U.S. patent application number 14/404784 was filed with the patent office on 2015-04-30 for apparatus and related systems and methods for organizing, transporting, and using earrings, jewelry, and similar objects.
The applicant listed for this patent is Lori Torline. Invention is credited to Lori Torline.
Application Number | 20150114852 14/404784 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49758628 |
Filed Date | 2015-04-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150114852 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Torline; Lori |
April 30, 2015 |
APPARATUS AND RELATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ORGANIZING,
TRANSPORTING, AND USING EARRINGS, JEWELRY, AND SIMILAR OBJECTS
Abstract
In at least some embodiments, the system can be used with a wide
variety of types of earrings. Examples include, without limitation,
pierced, french wires, hoops, and clip-ons. Preferably, one or more
mounting trays are provided with means for readily holding those
items at a selected position on the tray. Also preferably, the
trays are sufficiently large to each hold a plurality of earrings.
Among many alternatives, a perforated "mesh" or pegboard-type tray
can be used, with each such tray having a plurality of holes,
slots, or other openings formed in it. The specific size, shape,
relative position, spacing, and other aspects of the openings can
be selected when designing any particular embodiment of the
invention, based on (among other things) the application for which
the embodiment is intended. Different patterns and mixes of
holes/slots/etc. can be provided, based on functional and/or
aesthetic considerations.
Inventors: |
Torline; Lori; (Whittier,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Torline; Lori |
Whittier |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49758628 |
Appl. No.: |
14/404784 |
Filed: |
June 3, 2013 |
PCT Filed: |
June 3, 2013 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US13/43958 |
371 Date: |
December 1, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61654811 |
Jun 1, 2012 |
|
|
|
61654807 |
Jun 1, 2012 |
|
|
|
61654812 |
Jun 2, 2012 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/6.1 ;
53/473 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 11/16 20130101;
A47F 7/03 20130101; A45C 2200/15 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/6.1 ;
53/473 |
International
Class: |
A45C 11/16 20060101
A45C011/16 |
Claims
1. Apparatus for storing and facilitating use of jewelry,
including: at least one container element; at least one tray
element, said tray element having means for holding at least one
jewelry item; and engagement means acting between said tray element
and said container element to selectively hold said tray in a
selectably movable position with respect to the container.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, further including: a plurality of such
tray elements being of at least generally similar size and
shape.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, further including: a plurality of such
container elements each configured to selectively receive and
engage at least one such tray element.
4. A method of storing and using jewelry, including: providing the
apparatus of claim 1; engaging at least one piece of jewelry with
said tray element; storing said at least one piece of jewelry in
said engaged relationship; and displaying said at least one piece
of jewelry in its engaged relationship.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. Nos. 61/654,807 and 61/654,811 (filed Jun. 1,
2012), and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/654,812 (filed
Jun. 2, 2013), the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by
reference in their entireties.
[0002] The present invention relates to earrings and similar items
(including without limitation rings, necklaces, and bracelets), and
to systems for organizing a plurality of such items in order to
more easily and securely store, locate, display, select, transport,
and use those items. The system can be used in a wide variety of
situations and applications, including without limitation by
persons within their homes, by earring salesmen, by jewelry shops
and/or departments, etc.
[0003] The present invention is described herein with reference to
the accompanying Figures, which serve as illustrations of some of
the many embodiments in which the invention may be practiced.
Subject to the context and other factors (including for example the
understanding of persons of ordinary skill in the arts relevant to
the inventions), generally in those Figures and references similar
reference numerals refer to similar or identical elements
throughout this description.
[0004] Those Figures and references, and the other terminology used
in these descriptions, are not intended to be interpreted in any
limited or restrictive manner, simply because it is being utilized
in conjunction with a detailed description of certain embodiments
of the invention. Furthermore, various embodiments of the invention
(whether or not specifically described herein) may include one or
more of the novel features disclosed herein, no single one of which
(a) is necessarily solely responsible for any particular desirable
attribute(s) of the inventions or (b) is essential to practicing
the inventions described.
[0005] For the purpose of summarizing the invention certain objects
and advantages have been described herein. It is to be understood
that not necessarily all such objects or advantages may be achieved
in accordance with any particular embodiment of the invention.
Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the
invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves
or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein
without necessarily achieving other objects or advantages as may be
taught or suggested herein.
[0006] These and other embodiments will become readily apparent to
those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of
the preferred embodiments having reference to the attached figures,
the invention not being limited to any particular preferred
embodiment(s) disclosed.
TABLE-US-00001 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure Description
FIG. 1 Isometric view of a container element of an embodiment of
the invention, in a closed position. FIG. Back elevation view of
the embodiment illustrated in 1Back FIG. 1 FIG. Bottom view of the
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1. 1Bottom Among other things, the
four screwheads in the middle of the container bottom illustrate
one of the many ways to affix a rail/slide element to the interior
of the contain- er's bottom. FIG. 1F Front elevation view of the
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 FIG. 1L Left elevation view of the
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 FIG. 1R Right elevation view of
the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 FIG. 1S1 Section view of the
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, taken along the axis of the outer
handle (on top) and down vertically through the embodiment) FIG.
1S1F Similar to FIG. 1S1, but showing a front elevation view of the
section. FIG. 1S2 Section view of the embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 1, taken along the front-to-back axis of the embodiment, at
approximately the halfway point of the embodiment) FIG. 1S2R
Similar to FIG. 1S2, but showing a right elevation view of the
section FIG. 1S2T Similar to FIG. 1S2R, but also illustrating the
frontmost tray element with its top tilted in a forwardly direction
rather than toward the back of the embodiment as in FIG. 1S2 FIG.
1T Top view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 FIG. 2
Isometric view of a container element of an embodiment of the
invention, with the lid in an opened position. FIG. Back elevation
view of the embodiment illustrated in 2Back FIG. 2 FIG. Bottom view
of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2 2Bottom FIG. 2F Front
elevation view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2 FIG. 2L Left
elevation view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2 FIG. 2R
Right elevation view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2 FIG.
2T Top view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2 FIG. 3
Isometric view of a container element of an embodiment of the
invention, with the lid in an opened position and the front flap
opened forwardly. FIG. Back elevation view of the embodiment
illustrated in 3Back FIG. 3 FIG. Bottom view of the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 3 3Bottom FIG. 3F Front elevation view of the
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3 FIG. Similar to FIG. 3F, but with
all of the tray elements 3F_no_trays removed from engagement with
the case FIG. 3L Left elevation view of the embodiment illustrated
in FIG. 3 FIG. 3R Right elevation view of the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 3 FIG. 3T Top view of the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 3 FIG. Similar to FIG. 3T, but with all of the
tray elements 3T_no_trays removed from engagement with the case
FIG. 4 Similar to FIG. 3, but illustrating one of the tray elements
removed from engagement with the case FIG. 4B Similar to FIG. 4,
but showing only the front half of the tray rim element,
illustrating one of the many ways in which tray elements of the
invention can be fabricated and assembled FIG. Similar to FIG. 4,
but showing only the mesh/pegboard 4Board element of the
illustrated mounting tray, illustrating one of the many ways in
which tray elements of the invention can be fabricated and
assembled. This mesh is placed between the rim portions of Figs. 4B
and 4C, and those portions are fastened via gluing, sonic welding,
or other suitable method FIG. 4C Similar to FIG. 4, but showing
only the back half of the tray rim element, illustrating one of the
many ways in which tray elements of the invention can be fabricated
and assembled FIG. 4D Similar to FIG. 4, but illustrating four of
the tray elements removed from engagement with the case FIG. 4E
Similar to FIG. 4D, but illustrating all of the tray elements
removed from engagement with the case FIG. 4F Similar to FIG. 4D,
but providing an isometric view of just the case element FIG. Back
view of one of the many tray/pegboard elements 5Back with which the
invention can be practiced FIG. Bottom view of the embodiment of
FIG. 5Back 5Bottom FIG. 5F Front view of the embodiment of FIG.
5Back FIG. 5L Left view of the embodiment of FIG. 5Back FIG. 5R
Right view of the embodiment of FIG. 5Back FIG. 5T Top view of the
embodiment of FIG. 5Back FIG. 6 Similar to FIG. 2, but illustrating
one of the many relatively smaller embodiments of a container/case
with which the invention can be practiced. As shown, a single tray
member is positioned inside the case, although the case can be
dimensioned to accommodate a plurality of such mounting trays,
stacked above the one shown or in some other relationship/position
inside the case FIG. Back elevation view of the embodiment of FIG.
6 6Back FIG. Bottom view of the embodiment of FIG. 6 6Bottom FIG.
6F Front elevation view of the embodiment of FIG. 6 FIG. 6L Left
elevation view of the embodiment of FIG. 6 FIG. 6R Right elevation
view of the embodiment of FIG. 6 FIG. 6T Top view of the embodiment
of FIG. 6. Among other things, this Figure also illustrates some of
the many alternative adapters that can be used in practicing the
invention FIG. 7 Similar to FIG. 6, but illustrating the tray
member removed from the case element FIG. 7S Similar to FIG. 6, but
taken from the other front upper angle, and with a section of the
lower portion of the container element, taken from right to left on
a vertical plane. Among other things, this Figure illustrates some
of the many ways in which additional fasteners such as snaps can be
used when practicing the invention, and one of the many ways in
which a storage pocket (shirred or otherwise) can be used in
practicing the invention (the pocket is shown in the lower portion
of the container lid, below the two snap members) FIG. 7S2 Similar
to FIG. 6, but taken from a lower angle, and with a section taken
through the approximate midpoint of the embodiment, from the front
to the back on a vertical plane FIG. 8 Similar to FIG. 6, but
illustrating the front portion of the case disengaged and laying
forwardly, generally parallel to the base of the case/container
FIG. 9 Similar to FIG. 6, but illustrating the case in a closed
position, with the latch engaged to help secure the case against
inadvertent opening FIG. 9S Front elevation section view of the
embodiment of FIG. 9, with the section taken generally vertically
across the embodiment from the right to the left side. FIG. 9S2
Similar to FIG. 9S, but from an upper right isometric view FIG. 9S3
Similar to FIG. 9S, but from a lower left isometric view. Among
other things, the storage pocket element inside the case lid is
well illustrated. FIG. 9S4 Similar to FIG. 9S3, but from an upper
left isometric view FIG. 9S6 Similar to FIG. 9S2, but with the
section taken from front to back FIG. 9S6R Similar to FIG. 9S6, but
showing a right elevation view FIG. 9S7 Similar to FIG. 9S4, but
viewing from the back of the sectioned container toward the front
FIG. Similar to FIG. 9S7, but showing a back elevation view 9S7Back
FIG. 10 Illustrates another of the many alternative embodiments of
a case with which the invention can be practiced FIG. 10B-E Other
standard views of the embodiment of FIG. 10 FIG. 10F-I Standard
views of one of the many tray mount elements that may be used to
engage one or more tray members with a container member FIG. 11
Isometric view of one half of a tray frame, of yet another of the
many embodiments of the invention FIG. 11B-D Standard views of the
embodiment of FIG. 11 FIG. 12 Isometric view of another embodiment
of a connecting element that can be used to engage a tray element
with a container FIG. 12B-D Standard view of the embodiment of FIG.
12 FIG. 13 Isometric view of another of the many embodiments of a
lower half of a case element, showing a portion of the hinge
structure along the back side (on the left side of the Figure) FIG.
13R Right elevation view of the embodiment of FIG. 13 FIG. 14 Front
perspective view, illustrating how a storage pocket inside the lid
can be shirred, and divided into a right and left section (via
sewing in the center). FIG. 15 Illustrates some of the many
patterns and/or decorations that can be incorporated into
embodiments of the in- vention. This is a foreshortened, close-up
perspective view of the front left corner of a case with a front
surface folded down toward the viewer. FIG. 16 Another of the many
embodiments of a case/container of the invention, showing how a
case may effectively be fabricated from a single sheet of foldable
material (such as metal, cardboard, paper, or other material); the
element in the Figure is in an unfolded state, but can be folded to
provide a case shape/function similar to others shown and/or
described herein. FIG. 17 Side view of one of the many embodiments
of an adapter that can be used in the invention FIG. 17B Similar to
FIG. 17, but also showing an earring as it may be engaged with the
lower loop of the adapter FIG. 17C Similar to FIG. 17B, but also
showing a pair of earrings engaged with the adapter, and the other
end of the adapter engaged with a case/pegboard element of the
invention FIG. 17D Similar to FIG. 17C, but also showing the other
end of the adapter engaged at a different location on the
case/pegboard element of the invention, illustrating the ease of
moving the adapter from one location to another on the
mesh/pegboard. FIG. 18 A ring holder tray; multiple views of same
are shown FIG. 19 A one-piece embodiment of a peg-board tray
element, showing multiple views of same FIG. 20 A "standard" tray
frame element can be used as a basis for "custom" tray concepts, to
be assembled prior to or after purchase, and in a relatively
permanent engagement as an overall tray assembly or in a more
temporary changeable assembly; multiple views of same are shown
FIG. 21 A bracelet tray; multiple views of same are shown FIG. 22 A
zippered pocket "tray"; multiple views of same are shown
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0007] As indicated above, the inventions disclosed herein can be
used in a broad range of applications and provide many benefits.
Although the majority of this description is directed at
embodiments relating to earrings and similar jewelry items, persons
of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the concepts
disclosed are useful for storing, organizing, displaying, etc. a
wide variety of other similar items. Among other things, the
invention can be useful in connection with fishing lures and flies,
tie clips, pins, medals, brooches, small Christmas ornaments,
beads, etc.
[0008] In at least some embodiments, the system can be used with a
wide variety of types of earrings. Examples include, without
limitation, pierced, french wires, hoops, and clip-ons. Preferably,
one or more mounting trays are provided with means for readily
holding those items at a selected position on the tray. Also
preferably, the trays are sufficiently large to each hold a
plurality of earrings. Among many alternatives, a perforated "mesh"
or pegboard-type tray can be used, with each such tray having a
plurality of holes, slots, or other openings formed in it. The
specific size, shape, relative position, spacing, and other aspects
of the openings can be selected when designing any particular
embodiment of the invention, based on (among other things) the
application for which the embodiment is intended. Different
patterns and mixes of holes/slots/etc. can be provided, based on
functional and/or aesthetic considerations.
[0009] As with the other elements discussed herein, the trays
preferably are formed from a suitably strong and lightweight
material, to provide many of the benefits discussed herein. Persons
of ordinary skill in the art will understand that certain
embodiments may instead be formed from heavier and/or less strong
materials, while still providing certain of the inventions'
benefits. In certain embodiments, most or all of the components may
be fabricated from plastic via injection-molding or similar
process. Persons of ordinary skill in the art will understand that
the parts can be provided in an array of colors and other finishes
(including flocking or transparent elements, for example).
[0010] Preferably, the openings in the mesh or other mounting
element are sized so that they readily receive and securely hold
the specific earrings that a user may place in the opening. For
many types of earrings, the holes preferably are at least generally
round (although they can be any of a wide range of shapes), and are
"pin-sized" so that they are slightly larger than a conventional
pierced earring wire. The holes or openings may be formed straight
through the pegboard element, may be angled, may be curved, or any
other useful configuration. In certain embodiments, a second
pegboard or a separate layer of material (fabric, sponge, rubber,
felt, etc.) may be positioned on some or all of the "pegged"
surface, with corresponding openings formed in that layer to allow
the earring wire or other mounting element to pass through both the
first mesh element and the second pegboard/felt/other layer.
Persons of ordinary skill in the art will understand that even more
layers, decorations, or other elements may be positioned (removably
or not) on the mesh pegboard element, to provide a wide range of
functions and/or aesthetics to the assembly.
[0011] In certain embodiments, the mounting tray elements are
generally flat and generally rectangular, although persons of
ordinary skill in the art will understand that other configurations
can be used. For embodiments having a plurality of such tray
elements, preferably they are similarly sized and/or shaped, so
that they can be assembled and/or provided within a case or other
container. Preferably, the container or case is of a convenient
size and shape, and the surfaces can be relatively plain, or can be
decorated and/or adorned with handles, logos, photos, colors,
designs, and/or other items.
[0012] Some of the many alternative embodiments of the invention
include mounting racks to hold one or more trays in a desired
position on a vanity, counter, or similar surface. To facilitate
travel or other transportation of the earrings by the user, a
closable "smaller" case preferably can hold a relatively small
number of trays, so as not to take up too much space. For other
situations, such as storage of a user's entire collection of
earrings, the case and/or rack can be relatively larger, limited
only by space and the mechanical properties of the case/rack. By
way of example, a "home" case might be sufficiently large to hold
around 75 pairs of earrings, while a travel case/container might
hold only 10.
[0013] Preferably, the mesh pegboard elements are configured and
provided with mating elements that facilitate the ready movement
between a plurality of different cases/containers/racks. In some
embodiments, a slide/rail or tongue and groove structure is
provided, so that the tray can be slid out of engagement with (for
example) the user's main "home" collection/case and then loaded
into a smaller travel case. Preferably, the earrings remain
relatively undisturbed during such transfer. Among the many ways
the system of the invention can be used, a person who owns a
collection of earrings can sort them and mount them on trays, one
or more for each selected group (gold, silver, plastic, other
groupings, etc.). When packing for a trip, that person can open
their main earring storage unit, select the tray(s) that they want
to take on the trip, remove them from the main unit, assemble the
trays into the "travel-size" unit, and then close that travel case
to secure the earrings for transport.
[0014] In certain embodiments of the invention, the trays and other
elements are configured so that the trays can be "stacked" against
each other within the cases or containers or racks (or even when
they are lying adjacent each other and not affixed to a
case/container/rack). Preferably, in addition and/or alternatively
to this stacking/abutting relationship, and in addition and/or
alternatively to the removability of the tray(s) from the cases,
the engagement between the rack/case and the tray(s) is such that
the trays can pivot to some degree, to allow users to "flip"
through a set of trays that may be in a single case (somewhat akin
to flipping through a Rolodex of business cards). Among other
things, this permits the user to selectively flip forward and back
through the assembled trays, to view and access earrings on the
various trays. Also preferably, the trays' engagement is such that
they can "stand up" (either vertically or leaning to some degree)
when engaged with a rack or case. Among other things, this standing
function permits the ready display of the earrings. Some of the
many alternative embodiments of the invention (not shown) include
"vertical" slides for the trays (instead of or in addition to the
"horizontal" slide engagement shown in the drawings), so that a
user can "raise" a selected tray upwardly, preferably "engage" it
at the raised position (via a detent or other structure) to display
the pieces mounted on that particular tray, and then lower the tray
back into the container when finished.
[0015] Among the many ways to provide one or more of these function
is to form one or more detents or tabs on the lower edge of the
tray(s), and provide one or more corresponding slots on the
case/rack, into which the user can engage and/or disengage the
detent/tab. To provide ready pivoting such as described above, the
tabs/detents can be generally cylindrical elements, and can
conveniently be formed integrally with the body of the tray(s). By
providing a similar slot structure on other cases and/or racks, the
tray(s) preferably can be slid out of engagement with the slot(s)
on one case and then into engagement with the slot(s) on another
case. To provide a desirable degree of engagement between the
tray(s) and the slots, preferably at least two such tabs/detents
are provided on each tray, and two such corresponding slots are
provided on each case. Persons of ordinary skill in the art will
understand that the engagement elements can be reversed (the
tabs/detents may be formed on the case, and the "slot" structure on
the tray(s)), and that the specific size, shape, number, location,
and other aspects of the engagement elements between the tray(s)
and the cases/racks can be any of a wide variety.
[0016] Preferably, the trays and the interior of the cases are
configured to provide a relatively secure engagement between the
tray(s) and the case, especially when the case is closed and/or is
in transport. Among other things, the shapes of the tray(s) and the
interior of the cases can be "keyed" to each other, can have a
plurality of points of contact with each other, or can otherwise
provide the desired engagement during storage and/or movement of
the case.
[0017] The case and rack elements can include any of a wide variety
of shapes, sizes, and other features. In certain embodiments, a
raised lip can be provided around three sides of a "box-shaped"
case, and a lid can be pivotably connected to that box and sized
and shaped to sealingly engage with that raised lip with the lid is
closed over the box. Persons of ordinary skill in the art will
understand that a latch or other mechanism can be provided in
certain embodiments, to keep the lid securely closed onto the top
of the box. For easier access to the earrings or other items, the
front side of the case can be provided in a hinged relationship
with the case bottom, so that the front can be dropped down onto
the counter or vanity and thus expose the tray(s) more completely
to the user. One or more carrying handles or straps can be provided
on the case, and/or on the individual trays, to assist the user in
transporting or otherwise moving those items. In certain
embodiments, the handle preferably folds flat for storage, and is
padded for comfort in carrying the assembly.
[0018] As indicated above, the elements of the invention can be
fabricated from and/or covered with any of a wide variety of
functional and/or decorative materials. By way of example, certain
embodiments may have a suede, leather, faux leather, wood, metal,
cotton, microfiber, and/or combination exterior, in any of a
variety of colors. The top and/or other surfaces of the case
preferably is stitched for durability, especially for the wear and
tear that may occur during travel. In addition to the interior
surfaces and materials discussed above, materials such as an ivory
suede can provide a nice feel as the invention is in use, and also
can protect the earrings from scratching or other damage. Hardware
elements (hinges, latches, etc.) can likewise be of any of a wide
variety of materials and finishes, including metal, fabric, and
others.
[0019] In some embodiments of the invention, the case includes
additional storage elements. By way of example, one or more snaps
can be provided to releasably hold necklaces, rings, and/or
bracelets. One or more pouches or elasticized pockets can be
positioned on the inside or outside of the case, to hold necklaces,
bracelets, rings, and/or other items. Preferably, the pouch(es) are
shirred, and are divided into two or more sections, so that the
various necklaces, etc. will not become tangled with each other
during travel.
[0020] The trays can be used in a wide variety of ways, depending
(among other things) on the characteristics of the things being
mounted on the trays. For example, adapters can be provided as an
interface between the mesh pegboard and one or more of the items
being mounted. Some examples are shown in FIGS. 17, 17B, and 17C,
in which wire hooks are shaped and sized to both engage the
mesh/pegboard and provide a loop/connection that will hold hoop
earrings. Such adapters can provide many benefits, including
without limitation enabling users to attach hoop earrings anywhere
on the tray, and to use mount a substantial number of hoop-like
items on a single tray. Persons of ordinary skill in the art will
understand that the items themselves can be mounted with sufficient
spacing between them to ensure that the do not contact each other,
or in varying degrees of density (so that there is some or even a
large degree of overlap between adjacent hoop items).
[0021] Such adapters can be fabricated of metal, plastic, or any
other suitable material. The attachment structure shown at the
bottom of the adapter in FIGS. 17, 17B, and 17C preferably is of
sufficient size as to let a user slide at least one pair of hoops
into engagement with the adapter. FIG. 17B illustrates a hoop style
earring engaged with the connection loop on the hanging adapter,
and FIG. 17C illustrates a pair of hoop style earrings engaged with
the tray via such an adapter. The embodiments shown in these
Figures are not stationary (preferably, a user can place them
anywhere on the tray, providing flexible and/or efficient use of
space on the pegboard), but persons of ordinary skill in the art
will understand that other embodiments include having one or more
adapters relatively permanently fixed on the tray.
[0022] By way of example, one or more relatively short straps (with
snaps or Velcro fastener engagements or other suitable fastening
apparatus) can be affixed to the pegboard at one end of each
respective strap/strip. The user can place the free end of the
strap through the earring and then releasably fasten that free end
back to the pegboard and/or other end of the strap. Other of the
many alternative embodiments can have relatively longer or larger
strips or areas of Velcro type fastener material "affixed" to the
surface of the tray, and the user can readily fix a "connector"
loop of mating Velcro type fastener material around the earring or
other item (for example, ring, necklace, bracelet, etc.) and engage
it anywhere on the larger strips or areas affixed on the tray.
[0023] Persons of ordinary skill in the art will understand that
the trays and other elements discussed preferably can can be made
in multiple pieces (the trays are shown as consisting of three
parts, by way of example), but they can be made as a single part or
in other convenient embodiments. An example of such a one-piece
construction is shown in FIG. 19.
[0024] FIGS. 18 and 20-22 show some of the many other alternative
embodiments of the tray elements that may be used to practice the
invention. For example, a "standard" tray frame is shown in FIG.
20, and provides a frame within which "custom" tray elements can be
mounted and used with the other case elements of the invention.
Persons of ordinary skill in the art will understand that such
other "custom" trays can be made in other manners besides using a
standard tray 20, but the standard tray can reduce manufacturing
and inventory and shipping costs, and can allow users to customize
their own trays (by selecting and assembling into the center of the
"standard tray" 20 a selected mounting board or element.
[0025] Examples of the many such "custom" or alternative mounting
tray elements include: [0026] a ring holder tray (FIG. 18;
preferably horizontal slots are formed to receive and releasably
hold one or more rings; by way of example, the slots can be formed
by close positioning of parallel foam rubber rolls covered in
fabric) [0027] a necklace tray (FIG. 21; a backing of plastic,
cardboard, or other material includes one or more loops or other
engagement members; three such straps are shown in the embodiment
of FIG. 21, each closed via a snap element, with the male snap
portion preferably glued or otherwise affixed to the uppermost
cross-bar portion of the tray frame; a pocket preferably is
provided in the lower portion of the tray to hold the potentially
lengthy strand(s) of the necklaces that are clipped into the upper
"snap" loop) [0028] a zippered pouch (FIG. 22; the front and/or
back of the pocket can be gusseted to provide expansion to
accommodate a wide range of jewelry or similar pieces)
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