Protective case for delicate objects

Abstract

Disclosed is a tubular body formed from a circular knitted fabric, an elastic section suitably dimensioned for matching a mouth defined in one of the ends of the tubular body and a fine seam that closes in a permanent fashion the opposed end of the tubular body.

Description

REFERENCE TO EARLIER APPLICATIONS

[0001] This Application incorporates by reference and is a continuation of International Patent Application No. PCT/ES2003/000639, filed Dec. 17, 2003. This Application claims priority to and incorporates by reference Spanish Utility Model No. U0200300027/5, filed Dec. 23, 2002.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention refers to a protective case for delicate objects and, in particular, for portable objects such as mobile phones, glasses, remote controls for electronic home appliances, or any other objects that, either because of their very nature or the material of which they are made, require protection against banging or scratching.

PRIOR ART

[0003] Stiff covers are used nowadays to protect these kinds of delicate portable objects. The drawback of stiff covers or cases is that they take up considerable space when they are not in use, which happens to be a significant nuisance. Besides, on many occasions it is impossible for users to comfortably carry about these cases in their pockets or bags due to their size and stiffness, this making it necessary for users to carry them in their hands with the ensuing nuisance.

[0004] One way of solving this problem is to make use of cases whose manufacture involves joining laminar pieces made of different materials, such as leather, plastic, rubber, etc. Said cases are provided with seams that, apart from being weak areas, gather dust and grime that cause the deterioration of the object intended to be protected.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The new protective case for delicate objects has been created in order to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks, since its construction is such that it facilitates its storage and ensures adequate protection of the object contained in its interior, thus enlarging its life expectancy.

[0006] In accordance with the invention, this protective case for delicate objects comprises a tubular body formed from circular knitted fabric, preferably from smooth stitch, whose purpose is to accommodate in its interior the object intended to be protected. The lower end of this tubular body is provided with a fine seam for closing said end and, the upper end is provided with a mouth for the introduction of the object intended to be protected in the interior of said tubular body. This mouth is provided with an elastic section for facilitating its closure and for preventing undesired exit of the item contained in its interior.

[0007] The tubular body may be formed from natural materials, such as cotton, etc., or otherwise, with synthetic materials, such as polyester. The selection of the materials depends upon the type of object for which the case is intended; although, in accordance with the invention, the tubular body is preferably formed from smooth circular knitted fabric.

[0008] The elastic section defined in the mouth of the case may be formed from circular knitted fabric in whose manufacture elastic materials have been included, this making it unnecessary to subsequently add an elastic, which would increase manufacturing and handling costs.

[0009] According to the invention, the case has a lined interior responsible for providing the object accommodated in its interior with a greater protection. Said protecting layer can be made of either a protective cushioning lining, a humidityproof lining, a non-slipping lining or their combination.

[0010] According to the invention, the tubular body may optionally have on its outer surface decorative motifs defined in the fabric itself that shapes the tubular body. These motifs may be either stamped, embroidered, inlaid or, in short, defined or fixed to the case by any other given means.

[0011] The objects that can be protected by this case are, for instance, mobile phones, glasses, remote controls for electronic home appliances and any other portable objects. Obviously, the size of the case will depend on the size of the object intended to be protected. Besides, owing to the type of fabric of which the case is made, cases can be easily folded for storage when not in use.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0012] In order to supplement the above description and to facilitate comprehension of the characteristics of the invention, the present specification is accompanied by a set of merely illustrative and non-limiting drawings in which:

[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates an exterior view of the protective case for delicate objects; and

[0014] FIG. 2 illustrates a view, the interior side, of the protective case for delicate objects.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The invention consists of a protective case for delicate objects, comprising a tubular body (1) formed from circular knitted fabric, an elastic section (2) suitably dimensioned for matching the mouth (3) defined in one of the ends of the tubular body (1) and a fine seam (4) that closes in a permanent fashion the opposed end of said tubular body (1).

[0016] The elastic section (2) facilitates the closure of the mouth (3) preventing accidental exit of the product intended to be protected that is contained inside the case.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 2, the case includes an interior lining (5) responsible for providing a greater protection to the object intended to be protected. Said protective lining may be made of a protective cushioning lining, a humidityproof lining, a non-slipping lining or their combination.

[0018] Optionally, the case may be provided with hanging means, such as a cord.

[0019] Furthermore, the case may be provided on its outer surface with motifs (6) defined in the fabric itself that shapes the tubular body (1).

[0020] It will be appreciated that, in the present case, any variation in the construction and the finishing that does not alter, change or modify the substance of the invention is included in the subject-matter of the invention.

Claims

I claim:

1. Protective case for delicate objects, comprising a tubular body formed from a circular knitted fabric, an elastic section suitably dimensioned for matching a mouth defined in one of the ends of said tubular body and a fine seam that closes in a permanent fashion the opposed end of said tubular body.

2. Protective case for delicate objects, according to claim 1, wherein said case is provided with an inner lining that forms a protective layer.

3. Protective case for delicate objects, according to claim 2, wherein said protective layer is made of a protective cushioning lining, a humidityproof lining, a non-slipping lining, or combination thereof.

4. Protective case for delicate objects, according to claim 1, wherein said elastic section is formed from circular knitted fabric that includes elastic materials.

5. Protective case for delicate objects, according to claim 1, further comprising hanging means.