U.S. patent application number 10/407077 was filed with the patent office on 2004-10-07 for accessory case.
Invention is credited to Seamon, Henry.
Application Number | 20040195135 10/407077 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33097468 |
Filed Date | 2004-10-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040195135 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Seamon, Henry |
October 7, 2004 |
Accessory case
Abstract
An accessory case, and method of using the same, is disclosed
that comprises a plurality of removable pouches, wherein each pouch
is fabricated from a translucent material and several of the
plurality of pouches are colored and have a different color from
each other pouch, so that articles within each pouch are readily
identifiable.
Inventors: |
Seamon, Henry; (Allentown,
PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Stephen E. Feldman, P.C.
12 East 41st Street
New York
NY
10017
US
|
Family ID: |
33097468 |
Appl. No.: |
10/407077 |
Filed: |
April 4, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/459.1 ;
206/459.5; 206/581 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 15/04 20130101;
A45C 13/02 20130101; A45C 2003/002 20130101; A45C 11/008
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/459.1 ;
206/459.5; 206/581 |
International
Class: |
B65D 085/00 |
Claims
We claim:
1. An accessory case comprising a plurality of removable pouches,
wherein each pouch is fabricated from a translucent material and
several of the plurality of pouches are colored and have a
different color from each other pouch, so that articles within each
pouch are readily identifiable.
2. The case of claim 1, wherein each pouch being capable of
containing one of money, portable medical instrumentation, and a
set of cosmetics.
3. The case of claim 2, wherein having means for connecting each
removable pouch to the case.
4. The case of claim 2, having means for connecting each removable
pouch to the case.
5. The case of claim 2, comprising a removable accessory section,
said section comprising a mirror and elastic straps for holding
cosmetic and medical instrumentation, wherein said accessory
section is removable from the case and capable of a plurality of
configurations within the case.
6. The case of claim 5, wherein the accessory section includes
spacers for preventing the instrumentation from contacting said
mirror.
7. The case of claim 6, wherein the accessory section has means for
connecting to said case.
8. The case of claim 6, wherein the accessory section comprises a
top and bottom wall, elastic inner straps for providing a close
relationship between the top and bottom walls, and outer straps for
providing substantially a ninety degree opening angle between the
top and bottom walls.
9. The case of claim 8, further comprising a non-removable pouch
fabricated from a mesh material, so that articles within each pouch
are readily identifiable, wherein said non-removable pouch
comprises a lid, a pocket, and means for closing said lid against
said pocket.
10. The case of claim 9, wherein the case comprises a top section,
a bottom section, and a means for closing the top section against
the bottom section.
11. An accessory case comprising: a plurality of removable pouches,
wherein each pouch is fabricated from a mesh material and several
of the plurality of pouches are colored and have a different color
from each other pouch, so that articles within each pouch are
readily identifiable; a binder for connecting each removable pouch
to the case; a removable accessory section, said section comprising
a mirror and elastic straps for holding cosmetic and medical
instrumentation, wherein said accessory section is removable from
the case and capable of a plurality of configurations within the
case; wherein the accessory section includes spacers for preventing
the instrumentation from contacting said mirror; Velcro for
connecting the accessory section to said case; and a non-removable
pouch fabricated from a mesh material, so that articles within each
pouch are readily identifiable, wherein said, non-removable pouch
comprises a lid, a pocket, and means for closing said lid against
said pocket.
12. A method of using an accessory case having a binder, a
plurality of colored pouches connected to the binder, a mirrored
section, and Velcro strips for connecting the accessory mirror
section to the case, comprising: placing the mirrored section in
the case so that when the mirrored wall is opened, the mirrored
wall faces away from the colored pouches; opening the mirrored
section; flipping the pouches over the binder so that the contents
of the pouches are easily visible while the mirror is also
visible.
13. A method of using an accessory case having a binder, a
plurality of colored pouches connected to the binder, a mirrored
section, and Velcro strips for connecting the accessory mirror
section to the case, comprising: placing the mirrored section in
the case so that when the mirrored wall is opened, the back of the
mirrored wall is against the colored pouches; opening the mirrored
section; scanning the top the pouches over the top of the mirrored
wall so that the particularly desired pouch is quickly and easily
ascertained.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a portable case for toting
personal articles.
BACKGROUND
[0002] People often tote personal articles such as money and
cosmetic materials. In particular, cosmetic materials available to
the consumers in the market place are very numerous. The cosmetic
assortment that an individual consumer owns is entirely dependent
upon that consumer's subjective preferences. A typical consumer of
cosmetics normally desires an assortment of cosmetics which
includes the desired colors, tints and hues to satisfy the
consumer's preferences, in particular to fit and complement that
consumer's facial characteristics, skin and hair color and
condition, and even clothes. Additionally, various types of
cosmetics may be desirable, for example, shadows, mascara,
foundations, lipstick, powder, blush, lip-gloss and so on.
[0003] Consumers are required to sort through and organize the
various cosmetic materials to achieve a desired aesthetic
presentation. For example, a certain cosmetic set complements a
purple evening dress, while a completely dissimilar cosmetic set
complements a green formal gown.
[0004] After organizing the cosmetic materials, the consumer
typically stores the cosmetics in an accessory case, known in the
art. Known accessory cases tend to mix the once organized cosmetic
materials with not only each other, but also other stored personal
articles. This mixing become problematic when a person anticipates
attending more than one type of occasion and stores more than one
cosmetic set in the cosmetic bag. For each attended occasion, the
consumer is again required to sort through the mixed and
disorganized cosmetic materials and other personal articles.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] An accessory case is disclosed having a plurality of
removable pouches. Each pouch is fabricated from a translucent
material. Several of the plurality of pouches are colored and have
a different color from each other pouch. Accordingly, colored
pouches may be coordinated with stored articles. Stored articles
include cosmetics, such as lipstick, mascara, etc. Stored articles
also include other personal belongings, such as money and medical
instrumentation. As such, the color of the pouch enables the easy
identification of the articles within the pouch.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] In order that the manner in which the above recited and
other advantages of the invention are obtained, a more particular
description of the invention briefly described above will be
rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof that are
illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that the
drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are
not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the
invention will be described and explained with additional
specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings
in which:
[0007] FIG. 1a is a top perspective view of an accessory case
according to the invention, where the case is closed;
[0008] FIG. 1b is a side perspective view of the accessory
case;
[0009] FIG. 1c is a front perspective view of the accessory
case;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the accessory
case;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a side view of the accessory case, where the case
is opened;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a top view of the accessory case;
[0013] FIG. 5 is a top view of one portion of the accessory
case;
[0014] FIG. 6a is a top view of another portion of the accessory
case, exposing a removable section, where the removable section is
opened and placed in a first configuration;
[0015] FIG. 6b is a top view of the accessory case, exposing a
removable section, where the removable section is opened and placed
in a section configuration;
[0016] FIG. 7 is a top view of the accessory case, exclusive of the
removable section;
[0017] FIG. 8 is a rear view of the removable section;
[0018] FIG. 9 is a top view of the removable section;
[0019] FIG. 10 is a side view of the removable section, where the
section is closed; and
[0020] FIG. 11 is a side view of the removable section, where the
section is opened.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] Turning to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is illustrated an accessory
case 1 according to the preferred embodiment of the invention. Case
1 is shaped as a rectangular box. For purposes of illustration
only, case 1 is eight inches in width, six inches in height, and
three-and-a-half inches in depth. In comparison, an average woman's
hand has a palm that is four-and-a-half inches in width, four
inches in length, and has fingers that are four inches in length.
Accordingly, case 1 will fit comfortably within the hand of an
average woman, where only a couple of inches on either side of case
1 will protrude from either side of the hand.
[0022] It is to be appreciated that for case 1, any shape or
dimension is appropriate that provides comfortable portability. For
example, although the preferred shape of case 1 is rectangular,
case 1 can be any shape, such as circular or triangular. Case 1 is
fabricated from nylon. Alternatively, case 1 is fabricated from
canvas, leather, or any tear-resistant material.
[0023] Case 1 comprises top and bottom sections 3, 4. Sections 3, 4
each include front face 3a, top face 3b, bottom face 3c, and two
side-faces 3d, 3e. Top face 3b and side faces 3d, 3e are fabricated
from a continuous piece of fabric, which extends to at least a
portion of bottom face 3c. Front face 3a is a singular piece of
fabric that is stitched to the remainder of the faces of top or
bottom section 3, 4. Bottom face 3c joins top and bottom sections
3, 4. Bottom face consists of a singular piece of fabric 3f
stitched to front face 3a and the fabric that extends from side
faces 3d, 3e. Bottom face 3c includes backs 3g, 3h for securing
binder to case 1 (discussed below).
[0024] Case 1 has zipper 5. Zipper 5 is connected to the bottom
face 3c and the singular piece of fabric that composes top and side
faces 3a, 3d, 3e. Zipper 5 securely closes sections 3, 4, so that
the internal components are secured therein toting or storing
accessory case 1. Zipper 5 is fabricated from plastic so that
zipper 5 may flex with sections 3, 4. Alternatively, zipper 5 is
fabricated from metal, or any suitable material known in the
art.
[0025] Turning to FIGS. 3 and 4, accessory case 1 comprises at
least one internal pouch 6-9. Pouches 6-9 are rectangular. For
illustration purposes only, pouches 6-9 are six inches wide and
four inches in height. Although the preferred shape is rectangular,
pouches 6-9 can be any shape, such as circular or triangular, as
long as pouches 6-9 fit within accessory case 1.
[0026] Pouches 6-9 connect to accessory case 1 via binder 13.
Binder 13 is rigid and capable of being opened so that pouches 6-9
can be individually added or removed, or so that new pouches may be
added. Binder 13 restrains pouches 6-9 from being pulled outwardly
from the center of case 1. Accordingly, binder 13 makes pouches 6-9
taut so that the contents of pouches 6-9 are easily viewed and
removed.
[0027] In the preferred embodiment, binder 13 contains two binding
elements 14, 15. Alternatively, binder 13 contains many elements.
For illustration purposes only, binder elements each have a one and
three-quarter-inch diameter. Alternatively, binder elements have a
smaller or larger diameter.
[0028] According to the invention, each individual pouch 6-9 is
colored, and at least some pouches 6-9 have a different color from
the other pouch 6-9. For example, pouch 6 is orange, pouch 7 is
black, pouch 8 is purple, pouch 9 is green, et cetera. According to
the invention, each individual pouch is easily distinguished from
each other pouch.
[0029] Pouches 6-9 are fabricated from a plastic mesh.
Alternatively, pouches 6-9. are fabricated from a canvas mesh, a
leather mesh, or a mesh consisting of any tear resistant material.
The mesh density of pouches 6-9 causes the center of pouches 6-9 to
be transparent. Accordingly, pouches 6-9 allow internal items to be
clearly viewed. Pouches 6-9 also allow the release of fragrances of
stored perfumes or colognes.
[0030] In the preferred embodiment, pouches 6-9 have front face 6a
and rear face 6b, which consist of a single layer of plastic mesh.
Side edges 6c, 6d, and bottom edge 6e each consist of multiple
layers of plastic mesh. Edges 6c-6e are bound by stitching. The
layering on edges 6c-6e highlights the color of each pouch 6-9.
[0031] Pouches each have zippers 10-12. Zippers 10-12 close each
pouch and secure the internal components of each pouch when
accessory case 1 is opened or closed, during travel. Zippers 10-12
are fabricated similar to, and with the same alternatives as,
zipper 5, discussed above.
[0032] Zippers 10-12 are stitched to top edge of pouch 6f, and have
fabric 6g that extends downwardly into pouch 6-9 by half-an-inch.
Zippers 10-12 and fabric 6g are colored to match the respective
color pouches 6-9. Accordingly, the combination of zippers 10-12,
fabric 6g and top edge of pouch 6f highlights the color of each
pouch 6-9.
[0033] In use, each pouch 6-9 contains dissimilar items and/or
dissimilar sets of cosmetics. For example, pouch 6 contains money
and pouch 7 contains portable medical instrumentation. Portable
medical instrumentation includes, for example, nail cutters, nail
files, a sewing kit, an asthma inhaler, insulin, et cetera.
[0034] Pouches 8 and 9 contain dissimilar cosmetic sets. Pouch 8,
being a purple pouch, may contain a cosmetic set that is
appropriately coordinated with garments complimented by a purple
color. Pouch 9, being a green pouch, contains a cosmetic set that
is appropriately coordinated with garments complimented by green.
Alternatively, pouch 8 contains a cosmetic set defined as eyeliner,
lip liner, and the like, and pouch 9 contains a cosmetic set
defined by nail polish, lipstick, perfume, and the like. Another
pouch having a unique color (not shown) can contain a cosmetic set
consisting of cosmetic instrumentation, such as known makeup
application brushes.
[0035] Pouches 6-9 are removable from accessory case 1, as
discussed. Accordingly, only necessary pouches 6-9 need be toted on
any specific occasion. For example, when a purple evening gown is
worn, purple pouch 8 is required while green pouch 9 is not
required. In this situation, pouch 9 is removed from accessory case
1. Accessory case 1 is thus toted with pouches 6-8, so that money,
instruments, and the appropriate cosmetic set is readily available.
Alternatively, pouch 8 is removed from accessory case 1 and toted
individually.
[0036] Turning to FIG. 5, accessory case 1 includes a non-removable
pouch 19. Non-removable pouch is fabricated onto bottom section of
case 4. Non-removable pouch 19 is fabricated similar to, and with
the same alternatives as, removable pouches 6-9, discussed above.
Non-removable pouch 19 includes pocket 20 and lid 21. Lid 21
buttons onto pocket 20. Alternatively, lid 21 zippers, magnets or
any other known system is used to secure lid 21 to pocket 20.
[0037] Turning to FIGS. 6-11, accessory case 1 comprises an
accessory mirror section 16. Mirror section contains a mirrored top
wall 17 and bottom wall 18. Top and bottom walls 16, 17 have
substantially the same outside dimension. For illustration purposes
only, top and bottom walls 17, 18 are six and seven-eighths-inches
in length by four and four-eighths-inches in height. It is to be
appreciated that top and bottom walls 17, 18 are dimensioned fit
within accessory case 1. As disclosed above, in the preferred
embodiment, case 1 is eight inches in width and six inches in
height.
[0038] Top and bottom wall 17, 18 are fabricated from cardboard.
Alternatively, top and bottom wall 17, 18 are fabricated from
plastic or another stiff material known in the art. Top and bottom
wall 17, 18 are each enclosed in nylon. Alternatively, top and
bottom wall 17, 18 are each enclosed in canvas, leather, or any
tear-resistant material known in the art.
[0039] Mirror section includes straps 23, 24 for holding both
medical instrumentation and cosmetic instrumentation.
Instrumentation straps 23, 24 are connected to bottom wall 18.
Instrumentation straps 23, 24 are fabricated from Spandex.
Alternatively, instrumentation straps 23, 24 are fabricated from
Lycra, or another stretchable fabric known in the art.
[0040] Instrumentation straps 23, 24 are restrained by stitching
25-30. For illustration purposes only, each stitching 25-30 is
spaced apart by seven-eighths of an inch. It is to be appreciated
that any spacing pattern is appropriate so long as instrumentation
straps 23, 24 restrict lateral motion of instrumentation. For
illustration purposes only, instrumentation straps 23, 24 are
half-an-inch wide. It is to be appreciated that any width is
appropriate so long as instrumentation straps 23, 24 cause
instrumentation to adhere to bottom wall 18.
[0041] Turning to FIG. 8, mirror section 16 includes inner straps
31, 32. Inner straps 31, 32 are each connected to both the top wall
17 and bottom wall 18. Inner straps 31, 32 control the motion of
top wall 17 relative to bottom wall 18. When mirror section 16 is
closed (FIG. 10), or opened, inner straps 31, 32 ensure a close
relationship between top wall 17 and bottom wall 18. Inner straps
31, 32 are fabricated from Spandex. Alternatively, inner straps 31,
32 are fabricated from Lycra, or another stretchable fabric known
in the art.
[0042] Turning to FIG. 9, mirror section 16 includes outer straps
33, 34. Outer Straps 33, 34 are each connected to both top wall 17
and bottom wall 18. Outer straps 33, 34 also control the motion of
top wall 17 relative to bottom wall 18. When mirror section 16 is
opened, outer straps 33, 34 ensure that the angle created between
top wall 17 and bottom wall 18 is equal to or less than a right
angle. Accordingly, when mirror section 16 is opened within top
section of accessory case 3, outer straps 33, 34 inhibit leverage
that would otherwise cause mirror section 16 to twist out of
accessory case 1.
[0043] Mirror section 16 has first spacer bar 35 and second spacer
bar 36. For illustration purposes only, spacer bars 35, 36 have a
diameter of half-an-inch. It is to be appreciated that spacer bars
can have any diameter as long as the following objectives are met.
The spacer bars 35, 36 provide spacing between top wall 17 and
bottom wall 18 to assure that, when top wall 17 is closed against
bottom wall 18, instrumentation will not scratch mirrored top wall
17. However, the spacer bars 35, 36 must be small enough to allow
the accessory case 1 to close while containing mirror section 16
and removable pouches 6-9.
[0044] Spacer bars 35, 36 are manufactured from Styrofoam.
Alternatively, spacer bars 35, 36 are manufactured from cardboard
or plastic. Spacer bars 35, 36 are enclosed with materials that are
similar to, and have the same alternatives as, top and bottom walls
17, 18, discussed above.
[0045] Mirror section 16 has Velcro strips 37-40. Velcro strips
37-40 connect bottom wall 18 to top section 3. Alternatively,
snaps, buttons, zippers, magnets or the like connect mirror section
16 to accessory case 1. Velcro strips 37-40 allow mirror section 16
to be either toted with accessory case 1 or toted separately.
Alternatively, accessory case 1 can be toted with or without mirror
section 16.
[0046] Turning to FIGS. 6a and 6b, Velcro strips 37-40 provide two
dissimilar configurations within case. The preferred configuration
places mirrored top wall 17 away from pouches 6-9. According to the
preferred configuration, pouches 6-9 are easily flipped over binder
13 so the contents of pouches 6-9 are visible while mirror is also
visible. This is beneficial when focus is needed on an object in
the mirror while a medical or cosmetic instrument is needed from
pouches 6-9.
[0047] The second configuration, due to Velcro strips 37-40, places
mirrored top wall 17 against pouches 6-9. The diameter of binder 13
provides a grade for pouches 6-9 so that the tip of each
consecutive pouch 6-9 is clearly visible behind mirrored wall 17.
Accordingly, while focus is on mirrored wall 17, the pouches 6-9
are sill easily viewed in the background so that a particularly
desired pouch can be quickly spotted and ascertained.
[0048] Accordingly, the present invention provides an accessory
case that helps maintain an orderly toting and storage system. The
accessory case disclosed above enables fast and convenient
identification of compartmentalized accessories, so the accessories
are more easily retrieved. Moreover, the accessories are
retrievable either individually or as a set.
[0049] The present invention may be embodied in other specific
forms without departing from its spirit or essential
characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in
all respects only as illustrated and not restrictive. The scope of
the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims and
their combination in whole or in part rather than by the foregoing
description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of
equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their
scope.
* * * * *