Holding device

Abstract

A holding device engageable with a surface of a table or the like for securing fashion accessories such as handbags or purses, includes a base having an orifice, an anti-slip member attached to the base and configured for engaging the surface, and an arm assembly rotatable with respect to the base and having a first end configured for being received by the orifice.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/993,097, entitled “Holding Device,” which was filed on Nov. 19, 2004.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to fashion accessories such as purses, handbags, briefcases, and the like. Specifically, the present invention provides a practical, innovative device for hanging and supporting such fashion accessories from a horizontal substrate such as a desk or table.

People in general, but most often women, carry items such as handbags, purses, bags and various other fashion accessories with them in order to hold their personal documents and objects. In certain cases, people need or require that these accessories remain close to them or within their field of vision, leading them to place the objects on tables, to hang them on chairs or simply leave them on the ground. However, these places are genuinely inconvenient and not shaped or sized for retaining these accessories.

For instance, placing a purse or handbag on a counter or table at a bar or restaurant will minimize the surface space available on the table for placing food or drinks, and can also cause the item to get spilled on or dirtied. Such occasions can be quite common and can also cause the accessories to be dropped, stolen, damaged or suffer from other various problems.

Although holding devices have been developed to attempt to solve these problems, they do have disadvantages. For instance, parent application Ser. No. 10/993,097, which is herein incorporated by reference, provides a holding device for hanging fashion accessories. However, it was found that, in some cases, the device was not strong enough to hold many types of fashion accessories, causing the device to disengage from the table surface or, in some cases, break.

Accordingly, there is a need for a holding device that allows a user to attach and hang his/her fashion accessories, such as purses, handbags, and the like, in locations where they can keep these accessories within reach for safety purposes or as a result of habit.

In addition, there is a need for a holding device that can withstand the weight of heavier fashion accessories without disengaging from the table surface or breaking.

There is also a need for a holding device that is portable and that the user can easily fit within a handbag or other fashion accessory without unduly weighing the handbag down or consuming too much space within the handbag.

Further, there is a need for a holding device that can be manufactured and purchased at a low cost, yet still be strong and durable enough to withstand continued use and travel.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The above-identified needs are met or exceeded by the present holding device for fashion accessories such as handbags, purses and the like. The present holding device is lightweight, portable and durable enough to withstand continued use. Further, the present holding device is cost-efficient to manufacture and purchase. In addition, the present holding device is strong enough to retain heavier fashion accessories without disengaging from a table surface or breaking.

Specifically, the present holding device engageable with a surface of a table or the like for securing fashion accessories such as handbags or purses, includes a base having an orifice, an anti-slip member attached to the base and configured for engaging the surface, and an arm assembly rotatable with respect to the base and having a first end configured for being received by the orifice.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

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

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

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

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the holding device of FIG. 1;

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

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of the holding device of FIG. 1 with the arm assembly rotated to another position;

FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of the holding device of FIG. 1 with a second portion of the arm assembly rotated;

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of the holding device of FIG. 7 with the second portion of the arm assembly rotated to another position;

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

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

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

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 1-9, the present holding device engageable with a surface of a table or the like for securing fashion accessories such as handbags, purses, briefcases or similar objects is generally designated 10 and includes a base 12 having a generally cylindrical orifice 14, an anti-slip member 16 attached to the base, and an arm assembly 18 rotatable with respect to the base.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 9, the anti-slip member 16, preferably a disk made of a rubber-like material, is attached to the base 12 at a bottom end 20 of the base, and is configured for engaging a table surface 22 (FIGS. 10-11). It is contemplated that the anti-slip member 16 is attached to the bottom end 20 by a chemical adhesive or glue, although it is appreciated that other methods of attachment may be available, as are known in the art. It is further contemplated that the anti-slip member 16 provides traction between the table surface 22 and the device 10, preventing the device from sliding off of the table surface, which is usually a smooth, finished material such as a reinforced plastic laminate, a varnished or polyurethane-coated wood material, or other known tabletop materials.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 9, the arm assembly 18 has a first end 24 that is configured for being received by the orifice 14. In the present device 10, the orifice 14 is preferably centrally located on a sidewall 26 of the base 12, and extends through approximately one-half the diameter of the base, and the first end 24 is inserted into and extends entirely through the orifice 14 and into a preferably generally circular chamber 25 located within the base (FIG. 1). It is contemplated that this arrangement will provide a strong connection between the arm assembly 18 and the base 12, and will allow heavier fashion accessories to be supported by the device 10.

To rotatably secure the attachment between the arm assembly 18 and the base 12, it is contemplated that the first end 24 is crimped or pressed at point 24a (FIGS. 1 and 2) by inserting a punch crimping or pressing tool into the chamber 25, which is accessible through the bottom 20 of the orifice 14, prior to attachment of the anti-slip member 16. It is contemplated that this action sufficiently deforms the first end 24 so that it cannot be retracted through the orifice 14, while still allowing the arm assembly 18 to rotate with respect to the base 12. However, it is appreciated that other methods of fixing the arm assembly 18 to the base 12 may be available, as are known in the art.

As shown in FIGS. 1-9, it is preferred that the base 12 is generally circular in shape, although it is recognized that other shapes may be available, as are known in the art. For instance, it is contemplated that the base could be provided in a decorative shape, such as a leaf, or that the base could include a logo design or watch component for added elegance and style.

Unlike some prior holding devices, it is contemplated that the sidewall 26 of the base 12 is thick (or tall enough as seen in FIGS. 2 and 3) enough to rotatably receive the first end 24, and also heavy enough to act as a counterweight, enabling the device to securely engage the table surface 22 and balance the weight provided by the fashion accessory. It is further preferred that the base 12 is manufactured from a low cost, rigid, durable material, such as chromed brass, as is known in the art. It is contemplated that chromed brass is strong enough to allow the device 10 to accommodate up to approximately 20 pounds of weight, while still providing a lightweight and elegant looking device. However, it is recognized that other materials may be available.

Referring to FIG. 9, the arm assembly 18 includes a first portion 28, a second portion 30, and a joint sleeve 32 connecting the first and second portions. It is contemplated that the first and second portions 28, 30, are secured within the joint sleeve 32 by crimping, punching or pressing, as is known in the art. It is further contemplated that such assembly techniques provide a strong and secure connection between the first and second portions 28, 30 and the joint sleeve 32, while still allowing rotation of the second portion relative to the sleeve. However, it is appreciated that other attachment techniques are available, as are known in the art.

The second portion 30 is preferably generally hook-shaped and is configured for retaining a fashion accessory 34 such as a handbag, purse, briefcase or other article (FIGS. 10-11). It is contemplated that by providing the second portion 30 with a hook shape, the handbag 34 will be securely retained on the second portion, and will not slip off if moved or disturbed.

In the preferred embodiment, the first end 24 is approximately axially aligned with a lowermost portion 27 of the hook-shaped second portion 30, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 6. It is contemplated that this arrangement provides balance to the device 10 when it is engaged to the table surface 22, allowing the fashion accessory 34 to be securely retained by the device.

It is contemplated that the arm assembly 18 is also manufactured from a low cost, rigid, durable material such as chromed brass, although as mentioned above, it is appreciated that other available materials are suitable that provide similar material properties, as is known in the art. It is further contemplated that the arm assembly 18 has a generally circular cross-section configured to correspond with the circular cross-section of the orifice 14, providing a smooth surface that can be easily gripped by a user. However, it is recognized that other shapes may be available, as is known in the art.

As shown in FIGS. 4-6, the arm assembly 18 is configured for rotating relative to the base 12, allowing the device 10 to be manipulated based on the needs of the user. It is contemplated that the arm assembly 18 is rotatable 360° with respect to the base 12, although it is recognized that a lesser range is possible. By rotating the arm assembly 18 relative to the base 12, the user can adapt the device 10 to best suit the situation. Furthermore, rotation of the arm assembly 18 relative to the base 12 in either direction 90° from the vertical (as seen in FIG. 10) allows the device to be stored easily in a flat orientation (FIG. 6).

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the second portion 30 is configured to be rotatable with respect to the joint sleeve 32. The second portion 30 is preferably rotatable 180° with respect to the joint sleeve 32, although it is recognized that other ranges of rotation are possible. By rotating the second portion 30 relative to the first portion 28 and the base 12, the user can adapt the device 10 to correspond with the table or surface 22 from which it hangs. Further, the user can rotate the second portion 30 so that the handbag 34 is directly under the table 22 (FIGS. 10-11) and in front of them, or so that the handbag is on either their right or left side (FIG. 8), depending on their personal preference or the orientation of the table.

Referring to FIGS. 1-9, the second portion 30 includes a generally spherical tip 36 configured for retaining the purse 34 on the second portion. It is contemplated that the tip 36, which is defined in part by a reduced diameter neck 38, will aid in preventing the purse 34 from slipping off of the second portion 30 during unexpected movement or disturbance of the holding device 10 while it is secured to the table surface 22.

In the preferred embodiment, the holding device 10 is small so that it can be carried in purses or as the user prefers. However, it is contemplated that other sizes may be available for holding larger or heavier objects.

The purpose of the present holding device 10 is to provide a temporary option for the user to safeguard his/her personal belongings in unforeseeable situations and locations such as restaurants, providing them with comfort and security regarding the safety of their personal objects, such as handbags and purses. Further, even when there are locations available to store these items, the present holding device 10 provides an additional option to keep the accessory nearby and within the user's field of vision.

The present holding device 10 does not require any special tools in order to be utilized. It is attached to the table surface 22 or piece of furniture by resting it on the surface of the table or furniture, making the device highly simple to use. Furthermore, the present holding device 10 effectively supports the object that one wants to hang, thus avoiding the need to look for a safe location nearby. In addition, because of its portability and ease of use, the present holding device 10 can be used at any time, with both discretion and simple elegance.

The present holding device 10 has numerous advantages, including practicality, safety features, comfort and versatility. Furthermore, the device 10 is adaptable into numerous positions, since it includes rotatable components, enabling the user to place their personal accessories in the position that best suits them.

While a particular embodiment of the present holding device has been herein shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the invention and its broader aspects, as 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 such as handbags or purses, comprising:

a base having an orifice;

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

an arm assembly rotatable with respect to said base and having a first end configured for being received by said orifice.

2. The holding device of claim 1 wherein said base is generally circular in shape.

3. The holding device of claim 1 wherein said base further includes a sidewall, said orifice being located in said sidewall.

4. The holding device of claim 3 wherein said orifice extends through approximately one-half the diameter of said base.

5. The holding device of claim 4 wherein said sidewall is thick enough to rotatably receive said first end.

6. The holding device of claim 1 wherein said arm assembly includes a first portion, a second portion, and a joint sleeve connecting said first and second portions.

7. The holding device of claim 6 wherein said second portion is generally hook-shaped.

8. The holding device of claim 7 wherein said second portion includes a lowermost portion configured for approximate axial alignment with said first end.

9. The holding device of claim 8 wherein said second portion is rotatable with respect to said joint sleeve.

10. The holding device of claim 9 wherein said second portion includes a generally spherical tip configured for retaining the fashion accessory.

11. The holding device of claim 6 wherein said base further includes a generally circular, centrally located chamber configured for receiving said first end.

12. A holding device engageable with a surface of a table or the like for securing fashion accessories such as handbags or purses, comprising:

a generally circular base having an orifice extending through approximately one-half the diameter of said base;

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

an arm assembly rotatable with respect to said base and having a first end configured for being received by said orifice, wherein said arm assembly includes a first portion, a second portion, and a joint sleeve connecting said first and second portions.

13. The holding device of claim 12, wherein said base includes a sidewall, said orifice being located in said sidewall.

14. The holding device of claim 13, wherein said sidewall is thick enough to rotatably receive said first end.

15. The holding device of claim 12 wherein said second portion is generally hook shaped.

16. The holding device of claim 15 wherein said second portion includes a lowermost portion being in approximate axial alignment with said first end.

17. The holding device of claim 16 wherein said second portion is rotatable with respect to said joint sleeve.

18. The holding device of claim 17 wherein said second portion includes a generally spherical tip configured for retaining the fashion accessory.