Container dividers for camera bags, backpacks, and other containers, and associated systems

Abstract

New container dividers, related systems/container components, and containers comprising such systems along with other features are described herein and provided by this invention. In one aspect, container dividers comprising one or more dual position transformable dividers or sections are provided that allow for easy reallocation of storage capacity from one formable compartment to another, typically by application of a modest amount of force (e.g., a moderate pull). Once in a resting configuration the dividers resist structural deformation based on a combination of structural features. In some aspects, containers are provided wherein a number of dividers can form two or more formable compartments. Also provided are new removable, flexible, and reconfigurable multi-point dividers that can form linear, stacked, and diverse arrangements through allowing rotation approaching about 360 degrees along multiple hinges and that also or alternatively can be incorporated into containers of the invention.

1 . An insertable, reversibly partially transformable container that is adapted to fit a master container and that comprises (a) a set of opposing sidewall panels each having a top end and a bottom end, and (b) at least one dual position transformable divider, each transformable divider comprising a first divider panel and a second divider panel connected by a central hinge and adapted to assume a first position and to transition to a second position and back again repeatedly and frictionally engaging with said sidewall panels whenever a sufficient force is applied to at least one divider panel such that both of the divider panels transitionally move about the hinge, the first divider panel being horizontally oriented in the first position and vertically oriented in the second position, and the first and second divider panels being substantially perpendicular to each other in either position, at least half of the first divider panel and substantially all of the second divider panel being disposed below the top end of the sidewall panels in the second position. 
     
     
         2 . The insertable container of  claim 1 , wherein most of the interior volume of the insertable container is an area that directly varies in size with the movement of the transformable divider. 
     
     
         3 . The insertable container of  claim 2 , wherein the insertable container comprises one or more additional compartments positioned outside of the interior volume. 
     
     
         4 . A system comprising the insertable container of  claim 1  and a master container that is adapted to contain the transformable container, wherein the master container comprises at least one receiving section that is adapted to receive, stably maintain, and allow the operation of an insertable container when the insertable container is contained therein. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein the insertable container can be used in multiple configurations within the master container. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein the insertable container can be inserted into the master container receiving the insertable container by a single access point in the master container. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein the insertable container can be inserted into the master container receiving the insertable container by at least two access points in the master container. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein the system comprises one or more attachment means for attaching the insertable container to the master container. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein the insertable container, upon insertion into the master container, can maintain its position by simple friction and tightness of fit within the master container. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein when the insertable container is inserted into a master container, one or more dual position dividers of the insertable container works cooperatively with one or more features of the master container to create a storage space that exists only when the two components work in concert. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein the insertable container comprises one or more carrying components and the master container comprises one or more separate carrying components. 
     
     
         12 . A kit comprising (a) an insertable container according to  claim 1  and (b) components for adapting a pre-existing container to operate as a master container for the insertable container. 
     
     
         13 . A reversibly partially transformable container comprising:
 (a) a set of opposing sidewall panels each having a top end and a bottom end, and   (b) two or more dual position transformable dividers, each divider comprising a first divider panel and a second divider panel connected by a central hinge and adapted to assume a first position and to transition to a second position and back again repeatedly and frictionally engaging with said sidewall panels whenever a sufficient force is applied to at least one divider panel such that both of the divider panels transitionally move about the hinge, the first divider panel being horizontally oriented in the first position and vertically oriented in the second position, and the first and second divider panels being substantially perpendicular to each other in either position, at least half of the first divider panel and substantially all of the second divider panel being disposed below the top end of the sidewall panels in the second position.   
     
     
         14 . The transformable container of  claim 13 , wherein the container comprises two dual position dividers that are not in contact with one another. 
     
     
         15 . The transformable container of  claim 13 , wherein at least one of the two or more dual position transformable dividers within the container comprises a third panel which is movably attached directly or indirectly to the second panel of the dual position transformable divider, where, when the first and second panels are transitioned back and forth between first and second positions, the third divider panel can remain in a single position, or, alternatively, the third divider panel can be transitioned to a position wherein the second panel and the first panel are oriented the same as one another and the third panel is positioned perpendicular to both the first and second panels. 
     
     
         16 . The transformable container of  claim 13 , wherein at least two of the two or more dual position transformable dividers are positioned end-to-end with one another, and wherein at least one of the two or more dual position dividers positioned end-to-end with another transformable divider comprises a barrier between two storage compartments defined by the transformable dividers which allows for movement of each transformable divider independently from another yet provides a separation between the two storage compartments defined by the transformable dividers. 
     
     
         17 . A container divider comprising at least three interconnected panels, each panel connected to the next panel by a hinge comprising two separately operating hinge components, the first hinge component formed by a first connector connected to a central portion of one end of at least two panels and a second hinge component formed by separated second and third connectors positioned at the outer ends of at least two panels, wherein there is no overlap between the first type and second type of hinge in connecting panels within the divider, and wherein the hinge allows each of the panels to move at least approximately 330 degrees about the hinges. 
     
     
         18 . The container divider of  claim 17 , wherein the divider comprises at least four panels in series that can be positioned about the hinges of the divider such that at least one panel is substantially perpendicular to at least two other panels in the series and is in alignment with the remaining panel in the series of four panels. 
     
     
         19 . The container divider of  claim 17 , wherein the panels are capable of stacking one on top of another to form a compact, closed position. 
     
     
         20 . The container divider of  claim 17 , wherein the divider is between about 8 inches and about 36 inches (about 20 cm and about 91 cm) in length and between about 3 inches and 10 inches (about 8 cm and 25 cm) in height. 
     
     
         21 . The container divider of  claim 17 , wherein the panels comprise a core composed of an elastomeric material, one or more panels of the divider comprise a cushion material, or both the panels comprise a core composed of an elastomeric material and one or more panels of the divider comprise a cushion material. 
     
     
         22 . The container divider of  claim 17 , wherein one or more panels of the divider comprise a stabilization component which can connect the panel of the divider to a corresponding material.