U.S. patent application number 15/708721 was filed with the patent office on 2018-03-15 for container.
This patent application is currently assigned to FFLOX, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is FFLOX, Inc.. Invention is credited to Erica Yvette BENOIT, Eddy Benoit, JR., Zachary Adam Griggs, David Scott Rowley.
Application Number | 20180072488 15/708721 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47430221 |
Filed Date | 2018-03-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180072488 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
BENOIT; Erica Yvette ; et
al. |
March 15, 2018 |
CONTAINER
Abstract
A case comprising a first housing, a second housing attached to
the first housing, a liner on the inside of the first housing
and/or second housing, and a strap attached to the first housing
and/or second housing, the strap being constructed and arranged to
secure footwear.
Inventors: |
BENOIT; Erica Yvette;
(Marietta, GA) ; Benoit, JR.; Eddy; (Marietta,
GA) ; Rowley; David Scott; (Powder Springs, GA)
; Griggs; Zachary Adam; (Atlanta, GA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
FFLOX, Inc. |
Atlanta |
GA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
FFLOX, Inc.
Atlanta
GA
|
Family ID: |
47430221 |
Appl. No.: |
15/708721 |
Filed: |
September 19, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13536347 |
Jun 28, 2012 |
9796523 |
|
|
15708721 |
|
|
|
|
61502589 |
Jun 29, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 21/086 20130101;
B65D 25/04 20130101; B65D 85/187 20130101; A45C 13/03 20130101;
B65D 2205/02 20130101; A45C 5/00 20130101; A45C 7/0027 20130101;
B65D 25/102 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 85/18 20060101
B65D085/18; B65D 25/10 20060101 B65D025/10; B65D 25/04 20060101
B65D025/04; A45C 5/00 20060101 A45C005/00; A45C 13/03 20060101
A45C013/03; A45C 7/00 20060101 A45C007/00; B65D 21/08 20060101
B65D021/08 |
Claims
1. A case comprising: at least one first housing; at least one
second housing constructed and arranged to be attached to the at
least one first housing; at least one liner disposed on at least
one first inner side of the at least one first housing and/or at
least one inner second side of the at least one second housing; and
at least one strap attached to the at least one first housing
and/or the at least one second housing, the at least one strap
constructed and arranged to secure at least one piece of
footwear.
2. The case of claim 1, further comprising at least one hinge;
wherein the at least one first housing is attached to the at least
one second housing with the at least one hinge.
3. The case of claim 1, further comprising at least one latch
comprising: at least one first latch portion disposed on the at
least one first housing and; at least one second latch portion
disposed on the at least one second housing; wherein the at least
one first latch portion is constructed and arranged to interlock
with the at least one second latch portion.
4. The case of claim 1, further comprising at least one logo
disposed on the at least one first housing and/or the at least one
second housing.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 13/536,347, filed Jun. 28, 2012, which claims the benefit of
U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/502,589, filed Jun. 29, 2011.
Both applications are incorporated by reference in their
entireties.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0002] FIG. 1 depicts a footwear case according to an embodiment of
the invention.
[0003] FIG. 2A depicts a top view of a footwear case according to
an embodiment of the invention.
[0004] FIG. 2B depicts a side view of a footwear case according to
an embodiment of the invention.
[0005] FIG. 2C depicts a front view of a footwear case according to
an embodiment of the invention.
[0006] FIG. 3 depicts an exploded view of a footwear case according
to an embodiment of the invention.
[0007] FIG. 4 depicts a liner and housing according to an
embodiment of the invention.
[0008] FIG. 5 depicts a hinge according to an embodiment of the
invention.
[0009] FIGS. 6 and 7 depict examples of buckles, according to an
embodiment of the invention.
[0010] FIGS. 8-9 and 15-22 depict examples of a footwear case,
according to embodiments of the invention.
[0011] FIGS. 10-14 depict an example of an expandable footwear
case, according to an embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0012] FIG. 1 depicts an external view of a footwear container or
case 100 according to an embodiment of the invention. The case 100
may be sized to enclose one or more pairs of footwear. In some
embodiments, the case 100 may be sized to enclose a single pair of
flip flops or other flat footwear. A case 100 may be sized to
enclose a particular size and/or style of footwear, or it may be
made large enough to enclose any of a variety of different sizes
and/or styles of footwear. The case 100 may be used to enclose
objects other than footwear. The exterior of the case 100 may be
finished using any finish, (e.g., molded plastic, rubber, metal,
fabric, leather, a glossy surface, or other finishes, or any
combination thereof). The exterior of the case 100 may comprise at
least a first housing 110 and a second housing 120. One or more
portions of the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 may be
recessed. For example, in some embodiments, a first housing recess
111 and second housing recess 121 may be formed in the first
housing 110 and the second housing 120, respectively, near a
location where the first housing 110 and second housing 120 meet.
This can be used, for example, to help open and shut the case 100.
One or more vents 130 may be disposed in the case 100 in either the
first housing 110, the second housing 120, or both. In some
embodiments, a logo 140 or other marking may be placed or formed on
either the first housing 110, the second housing 120, or both. In
some embodiments, the case 100 may include one or more handles,
straps, attachment hooks, eyelets, subdividers, screens, interior
rubber/plastic liners with antimicrobial sprayed coating, similar
features, or combinations thereof which may facilitate carrying or
attachment to another object.
[0013] FIG. 2A depicts a top view of a footwear case 100 according
to an embodiment of the invention. In some embodiments, hinges 201
may be used to connect the first housing 110 and second housing
120. One or more hinges 201 may be disposed along a side of the
case 100. The hinges 201 may allow the case 100 to be opened and
closed. In some embodiments, the hinges 201 may be disposed on a
side parallel to and/or opposite from a side having a first housing
recess 111 and/or a second housing recess 121. (Note that the
measurements illustrated on FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C are merely example
measurements that may be used in one embodiment. Those of ordinary
skill in the art will see that multiple other measurements may be
utilized.)
[0014] FIG. 2B depicts a side view of a footwear case 100 according
to an embodiment of the invention. In this view, it can be seen
that the hinges 201 may join the first housing 110 and second
housing 120.
[0015] FIG. 2C depicts a front view of a footwear case 100
according to an embodiment of the invention. In this view (and in
FIG. 2B), it can be seen that in some embodiments the logo 140 may
be: raised with respect to first housing 110 and/or second housing
120, in relief with respect to first housing 110 and/or second
housing 120, on the same surface as first housing 110 and/or second
housing 120 (e.g., flat), sunk with respect to the first housing
110 and/or second housing 120, or in counter relief with respect to
the first housing 110 and/or the second housing 120, or any
combination thereof.
[0016] FIG. 3 depicts an exploded view of a footwear case 100
according to an embodiment of the invention. The logo 140 may be a
separate part from the case 100 and may be attached to the case 100
by an adhesive, mechanical fastener, or in some other fashion, or
any combination thereof. In other embodiments, the logo 140 may be
integrally formed as part of the first housing 110 and/or the
second housing 120.
[0017] In some embodiments, one or more liners 300 may be disposed
within the case 100. In some embodiments, one or more liners 300
may be attached to the inside of the first housing 110, the second
housing 120, or both. For example, the liners 300 may be
over-molded onto plastic housings (e.g., at the top and/or bottom).
The liners 300, which can be molded within the case and have a
antimicrobial spray agent, may be made of molded foam or some other
material. For example, the liners 300 may be molded of a
thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), of an ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA),
or of any combination thereof. (For more information on the TPE,
see, e.g., http://en.vvikipedia.org/wiki/Thermoplastic_elastomer,
which is herein incorporated by reference.) For more information on
the EVA, see, e.g.,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethylene-vinyl_acetate, which is also
herein incorporated by reference.) The liners 300 may be made from
a material that is resistant to mold, mildew, and/or fungus in some
embodiments. In some other embodiments, the liners 300 may be
treated to become resistant to mold, mildew, and/or fungus. In some
other embodiments, additional components of the case 100 may be
mold, mildew, and/or fungus resistant. For example, the liners 300
may be made of or have added an antimicrobial additive to provide
resistance to mold and mildew. (For more information on
antimicrobial additives, see, e.g.,
http://vvww.microban.com/americas/english/products/, which is
herein incorporated by reference.) In some embodiments, one or more
straps 310 may be disposed within the case 100. The straps 310 may
be made of elastic or another material that may stretch to securely
hold objects of varying shapes. The straps 310 may include a
fastener 311. The fastener may permit the straps 310 to be opened
and closed. The fastener 311 may comprise: a side release buckle
(e.g., FIG. 6), a low profile buckle (e.g., FIG. 7), or a metal
hook that hooks onto a metal loop. The fastener may comprise clips,
VELCRO, or another material. The fasteners 311 may be formed with
logos or designs in some embodiments. The straps 310 may include
ends 312 which attach the straps 310 to the liners 300 and/or the
first housing 110 or second housing 120. For example, in some
embodiments one or more straps 310 may attach to the first housing
110 and one or more straps may attach to the second housing 120, so
that one or more pieces of footwear or other objects may be secured
to each of the first housing 110 and the second housing 120. In
some embodiments, the ends 312 may allow the straps 310 to be
detached from and reattached to the liners 300 and/or first housing
110 or second housing 120. In embodiments wherein the ends 312 are
attached to the first housing 110 or second housing 120, one or
more of the liners 300 may include gaps 301 to permit the ends 312
to directly interface with the first housing 110 or second housing
120. Straps 310 may be mold, mildew, and/or fungus resistant.
[0018] In some embodiments, one or more dividers 320 may be
disposed within the case 100. For example, the dividers 320 may
comprise a molded plastic frame that suspends a plastic screen or a
sheet of clear or frosted vinyl acetate. The dividers 320 may
rotate on one or more hinges that could be integral to the case
hinge for the first housing 110 and the second housing 120. In some
embodiments, the dividers 320 may be flexible or rotatable and may
be used to separate one of a pair of footwear from its mate, for
example. Dividers 320 may comprise a screen 321 surrounded or
supported by a frame 322. The screen 321 may be made of acetate,
fine nylon, or any other suitable material. The frame 322 may be
made of sewn fabric or any other suitable material. In other
embodiments, dividers 320 may be a single piece. In some
embodiments, the dividers 320 may be formed with logos or designs.
Dividers 320 may also include attachment points 323 which allow the
dividers 320 to be attached to the liners 300 and/or the first
housing 110 or second housing 120. Dividers 320 may be mold,
mildew, and/or fungus resistant.
[0019] As noted above, one or more vents 130 may be included. In
some embodiments, vents 130 may comprise a vent frame 330 and a
barrier 331 which may be glued, welded, or attached in some other
way to the frame 330. Barriers 331 may be made of a material that
forms a barrier to water and/or other fluids. Vents 130 may be
attached to a liner 300 and/or the first housing 110 or second
housing 120. In some embodiments, vents 130 may be formed or carved
into the first housing 110 and/or second housing 120 instead of
being separate pieces. Vents 130 may be mold, mildew, and/or fungus
resistant. In one example, the vents 130 may be molded into a first
housing and/or a second housing 120, with openings created by a
side action using an injection molding tool. (For more information,
see, e.g., rockywoods.com.) Vent filters may be manufactured using,
for example, a plastic frame that sandwiches a light weight,
waterproof, breathable nylon fabric. In addition, vent filters
could have a secondary, breathable layer of fabric that may include
a fragrance or deodorant property that is added to the fabric
through a coating process. (See, e.g.,
vvwvv.fitfibers.com/Scented%20Fibers.degree.1020-
%20University%20of%20Philadelphia.pdf, which is herein incorporated
by reference.) One or more latches 340 may be included in the case
100. Latches 340 may be formed on the first housing 110 and second
housing 120 to permit the case 100 to be closed securely. In some
embodiments, latches 340 may be positioned on a side opposite a
side having hinges 201. In some embodiments, latches 340 may be
positioned on a side wherein the first housing 110 has one or more
first housing recesses 111 and the second housing 120 has one or
more second housing recesses 121. In one example, as illustrated in
FIG. 8, the latche 340 may be an integral snap finger latch
comprising a molded snap finger on the second housing 120 near a
midpoint of the parting line, and a matching recess molded into the
first housing 110. The snap finger may catch on the recess. Release
of the latch 340 may be accomplished by deflecting the bottom
housing near the midpoint of the parting line (e.g., indicated by a
molded dot, bump, etc.), thus disengaging the snap finger from the
undercut on the top housing.
[0020] FIG. 4 depicts a liner 300 and housing according to an
embodiment of the invention. For example, the housing shown is a
second housing 120, but the description in this paragraph may also
apply to a first housing 110. A liner 300 may include one or more
feet 400 on the side of the liner 300 which interfaces with the
second housing 120. The feet 400 may extend from the surface of the
liner 300. The feet 400 may be integrally formed as part of the
liner 300, or they may be separate pieces which are attached to the
liner 300. The second housing 120 may include one or more recesses
410. The recesses 410 may be positioned in locations where they may
accept the feet 400. The recesses 410 may be shaped in such a way
as to accept the feet 400. The recesses 410 may be integrally
formed as part of the second housing 120, or they may be separate
pieces which are attached to the second housing 120. The feet 400
may fit into the recesses 410 and be removable, or they, may be
secured using adhesives or other appropriate securing techniques.
The feet 400 and recesses 410 may be formed such that there is
space between the liner 300 and second housing 120, or they may be
formed such that the liner 300 and second housing 120 fit snugly
together. In some embodiments, the feet 400 and recesses 410 may be
omitted, and the liner 300 and second housing 120 may be attached
in some other way.
[0021] FIG. 5 depicts a hinge 201 according to an embodiment of the
invention. The hinge 201 may attach the first housing 110 and
second housing 120. The hinge 201 may comprise a first hinge
portion 510 having a first hinge geometry disposed on the first
housing 110 and a second hinge portion 520 having a second hinge
geometry disposed on the second housing 120. The respective hinge
geometries may be formed such that the first hinge portion 510 and
second hinge portion 520 snap together or are otherwise attachable
to one another. The hinge 201 may allow the first housing 110 and
second housing 120 to swivel with respect to one another when the
first hinge portion 510 and second hinge portion 520 are attached.
The hinge portions may be integrally formed as part of the housings
or may be separate parts attached to the housings. In other
embodiments, other hardware for attaching the first housing 110 and
second housing 120 may be provided.
[0022] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a footwear case
100, according to one embodiment. In this embodiment, the latch 340
is illustrated. The latch 340 can be a snap finger latch where
there is a molded snap finger on the second housing 120 near the
midpoint of the parting line, and a matching recess molded into the
first housing 110. The snap finger can catch on the recess. Release
of the latch can be accomplished by deflecting the second housing
120 near the midpoint of the parting line (e.g., which can be
indicated by a molded dot or bump), thus disengaging the snap
finger from the undercut on the top housing. In addition, the vent
130 can be molded, glued, or otherwise attached to the first
housing 120.
[0023] FIGS. 9 and 15-20 illustrate various views of another
footwear case 100, according to another embodiment. In this
embodiment, the vent 130 can be inserted into the second housing
120.
[0024] FIGS. 21-22 illustrate various views of another footwear
case 100, according to another embodiment. In this embodiment, a
mechanism 2105 may be included. The mechanism 2105 may allow a user
to attach a ring and/or strap to the footwear case 100. In this way
the footwear case 100 may be carried with a strap or attached to
something else (e.g., a purse, a piece of luggage). In some
embodiments, the mechanism 2105 may be made out of a material used
in another component of the footwear case 100. In other embodiment,
the mechanism 2105 may be made of a material that is not used in
other components of the footwear case 100.
[0025] FIGS. 10-14 illustrate views of another footwear case 100,
according to another embodiment. In this embodiment, the footwear
case 100 is expandable. As shown in FIG. 10, a tab 1005 may be
attached to the first housing 120. The tab 1005 may be used for
pulling or folding up a piece of material 1010 covering a mechanism
for expanding the case (e.g., zipper, VELCRO, buttons, etc.). FIG.
11 shows another view of the piece of material 1010 covering up a
zipper 1105. Material 1110 is contained in FIG. 11, but, as shown
in FIG. 14, material 1110 may be stretched out. FIG. 14 also
illustrates expanding area 1405, which area is expanded when the
mechanism for expanding the case (e.g., zipper) is utilized. FIG.
12 illustrates a view of the footwear case 100 where a zipper 1105
is exposed. FIG. 13 illustrates a view of the footwear case 100
where footwear case 100 is expanded, and the material 1105 is
utilized to keep the footwear case 100 together. FIGS. 10, 12, and
13 also illustrate example hinges 1015 that may connect the first
housing 110 to the second housing 120. Those of ordinary skill in
the art will see that many other types of hinges or other
mechanisms may be utilized to connect the first housing 110 and the
second housing 120.
[0026] It should be noted that, in some embodiment, the inside and
outside of the footwear case can have a name (e.g., trademark,
etc.) embossed, printed, etc.
[0027] While various embodiments have been described above, it
should be understood that they have been presented by way of
example, and not limitation. It will be apparent to persons skilled
in the relevant art(s) that various changes in form and detail can
be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope. In
fact, after reading the above description, it will be apparent to
one skilled in the relevant art(s) how to implement alternative
embodiments. Thus, the present embodiments should not be limited by
any of the above-described embodiments.
[0028] In addition, it should be understood that any figures which
highlight the functionality and advantages, are presented for
example purposes only. The disclosed methodology and system are
each sufficiently flexible and configurable, such that it may be
utilized in ways other than that shown.
[0029] Further, the purpose of the Abstract of the Disclosure is to
enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public
generally, and especially the scientists, engineers and
practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal
terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory
inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of
the application. The Abstract of the Disclosure is not intended to
be limiting as to the scope of the present invention in any
way.
[0030] It should be noted that Applicant has used the phrase
"comprising" throughout the claims instead of "including, but not
limited to". However, it should be noted that "comprising" should
be interpreted as meaning "including, but not limited to".
[0031] It should also be noted that the terms "a", "an", "the",
"said", etc. signify "at least one" or "the at least one" in the
specification, claims and drawings. It should also be noted that
when a plural term is utilized, a singular term may also be
meant.
[0032] Finally, it is the applicant's intent that only claims that
include the express language "means for" or "step for" be
interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112, paragraph 6. Claims that do not
expressly include the phrase "means for" or "step for" are not to
be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112, paragraph 6.
* * * * *
References