U.S. patent application number 10/223158 was filed with the patent office on 2004-02-19 for three part separable jewelry case.
Invention is credited to Mangano, Joy.
Application Number | 20040031702 10/223158 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 31715120 |
Filed Date | 2004-02-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040031702 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mangano, Joy |
February 19, 2004 |
Three part separable jewelry case
Abstract
A jewelry case includes three separable components: a center
component and two side components. Each component has a hinged lid
and means for securing the lid in the closed position. The side
components are removably attached to the center component by
fastening means. The presently preferred fastening means includes a
plurality of magnets disposed in the sidewalls of the components.
Alternative fastening means include snaps or VELCRO. According to
the presently preferred embodiment, the side components are each
provided with a removable zippered pouch and a plurality of
necklace/bracelet holders. The center component preferably includes
a removable tray and a plurality of pouches and cards for holding
earrings, and other articles of jewelry. A plurality of ring rolls
are also provided for use in either the center or side
components.
Inventors: |
Mangano, Joy; (St. James,
NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Thomas M. Galgano, Esq.
Galgano & Burke
Suite 135
300 Rabro Drive
Hauppauge
NY
11788
US
|
Family ID: |
31715120 |
Appl. No.: |
10/223158 |
Filed: |
August 16, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/6.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 7/0045 20130101;
A45C 11/16 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/6.1 |
International
Class: |
A45C 011/04 |
Claims
1. A jewelry case, comprising: a) a center component having a left
side, a right side and a cover; b) a left component having a left
side, a right side, and a cover; and c) a right component having a
left side, a right side and a cover, wherein said components
include attachment means such that the right side of the left
component is removably attachable to the left side of the center
component and the left side of the right component is removably
attached to the right side of the center component.
2. A jewelry case according to claim 1, wherein: each of said
covers is hinged.
3. A jewelry case according to claim 2, wherein: each of said
covers is provided with a tether which prevents it from opening
beyond a measured point.
4. A jewelry case according to claim 1, wherein: each of said
covers is provided with fastening means for securing the covers in
a closed position.
5. A jewelry case according to claim 2, wherein: each of said
covers is provided with fastening means for securing the covers in
a closed position.
6. A jewelry case according to claim 1, wherein: said attachment
means includes a magnet.
7. A jewelry case according to claim 1, wherein: said attachment
means includes a plurality of snaps.
8. A jewelry case according to claim 1, wherein: said attachment
means includes VELCRO.
9. A jewelry case according to claim 1, wherein: at least one cover
has a pouch attached to it.
10. A jewelry case according to claim 1, wherein: at least one
cover has a pouch removably attached to it.
11. A jewelry case, comprising: a) a first component having a left
side, a right side and a cover; and b) a second component having a
left side, a right side, and a cover, wherein said components
include attachment means such that the right side of the first
component is removably attachable to the left side of the second
component.
12 A jewelry case according to claim 11, wherein: each of said
covers is hinged.
13. A jewelry case according to claim 12, wherein: each of said
covers is provided with a tether which prevents it from opening
beyond a measured point.
14. A jewelry case according to claim 11, wherein: each of said
covers is provided with fastening means for securing the covers in
a closed position.
15. A jewelry case according to claim 12, wherein: each of said
covers is provided with fastening means for securing the covers in
a closed position.
16. A jewelry case according to claim 13, wherein: said attachment
means includes a magnet.
17. A jewelry case according to claim 11, wherein: said attachment
means includes a plurality of snaps.
18. A jewelry case according to claim 11, wherein: said attachment
means includes VELCRO.
19. A jewelry case according to claim 11, wherein: at least one
cover has a pouch attached to it.
20. A jewelry case according to claim 11, wherein: at least one
cover has a pouch removably attached to it.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates to jewelry cases and more
particularly to a case which is useful and efficient in the
receiving, storing, carrying, organizing and displaying articles of
jewelry.
[0003] 2. State of the Art
[0004] It has been a particular problem that when chains,
necklaces, earrings, and other beaded necklaces with and without
pendants and charms are put in a box or drawer-type jewelry cabinet
or box, they become mixed up and tangled. In the case of rings,
they become easily separated. In the case of very fine charms, if
they become knotted or tangled, damage may result during the
untangling process. While some prior jewelry cabinets have provided
improvement in the hanging or supporting of jewelry articles, they
still suffer the problems of tangling or knotting when the cabinet
is moved or carried from one place to another. Such other prior art
devices suffer from other disadvantages including lack of ready
adaptability to ease of access, reception and removal, and instant
visibility of the articles of jewelry.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 4,324,446 to LeSage discloses a jewelry case
for receiving, storing, carrying and displaying jewelry, having a
front portion and a back portion defining compartments
therebetween. The front portion has a pair of closure members
hingedly mounted to said back portion to provide easy access to the
compartments. The back portion and the closure members are provided
with compartments having means for supporting jewelry thereon, and
transparent means are hingedly mounted between the back portion and
each closure member whereby jewelry may be retained in spaced
orderly relationship and are instantly visible and easily
accessible upon opening of the closure members. In the preferred
embodiment, the back surface of the back portion is provided with
means for attaching it to a wall or for standing it upon a dresser,
table or other supporting surface in an upright position. While the
LeSage jewelry case has many good features, it is rather large,
occupies double its closed footprint when opened. This requires
that articles (such as perfumes and cosmetics) placed nearby must
be moved before the case can be opened. In addition, the LeSage
case is limited in adjustability.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 4,401,219 to Mink discloses a jewelry storage
container which has a generally planar flexible web shaped member
and a plurality of compartments mounted on the first web shaped
member. Each compartment is formed of at least one additional web
shaped member. At least one side of each of the compartments is
selectively closed by means of a band shaped molded hook and loop
fastening apparatus. Each compartment may be formed by two
additional web shaped members. At least some of the compartments
may include a plurality of linear connections, stitched or heat
bonded, between the web shaped members to define subcompartments.
The apparatus may include a plurality of tying members for securing
the apparatus to an associated hanger. The apparatus may also
include a loop and snap for securing the apparatus to an associated
hanger. The apparatus may include means for securing an associated
elongated piece of jewelry in at least one of the compartments
which comprises a band shaped molded hook and loop fastening
apparatus for joining axially spaced sections of an associated
elongated piece of jewelry at axially spaced intervals of the band
shaped molded hook and loop fastening apparatus. While the Mink
jewelry container may be desirable for traveling, it is not well
adapted for location on a horizontal surface. In addition, due to
the many closures, it is time consuming to store and retrieve
multiple articles of jewelry.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 4,717,024 to Djezovic discloses a portable
organizer case for jewelry or cosmetics which has a semi-circular
dome shaped lid hinged to a receptacle. Within the receptacle is
stored a pair of unattached, removable trays, each fitted with a
mounting bracket. When the case is opened, the trays may be removed
from the receptacle and may be mounted outwardly astride the end
walls of the receptacle to form a dressing table. Within the hollow
of the lid is mounted a mirror pivotably rotatable. Lower and upper
rails are molded onto the receptacle and lid. When the case is
closed, upper and lower rails nest allowing a pair of catches to
sealably slide over both rails. Although the Djezovic case is
suitable for location on a horizontal surface, when the trays are
attached, the shadow footprint of the case is doubled. Even if the
trays are not attached, they must be removed and placed somewhere
to access the interior of the case. In addition, the adjustability
of the case is limited.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 4,735,246 to Niehaus discloses a foldable
display and storage receptacle for jewelry. A rectangular base
cloth is provided with one or more cross hands. A plurality of
small spaced-apart strips have a first end secured adjacent the
band lower edge with an opposing free end being releasably
attachable to the band. When attached to the band the strips form a
series of closed loops for holding small objects such as necklaces,
rings and bracelets. A closable lower pocket is provided that
includes an exterior flap. The flap is readily piercable to
accommodate objects having pin attachment means. The base cloth may
include side covers and the overall assembly can be rolled upon
itself for compact storage and easy transport. The base cloth
includes connector elements for hanging and display and for
securing the receptacle in its roll form. The Niehaus case is
similar in approach to the case of Mink. Both are designed to roll
up and when unrolled, hang from a hanger or the like. They are not
well adapted for placement unrolled on a horizontal surface. They
both have very limited adjustability.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,779,033 to Roegner discloses a jewelry
carrying case much like those of Mink and Niehaus and which suffers
from many of the same disadvantages.
[0010] In addition to the foregoing utility patents, a number of
design patents have issued for different kinds of jewelry cases.
Most of these have various trays which swing out or hinge out and
which significantly increase the shadow footprint of the case when
it is opened.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a
jewelry case which is adapted to be placed on a horizontal surface
and is composed of a plurality of releasably attached
compartments.
[0012] It is also an object of the invention to provide a jewelry
case which is adapted to be placed on a horizontal surface and
which does not change its footprint or shadow footprint when it is
opened and closed.
[0013] It is another object of the invention to provide a jewelry
case which is adapted to be placed on a horizontal surface and
which is widely adjustable as to overall size and the types of
jewelry which can be securely stored therein.
[0014] It is a more particular object of this invention to provide
a novel three-part separable jewelry case.
[0015] In accord with these objects which will be discussed in
detail below, the jewelry case of the present invention includes
three separable components: a center component and two side
components. Each component has a hinged lid and means for securing
the lid in the closed position. The side components are removably
attached to the center component by fastening means. The presently
preferred fastening means includes a plurality of magnets disposed
in the sidewalls of the components. Alternative fastening means
include snaps or VELCRO (e.g., hook and loop) fasteners. According
to the presently preferred embodiment, the side components are each
provided with a removable zippered pouch and a plurality of
necklace/bracelet holders. The center component preferably includes
a removable tray and a plurality of pouches and cards for holding
earrings, and other articles of jewelry. A plurality of ring rolls
are also provided for use in either the center or side
components.
[0016] The presently preferred embodiment is covered on its
exterior with either a crocodile print or artificial leather and is
covered on its interior with velvet, flocked cloth or artificial
suede.
[0017] Additional objects and advantages of the invention will
become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reference to the
detailed description taken in conjunction with the provided
figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a jewelry case according to
the invention having a crocodile pattern exterior, with the side
components attached to the center component, and with all of the
component lids closed;
[0019] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a jewelry case according to
the invention having a smooth exterior, with the side components
removed from the center component, and with portions broken away
illustrating the placement of magnets for removably coupling the
components, and with all of the component lids closed;
[0020] FIG. 2B is a perspective view of a jewelry case according to
the invention having a smooth exterior, with the side components
removed from the center component, illustrating the placement of
VELCRO for removably coupling the components, and with all of the
component lids closed;
[0021] FIG. 2C is a perspective view of a jewelry case according to
the invention having a smooth exterior, with the side components
removed from the center component, illustrating the placement of
snaps for removably coupling the components, and with all of the
component lids closed;
[0022] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a jewelry case according to
the invention having a smooth exterior, with the side components
attached to the center component, and with all of the component
lids opened;
[0023] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a jewelry case according to
the invention having a smooth exterior, with the side components
attached to the center component, with all of the component lids
opened, and illustrating removable cards from the center
component;
[0024] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a jewelry case according to
the invention having a smooth exterior, with the side components
attached to the center component, with all of the component lids
opened, and illustrating a removable tray, cards and ring rolls
from the center component and removable necklace/bracelet cards
from the side components; and
[0025] FIG. 6 is a partially cut out perspective view of a jewelry
case according to the invention having a smooth exterior, with the
side components attached to the center component, with all of the
component lids opened, and with portions broken away to illustrate
the removable tray and ring rolls of the center component.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0026] Referring now to FIG. 1, a jewelry case 10 according to the
invention includes three separable components: a center component
12 and two side components 14 and 16. The side components 14 and 16
are removably attached to the center component 12 by fastening
means. The presently preferred fastening means is illustrated in
FIG. 2A.
[0027] Turning now to FIG. 2A, the presently preferred fastening
means includes one or more concealed magnets disposed in the
sidewalls of the components. For example, as illustrated in FIG.
2A, the central component 12 has magnets 12a and 12b centrally
located in each of the two sidewalls. The side components 14 and 16
each have at lease one magnet 14a, 16a centrally located in one of
their sidewalls. Preferably, three magnets are used in the
sidewalls of both the central and side compartments. FIG. 2A shows
in phantom lines the possible location of the three magnets. It
will be appreciated, that magnets need not mate with magnets but
may mate with a ferromagnetic material. It will also be appreciated
that, optionally, the side components 14 and 16 may have magnets in
both side walls so that the side components can be interchanged
with each other. From the following description of FIGS. 2B and 2C,
it will be appreciated that magnetic fasteners provide the most
aesthetically pleasing embodiment when the components are separated
from each other and used individually or in sub-combination. Thus,
it will also be appreciated that the arrangement of the
magnets/ferromagnetic material in the side components 14 and 16 be
such that it allows the fastening of the two side components to
each other without the center component 12.
[0028] FIG. 2B illustrates an alternate embodiment of a jewelry
case 110 which is substantially the same as the case 10 but for the
different fastening means. Thus, similar reference numerals
(increased by 100) refer to similar components. According to this
embodiment, the side components 114 and 116 are provided with
VELCRO hook and loop patches 114a and 116a, respectively and the
center component 112 is provided with mating VELCRO patches 112a,
112b. It will be appreciated that the number, location, and
dimensions of the VELCRO patches will depend on the dimensions of
the components 112, 114, and 116. It will be further appreciated
that, for aesthetic reasons, VELCRO need not be provided on both
sidewalls of the side components. As mentioned above with regard to
the magnets/ferromagnetic material, it is preferred that the VELCRO
be arranged such that the side components 114 and 116 can be
fastened to each other without the center component 112.
[0029] FIG. 2C illustrates an alternate embodiment of a jewelry
case 210 which is substantially the same as the case 10 but for the
different fastening means. Thus, similar reference numerals
(increased by 200) refer to similar components. According to this
embodiment, the side components 214 and 216 are provided with snaps
214a and 216a, respectively and the center component 212 is
provided with mating snaps 212a, 212b. It will be appreciated that
the number, location, and dimensions of the snaps will depend on
the dimensions of the components 212, 214, and 216. Generally,
however, it will be desirable to use more than one snap on each
component to prevent rotation of the components relative to each
other. It will be further appreciated that, for aesthetic reasons,
snaps not be provided on both sidewalls of the side components. As
mentioned above with regard to the magnets/ferromagnetic material,
it is preferred that the gender of the snaps be arranged such that
the side components 214 and 216 can be fastened to each other
without the center component 212.
[0030] Turning now to FIG. 3, each component 12, 14, 16 is provided
with a hinged lid 22, 24, 26, respectively. Each lid 22, 24, 26 is
restrained by a respective ribbon tether 28, 30, 32 which prevents
the lid from opening too far. In addition, each lid has at least
one pouch attached to it. As shown in FIG. 3, the lid 22 has two
pouches 34, which are fixed to the lid 22. The upper ends of the
pouches are provided with elastic closures 35, 37. The lids 24, 26
are provided with removable zippered pouches 38, 40. It will be
appreciated that the ribbons 28, 30, 32 substantially limits the
shadow footprint of the components when the lids 22, 24, 26 are
opened and also provide for easier access to the pouches 34, 36,
38, 40.
[0031] As mentioned above, each component 12, 14, 16 and its
respective hinged lid 22, 24, 26 is provided with means for
securing the lids in the closed position. As shown in FIG. 3, these
means are mating snaps 42-43, 44-45, and 46-47, respectively. It
will be appreciated from the discussion of FIGS. 2A through 2C that
the means for securing the lids in the closed position could be
magnets or VELCRO.RTM. fasteners or the like.
[0032] Finally as shown in FIG. 3, the components 12, 14, and 16
are each provided with a number of removable jewelry containers,
generally designated 52, 54, 56 respectively.
[0033] Referring briefly to FIG. 4, the pouches 34, 36 on the
center component lid 22 are preferably provided with removable
cards 134, 136 respectively. These cards are adapted to hold
earrings or the like and have tabs 135 made preferably of looped
ribbon to allow for their easy and facile removal from, and
insertion into, pouches 34 and 36 respectively. The other removable
trays, cards and pouches etc., may likewise be provided with tabs
135 for easy removal and/or opening.
[0034] Turning now to FIGS. 5 and 6, the presently preferred
embodiment of the jewelry case 10 is illustrated in more detail
with reference to the presently preferred removable jewelry
containers 52, 54, 56. More particularly, the center component 12
has several jewelry containers defined collectively by reference
number 52, which includes a removable tray 60 containing a
plurality of removable cards, e.g. 62, 64 which are adapted to
store necklaces, watches, etc., and two removable ring roll trays
66, 68 beneath tray 60.
[0035] Card 62 has one large pouch for storing large jewelry pieces
and card 64 has three small pouches for smaller pieces. The bottom
compartment of center component 12 has a H-shaped partition 67
which defines two lateral compartments in which ring rolls 66, 68
are removably mounted and two central open compartments in which
loose jewelry or other cards or trays may be inserted.
[0036] FIG. 6 illustrates the bottom compartment of center
component 12 with the center leg of H-shaped partition 67 removed
and a pouch 70 in its place. Of course, numerous other
configurations or arrangements of trays, cards, pouches,
partitions, etc. are possible.
[0037] Pouch 70 has a pair of spaced-apart looped straps 71, each
comprised of a pair of tabs with mating snap fasteners 72 to allow
for opening and closing of the loop. The looped straps may be
employed to hold a necklace, bracelet or the like (i.e., the
necklace would be placed within the loop of the strap and the
depending end of the necklace would be inserted in the pouch 70
therebelow). The side components 14 and 16 are each provided with
four removable card/pouches 54a-54d and 56a-56d which are similar
in construction to pouch 70. These pouch covered cards are suitable
for holding necklaces, watches, and the like.
[0038] From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the various
components of the jewelry case 10 can be mixed and matched in
numerous different combinations. For example, the center component
12 can be used alone or in combination with one or both of the side
components 14, 16. Moreover, the side components can be used
individually or coupled to each other. Although the tray 60 may
only be used in the center component, the ring rolls 66, 68 and the
cards, 54a-d, and 56a-d can be used in either the center component
or the side component. Ring rolls 66, 68 can also be used in tray
60.
[0039] There have been described and illustrated herein several
embodiments of a multipart separable jewelry case. While particular
embodiments of the invention have been described, it is not
intended that the invention be limited thereto, as it is intended
that the invention be as broad in scope as the art will allow and
that the specification be read likewise. It will therefore be
appreciated by those skilled in the art that yet other
modifications could be made to the provided invention without
deviating from its spirit and scope as so claimed.
* * * * *