MODULAR TRAVEL JEWELRY CONTAINER

Abstract

Disclosed is a modular jewelry storage container having a main container having a lid at a first end and a connector on a second end. The main container includes interior dividers defining interior spaces within an interior space of the main container. The lid is removably attached to the main container. The modular jewelry storage container includes a module removably attached to the main container via the connector at the second end, and has an internal storage space separate from the interior spaces of the main container and at least one storage element within the internal storage space.

Claims

1. A modular jewelry storage container comprising: a main container having a lid at a first end and a connector on a second end; wherein the main container includes interior dividers defining interior spaces within an interior space of the main container; wherein the lid is removably attached to the main container; a module removably coupled to the main container via the connector at the second end, the module having an internal storage space separate from the interior spaces of the main container and at least one storage element within the internal storage space.

2. The modular jewelry storage container of claim 1, wherein the connector is a threaded connector.

3. The modular jewelry storage container of claim 2, wherein the threaded connector comprises internal threads.

4. The modular jewelry storage container of claim 1, wherein the module comprises external threads.

5. The modular jewelry storage container of claim 1, wherein the at least one storage element comprises at least one of a felt pad, a felt ring, a center post, a felt board, at least one interior divider, and a felt trough.

6. The modular jewelry storage container of claim 1, wherein the lid is hingedly attached to the main container.

7. The modular jewelry storage container of claim 1, wherein the lid has an exterior side and an interior side, and wherein the interior side includes a mirror.

8. The modular jewelry storage container of claim 7, wherein the mirror is removably attached to the lid.

9. The modular jewelry storage container of claim 7, wherein the mirror is removably attached to the lid via a threaded connection.

10. The modular jewelry storage container of claim 1, wherein the module is a first module and further comprising a second module removably coupled to the first module via a connector at the a second end of the first module, the second module having an internal storage space separate from the interior spaces of the main container and the internal storage of the first module, the second module further comprising at least one storage element within the internal storage space.

11. The modular jewelry storage container of claim 10 wherein the at least one storage element of the second module is different than the at least one storage element of the first module.

12. The modular jewelry storage container of claim 10, wherein the first module comprises internal threads at an end opposite the external threads, and wherein the second module further comprises external threads corresponding to the internal threads of the first module.

13. The modular jewelry storage container of claim 1, wherein the main container is at least twice as long along a main axis than an attached module.

14. The modular jewelry storage container of claim 1, wherein the lid further comprises eyelets to hold longer flexible items.

15. A portable organizer for small personal items comprising: a main container having an openable lid at a first end, a threaded connector on a second end, and a segmented interior space extending therebetween; a module removably coupled to and extending from the second end of the main container, the module having an internal storage space separate from the interior space of the main container and at least one storage element within the internal storage space.

16. The portable organizer of claim 15 wherein the openable lid is openable by a living hinge.

17. The portable organizer of claim 15, wherein the interior storage space is segmented by a plurality of interior dividers.

18. The portable organizer of claim 17, wherein the interior dividers extend substantially the length of the interior storage space.

19. The portable organizer of claim 15, wherein the at least one storage element comprises at least one of a felt pad, a felt ring, a center post, a felt board, at least one interior divider, and a felt trough.

20. The portable organizer of claim 15, wherein the module is a first module and further comprising a second module removably coupled to and extending from a second end of the first module.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The following drawings are illustrative of particular examples of the present disclosure and therefore do not limit the scope of the disclosure. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, though embodiments can include the scale illustrated, and are intended for use in conjunction with the explanations in the following detailed description wherein like reference characters denote like elements. Examples of the present disclosure will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings.

[0027] FIG. 1A is an exploded view of a modular jewelry storage container, according to one embodiment.

[0028] FIG. 1B is a side view of a modular jewelry storage container, according to one embodiment.

[0029] FIG. 1C is another exploded view of a modular jewelry storage container, according to one embodiment.

[0030] FIG. 1D is yet another exploded view of a modular jewelry storage container, according to one embodiment.

[0031] FIG. 2A is a top view of a modular jewelry storage container with the lid in an open position, according to one embodiment.

[0032] FIG. 2B is a side cross-sectional view of the modular jewelry storage container of FIG. 2A through Section 2B-2B from FIG. 1B, according to one embodiment.

[0033] FIG. 3A is a bottom section view of the lid of a modular jewelry storage container through Section 3A-3A from FIG. 1B, according to one embodiment.

[0034] FIG. 3B is an elevated view of the lid of a modular jewelry storage container, according to one embodiment.

[0035] FIG. 4A is a top view of a module of an embodiment of a modular jewelry storage container.

[0036] FIG. 4B is a top view of another module of an embodiment of a modular jewelry storage container.

[0037] FIG. 4C is a top view of yet another module of an embodiment of a modular jewelry storage container.

[0038] FIG. 4D is a top view and an isometric transparent view of another module of an embodiment of a modular jewelry storage container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] For purposes of description herein, the terms upper, lower, right, left, rear, front, vertical, horizontal, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the disclosure as oriented in FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

[0040] As best shown in FIGS. 1A-1D, according to some embodiments, the modular jewelry container 10 may be configured in any size, shape, and configuration to provide secure and stable storage for jewelry and/or other small items that may be more difficult to pack for travel without losing parts or entangling the items with one another in a relatively small container. As best shown in FIG. 1B, the modular jewelry container 10 has a generally cylindrical shape with a length along its axis that is longer than its diameter, and that is extendable along the axis by attaching modules 60. The attachable modules 60 may be any size, shape, and configuration and can removably attach to one or both end(s) of a main container 20 and may also be cylindrical in shape as shown, but the length along the axis of the module may be shorter, the same, or longer than the diameter of the modular jewelry container 10.

[0041] As best shown in FIG. 1B, the main container 20 may be any size, shape, and configuration to safely store and keep separate personal items such as necklaces that are long and flexible and tend to get tangled. In the embodiment shown, the main container 20 has a length of about 7 and a diameter of about 3. Although it should be known by those of skill in the art that other lengths and diameters may be used without deviating from the scope of the disclosure. The length is inclusive of the lid 22, although in some embodiments the length may or may not include the lid 22 in the overall length.

[0042] As best shown in FIGS. 1C-1D, the modular jewelry container 10 may include a main container 20, a lid 22 connected to the main container 20 (shown in FIGS. 1A and 2A via a hinge 34, and in other embodiments shown in as a threaded connector 64, 68, although it should be known that any connection is contemplated without deviating from the scope of the disclosure), and one or more modules 60 removably attachable to the main container 20. As shown in FIGS. 1C-1D and described in detail below, the removable attachment of modules 60 to the main container 20 may be via corresponding male 64 and female threads 48 molded or otherwise attached to the main container 20 and/or the additional modules 60.

[0043] As best shown in FIG. 1D, in some embodiments, the main container 20 may have an interior wall 40 and an exterior wall 36. As shown, the interior and exterior walls are the same, in which case the single wall has an interior surface 40 and an exterior surface 36. In such embodiments, the exterior wall 36 may include decorative elements 32 to present an aesthetically pleasing surface or identifiable appearance. Such decorative elements 32 may be included on the module or modules 60 to present a uniform and aesthetically pleasing appearance for the jewelry organizer 10 when assembled. While decorative element 32 is shown in a single place on the main container 20, it should be known that the decorative elements 32 may be any shape and may cover any amount of the exterior surface 36 of the main container 20, the lid, 22, and any combination of additional modules 60.

[0044] The lid 22 may be any size, shape, and configuration to provide selective access to the interior of the main container 20. The lid 22 as shown in FIGS. 1A-1D has a common diameter with the main container 20, although it should be known that the lid 22 may be slightly larger or smaller in diameter from the main container 20, as long as it provides secure storage of the items within the main container 20 when closed, and access to the items within the main container 20 when opened.

[0045] As best shown in FIGS. 1A and 2A, the lid 22 may be attached permanently or semi-permanently (i.e., attached at all times during normal use but including a method to at least temporarily remove the lid from the main container 20) via a hinge 34 disposed on one side on the main container 20 and on another side to the lid 22. In some embodiments such as that shown in FIG. 2A the hinge 34 may be a living hinge that is molded integrally with and between the lid 22 and the main container 20. In other embodiments, the hinge 34 may be a set of interlocking and/or interfering elements (not depicted) on the lid 22 that correspond and snap to elements on the main container 20 that provide a method of removing the lid 22 entirely when desired (e.g., by unsnapping), but holding the lid 22 in place during normal use.

[0046] As best shown in FIGS. 1B-1C, in still other embodiments, the lid 22 may removably attach to the main container 20 via a combination of male threads 64 and corresponding female threads 68. In the embodiment shown, the male threads 64 are on a proximal end of the main container 20, and the female threads 68 are on a distal end of the lid 22, although it should be known that these threads may be reversed without deviating from the scope of the disclosure.

[0047] As best shown in FIG. 2A, in some embodiments, the lid 22 may have an exterior face 26 and an interior face 28. In such embodiments, the interior face may also include a mirror 24. The mirror 24 may be attached to or may comprise the top of the lid 22. The mirror 24 may be attached to the lid 22 via a threaded connection or any other twist connection with the perimeter of the lid 22. In some embodiments, the mirrored surface of the mirror 24 faces the interior of the main container 20, such that it is protected during transportation.

[0048] Looking back at FIGS. 1A-1D, at a distal end 46 of the main container 20 opposite the lid 22, the main container 20 may have a connector 48. In some embodiments, the connector 48 is a set of female or internal threads 48 within the distal end 46 (shown in FIG. 1A but typically are internal and not visible as shown in FIGS. 1B-1D). The distal end 46 may be flat and the threads 48 may be internal such that the main container 20 may present a pleasing aesthetic appearance and stand on its distal end 46 without any module or modules 60 attached.

[0049] As shown in FIGS. 2A-2B, in some embodiments, the main container 20 may include an interior wall 40 and an exterior wall 36. The interior of the main container 20 may be segmented by a number of divider walls 42 that define a number of interior spaces or segments 44. The interior spaces 44 and divider walls 42 cooperate to allow long, flexible items such as necklaces to be stored securely but separately such that they do not get entangled with one another or on themselves. In some embodiments, the divider walls 42 extend the length of the main container 20. In other embodiments, the divider walls 42 may not reach the entire length but some smaller length of the main container 20 along or parallel with the axis of the main container 20.

[0050] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 3A-3B, the top portion of the main container 20 may include a number of eyelets 30 to connect and securely hold necklaces or the like. One end of the necklace may be placed through one of the eyelets 30 and the rest of the necklace may hang down within the interior spaces 44 of the main container 20, separated by the dividers within the interior of the main container 20. In this way, the necklaces are separated and prevented from entangling with other necklaces as well as themselves. It should be known that the eyelets 30 may be included in the lid 22 as well and the lid 22 itself includes a hinge 34 as described above and connects to the main container 20 through the threads while the hinge 34 connects the thread portion of the lid 22 with a top portion of the lid 22 that rotated out of the way to expose the eyelets 30.

[0051] Looking at FIGS. A-D, different modules 60a-d may be attached to the main container 20. The modules 60 may be any size, shape, and configuration to easily attach and detach from the main container 20, while securely holding different personal items such that they are not damaged or lost. In some embodiments such as shown in FIG. 1, there may be three modules 60 attached to the main container 20, although it should be known that any number from zero to five or more may be attached at any time.

[0052] The modules 60 may be any length sufficient to hold the specific items within and extend between a proximal end 62 to a distal end 66, or they may all be uniform in length. The modules 60 may include varying elements within to further protect and separate personal items from one another and to prevent damage from themselves. In some embodiments, the modules 60 include internal wall 70 and external wall 72. External wall 72 may include decorative elements 32 to match the decorative elements 32 on the main container to present a pleasing aesthetic appearance.

[0053] In some embodiments, the proximal end 62 of the modules 60 may include a corresponding connector 64 to the connector 48 of the main container 20 and/or the connector 68 of other modules 60. In some embodiments, the connector 64 is a set of male (external) threads (hereinafter the connector 64 will be referred to as threads 64) that correspond to and cooperate with female threads 48 of the main container 20 and/or female threads 68 of other modules 60. Like the main container 20, the distal end 66 of each module may include female (internal) threads 68 (shown in the Figures for clarity but typically are internal and not visible) and a flat bottom presenting a pleasing aesthetic appearance without threads 68 showing externally, and in some embodiments such that the main container 20 with one or multiple modules 60 attached may be stood on end.

[0054] In some embodiments, such as shown in FIG. 4A, the module 60a may include a number of troughs 90 within which rings or other similar personal items may be placed. The troughs 90 may be sized appropriately and covered with a material such as felt which holds the rings in place while offering a surface that will not mar the surface of the rings.

[0055] In some embodiments, such as shown in FIG. 4B, the module 60b may include a soft, flat surface 98 upon which small items such as earrings and their corresponding backs may be securely placed. The soft, flat surface 98 may comprise a material such as felt, optionally with a soft material backing such as foam (not shown) which holds the earrings and their backs in place while offering a surface that will not mar the surface of the earrings. In other embodiments, a pierceable material may be used such that the studs of the earrings may be directly inserted into and attached to the surface 98.

[0056] In some embodiments, such as shown in FIG. 4C, the module 60c may include a soft, flat surface 94 upon which small, loose items such as bracelets may be securely placed. The soft, flat surface 94 may comprise a material such as felt, optionally with a soft material backing such as foam (not shown) which holds the bracelets in place while offering a surface 94 that will not mar the surface of the bracelets.

[0057] In some embodiments, such as shown in FIG. 4D, the module 60d may include a soft base 82 with a center post 84 around which a watch may be placed. The center post 84 keeps the watch from sliding around and back upon itself to prevent marring of the watch face or band. The base 82 may be covered with a soft material such as felt which holds the watch in place while offering a surface that will not mar the surface of the watch face or band. The soft base 82 may have a soft material backing such as foam (not shown such that the watch indents the surface slightly and prevents sliding movement altogether. In some embodiments, a soft ring 86 may be removably placeable over a first watch such that a second watch may be placed over the first watch and on the removable ring 86, effectively holding two watches in a single module 60d. In still other embodiments, multiple removable rings 86 may be used to hold three or more watches within a single module 60d.

[0058] In still other embodiments, other modules 60 may be created or modified to securely hold other personal items securely in place while traveling. Any, all, or none of the modules 60 may be attached to the jewelry organizer 10 without deviating from the scope of the disclosure. In still other embodiments, only a number of modules 60 may be attached to one another without including the main container 20 without deviating from the scope of the disclosure.

[0059] It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that construction of the described disclosure and other components is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the disclosure disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise herein.

[0060] For purposes of this disclosure, the term coupled (in all of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature unless otherwise stated.

[0061] It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the disclosure as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or connector or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations.

[0062] It will be understood that any described processes or steps within described processes may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting.

[0063] It is also to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structures and methods without departing from the concepts of the present disclosure, and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.