U.S. patent application number 10/963031 was filed with the patent office on 2006-03-02 for storage enclosure for electronic device.
Invention is credited to John Jeffrey Holmes, Modupeh Sowe.
Application Number | 20060042971 10/963031 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35941505 |
Filed Date | 2006-03-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060042971 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Holmes; John Jeffrey ; et
al. |
March 2, 2006 |
Storage enclosure for electronic device
Abstract
A compartment for storing items comprises a base compartment and
a lid. The base compartment may be coupled to a battery cover of a
portable electronic device. The lid can be coupled to the base
compartment. The lid and the base compartment produce an enclosure
for storing items. The items stored may include cosmetic products
and other personal items.
Inventors: |
Holmes; John Jeffrey;
(Hollis, NH) ; Sowe; Modupeh; (Tyreso,
SE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HAYES, SOLOWAY P.C.
175 CANAL STREET
MANCHESTER
NH
03101
US
|
Family ID: |
35941505 |
Appl. No.: |
10/963031 |
Filed: |
October 12, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60606456 |
Sep 1, 2004 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/235 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 15/00 20130101;
A45D 33/22 20130101; A45D 33/26 20130101; A45C 11/24 20130101; A45C
2011/001 20130101; A45C 2011/002 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/235 |
International
Class: |
B65D 69/00 20060101
B65D069/00 |
Claims
1. A compartment for storing items, comprising: a base compartment
coupled to a battery pack cover of a portable electronic device;
and a lid coupled to the base compartment wherein the base
compartment and lid produce an enclosure for storing items.
2. The compartment of claim 1, wherein the base compartment is
integrally fixed to an exterior surface of the battery cover of the
portable electronic device.
3. The compartment of claim 1, further comprising: a divider
between the base compartment and the lid wherein the divider
separates the base compartment and a lid compartment adjacent to
the lid.
4. The compartment of claim 3, further comprising: a reflective
surface on one or more surfaces of the divider.
5. The compartment of claim 1, wherein a hinge couples the base
compartment to the lid.
6. The compartment of claim 1, wherein the portable electronic
device is a device selected from the group consisting of a cellular
phone, a personal digital accessory, a camera, an audio player, and
a hand held gaming device.
7. A compartment for storing cosmetic items, comprising: a base
compartment coupled to a portable electronic device; and a lid
coupled to the base compartment wherein the base compartment and
lid produce an enclosure for storing cosmetic items.
8. The compartment of claim 7, wherein the base compartment is
divided into a plurality of compartments storing one or more types
of cosmetics.
9. The compartment of claim 7, wherein the base compartment is
integrally fixed to an exterior surface of the portable electronic
device.
10. The compartment of claim 7, further comprising: a divider
between the base compartment and the lid wherein the divider
separates the base compartment and a lid compartment.
11. The compartment of claim 10, wherein the divider is rotatably
coupled to a top portion of the lid compartment.
12. The compartment of claim 10, further comprising: a reflective
surface on one or more surfaces of the divider.
13. The compartment of claim 7, wherein a hinge couples the base
compartment to the lid.
14. The compartment of claim 7, wherein the portable electronic
device is a device selected from the group consisting of a cellular
phone, a personal digital accessory, a camera, an audio player, and
a hand held gaming device.
15. A container for holding items, comprising: an exterior housing
detachably coupled to a portable electronic device; a bottom
enclosure portion coupled to the exterior housing; and a top
enclosure portion rotatably coupled to the bottom enclosure portion
wherein the bottom enclosure portion and the top enclosure portion
produce a container for storing personal items.
16. The container of claim 15, wherein the exterior housing is a
sleeve that clips to an exterior surface of the portable electronic
device.
17. The container of claim 15, wherein the exterior housing further
comprises a clip portion shaped to engage a battery coupling
portion of the portable electronic device.
18. The container of claim 15, further comprising: a partition
between the top enclosure portion and the bottom enclosure portion
wherein the partition separates the top enclosure portion and
bottom enclosure portion.
19. The container of claim 18, further comprising a reflective
surface on one or more surfaces of the partition.
20. The container of claim 15, wherein the portable electronic
device is a device selected from the group consisting of a cellular
phone, a personal digital accessory, a camera, an audio player, and
a hand held gaming device.
21. The container of claim 15, wherein the container further
comprises one or more sub compartments with one or more types of
cosmetics located within the sub compartments.
22. A container for holding items, comprising: a means for housing
detachably coupled to a portable electronic device; a means for
enclosing a bottom portion coupled to the means for housing; and a
means for enclosing a top portion rotatably coupled to the means
for enclosing the bottom portion wherein the means for enclosing
the bottom portion and the means for enclosing the top portion
produce a container for storing personal items.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to copending U.S.
Provisional Application entitled, "Storage Enclosure for Electronic
Device", having Ser. No. 60/606,456, filed Sep. 1, 2004, which is
entirely incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention is generally related to a storage
enclosure, and more particularly is related to a storage enclosure
for cosmetics and personal items coupled to a portable electronic
device.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Cosmetics are typically applied to the facial portion of the
body. Cosmetics are often used to accent desirable features of the
face and conceal less desirable features, such as wrinkles,
blemishes, and freckles. Examples of cosmetic products may include,
for example but not limited to, foundation/concealers, blush,
eyeliner, mascara, lip liner, lipstick, and lip-gloss.
Foundation/concealers are used to alter the tone of the skin of a
person and hide shine and imperfections in the skin. Blush is
applied to the upper cheeks and provides a reddish hue to the
cheeks of the user. Blush can be stored in a power form and applied
with a brush or pad.
[0004] Throughout the course of a day, cosmetic products often need
to be reapplied to the face. Cosmetic products are often stored in
a small case with an applicator, often referred to as a compact.
The compact allows the user to carry the cosmetic products for
touch-up purposes on their person, such as in a purse or pocket.
Compacts may have a base with one or more bins where different
shades of the cosmetics are stored along with a bin to store the
applicator. A lid coupled to the base allows the user to access the
cosmetic products within the bins and close the lid for
storage.
[0005] Portable electronic devices, for example but not limited to,
mobile phones, smart phones and IP phones, walkie-talkie phones,
Personal Digital Accessories (PDAs), handheld GPS systems, MP3 or
other portable recording and playing devices, cameras, handheld
remote control units, handheld and pocket personal computers, web
pads, handheld tablets, tablet PCs, handheld readers and scanners,
handheld calculators, and handheld digital games are becoming
regular accessories. People often carry the portable electronic
devices on their person throughout their daily activities.
[0006] The number of items an individual carries with them during
their daily routine is increasing. An individual has to remember to
carry and store several items before leaving to begin their daily
routine. Often an individual forgets to bring their cosmetic
products or must carry and store a large number of different
cosmetic products.
[0007] Thus, a heretofore unaddressed need exists in the industry
to address the aforementioned deficiencies and inadequacies.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Embodiments of the present invention provide a compartment
for storing items comprising a base compartment and a lid. The base
compartment is coupled to a portable electronic device. The lid may
be coupled to the base compartment with hinges. The lid allows a
user to access the base compartment. The lid and the base
compartment produce an enclosure for storing items. The base
compartment may be coupled to a battery pack cover of the portable
electronic device. The items stored may include cosmetic products
and other personal items.
[0009] Other features and advantages of the present invention will
be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination
of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended
that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages
be included within this description, be within the scope of the
present invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] Many aspects of the invention can be better understood with
reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings
are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon
clearly illustrating the principles of the present invention.
Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate
corresponding parts throughout the several views.
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the compartment with the lid
in a closed position.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the compartment with the lid
in the open position.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a profile view of the compartment in a closed
position coupled to a first exemplary phone.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a profile view of the compartment in an open
position coupled to the first exemplary phone.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a planar view of the compartment in a closed
position coupled to a second exemplary flip phone in an open
position.
[0016] FIG. 6 is planar view of the compartment in an open position
coupled to the second exemplary flip phone in a closed
position.
[0017] FIG. 7 is a rear view of the compartment.
[0018] FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the base compartment
displaying a first exemplary configuration of the storage
sections.
[0019] FIG. 8B is a top and detailed sectional view of the base
compartment displaying the first exemplary configuration of the
storage sections.
[0020] FIG. 9 is a top and detailed sectional view of the base
compartment displaying a second exemplary configuration of the
storage sections.
[0021] FIG. 10 is a top and detailed sectional view of the base
compartment displaying a third exemplary configuration of the
storage sections.
[0022] FIGS. 11 is a perspective view of the compartment displaying
a first exemplary embodiment of the compartment.
[0023] FIGS. 12 is a perspective view of the compartment displaying
a second exemplary embodiment of the compartment.
[0024] FIGS. 13 is a perspective view of the compartment displaying
a third exemplary embodiment of the compartment.
[0025] FIGS. 14 is a perspective view of the compartment displaying
a fourth exemplary embodiment of the compartment.
[0026] FIGS. 15 is a perspective view of the compartment displaying
a fifth exemplary embodiment of the compartment.
[0027] FIGS. 16 is a perspective view of the compartment displaying
a sixth exemplary embodiment of the compartment.
[0028] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the compartment with the
lid in the open position displaying a divider according to a second
exemplary embodiment.
[0029] FIG. 18 is a detailed sectional view of the divider
according to the second exemplary embodiment.
[0030] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the compartment with the
lid in the open position displaying a divider according to a third
exemplary embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0031] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a compartment 100 in a
closed position and FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the compartment
100 in an open position. The compartment 100 has a lid 102 and a
base compartment 104. The base compartment 104 and the lid 102 can
be coupled to a portable electronic device and provide a means for
storing items, as will be discussed in greater detail later herein.
The lid 102 can be coupled to the base compartment 104 with one or
more hinges 202. The one or more hinges 202 allow the lid 102 to
rotate about a side edge 204 of the base compartment 104. The
compartment 100 is opened and closed by rotating the lid 102 around
the hinges 202. As shown in FIG. 2, the lid 102 can be rotated
approximately 180 degrees into an open position. The one or more
hinges 202 allow a user to access items within the compartment 100.
The hinges 202 can be a variety of different types of hinges, for
example, but not limited to, a living hinge, butt hinge, continuous
hinge, spring or torque hinge, slip hinge, latch hinge, snap-in
hinge, piano hinge, and pin.
[0032] The lid 102 may also include a securing device to secure the
lid 102 in a closed position. Dimples 206, as shown in FIG. 2, are
used as the securing device. The dimples 206 produce a frictional
fit against ridges 208 in the lid 102. The securing device prevents
the lid 102 from opening and spilling items stored within the
compartment 100 when the compartment 100 is carried in various
positions. The securing device is not limited to dimples 206;
specifically, a variety of other securing devices can be used, for
example, but not limited to, latches, magnetized or non-magnetized
clasp, clamp, snap, or catch; or a magnetized or non-magnetized
spring, recessed, multipoint, and compression or pawl-type latch.
In another exemplary embodiment, the compartment 100 may not have
hinges. In this exemplary embodiment (not shown), the lid 102 can
be completely removed from the base compartment 104 and can be held
in a closed position using a frictional fit or other securing
device.
[0033] FIG. 3 is a profile view of the compartment 100 in a closed
position coupled to a first exemplary phone 302 and FIG. 4 is a
profile view of the compartment 100 in an opened position. The
compartment 100 may be coupled to a back surface 304 of the phone
302. The compartment 100 can also be coupled to a flip phone. FIG.
5 is a planar view of the compartment 100 in a closed position
coupled to a second exemplary flip phone 502 in an open position.
FIG. 6 is a planar view of the compartment 100 in an open position
coupled to the second exemplary flip phone 502 in a closed
position.
[0034] The compartment 100 allows a user to carry personal items
with their phone 302 or other electronic device. The compartment
100 can be manufactured as permanently coupled or detachably
coupled to the phone 302. The compartment 100 can be molded
integrally with the phone 302 or can be molded integrally with a
battery cover of the phone 302, or an outer removable cover of the
phone 302.
[0035] Alternatively, the compartment 100 can be manufactured
separately and coupled to the phone 302. The compartment 100 can be
coupled directly to the phone 302 using, for example, but not
limited to, screws, rivets, brads, adhesives, hooks, and loops or a
clasping mechanism. FIG. 7 is a rear view of the compartment 100.
Adhesive 702 is applied to the rear surface 704 of the base
compartment 104. The rear surface 704 of the base compartment 104
is placed against the back surface 304 of the phone 302, thereby
coupling the phone 302 and compartment 100.
[0036] The compartment 100 can also be coupled to the phone 302
using a sleeve, exterior housing, or clip. The base compartment 104
and lid 102 can be made of a variety of materials, for example, but
not limited to, metal, metal alloy, plastic, polyurethane, polymer,
carbon fiber, fiberglass, ceramic, vinyl, composite or blended
material such as nylon, polyester, neoprene, polycarbonate and
epoxy, rubber or rubberized material, or combinations of these
materials.
[0037] The compartment 100 can also couple to the phone 302 using a
battery-coupling portion of the phone 302. In this embodiment (not
shown), the compartment 100 may have an exterior housing that has a
clip portion that mates to the battery coupling portion of the
phone 302. A user can clip the exterior housing and compartment 100
to the phone 302 in place of the battery cover. A variety of
different sized and shaped clip portions of the exterior housing
can be made to accommodate the different manufacturers and styles
of phones 302. The user can couple the compartment 100 to the phone
302 or remove the compartment 100 in order to couple the
compartment 100 to an alternative phones. The compartment 100 may
be purchased separately from the phone 302 as an add-on feature for
the phone 302. The exterior housing can also include a battery
stored within a separate storage section of the exterior housing.
This allows the user to replace both the battery and battery cover
of the phone 302.
[0038] The compartment 100 allows a user to store a variety of
personal items. In one embodiment, the compartment 100 is used to
store cosmetic items, for example, but not limited to, blush. FIG.
8A is a perspective view of the base compartment 104 displaying a
first exemplary configuration of the storage sections of the base
compartment 104. In the first exemplary configuration, the base
compartment 104 is divided into six small sections 802 and one
larger section 804 for storing different shades or hues of blush.
The base compartment also can have an applicator section 806 to
store a cosmetic applicator, for example, a brush or pad. FIG. 8B
is a top and detailed sectional view of the base compartment
displaying the first exemplary configuration of the storage
sections. The height of the base compartment 104 is designed to
provide storage for an ample supply of cosmetic products and one or
more applicators.
[0039] FIG. 9 is a top and detailed sectional view of the base
compartment 104 displaying a second exemplary configuration of the
storage sections. In the second exemplary configuration, the base
compartment 104 is divided into six smaller sections 902 creating a
first row and one larger section 904, as well as one applicator
section 906 for storing applicators in a second row. FIG. 10 is a
top and detailed sectional view of the base compartment 104
displaying a third exemplary configuration of the storage sections.
In the third exemplary configuration, the base compartment 104 is
divided into three smaller sections 1002 and one large section 1004
running the width of the base compartment 104. The third exemplary
configuration also has a section 1006 for storing applicators. The
configuration of the base compartment 104 is not limited to the
above described configurations. A variety of configurations can be
used with the invention based on the type of cosmetic products, for
example, but not limited to, foundation/concealers, blush,
eyeliner, mascara, lip liner, lipstick, and lip-gloss.
[0040] FIGS. 11-16 are perspective views of the compartment 100,
where each view displays a different exemplary embodiment of the
compartment 100. The compartment 100 can also be designed to have a
variety of aesthetically pleasing looks as shown in FIGS. 11-16. In
the first exemplary embodiment 1100 and second exemplary embodiment
1200 shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, respectively, the lid 102 of the
compartment has a mirror 1102, 1202. The mirror 1102, 1202 aids the
user in application of the cosmetic products. In the third
exemplary embodiment 1300 and fourth exemplary embodiment 1400
shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, respectively, the sections of the base
compartment 104 have a circular shape. In the fifth exemplary
embodiment 1500 and sixth exemplary embodiment 1600 shown in FIGS.
15 and 16, respectively, the base compartments 104 have different
sectional configurations and exterior finishes. The design of the
exterior and interior of the compartment 100 is not limited to the
exemplary compartment embodiments shown in FIGS. 11-16; a variety
of other designs are within the scope of the invention.
[0041] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the compartment 100 with
the lid 102 in the open position displaying a divider 1702
according to a second exemplary embodiment. According to the second
exemplary embodiment, the divider 1702 allows the user to store
cosmetics in the base compartment 104 and store personal items in
the lid 102. The divider 1702 can be hinged to the side edge 204 of
the base compartment 104. The divider 1702 rotates about the hinges
and provides a cover for the sections of the base compartment 104.
This allows the user to store additional items within a top portion
of the compartment 100 or lid 102 of the compartment 100. Such
items may include, but are not limited to, identification cards,
payment cards, cash, and other small personal items. The divider
1702 prevents the items from becoming mixed with the cosmetic
products. The divider 1702 can also have a reflective surface 1704
to aid the user in application of the cosmetic products.
[0042] FIG. 18 is a detailed sectional view of the divider 1702
according to the second exemplary embodiment. The base of the
divider 1702 has a jacket or sleeve 1706 that allows the reflective
surface to slide within the sleeve 1706. The reflective surface
1704 can be permanently coupled to the sleeve 1706 or detachably
coupled to the sleeve 1706. The divider 1702 can also have a
securing device (not shown). The securing device prevents the
divider 1702 from opening and spilling items stored within the
sections of the base compartment 104. In another example of the
divider 1702 construction, the divider 1702 can be made of a single
piece of material. The reflective surface can be coupled to either
a front or back surface of the divider 1702. The divider 1702 can
be permanently coupled or detachably coupled to the compartment
100.
[0043] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the compartment 100 with
the lid 102 in the open position displaying a divider 1902
according to a third exemplary embodiment. According to the third
exemplary embodiment, the divider 1902 allows the user to store
cosmetics in the base compartment 104 and store personal items in
the lid 102. The divider 1902 can be hinged near the top side edges
of the lid 102. The divider 1902 rotates about the hinges and
provides a cover for the sections of the base compartment 104.
Items may be placed within the lid 102 prior to folding the divider
1902 down against the lid 102. This allows the user to store
additional items within a top portion of the base compartment 100
or lid 102. The divider 1902 prevents the items from becoming mixed
with the cosmetic products. The divider 1902 can also have a
reflective surface 1904 to aid the user in application of the
cosmetic products. According to the third embodiment, the divider
1902 can be folded towards the lid 102 allowing the reflective
surface 1904 to rest opposite the base compartment 104. This
prevents cosmetic products within the base compartment 104 from
smearing or marking the reflective surface 1904. The divider 1902,
according to the third embodiment, can have similar features to the
divider of the second embodiment as shown in greater detail in FIG.
18.
[0044] The compartment 100 is not limited to being coupled to a
phone 302. The compartment 100 can be coupled to a variety of
portable electronic items, for example, but not limited to,
cellular phones, smart phones and IP phones, walkie talkie phones,
Personal Digital Accessories (PDAs), handheld GPS systems, MP3 or
other portable recording and playing devices, cameras, handheld
remote control units, handheld and pocket personal computers, web
pads, handheld tablets, tablet PC's, handheld readers and scanners,
handheld calculators, and handheld digital games.
[0045] It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments
of the present invention, particularly, any embodiments, are merely
possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear
understanding of the principles of the invention. Many variations
and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments of
the invention without departing substantially from the spirit and
principles of the invention. All such modifications and variations
are intended to be included herein within the scope of this
disclosure and the present invention and protected by the following
claims.
* * * * *