Holding device

Abstract

A holding device that engages a surface of a table or the like for storing and securing fashion accessories includes a base and an anti-slip part attached to the base, which is configured for engaging the surface of the table. The holding device further includes an arm rotatable relative to the base and having a hook-shaped portion for securing the fashion accessory under the table in an unobtrusive location.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to portable holding devices, and more specifically to such devices for securing fashion accessories.

As is widely known, the use of fashion accessories while traveling outside a residence is common. For example, one common fashion accessory commonly carried by people outside the residence is a purse. However, it is a known problem, particularly for individuals who travel to non-residential places to store their purses in a safe and efficient manner. That is, frequently a secure and appropriate location to hang a purse does not exist. Rather, in restaurants and other locations purses are normally hung from the chair used by an individual or placed on the table or counter at which the individual is seated. Such placement, however, is often inconvenient, for example at family gatherings such as weddings, because there is an absence of space on the table. Positioning fashion accessories in this manner lacks elegance, while reducing the table's functionality. Moreover, by placing fashion accessories on the table they become exposed to the danger of having a drink or food spilled on them, thus damaging the purse and/or its contents.

Accordingly, there is a need for a holding device for fashion accessories or the like, for use in non-residential locations including restaurants that improves secure and non-invasive storage of such accessories in comparison to other accessory storage methods currently in use.

More specifically, there is a need for an improved holding device for a fashion accessory or the like that is practical and provides many advantages over known storage devices and methods, both in use as well as during manufacturing of the device. In particular, a device is needed that is efficient, safe and economical.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It was with the above-mentioned deficiencies in mind that the present holding device for fashion accessories or the like was conceived. Advantageously, the present device has simplified mechanical and functional qualities to reduce manufacturing costs. In one embodiment, the present holding device is a practical and innovative support structure with many esthetic and functional qualities. In fact, the present holding device has a variety of locations at which it can be used including bars, restaurants, work and leisure environments. The present holding device has a body equipped with a base on a projection in the shape of a hook. This projection is articulated in relation to the base, and preferably is sized to facilitate transportation within a fashion accessory such as a purse.

More specifically, the holding device, which engages a surface of a table or the like for securing fashion accessories, includes a base and an anti-slip part attached to the base. The anti-slip part is configured for engaging the surface of the table. In addition, the holding device includes an arm rotatable with respect to said base and having a hook-shaped portion for securing the fashion accessory in a safe and secure location.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a holding device in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of the device of FIG. 1 showing an anti-slip part attached to the base;

FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1 with the arm rotated;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1 with a lower portion of the arm rotated;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 7 with the lower portion of the arm rotated to another position;

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of the holding device of FIG. 1 attached to a table; and

FIG. 11 is a partial top perspective view of the portion of the table of FIG. 10 engaged by the holding device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to FIGS. 1-9, a preferred embodiment of a holding device suitable for practicing the present invention is generally designated 100. The holding device 100 has a base 1 that connects to an arm 9. It is contemplated that the base 1 and the arm 9 can be formed of various materials including, but not limited to, plastics and metals. The base 1 has an anti-slip part 2 (FIG. 4) that is configured to snugly fit generally within the base and has a portion for engaging a surface, such as a table top. More particularly, the anti-slip part 2 is designed to prevent relative movement between the base 1 and a surface contacted by the anti-slip part. The base 1 is sized to fit within a conventional purse, and further includes a boss 3 that has a first end 3A attached to the base and another end 3B configured for receiving the arm 9.

The arm 9 preferably includes a first arm member 4 that has a first end 4A that is frictionally inserted into and configured for attaching to the boss 3 and another end 4B that is frictionally inserted into and configured for attaching to a connector 5. Preferably, the first arm member 4 has a hook-like shape to extend vertically downward when the anti-slip part 2 is engaged with a surface. A second arm member 6 has a first end 6A that is frictionally inserted into and configured for attaching to the connector 5 and another end 6B connected to an end cap 7. Preferably, the second arm element 6 is also formed in a hook-like shape so that a strap of a purse or the like can be hung from the second arm member. The end cap 7 is preferably positioned on the end 6B of the second member 6 and has a larger diameter than the end 6B to further prevent a strap of a purse or other object from accidentally disengaging from the second arm member.

An advantage of the present invention is that when a fashion accessory is hung from the second arm member 6, it is positioned in an unobtrusive location beneath the table, counter or the like so that is unlikely to be damaged by individuals spilling beverages or the like while using the table. Additionally, storing the fashion accessory under the table enhances the elegance of dining because the fashion accessory is out of view and not cluttering the table.

As best seen in FIGS. 4, 9, 10 and 11 the anti-slip part 2 is configured to be seated within the base 1 such that a portion of the anti-slip part extends beyond a lower edge 102 of the base 1. In this manner, the anti-slip part 2 can engage a surface 8 of a table or the like and will remain engaged with the surface 8 when a fashion accessory 10 is secured to the second arm 6. Moreover, it is contemplated that any number of materials can be used to form the anti-slip part 2. By way of example, the anti-slip part 2 can be formed of rubber.

As further shown in FIGS. 1-9, the first arm member 4 is preferably rotatable with respect to the base 1. More specifically, the first member 4 can be formed to have a frictional fit at the end 4A when secured to the boss 3 and yet still be rotatable with respect to the boss. Furthermore, the connector 5 is also preferably configured to allow for relative rotation between the first arm member 4 and the second arm member 6. Preferably, the rotation is not “free” and the rotated parts are able to hold their position after movement. In this manner, the first and second arm members, as shown in FIGS. 4-7, can be rotated throughout a 360° circular range relative to the base 1 and each other. Advantageously, a user is able to select a desired angular position of the first and second arm members 4 and 6 to most efficiently position the arm 9 beneath a table. Moreover, the base 1 can be designed to minimize table space, which results in more elegant storage configuration for fashion accessories.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-9, the holding device 100 is designed for the temporary safekeeping of fashion accessories for personal use. The holding device is practical and versatile, and may be easily adapted to engage a variety of different types of tables or other furniture. In addition, the holding device is preferably made of metallic material with good structural mechanical properties to minimize cost and size of the device. Furthermore, it is envisioned that the first arm 4 and the second arm 6 can be constructed of any semi-flexible material that has a sufficient rigidity to withstand the weight of a fashion accessory so that a user can manipulate the second arm to the most efficient position for securing a purse or the like.

In operation, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the holding device 100 is removed from a storage location, such as a purse, and assembled. However, it is contemplated that any of the connections between the boss 3, the first arm 4, the connector 5, and the second arm 6 can be permanently connected. The second arm member 6 is aligned in a generally perpendicular position with respect to the surface 8 of the table and attached to the support base 1 via the connector 5 and first arm member 4. The anti-slip part 2 of the base 1 is engaged with the top surface 8 of a table 12 in such a manner that the base is sufficiently positioned away from a side of the table to provide stability while having the second member 6 positioned generally under the table. Such positioning provides secure, safe, efficient, and elegant storage of the fashion accessory.

While a particular embodiment of the invention has been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art the changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the invention and its broader aspects as is set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A holding device engageable with a surface of a table or the like for securing fashion accessories, comprising:

a base;

an anti-slip member attached to said base and configured for engaging the surface; and

an arm rotatable with respect to said base and having a hook-shaped portion.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein said arm comprises a first member rotatably connected to said base; and a second member rotatably connected to said first member.

3. The device of claim 2 wherein a connecter rotatably connects said first member to said second member.

4. The device of claim 2 wherein said base includes a boss formed in a cylindrical shape to frictionally receive said first member.

5. The device of claim 3 further comprising an end cap, and wherein said second member has a first end configured for engaging said connector and another end configured for engaging said end cap.

6. The device of claim 2 wherein said first member and said second member are rigid members.

7. The device of claim 2 wherein said second member is generally hook-shaped.