U.S. patent application number 12/784005 was filed with the patent office on 2010-11-25 for memory foam case for eyeglasses and jewelry.
Invention is credited to Joy MANGANO.
Application Number | 20100294675 12/784005 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43123856 |
Filed Date | 2010-11-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100294675 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MANGANO; Joy |
November 25, 2010 |
MEMORY FOAM CASE FOR EYEGLASSES AND JEWELRY
Abstract
A case for storing various objects, such as eyeglasses or
jewelry, having a top and a bottom shell member which are connected
together to allow for movement between an open position and a
closed position. Each of the shell members has an interior surface,
which when in the closed position, collectively defines an enclosed
interior cavity for storage of the objects. Each of the shell
members has a layer of memory foam overlying the interior surface.
The memory foam layers generally deform to the shape of the object
placed within the interior space of the case, when in its closed
position and return to a normal, non-deformed position when the
case is in its open position.
Inventors: |
MANGANO; Joy; (St. James,
NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Thomas M. Galgano
20 W. Park Avenue, Suite 204
Long Beach
NY
11561
US
|
Family ID: |
43123856 |
Appl. No.: |
12/784005 |
Filed: |
May 20, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61179946 |
May 20, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/5 ; 206/523;
206/6.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 11/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/5 ; 206/523;
206/6.1 |
International
Class: |
A45C 11/04 20060101
A45C011/04; B65D 81/02 20060101 B65D081/02; B65D 85/00 20060101
B65D085/00 |
Claims
1. A case for storing eyeglasses, comprising: a top and a bottom
shell member which are connected together to allow for movement
between an open position and a closed position, each of said shell
members having an interior surface which when in said closed
position, collectively defines an enclosed interior cavity for
storage of eyeglasses therein; and a layer of memory foam attached
to and overlying said interior surface of each of said shell
members, wherein when said case is in said closed position, said
layers of memory foam generally deform to the shape of eyeglasses
placed within said interior cavity of said case, and when said case
is in said open position, said layers of memory foam return to a
normal, non-deformed position.
2. The case according to claim 1, wherein: said top and bottom
shell members each have a generally rectangular, convex-shaped
bottom wall defining four outer peripheral edges and four
upstanding side walls, each of which is connected to an outer
peripheral edge of said bottom wall, to collectively define said
interior surface therebetween.
3. The case according to claim 1, wherein: said top and bottom
shell members are of a complementary shape to each other and are
disposed opposite one another when in said closed position.
4. The case according to claim 2, wherein: said top and bottom
shell members are pivotally connected together by a hinge which is
disposed along at least a portion of respective side walls
thereof.
5. The case according to claim 1, further comprising: a mechanical
fastener for securing said top and bottom shell members in said
closed position.
6. The case according to claim 5, wherein: said mechanical fastener
is a tab connected to one of said side walls of one of said top and
bottom shell members and a slot connected to a corresponding side
wall of the other of said top and bottom shell members and wherein
said tab engages said slot when in said closed position.
7. The case according to claim 1, wherein: said memory foam is
visco-elastic polyurethane foam.
8. The case according to claim 7, wherein: said visco-elastic
polyurethane foam has a density of about 45 kg/m.sup.3.
9. The case according to claim 1, wherein: said layers of memory
foam can be deformed and reshaped multiple times.
10. The case according to claim 1, wherein: said top and bottom
shell members have a hard exterior surface.
11. A case for storing jewelry, comprising: a top and a bottom
shell member which are connected together to allow for movement
between an open position and a closed position, each of said shell
members having an interior surface which when in said closed
position, collectively defines an enclosed interior cavity for
storage of jewelry therein; and a layer of memory foam attached to
and overlying said interior surface of each of said shell members,
wherein when said case is in said closed position, said layers of
memory foam generally deform to the shape of jewelry placed within
said interior cavity of said case, and when said case is in said
open position, said layers of memory foam return to a normal,
non-deformed position.
12. The case according to claim 11, wherein: said top and bottom
shell members are bowl-shaped, each comprising a generally
oval-shaped planar bottom wall defining an outer peripheral edge
and an upstanding side wall connected to said outer peripheral edge
of said bottom wall, to collectively define said interior surface
therebetween.
13. The case according to claim 11, wherein: said top and bottom
shell members are of a complementary shape to each other and are
disposed opposite one another when in said closed position.
14. The case according to claim 12, wherein: said planar bottom
walls and said side walls are made of a rigid material.
15. The case according to claim 12, wherein: said top and bottom
shell members are pivotally connected together by a hinge disposed
along at least a portion of said respective side walls thereof.
16. The case according to claim 11, further comprising: a
mechanical fastener for securing said top and bottom shell members
in said closed position.
17. The case according to claim 16, wherein: said mechanical
fastener is a zipper disposed along a top edge of each of said side
walls.
18. The case according to claim 11, wherein: said memory foam is
visco-elastic polyurethane foam.
19. The case according to claim 18, wherein: said visco-elastic
polyurethane foam has a density of about 40 kg/m.sup.3.
20. The case according to claim 11, wherein: one of said layers of
memory foam has a thickness which is greater than the thickness of
the other of said layers of memory foam.
21. The case according to claim 11, wherein: said layers of memory
foam can be deformed and reshaped multiple times.
22. A case for storing at least one object, comprising: a top and a
bottom shell member which are connected together to allow for
movement between an open position and a closed position, each of
said shell members having an interior surface which when in said
closed position, collectively defines an enclosed interior cavity
for storage of at least one object therein; and a layer of memory
foam attached to and overlying said interior surface of each of
said shell members, wherein when said case is in said closed
position, said layers of memory foam generally deform to the shape
of at least one object placed within said interior cavity of said
case, and when said case is in said open position, said layers of
memory foam return to a normal, non-deformed position.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/179,946, filed May 20, 2009.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention relates generally to the field of cases and
holders to store and protect various personal objects, such as
eyeglasses, sunglasses and/or jewelry. More particularly, the
invention relates to a case for eyeglasses and sunglasses and/or
jewelry which has a hard exterior surface and a layer of memory
foam on the inside of the case, to cushion and protect the
eyeglasses and/or jewelry placed therein.
[0004] 2. Brief Description of the Prior Art
[0005] Eyeglasses and sunglasses (hereinafter collectively referred
to as "eyeglasses") are fragile and can easily break or get
scratched. Furthermore, it is easy to misplace eyeglasses or they
can easily get lost in a purse or handbag. Similarly, jewelry is
often small or delicate and can also easily get misplaced,
scratched, damaged, lost or tangled. It is, therefore, useful to
have a case or holder which can store and protect eyeglasses from
breakage, scratching or from being lost or misplaced. It is also
useful to have a case which can protect various items of jewelry so
that they too, are not broken or lost.
[0006] However, not all eyeglasses are of the same size or shape.
Thus, in order to prevent breakage, many eyeglass cases are
designed to the specific shape and contour of the particular
eyeglasses to be stored therein and, therefore, cannot be used for
other eyeglasses. It is therefore useful to have a single case
which can accommodate and protect eyeglasses of varying sizes and
shapes, rather than having multiple cases to accommodate different
pairs of eyeglasses. To address this issue and to accommodate
various eyeglasses, many eyeglass cases, even though they have a
hard exterior shell, have a hollow interior space within the case.
However, this large interior space allows the eyeglasses to move or
slide within the case which can lead to breakage, since they can
hit against the sides of the case. Moreover, many eyeglass cases
are soft and the eyeglasses stored therein can break or get damaged
if dropped or come into contact with another object.
[0007] In addition, it is known in the prior art to provide various
cases, holders or jewelry rolls for storing various items of
jewelry. However, many of these holders have a soft exterior
surface which leaves the jewelry vulnerable to damage.
Additionally, while other cases may have a hard exterior surface,
they allow the jewelry stored therein to slide around within the
case which can lead to damage to the jewelry, particularly to
delicate jewelry or fine chains and necklaces which can get
tangled. Furthermore, jewelry is often of different sizes and
shapes such as large bangles, fine chains, rings, earrings, etc.
and, therefore, in many cases, they can slide around within the
case because they are not held firmly in place due to their
different sizes.
[0008] While the prior art discloses many types of eyeglasses and
jewelry cases, so far as is known, none of the prior art devices
resolve all of these problems in a simple, effective and yet highly
advantageous manner, as does the present invention discussed
herein.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a
novel eyeglass and jewelry case.
[0010] It is another object of the invention to provide an eyeglass
and jewelry case which can store and protect the eyeglasses and
jewelry which are placed therein.
[0011] It is a further object of the invention to provide an
eyeglass and jewelry case which can protect eyeglasses and jewelry
of different sizes and shapes.
[0012] It is yet another object of the invention to provide an
eyeglass and jewelry case which has an interior surface which will
generally conform to the shape of the eyeglasses or jewelry placed
therein to cushion them.
[0013] It is a further object of the invention to provide an
eyeglass and jewelry case which has an interior surface which will
resume its normal shape when the item is removed, to allow the case
to accommodate a variety of different objects placed therein.
[0014] Certain of the foregoing and related objects are readily
attained according to the present invention by the provision of a
case for storing eyeglasses, comprising, a top and a bottom shell
member which are connected together to allow for movement between
an open position and a closed position. Each of said shell members
having an interior surface which when in said closed position,
collectively defines an enclosed interior cavity for storage of
eyeglasses therein and a layer of memory foam attached to and
overlying said interior surface of each of said shell members. When
said case is in said closed position, said layers of memory foam
generally deform to the shape of eyeglasses placed within said
interior cavity of said case, and when said case is in said open
position, said layers of memory foam return to a normal,
non-deformed position.
[0015] Preferably, said top and bottom shell members each have a
generally rectangular, convex-shaped bottom wall defining four
outer peripheral edges and four upstanding side walls, each of
which is connected to an outer peripheral edge of said bottom wall,
to collectively define said interior surface therebetween. In a
preferred embodiment, said top and bottom shell members are of a
complementary shape to each other and are disposed opposite one
another when in said closed position. Desirably, said top and
bottom shell members are pivotally connected together by a hinge
which is disposed along at least a portion of respective side walls
thereof.
[0016] It is also preferable that the case further comprises a
mechanical fastener for securing said top and bottom shell members
in said closed position, and preferably, said mechanical fastener
is a tab connected to one of said side walls of one of said top and
bottom shell members and a slot connected to a corresponding side
wall of the other of said top and bottom shell members and wherein
said tab engages said slot when in said closed position.
[0017] Advantageously, said memory foam is visco-elastic
polyurethane foam and has a density of about 45 kg/m.sup.3. It is
also desirable that said layers of memory foam can be deformed and
reshaped multiple times. It is further desirable that said top and
bottom shell members have a hard exterior surface.
[0018] In a further embodiment, a case for storing jewelry
comprises a top and a bottom shell member which are connected
together to allow for movement between an open position and a
closed position. Each of said shell members having an interior
surface which when in said closed position, collectively defines an
enclosed interior cavity for storage of jewelry therein and a layer
of memory foam attached to and overlying said interior surface of
each of said shell members. When said case is in said closed
position, said layers of memory foam generally deform to the shape
of jewelry placed within said interior cavity of said case, and
when said case is in said open position, said layers of memory foam
return to a normal, non-deformed position.
[0019] Preferably, said top and bottom shell members are
bowl-shaped, each comprising a generally oval-shaped planar bottom
wall defining an outer peripheral edge and an upstanding side wall
connected to said outer peripheral edge of said bottom wall, to
collectively define said interior surface therebetween. In a
preferred embodiment, said top and bottom shell members are of a
complementary shape to each other and are disposed opposite one
another when in said closed position. Desirably, said planar bottom
walls and said side walls are made of a rigid material.
Advantageously, said top and bottom shell members are pivotally
connected together by a hinge disposed along at least a portion of
said respective side walls thereof.
[0020] It is also preferable that the case further comprise a
mechanical fastener for securing said top and bottom shell members
in said closed position, and preferably, said mechanical fastener
is a zipper disposed along a top edge of each of said side
walls.
[0021] Advantageously, said memory foam is visco-elastic
polyurethane foam and has a density of about 40 kg/m.sup.3. It is
also desirable that one of said layers of memory foam has a
thickness which is greater than the thickness of the other of said
layers of memory foam. It is furthermore desirable that said layers
of memory foam can be deformed and reshaped multiple times.
[0022] In yet another preferred embodiment, a case for storing at
least one object, comprises a top and a bottom shell member which
are connected together to allow for movement between an open
position and a closed position. Each of said shell members having
an interior surface which when in said closed position,
collectively defines an enclosed interior cavity for storage of at
least one object therein and a layer of memory foam attached to and
overlying said interior surface of each of said shell members. When
said case is in said closed position, said layers of memory foam
generally deform to the shape of at least one object placed within
said interior cavity of said case, and when said case is in said
open position, said layers of memory foam return to a normal,
non-deformed position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] Additional objects and advantages of the present invention
will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reference to
the detailed description considered in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that the drawings are
to be used for the purpose of illustration only and not as a
definition of the limits of the invention.
[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an eyeglass case of the
present invention in its closed position;
[0025] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the eyeglass case in its
open position, with a pair of eyeglasses placed therein;
[0026] FIG. 3 is a partially cut-away, perspective view of the
eyeglass case, in its closed position;
[0027] FIG. 3a is a sectional view along line 3a-3a in FIG. 3;
[0028] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a jewelry case of the
present invention in its closed position;
[0029] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the jewelry case in its open
position, with items of jewelry placed therein;
[0030] FIG. 6 is a partially cut-away, perspective view of the
jewelry case, in its closed position; and
[0031] FIG. 6a is a sectional view along line 6a-6a in FIG. 6.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0032] Turning now in detail to the drawings, and in particular
FIG. 1 thereof, therein depicts the eyeglass case or holder 10 of
the present invention in its closed configuration. As can be seen
in FIG. 2, the case 10 is of a book-like or shell-like
configuration and can hingedly or pivotally open into its open
position as seen in FIG. 2, so that various objects, such as
eyeglasses, sunglasses and/or jewelry can be placed within the case
10, so that they are stored and protected therein, when the case 10
is closed.
[0033] As seen best in FIG. 1, the case 10 has a generally
rectangular shape with rounded corners and approximates the size
and shape of conventional eyeglasses and sunglasses. Furthermore,
case 10 has a top and a bottom cover, leaf or shell member 22 and
24, respectively. The shell members 22 and 24 each have four
upstanding side walls 26a, 26b, 26c and 26d and are hingedly
connected together via a live hinge 27 disposed along a portion of
one side wall 26a thereof so that the case 10 can be movable
between the closed position shown in FIG. 1 and the open position
shown in FIG. 2. Moreover, the shell members 22 and 24 have a
complementary shape to each other and are disposed opposite one
another when the case is in its closed position, shown in FIGS. 1
and 3a. While it is preferable to hingedly connect the leaves 22
and 24 together, it can be appreciated that other means can be used
to secure the leaves to each other, such as a zipper or snap.
[0034] Furthermore, as seen best in FIG. 3a, each of the leaves 22
and 24 of the case 10 are of a generally rectangular, bowl-shaped
configuration and have a convex, bottom wall 25 which together with
the four upstanding side walls 26a, 26b, 26c and 26d, collectively
define an interior cavity 28 in each of the leaves. The interior
cavity 28 of each of the leaves 22 and 24 are of a complementary
shape to each other and are disposed opposite one another on the
inside of the case 10 when it is closed, in order to accommodate
the eyeglasses and sunglasses 100 which are placed therein. As seen
in FIG. 1, the exterior surfaces 29 of the leaves 22 and 24 are
preferably made of a hard or rigid material, such as plastic, metal
or cardboard to protect the eyeglasses 100 contained within the
case 10. In addition, exterior surface 29 can be covered with a
more aesthetically pleasing outer surface such as leather or
fabric.
[0035] Additionally as seen in FIG. 2, closure means are provided
within the case 10 to secure the leaves 22 and 24 in their closed
positions, such as a mechanical fastener. For example, as seen best
in FIG. 2, a tab 40 and a slot 42 are provided and are disposed
opposite one another on each of the leaves 22 and 24, respectively,
and engage each other when the case is in its closed position as
seen in FIG. 3a. However, it can be appreciated that other closure
means could be used to secure the case 10 in its closed
configuration such as a zipper, button and loop, clasp or latch.
Alternatively, the sides 26a, 26b, 26c and 26d of the case 10 can
be made of a flexible or accordion-like material so that they can
compress and expand to accommodate eyeglasses of varying shapes and
sizes.
[0036] As depicted in FIG. 2, the leaves 22 and 24 can open to
expose the two interior cavities 28. A solid piece or layer of
memory foam 30 and 32 which generally conforms to the shape of the
leaves 22 and 24 and is secured in each interior cavity. The memory
foam layers 30 and 32 can be secured, e.g., by the use of an
adhesive (not shown). As can be seen in FIG. 3, the user can place
the eyeglasses or sunglasses 100 on top of the memory foam 32 and
close the case 10, to secure and store the eyeglasses 100 between
the two layers of memory foam 30 and 32. However, it can be
appreciated that the eyeglasses can be placed on top of memory foam
layer 30.
[0037] The memory foam layers 30 and 32 are made of a visco-elastic
polyurethane foam which has a shape memory and can be deformed and
reshaped multiple times, but remembers its original shape. Multiple
types of visco-elastic memory foams are commercially available and
suitable for use in the case 10 of the present invention and would
be known to a person having ordinary skill in the art.
[0038] When the case 10 is in its closed position as seen in FIG.
3a, the memory foam layers 30 and 32 will generally adapt and
conform to the shape of the items placed in between the two layers
to secure it in place in order to protect the object. In particular
as seen in FIG. 3, when the eyeglasses 100 are placed between the
leaves 22 and 24, the memory foam layers 30 and 32 will deform and
conform to the contour and general shape of the eyeglasses 100 and
the eyeglasses will partially sink into the memory foam layers 30
and 32. Thus, the case can accommodate many different eyeglasses or
sunglasses because the memory foam will compress and generally
conform to its shape.
[0039] The memory foam layers 30 and 32 also serve to cushion and
protect the eyeglasses 100 because they form a snug fit, such that
they conform to the shape of the eyeglasses 100 when the case is
closed to secure them in place within the case to prevent their
movement and possible breakage. When the case is opened and the
eyeglasses 100 are removed from the case, the memory foam layers 30
and 32 resiliently and inherently return to their normal,
non-deformed position as seen in FIG. 2 because of their shape
memory properties and, therefore, the user can place different
eyeglasses therein and the case 10 will conform to their
corresponding shapes and sizes.
[0040] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the case 10 has a
length of approximately 61/2 inches, a width of about 21/2 inches
and a height of about 11/2 inches. The sidewalls 26b and 26d are
narrower than sidewalls 26a and 26c, so that the case tapers
towards each of the lateral ends and approximates the shape of the
eyeglasses which are contained therein so that they are held firmly
in place. However, it can be appreciated that the case 10 can be
made in other shapes and sizes depending on the type of eyeglasses
which are to be stored therein. The case can also be made larger in
order to store more than one pair of eyeglasses.
[0041] Furthermore, in a particularly preferred embodiment, the
memory foam has a density of about 45 kg/m.sup.3 and a thickness of
approximately 1/4''. However, it can be appreciated that foams
having other specifications can be utilized without departing from
the scope of the present invention.
[0042] Turning now to FIG. 4, therein depicts another embodiment of
the present invention, particularly a jewelry case or holder 50, in
its closed configuration. As can be seen in FIG. 5, the jewelry
case 50 is also of a book-like or shell-like configuration and is
hingedly or pivotally connected via connecting web 67 to allow for
movement between an open position and a closed position. In its
open position, as seen in FIG. 5, various items of jewelry can be
placed within the case 50, here a bracelet 102 and ring 104, so
that they are stored and protected therein when the case 50 is
closed.
[0043] Particularly, the case 50 has a first and a second cover,
leaf or shell member 62 and 64, respectively. Each of the shell
members 62 and 64 of the case 50 are of a generally bowl-shaped
configuration, having a generally round or oval-shaped, planar
bottom wall 65 and an upstanding side wall 66, which collectively
define an interior cavity 68. The interior cavity 68 of each of the
leaves 62 and 64 are a complimentary shape to each other and are
disposed opposite one another on the inside of the case when it is
closed, in order to accommodate the various items of jewelry which
are placed therein. The shell members 62 and 64 are hingedly
connected via connecting web portion 67 thereof, to allow the case
50 to assume the closed configuration shown in FIGS. 4 and 6 and
the open configuration shown in FIG. 5. While it is preferable to
hingedly connect the leaves 62 and 64 together, it can be
appreciated that other means can be used to secure the leaves to
each other.
[0044] The bottom walls 65 and side walls 66 of each of the leaves
62 and 64 is made of a hard material such as plastic, metal or
cardboard to protect the jewelry. Preferably, the bottom walls 65
and side walls 66 are made from ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA).
Alternatively, the side walls 66 can be made of a flexible or
accordion-like material or configuration to facilitate compression
and expansion thereof. Furthermore, the exterior surface of the
case can be covered with a more aesthetically pleasing outer
covering such as fabric or leather.
[0045] Additionally as seen in FIG. 5, closure means are provided
to secure the leaves 62 and 64 in their closed position, such as
the zipper 70 and zipper pull 72. However, it can be appreciated
that other closure means could be used to secure the case in its
closed configuration, such as a button and loop, clasp, snap or
latch.
[0046] As depicted in FIG. 5, the leaves 62 and 64 of the case 50
can open to expose the two interior cavities 68. A solid piece or
layer of memory foam 80 and 82 is secured to each of the inner
cavities 68 of the leaves 62 and 64. The memory foam layers 80 and
82 can be secured to the interior surface of the leaves 62 and 64
respectively, by the use of an adhesive (not shown). As can be seen
in FIG. 5, the user can place the various items of jewelry such as
a bracelet 102 or a ring 104 on top of memory foam layer 80, and
close the case 50 to secure and store the jewelry 102 and 104
between the two layers 80, 82, as seen in FIG. 6. As can be seen in
FIG. 5, in a preferred embodiment, the layer of memory foam 82 has
a greater thickness than the layer of memory foam 80 so that the
top surface of memory foam layer 82 extends upwardly beyond the
zipper 70 on the leaf 64. This allows the foam to form a "seal"
around the jewelry to keep it in place and from each piece touching
or getting tangled. Alternatively, layer 80 could have a greater
thickness than layer 82.
[0047] Memory foam layers 80 and 82 are made of a visco-elastic
polyurethane foam material which has a shape memory and can be
formed or shaped multiple times but remembers its original shape.
Multiple types of this memory foam are commercially available and
suitable for use in the case of the present invention and would be
well known to a person having ordinary skill in the art.
[0048] When the case 50 is in its closed position as seen in FIG.
6, the memory foam layers 80 and 82 are generally adaptable and
generally deform to the contour and shape of the various items of
jewelry placed between the two layers. In particular as seen in
FIG. 6a, when the ring 104 and bracelet 102 are placed between the
leaves 62 and 64, the memory foam layers 80 and 82 will deform
around each of the items of jewelry. Particularly, the bracelet 102
and the ring 104 will partially sink into the memory foam leaves 80
and 82. As can be seen in FIG. 6a, the memory foam will compress to
a greater extent around the larger object here, the bracelet 102,
than around the smaller object, here the ring 104, in order to
conform to the shape of the various pieces of jewelry and secure
objects of different sizes within the case. When the jewelry case
is opened and the jewelry is removed from the case, the memory foam
layers 80 and 82 will resiliently and inherently return to their
normal, non-deformed positions as seen in FIG. 5 because of their
shape memory properties. Therefore, different items of jewelry can
be placed within the case and the foam will compress and in turn,
conform to their corresponding shapes and sizes in order to secure
all of the objects in place within the case.
[0049] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the case is provided
in at least two sizes, a smaller size which is approximately 6 and
1/2 inches.times.4 and 5/8 inches.times.3 inches and a larger size
which is approximately 10 inches.times.71/8 inches.times.31/2
inches. However, it can be appreciated that the case 50 can also be
made in other shapes and sizes depending on the type or number of
items of jewelry which are to be stored and protected therein. For
example, the case can be made smaller so that it can be used for
traveling or larger in order to be used to store jewelry
everyday.
[0050] In addition, in the particularly preferred embodiment, the
memory foam has a density of approximately 40 kg/m.sup.3.
Preferably, in the larger sized case the layer of memory foam 82
has a thickness of about 23/8 inches and the layer of memory foam
80 has a thickness of about 7/8 inches. In the smaller embodiment,
the layer of memory foam 82 has a thickness of about 23/8'' and
memory foam layer 80 has a thickness of about 3/8''. However, it
can be appreciated that foams having other specifications and
thicknesses can be utilized without departing from the scope of the
present invention.
[0051] 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. 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 prior art will allow and that the specification be read
likewise. Particularly, the case can be used to store and protect
various objects, besides jewelry or eyeglasses and thus, can be
made in any shape or size depending on the objects to be stored
therein. Furthermore, the leaves of the case do not have to be
pivotally connected by a hinge, but rather can be two separate
halves and connected by a snap or zipper. Additionally, the top and
bottom shell members can be reversed so that the top is the bottom
and vice versa. Moreover, the memory foam layers can be received
within the interior of the case but not secured to it or,
alternatively, they can be removably secured to the case.
Additionally, the entire outer surface of the case can be made of a
soft or flexible material, rather than a hard or rigid outer shell.
Accordingly, it will therefore be appreciated by those skilled in
the art that other modifications could be made thereto without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
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