JEWELRY AND ACCESSORY STORAGE AND TRANSPORT CASE

Abstract

The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to a case that can be used to store and transport one or more items (such as jewelry and accessories) during travel to keep the items undamaged and separated. The case comprises an outer binder and one or more receivers that fit within the binder. Each receiver includes a base and a cooperating lid. The base comprises one or more open-topped compartments into which the jewelry item or accessory can be positioned and/or wrapped around. Once the lid is positioned on the base, the item is securely contained within and/or around each compartment and therefore remains protected and untangled for a desired amount of time.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The presently disclosed subject matter relates to a storage and transport case that can be used with jewelry and accessories.

BACKGROUND

Various devices are known for storing different types of jewelry and personal accessories during travel. For example, jewelry pouches and traditional pieces of luggage are frequently used to accommodate jewelry or accessories. However, these devices typically lack features for properly organizing, protecting, and/or displaying the stored items. Particularly, traditional luggage lacks specified areas for housing jewelry, such that the user is forced deposit the items into a luggage pocket. As a result, the items can easily get tangled or damaged and are not easily viewed by the user. Further, jewelry pouches are often too small to hold more than a few pieces of jewelry, and it is difficult for the user to view the contents stored inside and/or select a particular item to wear. Moreover, traditional luggage pieces and jewelry pouches do not keep the items separate, and thus the jewelry and/or accessories may become damaged or tangled. It would therefore be beneficial to provide a jewelry travel case that overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art.

SUMMARY

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The previous summary and the following detailed descriptions are to be read in view of the drawings, which illustrate some (but not all) embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the disclosed case.

FIG. 2a is a perspective view of a binder in a closed configuration in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 2b is a top plan view of the binder of FIG. 2a in an open configuration.

FIG. 3a is a perspective view of a receiver in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 3b is a perspective view of a receiver base in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 3c is a perspective view of a compartment configured on a receiver base in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a receiver base in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of a receiver lid in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIGS. 6a and 6b illustrate a lid cooperating with a compartment sidewall in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIGS. 6c and 6d illustrate a lid cooperating with a compartment sidewall in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a lid and base closure in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The presently disclosed subject matter is introduced with sufficient details to provide an understanding of one or more particular embodiments of broader inventive subject matters. The descriptions expound upon and exemplify features of those embodiments without limiting the inventive subject matters to the explicitly described embodiments and features. Considerations in view of these descriptions will likely give rise to additional and similar embodiments and features without departing from the scope of the presently disclosed subject matter.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which the presently disclosed subject matter pertains. Although any methods, devices, and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the presently disclosed subject matter, representative methods, devices, and materials are now described.

Following long-standing patent law convention, the terms “a”, “an”, and “the” refer to “one or more” when used in the subject specification, including the claims. Thus, for example, reference to “a case” can include a plurality of such cases, and so forth.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of components, conditions, and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about”. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the instant specification and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the presently disclosed subject matter.

As used herein, the term “about”, when referring to a value or to an amount of mass, weight, time, volume, concentration, and/or percentage can encompass variations of, in some embodiments +/−20%, in some embodiments +/−10%, in some embodiments +/−5%, in some embodiments +/−1%, in some embodiments +/−0.5%, and in some embodiments +/−0.1%, from the specified amount, as such variations are appropriate in the disclosed packages and methods.

The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to a case that can be used to store and transport jewelry and accessories to keep the items undamaged and separated. Case 5 comprises outer binder 10 and one or more receivers 15 that fit within the binder, as illustrated in FIG. 1. Each receiver includes base 20 and cooperating lid 25. The base comprises one or more open-topped compartments 30 into which an item 35 (e.g., jewelry or an accessory) can be deposited and/or wrapped around. Once the lid is positioned on the housing, the item is securely contained within and/or around each compartment and therefore remains protected and organized for a desired amount of time.

FIG. 2a illustrates one embodiment of outer binder 10 in a closed orientation. As shown, the binder includes spine 55, front panel 40, and rear panel 45. The front and rear panels can be pivotally mounted to a front and rear edge, respectively, of the spine. In some embodiments, the front panel, spine, and/or rear panel can be each formed from a relatively stiff and continuous construction. The front and rear panels are complementary to form a substantially closed enclosure when aligned with each other.

The front and rear panels can be attached together about their peripheral edges using fastener 50. The fastener is not limited and can include any mechanism known or used in the art that allows the user to open and close the binder on demand. For example, the fastener can include (but is not limited to) one or more zippers, magnets, clips, hook and loop closures (e.g., VELCRO®), buttons, snaps, hooks, and combinations thereof. Fastener 50 can extend around the peripheral edges of the binder. In some embodiments, the fastener can include extension 51 to allow the user to easily maneuver the fastener during opening and/or closing.

FIG. 2b illustrates one embodiment of binder 10 in an open orientation. As shown, front and rear panels 40, 45 are positioned on either side of spine 55. The spine comprises retainer 60 that functions to maintain receiver 15 within binder interior 65. Particularly, retainer 60 allows a user to insert and/or remove one or more receivers from the binder. In some embodiments, the retainer can include one or more rings and a lever that can be manipulated to open and close the rings. The rings can be formed from a pair of ring halves that are adapted to be opened for receiving receivers configured with spaced holes that align with the rings. The rings are further adapted to be closed to secure one or more receivers within binder interior 65. Retainer 60 can be formed from any desired material, such as metal (e.g., steel), plastic, and the like. It should be appreciated that retainer 60 is not limited to the rings illustrated in the Figures Rather, the retainer can include any element that allows one or more receivers 15 to be added or removed from binder interior 65. For example, clips, cords, clasps, hooks, magnets, pins, buttons, snaps, ties, zippers, and the like can be used.

Binder 10 (e.g., front panel 40, rear panel 45, and/or spine 55) can be constructed from any desired material, such as (but not limited to) metal, polymeric material, wood, and the like. In some embodiments, the materials used to construct binder 10 can include padding or other insulating materials to ensure that the items housed within the binder are not damaged during handling, such as from everyday use and/or if the binder is accidentally dropped. The binder can further include an exterior material selected from vinyl, leather, textiles (such as fabric, cloth, or synthetic material), elastics (such as neoprene), or combinations thereof.

Binder 10 can be constructed in any desired shape. As shown in the figures, in some embodiments the binder can be constructed in a square or rectangular shape. However, it should be appreciated that the shape of binder 10 is not limited, and can be configured in any desired shape, such as (but not limited to) a circular, oval, triangular, diamond, heart, star, or abstract shape.

The binder can be configured in any desired size. For example, the binder can have a length and/or width of about 5-15 inches (e.g., about 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12, 12.5, 13, 13.5, 14, 14.5, or 15 inches) and a thickness of about 0.5-5 inches (e.g., about 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, or 5 inches). However, it should be appreciated that the length, width, and thickness of the binder is not limited and can be greater or less than the ranges set forth herein.

As described above, case 5 includes at least one receiver 15 removably positioned within the interior of binder 10. Receiver 15 is configured to house at least one item 35, such as jewelry and/or accessories. The receiver is defined by base 20 and corresponding lid 25, as shown in FIG. 3a. In some embodiments, the base and lid are joined via linkage 70 that allows the lid to hinge towards the base and vice versa. Alternatively, in some embodiments the base and lid are not connected and each element can be individually attached to retainer 60 of the binder.

FIG. 3b illustrates one embodiment of base 20 comprising first face 11 that is oriented towards lid 25 when positioned within binder 10. The base further comprises second face 12 that is oriented towards a binder panel (e.g., rear panel 45) when the case is assembled.

First face 11 of the base includes peripheral lip 75 that extends upwards from the base. In some embodiments, lip 75 extends about the perimeter of the base. Lip 75 ensures that any items that are dropped or that become dislodged are maintained within the case. The lip can have any desired height, such as about 0.2-3 inches (e.g., at least about (or no more than about) 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, or 3 inches). When lid 25 is placed on the base, contact will be made between lip 75 and lid 25 to provide a closed receiver.

First face 11 of base 20 further comprises one or more compartments 30 sized and shaped to contain a plurality of items (such as jewelry). Hollow compartments 30 are defined by one or more sidewalls 31 that extend vertically upward from first face 11 and are open-topped. In some embodiments, the compartments can extend perpendicularly from base 20. Alternatively, one or more compartments can extend from the base at an angle. In some embodiments, each compartment 30 has height of about 0.2-3 inches. Thus, the compartment height can be at least about (or no more than about) 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, or 3 inches. In some embodiments, all compartments in base 20 can have the same or about the same height. In some embodiments, the height of the compartments is the same or about the same height as lip 75.

The compartments can be configured in any desired cross-sectional shape, such as (but not limited to) square, rectangular, round, oval, triangular, and the like. For example, FIG. 3b illustrates one embodiment of compartment 30 configured with a round cross-sectional shape. In some embodiments, the upper surface of compartment sidewall 31 can optionally include notch 80 that is used to secure item 35 (e.g., such as in the case of a necklace chain). Notch 80 can be configured in any desired shape, such as v-shaped, u-shaped, rectangular, square, and the like. The notch allows a user to wrap an item (such as a chain) around the exterior of the compartment and securely position the necklace pendant within the interior of the compartment, as illustrated in FIG. 3c. Once lid 25 is positioned on base 20, the compartment becomes closed, maintaining the necklace pendant within the compartment interior and the chain wrapped around the exterior circumference of the compartment. It should be appreciated that notch 80 is optional.

FIG. 3b further illustrates one embodiment of a compartment with a rectangular cross-sectional shape. As shown, in some embodiments, lip 75 can form one or more edges of a compartment. In some embodiments, compartment 30 can include one or more dividers 85 that split the compartment into sections for holding smaller items, such as rings, earrings, and the like.

First face 11 of the base can include any desired number of compartments, such as about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more. Further, compartments 30 can be configured in any desired size, such as about 1-5 inches in diameter. Thus, the compartments can have a diameter of at least about (or no more than about) 1, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2, 2.25, 2.5, 2.75, 3, 3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4, 4.25, 4.5, 4.75, or 5 inches. However, the presently disclosed subject matter is not limited and the compartments can be configured to be smaller or larger than the range given above. In some embodiments, the compartments can differ in size (e.g., one compartment can have a diameter of about 2 inches, and another compartment can have a diameter of about 3 inches). Alternatively, some or all of the compartments can be of about the same size.

In addition to compartments 30, first face 11 of the base can optionally include one or more additional storage elements, such as tab closures secured to one surface of base 20 for retaining an item. The plurality of tab closures can comprise hook and loop closures (or fasteners) for opening and closing the tab closures and securing the jewelry within the tab closure. Tab closures 41 are typically decorative fabric banding that comprise strips of hook and loop fasteners (VELCRO®) or other suitable securing devices to allow the tab closures to be opened and closed, as illustrated in FIG. 4. The plurality of tab closures can be secured to the base using suitable securing mechanism known in the art, such as sewing, gluing, etc. The plurality of tab closures can be secured in any suitable configuration to base 20. The base can be configured with tab closures 41 in addition to or in lieu of compartments 30.

It should be appreciated that additional storage elements can be configured on base 20 in addition to (or in place of) compartment 30. For example, suitable storage elements can include (but are not limited to) necklace storage panels, earring storage panels, ring storage shelves, ring bars, and/or bracelet bars, as would be known to those of ordinary skill in the art. In some embodiments, the storage elements are permanently attached to first face 11. However, the presently disclosed subject matter also includes embodiments wherein the additional storage elements are removably attached to the base, allowing the user to interchange the desired type of accessory required. The removable elements can be accomplished using any known mechanism, such as through the use of VELCRO®, snaps, ties, buttons, clips, and the like.

As set forth above, receiver 15 further comprises lid 25 that cooperates with base 20. The lid includes first face 13 that is oriented towards base 20, and second face 14 that is oriented towards a binder panel (e.g., front panel 40). First face 13 comprises one or more ridges 90 that extend away from the lid and are sized and shaped to cooperate with housing compartments 30, as shown in FIG. 5. The lid can close a corresponding compartment by fitting over or within the compartment sidewall. Thus, each lid ridge 90 has a cross-sectional shape that is substantially the same as the corresponding compartment over which it fits, or within which it fits. For example, the ridges can be configured in the same cross-sectional shape but with a circumference that is slightly larger than the circumference of corresponding compartment 30, such that the ridge fits around the compartment as a cover, as shown in FIGS. 6a and 6b. Alternatively, in some embodiments, ridges 90 can be configured in the same cross-receiver shape as the corresponding compartment, but with a circumference that is slightly smaller. In such embodiments, the ridges tightly fit within the compartment and function as a cover, as illustrated in FIGS. 6c and 6d.

In some embodiments, the difference in size between the circumference of a ridge and the corresponding compartment can be about 0.1-5%. Thus, the circumference of a particular lid ridge can be about 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, or 5% larger (or smaller) than the circumference of a corresponding compartment. In some embodiments, the ridges tightly fit over or within compartment 30 such that it cannot be easily removed, such as during handling. The lid thus remains in a closed position until a positive force is applied by the user to open the lid and gain access to the corresponding compartment.

Ridges 90 can have any desired height, such as about 0.1-1 inch. Thus, ridges 90 can have a height of about 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, or 1 inch. In some embodiments, the ridge can be configured with a height that is greater or less than the range set forth herein. For example, in some embodiments, the ridge can have a height that is the same or about the same height as compartment 30.

In some embodiments, receiver 15 can include retention element 95 to lock the lid in a closed position and to ensure that the lid remains in place. As illustrated in FIG. 7, at least one corner of lid 25 can include retention element 95 that cooperates with a corresponding retention element aligned at the opposing corner of the base. In some embodiments, the retention element can be configured as a plurality of embedded magnets. However, any known attractive element can be used, such as snaps, buttons, clips, ties, VELCRO®, and the like. Retention element 95 functions to ensure that the lid and the base remain coupled together when desired by the user, such as when the case is closed during travel. In this way, items 35 housed within the case remain within their selected compartments.

As set forth above, base 20 and/or lid 25 can be releasably attached to binder 10 to allow the case to be customized as desired by the user. Particularly, as discussed above, binder spine 55 comprises retainer 60 that allows a user to insert and/or remove one or more receivers from the binder. For example, retainer 60 can include one or more rings that can open and close on demand. Lid 25 and base 20 are releasably retained within binder interior 65. Particularly, base 20 and/or lid 25 include connector 61 that cooperates with retainer 60. For example, the connector can include a tab with plurality of apertures that cooperate with rings configured on spine 55. The rings can be opened on demand and the apertures can be sized and spaced to align with the rings. The apertures can therefore be inserted over the rings and maintained at the spine once the rings are closed, as illustrated in FIG. 1.

Base 20 and lid 25 can be configured in any desired size, such as a length and/or width of about 5-15 inches (e.g., about 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12, 12.5, 13, 13.5, 14, 14.5, or 15 inches) and a thickness of about 0.5-5 inches (e.g., about 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, or 5 inches). However, it should be appreciated that the lengths, widths, and thicknesses of the base and lid are not limited and can be greater or less than the ranges set forth herein.

Base 20 and lid 25 can be constructed from any desired material, such as (but not limited to) metal, polymeric material, wood, and the like. In some embodiments, the materials used to construct the base and/or lid can include a covering to protect items 35 from being damaged during contact. For example, first faces 11, 13 of the base and lid that are in contact with items 35 can include a decorative and/or protective fabric, such as felt, velvet, etc.

Base 20 and lid 25 can be constructed in any desired shape. As shown in the figures, in some embodiments the lid and binder can be constructed in a square or rectangular shape. However, it should be appreciated that the shapes of the lid and/or base are not limited, and can be configured in a circular, oval, triangular, diamond, heart, or abstract shape.

In use, a desired number of receivers 15 can be releasably housed within interior 65 of binder 10. For example, a desired receiver can cooperate with the binder retainer to allow a customized selection of items 35 to be housed within the case. The desired receivers 15 are inserted into the binder via interaction between the receiver connector 61 and binder retainer 60. For example, the binder retainer can be configured as a series of rings that cooperate with apertures configured on the receiver to ensure the receiver is maintained within the binder interior. In this way, the disclosed case allows a customized selection of items (such as jewelry) to be housed within the case. A user then distributes items 35 into (e.g., rings, earrings, etc.), around (e.g., bracelets), or both around and into (necklaces) a desired compartment of base 20, as shown in FIG. 1. Lid 25 is then advanced towards the base such that each lid ridge 90 abuts the upper edge of each corresponding compartment sidewall 31. In this way, a closed compartment is created such that each item 35 is contained and is prevented from significantly moving around or exiting the compartment. In some embodiments, retention element 95 configured on the base and lid further ensure that the lid remains properly positioned on the corresponding compartment.

The binder fastener can then be maneuvered from an open position to a closed position. For example, when configured as a zipper, the zipper transitions from the open position to a closed position. As a result, third parties cannot view the contents housed within the case, and items 35 remain protected from damage.

When the user desires to access items 35, he simply manipulates binder fastener 50 from the open to the closed position (e.g., unzip a zipper) to arrive at the configuration of FIG. 1. As shown, binder interior 65 is exposed, allowing the user access to receivers 15. In some embodiments, the user can apply light pressure to lid 25, separating it from corresponding base 20. Particularly, ridges 90 can be separated from the upper portion of compartment sidewall 31 to allow access to items 35 stored within or around compartment 30. When the user is done with the jewelry, he simply deposits the items back in one or more compartments 30, hinges lid 25 toward the base such that ridges 90 again are configured adjacent to the top sidewall of the corresponding compartment, forming a closed container. The case fastener can then be manipulated to the closed position as described above.

The disclosed case therefore provides a hassle-free device for storing items, such as jewelry and accessories, with a convenient quick and easy access. Further, jewelry and other items can be discretely stored within the disclosed case, where the user can easily open the case for access to the jewelry.

The disclosed case further allows items to visualized and accessed without removing or opening more than the receiver that comprises the desired item.

Claims

1. A jewelry storage case comprising:

an outer binder comprising a front panel, a rear panel, and a spine coupling the front panel to the rear panel, wherein the spine comprises a binding mechanism;

a receiver for receiving jewelry, the receiver comprising: a base defined by one or more open-topped compartments that extend from the base; a lid defined by one or more ridges, wherein each ridge is constructed and arranged to cooperate with a corresponding compartment of the base;

wherein the lid is releasably coupled to the base;

wherein the receiver is operatively coupled to the outer binder through the binding mechanism; and

wherein: each ridge is constructed and arranged to contact and fit within the corresponding compartment when the lid is coupled to the base, thereby creating a closed compartment; or each ridge is constructed and arranged to contact and fit around the corresponding compartment when the lid is coupled to the base, thereby creating a closed compartment.

2. The case of claim 1, wherein the front and rear panels are releasably coupled together through a closure mechanism selected from at least one of a zipper, button, fastener, pin, latch, or hook and loop closure.

3. The case of claim 1, wherein the binding mechanism is selected from at least one of openable rings, clips, cords, clasps, hooks, magnets, pins, buttons, snaps, ties, or zippers.

4. The case of claim 1, wherein the base comprises a perimeter and a peripheral lip configured about the perimeter.

5. The case of claim 1, wherein the one or more compartments are configured with a cross-sectional shape selected from one or more of circular, oval, rectangular, square, diamond, heart, or abstract.

6. The case of claim 1, wherein at least one compartment comprises a notch configured on an upper surface.

7. The cover of claim 1, wherein each ridge is configured to be about 0.1-5% larger or smaller in circumference than the corresponding compartment.

8. The cover of claim 1, wherein the receiver comprises a retention element configured to releasably join the lid and the base.

9. The cover of claim 8, wherein the retention element is selected from one or more snaps, buttons, clips, ties, or hook and loop closures.

10. A method of storing jewelry within a case, the method comprising:

positioning jewelry within one or more open-topped compartments of a case, the case comprising: an outer binder comprising a front panel, a rear panel, and a spine coupling the front panel to the rear panel, wherein the spine comprises a binding mechanism; a receiver for receiving jewelry, the receiver comprising: a base defined by one or more open-topped compartments that extend from the base; a lid defined by one or more ridges, wherein each ridge is constructed and arranged to cooperate with a corresponding compartment of the base; wherein the lid is releasably coupled to the base; wherein the receiver is operatively coupled to the outer binder through the binding mechanism; and wherein: each ridge is constructed and arranged to contact and fit within the corresponding compartment when the lid is coupled to the base, thereby creating a closed compartment; or each ridge is constructed and arranged to contact and fit around the corresponding compartment when the lid is coupled to the base, thereby creating a closed compartment;

positioning the lid on the base, creating one more closed compartments housing the jewelry.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the front and rear panels are releasably coupled together through a closure mechanism selected from at least one of a zipper, button, fastener, pin, latch, or hook and loop closure.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein the binding mechanism is selected from at least one of openable rings, clips, cords, clasps, hooks, magnets, pins, buttons, snaps, ties, or zippers.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein the base comprises a perimeter and a peripheral lip configured about the perimeter.

14. The method of claim 10, wherein the one or more compartments are configured with a cross-sectional shape selected from one or more of circular, oval, rectangular, square, diamond, heart, or abstract.

15. The method of claim 10, wherein at least one compartment comprises a notch configured on an upper surface.

16. The method of claim 10, wherein each ridge is configured to be about 0.1-5% larger or smaller in circumference than the corresponding compartment.

17. The method of claim 10, wherein the receiver comprises a retention element configured to releasably join the lid and the base.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the retention element is selected from one or more snaps, buttons, clips, ties, or hook and loop closures.