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.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to and is a continuation-in-part of copending U.S. application Ser. No. 14/873,085, filed on Oct. 1, 2015, which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes. U.S. application Ser. No. 14/873,085 claims priority to and benefit under 35 U.S.C, 119(e) of 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, management and protection of small form factor cord-like and rope-like items. More specifically, storage pouches consisting of loops that enables the organization and management of pendant and necklace-style jewelry, similarly configured items and associated components, as well as any object that is essentially or primarily cord-like in nature (e.g. headphone cables, charging cables, etc.) is disclosed.

[0003] An object with chains, ropes, or strings, such as a pendant, necklace, or other type of jewelry, or a cable commonly associated with a mobile device such as a set of headphones or charging or data cable, typically requires special equipment to prevent getting tangled during travel. Frequently such equipment is limited to a particular type of form factor or type of item. In particular, currently available equipment for small form factor rope or cord-like objects such as jewelry or cabling lacks modularity, flexibility, and versatility. Furthermore, various types and components of such storage pouches are typically not interchangeable and lack widespread versatility in usage.

[0004] Thus, there exists a need for a means to store and transport jewelry, cables and other similarly sized and configured items in a way that prevents damage to the items, prevents tangling of associated chains, ropes, cords, wires 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, cables, cords, personal jewelry and other similarly shaped items. The storage pouch is comprised of a flexible sheet of material. The storage pouch is closed by folding it in upon itself to create one or more loops for organizing and managing items, and securing the loops with one or more releasable fasteners. Other embodiments have the pouch material further fold in upon itself to seal the ends of the loops. Still other embodiments have a second flexible sheet of material disposed upon the first to create pre-formed channels. The storage pouch is then folded 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 a perspective view of a first example storage pouch 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 items.

[0008] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a second example storage pouch 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 a perspective view of the second example storage pouch depicted in FIG. 2, showing the end closing flap folded shut and attached to the body of the storage pouch, thereby offering protection from the outside environment, enhancing the versatility and portability of the storage pouch in use.

[0010] FIG. 4 is an overhead view of the second example storage pouch depicted in FIG. 2, showing the organization loops unfolded.

[0011] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a third example storage pouch for 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 is an overhead view of the third example embodiment depicted in FIG. 5 for storing and holding smaller extruded pieces; such pieces are fully protected when folded over several times.

[0013] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the third example embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 in a folded and secured closed configuration.

[0014] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the third example embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, depicting an additional divider and possible manner for storing headphones.

[0015] 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

[0016] The disclosed space efficient folding storage pouches will become better understood through review of the following detailed description in conjunction with the figures. The detailed description and figures provide merely examples of the various inventions described herein. Those skilled in the art will understand that the disclosed examples may be varied, modified, and altered without departing from the scope of the inventions described herein. Many variations are contemplated for different applications and design considerations; however, for the sake of brevity, each and every contemplated variation is not individually described in the following detailed description.

[0017] Throughout the following detailed description, examples of various space efficient folding storage pouches are provided. Related features in the examples may be identical, similar, or dissimilar in different examples. For the sake of brevity, related features will not be redundantly explained in each example. Instead, the use of related feature names will cue the reader that the feature with a related feature name may be similar to the related feature in an example explained previously. Features specific to a given example will be described in that particular example. The reader should understand that a given feature need not be the same or similar to the s portrayal of a related feature in any given figure or example.

[0018] As discussed above, the majority of additional equipment used to prevent jewelry and other similar corded and 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 pouches 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 pouches are permanently linked to the original form factor.

[0019] The embodiments described herein generally relate to storage pouches with a small form factor that enables space efficiency, organization, modularity, portability, versatility, interchangeability, while providing protection of enclosed items. In some embodiments, the storage pouch includes one or more flaps made from flexible material that are foldable and held together by bonding mechanisms that are releasable 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. By placing the bonding mechanisms in several locations throughout the storage pouch, loops of various sizes and configurations can be created. Further, in some embodiments, the storage pouch does not include a flap and bonding mechanism, but simply comprised of two fixed organizing loops. A bonding mechanism can be used to enable access to the internal components. Additionally, the storage pouch can optionally include a flap or a shielding piece at either or both ends of the storage pouch that provides an enclosing mechanism to protect internal components from damage.

[0020] 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.

[0021] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a first example storage pouch 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 pouch may thus be constructed from any flexible material that can receive an appropriate bonding mechanism. The storage pouch 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 pouch can be made to different sizes to accommodate various types of jewelry or other similar items, e.g., sizes acelets, standard or long necklaces, or any size suitable to accommodate a variety of different jewelry types, as veil as to accommodate and organize items such as headphones and charging cables.

[0022] The storage pouch 100 is comprised of a flexible sheet 101 which folds into two organizing loops 102, which are formed from flaps 108 that extend from flexible sheet 101. Of the two organizing loops 102 depicted in FIG. 1, one or both 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.

[0023] Flexible sheet 101 and flaps 108 can either be formed from a single continuous piece, with flaps 108 cut into and integral with flexible sheet 101, or can be made from a different flexible material that is bonded or otherwise permanently affixed to flexible sheet 101. Flexible sheet 101 and flaps 108 can be manufactured from materials such as microfiber, leather, canvas, plastic, vinyl, woven material, cloth, or any other suitable flexible material now know or later developed. Furthermore, the material may be double-sided, with a soft surface such as microfiber on the surface of flexible sheet 101 and flaps 108 that is folded in upon itself, and thus becomes the interior of storage pouch 100, with a more durable surface such as vinyl or leather on the exterior of storage pouch 100 in this way, items placed within storage pouch 100 are protected by being held next to a soft, non-marring surface, while the exterior remains ruggedized to withstand handling.

[0024] At least one of the flaps 108 includes a bonding mechanism 104. The bonding mechanism 104 holds the two flaps 108 removably 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] By using a removable bond material for bonding mechanism 104, the organizing loops 108 may be opened and the entire storage pouch 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. Alternatively, portions of bonding mechanism 104 can be placed at several positions on flexible sheet 101 so as to allow varying the sizes of organizing loops 102. By further adding additional portions of bonding mechanism 104 to additional positions on flaps 108, the sizes and potentially number of organizing loops 102 can be varied as suits the user.

[0027] FIG. 2 illustrates a second embodiment of a storage pouch 200. Many of the components of storage pouch 200 are identical to those of storage pouch 100, and will not be separately described here; the reader is referred to the foregoing description of storage pouch 100. Storage pouch 200 includes two organizing loops 208 and 210, with an additional end closing flap 202 of materials bonded to the main body of the storage pouch 200 with an integrated bonding mechanism feature analogous to bonding mechanism 104, thereby offering protection from potential damage from outside environments.

[0028] The storage pouch 200 includes two organizing loops 208 created 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.

[0029] The end closing flap 202 extends from the end of storage pouch 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 pouch 200 if a completely enclosable storage pouch 200 is desired. As with flaps 210 and corresponding flaps 108, end closing flaps 202 may be made of the same material as flexible sheet 101, made integral with flexible sheet 101, or may be made from a different material.

[0030] End closing flap 202 closes to storage pouch 200 to protect the contents of storage pouch 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. Bonding mechanism 206 may also in whole or in part be integrated with the bonding mechanism for creating organizing loops 208.

[0031] 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.

[0032] As with the storage pouch 100 depicted in FIG. 1, the flaps 210 are detachably linked together to form organizing loops 208, utilizing flexible material to form the organizing loops 208 and provide storage with minimal slippage, so as to securely hold the internal components stored inside. Furthermore, in keeping with the similarities to storage pouch 100, flaps 210 may have portions of or additional bonding mechanisms located at various locations, with corresponding various locations on the flexible sheet comprising storage pouch 200, so as to allow the size and location of organizing loops 208 to be adjusted to suit user needs.

[0033] 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.

[0034] FIG. 3 is an illustration of the example storage pouch 200, depicting the end closing flap shut and secure, so as to provide a closed storage pouch 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 pouch 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.

[0035] The bonding mechanism 304 is used to secure end closing flap 302 to the body of storage pouch 300, thereby helping to hold the entire enclosure together.

[0036] FIG. 4 is an illustration of storage pouch 400, a top view of the storage pouch 200 disclosed in FIGS. 2 and 3, but with the organizing loops and end closing flap detached from the bonding mechanism and unfolded.

[0037] The storage pouch 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 pouch 400 enables easy accessibility to place or remove the jewelry or items to be stored. When folded as depicted in the figures, the storage pouch 400 becomes an enclosure that provides security and protection from potential damage, while ensuring versatility of use.

[0038] 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 pouch together.

[0039] Depending on the mechanism used, a bonding mechanism flap 404 may be provided to secure the bonding mechanism 402, which connects to a mating bonding mechanism on the body of storage pouch 400. Likewise, a second bonding mechanism flap 406 may be utilized to match with the bonding mechanism 402. 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 pouch 400.

[0040] The storage pouch 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 pouch 400 body into a closed form.

[0041] Finally, depending upon the type of bonding mechanism employed, multiple storage pouches could be removably attached together to form larger and more complex storage pouches. For example, if the bonding mechanism is a series of magnets with corresponding metallic strips, magnets placed at the end of a flap could be removably attached to a corresponding complementary magnet or metallic strip in the end of a flap in a second storage pouch, thereby increasing the overall size of the aggregate storage pouch. The flaps of one of the component storage pouch could fold over and join with corresponding bonding mechanisms in either the same component storage pouch or its complementing component storage pouch to form loops of various sizes.

[0042] An example of such a storage pouch allowing for modular expansion would, considering the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, have a magnet located in the end of flap 108, a metallic strip located in the end of the opposing flap 108, and a magnet arranged with a complementary pole configuration in bonding mechanism 104 in center strip 106 so as to receive and attach to the corresponding end of flap 108 with magnets. With such an arrangement, the end of flap 108 with magnets could also be removably joined to a corresponding end of flap 108 with a metallic strip in a second storage pouch 100, effectively creating an aggregate storage pouch with twice the width of storage pouch 100.

EXAMPLE EMBODIMENT 1

[0043] 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 similar 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.

[0044] 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, headphones, cables, or other items from moving around, especially during transportation, and prevents the enclosed items becoming tangled.

EXAMPLE EMBODIMENT 2

[0045] The storage pouch 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

[0046] 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 pouch for display and easy access purposes in 500, grommets may be used as needed.

[0047] 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 car be equipped with additional material that covers the ends of secured items as well as affixing mechanisms 508.

[0048] The storage pouch in FIG. 5 is formed from a piece of flexible material similar to flexible sheet 101 disclosed and described in connection with FIG. 1, and the addition of second flexible sheet 506, which overlays and is attached to the main flexible sheet so as to form channels 504. Second flexible sheet 506 may be permanently bonded to the main flexible sheet, or may be removably attached using a bonding mechanism as described in the foregoing description so as to facilitate insertion and removal of items to be stored.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] FIG. 8 depicts a storage pouch substantially similar to the pouch depicted in FIGS. 5 and 6, with a set of headphones shown in a suggested storage configuration. A second fastener 800 is shown, which is similar to fastener 507, but located on the opposite end of the pouch. The provision of an additional set of fasteners 800 act as a divider for retaining and storing items such as headphone 801. Headphones 801 are shown strung around and between fasteners 507 and fasteners 800, thereby preventing the headphone cord from becoming entangled, and keeping multiple headphone sets separated. It will be understood that headphones are only one example of appliance that can be stored, and the pouch in FIG. 8 can be used to securely and cleanly store any similar rope-like or wire-like object that can be strung between the fasteners.

[0052] The disclosure above encompasses multiple distinct inventions with independent utility. While each of these inventions has been disclosed in a particular form, the specific embodiments disclosed and illustrated above are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. The subject matter of the inventions includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions and/or properties disclosed above and inherent to those skilled in the art pertaining to such inventions. Where the disclosure or subsequently filed claims recite "a" element, "a first" element, or any such equivalent term, the disclosure or claims should be understood to incorporate one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements.

[0053] Applicant(s) reserves the right to submit claims directed to combinations and subcombinations of the disclosed inventions that are believed to be novel and non-obvious. Inventions embodied in other combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements and/or properties may be claimed through amendment of those claims or presentation of new claims in the present application or in a related application. Such amended or new claims, whether they are directed to the same invention or a different invention and whether they are different, broader, narrower or equal in scope to the original claims, are to be considered within the subject matter of the inventions described herein.

Claims

1. A storage pouch comprised of a sheet of flexible material, wherein: at least one portion of the sheet folds inward towards the center of the sheet to form a loop; and the sheet comprises one or more attachment devices that allow the at least one portion of the sheet to be removably secured to the sheet, so as to secure contents within the loop.

2. The storage pouch of claim 1 further comprising: a second portion of the sheet that folds inward to form a second loop; and a center strip that separates the loop from the second loop.

3. The storage pouch of claim 2 wherein the center strip is formed from the ends of the portions of the sheet that are folded inward towards the center of the sheet in conjunction with the one or more attachment devices.

4. The storage pouch of claim 1 further comprising: one or more portions of the sheet that fold over an open end of the loop, and one or more corresponding attachment devices to secure the one or more portions of the sheet over the open end of the loop.

5. The storage pouch of claim 1, where the one or more attachment devices comprise hook and loop material, snaps, buttons, interlocking channels, magnets or magnetic strips.

6. The storage pouch of claim 1, where the sheet of flexible material is comprised of microfiber, velvet, vinyl, plastic, fabric, canvas, or leather.

7. The storage pouch of claim 1, further comprising 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.

8. The storage pouch of claim 1 further comprising multiple attachment devices within the sheet.

9. 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.

10. The storage pouch of claim 9 wherein the one or more attachment devices comprise hook and loop material, snaps, buttons, interlocking channels, magnets or magnetic strips.

11. The storage pouch of claim 9 wherein the sheet of flexible material is comprised of microfiber, velvet, vinyl, plastic, fabric, canvas, or leather.

12. The storage pouch of claim 9 further comprising at least one grommet disposed within one of the portions of the sheet that fold inward.

13. The storage pouch of claim 9 further comprising at least one retention device for retaining an item inserted into one of the channels.

14. The storage pouch of claim 13 wherein the at least one retention device comprises a magnet, hook, flap, or button.