Expandable carrying case

Abstract

This invention relates to a carrying case used to transport objects or documents, such as posters, drawings, or blueprints for presentation at conventions, exhibitions, meetings or similar functions. The expandable carrying case is made of leather or similarly sturdy, durable synthetic material such as nylon. It has flexible tubes that constitute a protective container for objects or rolled-up documents when deployed, and can be coiled up and stored in the said cylindrical case when not in use. The benefits of the present invention include its versatility in transporting objects or documents of different sizes or lengths. The flexible extensions are interconnected to each other, and to the cover and elongated tubular member through zippers, or similarly durable, sturdy fasteners to form one enclosed, protective carrier. This makes the current invention a uniquely versatile, flexible and reusable (hence “green”) transport/storage device.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to a carrying case used to transport objects or documents, such as posters, drawings, blueprints or the like, for presentation at conventions, exhibitions, meetings, or similar functions. It also relates to the field of cases for carrying such large objects / documents in a rolled up condition to avoid creasing of the surface.BACKGROUND OF INVENTION[0002]This invention originates from decades of experience going to conventions, conferences and trade shows. Because of rising costs and fear of mislocation during transit, many prefer to bring along their documents instead of entrusting their presentation to shipping. Instead, presenters prefer to hand-carry such documents to ensure the documents reach an intended meeting or exhibition.[0003]Each conference or professional organization has unique specifications on the size of documents for presentation. Moreover, the types of documents brought to a meeting or conference can be broad, w...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010]The present invention caters to this unmet need by providing such a versatile, flexible, reusable container to carry documents, from posters, drawings, blueprints, to paintings. This invention obviates the need to create makeshift containers by cutting and taping multiple prefabricated tubes in order to fit large documents, by utilizing fasteners such as zippers that can interconnect a flexible number of extensions to the top and bottom of the expendable carrying case, to create a container customized to the length and / or diameter of the object to be carried. Consequently, the container is a custom fit, protective carrier that can accommodate documents of various length or thickness.

[0011]The container also provides an adjustable shoulder strap / sling to facilitate transport. This enables the presenter to have use of both hands while carrying the container on one's shoulder or back. This function is useful when the presenter needs to pick-up other materials, exhibits or food trays during the conference.

[0012]As a truly flexible carrying apparatus / system, the flexible extensions may be collapsed or rolled-up into compact size after use for stowaway or air travel. This feature would appeal to the conference going population for being economical by avoiding additional airport luggage fees during the return trip. Furthermore, the population would appreciate the “green” or environmentally friendly nature in cutting down the use of disposable, prefabricated carton tubes. The economic value is further enhanced by eliminating the need to purchase disposable tubes again for subsequent conferences, exhibitions, or meetings.

Problems solved by technology

Because of rising costs and fear of mislocation during transit, many prefer to bring along their documents instead of entrusting their presentation to shipping.

The current state of the art lacks a truly flexible apparatus or system for carrying these important objects in a rolled up condition.

Being mass produced, these prefabricated containers only come in standardized sizes, with limited choices in length and diameter.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,877,572 issued on Apr. 15, 1975 to Wiener, Jr. has the same limitations, such that the length of the container is fixed and unable to protect or transport documents that exceed the length of the container.

These prefabricated containers do not have built-in shoulder straps, making carrying or travelling with them, cumbersome, inconvenient, and not easily transportable.

This problem is exaggerated by the need to carry additional material and products of interest received from vendors or presenters during a conference.

This limitation requires the user to not only carry the container but also another structure, increasing the weight and burden to carry the container.

Because the overall size has increased, Holmer's design makes the carrying or traveling with the container more difficult, especially at a typical conference area with many people and limited space to maneuver.

However, the handle design limits a presenter's ability to use both hands to carry additional items or material received from vendors or colleagues during a conference.

Furthermore, increasing cost and restriction on the number and size of luggage one can bring along in air travel, discourages “retreading” old materials and presentations by presenters.

Prefabricated, rigid containers currently used to transport documents / conference materials often suffer the same fate and are discarded post-meeting to reduce airport luggage fees.

Because the prefabricated containers eventually end up in the garbage post-conference, they are uneconomical, not environmentally friendly or green.

However, none of the inventions covered by the above patents provides for the flexibility to accommodate objects / documents rolled up into different sizes (length and thickness).

This limits the utility of these previous inventions.

The market continues to rely on prefabricated, rigid carton cylinders available at chain office supplies / stationary stores, which are of limited selections in range and size, typically disposable and non-reusable.

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