SEWING IMPLEMENT CARRYING CASE SYSTEM

Abstract

Sewing implement carrying case system, comprising: a clamshell-type rigid case member comprising mating perimeter portions and comprising a hinged area on a perimeter portion and an opening area on another perimeter portion; contrasting color zipper enclosure means for optionally maintaining the case member with the perimeter portions engaged in a closed position adapted for retaining contents held within said case member; a plurality of multi-layered interchangeable inserts removably retainable within the case member, each insert comprising a layer defining a plurality of receptacles, the receptacles adapted for organized retention of a plurality of implements within the case member for easy selection and removal when the case member is open and for transport when the case member is closed, each insert also preferably comprising a more dense base enclosing layer imparting structural integrity to each interchangeable insert; and a handle attached to at least one of the portions of the case member.

Claims

1. A sewing implement carrying case system, comprising: a clamshell-type rigid case member comprising mating perimeter portions and comprising a hinged area on a perimeter portion and an opening area on another perimeter portion; enclosure means for optionally maintaining said case member with the perimeter portions engaged in a closed position adapted for retaining contents held within said case member; a plurality of interchangeable inserts removably retainable within said case member, each said insert defining a plurality of receptacles, the receptacles adapted for organized retention of a plurality of implements within said case member for easy selection and removal when the case member is open and for transport when the case member is closed; and a handle attached to at least one of the portions of the case member.

2. The sewing implement carrying case system of claim 1, wherein said case member comprises clamshell-type portions of differing depths, each case member clamshell-type portion adapted for removably retaining one or more interchangeable inserts stacked in the case member portion, at least one of said plurality of interchangeable inserts being removably retainable with a compression fit within said case member, wherein said means for optionally maintaining said case member with the perimeter portions engaged in a closed position comprises a zipper enclosure and exposed zipper fabric extending around the opening area on the perimeter portion of each case member clamshell-type portion.

3. The sewing implement carrying case system of claim 2, wherein said receptacles are designed for retention of sewing implements, wherein said case member is one of comprised of a certain material emitting a certain predominant color and covered in a fabric emitting the certain predominant color, and wherein said zipper enclosure and exposed zipper fabric emits a different certain predominant color relative to the predominant color emitted from said case member that contrasts by a ratio of at least 3:1 relative luminance.

4. The sewing implement carrying case system of claim 3, wherein the certain predominant color is substantially black.

5. The sewing implement carrying case system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of sewing implement carrying case systems, wherein each of said plurality of sewing implement carrying case systems has differing outer dimensions from dimensions of another sewing implement carrying case system of said plurality of sewing implement carrying case systems, and wherein any one of said plurality of interchangeable inserts of any sewing implement carrying case system is removably retainable in any other sewing implement carrying case system of the plurality of sewing implement carrying case systems.

6. The sewing implement carrying case system of claim 1, wherein at least one of said plurality of interchangeable inserts is comprised of multi-layered polymer foam wherein at least one of the upper layers of polymer foam has said receptacles defined therein, and wherein a base enclosing layer of said multi-layered polymer foam interchangeable insert is comprised of a more dense polymer foam than another layer, the base enclosing layer not having receptacles defined therein, the base enclosing layer imparting enhanced structural properties to facilitate retention of heavier articles, the base enclosing layer and the at least one upper layer polymer foam layer are bonded together.

7. The sewing implement carrying case system of claim 6, further comprising an upper velvet layer having matching receptacles cut therein communicating with the receptacles of the at least one upper polymer foam layer of said interchangeable insert adjacent and beneath said velvet layer.

8. The sewing implement carrying case system of claim 1, wherein said handle is attached more closely adjacent the hinge area of said case member than the opening area of said case member.

9. The sewing implement carrying case system of claim 1, wherein the hinge area of said case member is comprised of a durable fabric.

10. The sewing implement carrying case system of claim 2, wherein at least one of said plurality of interchangeable inserts comprises a cutout portion forming an opening with said case member, the opening adapted for use upon insertion of a user's finger into the opening to overcome a compression fit between said interchangeable insert and said case member facilitating removal of said interchangeable insert.

11. A sewing implement carrying case system, comprising: a clamshell-type rigid case member comprising mating perimeter portions and comprising a fabric hinged area on a perimeter portion and an opening area on another perimeter portion; zipper enclosure means on the opening area adapted for, together with the fabric hinged area, optionally maintaining said case member with the mating perimeter portions engaged in a closed position retaining sewing machine tool contents held within the case member, said zipper enclosure means attached to the case members with their zipper fabric showing and also adapted for optionally maintaining said case member with the mating perimeter portions separated in an opened position displaying for access the sewing machine tool contents held within the case member; a plurality of interchangeable inserts each comprised of multi-layered polymer foam layers, each said interchangeable insert having multiple layers of differing density polymer foam, each interchangeable insert being removably retainable within said case member with a compression fit within said case member, at least one layer of each said interchangeable insert defining a plurality of receptacles, the receptacles adapted for organized retention of a plurality of sewing articles within the case member for display, selection and removal when said case member is open, and for transport when said case member is closed; and a handle attached to at least one of the portions of the case member.

12. The sewing implement carrying case system of claim 11, wherein said case member comprises clamshell-type portions of differing depths, each case member clamshell-type portion adapted for removably retaining one or more interchangeable inserts stacked in the case member portion.

13. The sewing implement carrying case system of claim 12, wherein said case member is one of comprised of a certain material emitting a certain predominant color and covered in a fabric emitting the certain predominant color, and wherein said zipper enclosure and fabric emits a different certain predominant color relative to the predominant color emitted from said case member that contrasts by a ratio of at least 3:1 relative luminance.

14. The sewing implement carrying case system of claim 13, wherein the certain predominant color is substantially black.

15. The sewing implement carrying case system of claim 11, further comprising a plurality of sewing implement carrying case systems, wherein each of said plurality of sewing implement carrying case systems has differing outer dimensions from dimensions of another sewing implement carrying case system of said plurality of sewing implement carrying case systems, and wherein any one of said plurality of interchangeable inserts of any sewing implement carrying case system is removably retainable in any other sewing implement carrying case system of the plurality of sewing implement carrying case systems.

16. The sewing implement carrying case system of claim 11, wherein a layer of said interchangeable insert comprises a base enclosing layer comprised of a more dense polymer foam than another layer of polymer foam, the base enclosing layer being bonded to the another layer of polymer foam, the base enclosing layer imparting enhanced structural properties to facilitate retention of heavier sewing articles.

17. The sewing implement carrying case system of claim 11, wherein said handle is attached more closely adjacent the hinge area of said case member than the opening area of said case member.

18. The sewing implement carrying case system of claim 11, wherein at least one of said plurality of interchangeable inserts comprises a cutout portion forming an opening with said case member, the opening adapted for use upon insertion of a user's finger into the opening to overcome the compression fit between said at least one interchangeable insert and said case member facilitating removal of said at least one interchangeable insert.

19. A sewing implement carrying case system, comprising: a clamshell-type rigid case member comprising mating perimeter portions each around a concave shell and comprising a fabric hinged area on a perimeter portion and an opening area on another perimeter portion; zipper enclosure means on the opening area adapted for, together with the fabric hinged area, optionally maintaining said case member with the mating perimeter portions engaged in a closed position retaining sewing machine tool contents held within the case member, said zipper enclosure means also adapted for optionally maintaining said case member with the mating perimeter portions separated in an opened position displaying for access the sewing machine tool contents held in within said case member; a plurality of interchangeable inserts each comprised of multi-layered polymer foams of differing densities of polymer foam, each said insert being removably retainable within a concave shell of said case member with a compression fit within each respective concave shell of said case member, each said insert defining a plurality of receptacles, the receptacles adapted for organized retention of a plurality of sewing articles within the case member for display, selection and removal when said case member is open, and for transport when said case member is closed, each said insert comprising a cutout portion forming an opening with said case member, each opening adapted for use upon insertion of a user's finger into the opening to overcome the compression fit between the interchangeable insert to facilitate removal of said insert from its respective concave shell; and a handle attached to at least one of the portions of the case member more closely adjacent the hinged area than said opening area.

20. The sewing implement carrying case system of claim 10, further comprising a plurality of sewing implement carrying case systems, wherein each of said plurality of sewing implement carrying case systems has differing outer dimensions from dimensions of another sewing implement carrying case system of said plurality of sewing implement carrying case systems, and wherein any one of said plurality of interchangeable inserts of any sewing implement carrying case system is removably retainable in any other sewing implement carrying case system of the plurality of sewing implement carrying case systems.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] FIG. 1 is a perspective front view of the exterior of a three-foam interchangeable layered foam insert rigid, or hard, sewing implement carrying case system in accordance with aspects and embodiments of the disclosure;

[0029] FIG. 2 is a perspective rear view of the sewing implement carrying case system of FIG. 1 in accordance with aspects and embodiments of the disclosure;

[0030] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the sewing implement carrying case system of FIGS. 1 and 2 and with the sewing implement carrying case system zipper opened to show a first foam insert, together with a divider of the sewing implement carrying case system, in accordance with aspects and an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0031] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the sewing implement carrying case system of FIGS. 1 and 2 and with the sewing implement carrying case system zipper opened to show a second foam insert, together with another side of a divider of the sewing implement carrying case system, in accordance with aspects and an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0032] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the sewing implement carrying case system of FIGS. 1 and 2 and with the sewing implement carrying case system zipper opened to show a third foam insert, together with the other size of the divider of the sewing implement carrying case system shown in FIG. 4, in accordance with aspects and an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0033] FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a first multi-level removable foam cut-out layer having a certain useful pattern of cut-out portions cut therein for holding various types of tools associated with a certain sewing machine type;

[0034] FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a second multi-level removable foam cut-out layer having a certain useful pattern of cut-out portions cut therein for holding various types of tools associated with a certain sewing machine type;

[0035] FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of a third multi-level removable foam cut-out layer having a certain useful pattern of cut-out portions cut therein for holding various types of tools associated with a certain sewing machine type;

[0036] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the outer shell of another, two-foam, interchangeable layered foam insert hard, or at least rigid, sewing carrying case system zippered open and with the foam inserts removed adapted for receiving foam inserts from another such sewing implement carrying case system; and

[0037] FIG. 10 is an illustrations of stacks of similarly-sized families of sewing implement carrying case systems in accordance with an aspect of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Referring to FIGS. 1-5 and 9, there is provided a sewing implement carrying case system 10, comprising: a clamshell-type rigid case member 12 comprising mating-perimeter case member portions 14, 16 and comprising a hinged area 18 on a perimeter portion and an opening area 20 on another perimeter portion; enclosure means 22 for optionally maintaining the case member with the perimeter portions engaged in a closed position adapted for retaining contents held within the case member.

[0039] Referring additionally now to FIGS. 6-9, there are further provided a plurality of layered interchangeable inserts 24a, 24b, 24c, each layered insert removably retainable within any of the case member portions 14, 16 of the case member 12. Each insert 24a, 24b, 24c defines a plurality of any of a number of differently-shaped and differently-sized receptacles 26a-26h, for example. The receptacles 26a-26h are adapted for organized retention of a plurality of implements, such as commonly known sewing implements such as presser feet, bobbins, spools of thread, needles, scissors, etc., within the case member 12 for easy selection and removal when the case member is open and for transport when the case member is closed; and a handle 28 attached to at least one of the portions 14, 16 of the case member 12.

[0040] In an embodiment, the case member 12 comprises hinged clamshell-type portions 14, 16, either of the same (as shown at 10, 10, and 90, 90 in FIG. 10), or of differing, depths (as shown at 10, 90 in at least FIGS. 9 and 10), each case member clamshell-type portion adapted for removably retaining one or more interchangeable inserts 24a, 24b, 24c, stacked in the case member portion, at least one of the plurality of interchangeable inserts being removably retainable with a compression fit within the case member.

[0041] The preferred means for optionally maintaining the case member 12 with the perimeter portions 14, 16 engaged in a closed position comprises a zipper enclosure 22 extending around the opening area on the perimeter portion of each case member clamshell-type portion, and wherein the zipper enclosure fabric 30 is attached to the exterior of the case member with the zipper enclosure fabric being visible from the exterior of the sewing implement carrying case system 10. The different depths of the clamshell-type portions 14, 16 allow accommodation for one insert 24a, 24b, 24c on one side of the case member 12 and a plurality of inserts on another side of the case. A two-sided pocketed divider 34a, 34b, also preferably containing zippered compartments 36, segmented elastic holding members 38, and other non-zippered compartments 40, may also be provided with the divider.

[0042] Referring specifically to FIGS. 6-8, further, preferably, the receptacles 26a-26h for the carrying case inserts are designed for retention of sewing implements, such as different styles of sewing machine feet 26a, bobbins 26h, spools of thread 26b, specialized tools/feet 26g, toolboxes 26e, scissors 26d (or a 6-inch ruler), etc. Further, preferably in an embodiment, the case member 12 is one of comprised of a certain material emitting a certain predominant color and covered in a fabric emitting the certain predominant color, for example substantially black or substantially white for the case member, and wherein the zipper enclosures 22 are attached with the zipper fabric 30 on the outside of the case member portions 14, 16 so that the fabric is showing and emits a different certain contrasting predominant color relative to the predominant color emitted from the case member and that contrasts with the case member color by a ratio of at least 3:1 relative luminance. This contrasting color configuration of the case member portions 14, 16 together with the zipper enclosure 22, 30, and a preferably fabric hinge 18, gives the case member system a distinctive look suggestive of a sewing implement carrying case system 10. The feature of having a fabric hinge 18 also makes for a durable and flexible hinge 18, while at the same time granting the possibility of a wide variety of color designs for the sewing implement carrying case system 10 which may suggest a theme of creation and sewing on account of particular designs chosen for the sewing implement carrying case system.

[0043] In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, as shown in FIG. 10, there is further provided a plurality of sewing implement carrying case systems 10, 10, 10 and 90, 90, 90, wherein each of the plurality of sewing implement carrying case systems has differing outer dimensions, thickness wise, from thickness dimensions of another sewing implement carrying case system 10, 90 of the plurality of sewing implement carrying case systems. In this way, tailors/seamstresses are enabled in mixing and matching a plurality of interchangeable inserts of any sewing implement carrying case system 10, 10, 10, 90, 90, 90 with those of another sewing implement carrying case system, and in this way be able to customize the number of inserts needed for a particular job. Thus, one job may suitably require two inserts, as provided by 10 or 90 filled with tools, whereas another may require three inserts, as provided by 10 or 90, or four inserts, as provided by 10, or 90, filled with tools.

[0044] Since each insert 24a, 24b, 24c is lightly force-fit retained in each of their respective carrying case portions 14, 16, they are removable to allow mixing and matching, to allow easier access at home or at a remote job site, or for central storage outside of a sewing implement carrying case system 10, 90. Then, tailors/seamstresses are enabled in putting one or more inserts 24a, 24b, 24c into an appropriate-width case 14, 16 to minimize bulk in travel while enabling transport of needed tools and materials.

[0045] Referring specifically to FIGS. 6-8, in accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, one, or preferably, all of the plurality of interchangeable inserts 24a, 24b, 24c is comprised of multi-layered polymer foam wherein at least one of the upper layers 40a, 40b, 40c of polymer foam has one or more of the receptacles 26a-26g defined therein, and wherein a base enclosing layer 42a, 42b, 42c of the multi-layered polymer foam interchangeable insert 24a, 24b, 24c, respectively, is comprised of a more dense polymer foam than another layer. In such a situation, the upper layers 40a, 40b, 40c of polymer may be comprised of a spongier, softer, less-dense, polyurethane type foam as is known in the industry, and the base enclosing layer 42a, 42b, 42c may be comprised of a more-dense, harder, polyethylene type foam to give the tailor/seamstress greater structure when lifting, holding, and transporting sometimes heavier tools, such as 10 or 15 presser feet retained in an insert, to prevent such heavier tools from breaking through the bottom of the polymer foam insert.

[0046] Thus, further, it will be understood that the base enclosing layer 42a, 42b, 42c, for example made of a more durable polyethylene type foam, typically would not have receptacles 26a-26g defined therein, the base enclosing layer imparting enhanced structural properties to facilitate retention of heavier articles, the base enclosing layer and the at least one upper layer polymer foam layer 40a, 40b, 40c being bonded together, as with glue.

[0047] Further, in accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, the multi-layer inserts 24a, 24b, 24c for each sewing implement carrying case system 10, 90 perferably comprise an upper velvet layer 44a, 44b, 44c having matching receptacles 26a-26g cut therein communicating with the receptacles 26a-26g of the at least one upper polymer foam layer 40a, 40b, 40c, respectively, of the interchangeable insert that is adjacent and beneath the velvet layer. Such a velvet layer 44a, 44b, 44c imparts a pleasing finished look to each insert 24a, 24b, 24c, for beautifully displaying retained tools, and is more durable and resistant to damage than some foam materials.

[0048] In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a sewing implement carrying case system 10, 90, wherein the handle 28 (FIG. 1) of the system is attached more closely adjacent the hinge area 18 of the case member 12 than the opening area 20 of the case member. This configuration of the handle 28 provides a distinctive look, together with other aspects and embodiments of the disclosure, as well as it serves as a visual reminder to, for example, zipper close the sewing implement carrying case system 10, 90 before picking it up and thereby dropping contents out onto the floor.

[0049] In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, and regardless of which of the foregoing embodiments of the sewing implement carrying case system 10, 90 is considered, there is provided that preferably each of the plurality of interchangeable inserts 24a, 24b, 24c comprises a cutout portion 46 positioned at a peripheral area, preferably a corner area and cutting into layers 40a, 40b, 40c, 41a, 41b, 41c, 42a, 42b, 42c, respectively of each interchangeable insert, so that when the insert is removably retained with a carrying case portion 14, 16, the aforementioned cutout portion 46 forms a larger opening 48, partially enclosed by the insert and partially enclosed with a wall 50 of the case member 12. This larger opening 48 is adapted for use in that a user is enabled to insert the user's finger into the opening, and upon insertion of the user's finger into the opening, the user is supported in overcoming the compression fit between the interchangeable insert 24a, 24b, 24c and the case member portions 14, 16, thus facilitating easy removal of the interchangeable inserts.

[0050] Referring now specifically to FIG. 6, it may be seen that there is preferably comprised, encompassed about by a raised wall area 32, or layer 40a, a plurality of receptacles, such as receptacle 26a for different types of presser feet (each for different types of jobs and for different types of materials), receptacle 26b for spools of thread (or additional feet), receptacle 26c for stitch plates (for example one for single hole stitch plates, one for embroidery, one for other miscellaneous stitch plate tool types), receptacle 26d for scissors (or a 16 ruler, a tailor seam guide, or other sewing machine-style accessory), receptacle 26e for toolboxes (or other specialty sewing machine feet), and receptacle 26g for a walking foot-type sewing machine tool, for example. Further, in receptacle 26g, it will be appreciated that there may be provided an insert within an insert, and such may be implemented to accommodate even a wider variety of specialty tool types for particular sewing situations. Further, there are provided for interchangeable layered insert 24a, other layers, namely a velvet layer 44a, a raised wall layer 40a (of moderate density polymer foam), a moderate density polymer foam intermediate base layer 41a, and a more dense polymer foam base enclosing layer 42a. While the more dense enclosing base layer 42a does not have receptacles cut into it, receptacles are cut into both the intermediate base layer 41a and the velvet layer 44a, such that the receptacles will communicate coextensively between the velvet layer and the intermediate base layer. The raised wall area 32, 40a is to provide additional clearance for the tools as may be necessary to prevent the case member 12 from impacting them.

[0051] Referring now specifically to FIG. 7, there is preferably provided a plurality of differently-sized presser feet receptacles 26a. These receptacles help those who sew to accommodate the upwards of 30 differently available types of feet or more. Further, there are provided for interchangeable layered insert 24b, other layers, namely a velvet layer 44b, an upper foam layer 40b (of moderate density polymer foam), a moderate density polymer foam intermediate base layer 41b, and a more dense polymer foam base enclosing layer 42b. While the more dense enclosing base layer 42b does not have receptacles cut into it, receptacles are cut into the velvet layer 44b and one or more of the upper foam layer 40b, and the intermediate base layer 41b, such that the receptacles will communicate coextensively between the velvet layer and one, or both (depending on the depth of receptacle and resulting cushioning desired) the upper foam layer and the intermediate base layer. Thus, the receptacles will typically, preferably (though not absolutely necessarily depending on what retaining shape is desired for the receptacle) communicate coextensively between the velvet layer 44b and those of the upper foam layer 40b and the intermediate base layer 41b into which the receptacle is defined or cut.

[0052] Referring now specifically to FIG. 8, there is preferably provided a plurality of differently-sized presser feet receptacles 26a, a plurality of bobbin receptacles 26h, and a buttonhole foot receptacle 26f, since virtually every sewing machine brand has such an implement, and each such implement has a similar shape. Further, there are provided for interchangeable layered insert 24c, other layers, namely a velvet layer 44c, an upper foam layer 40c (of moderate density polymer foam), a moderate density polymer foam intermediate base layer 41c, and a more dense polymer foam base enclosing layer 42c. While the more dense base enclosing layer 42c does not have receptacles cut into it, receptacles are cut into the velvet layer 44c and one or more of the upper foam layer 40c, and the intermediate base layer 41c, such that the receptacles will communicate coextensively between the velvet layer and one, or both (depending on the depth of receptacle and resulting cushioning desired) the upper foam layer and the intermediate base layer. Thus, the receptacles will typically, preferably (though not absolutely necessarily depending on what retaining shape is desired for the receptacle) communicate coextensively between the velvet layer 44c and those of the upper foam layer 40c and the intermediate base layer 41c into which the receptacle is defined or cut.

[0053] The sewing implement carrying case systems of the foregoing described various aspects and embodiments of the disclosure provide a carrying cases and systems that are flexibly organizable, and whether comprising larger or smaller sewing implement carrying case systems, to meet the large variety of situations and tools sets presented by today's modern sewing environments.

[0054] While a preferred embodiment of the present invention has been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many changes and modifications may be made without departing from the invention in its broader aspects. For example, Therefore, the appended claims hereto in this provisional patent application are intended to cover all changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention as described.