STORAGE ACCESSORIES WITH SLIDING KEEPSAKES
Storage accessories, such as handbags or wallets, are provided having one or more keepsakes that may slide to on or off the accessory substrate. The accessory substrate may be attached to a body, strap, zipper, or any other portion of the storage accessory. The keepsakes may have a decorative front side and a rear side that may cause the keepsake to encircle the substrate. The rear side may optionally have a greater length than the front side, which may permit natural spacing between the front sides of adjacent keepsakes.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/487,407, filed Apr. 19, 2017, which application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONHandbags and other storage accessories are used by users to contain and/or carry items while also functioning as a decorative accessory and indicating personalized style. In some instances, handbags have had dangling charms that might attach to a handle of the handbags and provide personalized decoration. However, in some instances, a wearer may not want dangling charms due to personal aesthetic choices, or interference or noise caused by the dangling charms.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONA need exists for storage accessories, such as handbags, that are personalized and enable a wearer to select individualized keepsakes without running into inconvenience caused by many dangling charms. In some embodiments, it may be desirable to provide storage accessories, such as handbags, where the keepsakes may slide onto a portion of the storage accessory. For example, the keepsakes may slide onto any storage accessory, such as a handbag (e.g., tote, shopper, canteen, clutch, wristlet, hobo, cross-body, envelope, messenger, satchel, bucket, box, bowler, quilted, duffel, fold-over, saddlebag, kelly, sling, backpack, or baguette bag), wallet (e.g., bi-fold, tri-fold, long-wallet, pocketbook, zip, envelope, accordion, coin purse, money-bag, wristlet), toiletry bag, camera bag, pet carrier bag, or phone case. The storage accessory may be configured to store currency, payment cards, toiletries, wallets, keys, electronics, or any other items. Any description herein of a storage accessory will apply to any type of storage accessory, and any description herein of any specific type of storage accessory (e.g., handbag) may apply to any other type of storage accessory (e.g., wallet). The keepsakes may have a front side that shows the various decorations, and a backside that may assist with keeping the keepsake on the storage accessory. The back side may optionally have a greater length than the front side. This may keep the keepsakes spaced apart when viewing the front decorative sides of the keepsakes. Alternatively, the back and front sides may have any size relative to one another.
Aspects of the invention are directed to a storage accessory comprising: an accessory substrate having a front face and a back face and attached to a storage accessory body, the accessory substrate configured to transform between an open configuration and a closed configuration; and at least one keepsake configured to slide onto the accessory substrate, wherein the keepsake has a front side contacting the front face of the accessory substrate and showing a decorative portion of the keepsake, and a back side contacting the back face of the substrate, wherein the accessory substrate permits the at least one keepsake to slide onto or off of the accessory substrate when the accessory substrate is in the open configuration, and does not permit the at least one keepsake to slide onto or off of the accessory substrate when the accessory substrate is in a closed configuration.
In some embodiments, the back side overlaps with at least a portion of the front side. In some embodiments, the back side extends beyond a length of the front side. The accessory substrate may be removably attached to the storage accessory body at a first end of the accessory substrate. The accessory substrate may be affixed to the storage accessory body at a second end of the accessory substrate. The accessory substrate may be configured to rotate about the second end of the accessory substrate. The accessory substrate may comprise a fastening element at the first end that is removably engageable with a fastener affixed to the storage accessory body. In some embodiments, in the closed configuration of the accessory substrate, the fastening element and the fastener are engaged. In some embodiments, in the open configuration of the accessory substrate, the fastening element and the fastener are disengaged. The fastening element and the fastener may be engaged through a mechanism selected from the group consisting of: hook and loop fastener, buckle, loop, hook, clip, clasp, pin, button, snap-fit, friction-fit, magnet, clamp, threaded features, twisting features, and any combination thereof.
The accessory substrate may comprise a first portion and a second portion, and the first and second portions are removably engageable to one another. In some embodiments, in the closed configuration of the accessory substrate, the first and second portions are engaged. In some embodiments, in the open configuration of the accessory substrate, the first and second portions are disengaged. The first and second portions of the accessory substrate may be engaged through a mechanism selected from the group consisting of: hook and loop fastener, buckle, loop, hook, clip, clasp, pin, button, snap-fit, friction-fit, magnet, clamp, threaded features, twisting features, and any combination thereof.
The back side may extend beyond a length of the front side on both sides along the length of the front side. Distances back side extends beyond the front side on the both sides along the length of the front side may be substantially the same.
In some embodiments, the at least one keepsake further comprises one or more side bars extending between the first side and the back side. The back side of the keepsake may include a cross bar extending along a width of the keepsake at a first orientation and one or more side or extension features extending along a length of the accessory substrate at a second orientation that is different from the first orientation. The one or more side or extension features may be perpendicular to the cross bar where the one or more side or extension features intersect the cross bar on the back side of the keepsake. The one or more side or extension features may extend beyond the length of the front side. The one or more side or extension features may contact at least one of the one or more side bars. At least one of the cross bar may extend beyond the length of the front side. The backside may comprise a first cross bar and a second cross bar that define an entire length of the back side. The first cross bar or second cross bar may contact at least one of the one or more side bars. The first cross bar or second cross bar may contact at least one of the one or more side or extension features. The first or second cross bar may be connected with at least one of the one or more side bars via one of the one or more side or extension features. The back side may include at least one hole completely encircled by at least one of the cross bar and at least one of the one or more side or extension features. At least a portion of the one or more side or extension features may be curved. The back side including the cross bar and the one or more side or extension features may be formed of a single integral piece. The back side may include at least one hole surrounded by the cross bar and the one or more side or extension features. At least one of the cross bar may be configured to be substantially flush against the accessory substrate. The back side of the keepsake may comprise 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more of the cross bar. The back side of the keepsake may comprise 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more of the side or extension features. The at least one keepsake may comprise 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more of the side bars.
The front side of the keepsake may have a substantially flat inner surface, and the back side of the keepsake may have a substantially flat inner surface. The front side and the back side may be substantially planar along an entire length of the front side and an entire length of the back side, and the front side and the back side may be substantially parallel. The front side of the keepsake or the back side of the keepsake may have an inner surface that includes curves, bumps, or grooves. The curves, bumps, or grooves may prevent sliding of the keepsake in the absence of an external force. The back side may be configured to be substantially flush against the accessory substrate.
In some embodiments, the keepsake is a locket comprising a base portion and a cover portion movable relative to the base portion about a pivot. The keepsake may be made from silver, gold, brass, copper, platinum, palladium, rhodium, titanium, steel, aluminum, nickel, iron, zinc, any combination or alloy thereof; wood, diamond, ruby, emerald, sapphire, onyx, opal, quartz, amethyst, jade, glass, crystal, enamel, polymers, rubber; or any combination thereof. The keepsake may have a polygonal shape. The keepsake may have the polygonal shape selected from the group consisting of: circle, ellipse, triangle, quadrilateral, rectangle, pentagon, hexagon, and octagon. The keepsake may have a shape of an object, a letter, or a number.
The accessory substrate may be attached to a surface of the storage accessory body that is substantially flat or curved. In some embodiments, the accessory substrate is attached to a surface of the storage accessory body that is rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible.
Additional aspects of the present disclosure may be directed to a storage accessory comprising: an accessory substrate having a front face and a back face and attached to a storage accessory body, the accessory substrate configured to transform between an open configuration and a closed configuration; and a first keepsake configured to slide onto the accessory substrate, wherein the first keepsake has a first front side contacting the front face of the accessory substrate and showing a decorative portion of the keepsake, and a first back side contacting the back face of the accessory substrate; and a second keepsake configured to slide onto the accessory substrate, wherein the second keepsake has a second front side contacting the front face of the accessory substrate and showing a decorative portion of the keepsake, and a second back side contacting the back face of the accessory substrate, wherein the accessory substrate permits the first or second keepsake to slide onto or off of the accessory substrate when the accessory substrate is in the open configuration, and does not permit the first or second keepsake to slide onto or off of the accessory substrate when the accessory substrate is in a closed configuration, and wherein the first and second keepsakes are configured such that the first front side and the second front side do not come into contact with one another when the first back side comes into contact with the second back side.
Additional aspects of the present disclosure may be directed to a storage accessory comprising: an accessory substrate having a front face and a back face and attached to a chain, strap, zipper, or handle of the storage accessory, the accessory substrate configured to transform between an open configuration and a closed configuration; and at least one keepsake configured to slide onto the accessory substrate, wherein the at least one keepsake has a front side contacting the front face of the accessory substrate and showing a decorative portion of the keepsake, and a back side contacting the back face of the substrate, wherein the accessory substrate permits the at least one keepsake to slide onto or off of the accessory substrate when the accessory substrate is in the open configuration, and does not permit the at least one keepsake to slide onto or off of the accessory substrate when the accessory substrate is in a closed configuration.
Additional aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from the following detailed description, wherein only exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are shown and described, simply by way of illustration of the best mode contemplated for carrying out the present disclosure. As will be realized, the present disclosure is capable of other and different embodiments, and its several details are capable of modifications in various respects, all without departing from the disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCEAll publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.
The novel features of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. A better understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments, in which the principles of the invention are utilized, and the accompanying drawings of which:
While preferable embodiments of the invention have been shown and described herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions will now occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention described herein may be employed in practicing the invention.
The invention provides storage accessories with sliding keepsakes. Any description herein of handbags may apply to any type of storage accessory, and vice versa. Any features from particular handbag embodiments may apply to various other storage accessory embodiments, and vice versa. Various aspects of the invention described herein may be applied to any of the particular applications set forth below or for any other types of accessories. The invention may be applied as a standalone device, or as part of an integrated accessorizing or design system. It shall be understood that different aspects of the invention can be appreciated individually, collectively, or in combination with each other.
Storage accessories, such as handbags, may be personalized to allow a wearer to select individualized keepsakes that may slide onto an accessory substrate. The keepsakes may have individualized designs and may aid in providing personalized decoration of the storage accessory, such as a handbag. The keepsakes may slide onto accessory substrates. The accessory substrates may be provided on a storage accessory, such as handbag (e.g., tote, shopper, canteen, clutch, wristlet, hobo, cross-body, envelope, messenger, satchel, bucket, box, bowler, quilted, duffel, fold-over, saddlebag, kelly, sling, backpack, or baguette bag), wallet (e.g., bi-fold, tri-fold, long-wallet, pocketbook, zip, envelope, accordion, coin purse, money-bag, wristlet), toiletry bag, camera bag, pet carrier bag, or phone case. Any description herein of a handbag may apply to any type of handbag (i.e., purse). The accessory substrate may be provided on any portion of the storage accessory, such as a body of the storage accessory (near the top, near the middle, near the bottom, on an end face, on a side face, on a bottom), a strap of the storage accessory, a zipper pull of the storage accessory, or any other portion of the storage accessory.
The keepsakes may have a front side that shows the various decorations, and a backside that may assist with keeping the keepsake on the accessory substrate. The back side may optionally have a greater length than the front side. This may keep the keepsakes spaced apart when viewing the front decorative sides of the keepsakes. Alternatively, the front and back sides may have any size or length relative to one another.
Keepsakes may have a front side 110a, 110b, 110c which may show decorative portions of the keepsakes. Various keepsakes may have different designs. In some embodiments, the keepsakes may have front sides of different dimensions, shapes, materials, and/or types. For example, a keepsake may have a relatively short length 100a, or may have a greater length 100b, 100c. In some embodiments, a keepsake front side length may be less than its width. In other instances, a keepsake front side length may be about equal to or greater than its width. The width of the keepsake may be greater than a width of an underlying elongate member.
A keepsake may have any type of shape. A keepsake may have a polygonal shape (e.g., circle, ellipse, triangle, quadrilateral, rectangle, pentagon, hexagon, octagon). A keepsake may have a regular or irregular shape. In some instances, the keepsake may have a shape of an object, such as a wishbone 100a, key, car, shoe, heart, star, crescent, stick figure, house, purse, musical note, flower, cat, dog, horse, or any other type of object. In some embodiments, the keepsake may have the shape of a letter or number. The keepsake may be formed of a solid piece or may be a cut-out 100b that may include an open space therein. For example, the keepsake may be an outline of a shape, such as the United States. In some instances, the keepsake may spell out entire words 100c. In some instances, the keepsake may have a solid front side with words etched or engraved into the front face.
Keepsakes may optionally have similar widths to one another. Keepsakes that will be placed on elongated members of the same or substantially similar width may have the same or similar widths.
Keepsakes may be made from any material. For example, keepsakes may be made from metal. This may include silver, gold, brass, copper, platinum, palladium, rhodium, titanium, steel, aluminum, nickel, iron, zinc, or any combination or alloy thereof. In some instances, the keepsakes may be plated or coated with a material, such as a metal. Techniques such as electroplating, ion plating, or other techniques may be used. Keepsakes may be made from other materials or may include other materials, including but not limited to, wood, precious or semi-precious stones (e.g., diamonds, rubies, emeralds, sapphires, onyx, opal, quartz, amethyst, jade), glass, crystal, enamel, polymers, rubber, or any other materials. Single types of materials or combinations of materials may be provided. The various materials may provide color and/or texture.
A surface of a keepsake may be relatively flat. In some instances, a surface of a keepsake may be textured. In some instances, a surface of a keepsake may not need to be flat and may include protrusions or indentations.
Keepsakes may have back sides 110a, 110b, 110c that may help keep the keepsake attached to an elongate member. Elongate members may have a front face and an opposing back face. In some instances, elongate members may be substantially flat. Front sides of keepsakes may contact a front face of an elongate member. Back sides of keepsakes may contact a back face of the elongate member. Back sides of keepsakes may extend along the width of the elongate member.
Examples of elongate members may include accessory substrates or bases, which may be provided on any portion of any type of storage accessory. Elongate members may include a band format where a width is substantially greater than a thickness of the elongate member. For instance, an elongate member may that has a width to thickness ratio of at least 20:1, 15:1, 10:1, 8:1, 6:1, 5:1, 4:1, 3:1, or 2:1. Alternatively, the elongate member may have any other form factor, such as chains, braids, wire, or cord. The elongate member may form a flat or curved strip. The flat or curved strip may be formed as a single piece or from multiple pieces joined together. The elongate member may include any length of substrate onto which a keepsake may slide. In some examples, the keepsake is configured to slide onto an elongate member along a length of the elongate member. In some examples, the keepsake may slide on an elongate member along a direction other than or besides a length of the elongate member. The elongate members may be substantially flat or may be substantially curved. The elongate members may be flexible to move between a flat or curved shape. Alternatively, the elongate members may be fixed in a curved or flat shape.
In some embodiments, back sides of keepsakes may wrap all the way around a back face of an elongate member. For example, an entire circumference of a cross-section of an elongate member may be encircled by the keepsake. The back side may have a width that is greater than a width of the elongate member. The back side may have a portion that may cover sides of the elongate member.
The back sides may have a length L. For instance, back sides 110a, 110b, 110c may have varying lengths L1, L2, L3 that may correspond to length of the front sides 100a, 100b, 100c. Different lengths of keepsakes may have different lengths of back sides. This may advantageously permit the keepsake to lie flush against an elongate member. This may cause the elongate member to correspond to the profile of the keepsake and prevent corners or sides of the keepsakes from protruding.
In some instances, depending on the length of the keepsake, any number of cross-bars 120a, 120b, 120c may be provided. The cross bars may keep the keepsakes flush against the elongate members. In some instances, one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, or more cross bars may be provided on a back side of a keepsake. In some instances, keepsakes having a greater number of lengths may have a greater number of cross bars. For example, relatively short keepsakes (e.g., keep sakes with a greater width than length) may have one or two cross bars. In another example, keepsakes spelling out words may have three, four, or five cross bars.
In some cases, the backside comprises a first cross bar and a second cross bar that define an entire length of the backside, e.g. the first and second cross bars set the boundaries of the backside along its length. As shown in
The back side may be formed from a single integral piece. The backside may be substantially flat. In some instances, the features of the back side, including any cross bars extending along the width of the keepsake and any side or extension features of the backside may all be formed form a single integral piece, or may form a substantially planar surface. In some embodiments, a cross bar 120a, 120b, 120c may substantially have a first orientation while the side or extension features 122a, 122b, 122c may have a substantially second orientation. The second orientation may be substantially perpendicular to the first orientation. For example, the cross bar may be oriented in a substantially vertical orientation with respect to a base when the keepsake is on the base (where the vertical orientation is substantially parallel to a width of the base). The side or extension features may have a substantially horizontal orientation with respect to the base when the keepsake is on the base. The cross bar may connect to the side or extension features. The cross bar may connect to the side or extension feature on a back side of the keepsake. The cross bar may connect to the side or extension feature on a back side of the feature that contacts a back face of an elongate member. The surface of the back side may be substantially continuous and uninterrupted. In some instances, holes 124a, 124b, 124c may be provided on the back side, but the back side surface may be connected as a single piece. One or more holes may be surrounded by at least one cross bar and at least one side or extension feature. In some instances, a single hole may be provided, or multiple holes may be provided on the back side. In one example, a hole may be surrounded by a pair of cross bars and a pair of side or extension features. In another example, a hole may be surrounded by a single cross bar and one, two, or more side or extension features. In other instances, no holes are provided. A connected single piece back side may include at least one cross bar primarily traversing a width of a base and at least one side or extension member primarily traversing a direction parallel to the length of a base when the keepsake is on the base. The connected single piece back side may extend along the entire length of the front side or beyond the length of the front side of the keepsake.
As previously described, a keepsake may have any form factor or design. A keepsake may be provided on an elongate member, such as a storage accessory base. The front side 200a of a keepsake may contact a front face of an elongate member. The back side 210 may contact a back face of an elongate member. When the keepsake is on the elongate member, the back side of the keepsake may be substantially not visible when viewing the front face of the elongate member and/or the front side of the keep sake may be substantially not visible when viewing the back face of the elongate member.
The back side 210 of the keepsake may have any form factor or shape. The back side of the keepsake may have a length selected based on the length of the front side 200a. The back side may have one, two, three, four or more cross bars extending along the width of the backs ide. The back side may have one or more openings or cut-outs in the back side. The back side may have a substantially rounded shape or rounded corners. In some instances, the back side may have a space for branding or a logo 240a.
The front side 200a and the back side 210a may be substantially parallel to one another. In some instances, an inner surface of the front side 205a (e.g., the side to contact an elongate member) may be substantially parallel with an inner surface of the back side 215a (e.g., the side to contact an elongate member). The inner surface of the front side and the inner surface of the back side may be substantially flat and/or planar. Alternatively, the inner surface of the front side and/or the inner surface of the back side may include curves, bumps, grooves, or any other surface features. The inner surfaces of the front side and the back side may be configured to permit the keepsake to slide over the elongate member. In some instances, the inner surfaces may be configured to permit the keepsakes to frictionally fit on the elongate member and prevent unwanted sliding.
Optionally, an outer surface of the front side and an outer surface of the back side may be substantially flat and/or planar. The outer surface of the back side may be parallel to an inner surface of the back side. The outer surface of the front side may be parallel to an inner surface of the front side. In other instances, the outer surface of the front side and/or outer surface of the back side need not be flat and/or may include variations to the surface. The outer surfaces may or may not be parallel to the inner surfaces.
The front side and the back side of the keepsake may be substantially planar. The front and back sides may be on substantially parallel separate planes. The front side may have a length extending along a first plane while the back side may have a greater length extending along a second parallel plane. The front and back sides may overlap when viewed from a perspective orthogonal to the first plane or the second plane.
A top side 220a and/or bottom side 230a may be provided on a keepsake. The top side may be a bar that may extend between the front side 200a and the back side 210a of the keepsake. The top side may include one, two, three, four, or more bars. Alternatively, the top side may be a single solid piece. The bottom side may be a bar that may extend between the front side and the back side of the keepsake. The bottom side may include one, two, three, four, or more bars. Alternatively, the bottom side may be a single solid piece. In some instances, the same number of bars may be provided between the top and bottom sides. Alternatively, the number of bars between the top and bottom sides may be different. The number and/or arrangement of top and/or bottom side bars may be selected based on a geometry and/or layout of the front side and/or back side. The number and/or arrangement of the top side bars may be selected without regard to the number of the bottom side bars and vice versa. Any number of side bars may connect the front side and the back side. The side bars may be on top and/or on bottom. The side bars may connect to a side or extension feature of a back side. The side bars may connect to a crossbar of the back side.
A front side 200b of the keepsake may be connected to a back side 210b of the keepsake via one or more top side 220b and/or bottom side 230b bars. The cross-section of the keepsake may be substantially rectangular. The inner surfaces of the cross-section of the keepsake may be substantially rectangular. A width of a keepsake may be greater than its thickness. A width of a keepsake may or may not be greater than its length. The cross-section of the keepsake may have substantially rounded corners. In some instances, the inner surface of the cross-section and/or the outer surface of the cross-section of the keepsake may have substantially rounded corners.
In some embodiments, one or more of the top side and/or bottom side bars of the keepsake may not connect to both the front side and the back side. For example, a top side bar 221b may substantially cover the thickness of an elongate member, but not contact a front face of the elongate member. One or more top side and/or bottom side bars may form extensions that may at least partially hook over a side of an elongate member.
In some embodiments, the front side and the back side of the keepsake may be formed as an integral single piece. In some instances, the front side, back side, top side, and bottom side of the keepsake may be formed as a single integral piece. Alternatively, one or more pieces may be attached to one another to form the front side, back side, top side and bottom side. A single integral piece may be provided to form the base of the keepsake including at least a portion of the front side, back side, top side, and bottom side. Optionally additional pieces may be added to the front side or back side for decorative or branding purposes.
A keepsake may have a front side 300a, 300b and a back side 310a, 310b. The front side may optionally be a decorative side while the back side may optionally be a support side. In alternative embodiments, the back side may be decorative as well. In some instances, the front side may include decorative features 320, such as stones that may protrude, or have decorative shapes or designs. One or more top or bottom sides 330a, 330b may be provided that may connect the front side to the back side. In some instances, both top and bottom sides are provided. In alternate embodiments, only a top side or a bottom side is provided.
A keepsake may be mounted onto an accessory substrate 340a. The accessory substrate may be an elongate member. The terms “accessory substrate” and “substrate” can be used interchangeably herein. The accessory substrate may be a strip. The strip may be incorporated as an existing portion of the storage accessory, or may be added to the storage accessory. The accessory substrate may form a base for the keepsakes and may have a flat and/or elongated shape. Examples of accessory substrates may include various portions of storage accessories (such as straps, zipper-pulls, chains) or may be attached to existing portions of storage accessories (e.g., storage accessory body). The accessory substrates may have a shape where one or more keepsakes may slide onto the accessory substrates. The accessory substrates may be shaped and/or sized to accommodate a single keepsake. The single keepsake may be swapped out with other keepsakes. In other instances, the accessory substrates may be shaped and/or sized to accommodate multiple keepsakes. For example, multiple keepsakes of the same design or different designs may be added to the accessory substrates. Further examples of various types of accessory substrates with keepsakes mounted thereon are described in greater detail elsewhere herein.
In some embodiments, a keepsake may be configured such that when a cross-section if taken of a keepsake on an accessory substrate 340a, 340b, the front side 300a, 300b, back side 310a, 310b, top side, and bottom side 330a, 330b all wrap around the accessory substrate. The entirety of a cross-section of at least a portion of the accessory substrate may be entirely surrounded by the keepsake. In some instances, when the keepsake is projected onto a plane parallel to the cross-section of the accessory substrate, the entirety of a cross-section of at least a portion of the accessory substrate may be entirely surrounded by the keepsake projection. There may be at least some overlap between a back side and a front side of the keepsake.
A keepsake may have a length L1 of its front side and a length L2 of its back side. Similarly, a keepsake may have a length L3 of its front side and a length L4 of its back side. A front side and a back side of a keepsake may have different lengths. In some instances, the front side of the keepsake may have a lesser length than the back side of the keepsake (e.g., L1<L2, L3<L4). The length of a back side of a keepsake may extend beyond a length of a front side of a keepsake. The length of the back side may extend beyond a length of a front side of a keepsake on a single side (e.g., right side or left side) or on both sides (e.g., right side and left side). The back side may be configured such that the back side is on a different plane than the front side. The back side and front side planes may be substantially parallel to one another. The back side may extend beyond the length of the front side on at least one side (e.g., right side, left side) on the back side plane that is different from the front side plane. In some cases, the back side extends beyond the length of the front side on the left side and right side on the back side plane. The left and right sides can refer to the sides of the keepsake along the length of the keepsake, e.g., along the length of the accessory substrate when the keepsake is slide on the accessory substrate, e.g., along L1, L2, L3, and/or L4, as depicted in
In some instances, a distance d1, d2, d3, d4 may be provided for which the back side extends beyond the front side of the keepsake. In some instances, the distance may be a small amount, such as about 1 cm or less, 5 mm or less, 4 mm or less, 3 mm or less, 2 mm or less, 1.5 mm or less, 1 mm or less, 0.5 mm or less, or 0.1 mm or less. In some instances, both sides of the keepsake may have a back side that extends beyond the length of the front side. Alternatively, a single side or neither side may have a back side that extends beyond the length of the front side. The various distances on each side may be substantially the same, or may be different from one another. In some cases, the distances the backside extends beyond the right side and left side along the length of the accessory substrate can be substantially the same. In one example, the distances being substantially the same can mean that the distances have a difference of less than about 20% of the larger one of the distances being referred to. In one example, the distances being substantially the same can mean that the distances have a difference of less than about 10% of the larger one of the distances being referred to. In one example, the distances being substantially the same can mean that the distances have a difference of less than about 7.5% of the larger one of the distances being referred to. In one example, the distances being substantially the same can mean that the distances have a difference of less than about 5% of the larger one of the distances being referred to. In one example, the distances being substantially the same can mean that the distances have a difference of less than about 4% of the larger one of the distances being referred to. In one example, the distances being substantially the same can mean that the distances have a difference of less than about 3% of the larger one of the distances being referred to. In one example, the distances being substantially the same can mean that the distances have a difference of less than about 2% of the larger one of the distances being referred to. In one example, the distances being substantially the same can mean that the distances have a difference of less than about 1% of the larger one of the distances being referred to. In one example, the distances being substantially the same can mean that the distances have a difference of less than about 0.5% of the larger one of the distances being referred to. In one example, the distances being substantially the same can mean that the distances have a difference of less than about 0.2% of the larger one of the distances being referred to. In one example, the distances being substantially the same can mean that the distances have a difference of less than about 0.1% of the larger one of the distances being referred to. In one example, the distances being substantially the same can mean that the distances have a difference of less than about 0.01% of the larger one of the distances being referred to.
Having a greater length on the back side may prevent the front sides of the keepsakes from coming into contact with one another or overlapping one another when they are mounted on the same accessory substrate. For example, if multiple keepsakes are slid onto an accessory substrate, the back sides may keep the front sides spaced apart. This may be advantageous for preventing keepsakes from bunching up in the front and becoming mis-aligned. Furthermore, this may also provide a clean presentation for aesthetic reasons. The keepsakes may be spaced apart so that pushing on one keepsake along the accessory substrate may cause the adjacent keepsake to be pushed along so that a space remains between the front faces of the keepsakes.
The back side may be shaped such that the back side extends beyond the longest or outermost portion of the front side. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the front sides may be shaped so that a portion extends beyond the longest or outermost portion of the back side. The front sides may be shaped or arranged so that they are unlikely to bump into adjoining keepsakes. Thus, even if a front side has an extension extending beyond the back side, it may not overlap with or bump into a front side of an adjacent keepsake. Alternatively, it may contact the front face of the adjacent keepsake.
In some embodiments, when a keepsake is slid onto an accessory substrate 340a, 340b, the substrate may be substantially flush against all the inner surfaces of the sides of the keepsake. The substrate may be flush against the front 300a, 300b and back 310a side inner surfaces. In other instances, one of the sides, such as the back side 310b or a front side may have a curvature or other feature. The curvature or other feature may cause sufficient frictional contact between the accessory substrate and the inner surface of the keepsake to prevent unwanted sliding, while permitting the keepsake to be slid on when sufficient force is applied. In some instances, some gaps 350 or spaces may be provided between the substrate and an inner surface of a side, such as a front side or back side.
In some instances, the accessory substrate may be flush with a top side and/or bottom side 330a, 330b of the keepsake. This may prevent the keepsake from substantially rotating relative to the substrate. The keepsakes may be prevented from rotating about an axis that is perpendicular to a face of the accessory substrate. Similarly, the keepsakes may be prevented from rotating about an axis extending along a length of the accessory substrate. The keepsakes may remain at a substantially stationary orientation relative to the accessory substrate. In alternate embodiments, there may be some space or a gap between a side of the accessory substrate and the top side and/or bottom side 330a, 330b of the keepsake. This may permit some rotating about any of the axes described herein. There may be some angular “wiggle” that may be permitted for the keepsakes.
The accessory substrate 400 may permit one or more keepsakes 420a, 420b, 420c to slide onto the accessory substrate. The accessory substrate may have any desired length. For instance, the accessory substrate may be less than 1 cm, 1.5 cm, 2 cm, 3 cm, 4 cm, 5 cm, 6 cm, 7 cm, 8 cm, 9 cm, 10 cm, 12 cm, 15 cm, 20 cm, 25 cm, 30 cm, 35 cm, 40 cm, 45 cm, 50 cm, 60 cm, 70 cm, or 100 cm long. The accessory may be greater than 0.1 cm, 0.5 cm, 1 cm, 1.5 cm, 2 cm, 3 cm, 4 cm, 5 cm, 6 cm, 7 cm, 8 cm, 9 cm, 10 cm, 12 cm, 15 cm, 20 cm, 25 cm, 30 cm, 35 cm, 40 cm, 45 cm, 50 cm, 60 cm, or 70 cm long. The accessory substrate may have a length falling in a range between any two values described herein. The accessory substrate may have a first end and a second end. Alternatively, the accessory substrate may form a continuous loop. The accessory substrate may or may not include one or more intermediary ends, as described elsewhere herein.
The accessory substrate may lie flat or may have a curved shape. The substrate may overly an underlying surface of a storage accessory. The substrate may encircle one or more portion of a storage accessory. For instance, the substrate may encircle a storage accessory body or a strap/handle.
The accessory substrate may have a single fixed point or multiple fixed points. The fixed point(s) may be permanently fixed, or may be adjustable to change between a fixed and opened state, as will be described in greater detail elsewhere herein.
The accessory substrate may be reversible. The accessory substrate may have a first face and an opposing second face. The first face may have a first set of characteristics and the second face may have a second set of characteristics. At least some of the second set of characteristics may be different from the first set of characteristics. For instance, a characteristic may be color. A first face of a substrate may be of a first color while a second face of the substrate may be of a second different color. For instance, one face of the substrate may be beige, while another face of the substrate may be green. In another example, a characteristic may be texture. A first face of a substrate may have a first texture while the second face of a substrate may have a second texture that may be different from the first texture. For instance, one face of the substrate may have a smooth texture, while another face of the substrate may have a bumpy or rough texture. Another example of a characteristic may be finish. For example, a first face of a substrate may have a first finish while a second face of the substrate may have a second finish that is different from the first finish. For instance, one face of the substrate may be shiny (e.g., patent), while another face of the substrate may be brushed, matte or dull. Another example of a characteristic may include material. A first face of a substrate may include a first material while a second face of the substrate may include a second material that is different from the first material. For example, one face of the substrate may include leather while another face of the substrate may include fabric. Other examples of characteristics may be provided. In some instances, all characteristics between the different faces may be different, all characteristics between the different faces may be the same, or one or more characteristics between the different faces may be different while other characteristics may be the same.
This may be useful for a reversible accessory substrate 400. The substrate may be applied to a storage accessory so that the first face is directed outward, or so that the second face is directed outward. Thus, the first set of characteristics (e.g., color, texture, finish, material) may be exposed when the substrate is applied with the first face directed outward. The second set of characteristics (e.g., color, texture, finish, material) may be exposed when the substrate is applied with the second face directed outward. For example, a substrate may be reversible so that in a first configuration, a beige face is directed outward from a storage accessory, and in a second configuration, a green face is directed outward from the storage accessory. The substrate may be removable and re-attachable so that the substrate may be applied with a first face being directed outwards with the second face against a surface of the storage accessory, or applied with a second face being directed outwards with the first face against the surface of the storage accessory.
Keepsakes 420a, 420b, 420c may be slid onto the accessory substrate 400. The keepsakes may be slid onto the substrate or off of the substrate while the accessory substrate is in an open configuration. The keepsakes may not slide on or off when the accessory substrate is in a closed configuration. Keepsakes may slide onto or off the substrate through the open end of the substrate when the substrate is in an open configuration. The faces of the substrate may be substantially flat. The keepsakes may have a correspondingly flat form factor that may prevent the keepsakes from twisting or rotating around an axis that extends along the length of the substrate. In some embodiments, in the open configuration, the accessory substrate may permit the keepsake to slide onto or off the accessory substrate along a length of the accessory substrate.
In some examples, in the closed configuration, the accessory substrate does not permit the keepsake to slide onto or off the accessory substrate along a length of the accessory substrate. In some examples, in the closed configuration, the keepsake is not permitted to slide onto or off the accessory substrate along a length of the accessory substrate, but is configured to slide onto or off the accessory substrate along a direction other than the length of the substrate.
In some instances, the substrate may be formed from leather, faux-leather, plastic, silicone, rubber, or similar material that may be semi-rigid. In other instances, the substrate may be formed from a metal or metal alloy/combination (such as any metal or metal alloy/combination described elsewhere herein—e.g., silver, stainless steel, gold, platinum, titanium, rhodium, iron, brass, copper, nickel, zinc, aluminum, etc.), stone, hard plastic, glass, crystal, wood, or similar material that may be rigid. The substrate may be formed from multiple layers attached to one another. In some instances, different faces of the substrate may be dyed, plated, colored, or finished differently.
A front face 440a, 440b, 440c of the keepsakes may overlie a front face 402 of the accessory substrate. The front face of the keepsakes may be decorative and may be viewable when attached to the storage accessory. The front face of the keepsakes may face away from an underlying surface of the storage accessory, upon which the substrate may rest. The front face of the keepsakes may be exposed to the ambient environment. In some instances, when viewing the front faces of the keepsakes, they may be spaced apart and not contacting one another. In alternative embodiments, some contact may be provided between the front faces of the keepsakes.
The substrate may have a top side 406 over which top sides 460a, 460b, 460c of the keepsakes may lie. Each keepsake may have one or more portions to the top side.
The accessory substrate may be formed from a flexible material. The substrate may be formed from a semi-rigid material. The substrate may be formed from a rigid or hard material. The substrate may be able to conform its curvature to match a profile of a keepsake. The substrate and keepsakes may be sized and/or shaped so that the keepsakes slide on the substrate when sufficient force is applied. However, there may be sufficient friction so that the keepsakes may remain on the substrate without sliding around when no external force is applied. When an accessory substrate is attached to a storage accessory, there may be sufficient friction to keep the keepsakes from sliding around. When an individual grasps a keepsake and pulls or pushes with sufficient force, the keepsakes may slide along the substrate. The accessory substrate and keepsakes may be dimensioned so that the keepsakes remain substantially upright and do not wriggle.
The accessory substrate may have any dimensions. For example, the width of the substrate may be greater than or equal to about 3 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 1 cm, 1.1 cm, 1.2 cm, 1.3 cm, 1.5 cm, 1.7 cm, 2 cm, 2.5 cm or 3 cm. The width of the substrate may be less than any of the dimensions described. The width of the substrate may fall into a range between any two dimension values described herein. Such dimensions are provided by way of example only and are not limiting. The substrate and/or keepsakes may be dimensioned to permit the keepsakes to slide on and to stay on. The dimensions may be provided to prevent unwanted sliding of the keepsakes. In some instances, a thickness of the substrate and a thickness of the opening of the keepsakes may differ by less than 1 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.1 mm, 0.05 mm, or 0.01 mm. Optionally, a thickness of the substrate and a thickness of the opening of the keepsakes may differ by less than 5%, 3%, 1%, 0.5%, 0.1%, 0.05%, or 0.01% of the thickness of the substrate. In some instances, the substrate material may be slightly resilient, which may permit the substrate to be squished within the opening of the keepsakes when the keepsakes slide on. In some instances, the thickness of the substrate may be slightly greater than a thickness of the keepsake opening. Alternatively, the thickness of the substrate may be less than or equal to the thickness of the keepsake opening.
The keepsakes may have different decorations and/or dimensions. An individual may advantageously be able to personalize their storage accessory with selected keepsakes. The individual may also be able to select the order the keepsakes are applied and be able to add or subtract keepsakes, or swap them for other keepsakes.
As previously described, the accessory substrate may optionally be reversible. Alternatively, the accessory substrate is not reversible. When an accessory substrate is reversible, a first face of the substrate, having a first set of characteristics, may be provided as an outer face, with the front sides of the keepsakes overlying the first face. In this first configuration, the second face of the substrate may be provided as an inner face, with the rear sides of the keepsakes overlying the second face. The configuration of the accessory substrate may be changed so that a second face of the substrate (opposing the first face of the substrate), having a second set of characteristics, may be provided as an outer face, with the front sides of the keepsakes overlying the second face. In this second configuration, the first face of the substrate may be provided as an inner face, with the rear sides of the keepsakes overlying the first face.
When changing configuration from a first configuration to a second configuration, the keepsakes may be removed from the accessory substrate, and then flipped so that the front face of the keepsakes contact the second face of the substrate instead of the first face of the substrate. The keepsakes may be slid off of the substrate. Then the keepsakes may be rotated 180 degrees so that the front face of the keepsakes aligns with the second face of the substrate. Then the keepsakes may be slid back onto the substrate. The accessory substrate itself may be adjusted relative to a storage accessory. In a first configuration, the first face of the substrate may be outward-facing. The substrate may optionally be removed from the storage accessory, flipped so that the second face of the substrate is outward-facing, and reattached. Alternatively, the substrate need not be completely separated from the storage accessory and may just be folded, twisted, or otherwise re-adjusted. Thus, in the second configuration, both the keepsakes and the second face of the substrate may be on the outer side.
This reversibility may add an additional layer of personalization to the storage accessory. A wearer may be able to select between different colors or other characteristics for the substrate, and apply the substrate to the storage accessory, with an equal layer of incorporation and style. This may increase the versatility of the storage accessory (e.g., matching different outfits). The same keepsakes may be used between different reversible configurations, or may be swapped out for other keepsakes.
Similarly, accessory substrates may be swapped out for other accessory substrates with different characteristics, or the same characteristics. For instance, if a first accessory substrate is becoming worn or damaged, the first accessory substrate may be replaced for a second accessory substrate that may be new or undamaged. In another instance, the first accessory may be swapped for a second accessory that may have different characteristics (e.g., color, finish, texture, material, size, shape).
The keepsakes may have different decorations and/or dimensions. An individual may advantageously be able to personalize their storage accessory with selected keepsakes. The individual may also be able to select the order the keepsakes are applied and be able to add or subtract keepsakes, or swap them for other keepsakes.
In some embodiments, the keepsakes may be designed and/or dimensioned so that they can be used on a plurality of different types of accessory substrates. For example, the same keepsake may be worn on a leather semi-rigid substrate, a metallic mesh substrate, or a solid metal band substrate. In some instances, the keepsakes and substrates may be dimensioned so that the keepsakes may be frictionally fit onto a first type of substrate (e.g., leather or silicone substrate) while more freely moving on another type of substrate (e.g., metal mesh or solid metal substrate). The dimensioning may be provided to accommodate different materials of accessory substrates. For example, for harder or more rigid underlying accessory substrate materials (e.g., metals, hard plastics), the keepsakes may be configured to move more freely on the accessory substrate. Stoppers may or may not be employed to keep the keepsakes in place. For the more flexible or malleable accessory substrate materials (e.g., leather, soft plastics), the keepsakes may be configured to be frictionally fit on the accessory substrate. Stoppers may not be needed to keep the keepsakes in place.
This may advantageously permit greater flexibility in the user of the keepsakes. In addition to customizing a storage accessory with personalized keepsakes, a user may be able to customize an accessory substrate for particular keepsakes. For example, a user may have a keepsake or set of keepsakes that the user wishes to wear with different accessory substrates. For example, a user may wear a keepsake with a leather substrate for a more casual look, while swapping out the accessory substrate to wear the keepsake with a metallic substrate to provide a more dressed-up look. The accessory substrate may be customized for the storage accessories for different occasions. Similarly, a first substrate may be used for a more traditional look, while a second substrate may be used for a more trendy or modern look. A user may slide a keepsake onto a first accessory substrate on a storage accessory. The user may carry the storage accessory. When the user wishes to change accessory substrates, the user may slide the keepsake off the first substrate. The substrate may optionally be removed from the storage accessory. The user may then slide the keepsake onto a second substrate, which may be attached to the storage accessory beforehand, concurrently, or afterwards.
The accessory substrate may include a body 510 and a base 515. The body of an accessory substrate may be substantially flat. A front face and rear face of the dangling substrate may be substantially planar and parallel to one another. The thickness of the substrate may be less than the width of the substrate. The thickness of the substrate may be less than 50%, 40%, 30%, 20%, 10%, 5%, or 1% of the width of the substrate. The width of the substrate may remain substantially the same along the length of the substrate. The width of the substrate may remain substantially the same for at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99% of the length of the substrate. In some instances, a front side of the substrate body and the rear side of the substrate body may look substantially identical. They may have the same characteristics. The pendant body may be formed as a single integral piece. The pendant body may be formed as a single solid piece. The pendant body may be formed from a rigid or semi-rigid material. The pendant body may be formed from a metal, such as any of the metals described elsewhere herein. The pendant body may be formed from any other type of material described elsewhere herein.
The base 515 of the substrate may be substantially flat. The base of the substrate may have a greater thickness than the body 510 of the substrate. The extra thickness from the base may form a shelf 517 upon which keepsakes may rest. The shelf may extend on the front side of the substrate and/or the back side of the substrate. In some instances, the shelf may extend on both the front and back sides of the substrate. The base may prevent keepsakes from sliding past the base. The base may be integrally formed with the body of the substrate. The base and body may be formed from a single piece. In other instances, the base may be formed from a different piece and attached to the body. In some instances, branding or a logo may be displayed on the base. For instance, branding or a logo may be displayed on a front face of the base (e.g.,
The substrate 500 may include a connection point 520 through which the dangling accessory substrate may be attached to a portion of the storage accessory. For instance, the connection point may include a loop. The loop may be attached through a hole in the body 510. The loop may move relative to the body. Alternatively, the loop may be integrally formed into the substrate body. The substrate may have a ‘dogtag’ shape. The substrate may have a rounded end, or an end with sharp corners.
A front side 530a, 530b, 530c of the keepsake may contact a front face of the substrate body 510. A rear side 540a, 540b, 540c of the keepsake may contact a rear face of the substrate body. The front side and the rear side of the keepsake may be connected to one another via one or more top sides and/or bottom sides 550a, 550b, 540c. The keepsakes may slide onto the substrate body and completely encircle the substrate body. When a cross-section of the substrate body is taken, the substrate body may be entirely surrounded by the keepsake. The keepsakes may be stopped by a base 515 from sliding further. When a substrate is dangling, the keepsakes may be propped upwards by the base. When a plurality of keepsakes are provided on a substrate, the lowest keepsake may contact and be supported by the base. The next lowest keepsake may be supported by the lowest keepsake. Each keepsake may be supported by the keepsake beneath it, when the substrate is hanging.
The keepsakes may be configured so that the front sides 530a, 530b, 530c remain spaced apart when the keepsakes are adjacent to one another on the substrate body 510. The rear sides 540a, 540b, 540c may contact one another on the substrate body. When the substrate is dangling, the substrate may have a vertical orientation. Keepsakes may be stacked on the vertical substrate. In some instances, when the keepsakes are stacked, they may be positioned so that the rear sides of the keepsakes contact one another. In some instances, when the rear sides of the keepsakes contact one another, the front sides may be remain spaced apart. When the keepsakes are stacked, the front sides may optionally not contact one another. In other embodiments, the front sides may contact one another.
In some instances, the keepsakes may move freely along the substrate body. Optionally, stoppers, such as those described elsewhere herein, may be provided. The stopper may prevent keepsakes from sliding along the substrate body beyond the stopper. Stoppers may or may not be used with the substrates.
The substrate body is provided by way of example only and are not limiting. For instance, a dog-tag type configuration may be provided as illustrated. The elongated portion may have a substantially vertical orientation or any other orientation when dangling from a storage accessory. In other embodiments, the substrate may be arranged so that the elongated body has a substantially horizontal position when applied to the storage accessory. The horizontal pendant may be supported on both ends or a single end by connection points. The keepsakes may slide on and be arranged horizontally in a row on the horizontal pendant. In other instances, the substrate body may have an arced shape onto which the keepsakes may slide. Optionally, the arc may be provided so that the front and back portions of the substrate form a ‘C’ shape. The ‘C’ shape may lie substantially flat or may be curved.
Optionally, accessory substrates may be reversible. In some instances, each side of a substrate may have the same characteristics. Alternatively, different characteristics may be provided on different sides of the substrate. For example, a first side may be plated with a first type of metal while a second side may be plated with a second type of metal. Optionally, the second type of metal may have different visual characteristics (e.g., color, finish, shine), than the first type of metal. The keepsakes may be arranged so that the front sides of the keepsakes are over a first side of the pendant. The pendant may be reversed by switching the orientation of the keepsakes so that the front sides of the keepsakes are over a second side of the pendant. In some instances, when dangling from the storage accessory, the front sides of the keepsakes may be exposed or may face outwards. The substrate may dangle so there is a bias to provide an increased likelihood of the front side of the keepsake being exposed. Alternatively, the rear side of the keepsakes may also be exposed or may have an equal chance of being exposed.
The dangling accessory substrate may be attached to any portion of a storage accessory, as described in greater detail elsewhere herein. For instance, the dangling accessory substrate may serve as a zipper pull of the storage accessory. The dangling accessory substrate may hang from a strap, chain, zipper, body (e.g., at or near a top edge of the body, near a middle region of a body, near a bottom of a body, a side face of the body, or an end face of the body), or any other portion of a storage accessory. The dangling accessory substrate may be permanently affixed to the storage accessory. Alternatively, the dangling accessory may be easily removable from the storage accessory. The dangling accessory substrate may be exchanged for other accessory substrates. Any description herein of the dangling accessory substrate may apply to any other type of accessory substrate, and vice versa.
In some embodiments, the keepsakes may be designed and/or dimensioned so that they can be used on a plurality of different types of accessory substrates, such as handbag substrates, as described elsewhere herein. For example, the same keepsake may be worn on a substrate with two connection points and a dangling accessory substrate with a single connection point. In some instances, the keepsakes and substrates may be dimensioned so that the keepsakes may be frictionally fit onto a first accessory substrate while more freely moving on a second accessory substrate (e.g., dangling accessory substrate). Any of the accessory substrates may have any dimension. For example, a width of an accessory substrate may be less than or equal to about 3 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 1 cm, 1.1 cm, 1.2 cm, 1.3 cm, 1.5 cm, 1.7 cm, 2 cm, 2.5 cm or 3 cm. The width of the substrate may be greater than any of the dimensions described. The width of the substrate may fall into a range between any two dimension values described herein. Different types of substrates may have the same width or different widths. Different types of substrates may have widths within 10% of one another to permit the same keepsakes to be used with the different substrates. Such dimensions are provided by way of example only and are not limiting. Stoppers may or may not be needed to keep the keepsakes in place. Any of the types of accessory substrates described herein may or may not employ stoppers to keep keepsakes in place.
These configurations may advantageously permit greater flexibility in the user of the keepsakes. As previously described, a user may be able to customize an accessory substrate for particular keepsakes. For example, a user may have a keepsake or set of keepsakes that the user wishes to wear with different storage accessories (e.g., handbags, wallets, carriers). For example, a user may wear a keepsake with a handbag, while swapping out the storage accessory to wear the keepsake with a wallet. This may be useful to accommodate different types of outfits that may match different storage accessories. A user may slide a keepsake onto a first accessory substrate. The user may carry a first storage accessory that has the first accessory substrate. When the user wishes to change storage accessories, the user may slide the keepsake off the first accessory substrate. The user may then slide the keepsake onto a second accessory substrate on a second storage accessory, and carry the second storage accessory. In some instances, the user may slide a keepsake onto a first accessory substrate. The user may carry a storage accessory that has the first accessory substrate. When the user wishes to change accessory substrates, the user may slide the keepsake off the first accessory substrate. The first accessory substrate may optionally be removed from the storage accessory and replaced with a second accessory substrate. The user may then slide the keepsake onto a second accessory substrate. In other embodiments, the second accessory substrate may be on the storage accessory ahead of time (e.g., concurrently with the first accessory substrate).
A handbag body may have any shape or dimension. For instance, the handbag body may be formed so that the handbag is any type of handbag, such as a tote, shopper, canteen, clutch, wristlet, hobo, cross-body, envelope, messenger, satchel, bucket, box, bowler, quilted, duffel, fold-over, saddlebag, kelly, sling, backpack, or baguette bag. The handbag body may have any size. For instance, the handbag body may enclose a volume of greater than about 1 cm3, 5 cm3, 10 cm3, 20 cm3, 50 cm3, 75 cm3, 100 cm3, 120 cm3, 150 cm3, 175 cm3, 200 cm3, 250 cm3, 300 cm3, 350 cm3, 400 cm3, 450 cm3, 500 cm3, 600 cm3, 700 cm3, 800 cm3, 1000 cm3, 1500 cm3, 2000 cm3, 2500 cm3, 3000 cm3, 4000 cm3, 5000 cm3, 6000 cm3, 7000 cm3, 8000 cm3, 9000 cm3, 10,000 cm3, 12,000 cm3, 15,000 cm3, 20,000 cm3, 30,000 m3, 40,000 cm3, or 50,000 cm3. The handbag body may enclose a volume of less than any of the values described. The handbag body may have a volume falling within a range between any two of the values described herein.
The handbag body may be formed from a rigid material, semi-rigid material, or flexible material, such as any materials described elsewhere herein. The handbag body may be formed from leather, textiles, straw, metal (e.g., solid pieces, coins, chains or links), plastic, silicone, rubber, wood, glass, crystal, or any combination thereof. The handbag body may be formed from a single material or may be formed from multiple materials. The handbag body may be formed from a single integral piece or from multiple pieces. For instance, the handbag body may include a first portion 610a and a second portion 610b that may have different characteristics (e.g., color, material, finish, shine, etc.).
The handbag may optionally include one or more straps 620. In some instances, two straps may be provided. For instance, a first strap may be on a first side of the handbag body while the second strap may be on a second side of the handbag body. The straps may form a handle of the handbag. In other instances, both the first and second straps may be on the same side of the handbag body (e.g., backpack). In other instances, a single strap may be provided (e.g., cross-body, satchel, messenger bag). In other instances, there may be multiple straps types of straps (e.g., cross-body strap and handle straps). The straps may be permanently affixed to the handbag, or may be removable from the rest of the handbag. For instance, one or more straps may have lobster clasps, rings, or other types of attachment mechanisms that may permit the straps to be easily removed or re-attached to the rest of the handbag. In some instances, removable straps may be used for other accessorizing purposes. For instance, a strap may be used as a belt, scarf, necklace, bracelet, anklet, head-piece, or any other purpose. In one example, the strap may be formed as a chain, which may be worn as an article of jewelry, such as a necklace, bracket, or anklet. In another example, the removable strap may be a flat strap that may be worn as a belt (e.g., leather, chain, decorative).
The straps may have any length. The straps may be configured to go around a wearer's wrist (e.g., wristlet). The straps may be configured to be grasped by a hand of the wearer. The straps may be configured to go over a wearer's shoulder (e.g., for a tote). The straps may be configured to cross a wearer's body (e.g., cross-body bag). The straps may be configured to be fitted over a front of a wearer's body (e.g., backpack or sling strap). In some embodiments, a handbag may not have a strap. For instance, the handbag may be a clutch configured to be carried in a wearer's hand. In another instance, the handbag may include one or more holes through which a wearer's fingers or wrist may pass. In some instances, the holes may define a set of ‘straps’ that may serve as a handle of the handbag.
An accessory substrate 630 may be provided on the handbag. The accessory substrate may be formed from the same material as the handbag body or may be formed from a different material as the handbag body. The accessory substrate may have a different characteristic from the handbag body (e.g., color, material, texture, finish). The accessory substrate may share zero, one, or more characteristics with the handbag body. The accessory substrate may have a different characteristic from the handbag strap. The accessory substrate may share zero, one, or more characteristics with the handbag strap. The accessory substrate may permit one or more keepsakes 660a, 660b to slide on. The accessory substrate may pass through an opening of the one or more keepsakes. The keepsakes and/or accessory substrate may have any characteristic as described elsewhere herein.
The accessory substrate 630 may have a first end 640 and a second end 650. One or more of the ends may be affixed to a portion of the handbag. For instance, one or more of the ends may be affixed to a handbag body 610. Both ends of the accessory substrate may be affixed to the handbag body. Both ends of the accessory may be affixed to a same side or face of the handbag body. Alternatively, the ends of the accessory substrate may be on different sides or different faces of the handbag body.
In one example, zero, one, two or more of the ends may be permanently affixed to the handbag body. The end may be designed to not be removable from the handbag body. A permanently affixed end may be glued on, soldered on, sewn on, melted on, or attached in any other permanent manner. In one example, a first end 640 of the accessory substrate may be permanently affixed to the handbag body.
Zero, one, two, or more of the ends may be removably attached to the handbag body. The end may be designed to be removable from the handbag body and/or reattached to the handbag body. A removably attached end may comprise a fastening element that is removably engageable with a fastener. The fastener may be affixed to the handbag body. A removably attached end may be attached via a snap-fit, slide-lock, friction-fit, clasp, hook, hook-and-loop fastener, magnet, threaded fastener, button, zipper, safety pin, or any other type of removably attachable configuration. In some instances, a removable attachment may have a first component that is on an end of an accessory substrate, and a second component that is on an underlying surface (e.g., handbag body). Optionally, a second end 650 of the accessory substrate may be removably attached to the handbag body. When the second end is attached to the handbag body, the accessory substrate may be in a closed position. When the second end is detached from the handbag body, the accessory substrate may be in an open position. When in an open position, the detachable end of the substrate may be an open end. The keepsakes may slide on or off the substrate via the open end. When in a closed position, the keepsakes may not slide on or off the substrate.
As previously described, the keepsakes 660a, 660b may remain friction-fit onto the substrate. This may prevent the keepsakes from sliding around absent an outside force from a wearer. Alternatively, the keepsakes may slide freely around on the substrate. The keepsakes may move, even absent an outside force from a wearer.
Optionally one or more stoppers 670 may be provided. The stoppers may prevent the keepsakes from sliding past the stoppers. The stoppers may remain friction-fit onto the substrate and may not move absent an outside force. The stoppers may completely encircle the substrate, or may partially encircle the substrate. In some instances, the stopper may encircle three sides of the substrate and may have one or more open side (e.g., top side or bottom side). In one example, the stopper may pinch onto the underling substrate, like a clip. The stopper may optionally be a clamp, or have any other mechanism that may keep the stopper on the substrate. The stopper may have any shape or configuration. For example, the stopper may be in the shape of a key, or may form a design brand or logo. The stopper may be used for branding purposes. The stopper may be formed from the same material or from a different material as the substrate. The stopper may have a length that may be close to the width of the substrate. The length of the stopper may be greater than, less than, or equal to the width of the substrate. The stopper length may deviate from the width of the substrate by less than or equal to 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, 7%, 5%, 3%, or 1% of the stopper length.
In some instances, the stopper 670 may be placed near an end 650 of the substrate that may be removably attachable. The stopper may prevent the keepsakes 660a, 660b from sliding off the substrate, even when the substrate is in an open configuration. This may prevent the keepsakes from falling off, even if the substrate unintentionally reaches an open configuration, or when a user moves the substrate to an open configuration.
A user may move the substrate to an open configuration, slide on one or more keepsakes, and then move the substrate to a closed configuration. A user may optionally add a stopper prior to, concurrently with, or subsequent to moving the substrate to the closed configuration. Any keepsakes, as described elsewhere herein, may be applied. In one example, the keepsakes may be letters, which may form initials of a wearer of the handbag, or spell out the name of the wearer of the handbag.
The handbag may have any characteristics, as described in
One or more holders 770a, 770b may overlie at least a portion of the accessory substrate. The holders may be affixed to a handbag body. The holders may be permanently affixed to the handbag body. The substrate may pass through a space formed between the handbag body and the holders. The holders may prevent the keepsakes from sliding past the holders. The holders may perform a similar function as the stoppers. Stoppers may or may not be used in conjunction with the holders. The holders may keep the accessory substrate held against the handbag body. In one example, the substrate may have one permanently affixed end 740, and one removably attached end 750. The removably attached end may be detached from the handbag body. The open end may then pass through a corresponding holder 770b to be provided in a fully open position that may allow keepsakes to slide on and off. The substrate may be formed from a flexible material that may be allowed to bend or flex, which may allow the open end to pass through the holder. In another example, both ends may be removably attached. Both ends may be detached from the handbag body and may slide out past the holders. The keepsakes may be altered. Alternatively, the accessory substrate may be replaced with another accessory substrate on the handbag body, or may be reversed/flipped so that a different face is facing outwards.
The holders may be formed from the same material as the handbag body or may be formed from a different material as the handbag body. The holders may have a different characteristic from the handbag body (e.g., color, material, texture, finish). The holders may share zero, one, or more characteristics with the handbag body. The holders may have a different characteristic from the handbag strap. The holders may share zero, one, or more characteristics with the handbag strap.
The handbag may have any characteristics, as described in
When a handbag is viewed from a side, the accessory substrate may be visible. In some embodiments, a single accessory substrate may be provided on the handbag. Alternatively, multiple accessory substrates may be provided on the handbag. One or more accessory substrates may be visible from either side of the handbag. In some embodiments, an accessory substrate may be visible from a first side of the handbag but not the second side.
Accessory substrates may be provided on any portion of the handbag body. For instance, as illustrated earlier, accessory substrates may have a first end and a second end that may be attached to a handbag body. The accessory substrates may be relatively short. The accessory substrate may be centered relative to a side of the handbag body (as illustrated in
The accessory substrate may be at or near the top of the handbag body (e.g., within 1%, 3%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 40%, or 50% of the top). In other instances, the accessory substrate may be at or near the bottom of the handbag body (e.g., within 1%, 3%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 40%, or 50% of the bottom). The accessory substrate may be near a central region of the handbag body (e.g., within plus or minus 5%, 10%, 20%, or 30% of the centerline). The accessory substrate may be on a side face of the handbag body, or may be at an end of the handbag body.
The accessory substrate 830 may optionally form a strap that may overlie a portion of the handbag body. The accessory substrate may completely encircle the handbag body. The accessory substrate may lie over only one side of the handbag body. The accessory substrate may encircle at least 10%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 50%, 75%, 90%, or 99% of the circumference of the handbag body. In some instances, the strap may encircle the handbag body multiple times. For instance, the strap may wrap around the handbag body once, twice, three times, four times, or more. The accessory substrate may be attached to the handbag body at one, two, or more points so that it does not shift significantly vertically. Similarly, it may optionally not shift significantly horizontally or circumferentially. The accessory substrate may be positioned at any height on the handbag body. The accessory substrate may have any alignment relative to a top edge of the handbag body. For instance, it may be substantially parallel to a top edge of the handbag body, it may be substantially orthogonal relative to a top edge of the handbag body, or it may be diagonal relative to the top edge of the handbag body.
The keepsakes may slide on the substrate body. The keepsakes may be able to slide anywhere along the length of the substrate body. Alternatively, one or more stoppers or holders may be provided that may prevent the keepsakes from sliding past. One or more end of the substrate body may be removable to permit the keepsakes to slide on or off. Any removable attachment mechanism may be used, as described elsewhere herein. In some instances, a buckle may be used. A buckle may be unbuckled to provide a free-end of the strap, thereby permitting the keepsakes to slide on or off.
The handbag 900a, 900b may include a handbag body 910a. 910b and may optionally include one or more straps 920a, 920b. The one or more straps may serve as an accessory substrate. The ends of the accessory substrates may be the end of the straps. One or more keepsakes 960a, 960b, 960c, 960d, 960e may slide onto the accessory substrate. The keepsakes may slide along the length of the handbag straps/handles.
In some embodiments, the ends of the accessory substrate may be permanently affixed to the handbag. Alternatively, one or more ends of the accessory substrate may be removable attached to the handbag. For instance, a clasp, such as a lobster clasp, may be provided at the end of a strap or handle that may permit the end of the strap to be removed from the handbag. The keepsakes may slide on or off the strap when the end of the strap is removed from the handbag. In some instances, both ends of the strap may be removable from the handbags. Different handbag straps/handles may be swapped in and out for a particular handbag. Keepsakes may be swapped in or out or transferred from strap to strap.
In other instances, the ends of the strap may be permanently affixed to the handbag but one or more intermediary region of the strap may be open-able. The intermediary region may be any region along the length of the strap between the ends of the strap. The intermediary region may have a closed position that may prevent the keepsakes from sliding on or off. Multiple portions of the straps may be held together in the closed position. The intermediary region may have an open position that may allow the keepsakes to slide on or off. Multiple portions of the straps may be separated from one another in the open position. The intermediary region may be within 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, or 45% of a midpoint of the strap along the length of the strap. For instance, a buckle may be provided that may separate two portions of the strap. The keepsakes may slide on or off the strap when the buckle is unbuckled. In other instances, other types of removable attachments (such as mechanisms described elsewhere herein) may be openable in an intermediary region of the strap to permit the keepsakes to slide on or off the strap. The open-able regions may be reattached to a closed configuration to prevent keepsakes from sliding on or off the straps.
In one example, an accessory substrate 1030 may overlap a region that does not accept keepsakes 1040. The keepsake portion may encircle the additional portion of the handbag. The keepsake portion may lie flush against the additional portion of the handbag. In some instances, multiple keepsake portions may be provided on a handbag, or any other storage accessory described elsewhere herein. The multiple keepsake portions may be configured to accept the same types of keepsakes, or same dimensions of keepsakes. Alternatively, the multiple keepsake portions may be configured to accept different types of keepsakes or different dimensions of keepsakes. For instance, a first keepsake portion may accept a first keepsake of a particular dimension while not accepting a second keepsake of a different dimension. The second keepsake portion may accept the second keepsake while not accepting the first keepsake.
The accessory substrate may be a dangling accessory substrate as previously described elsewhere herein. The dangling accessory substrate may function as a zipper pull. The keepsakes may slide on or off the zipper pull to personalize the zipper pull. The zipper pull may or may not be removable from the zipper. For instance, the zipper pull may include a clasp or ring that may permit the zipper pull to be detached from the zipper. The keepsakes may slide on or off via the open end when the zipper is detached from the zipper (e.g., end opposing the substrate base). The zipper pull may be reattached to the zipper to prevent the keepsakes from sliding on or off
In alternative embodiments the zipper pull does not need a substrate base. Instead, the keepsakes may slide on or off via the free end that is opposing the zipper end. In some instances, a stopper may be added or removed to prevent the keepsakes from sliding off the zipper pull accessory substrate.
Dangling accessory substrates may be provided on any other portion of the handbag. The accessory substrates may be located anywhere on the handbag body, as described elsewhere herein, on a strap of the handbag, or on any other portion of the handbag.
The wallets may have an accessory substrate 1230 that may accept one or more sliding keepsakes 1260. The accessory substrate may have a first end 1240 and a second end 1250. The ends may be permanently affixed to the wallet body, or may be removably attached to the wallet body. One end may be permanently affixed while the other end may be removably attached. The accessory substrate may be attached to the wallet body in any manner, as described for the attachment to the handbag body. Any description of how or where an accessory substrate may be attached to a handbag body may apply to any other storage accessory, such as a wallet, or other portion of the handbag, such as a strap, or zipper. For instance, the accessory substrate may be substantially centered on the wallet face. Alternatively the accessory substrate may be off-center. The accessory substrate may be at any vertical position along the wallet face. The accessory substrate may have a short plate configuration, or may be a longer strap. The longer strap may completely or partially encircle the wallet body. The accessory substrate may be attached to the wallet body via a single connection point or multiple connection points.
Optionally, the accessory substrate may have one or more stoppers 1270 attached thereto. The stoppers may prevent the keepsakes 1260 from sliding past the stoppers. The stopper may prevent keepsakes from sliding off the substrate when the substrate is in an open configuration on the wallet.
The storage accessory may have an accessory substrate 1292 that may accept one or more sliding keepsakes 1293. The accessory substrate may have a first end 1294 and a second end 1295. The ends may be permanently affixed to the storage accessory body, or may be removably attached to the storage accessory body. One end may be permanently affixed while the other end may be removably attached. For example, a first end may be permanently affixed while the second end may be removably attached. The accessory substrate may be attached to the storage accessory body in any manner, as described for the attachment to the handbag body. Any description of how or where an accessory substrate may be attached to a handbag body may apply to any other storage accessory, such as a cosmetics bag, or other portion of the handbag, such as a strap, or zipper. For instance, the accessory substrate may be substantially centered on the storage accessory body. Alternatively the accessory substrate may be off-center. The accessory substrate may be at any vertical position along the wallet face. The accessory substrate may have a short plate or strap configuration, or may be a longer plate or strap. The longer plate or strap may completely or partially encircle the storage accessory body. The accessory substrate may be attached to the storage accessory body via a single connection point or multiple connection points.
Optionally, the accessory substrate may have one or more stoppers attached thereto. The stoppers may prevent the keepsakes from sliding past the stoppers. The stopper may prevent keepsakes from sliding off the substrate when the substrate is in an open configuration on the wallet. Alternatively, no stoppers are needed.
The storage accessories may comprise one or more accessory substrates 1730a, 1730b, 1730c, 1730d configured to accept one or more keepsakes 1760a, 1760c, 1760d that may slide onto the accessory substrates. Any characteristics of the accessory substrates and/or keepsakes as described elsewhere herein may apply. The accessory substrates may be provided on a front surface, back surface, side surface, top surface, and/or bottom surface of a storage accessory.
The storage accessory may be a cosmetics bag, wallet, clutch, handbag, tote, backpack or any other type of storage accessory, such as those described elsewhere herein. The storage accessory may have a closure. For instance, the storage accessory may have a zippered closure, or a closure facilitated with flaps, buttons, magnetic connectors, snap-locks, ties, inserts, or any other type of closure.
The second end 1350 may removably attach to an underlying surface in any manner. A fastener 1370 is provided by way of example. Any description of a fastener may apply to any other type of removable attachment, as described elsewhere herein. For instance, hook and loop fasteners (VELCRO®), snap-fits, buttons, loops, hooks, friction-fits, slide-locks, threads, clasps, clamps, safety pins or any other type of mechanisms may be used.
The keepsakes 1360 may slide on or off the accessory substrate while the accessory substrate is in an open configuration. The keepsakes may be prevented from sliding off a first end 1340 that may still be attached to the underlying surface. The keepsakes may slide on or off a second end that may be detached from a fastener.
The second end 1350 may removably attach to an underlying surface in any manner. A fastener 1370 is provided by way of example. Any description of a fastener may apply to any other type of removable attachment, as described elsewhere herein. For instance, hook and loop fasteners (VELCRO®), snap-fits, buttons, hooks, loops, friction-fits, slide-locks, threads, clasps, clamps, safety pins or any other type of mechanisms may be used. Some instance may be provided between the second end and the fastener when the accessory substrate rotates about the axis of rotation. The distance may be in a direction orthogonal to an underlying surface.
The keepsakes 1360 may slide on or off the accessory substrate while the accessory substrate is in an open configuration. The keepsakes may be prevented from sliding off a first end 1340 that may still be attached to the underlying surface. The keepsakes may slide on or off a second end that may be detached from a fastener.
The accessory substrate may have an intermediary end 1450a. The accessory substrate may have two more portions 1430a, 1430b that are separable from one another. The keepsakes 1460 may slide on or off the accessory substrate at the intermediary end. In some instances, while the accessory substrate is in a closed configuration, the intermediary end may be held in place against the rest of the accessory substrate. The two or more portions of the accessory substrate may be held together while the accessory substrate is in a closed position. For instance, a buckle 1480 may be used to hold an intermediary end against the rest of the accessory substrate. Other mechanisms such as hook and loop fasteners (VELCRO®), loops, hooks, clips, clasps, pins, buttons, snap-fits, friction-fits, magnets, clamps, threaded features, twisting features, may be used to hold the intermediary end against the rest of the accessory substrate. The mechanism that may hold the intermediary end may cause the intermediary end on a first portion of the accessory substrate to be removably attachable from a second portion of the accessory substrate. The accessory substrate may be in an open position when the intermediary end on a first portion of the accessory substrate is detached from a second portion of the accessory substrate. The accessory substrate may be in an open position when the portions of the accessory substrate are separated from one another. The keepsakes may slide on and off while the accessory substrate is in the open configuration. The keepsakes may slide on or off via the intermediary end, without sliding on or off via the first end 1440 or the second end 1450.
Such illustrations are provided by way of example only and are not limiting. Any description of accessory substrates or elongate members may apply to any other type of accessory substrate or elongate member as described herein. Similarly, any description of any type of storage accessory (e.g., handbag) may apply to any other type of storage accessory as described herein, and vice versa.
In some embodiments, keepsakes may be pieces without moving parts. In some embodiments, keepsakes are provided as single integral pieces. Alternatively, keepsakes may be multiple parts that are attached to one another. In other embodiments, keepsakes may include moving parts. The parts may move with aid of manual intervention by a user. Alternatively, the parts may move without manual intervention by the user. In some instances, electrical, magnetic, or mechanical components may be provided that may cause moving of parts.
The timepiece keepsake 1510 may be a clock. The timepiece keepsake may be worn as a watch on a portion of a storage accessory. The timepiece keepsake may include arms 1520, 1530, 1540 that may move. The arms may be mechanically or electrically driven. In some instances, the arms may include an arm representative of the hour, an arm representative of the minute, and/or an arm representative of the second. In some instances, the timepiece keepsake may include a winder 1550 that may permit a user to mechanically wind the timepiece.
The keepsake may include side bars 1560 through which the accessory substrate may pass. The substrate may pass over a side bar, under a clock face, and over another side bar. The keepsake may be shaped and/or dimensioned so that the substrate remains frictionally fit with the timepiece. The substrate may be bent or forced into a curve by the shape of the timepiece. The friction may be sufficient to prevent the timepiece keepsake from sliding around the substrate when a storage accessory is carried. The side bars may optionally not overlap with the face of the timepiece. Alternatively, the side bars may have other configurations which may permit overlapping with the face of the timepiece.
The timepiece may be slid onto an accessory substrate as illustrated. The timepiece may optionally be slid onto various types of accessory substrates, such as multi-point attachment accessory substrates, or single-point attachment (i.e., dangling) accessory substrates. In some instances, the timepiece may be combined with other keepsakes on the accessory substrate. In some instances, natural spacing may be provided between the keepsakes, including the timepiece keepsake. For example, if another keepsake is slid next to the timepiece keepsake, the front face of the timepiece and the adjacent keepsake may not contact one another. The side bar of the timepiece and the rear side of the keepsake may optionally contact one another.
In some alternative embodiments, the timepiece keepsake may have a rear side that is designed similar to the rear side of the other keepsakes as described elsewhere herein. A rear side of a timepiece keepsake may optionally overlap with a front side of the timepiece keepsake. For example, if a cross-section is taken of the timepiece, the front side and the rear side of the timepiece may appear simultaneously. The rear side may include cross bars that may extend along the entire width of the substrate. Any description herein of other keepsakes may apply to the timepiece keepsake.
The locket keepsake may include a cover portion 1620 and a base portion 1630 that may move relative to one another. For example, the cover portion may move about a pivot point 1640 between an open position and a closed position. In some instances, an inner surface of the cover portion and an inner surface of the base portion may receive a picture or other item therein. The locket may be used to store photos or other items.
In some instances, the locket keepsake may have a rear side, as described for other keepsakes. In some instances, the locket substrate back side may have a greater length than the front face of the locket. In some instances, if a keepsake is slid onto the substrate adjacent to the locket, the front face of the keepsake and the front side of the locket may not come into contact, even when the rear sides of the keepsake and the locket have come into contact. Thus, natural spacing may be provided. Alternatively, the front side of the keepsake and the locket may come into contact with one another.
Any combination of storage accessories, accessory substrates, and keepsakes may be used to provide personalized storage accessories. The keepsakes may be sliding keepsakes that may attach to the accessory substrate by being slid onto the substrate from an end of the substrate. The keepsakes may be swapped out for one another on a substrate. Similarly, different accessory substrates may be used with selected keepsakes. The accessory substrates may or may not be swapped out from storage accessories. The keepsakes may be swapped out for one another on a storage accessory.
It should be understood from the foregoing that, while particular implementations have been illustrated and described, various modifications can be made thereto and are contemplated herein. It is also not intended that the invention be limited by the specific examples provided within the specification. While the invention has been described with reference to the aforementioned specification, the descriptions and illustrations of the preferable embodiments herein are not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Furthermore, it shall be understood that all aspects of the invention are not limited to the specific depictions, configurations or relative proportions set forth herein which depend upon a variety of conditions and variables. Various modifications in form and detail of the embodiments of the invention will be apparent to a person skilled in the art. It is therefore contemplated that the invention shall also cover any such modifications, variations and equivalents.
Claims
1. A storage accessory comprising:
- an accessory substrate having a front face and a back face and attached to a storage accessory body, the accessory substrate configured to transform between an open configuration and a closed configuration; and
- at least one keepsake configured to slide onto the accessory substrate, wherein the at least one keepsake has a front side contacting the front face of the accessory substrate and showing a decorative portion of the keepsake, and a back side contacting the back face of the substrate,
- wherein the accessory substrate permits the at least one keepsake to slide onto or off of the accessory substrate when the accessory substrate is in the open configuration, and does not permit the at least one keepsake to slide onto or off of the accessory substrate when the accessory substrate is in a closed configuration.
2. The storage accessory of claim 1, wherein the accessory substrate is removably attached to the storage accessory body at a first end of the accessory substrate.
3. The storage accessory of claim 2, wherein the accessory substrate is affixed to the storage accessory body at a second end of the accessory substrate.
4. The storage accessory of claim 3, wherein the accessory substrate is configured to rotate about the second end of the accessory substrate.
5. The storage accessory of any one of claims 2-4, wherein the accessory substrate comprises a fastening element at the first end that is removably engageable with a fastener affixed to the storage accessory body, wherein in the closed configuration of the accessory substrate, the fastening element and the fastener are engaged, and wherein in the open configuration of the accessory substrate, the fastening element and the fastener are disengaged.
6. The storage accessory of any one of claims 2-5, wherein the fastening element and the fastener are engaged through a mechanism selected from the group consisting of: hook and loop fastener, buckle, loop, hook, clip, clasp, pin, button, snap-fit, friction-fit, magnet, clamp, threaded features, twisting features, and any combination thereof.
7. The storage accessory of any one of claims 1-6, wherein the accessory substrate comprises a first portion and a second portion, and the first and second portions are removably engageable to one another, wherein in the closed configuration of the accessory substrate, the first and second portions are engaged, and wherein in the open configuration of the accessory substrate, the first and second portions are disengaged.
8. The storage accessory of claim 7, wherein the first and second portions of the accessory substrate are engaged through a mechanism selected from the group consisting of:
- hook and loop fastener, buckle, loop, hook, clip, clasp, pin, button, snap-fit, friction-fit, magnet, clamp, threaded features, twisting features, and any combination thereof.
9. The storage accessory of any one of claims 1-8, wherein the back side overlaps with at least a portion of the front side.
10. The storage accessory of any one of claims 1-9, wherein the back side extends beyond a length of the front side.
11. The storage accessory of any one of claims 1-10, wherein the back side extends beyond a length of the front side on both sides along the length of the front side.
12. The storage accessory of claim 11, wherein distances back side extends beyond the front side on the both sides along the length of the front side are substantially the same.
13. The storage accessory of any one of claims 1-12, wherein the at least one keepsake further comprises one or more side bars extending between the first side and the back side.
14. The storage accessory of any one of claims 1-13, wherein the back side of the keepsake includes a cross bar extending along a width of the keepsake at a first orientation and one or more side or extension features extending along a length of the accessory substrate at a second orientation that is different from the first orientation.
15. The storage accessory of claim 14, wherein the one or more side or extension features is perpendicular to the cross bar where the one or more side or extension features intersect the cross bar on the back side of the keepsake.
16. The storage accessory of claim 14 or 15, wherein the one or more side or extension features extend beyond the length of the front side.
17. The storage accessory of any one of claims 14-16, wherein the one or more side or extension features contact at least one of the one or more side bars.
18. The storage accessory of any one of claims 14-16, wherein at least one of the cross bar extends beyond the length of the front side.
19. The storage accessory of any one of claims 14-18, wherein the backside comprises a first cross bar and a second cross bar that define an entire length of the back side.
20. The storage accessory of claim 19, wherein the first cross bar or second cross bar contacts at least one of the one or more side bars.
21. The storage accessory of claim 19 or 20, wherein the first cross bar or second cross bar contacts at least one of the one or more side or extension features.
22. The storage accessory of any one of claims 19-21, wherein the first or second cross bar is connected with at least one of the one or more side bars via one of the one or more side or extension features.
23. The storage accessory of any one of claims 14-22, wherein the back side includes at least one hole completely encircled by at least one of the cross bar and at least one of the one or more side or extension features.
24. The storage accessory of any one of claims 14-23, wherein at least a portion of the one or more side or extension features is curved.
25. The storage accessory of any one of claims 14-24, wherein the back side including the cross bar and the one or more side or extension features is formed of a single integral piece.
26. The storage accessory of any one of claims 14-25, wherein the back side includes at least one hole surrounded by the cross bar and the one or more side or extension features.
27. The storage accessory of any one of claims 14-26, wherein at least one of the cross bar is configured to be substantially flush against the accessory substrate.
28. The storage accessory of any one of claims 14-27, wherein the back side of the keepsake comprises 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more of the cross bar.
29. The storage accessory of any one of claims 14-28, wherein the back side of the keepsake comprises 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more of the side or extension features.
30. The storage accessory of any one of claims 13-29, wherein the at least one keepsake comprises 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more of the side bars.
31. The storage accessory of any one of claims 1-30, wherein the front side of the keepsake has a substantially flat inner surface and wherein the back side of the keepsake has a substantially flat inner surface.
32. The storage accessory of any one of claims 1-31, wherein the front side and the back side are substantially planar along an entire length of the front side and an entire length of the back side, and wherein, the front side and the back side are substantially parallel.
33. The storage accessory of any one of claims 1-32, wherein the front side of the keepsake or the back side of the keepsake has an inner surface that includes curves, bumps, or grooves.
34. The storage accessory of claim 33, wherein the curves, bumps, or grooves prevent sliding of the keepsake in the absence of an external force.
35. The storage accessory of any one of claims 1-34, wherein the back side is configured to be substantially flush against the accessory substrate.
36. The storage accessory of any one of claims 1-35, wherein the keepsake is a locket comprising a base portion and a cover portion movable relative to the base portion about a pivot.
37. The storage accessory of any one of claims 1-36, wherein the keepsake is made from silver, gold, brass, copper, platinum, palladium, rhodium, titanium, steel, aluminum, nickel, iron, zinc, any combination or alloy thereof; wood, diamond, ruby, emerald, sapphire, onyx, opal, quartz, amethyst, jade, glass, crystal, enamel, polymers, rubber; or any combination thereof.
38. The storage accessory of any one of claims 1-37, wherein the keepsake has a polygonal shape.
39. The storage accessory of claim 38, wherein the keepsake has the polygonal shape selected from the group consisting of: circle, ellipse, triangle, quadrilateral, rectangle, pentagon, hexagon, and octagon.
40. The storage accessory of any one of claims 1-37, wherein the keepsake has a shape of an object, a letter, or a number.
41. The storage accessory of any one of claims 1-40, wherein the accessory substrate is attached to a surface of the storage accessory body that is substantially flat or curved.
42. The storage accessory of any one of claims 1-40, wherein the accessory substrate is attached to a surface of the storage accessory body that is rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible.
43. A storage accessory comprising:
- an accessory substrate having a front face and a back face and attached to a storage accessory body, the accessory substrate configured to transform between an open configuration and a closed configuration; and
- a first keepsake configured to slide onto the accessory substrate, wherein the first keepsake has a first front side contacting the front face of the accessory substrate and showing a decorative portion of the keepsake, and a first back side contacting the back face of the accessory substrate; and
- a second keepsake configured to slide onto the accessory substrate, wherein the second keepsake has a second front side contacting the front face of the accessory substrate and showing a decorative portion of the keepsake, and a second back side contacting the back face of the accessory substrate,
- wherein the accessory substrate permits the first or second keepsake to slide onto or off of the accessory substrate when the accessory substrate is in the open configuration, and does not permit the first or second keepsake to slide onto or off of the accessory substrate when the accessory substrate is in a closed configuration, and
- wherein the first and second keepsakes are configured such that the first front side and the second front side do not come into contact with one another when the first back side comes into contact with the second back side.
44. A storage accessory comprising:
- an accessory substrate having a front face and a back face and attached to a chain, strap, zipper, or handle of the storage accessory, the accessory substrate configured to transform between an open configuration and a closed configuration; and
- at least one keepsake configured to slide onto the accessory substrate, wherein the at least one keepsake has a front side contacting the front face of the accessory substrate and showing a decorative portion of the keepsake, and a back side contacting the back face of the substrate,
- wherein the accessory substrate permits the at least one keepsake to slide onto or off of the accessory substrate when the accessory substrate is in the open configuration, and does not permit the at least one keepsake to slide onto or off of the accessory substrate when the accessory substrate is in a closed configuration.
Type: Application
Filed: Apr 19, 2018
Publication Date: Oct 25, 2018
Inventors: Blythe Elizabeth HARRIS (Brisbane, CA), Charlotte Valerie MACAULAY (Brisbane, CA), Rahul GUPTA (Brisbane, CA), Jessica HERRIN (Brisbane, CA)
Application Number: 15/957,762