Accessory holder for hair accessories and personal items

Abstract

A combination storage and toy apparatus for holding a plurality of personal items such as annular elastic hair ties, hair clips, brushes, and combs, wherein said placement of said personal items is creative, playful, and educational in activity and skill without violence or frustration. The apparatus has an elongated hollow body and a flat decoratively shaped base. The entire outer length of the body may receive numerous personal items with or without being attached to the base. The storage/toy apparatus has provisions for conveniently storing additional items down the hollow receiving end of the tube opposite the base wherein said items may be held visible. Adding, subtracting, and identifying personal items placed make for an education toy apparatus.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] Not applicable.

BACKGROUND

[0002] 1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] This invention relates generally to multiple hair accessory storage, specifically an improved organizational apparatus that holds and receives hair ties and clips with further storage provisions for a sundry of personal items, wherein such activities promotes educational skills.

[0004] 2. DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

[0005] Superstores and specialized stores commonly offer plastic storage bins, which serve the same purpose as a drawer. In all similarities of my invention, the accessory holder, the plastic storage bins are easy to use and inexpensive to manufacture, do not damage the accessories, and can be used repeatedly; nevertheless, they become tattered and unsightly after repeated use. Moreover, there is no more positive impetus for younger girls, or teens to keep their accessories organized wherein the standard method of restoring order is left to the parents or tossed into a drawer. Plastic storage devices do not serve a sundry of stimulating and useful functions that children need. Plastic storage devices do not invite the activity of storing personal items in a fun and organized fashion that specifically relate to feminine concern, which evidentially promotes educational activities and skills.

[0006] Inventors have created several types of articles for holding accessories for children. U.S. Pat. No. 5,433,643 to Pratt (1994) discloses a toy doll apparatus in part as an accessory holder. Although relating to feminine concern, receives a number of accessories, and has several functions, the doll embodiment is intended for children only, equipped with hooks, loosely sewn attachments, and a glass mirror; subsequently, heretofore leaves room for lost attachments, invasive cuts, and choking hazards deeming the prior art dangerous. Whereas my invention is made of durable plastic and does not suffer from heretofore disadvantages.

[0007] There is currently a great demand for a space saving and convenient way of neatly storing hair accessories and provisions of holding related or non related accessories (brush, tooth brush, blow dryer, flowers, small office supplies) that meet a more desirable appearance for children as well as adults. U.S. Pat. No. 5,344,356 to Pizzelli et al. discloses a storage device that securely holds with ease a few forms of a hair accessories by attachment of Velcro on its outer surface and has a space saving storage cavity for holding a number of person items. However, Pizzelli et al. notwithstanding to hold water-soluble products or perishables, is meant stationary to the home, does not have a distinct visual on its inside holdings, and had in mind a child for its consumer. Again, my accessory holder is generally transparent for distinct visual means of all its holdings and is made for anyone that owns hair accessories such as women and children. Heretofore has a variation that can hold water soluble products and perishables, may be placed in a plurality of locations, such as the bathroom, dresser, table, automobile, place of work, purse, and luggage. Accessories are typically stored unorganized in a drawer, doorknob, rear view mirror, or storage bin, which makes selection of a specific design or color difficult. With lack of organization accessories eventually become forgotten, lost, entangled, damaged, or lose their shape; not to mention the consumption of time wasted trying to locate a desired accessory.

[0008] Moreover, an unnecessary amount of space is used when there is lack of organization. U.S. Pat. No. 5,626,503 to Heftel et al. (1997) discloses an article for holding accessories is creative and can hold a plurality of hair ties, but the holder only receives a limited number of accessories, is overwhelmingly long, and is designed to be hung on a door knob; heretofore lacks organization and consumes a needless amount of time. The Hair Bopsy is an accessory holder designed specifically for today's consumers expecting variety, more for their money, and every product including new inventions must be multifunctional, easy to use, economical, and esthetically appealing. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,433,643, 3,759,377, 5,626,503, and 5,344,356 suffer with not holding up to all of today's consumers' expectations.

SUMMARY

[0009] In accordance with the present invention an accessory holder comprises a flat decorative base connected or attached to a clear hollow annular tube with provisions for additional structures, generally manufactured from plastic.

[0010] Objects and Advantages

[0011] Accordingly, besides the objects and advantages of the storage holders described in my above patent, several objects and advantages of the present invention are:

[0012] (a) to provide a in a variety of colors or without requiring the manufacturer to use a compounding facility for the production of pigment;

[0013] (b) to provide an accessory holder whose production allows for a convenient and extremely rapid and economical manufacturing as well as change of color in the base or the annular tube that are being produced;

[0014] (c) to provide an accessory holder which is durable, light in weight, relatively compact in size, and easy to use;

[0015] (d) to provide an accessory holder which is designed specifically for organization with little effort for hair accessories, clips such as Velcro, snap, and jaw types with hinges or personal items you opt to place in or around it;

[0016] (e) to provide an accessory holder that can be placed in a plurality of locations in and out of the home such as, but not limited to, the bathroom, dresser, table, car, place of work, purse, and luggage;

[0017] (f) to provide an accessory holder that can have multiple attached or pressure fit structures added for additional storage provisions without losing attachments or having to worry about potential hazards;

[0018] (g) to provide an accessory holder which non-prejudicially inviting esthetically for women and children of all ages and ethnic backgrounds;

[0019] (h) to provide an accessory holder which can comprise as a toy;

[0020] (i) to provide an accessory holder which can be used as an educational tool that relate to feminine concern or otherwise;

[0021] (j) to provide an accessory holder which does not promote, subject, or contain violence and objects that could cause harm to one;

[0022] (k) to provide an accessory holder which is generally transparent for distinct visual resource to an accessory or personal item;

[0023] (I) to provide an accessory holder which can be used to hold water-soluble products and perishables. Use example: a vase, candy dish, fish bowl, glass;

[0024] (m) to provide an accessory holder that leaps beyond the prior arts limited functions of holding hair accessories but expands the idea of holding anything that will fit in, on, or around it that won't melt the material, such as, but not limited to beauty aids, hygiene products, jewelry, money, office supplies, flowers, and food;

[0025] Further objects and advantages are to provide an accessory holder which can be used easily and conveniently by anyone to store accessories and personal items, without damage to the hair accessories or personal items, which is simple to use and inexpensive to manufacture, which can be supplied in separate pieces (base and tube or tube and lip end caps) en masse for pressure fit, ultrasonic adhesion, lazar cut, injection molded, or in any safe means of producing the hereinto fore said apparatus, which can be used repeatedly for the same or different function, and which obviates the need to toss or store items unorganized. Still further objects and advantages will become apparent from a consideration of the ensuing description and drawings. 1 References Cited FOREIGN PATENT U.S. Pat. Documents DOCUMENTS D. 170,007  7/1953 Collins D. 240,242  6/1976 Orenstein 2257057 France 132/275 D. 241,044  8/1976 Daenen 2639840 France D. 274,924  7/1984 Radosevich et al. D. 283,719  5/1986 Walsh 2,805,566  9/1957 Martinuzzi  70/456 3,709,373  9/1973 Aguilar 211/113 3,759,377  9/1973 Weimer 3,790,045  2/1974 Rigel et al 211/13 3,804,307  4/1974 Johnston  63/3 3,930,331  1/1976 Simeone 446/369 4,375,110  3/1983 Murphy 403/291 4,505,687  3/1985 Munro 4,519,564  5/1985 Nadherny 248/327 4,561,548 12/1985 Call 211/70 4,815,999  3/1989 Ayon et al. 4,816,001  3/1989 Narvaez et al. 4,889,512 12/1989 Burnett et al. 4,905,821  3/1990 Cobett 206/4524 4,921,460  5/1990 Lin 4,968,279 11/1990 Smith. 446/71 5,044,385  9/1991 Rhodes 132/275X 5,094,414  3/1992 Eddy, Jr. 211/113 5,516,171 10/1992 Goodman 5,174,139 12/1992 Huang  70/456 5,226,858  7/1993 Snowdon 206/554 5,301,696  4/1994 Revson 132/273 5,452,806  9/1995 Campas 211/13 5,520,036  5/1996 Collier  70/456 5,626,503  5/1997 Heftel et al. 132/275 6,062,232  5/2000 Johnson 6,076,685  6/2000 Ramirez 5,344,356 Pizzelli et al. 5,433,643 Pratt 446/73 5,626,503 Heftel et al.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0026] 1. Field of the Invention

[0027] This invention relates generally to multiple hair accessory storage, specifically an improved organizational apparatus that holds and receives hair ties and hair clips with further storage provisions for a sundry of items, wherein such activity promotes educational skills.

[0028] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0029] Storage devices serve a sundry of stimulating and useful functions for children. With respect to the present invention is generally a non-detachable apparatus, which may be used to sort accessories by color or design (eye/hand coordination) and counting desired groups of accessories (tactile skill and activity). Mostly, it invites the activity of storing personal items in a fun and organized fashion that specifically relates to feminine concern, which evidently promotes educational activities and skills. Moreover, there is no more positive impetus for younger girls to keep there accessories organized when the standard method of restoring order is left to the parents or tossed into a drawer. While the forgoing body of the prior art indicates use by younger children, the prior art lacks creativity, organizational incentive, induces harm by having detachments in its assembly and/or parts easily broken; leaving room for lost attachments and potential choking hazards deeming the prior art useless.

[0030] Furthermore, there is a great demand for a space saving and convenient way of neatly storing hair accessories that meets a more desirable appearance for young ladies and the more-mature adult.

[0031] Accessories are typically stored, unorganized, in a drawer, doorknob, or container, which makes selection of a specific design or color difficult. With lack of organization accessories eventually become forgotten, lost, entangled, damaged, or lose their shape; not to mention the consumption of time wasted trying to locate the desired accessory. Moreover, an unnecessary amount of space is used when there is lack of organization. In reference to the prior art, tending to be overwhelmingly large and receive limited accessories, and are generally stationary to the home. Further among the countless features of the present invention may be noted as relatively compact in size, is generally transparent for distinct visual means, economical to manufacture, and is easy to use. Unlike most of the prior art, the present invention is forth set to travel, is light in weight, as well as durable. This minimizes the possibility of deformation and enables travel via a sundry of valises. The present invention may be placed at a plurality of locations such as, but not limited to, a bathroom, dresser, table, automobile, and place of work. Furthermore, the prior art reveals an article of this invention holds annular elastic hair ties, hair clips, barrettes, ribbons, brushes, combs, and jewelry. It is the object of this invention to receive in any combination of those said above. In addition, the present invention may be used for purposes other than a multiple hair accessory device, more specifically, but not limited to, holding flowers, water, appliances, utensils, tooth brushes and paste, some blow dryers, rocks and marbles, coin and paper currency, and small office supplies. Other advantages of the present invention over the prior art will also be rendered evident.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0032] To achieve the foregoing and other advantages the present invention brief described provides a decorative display and storage facility for, but not limited to, a new hair accessory apparatus which includes a flat decorative base connected as one with a cylindrical hollow tube. The present invention may be fabricated in various materials. In preferred form the present invention is fabricated in a select economical plastic which is sufficiently resiliently pliable as to permit the repeat receipt and removal of multiple hair accessories.

[0033] This article may be noted the provision of an article for holding accessories, such as annular hair ties, hair clips, including but not limited to, fastenable, Velcro®, snap, and jaw-types with hinges. The present invention receives hair ties in their natural given shape before and after being united with the apparatus, preventing deformation and damage. The embodiment of the present invention may be received in a decorative, playful, and creative chic.

[0034] The provisions of this article will invite children to safely arrange and store the accessories in an organized manner; therefore, promoting an educational activity and skill, as well as, a toy and decorative storage facility.

[0035] For the more mature, this apparatus holds an esthetically appealing configuration, is decorative, and minimizes the consumption of time by being transparent so the combination of accessories can be viewed with ease. In addition, the hair accessory apparatus is light in weight, compact, and durable, travels well, and may be placed in a number of locations, such as your home, vehicle and place of employment.

[0036] Further among the several functions and features of the present invention may be noted the provision of the combination of the article and the accessories held thereon which produces a utility as well as a decorative article.

[0037] Generally, an article of this invention holds annular elastic hair ties which are placed on the receiving portion, opposite the base, having a cross sectional dimension size larger than the internal diameter of the annual hair tie in their relaxed natural configuration. Whereby the elastic hair tie rests on the tube and is held in place on the tube. These types of hair ties are commonly called, “Scunci®.”

[0038] Continuing the aspect of the present invention an article for holding hair accessories, specifically hair clips; including but not limited to, fastenable, snap, and jaw-type with hinges commonly called “butterflies” may be placed in the hollow receiving end of the tube, opposite the base, having a hollow cross sectional dimensions size larger than the internal diameter of the hair clips and accessories in their relaxed configuration. In addition, an aspect of the present invention, the “butterfly” may be gripped on to the edge of the base portion of the apparatus resting in a slightly open manner as well as grasped on to the fabric portion of the “Scunci” in a slightly open fashion for additional visible storage space and added convenience.

[0039] Combinations of the accessories with a sundry of articles are also disclosed. Another object of this invention is to promote the storage use of miscellaneous items other then hair accessories such as, but not limited to, brushes, combs, blow dryer tips, office supplies, appliances, flowers, water, currency, gadgets of appreciative size, and smaller dry foods of sorts, i.e . . . candy.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] The invention will be better understood and the above objects as well as other than those said will become more apparent after a study of there following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:

[0041] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the preferred embodiment of the accessory holder of the invention accompanied with accessories being stored.

[0042] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective isometric view showing the preferred embodiment of the accessory holder of the invention in its innate form.

[0043] FIG. 3 is a perspective top view of the base portion and the top of the annular tube of the invention shown in FIG. 1 FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective side view of the hollow-receiving portion of the clear hollow annular of the embodiment of the invention with preferred dimensions.

[0044] FIG. 5 is a pictorial of the preferred embodiment FIG. 1 with an additional structure having an elevated arch-shaped slender tube for storing additional accessories, personal items, and a larger base diameter to withhold the additional accessories for maximum storage and stability.

[0045] FIG. 6 is a pictorial of FIG. 5 with respect to the present invention with additional structures having small diameter and length for holding such items as rings and small hair ties.

[0046] FIG. 7 is a pictorial of FIG. 5 having storage structures as in FIG. 6 and a hollow raised square connected on the same base for additional storage provisions.

[0047] FIG. 8 is a pictorial of a preferred alternate decorative holder having additional storage structures of various shapes and sizes for holding a variety of accessories and personal items.

[0048] FIG. 9 is a pictorial of a preferred alternate decorative holder having a variety of additional storage structures for holding a sundry of hair accessories and personal items.

[0049] FIG. 10 is of the preferred embodiment FIG. 2 with an additional structure referred to as a lip to promote the attachment of said items.

[0050] FIG. 11 is of the preferred embodiment FIG. 4 with an additional structure referred to as a lip to promote the attachment of said items.

[0051] FIG. 12 is a pictorial of a preferred alternate decorative holder showing the preferred embodiment of the accessory holder having a continuous annular tube, adjoining lips at both ends of the tube, and without a base.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFFERED EMBODIMENT

[0052] With reference to the drawings, a new and improved hair accessory storage apparatus embodying the principles and concepts of the present invention will be described.

[0053] Turning to FIG. 1, there is shown an exemplary embodiment of the hair accessory storage apparatus of the invention generally designed. In its preferred form, hair accessory storage apparatus includes a base assembly 7 and an annular hollow tube assembly 4, which is connected with the base assembly 7. The annular hollowness of the tube 1 may hold such items as a brush 2, comb 3, “butterflies” and barrettes 10. The annular hollow tube 4 may receive accessories such as hair ties 5, jaw type clips 6, and bracelets 9. The base assembly 7 may receive headbands that rest on the platform of the base assembly 7. The base assembly 7 may also receive jaw type clips 6 on the outer circumference of the base assembly 7.

[0054] Proceeding to FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective isometrical view of the embodiment of the invention without accessories dressing the apparatus. The present invention in its preferred embodiment is made of plastic but can be made from a sundry of other economical materials. The tube is cylindrical but can be designed in any upright shape, size, and/or color.

[0055] FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective top view of the base assembly of the embodiment of the invention without accessories dressing the apparatus as a continuous structure. The decorative base assembly can be made so that the hollow tube assembly FIG. 1-4 can be joined together with the base assembly FIG. 1-7 by inserting the hollow tube FIG. 14 into the base assembly FIG. 1-7 with minimal effort. Additionally, FIGS. 1-4 and FIGS. 1-7 can be made as one assembly by injection molding, as well as, other types of methods. The base assembly FIG. 1-7 provides the present invention with stability as well as provisions of storage. The base assembly FIG. 1-7 in its preferred embodiment tends to be five inches in diameter and five inches in circumference. Accessories are placed flat on the base in their natural configuration and removed in the same fashion.

[0056] Onto FIG. 4, is an enlarged perspective side view of the hollow receiving portion of the present invention FIGS. 1-1 and FIGS. 1-4. These portions of the apparatus have an outer diameter of 1½″. It may receive and hold hairpins, barrettes FIG. 1-10, and clips with hinges FIG. 1-6 by placing the accessory down the hollowness of the tube FIG. 1-1. The smaller accessories may be removed by tipping the apparatus on its side without harm to other accessories. The larger items such as brushes FIG. 1-2, combs FIG. 1-3, and blow dryers are placed down the center of the hollowness of the tube FIG. 1-1 in their natural configuration and held in place by the durability of the present invention. Removal of the larger accessories is accomplished by reversing the process. The outer length of the hollow tube FIG. 1-7 holds such items as hair ties FIG. 1-5 and bracelets FIG. 1-9 are placed over the outer diameter of the tube and held on to the body by their natural configuration. Removing the accessories is done with ease by reversing the process of placement. The preferred embodiment stands 7″ tall and is generally made of an inexpensive plastic, but can be made out of a sundry of materials.

[0057] In addition to FIG. 1, this variation FIG. 5 of the present invention is shown to have an elevated arch-shaped slender tube 32 located distal the hollow tube 31 structure on the corresponding base assembly 30, which is preferred to be 7″ in diameter. The preferred arch 32 can be elevated to 9″ tall with a solid outer diameter of ⅛″. This structure 32 can be manufactured from the same or different materials, can be used to hold such accessories as clips with hinges FIG. 1-6, “butterflies” FIG. 1-10, necklaces, and bracelets FIG. 1-9 may be placed and removed as described above.

[0058] FIG. 6 is FIG. 5 with additional structures 92 that accompany the edge of the base assembly 90 by 1″ in from the circumference and surround the frontal aspect of the hollow annular tube 91. Two to five hollow or solid tubes 92, made from the same of different material, approximately 1″ in height and a solid diameter of ⅛″ occupy the space on the embodiment. These structures 92 can be used to hold such items as rings or smaller elastic annular ties. Placement and removal of accessories are relative to the above said placement and removal.

[0059] Another variation to FIG. 5 is shown in FIG. 7 as having two additional diminutive hollow or solid tubes 52 located just in from the base assembly and from the frontal aspect of the hollow annular tube. The above said, are approximately 1″ in height and a solid diameter of to ⅛″. This variation can be used to hold such items as rings or smaller elastic annular ties. Placement and removal of accessories are relative to the above said placement and removal. Continuing, this particular invention has a hollowed out square structure 53 that rests on the same base assembly 50 as the annular tube 51 and can be made from the same or different material. Generally the square structure 53 is 1″ tall by an outer diameter hollow diameter of 3″ wide. The hollow square structure 53 can hold items such as hair accessories, a sundry of jewelry, as well as miscellaneous items and may be placed and removed in the fashion as mentioned above.

[0060] FIG. 8 is intended to be a fixture for display in a retail store, hair salon, or for the consumer that has a large quantity of accessories. This present invention comes equipped with hollow annular tube 61 with the same functions and dimensions as above mentioned. Diminutive annular tubes 64 are sporadically annexed to serve the same purpose and have the identical dimensions as stated formally in FIG. 6-52. Rods 63 paralleled in threes, can reach from 6″ high and are also current on the present invention. Rods 63 serve the purpose of the arch like structure FIG. 5-32; operates alike, has the corresponding dimensions as the up-right portion of the arch, and can be manufactured from the same economic materials. In addition, the rectangular base assembly 60 holds a number of single cup-like fixtures 62. These “cups” 62 are the size of a coffee cup and enable the user to store a variety of miscellaneous items, such as “butterflies”, barrettes, clips, pins, and jewelry. The structures on the current invention may be arranged in any fashion. Placement and removal should be in accordance with the above set-forth instructions. In addition, these structures can be used to contain or store other various said and unsaid items. Raised structures 65 mounted on the base assembly 60 are 64 horizontal and serve the purpose of having jaw type clips with hinges FIG. 1-6.

[0061] FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective top view of the base assembly of the embodiment of the invention seen with a “lip” type structure and preferred dimensions resting on a base assembly as in FIG. 1-7.

[0062] FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective isometrical view of the embodiment of the invention with a lip type structure that hangs over the end of the tube to prevent accessories from becoming detached from the apparatus and enables further hair accessories to encompass the tube. The present invention in its preferred embodiment is made of plastic but can be made from a sundry of other economical materials. The tube is cylindrical but can be designed in any upright shape, size, and/or color. The decorative base assembly can be made so that the hollow tube assembly as in FIG. 1-4 can be joined together with the base assembly as in FIG. 1-7 by inserting the hollow tube as in FIG. 14 into the base assembly as in FIG. 1-7 with minimal effort. Additionally, FIG. 10 can be made as one assembly by injection molding, as well as, other types of methods. The base assembly as in FIG. 1-7 provides the present invention with stability as well as provisions of storage. The base assembly as in FIG. 1-7 in its preferred embodiment tends to be 5″ in diameter. Accessories are placed flat on the base in their natural configuration and removed in the same fashion.

[0063] FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective side view of the hollow receiving portion of the present invention with a lip type structure attached and coming off of the annular tube, curling back over ½″ in a continuous fashion as preferred and mentioned in the detailed summary in this figure. These portions of the apparatus have an outer diameter of 2½″. It may receive and hold hairpins, barrettes like FIG. 1-10, and clips with hinges like FIG. 1-6 by placing the accessory down the hollowness of the tube as in FIG. 1-1. The smaller accessories may be removed by tipping the apparatus on its side without harm to other accessories. The larger items such as brushes as in FIG. 1-2, combs FIG. 1-3, and blow dryers are placed down the center of the hollowness of the tube FIG. 1-1 in their natural configuration and held in place by the durability of the present invention. Removal of the larger accessories is accomplished by reversing the process. The outer length of the hollow tube holds such items as hair accessories, and a sundry of jewelry are placed over the outer diameter of the tube and held on to the body by their natural configuration Removing the accessories is done with ease by reversing the process of placement. The preferred embodiment stands 7⅛″ tall from the top of the tube to the bottom of the base and is generally made of an inexpensive plastic, but can be made out of a sundry of materials.

[0064] FIG. 12 is a pictorial of a shorter preferred alternate baseless decorative holder having hollow annular tube 12-12 with double-ended “lips” FIG. 12-11 that hang over the ends of the tube to prevent accessories from becoming detached from the apparatus. This alternate designer apparatus can travel, as the others can, is compact in size to accommodate traveling in a purse, suitcase, desk top, and other small, compact, and large places. The lip FIG. 12-11 type structure is coming off of the annular tube FIG. 12-12 ends, curling back over ½″ in a continuous fashion as preferred and mentioned in the detailed summary in this figure.

[0065] With respect to the above said descriptions, it should be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, color, and shapes, form function and manner of operation, assembly and use, can be manufactured by a sundry of materials, stationary, mobile, or rotating, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to those skilled in the art, and therefore, all relationships equivalent to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed only by the scope of the appended claims. 2 Reference Numerals in Drawings 1 hollowness of tube 7 base assembly 2 brush 9 bracelets 3 comb 10 hair accessories 4 hollow annular tube 11 lip structure 5 hair ties 12 hollow annular tube 6 jaw type clips 30 base assembly 31 hollow annular tube 32 elevated slender arch-shaped tube 50 base assembly 51 hollow annular tube 52 small solid tube 53 hollow square box 60 rectangular base assembly 61 hollow annular tube 62 hollow cup 63 tall solid tube 64 small solid tube 91 hollow annular tube 90 base assembly 93 elevated slender arch-shaped tube 92 small solid tube

DETAILED DESCRIPTION-FIGS. 1-4—PREFFERED EMBODIMENT

[0066] With reference to the drawings, a new and improved accessory holder embodies the principles and concepts of the present invention will be described. A preferred embodiment of the accessory holder of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 1 in its preferred form includes a base assembly 7 and an annular hollow tube assembly 4 which is connected with the base assembly 7. The inside of the annular hollowness of the tube 1 receives such items as but not limited to brush 2, comb 3, barrettes and small jaw type clips with hinges AK A “butterflies” 10. The outer length of the annular hollow tube 4 may receive accessories such as but not limited to hair ties 5, large jaw type clips 6, and bracelets 9. The base assembly 7 may receive headbands that rest on the flat portion of the base assembly 7. Large jaw type clips 6 may also be received on the outer circumference of the base assembly 7.

[0067] Proceeding to FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the embodiment of the invention without accessories. The present invention in its preferred embodiment including its structures be generally made of plastic, but can be manufactured from a sundry of other economical materials.

[0068] FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the base assembly as shown in FIG. 1-7 of the embodiment of the invention without accessories. The decorative base assembly can be made so that the hollow tube assembly FIG. 1-4 can be joined together with the base assembly by pressure fit or sonic adhesion. The base assembly provides the present invention with stability as well as provisions of storage and tends to be five inches in diameter and circumference. Accessories are placed and removed in the same fashion on the facial portion of the platform on the base assembly in their natural configuration to avoid damage to the accessory.

[0069] FIGS. 4-7—Additional Embodiments

[0070] Onto FIG. 4 the hollow-receiving portion of the present invention as shown in FIG. 1-4 has an outer diameter of 1½″. The hollow end opposite the base may receive and hold not limited to hairpins, barrettes, clips, blow dryer tip, small office supplies, and food by placing the accessory down the hollowness of the tube, which has a cross sectional dimension size larger than the internal diameter of the hair clips and accessories in their relaxed configuration. If necessary, removal is done by slanting the holder approximately 35 degrees and retrieving the accessory.

[0071] The outer length of the hollow tube holds such items as but not limited to hair ties, bracelets, and ribbons which are placed in their natural configuration which has a cross sectional dimension size larger than the internal diameter of the hollow annular tube. Removing the hair tie and other accessory is done with ease and without damaging or disturbing other accessories by reversing the process for placement.

[0072] In addition to FIG. 1, this variation FIG. 5 of the present invention is shown to have an elevated arch-shaped slender tube 32 located distal the hollow tube 31 structure on the corresponding base assembly 30. The arch 32 can be elevated to 9″ tall with a solid outer diameter of ⅛″. This structure 32 can be manufactured from the identical materials, can be used to hold such accessories as clips with hinges, “butterflies”, necklaces, bracelets, and ribbons and may be placed and removed as described above and in FIG. 1.

[0073] FIG. 6 is FIG. 5 with additional structures 92 that accompany the edge of the base assembly 90 by 1″ in from the circumference and surround the frontal aspect of the hollow annular tube 91. 5 hollow or preferred solid tubes 92 that stand approximately 1″ in height and a solid diameter of ⅛″ occupy the space on the embodiment and may be manufactured from the same materials as FIG. 1 the present invention. These additional structures 92 can be used to hold such items as rings or smaller annular ties or bands. Placement and removal of accessories are relative to the above said placement and removal.

[0074] Another variation to FIG. 1 is shown in FIG. 7 as having two additional diminutive hollow or solid tubes 52 located just in from the base assembly 50 and from the frontal aspect of the hollow annular tube. The diminutive annular tube 52 is approximately 1″ in height and a solid diameter of ⅛″. This variation can be used to hold such items as rings or smaller annular ties and bands. Placement and removal of accessories are relative to the above said placement and removal. Continuing, this particular invention has a square structure 53 that rests on the same rectangular base assembly 50 as the annular tube 51 and can be made from the same materials as the above said structures. Generally the square structure 53 is 2″ tall by an outer hollow diameter of 3″ to 4″ wide. The hollow square structure 53 can hold items such as earrings, a sundry of jewelry, as well as miscellaneous items and may be placed and removed in the fashion mentioned above.

[0075] FIG. 8—Alternative Embodiments

[0076] FIG. 8 is intended to be a fixture for display in a retail store or for the consumer that has a large quantity of accessories. This present invention comes equipped with hollow annular tube 61 with the same functions and dimensions as above mentioned. Diminutive annular tubes 64 are sporadically annexed and serve the same purpose and have the identical dimensions as stated formally in FIG. 6; i.e. ring holders 64. Rods 63 paralleled in three's can reach 9″ high and are current on the present invention. Rods 63 serve the purpose of the arch-like structure in FIG. 5-32; operates alike, has the corresponding dimensions as the up-right portion of the arc, and can be manufactured from the same economical materials. In addition, the base assembly 60 holds a number of single cup-like fixtures 62. These “cups” 62 are generally 3″ in height by 3″ in width and enable the user to store a variety of miscellaneous items, such as “butterflies”, barrettes, clops, pins, and jewelry. The structures on the current invention may be arranged in any fashion. Placement and removal should be in accordance with the above set-forth instructions. Additionally, these structures can be used to contain or store other various said and unsaid items.

[0077] FIGS. 9-11—Alternative Embodiments

[0078] FIGS. 9-11 are FIGS. 2-4 with the added lip structure where the hollow receiving portion of the present invention with a lip type structure attached and coming off of the annular tube, curling back over ½″ in a continuous fashion as preferred and mentioned in the detailed summary in this figure. These portions of the apparatus have an outer diameter of 2½″. It may receive and hold hairpins, barrettes like FIG. 1-10, and clips with hinges like FIG. 1-6 by placing the accessory down the hollowness of the tube as in FIG. 1-1. The smaller accessories may be removed by tipping the apparatus on its side without harm to other accessories. The larger items such as brushes as in FIG. 1-2, combs FIG. 1-3, and blow dryers are placed down the center of the hollowness of the tube FIG. 1-1 in their natural configuration and held in place by the durability of the present invention. Removal of the larger accessories is accomplished by reversing the process. The outer length of the hollow tube holds such items as hair accessories, and a sundry of jewelry are placed over the outer diameter of the tube and held on to the body by their natural configuration. Removing the accessories is done with ease by reversing the process of placement. The preferred embodiment stands 7⅛″ tall from the top of the tube to the bottom of the base and is generally made of an inexpensive plastic, but can be made out of a sundry of materials.

[0079] FIG. 12-Alternative Embodiments FIG. 12 is a shorter preferred alternate baseless decorative holder having hollow annular tube 12-12, which is meant for this design to be 4″ long, ⅛″ thick wall, with double-ended “lips” FIG. 12-11 that hang over the ends of the tube to prevent accessories from becoming detached from the apparatus. This alternate designer apparatus can be made from a sundry of materials and travel, as the others can, is compact in size to accommodate traveling in a purse, suitcase, desk top, and other small, compact, and large places. The lip FIG. 12-11 type structure is coming off of the annular tube FIG. 12-12 ends, curling back over ½′ in a continuous fashion as preferred and mentioned in the detailed summary in this figure. The lip structure provides the apparatus with additional security in preventing the annular hair ties and accessories from detaching from the apparatus. With respect to the above said descriptions, it should be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, form function and manner of operation. Assembly and use are deemed readily apparent and obvious to those skilled in the art. Therefore, all relationships equivalent to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed only by the scope of the appended claims.

[0080] Advantages:

[0081] From the description, a number of advantages of my accessory holder become apparent:

[0082] (a) With the use of plastic my accessory holder becomes convenient, rapid and economical to manufacture even with the introduction of color to any structure.

[0083] (b) Although holders are made solely of plastic the embodiment has been proven durable and amazingly light in weight.

[0084] (c) Anywhere you can fit the holder is where you can place it. The holder is compact in size making it readily accessible, easy to use and travel with. The accessory holder has a great design so that it is esthetically correct for women, teens, and children—whatever the intent may be for.

[0085] (d) The accessory holder will provide a superior organizational system with little effort when storing a desired item

[0086] (e) The use of my accessory holder does not contain or promote violence. Nor does it contain any potentially hazard parts that could endanger a child. The market has been targeted solely toward children. However, my invention is safe enough for children to use by themselves for various functions.

[0087] (f) Today's consumers expect more for their money. They want the product they chose to have variety, to be multifunctional, easy to use, economical, and esthetically appealing. My accessory holder meets all of today's consumer's expectations.

[0088] (g) With the accessory holder you get a multifunctional organization unit for storing accessories and odd items, but in addition, you also get an educational apparatus as well as a toy. The holder can be used to count items being held, color coordinate items, distinguishable shapes, and place an infinite number of accessories or personal items on or around it.

[0089] (h) Generally, the use of my holder is even more convenient in that it is transparent and items being stored are distinct and easy to locate, place, and remove without damage to the item.

[0090] Operations FIGS. 1-12

[0091] The manner of using the accessory holder to hold elastic annular hair ties is identical to the current method of holding which is placing an elastic annular hair tie on a door knob. Namely, one first places the inner circumference of the elastic annular hair tie over the receiving portion, or outer length of the hollow annular tube 4, opposite the base assembly 7 or tube 12 connected to lips 11. Next, you may slide the elastic annular hair tie down the outer length of the hollow annular tube 4 where it stays in place in its relaxed configuration by embracing the body as shown in FIGS. 1-5.

[0092] Removal of the elastic annular hair tie can be done with ease repeatedly without disturbing or damaging the hair tie being removed or its surrounding hair ties and accessories by reversing the process of placement.

[0093] Bracelets, necklaces, headbands, and other accessories except clips alike with jaws and hinges being held on the receiving portion of the embodiment may be placed and removed in the same fashion as the elastic annular hair tie. Clips with jaws and hinges can be placed inside or out of the hollow annular tube as shown in FIG. 1-5. To place the clip on the outside of the hollow annular tube you must open the jaws of the clip, as to wear it. Then, grip it on the fabric part of the elastic annular hair tie where its jaws rests in place on the fabric without becoming detached or damaging surrounding accessories. Removal and placement are identical, just reverse the process.

[0094] You may also place the clip with jaws and hinges on the edges of the base assembly as shown in FIG. 1-6 or lips 12-11. First, open the jaws of the clip and place it on any portion of the outer circumference of the base assembly. The hinges on the clip keep the jaws in place on the base assembly or lips and without losing any durability to the accessory holder. Heretofore, the base assembly and lips maintain its stability regardless the number of jaw-type clips you have grasp on to it. Removal of the clip from the base is the reverse from placement.

[0095] Accessories having a cross sectional diameter smaller than the cross sectional diameter of the hollowness portion of the annular tube (as shown in FIG. 1-1) are simply placed down the inner length of the tube. FIG. 1-2, 1-3, and 1-10 are examples of accessories being stored in the hollowness of the annular tube. An accessory that had height to it like a brush or comb would be removed the same way as it was placed. An accessory that had minimal size to it would be removed by tilting the accessory holder on an angle, which varies depending on size, of about 90 degrees in any direction desired at which point the accessory will slide out. This is done without damaging or interrupting the storage of accessories being held on the outer length of the annular tube.

[0096] Conclusively, additional accessories not mentioned are placed are removed with minimal effort and direction.

[0097] What is claimed:

Claims

1. a. In combination, a plurality of annular elastic hair ties and accessories and an article holding and storing hair ties and accessories, each hair tie comprising a length of material sized and shaped such that, when removed from the article, the hair tie may encircle long human hair in a desired position, an accessory may be placed and wore in the same fashion, the article comprising an elongated hollow annular tube connected to a flat decorative base, the tubular portion of the invention includes a receiving portion extending generally from an end of the tube opposite the base, or without a base with two accepting ends, receiving, but not limited to, a plurality of hair ties, bracelets, hinge-type clips, and headbands along the entire length of the tube, the hair tie receiving portion of the tube having a cross sectional dimension larger than the internal diameter of the hair tie or accessory, whereas hair ties and accessories fit over the receiving portion of the body in its natural configuration and self-retains against the body of the tube free from obstruction, or are attached to a hair tie, which would inhibit placement and removal of any accessory at any place along the tube, each hair tie or accessory encircling the receiving portion of the tube typically adjacent to each other, whereby you can place numerous hair ties, accessories, and other miscellaneous items.

b. The combination as set forth in claim 1-a wherein the article further comprises one or two hollow accepting portions which receives but not limited to, brushes, combs a blow dryer tip, office supplies, appliances, flowers, water, currency, gadgets of appreciate caliber, food, hairpins, clips, such as fastenable, Velcro®, snap, and jaw-types with hinges, may be placed in their natural configuration and contained in place by the durability of the present invention, in the hollow end of the annular tube opposite the base, having a hollow cross sectional dimension size larger than the diameter of a hair clip or accessory, removal is the reverse process as it is to place the accessory, whereby the accessories are removed free from harm to itself and other accessories attached or unattached on the inside or outside of the tube with the help of the tube being see-through and clearly visible.

c. The combination of set forth in claim 1 and 2 wherein the article further comprises a base assembly for further provision of accessory storage, or has no base, but yet has two receiving ends to accept such accessories as headbands, ribbons, bracelets and other forms of jewelry, whereby the articles are places and removed with ease and obvious visibility in that they rest on the base assembly, which is flat and of applicable diameter to accommodate said items, the outer edge of the base assembly can be used to have jaw-type clips latch on to the ledge and maintain the durability of the embodiment, or accessories that rest on the holding portion of the apparatus where they are maintained by the lips on either end of the apparatus,

d. wherein said holder means, containing said items or not, may be attached or placed to said figure or figures, wherein the combination of said items and holders form a decorative storage means for said items and are held visible,

e. placement and removal of said hair accessories received and removed in, on, around, and/or over the entire embodiment, including but not limited to, said structures; tubes, rods, arches, squares, rectangles and other upright structures.

2. a. In combination, a toy comprising of a three dimensional embodiment having a hollow tube constructed as a play thing,

b. personal items,

c. enables the user to sort accessories on the apparatus using eye/hand coordination,

d. the activity of organizing,

e. counting accessories for a tactile learning activity,

f. a plurality of holder means arranged and constructed as a receptacle for said or unsaid personal items, wherein said held items are visible,

g. means for accessing inside the tube above said items for storing said or unsaid above personal items therein,

h. wherein said holder means, containing said item or not, may be attached to said figure, and wherein said attaching is creative, playful, educational in activities and skill, and wherein the combination of said figure and holders form a decorative storage means for said items,

i. whereby the apparatus may be fabricated in a sundry of materials, including but not limited to plastic.

Conclusion, Ramification, and Scope

Accordingly, the reader will see that storing accessories on my accessory holder can be done easily and conveniently, can be removed just as easily and without damage to the accessories, and can store just about anything the consumer deems fit. In addition, when the standard method of accessory storage is used accessories get lost or damaged giving the consumer no other choice but to purchase additional accessories. Furthermore, my accessory holder has the additional advantages in that:

it permits the economical production of accessory holders in a variety of colors without requiring the manufacturer to use a separate facility for the compounding of color mixture needed in the production of colored accessory holders;

it provides an invitingly desirable design so that adults, teens and children of all ages may be inclined to store their accessories on it;

it permits a distinct visual on an accessory or personal items being stored because the accessory holder is generally transparent and accessories are held in place on the outside perimeter of the said invention making the accessories immediately visible to the eye;

to provide an accessory holder that can have multiple attached or fit structures added for additional storage provisions without potential hazards and losing or damaging attachments;

to provide a stable, yet durable, holder that can be placed in a plurality of locations including the bathroom, dresser, table, office, and is convenient and appealing to travel with;

to provide a holder that is multifunctional and universal from being an accessory holder to a vase or centerpiece to even turn into and educational toy. For example, eye and hand coordination—sorting accessories by color and/or design, tactile skills by using hands to place accessories or personal items in a desired position in or on my accessory holder;

Although the description above contains many specifications, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. For example, the holder can have another shape, such as oval, octagonal, triangular, etc.; the embodiment can be made from different materials such as steel or wood; the tube connected to the base assembly can rotate and spin instead of being stationary, etc.

Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their equivalents, rather than by the examples given.