Compartmentalized Adjustable Carrying Case

Abstract

This present invention relates to a case for carrying mannequin heads, wigs, and haircare supplies. The case comprises a plurality of adjustable partitions for storage of mannequin heads and wigs safely, thereby preventing the wigs or mannequin heads from getting damaged or messed while being transported from one place to another. The case includes wheels that makes it convenient for hair stylists and beauticians to wheel the case when transporting multiple mannequin heads, wigs and styling tools. Additionally, the uniquely designed case comprises additional pockets for storage and organizing hair-care related accessories.

Claims

1. A storage device configured to provide partitioned storage of multiple items, the storage device comprising: a storage shell including a plurality of individual compartments, wherein said storage shell includes a retention mechanism for retaining contents in each said plurality of individual compartments; a cover for selectively closing said storage shell, wherein closing said storage shell closes said plurality of individual compartments; a plurality of wheels mounted to corners of said storage shell, wherein said plurality of wheels provide wheeled movement of the storage device; said plurality of wheels include a first wheel, a second wheel, and a third wheel; said first wheel and said second shell enable a selected first wheeled movement to a base of said storage shell; said first wheel and said third wheel enable a selected second wheeled movement to a side of said storage shell; said selected first movement is a generally vertical movement of the storage device and said selected second movement is a generally horizontal movement of the storage device; and said storage shell including a first handle mounted to a top surface and a second handle mounted to a side surface, wherein said first handle used for said generally vertical movement and said second handle used for said generally horizontal movement.

2. The storage device of claim 1, wherein said retention mechanism comprises a first strap extending lengthwise across said storage shell and a second strap extending widthwise across said storage shell.

3. The storage device of claim 2, wherein said storage shell further comprises a first internal wall and a second internal wall; said first internal wall and said second internal wall include a plurality of opposed grooves therein; and at least two partitions, wherein each of the at least two partitions is selectively mounted between a selected pair of opposed grooves between said first internal wall and said second internal wall, and further wherein each of said at least two partitions is selectively mounted and provides a variable user defined space for each of said plurality of individual compartments.

4. The storage device of claim 3, wherein each of said plurality of individual compartments is selectively sized to retain a mannequin head and a wig therein.

5. The storage device of claim 4, wherein said storage shell includes a length of about 20 inches to about 30 inches, a width of about 14 inches to about 20 inches, and a depth of about 8 inches to about 12 inches.

6. The storage device of claim 1, wherein said retention mechanism comprises a plurality of elastic nets, wherein each of said plurality of nets is selectively retained over each of said plurality of individual compartments.

7. The storage device of claim 6, wherein said storage shell further comprises: a first internal wall and a second internal wall, wherein each of said first and second internal walls comprise a plurality of opposed grooves therein; at least two partitions, wherein each of said at least two partitions is selectively mounted between a selected pair of opposed grooves between said first internal wall and said second internal wall, and further wherein said each at least two partitions is selectively mounted and provides a variable user defined space for each of said plurality of individual compartments.

8. The storage device of claim 7, wherein each of said plurality of individual compartments is selectively sized to retain a mannequin head and a wig therein.

9. The storage device of claim 8, wherein said storage shell includes a length of about 20 inches to about 30 inches, a width of about 14 inches to about 20 inches, and a depth of about 8 inches to about 12 inches.

10. The storage device of claim 9, wherein each said net is elastically biased inward toward an interior of each of said plurality of individual compartments, and further wherein each said net secures said mannequin head and said wig within each said plurality of individual compartments.

11. A storage device configured to provide partitioned storage of multiple items, the storage device comprising: a storage shell including a plurality of individual compartments, wherein said storage shell includes a retention mechanism for retaining contents in each said plurality of individual compartments; a cover for selectively closing said storage shell, wherein closing said storage shell closes said plurality of individual compartments; a first internal wall and a second internal wall wherein said first internal wall and said second internal wall include a plurality of opposed grooves therein; at least two partitions wherein each of said at least two partitions is selectively mounted between a selected pair of opposed grooves between said first internal wall and said second internal wall, and further wherein each of said at least two partitions is selectively mounted and provides a variable user defined space for each of said plurality of individual compartments; and each of said plurality of individual compartments is selectively sized to retain a mannequin head and a wig therein.

12. The storage device of claim 11, wherein said retention mechanism comprises a plurality of straps wherein each of said plurality of straps extends across at least one of said plurality of individual compartments.

13. The storage device of claim 12, wherein said storage shell further comprises a plurality of wheels mounted to corners of said storage shell, and wherein said plurality of wheels provide wheeled movement of the storage device; said plurality of wheels include a first wheel, a second wheel, and a third wheel; said first wheel and said second shell enable a selected first wheeled movement to a base of said storage shell; said first wheel and said third wheel enable a selected second wheeled movement to a side of said storage shell; said selected first movement is a generally vertical movement of the storage device and said selected second movement is a generally horizontal movement of the storage device; and said storage shell including a first handle mounted to a top surface and a second handle mounted to a side surface, wherein said first handle used for said generally vertical movement and said second handle used for said generally horizontal movement.

14. The storage device of claim 13, wherein said storage shell includes a length of about 20 inches to about 30 inches, a width of about 14 inches to about 20 inches, and a depth of about 8 inches to about 12 inches.

15. The storage device of claim 11, wherein said retention mechanism comprises a plurality of elastic nets wherein each said net is selectively retained over each of said plurality of individual compartments.

16. The storage device of claim 15, wherein each said net is elastically biased inward toward an interior of each said plurality of individual compartments, and further wherein each said net secures said mannequin head and said wig within each said plurality of individual compartments.

17. The storage device of claim 16, wherein said storage shell further comprises a plurality of wheels mounted to corners of said storage shell, and wherein said plurality of wheels provide wheeled movement of the storage device; said plurality of wheels include a first wheel, a second wheel, and a third wheel; said first wheel and said second shell enable a selected first wheeled movement to a base of said storage shell; said first wheel and said third wheel enable a selected second wheeled movement to a side of said storage shell; said selected first movement is a generally vertical movement of the storage device and said selected second movement is a generally horizontal movement of the storage device; and said storage shell including a first handle mounted to a top surface and a second handle mounted to a side surface, wherein said first handle used for said generally vertical movement and said second handle used for said generally horizontal movement.

18. The storage device of claim 17, wherein said storage shell comprises a length of about 20 inches to about 30 inches.

19. The storage device of claim 17, wherein said storage shell comprises a width of about 14 inches to about 20 inches.

20. The storage device of claim 17, wherein said storage shell comprises a depth of about 8 inches to about 12 inches.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of one potential embodiment of a multi-wig adjustable carrying case of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0017] FIG. 2 illustrates an internal perspective view of the various storage compartments and accessory pockets of one potential embodiment of the the multi-wig adjustable carrying case of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0018] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of adjustable insert(s) being slotted into grooves to create internal compartments to accommodate mannequin heads in one potential embodiment of the multi-wig adjustable carrying case of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0019] FIG. 4 illustrates adjustable straps connected to the inner surfaces of one potential embodiment of the multi-wig adjustable carrying case of the present invention to secure accommodated mannequin heads and wigs in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0020] FIG. 5 illustrates a user carrying one potential embodiment of the multi-wig adjustable carrying case of the present invention;

[0021] FIG. 6 illustrates a top perspective view of another potential embodiment of a multi-wig adjustable carrying case of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0022] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of yet another potential embodiment of a multi-wig adjustable carrying case of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0023] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of still yet another potential embodiment of a multi-wig adjustable carrying case of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0025] As noted above, there exists a long felt need in the art for a device that enables storage and transport of hairstyling products such as wigs, mannequin heads, hair enhancement products and more. There is also a long felt need in the art for a luggage carrying apparatus that enables users to store and transport different items separately, while accommodating most of the necessary products required by hair stylists. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for a compartmentalized adjustable carrying case which enables the users to easily store and organize haircare-related accessories. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a case which enables users to safely transport hair enhancement products such as wigs, without the fear of the wigs getting damaged or tousled. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a compartmentalized adjustable carrying case which can be easily wheeled, thereby eliminating the need to carry a bag or case over one's shoulders. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a case which allows hair stylists and other individuals to pre-style the wigs, and then safely transport the wigs to the customer's location.

[0026] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel case for carrying a plurality of mannequin heads and haircare supplies comprising: a plurality of grooves or mounts; a plurality of inserts; the plurality of mounts can be present along an inner surface of the case; each insert can be placed between two aligned opposing mounts; the inserts create compartments, in conjunction with the inner surface of the case, to accommodate mannequin heads; a cover or lid can be zippered around a circumferential edge of a walled shell of the case; the cover can include pockets on exterior and interior surfaces; a plurality of adjustable straps can extend across the interior of the case to secure the accommodated mannequin heads; and, wherein zippering the cover to the walled shell closes the case. The case can include a plurality of wheels to rotate the case 360 degrees in one orientation. Alternative use of the wheels enables the case to be wheeled in another orientation. Extendable handles on, respectively, the top surface and side surface of the case enable two alternate wheel and carry options. The handles can be extended for wheeled use of the case, and then retracted for carry and storage of the case.

[0027] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a multi-wig adjustable carrying case of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The multi-wig adjustable carrying case 100 is a luggage-like compartmentalized adjustable carrying case for mannequin heads, wigs and haircare accessories. The case 100 resembles a suitcase and can be carried easily during travel. The case 100 includes a hinged cover 102 including a zippered opening 112. The hinged cover 102 includes a storage space 108 with a fastening mechanism 110 on the top surface. The storage space 108 securely stores the haircare accessories and other supplies. The fastening mechanism 110 can be a zipper, hook and loop fastener, snap, button or the like. The cover 102 can be secured to a walled shell 120 by engagement of the zippered opening 112.

[0028] To roll the case 100 easily on a surface, wheels 106, 107 are present on a base surface 118 of the case 100. An extendable handle 104 is present on a top surface 116 of the case 100 which can be held by a user to wheel the case 100 when the handle 104 is extended, and to carry the case 100 when the handle 104 is retracted. The extendable handle 104 can be raised or extended by pushing a push button 114 present on a lateral top portion of the handle 104.

[0029] The case 100 can be constructed of durable, lightweight, rigid and semi-rigid materials. To be described in more detail below, the case 100 can be configured to have a plurality of internal partitions to accommodate multiple mannequin heads and/or wigs. Further, the wig head carrying case 100 includes a spacious interior with customizable internal partitions along with a plurality of zippered accessory pockets to carry brushes, bands and other hair products and supplies.

[0030] The number of wheels can be two, three, four, or six and are attached to the corners of the base surface 118 and/or side surface 119. The number of wheels can depend on the dimensions of the case 100. In one embodiment, the dimensions of the case can include 20.0″(L)×14.0″(W)×8.0″(D). Larger dimensions such as 26.0″(L)×17.0″(W)×10.0″(D) and 30.0″(L)×20.0″(W)×12.0″(D) can also be configured to meet the requirements and needs of different users.

[0031] The case 100 can be made up of lightweight and semi-rigid flexible material such as polypropylene, PVC or nylon fabric. The outer surface can be abrasion-resistant, and the case 100 can be constructed to withstand considerable wear. Other materials such as aluminum, polycarbonate or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene may be used for manufacturing the case 100.

[0032] FIG. 2 illustrates, in one potential embodiment, an internal perspective view of storage slots and accessory pockets of a multi-wig adjustable carrying case of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The case 100 can include a plurality of grooves 302, 304 on the inner side surfaces of shell 120 in which a plurality of inserts 212, 214 can be selectively mounted to create internal compartments 207, 209, 211 to keep mannequin heads and/or wigs separated and secured. The size of the internal compartments 207, 209, 211 can be selected and changed via inserts 212, 214 which can be positioned at desired increments for storage of one or more mannequin heads 206, 208, 210. The internal depth of the case can be constructed to provide enough space such that the wigs can be pre-styled and placed on the mannequin heads and then placed in the luggage box 100 to minimize contact of the wigs with the inner shell surfaces.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 2, a wig head 206 can be placed between an insert 212 and one of the sides of the luggage box 100. A wig head 208 can be placed between the insert 212 and a second insert 214. A third wig head 210 can be placed between the insert 214 and one of the other sides of the luggage box 100.

[0034] Depending on the size of the luggage box 100, six or more mannequin heads of different sizes can be stored in various internal compartments (not illustrated). On the interior surface of the cover 102, a pouch or pocket 202 can be positioned and accessed to securely store wigs, hair extensions, accessories, combs or any other similar items through an access opening 204. The pouch or pocket 202 can have a zipper, hook and loop fastener, or other fastener to close the opening 204 and thereby to secure the items stored therein. Further, the cover 102 can be hingedly sewn along an edge 215 of the walled shell 120 to easily move or rotate the cover 102 for easy access of the items placed inside the luggage box 100.

[0035] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of adjustable inserts being slotted into grooves to create internal compartments to accommodate mannequin heads in a multi-wig adjustable carrying case of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. As shown, inner surfaces of the back shell 120 can include a plurality of first grooves 302 present on one surface and a plurality of second grooves 304 on another opposing surface. Each of the first grooves 302 respectively, are aligned, and opposing to, each of the second grooves 304. An insert 212 can placed into position by use of a first groove 302 and an aligned opposing second groove 304. The insert 212 is selectively removable and can be positioned at different grooves to selectively partition compartments of different sizes for storage of mannequin heads and wigs.

[0036] FIG. 4 illustrates adjustable straps connected to inner surfaces of the multi-wig adjustable carrying case of the present invention to secure accommodated mannequin heads and wigs in accordance with the disclosed architecture. In the present embodiment, a pair of adjustable straps 402, 404, along with a latching member 406, can be attached to the side surfaces to secure the accommodated mannequin heads 206, 208, 210 within their respective compartments 207, 209, 211. The adjustable straps 402, 404 can be sewn to internal surfaces of shell 120 at a minimum of positions 4020 and 4040, respectively.

[0037] It is to also be appreciated that to access the mannequin heads, the straps 402, 404 are unlatched and moved out of the way, thereby enabling access to compartments 207, 209, 211. The latching member 406 can be present on each strap and the latching member 406 can be a hook and loop fastener, button or snap.

[0038] FIG. 5 illustrates a user carrying a multi-wig adjustable carrying case of the present invention. As shown, a user 500 can easily carry and roll the luggage box 100 by raising the handle 104 up to an appropriate height. Wheels 106,107 (not shown) and wheels 136, 137, can be used to roll the luggage box 100 in 360 degree movements. The wheels can move in both a forward and a backward direction as well. The front pocket 108 can be used to carry easily accessible documents and accessories.

[0039] FIG. 6 illustrates a top perspective view of another embodiment of a multi-wig adjustable carrying case of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. As shown, the luggage box 600 of the present embodiment includes a longitudinal insert 608 and a lateral insert 606 to accommodate four pre-styled mannequin heads 610, 612, 614, 616 of similar or different sizes. The inserts 606, 608 can be placed on any pair of grooves present on the inside surfaces of a walled shell 620. It is to be appreciated that insert 608 includes a slot for mating engagement to the other insert 606 (not illustrated). The cover 602 includes a pouch or pocket 604 to store accessories and other items. The cover 602 securely covers the mannequin heads using a zipper along the circumferential edge of the cover 602 to matingly engage with the walled shell 620. The cover 602 can be hinged or sewn along an edge 615 to rotate the cover 602 in a pivotal manner.

[0040] Referring now to FIG. 7, wherein another embodiment of the carrying case is illustrated. A multi-wig adjustable carrying case 700 can be constructed with a pair of handles 104, 704. The case 700 can selectively be wheeled using wheels 106, 126 and can selectively be carried using the handle 704. It is to be appreciated that the orientation of the carrying case can be selected by the user to retain the contents in their optimal positions. To roll the case 700 easily on a surface, wheels 106, 126 are present on a side surface 119 of the case 700. The extendable handle 704 is present on a side surface 121 of the case 700, which can be held by a user to wheel the case 700 when the handle 704 is extended, and to carry the case 700 when the handle 704 is retracted.

[0041] FIG. 8 illustrates yet another embodiment of the present invention. Individual elastic coverings, straps or nets can be secured to the walled shell 120 of a multi-wig adjustable carrying case 800 of the present invention to secure accommodated mannequin heads and wigs in accordance with the disclosed architecture. In one potential embodiment, a plurality of elastic coverings or nets 804, 806, 808 can be individually and selectively attached to opposing inside surfaces of sides 119, 121 of the shell 120. Each elastic net 804, 806, 808 can be selectively secured to respective anchors 814, 816, 818. It is to be appreciated that elastic nets 804, 806, 808 are biased inward when anchored. Thus, nets 804, 806, 808 apply pressure directly to the front of the accommodated mannequin heads, and indirectly to the associated wigs, to hold or pin the mannequin heads between nets 804, 806, 808 and the inside surface of shell 120, thereby preventing movement of the retained mannequin heads within their respective compartments during transport. It is to be appreciated that to access the mannequin heads, the nets 804, 806, 808 are individually detached from the shell 120 and moved out of the way, thereby enabling access to the compartments therebelow. The individual nets 804, 806, 808 enable independent access to each compartment, while maintaining the securement of mannequin heads and wigs in other compartments.

[0042] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “multi-wig adjustable carrying case”, “case”, “luggage box”, and “wig carrying case” are interchangeable and refer to the multi-wig adjustable carrying case 100, 500, 600, 700, 800 of the present invention.

[0043] Notwithstanding the forgoing, the multi-wig adjustable carrying case 100, 500, 600, 700, 800 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration and material of the multi-wig adjustable carrying case 100, 500, 600, 700, 800 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the multi-wig adjustable carrying case 100, 500, 600, 700, 800 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the multi-wig adjustable carrying case 100, 500, 600, 700, 800 are important design parameters for user convenience, the multi-wig adjustable carrying case 100, 500, 600, 700, 800 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0044] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments including different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0045] What includes been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.