APPARATUS AND RELATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ORGANIZING, TRANSPORTING, AND USING EARRINGS, JEWELRY, AND SIMILAR OBJECTS
In at least some embodiments, the system can be used with a wide variety of types of earrings. Examples include, without limitation, pierced, french wires, hoops, and clip-ons. Preferably, one or more mounting trays are provided with means for readily holding those items at a selected position on the tray. Also preferably, the trays are sufficiently large to each hold a plurality of earrings. Among many alternatives, a perforated “mesh” or pegboard-type tray can be used, with each such tray having a plurality of holes, slots, or other openings formed in it. The specific size, shape, relative position, spacing, and other aspects of the openings can be selected when designing any particular embodiment of the invention, based on (among other things) the application for which the embodiment is intended. Different patterns and mixes of holes/slots/etc. can be provided, based on functional and/or aesthetic considerations.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. Nos. 61/654,807 and 61/654,811 (filed Jun. 1, 2012), and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/654,812 (filed Jun. 2, 2013), the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
The present invention relates to earrings and similar items (including without limitation rings, necklaces, and bracelets), and to systems for organizing a plurality of such items in order to more easily and securely store, locate, display, select, transport, and use those items. The system can be used in a wide variety of situations and applications, including without limitation by persons within their homes, by earring salesmen, by jewelry shops and/or departments, etc.
The present invention is described herein with reference to the accompanying Figures, which serve as illustrations of some of the many embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. Subject to the context and other factors (including for example the understanding of persons of ordinary skill in the arts relevant to the inventions), generally in those Figures and references similar reference numerals refer to similar or identical elements throughout this description.
Those Figures and references, and the other terminology used in these descriptions, are not intended to be interpreted in any limited or restrictive manner, simply because it is being utilized in conjunction with a detailed description of certain embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, various embodiments of the invention (whether or not specifically described herein) may include one or more of the novel features disclosed herein, no single one of which (a) is necessarily solely responsible for any particular desirable attribute(s) of the inventions or (b) is essential to practicing the inventions described.
For the purpose of summarizing the invention certain objects and advantages have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such objects or advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other objects or advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.
These and other embodiments will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments having reference to the attached figures, the invention not being limited to any particular preferred embodiment(s) disclosed.
As indicated above, the inventions disclosed herein can be used in a broad range of applications and provide many benefits. Although the majority of this description is directed at embodiments relating to earrings and similar jewelry items, persons of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the concepts disclosed are useful for storing, organizing, displaying, etc. a wide variety of other similar items. Among other things, the invention can be useful in connection with fishing lures and flies, tie clips, pins, medals, brooches, small Christmas ornaments, beads, etc.
In at least some embodiments, the system can be used with a wide variety of types of earrings. Examples include, without limitation, pierced, french wires, hoops, and clip-ons. Preferably, one or more mounting trays are provided with means for readily holding those items at a selected position on the tray. Also preferably, the trays are sufficiently large to each hold a plurality of earrings. Among many alternatives, a perforated “mesh” or pegboard-type tray can be used, with each such tray having a plurality of holes, slots, or other openings formed in it. The specific size, shape, relative position, spacing, and other aspects of the openings can be selected when designing any particular embodiment of the invention, based on (among other things) the application for which the embodiment is intended. Different patterns and mixes of holes/slots/etc. can be provided, based on functional and/or aesthetic considerations.
As with the other elements discussed herein, the trays preferably are formed from a suitably strong and lightweight material, to provide many of the benefits discussed herein. Persons of ordinary skill in the art will understand that certain embodiments may instead be formed from heavier and/or less strong materials, while still providing certain of the inventions' benefits. In certain embodiments, most or all of the components may be fabricated from plastic via injection-molding or similar process. Persons of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the parts can be provided in an array of colors and other finishes (including flocking or transparent elements, for example).
Preferably, the openings in the mesh or other mounting element are sized so that they readily receive and securely hold the specific earrings that a user may place in the opening. For many types of earrings, the holes preferably are at least generally round (although they can be any of a wide range of shapes), and are “pin-sized” so that they are slightly larger than a conventional pierced earring wire. The holes or openings may be formed straight through the pegboard element, may be angled, may be curved, or any other useful configuration. In certain embodiments, a second pegboard or a separate layer of material (fabric, sponge, rubber, felt, etc.) may be positioned on some or all of the “pegged” surface, with corresponding openings formed in that layer to allow the earring wire or other mounting element to pass through both the first mesh element and the second pegboard/felt/other layer. Persons of ordinary skill in the art will understand that even more layers, decorations, or other elements may be positioned (removably or not) on the mesh pegboard element, to provide a wide range of functions and/or aesthetics to the assembly.
In certain embodiments, the mounting tray elements are generally flat and generally rectangular, although persons of ordinary skill in the art will understand that other configurations can be used. For embodiments having a plurality of such tray elements, preferably they are similarly sized and/or shaped, so that they can be assembled and/or provided within a case or other container. Preferably, the container or case is of a convenient size and shape, and the surfaces can be relatively plain, or can be decorated and/or adorned with handles, logos, photos, colors, designs, and/or other items.
Some of the many alternative embodiments of the invention include mounting racks to hold one or more trays in a desired position on a vanity, counter, or similar surface. To facilitate travel or other transportation of the earrings by the user, a closable “smaller” case preferably can hold a relatively small number of trays, so as not to take up too much space. For other situations, such as storage of a user's entire collection of earrings, the case and/or rack can be relatively larger, limited only by space and the mechanical properties of the case/rack. By way of example, a “home” case might be sufficiently large to hold around 75 pairs of earrings, while a travel case/container might hold only 10.
Preferably, the mesh pegboard elements are configured and provided with mating elements that facilitate the ready movement between a plurality of different cases/containers/racks. In some embodiments, a slide/rail or tongue and groove structure is provided, so that the tray can be slid out of engagement with (for example) the user's main “home” collection/case and then loaded into a smaller travel case. Preferably, the earrings remain relatively undisturbed during such transfer. Among the many ways the system of the invention can be used, a person who owns a collection of earrings can sort them and mount them on trays, one or more for each selected group (gold, silver, plastic, other groupings, etc.). When packing for a trip, that person can open their main earring storage unit, select the tray(s) that they want to take on the trip, remove them from the main unit, assemble the trays into the “travel-size” unit, and then close that travel case to secure the earrings for transport.
In certain embodiments of the invention, the trays and other elements are configured so that the trays can be “stacked” against each other within the cases or containers or racks (or even when they are lying adjacent each other and not affixed to a case/container/rack). Preferably, in addition and/or alternatively to this stacking/abutting relationship, and in addition and/or alternatively to the removability of the tray(s) from the cases, the engagement between the rack/case and the tray(s) is such that the trays can pivot to some degree, to allow users to “flip” through a set of trays that may be in a single case (somewhat akin to flipping through a Rolodex of business cards). Among other things, this permits the user to selectively flip forward and back through the assembled trays, to view and access earrings on the various trays. Also preferably, the trays' engagement is such that they can “stand up” (either vertically or leaning to some degree) when engaged with a rack or case. Among other things, this standing function permits the ready display of the earrings. Some of the many alternative embodiments of the invention (not shown) include “vertical” slides for the trays (instead of or in addition to the “horizontal” slide engagement shown in the drawings), so that a user can “raise” a selected tray upwardly, preferably “engage” it at the raised position (via a detent or other structure) to display the pieces mounted on that particular tray, and then lower the tray back into the container when finished.
Among the many ways to provide one or more of these function is to form one or more detents or tabs on the lower edge of the tray(s), and provide one or more corresponding slots on the case/rack, into which the user can engage and/or disengage the detent/tab. To provide ready pivoting such as described above, the tabs/detents can be generally cylindrical elements, and can conveniently be formed integrally with the body of the tray(s). By providing a similar slot structure on other cases and/or racks, the tray(s) preferably can be slid out of engagement with the slot(s) on one case and then into engagement with the slot(s) on another case. To provide a desirable degree of engagement between the tray(s) and the slots, preferably at least two such tabs/detents are provided on each tray, and two such corresponding slots are provided on each case. Persons of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the engagement elements can be reversed (the tabs/detents may be formed on the case, and the “slot” structure on the tray(s)), and that the specific size, shape, number, location, and other aspects of the engagement elements between the tray(s) and the cases/racks can be any of a wide variety.
Preferably, the trays and the interior of the cases are configured to provide a relatively secure engagement between the tray(s) and the case, especially when the case is closed and/or is in transport. Among other things, the shapes of the tray(s) and the interior of the cases can be “keyed” to each other, can have a plurality of points of contact with each other, or can otherwise provide the desired engagement during storage and/or movement of the case.
The case and rack elements can include any of a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and other features. In certain embodiments, a raised lip can be provided around three sides of a “box-shaped” case, and a lid can be pivotably connected to that box and sized and shaped to sealingly engage with that raised lip with the lid is closed over the box. Persons of ordinary skill in the art will understand that a latch or other mechanism can be provided in certain embodiments, to keep the lid securely closed onto the top of the box. For easier access to the earrings or other items, the front side of the case can be provided in a hinged relationship with the case bottom, so that the front can be dropped down onto the counter or vanity and thus expose the tray(s) more completely to the user. One or more carrying handles or straps can be provided on the case, and/or on the individual trays, to assist the user in transporting or otherwise moving those items. In certain embodiments, the handle preferably folds flat for storage, and is padded for comfort in carrying the assembly.
As indicated above, the elements of the invention can be fabricated from and/or covered with any of a wide variety of functional and/or decorative materials. By way of example, certain embodiments may have a suede, leather, faux leather, wood, metal, cotton, microfiber, and/or combination exterior, in any of a variety of colors. The top and/or other surfaces of the case preferably is stitched for durability, especially for the wear and tear that may occur during travel. In addition to the interior surfaces and materials discussed above, materials such as an ivory suede can provide a nice feel as the invention is in use, and also can protect the earrings from scratching or other damage. Hardware elements (hinges, latches, etc.) can likewise be of any of a wide variety of materials and finishes, including metal, fabric, and others.
In some embodiments of the invention, the case includes additional storage elements. By way of example, one or more snaps can be provided to releasably hold necklaces, rings, and/or bracelets. One or more pouches or elasticized pockets can be positioned on the inside or outside of the case, to hold necklaces, bracelets, rings, and/or other items. Preferably, the pouch(es) are shirred, and are divided into two or more sections, so that the various necklaces, etc. will not become tangled with each other during travel.
The trays can be used in a wide variety of ways, depending (among other things) on the characteristics of the things being mounted on the trays. For example, adapters can be provided as an interface between the mesh pegboard and one or more of the items being mounted. Some examples are shown in
Such adapters can be fabricated of metal, plastic, or any other suitable material. The attachment structure shown at the bottom of the adapter in
By way of example, one or more relatively short straps (with snaps or Velcro fastener engagements or other suitable fastening apparatus) can be affixed to the pegboard at one end of each respective strap/strip. The user can place the free end of the strap through the earring and then releasably fasten that free end back to the pegboard and/or other end of the strap. Other of the many alternative embodiments can have relatively longer or larger strips or areas of Velcro type fastener material “affixed” to the surface of the tray, and the user can readily fix a “connector” loop of mating Velcro type fastener material around the earring or other item (for example, ring, necklace, bracelet, etc.) and engage it anywhere on the larger strips or areas affixed on the tray.
Persons of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the trays and other elements discussed preferably can can be made in multiple pieces (the trays are shown as consisting of three parts, by way of example), but they can be made as a single part or in other convenient embodiments. An example of such a one-piece construction is shown in
FIGS. 18 and 20-22 show some of the many other alternative embodiments of the tray elements that may be used to practice the invention. For example, a “standard” tray frame is shown in
Examples of the many such “custom” or alternative mounting tray elements include:
-
- a ring holder tray (
FIG. 18 ; preferably horizontal slots are formed to receive and releasably hold one or more rings; by way of example, the slots can be formed by close positioning of parallel foam rubber rolls covered in fabric) - a necklace tray (
FIG. 21 ; a backing of plastic, cardboard, or other material includes one or more loops or other engagement members; three such straps are shown in the embodiment ofFIG. 21 , each closed via a snap element, with the male snap portion preferably glued or otherwise affixed to the uppermost cross-bar portion of the tray frame; a pocket preferably is provided in the lower portion of the tray to hold the potentially lengthy strand(s) of the necklaces that are clipped into the upper “snap” loop) - a zippered pouch (
FIG. 22 ; the front and/or back of the pocket can be gusseted to provide expansion to accommodate a wide range of jewelry or similar pieces)
- a ring holder tray (
Claims
1. Apparatus for storing and facilitating use of jewelry, including:
- at least one container element;
- at least one tray element, said tray element having means for holding at least one jewelry item; and
- engagement means acting between said tray element and said container element to selectively hold said tray in a selectably movable position with respect to the container.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, further including:
- a plurality of such tray elements being of at least generally similar size and shape.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, further including:
- a plurality of such container elements each configured to selectively receive and engage at least one such tray element.
4. A method of storing and using jewelry, including:
- providing the apparatus of claim 1;
- engaging at least one piece of jewelry with said tray element;
- storing said at least one piece of jewelry in said engaged relationship; and
- displaying said at least one piece of jewelry in its engaged relationship.
Type: Application
Filed: Jun 3, 2013
Publication Date: Apr 30, 2015
Inventor: Lori Torline (Whittier, CA)
Application Number: 14/404,784
International Classification: A45C 11/16 (20060101);