Carry all shower tote

Abstract

The invention is a device for holding, transporting and dispensing toiletries which comprises: a rigid, hinged five part structure comprised of four panels of unique function, some with dispensing (containing or storing) mechanisms, along with a non slip handle, or, holder for hanging the device from a shower head, or, any suitable protruding implement which would allow the non slip holder to fit over it and which would be able to support the invention and the contents of the invention. All panels are joined to one another by moveable hinges, to form, in combination, a device to contain and dispense toiletries, as well as, to hold and store all other sundry toiletries not stored within the dispensing units. The units or panels will be on hinges so that the invention may be folded into a rectangular box for transportation. The folded “box” will be attached while in transportation, or, folded manner, by any of several types of latches to prevent it from opening while in transport.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the priority of the Provisional Application No. 60-975,198 which was filed on Sep. 26, 2007.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates, in general, to a convenient suspendable, foldable and transportable holder and dispenser of toiletry articles and product.

When a person is traveling, or, for security (easy airport clearance) and convenience, showering supplies, referring specifically, but, not limited to toiletries, may be difficult to carry, can take up a lot of space, may be a hassle to deal with (due to Homeland Security requirements) and, if not properly secured and contained, could be messy.

The present systems for carrying toiletries, are, basically, little suitcases, bags, kits, or, caddies for a person's personal toiletries, which usually are too many and take up too much space to fit everything a person deems necessary—unless the person purchases multiple mini containers, which then limits the person's selection of products. The products are then stowed in the bag and either hung on the back of a door, or set on a counter, if available. Most of the present toiletry systems cannot be used in the shower since they are made from a material not conducive to use in water.

Travelers or anybody that has limited, or small showering space, or, who may be in a situation where it is far more convenient to have everything in one waterproof container to bring with them, such as going to the gym, living in a dorm, camping and our brave service men, may benefit from utilizing this all in one device.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The objective of this invention is to overcome the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the existing caddies and totes by creating a self dispensing, carry all, tote to store and dispense all toiletry products a person deems necessary, in a convenient, waterproof, sturdy, foldable and transportable tote.

The invention is a combination shower caddy, shaving kit, and travel tote in an all inclusive, all purpose, showering and grooming device with dispensers, for storing and dispensing, but, not limited to, liquid soaps, shampoos, conditioners and lotions and for holding and storing all other shower and grooming (toiletry) essentials and accoutrements, all in a waterproof container which hangs over the shower head, or any suitable protruding implement which would allow the non slip handle to fit over and which would be able to support the invention and the contents of the invention, when the invention is being used.

When the invention is not being used it folds into a sturdy, rectangular box, securing and protecting the items in the storage compartment, protecting the dispenser(s) and allowing for ease in transporting the invention.

The invention may be manufactured and constructed out of any flexible, yet durable material which would allow for the attachment of the dispensers and will support the articles inside, so, it will not leak, crush or damage the contents, either the included dispensers or other contents the end user may place or store in the invention; however, recycled plastic resins are the preferred, or, primary substance. The interior of the invention and the dispensers would be constructed of a soft, pliable, bacteria resistant, plastic or vinyl type polymer.

It is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its applications to the details of manufacturing and construction and to the arrangement of the components set forth in the following and aforementioned affidavit, descriptions and illustrations which are to be considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. It should also be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting to the stated criteria of the invention. The extent covered in the descriptions of size, shape, color, form, function, manner of operation, assembly and use of the invention are deemed readily apparent and it is not desired to limit the scope of the invention, but, should fall into and be covered by the fact that suitable modifications and changes will occur and are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

The invention is constructed in five parts connected to each other by moveable hinges.

The top part of the device is a non slip handle which, when open, would be the method of suspension for the invention. The invention may be hung by this hanging mechanism from a shower head, or, any suitable protruding implement which would allow the non slip handle to fit over it and which would be able to support the invention and the contents of the invention. The holding apparatus, attached to the body by a hinge mechanism, folds inside the invention when the invention is closed for storage or transport.

The second section of the invention consists of a flat, rectangular panel with a fog resistant, non breakable mirror attached to it. This section is attached to the next panel by a moveable hinge mechanism.

The third part of the invention consists of a flat panel with dispenser(s) attached to it in such a manner, size and location as to allow the dispenser(s) to be used while the invention is in an open position and will also allow for the structure to fold into a rectangular and transportable box position. The dispenser(s) will be attached via a detachable and re attachable means, not limited to a ball and socket method, or a slide and clip together process, or any of several other connecting techniques. The containers may or may not have labels indicating what, but, not limited to, product the user may store inside the dispenser(s). The dispenser(s) will have two openings one located on the face of the container with a screw top lid which is to be used for filling and refilling the dispenser(s) with usable product. The other aperture is located on the bottom of the container in a manner and location to make the dispenser(s) available and usable to the person utilizing the invention to dispense any of many possible liquid solutions such as, but not limited to, liquid soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, shaving gel, etc. This bottom opening will be devised in such a manner as to be leak proof, dispensing the contents only when pressure is applied through a pushing motion on the container, and will be closed by a screw, push/pull, or flip lid which will have an appendage to attach the cover to the invention to prevent the lid from being misplaced or lost.

The fourth panel will be utilized as the repository, or, storage for items the user deems as necessary toiletry articles, such as, but, not limited to toothpaste, tooth brush, bar soap, shaving utensils and other such sundry items. The holder may be constructed in several manners such as, but, not limited to a permanent mesh type material for holding products, a detachable mesh, or, net type material, a permanent vinyl, or, flexible plastic, a rigid, or stiff, yet, pliable and retractable plastic and any other type of compartmental type of holding apparatus.

The fifth section is similar in style to the third platform in that it will have fill able and refillable dispenser(s) placed on a flat panel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective front view illustrating the front, open and unfolded invention as it would appear hanging from the shower head and ready for usage.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view illustrating the folded and ready for transport, or storage, view of the invention.

FIG. 1B is a view of a small hook to which mesh may attach.

FIG. 1C is a view of a flip-top lid for dispensing fluid.

FIG. 2 is a perspective back view illustrating the back, open and unfolded invention as it may appear when hanging in a ready to use manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention is a combination shower caddy, shaving kit, and travel tote in an all inclusive, all purpose, showering and grooming device with dispensers, for shower and grooming (toiletry) essentials, and space for carrying other necessary grooming accoutrements, all in a waterproof container which hangs over the shower head, when being used, then folds into a sturdy, rectangular box, when not in use.

The invention may be manufactured and constructed out of any flexible, yet durable material which would allow for the attachment of the dispensers and will support the articles inside, so, it will not leak, crush or damage the contents, either the included dispensers or other contents the end user may place in the invention; however, recycled plastic resins are the preferred or primary substance. The interior of the invention and the dispensers would be constructed of a soft, pliable, bacteria resistant plastic or vinyl type polymer. With reference to FIG. 1 the perspective view illustrating the front, open and unfolded invention as it would appear hanging from the shower head and ready for usage. In FIG. 1, a front view of a “4 in 1 travel shower dispenser tote”, there is shown 1 a non slip handle which, when open, would be the method of suspension for the invention. The invention may be hung by this hanging mechanism from a shower head, or, any suitable protruding implement which would allow the non slip holder to fit over it and which would be able to support the invention and the contents of the invention. The holding apparatus, attached to the body by a 3 hinge mechanism, folds inside the invention when the invention is closed for storage or transport. The first folding panel attached to the holding apparatus by 3 hinges is a 2 flat, rectangular, panel, with example dimensions of approximately 5″ in height and 10″ in width, with a fog resistant, non breakable mirror attached to it. This section is attached to the next or, second panel by moveable 3 hinge mechanisms. The second panel of the invention consists of a flat panel with 4 dispenser(s) attached to it in such a manner and location as to allow the 4 dispenser(s) to be used while the invention is in an open, usable, position and will also allow for the structure to fold into a rectangular and transportable 1A box position. FIG. 1A also reflects the shape of each 4 dispenser, with example dimensions of 2″ in depth, 3.75″ in width, and 2.75″ in height. The 4 dispenser(s) will be attached via a detachable and re attachable means, not limited to a ball and socket method, or a slide and clip together process, or any of several other connecting techniques. The 4 containers may or may not have 7 labels, in raised text on the outside of the hard plastic cases of 4 dispensers, indicating what product, or contents, the user may store inside the 4 dispenser(s). The 4 dispenser(s) will have two openings one located on the face of the container with a 5 screw top lid (screw on cap) which is to be used for filling and refilling the 4 dispenser(s) with usable product. The other aperture is located on the bottom of the container in a manner and location to make the 4 dispenser(s) available and usable to the person utilizing the invention to dispense any of many possible liquid solutions such as, but not limited to, liquid soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, shaving gel, etc. This bottom 8 opening, as shown in FIG. 1C, will be devised in such a manner as to be leak proof, dispensing the contents only when pressure is applied, through a pushing motion, on the container, and will be 8 closed by a screw, push/pull, or flip lid which will have an appendage to attach the 8 cover to the invention to prevent the lid from being misplaced or lost. This panel is attached by moveable 3 hinge mechanisms to the next 6 storage or holder panel. The third panel will be utilized as the 6 repository for items the user deems as necessary toiletry articles, such as, but, not limited to toothpaste, tooth brush, bar soap, shaving utensils and other such sundry items. The 6 holder may be constructed in several manners such as, but, not limited to a permanent mesh type material for holding products, a detachable mesh, or, net type material, a permanent vinyl, or, flexible plastic, a rigid, or stiff, yet, pliable and retractable plastic and any other type of compartmental type of holding apparatus. FIG. 1B shows a small hook to which mesh may be attached at each corner location of the mesh as marked 1B in FIG. 1. This panel is attached by moveable 3 hinge mechanisms to the next 4 dispenser(s) panel which has dispenser(s) that are attached to the panels in such a manner and location as to allow the 4 dispenser(s) to be used while in an open position and will also allow for the structure to fold into a rectangular and transportable 1A box position. The 4 dispenser(s) will be attached via a detachable and re attachable means, not limited to a ball and socket method, or a slide and clip together process, or any of several other connecting techniques. The 4 containers may or may not have 7 labels indicating what product the user may store inside the 4 dispenser(s). The 4 dispenser(s) will have two openings one located on the face of the container with a 5 screw top lid which is to be used for filling and refilling the 4 dispenser(s) with usable product. The other aperture is located on the bottom of the container in a manner and location to make the 4 dispenser(s) available and usable to the person utilizing the invention to dispense any of many possible liquid solutions such as, but not limited to, liquid soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, shaving gel, etc. This bottom 8 opening will be devised in such a manner as to be leak proof, dispensing the contents only when pressure is applied, through a pushing motion, on the container, and will be 8 closed by a screw, push/pull, or flip lid which will have an appendage to attach the 8 cover to the invention to prevent the lid from being misplaced or lost.

With reference to FIG. 2, shown is the back perspective view illustrating the back of the open and unfolded invention as it would appear from behind hanging from the shower head and ready for usage. In FIG. 2 there is shown 1 a non slip handle which, when open, would be the method of suspension for the invention. The invention may be hung by this hanging mechanism from a shower head, or, any suitable protruding implement which would allow the non slip holder to fit over it and which would be able to support the invention and the contents of the invention. The holding apparatus, attached to the body by a 3 hinge mechanism, folds inside the invention when the invention is closed for storage or transport. The back of the first folding panel attached to the holding apparatus by 3 hinges has a sturdy and padded 10 handle which is secured to the back panel by a 9 handle hinge which allows the handle to lay flat and protect the unit from the shower wall and the shower wall from the invention. The rest of the 11 back panels may be plain, or, may have suction cups, or rubber bumpers to protect the shower wall and the 11 back of the invention from each other. Other modifications may include, but are not limited to, adding one of many different types of clips to the side of the dispenser(s) or the side of panels to hold razors or toothbrushes and, or, any of various other toiletry items. Another version embodied into the invention would be to add hooks to the bottom of the last 4 dispenser(s) panel for hanging mesh washers, sponges, scrubbers, shammys and wash cloths.

Claims

1. A portable article consisting essentially of:

(1) a structure comprised of four panels of unique function, some with dispensing (containing or storing) mechanisms, along with a non slip handle, or, holder or hanging device, all joined to one another by moveable hinges, to form, in combination, a device to contain and dispense toiletries, as well as, to hold and store all other sundry toiletries not stored within the dispensing units; and

(2) a means for suspending the said container from a support, said suspension means consisting essentially of one of several models of forms and styles of hanging or hooking a non slip handle which, when open, would be the method of suspension for the invention. The invention may be hung by this hanging mechanism from a shower head, or, any suitable protruding implement which would allow the non slip holder to fit over it and which would be able to support the invention and the contents of the invention. The holding apparatus is attached to the body of the invention by any of several types of hinge mechanisms. The holding fixture will fold inside the invention when the invention is closed for storage or transport.

2. The article holder of claim 1 wherein each panel is comprised of a waterproof, durable, anti bacteria, preferably recycled, polymers:

(1) All independent folding panels connected by a hinge are to be comprised preferably of recycled plastic material with a hard, protective outer casing, though not held exclusively to being embodied by, or, made of recycled plastic, but, the unit may be made from any sturdy, waterproof, protective material that will allow for being attached to other panels.

3. The article holder of claim 1 wherein each panel is listed, but not held to being aligned in this specific order is as follows:

(1) The first panel connected by any of several types of hinges to the preceding holder, has on the interior face of the flat, rectangular, panel a fog resistant, non breakable mirror attached to it. This section is attached to the next or, second panel by any of several styles of moveable hinge mechanisms.

(2) The second panel of the invention consists of a flat panel with dispenser(s) attached (amount of dispenser(s) attached is based on the independent size and style of unit) to the panel in such a manner and location as to allow the dispenser to be used while in an open position and will also allow for the structure to fold into a rectangular and transportable box position. The dispenser(s) will be attached via a detachable and re attachable means, not limited to a ball and socket method, or a slide and clip together process, or any of several other connecting techniques to the panel. The containers may or may not have labels designed into the dispenser to indicate, or suggest, what product the user may want to store inside the dispenser.

(3) The dispenser(s) will have two openings one located on the face of the container with a screw top lid, or any other suitable and secure type of closure, which is to be used for filling and refilling the dispenser(s) with usable product.

(4) The other aperture is located on the bottom of the container in a manner and location to make the dispenser(s) available and usable to the person utilizing the invention to dispense any of many possible liquid solutions such as, but not limited to, liquid soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, shaving gel, etc. This bottom opening will be devised in such a manner as to be leak proof, dispensing the contents only when pressure is applied, through a sustained pushing motion, on the container, and will be closed by a screw, push/pull, or flip lid which will have an appendage attached to the cover and also attached to the dispenser to prevent the lid from being misplaced or lost. The dispenser(s) panel is attached by one of several types of moveable hinge mechanisms to the next storage, or, holder panel.

(5) The third panel will be utilized as the repository, or storage area, for items the user deems as necessary toiletry articles, such as, but, not limited to toothpaste, tooth brush, bar soap, shaving utensils and other such sundry items. The holder unit may be constructed in several manners such as, but, not limited to a permanent mesh type material for holding products, a detachable mesh, or, net type material, a permanent vinyl, or, flexible plastic holder, a rigid, or stiff, yet, pliable and retractable plastic type holder and any other type of compartmental type of holding apparatus which will support the items placed into the holder, yet, will still allow the unit to be folded for transportation. This panel will be attached by any of several types of moveable hinge mechanisms to the next dispenser(s) panel.

(6) The fourth panel of the invention consists of a flat panel with dispenser(s) attached (amount of dispenser(s) attached is based on the independent size and style of unit) to the panel in such a manner and location as to allow the dispenser(s) to be used while in an open position and will also allow for the structure to fold into a rectangular and transportable box position. The dispenser(s) will be attached via a detachable and re attachable means, not limited to a ball and socket method, or a slide and clip together process, or any of several other connecting techniques to the panel. The containers may or may not have labels designed into the dispenser(s) to indicate, or suggest, what product the user may want to store inside the dispenser(s).

(7) The dispenser(s) will have two openings one located on the face of the container with a screw top lid, or any other suitable and secure type of closure, which is to be used for filling and refilling the dispenser(s) with usable product.

(8) The other aperture is located on the bottom of the container in a manner and location to make the dispenser(s) available and usable to the person utilizing the invention to dispense any of many possible liquid solutions such as, but not limited to, liquid soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, shaving gel, etc. This bottom opening will be devised in such a manner as to be leak proof, dispensing the contents only when sustained pressure is applied, through a pushing motion, on the container, and will be closed by a screw, push/pull, or flip lid which will have an appendage attached to the cover and also attached to the dispenser to prevent the lid from being misplaced or lost.

(9) The units or panels will be on hinges so that the invention may be folded into a rectangular box for transportation. The folded “box” will be attached while in transportation, or, folded manner, by any of several types of latches to prevent it from opening while in transport.

(10) The back of the panels may be plain, or, may have suction cups, or rubber bumpers to protect the shower wall while the unit is unfolded and in “use” mode.

(11) Other modifications may include, but, are not limited to adding one of many different types of clips to the side of the dispenser(s) or the side of the panels to hold razors or toothbrushes and or any of various other toiletry items.

(12) Another version embodied into the invention would be to add hooks to the bottom of the last dispenser(s) panel for hanging mesh washers, sponges, scrubbers, shammys and wash cloths.