U.S. patent application number 14/873085 was filed with the patent office on 2017-04-06 for space efficient folding storage pouches.
The applicant listed for this patent is Christine Kim. Invention is credited to Christine Kim.
Application Number | 20170095047 14/873085 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58447181 |
Filed Date | 2017-04-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170095047 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kim; Christine |
April 6, 2017 |
SPACE EFFICIENT FOLDING STORAGE POUCHES
Abstract
Storage pouches ideal for securing loose and relatively formless
items such as necklaces, chains, earrings, and other personal
jewelry, including storage pouches comprised of a flexible sheet of
material that may be optionally fashioned with pre-formed channels
for securing chains and ropes. The storage pouch is closed by
folding it in upon itself, and securing it shut with one or more
removable fasteners. Other embodiments include pouch material
without pre-formed channels, but first folding in to form the
channels, then folding upon itself to be secured shut.
Inventors: |
Kim; Christine; (Hillsboro,
OR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Kim; Christine |
Hillsboro |
OR |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
58447181 |
Appl. No.: |
14/873085 |
Filed: |
October 1, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 31/12 20130101;
A45C 2007/0004 20130101; A45C 7/0095 20130101; A45C 3/001 20130101;
A45C 11/16 20130101; B65D 33/24 20130101; A45C 13/10 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A45C 11/16 20060101
A45C011/16 |
Claims
1. A storage pouch comprised of a sheet of flexible material,
further comprising: one or more portions of the sheet that fold
inward towards the center of the sheet, one or more attachment
devices that allow the one or more portions of the sheet that fold
inward to be removably secured to the sheet, and a second sheet of
flexible material disposed on the sheet and attached to the sheet
so as to form one or more channels; wherein the one or more
channels are covered by the one or more portions of the sheet that
fold inward when the one or more portions of the sheet that fold
inward are secured to the sheet.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to copending U.S.
Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/058,191, filed on 1 Oct. 2014,
which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to organization and
protection of small form factor items. More specifically, storage
equipment consisting of loops that enables the organization of
pendant and necklace-style jewelry, similarly configured items, and
associated components is disclosed.
[0003] An object with chains, ropes, or strings, such as a pendant,
necklace, or other type of jewelry, typically requires special
equipment to prevent getting tangled during travel. Frequently such
equipment is limited to a particular type of jewelry and form
factor. In particular, currently available equipment for small form
factor jewelry lacks modularity, flexibility, and versatility.
Furthermore, various types and components of such storage equipment
are typically not interchangeable and lack widespread versatility
in usage.
[0004] Thus, there exists a need for a means to store jewelry and
other similarly sized and configured items in a way that prevents
damage to the items, prevents tangling of associated chains, ropes,
cords, or strings, and yet is flexible enough to accommodate
differences in item size, and is capable of being utilized with
other travel and storage accessories.
SUMMARY
[0005] The present disclosure is directed to a storage pouch ideal
for securing loose and relatively formless items such as necklaces,
chains, earrings, and other personal jewelry. The storage pouch is
comprised of a flexible sheet of material that may be optionally
fashioned with pre-formed channels for securing chains and ropes.
The storage pouch is closed by folding it in upon itself, and
securing it shut with one or more removable fasteners. Other
embodiments have the pouch material without pre-formed channels,
but first folding in to form the channels, then folding upon itself
to be secured shut.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] The features and attendant advantages of the present
invention will be fully appreciated and better understood when
considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The use
of common reference characters across the drawings designate the
same or similar parts throughout the several views.
[0007] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a first example storage
equipment with two organizing loops, without an end closing flap,
that incorporates a mechanism for connecting the loop material
together, thereby enabling organization, modularity, portability,
and protection of the cord elements (wire, string, chain, etc.) of
enclosed jewelry.
[0008] FIG. 2 is an illustration of a second example storage
equipment with two organizing loops, with several materials bonded
together and with an integrated end closing flap, to offer
protection from the outside environment.
[0009] FIG. 3 is another illustration of the second example storage
equipment depicted in FIG. 2, showing the end closing flap folded
shut and attached to the body of the storage equipment, thereby
offering protection from the outside environment, enhancing the
versatility and portability of the storage equipment in use.
[0010] FIG. 4 is an overhead illustration of the second example
storage equipment depicted in FIG. 2, showing the organization
loops unfolded.
[0011] FIG. 5 is an illustration of protecting and organizing
several separated pieces in place. A method such as magnets can be
used to further keep different pieces separated.
[0012] FIG. 6 illustrates the embodiment of storing and holding
smaller extruded pieces, and such pieces are fully protected when
folded over several times.
[0013] FIG. 7 illustrates the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 in
a folded and secured closed configuration.
[0014] The same numbers are used throughout the disclosure and the
figures to reference like components and features. Numbers in the
100 series refer to the features originally found in FIG. 1;
numbers in the 200 series refer to features originally found in
FIG. 2; and so on.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0015] As discussed above, the majority of additional equipment
used to prevent jewelry and other similar small form factor items
from tangling are limited to particular types of jewelry and
specific form factors. This results in a product that can be
limited with respect to widespread application. Moreover, as
current storage equipment comes in a range of sizes and
configurations such as straws and tubes or, on the opposite
spectrum of options, large, expensive boxes with compartments and
cases, these available options are ill suited for space efficiency
and/or protection from environmental damage while traveling.
Furthermore, current solutions are not modular. Rather, existing
known storage equipment is permanently linked to the original form
factor.
[0016] The embodiments described herein generally relate to storage
equipment with a small form factor that enables space efficiency,
organization, modularity, portability, versatility,
interchangeability, while providing protection of enclosed items.
In some embodiments, the small form factor includes one or more
flaps made from flexible material that are foldable and held
together by bonding mechanisms that are repeatably removable such
as Velcro.RTM., Ziploc.RTM., buttons, snaps, or magnetic strips, so
as to form one or more loops in which to secure the cord element of
an item or items to be stored therein from substantial movement.
Further, in some embodiments, the small form factor does not
include a flap and bonding mechanism, but is simply comprised of
two fixed organizing loops. A bonding mechanism can be used to
enable access to the internal components. Additionally, the storage
equipment can optionally include a flap or a shielding piece at
either or both ends of the storage equipment that provides an
enclosing mechanism to protect internal components from damage.
[0017] In the following description and claims, the terms
"organizing loop" and "set of loops," along with their derivatives,
may be used. It should be understood that these terms are not
intended as synonyms for each other. Rather, in particular
embodiments, "set of loops" may mean that two or more elements are
organized intentionally as a means to create opportunities for item
organization, separation, protection, as well as a variety of other
useful applications.
[0018] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a first example storage
equipment 100, comprised of a loop housing (LH) that is folded to
create organizing loops. The integrated bonding mechanism to
removably secure the folded housing material to create the loops
enables organization, modularity, portability, and protection of
enclosed items and their associated components. The storage
equipment may thus be constructed from any flexible material that
can receive an appropriate bonding mechanism. The storage equipment
can be manufactured from a variety of different materials, with
varying thicknesses and durability. Some examples include
microfiber, leather, canvas, plastic, vinyl, woven material, cloth,
or any other suitable flexible material now know or later
developed. The storage equipment can be made to different sizes to
accommodate various types of jewelry or other similar items, e.g.,
sizes for bracelets, standard or long necklaces, or any size
suitable to accommodate a variety of different jewelry types.
[0019] The storage equipment 100 is comprised of two organizing
loops 102, which are formed from flaps 108. Of the two organizing
loops 102 depicted in FIG. 1, one of the loops 102 can be made
slightly larger so as to allow room for thicker clasps or any end
mechanisms of sorts that require extra space to be able to go
through the organizing loop 102. The flexible material used for
flaps 108 acts as a helping agent to aid in such processes.
[0020] At least one of the flaps 108 includes a bonding mechanism
104. The bonding mechanism 104 holds the two flaps 108 in place,
thereby creating organizing loops 102, and allowing item material
to be inserted and to move freely through the loops. The bonding
mechanism 104 can be of any bonding or adhesive of sorts to keep
the structural integrity of the organized loops together as the
elongated center length axis, and ideally is a material that
creates a removable bond, such as a magnet, magnetic strips,
Velcro.RTM., button(s), snap(s), Ziploc.RTM., or other similar
material.
[0021] Between each flap 108 lies a center strip 106, which may be
linked through bonding mechanism 104 to create a divider between
the two organizing loops 102, thereby separating and keeping stored
item material 110 such as cords, strings, chains, etc. divided.
Center strip 106 ideally will include a portion of the bonding
mechanism 104, such as a metal or magnetic strip (where magnets are
used for the bonding mechanism), button, snap, or a hook or loop
portion where Velcro is used.
[0022] By using a removable bond material for bonding mechanism
104, the organizing loops 108 may be opened and the entire storage
equipment 100 opened flat to allow easy accessibility to stored
jewelry and item components if needed, or easy insertion of jewelry
or items to be stored.
[0023] FIG. 2 illustrates a second embodiment of a storage
equipment 200 with two organizing loops 208 and 210, with an
additional end closing flap 202 of materials bonded to the main
body of the storage equipment 200 with an integrated bonding
mechanism feature, thereby offering protection from potential
damage from outside environments.
[0024] The storage equipment 200 includes two organizing loops 208
created by flaps 210, analogous to the organizing loops 102 in FIG.
1., which provide two separated areas to hold, secure, and divide
any cord, string, chain, or components of sorts.
[0025] The end closing flap 202 extends from the end of storage
equipment 200 along its long axis, and is comprised of a flexible
tab which protrudes from the set of organizing loops 208 to form a
flap or enclosure for the end openings of the organizing loops 208,
and to allow access to any items stored therein. Optionally, a
second end closing flap 202 may be located on the opposite end of
the storage equipment 200 if a completely enclosable storage is
desired.
[0026] End closing flap 202 closes to storage equipment 200 to
protect the contents of storage equipment 200 by folding to bonding
line 204 and mating to a bonding mechanism 206 that removably holds
the end closing flap 202 shut. Depending on the type of bonding
mechanism utilized, end closing flap 202 includes the matching
portion 212 of the bonding mechanism 206, such as a magnet, snap,
button hole, hook or loop portion, or Ziploc.RTM. track, as
required.
[0027] To accommodate a range of jewelry or other item sizes, one
or both of the organizing loops 208 can be made slightly larger, so
as to provide extra room for thicker stored item materials 110 or
clasps that needs to run through the loop.
[0028] As with the storage equipment 100 depicted in FIG. 1, the
flaps 210 are detachably linked together to form organizing loops
208, utilizing a flexible material to form the organizing loops 208
and provide storage with minimal slippage, so as to securely hold
the internal components stored inside.
[0029] Depending on the bonding mechanism utilized, an optional
bonding mechanism flap 214 may be provided, and be constructed from
a piece of material, adhesion or bonding agent that assists in
holding the bonding mechanism 212 components together.
[0030] FIG. 3 is an illustration of the example storage equipment
200, depicting the end closing flap shut and secure, so as to
provide a closed storage equipment 300 that offers protection to
enclosed jewelry or other items from the outside environment or
potential damage, and further providing versatility and portability
in usage. As discussed above, the storage equipment 300 is ideally
made of a material that is flexible yet provides minimal slippage,
thereby holding stored items securely. By way of example, a
material that includes a non-slip interior could be utilized, such
as a plastic or cloth exterior with a felt or suede lining.
[0031] The bonding mechanism 304 is used to secure end closing flap
302 to the body of storage equipment 300, thereby helping to hold
the entire enclosure together.
[0032] FIG. 4 is an illustration of storage equipment 400, a top
view of the storage equipment 200 disclosed in FIGS. 2 and 3, but
with the organizing loops and end closing flap detached from the
bonding mechanism and unfolded.
[0033] The storage equipment 400 embodiment described herein
generally relates to the idea of protecting small form factor
items. As can be seen in FIG. 4, unfolding the storage equipment
400 enables easy accessibility to place or remove the jewelry or
items to be stored. When folded as depicted in the figures, the
storage equipment 400 becomes an enclosure that provides security
and protection from potential damage, while ensuring versatility of
use.
[0034] The bonding mechanism 402 is analogous to the bonding
mechanism 304 depicted in FIG. 3, in which the bonding mechanism is
used to secure an end closing flap, and thereby help hold the
storage equipment together.
[0035] Depending on the mechanism used, a bonding mechanism flap
404 may provided to secure the bonding mechanism 402, which
connects to a mating bonding mechanism on the body of storage
equipment 400. Likewise, a second bonding mechanism flap 406 may be
utilized to match with the bonding mechanism 402. Both bonding
mechanism flaps 404 and 406 are comprised of either a separate
layer of material, or an adhesive or bonding agent that secures the
bonding mechanism to the body of the storage equipment 400.
[0036] The storage equipment 400 can include folding guides 408,
which assist the user in appropriately placing the jewelry or other
items to be stored, along with guiding folding the single flexible
piece of material that comprises the storage equipment 400 body
into a closed form.
Example Embodiment 1
[0037] A set of organizing loops are disclosed. The organizing
loops are comprised of two flexible flaps that removably are
secured to create a housing (ie. Case, enclosure, etc.) for
strings, cords, chains, or anything of sorts. Creating the housing
from removably attached flaps enables access to items stored
inside. The organizing loops also provide separated spaces to keep
the items secured inside separate, preventing them from becoming
tangled.
[0038] The enclosure provides shielding from damage from external
and potentially internal components. The enclosure includes a means
to enclose long strands or pieces of material. The enclosure also
ideally minimizes waste and provides for a reusable, versatile,
space saving, modular, portable protectant that protects and
secures enclosed jewelry or other items from moving around,
especially during transportation, and prevents the enclosed items
becoming tangled.
Example Embodiment 2
[0039] The storage equipment disclosed above also provides a method
for storing small form factor jewelry and other similar items in a
space efficient, modular, portable, protecting organizer that
allows for easy and safe transportation. The method includes
opening up a flexible piece of material that includes an embedded
bonding mechanism, placing the item(s) to be stored upon the
flexible piece of material, and then folding over two flaps of the
flexible material and securing them to the embedded bonding
material so as to form two organizing loops that enclose the
item(s) to be stored. Optionally, flap(s) disposed at one or both
end openings of the organizing loops may be further folded over and
attached to a second bonding mechanism so as to more fully enclose
and protect the item(s) to be stored.
Example Embodiment 3
[0040] The storage of pieces that are thicker can be stored in a
designated area that acts as storage to protect pieces inside the
flap(s) in 501. The end closing flap can have an open area to hook
the storage equipment for display and easy access purposes in 500,
grommets may be used as needed.
[0041] As shown in FIG. 5, the disclosed storage pouch can be
equipped with an eyelet 500 for hanging or securing the storage
pouch on a hook or other protrusion. The storage pouch in FIG. 5 is
comprised of one or more end flaps 501, which includes apertures
502 that can mate with a corresponding fastener 507. The storage
pouch includes one or more channels 504 through which items can be
passed, and then removably secured within the storage pouch by
affixing mechanisms 508. Affixing mechanisms 508 can be anything
suitable for removably securing items without harming the secured
items, such as magnets, adhesive spots, hook and loop material,
buttons, clasps, etc. End flap 501 can be equipped with additional
material that covers the ends of secured items as well as affixing
mechanisms 508. In FIG. 6, which shows an overhead view of the
storage pouch unfolded, optional attachment points 600 can be seen
for securing items such as earrings.
[0042] The storage pouch is closed by repeatedly folding along
folding lines 503. Fasteners 507 first pass through apertures on
the initially folded flap (not numbered, but shown next to affixing
mechanisms 508 in FIG. 5), and then through a second set of
apertures 505. As the pouch is folded further, apertures 502
finally engage with fasteners 507 to secure the storage pouch
closed. The storage pouch in its closed configuration is seen in
FIG. 7, where secured fasteners 700 are shown on the outer surface.
The inner folds 701 are visible along the side of the closed and
secured storage pouch.
* * * * *