slidable therealong a sufficient distance to permit sliding
movement of the first coupler along the shoulder strap between a lowered
transport position for the camera and a raised operating position for the
camera.
[0037] A camera attachment strap is includes which has a first end portion
and a second end portion, the first end portion of the camera attachment
strap being attached to the second portion of the first coupler, and the
second end portion of the camera attachment strap being attachable to the
engagement portion of the camera. The camera attachment strap has a
length permitting the camera to be to be passed through the aperture of
the wall of the enclosure body and fully into the interior area when the
first portion of the first coupler is attached to the second portion of
the first coupler. The door of the enclosure body is configured to define
a passageway between the wall and the door when the door is in the closed
position sized to permit the camera attachment strap to extend
therethrough and thereby pass from inside the interior area of the
enclosure body to the exterior of the enclosure body when the door is in
the closed position.
[0038] The first end portion of the shoulder strap is attached to the
exterior of the enclosure body by a second coupler and the second end
portion of the shoulder strap is attached to the exterior of the
enclosure body by a third coupler. The second coupler has a first portion
and a second portion releasably attached together, the first portion of
the second coupler being attached to the exterior of the enclosure body
and the second portion of the second coupler being attached to the first
end portion of the shoulder strap. The third coupler has a first portion
and a second portion releasably attached together, the first portion of
the third coupler being attached to the exterior of the enclosure body
and the second portion of the third coupler being attached to the second
end portion of the shoulder strap. The second portion of the first
coupler and the first portion of the second coupler are configured to be
releasably couplable together when the second portion of the first
coupler is disconnected from the first portion of the first coupler and
the first portion of the second coupler is disconnected from the second
portion of the second coupler. The camera attachment strap has a length
permitting the camera to be to be passed through the aperture of the wall
of the enclosure body and fully into the interior area when the second
portion of the first coupler is attached to the first portion of the
second coupler, thereby the camera attachment strap can be selectively
disconnected from the shoulder strap and connected directly to the
enclosure body while being positionable within the interior area of the
enclosure body.
[0039] The first portion of the second coupler may be attached to the
exterior of the enclosure body at a location closer to the aperture than
the first portion of the third coupler is attached to the exterior of the
enclosure body. Alternatively, the first portion of the second coupler
may be attached to the exterior of the enclosure body at a location
toward a first portion of the aperture, and the first portion of the
third coupler may be attached to the exterior of the enclosure body at a
location toward a second portion of the aperture spaced apart from the
first portion of the aperture.
[0040] The camera carrying enclosure may further include a wrist strap
attached to a fourth coupler configured to be releasably couplable to the
first portion of the third coupler when the second portion of the third
coupler is disconnected from the first portion of the third coupler.
Thereby, the shoulder strap can be selectively fully disconnected from
the enclosure body and the wrist strap selectively connected to the
enclosure body for carrying the enclosure body using the wrist strap in
lieu of the shoulder strap with the camera attachment strap selectively
connected directly to the enclosure body.
[0041] Accordingly, the invention is not limited except as by the appended
claims.
* * * * *