US20100294675A1 - Memory foam case for eyeglasses and jewelry - Google Patents

Abstract

A case for storing various objects, such as eyeglasses or jewelry, having a top and a bottom shell member which are connected together to allow for movement between an open position and a closed position. Each of the shell members has an interior surface, which when in the closed position, collectively defines an enclosed interior cavity for storage of the objects. Each of the shell members has a layer of memory foam overlying the interior surface. The memory foam layers generally deform to the shape of the object placed within the interior space of the case, when in its closed position and return to a normal, non-deformed position when the case is in its open position.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
• This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/179,946, filed May 20, 2009.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• 1. Field of the Invention
• The invention relates generally to the field of cases and holders to store and protect various personal objects, such as eyeglasses, sunglasses and/or jewelry. More particularly, the invention relates to a case for eyeglasses and sunglasses and/or jewelry which has a hard exterior surface and a layer of memory foam on the inside of the case, to cushion and protect the eyeglasses and/or jewelry placed therein.
• 2. Brief Description of the Prior Art
• Eyeglasses and sunglasses (hereinafter collectively referred to as “eyeglasses”) are fragile and can easily break or get scratched. Furthermore, it is easy to misplace eyeglasses or they can easily get lost in a purse or handbag. Similarly, jewelry is often small or delicate and can also easily get misplaced, scratched, damaged, lost or tangled. It is, therefore, useful to have a case or holder which can store and protect eyeglasses from breakage, scratching or from being lost or misplaced. It is also useful to have a case which can protect various items of jewelry so that they too, are not broken or lost.
• However, not all eyeglasses are of the same size or shape. Thus, in order to prevent breakage, many eyeglass cases are designed to the specific shape and contour of the particular eyeglasses to be stored therein and, therefore, cannot be used for other eyeglasses. It is therefore useful to have a single case which can accommodate and protect eyeglasses of varying sizes and shapes, rather than having multiple cases to accommodate different pairs of eyeglasses. To address this issue and to accommodate various eyeglasses, many eyeglass cases, even though they have a hard exterior shell, have a hollow interior space within the case. However, this large interior space allows the eyeglasses to move or slide within the case which can lead to breakage, since they can hit against the sides of the case. Moreover, many eyeglass cases are soft and the eyeglasses stored therein can break or get damaged if dropped or come into contact with another object.
• In addition, it is known in the prior art to provide various cases, holders or jewelry rolls for storing various items of jewelry. However, many of these holders have a soft exterior surface which leaves the jewelry vulnerable to damage. Additionally, while other cases may have a hard exterior surface, they allow the jewelry stored therein to slide around within the case which can lead to damage to the jewelry, particularly to delicate jewelry or fine chains and necklaces which can get tangled. Furthermore, jewelry is often of different sizes and shapes such as large bangles, fine chains, rings, earrings, etc. and, therefore, in many cases, they can slide around within the case because they are not held firmly in place due to their different sizes.
• While the prior art discloses many types of eyeglasses and jewelry cases, so far as is known, none of the prior art devices resolve all of these problems in a simple, effective and yet highly advantageous manner, as does the present invention discussed herein.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a novel eyeglass and jewelry case.
• It is another object of the invention to provide an eyeglass and jewelry case which can store and protect the eyeglasses and jewelry which are placed therein.
• It is a further object of the invention to provide an eyeglass and jewelry case which can protect eyeglasses and jewelry of different sizes and shapes.
• It is yet another object of the invention to provide an eyeglass and jewelry case which has an interior surface which will generally conform to the shape of the eyeglasses or jewelry placed therein to cushion them.
• It is a further object of the invention to provide an eyeglass and jewelry case which has an interior surface which will resume its normal shape when the item is removed, to allow the case to accommodate a variety of different objects placed therein.
• Certain of the foregoing and related objects are readily attained according to the present invention by the provision of a case for storing eyeglasses, comprising, a top and a bottom shell member which are connected together to allow for movement between an open position and a closed position. Each of said shell members having an interior surface which when in said closed position, collectively defines an enclosed interior cavity for storage of eyeglasses therein and a layer of memory foam attached to and overlying said interior surface of each of said shell members. When said case is in said closed position, said layers of memory foam generally deform to the shape of eyeglasses placed within said interior cavity of said case, and when said case is in said open position, said layers of memory foam return to a normal, non-deformed position.
• Preferably, said top and bottom shell members each have a generally rectangular, convex-shaped bottom wall defining four outer peripheral edges and four upstanding side walls, each of which is connected to an outer peripheral edge of said bottom wall, to collectively define said interior surface therebetween. In a preferred embodiment, said top and bottom shell members are of a complementary shape to each other and are disposed opposite one another when in said closed position. Desirably, said top and bottom shell members are pivotally connected together by a hinge which is disposed along at least a portion of respective side walls thereof.
• It is also preferable that the case further comprises a mechanical fastener for securing said top and bottom shell members in said closed position, and preferably, said mechanical fastener is a tab connected to one of said side walls of one of said top and bottom shell members and a slot connected to a corresponding side wall of the other of said top and bottom shell members and wherein said tab engages said slot when in said closed position.
• Advantageously, said memory foam is visco-elastic polyurethane foam and has a density of about 45 kg/m³. It is also desirable that said layers of memory foam can be deformed and reshaped multiple times. It is further desirable that said top and bottom shell members have a hard exterior surface.
• In a further embodiment, a case for storing jewelry comprises a top and a bottom shell member which are connected together to allow for movement between an open position and a closed position. Each of said shell members having an interior surface which when in said closed position, collectively defines an enclosed interior cavity for storage of jewelry therein and a layer of memory foam attached to and overlying said interior surface of each of said shell members. When said case is in said closed position, said layers of memory foam generally deform to the shape of jewelry placed within said interior cavity of said case, and when said case is in said open position, said layers of memory foam return to a normal, non-deformed position.
• Preferably, said top and bottom shell members are bowl-shaped, each comprising a generally oval-shaped planar bottom wall defining an outer peripheral edge and an upstanding side wall connected to said outer peripheral edge of said bottom wall, to collectively define said interior surface therebetween. In a preferred embodiment, said top and bottom shell members are of a complementary shape to each other and are disposed opposite one another when in said closed position. Desirably, said planar bottom walls and said side walls are made of a rigid material. Advantageously, said top and bottom shell members are pivotally connected together by a hinge disposed along at least a portion of said respective side walls thereof.
• It is also preferable that the case further comprise a mechanical fastener for securing said top and bottom shell members in said closed position, and preferably, said mechanical fastener is a zipper disposed along a top edge of each of said side walls.
• Advantageously, said memory foam is visco-elastic polyurethane foam and has a density of about 40 kg/m³. It is also desirable that one of said layers of memory foam has a thickness which is greater than the thickness of the other of said layers of memory foam. It is furthermore desirable that said layers of memory foam can be deformed and reshaped multiple times.
• In yet another preferred embodiment, a case for storing at least one object, comprises a top and a bottom shell member which are connected together to allow for movement between an open position and a closed position. Each of said shell members having an interior surface which when in said closed position, collectively defines an enclosed interior cavity for storage of at least one object therein and a layer of memory foam attached to and overlying said interior surface of each of said shell members. When said case is in said closed position, said layers of memory foam generally deform to the shape of at least one object placed within said interior cavity of said case, and when said case is in said open position, said layers of memory foam return to a normal, non-deformed position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• Additional objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reference to the detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that the drawings are to be used for the purpose of illustration only and not as a definition of the limits of the invention.
• FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an eyeglass case of the present invention in its closed position;
• FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the eyeglass case in its open position, with a pair of eyeglasses placed therein;
• FIG. 3 is a partially cut-away, perspective view of the eyeglass case, in its closed position;
• FIG. 3ais a sectional view along line3a-3ainFIG. 3;
• FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a jewelry case of the present invention in its closed position;
• FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the jewelry case in its open position, with items of jewelry placed therein;
• FIG. 6 is a partially cut-away, perspective view of the jewelry case, in its closed position; and
• FIG. 6ais a sectional view along line6a-6ainFIG. 6.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
• Turning now in detail to the drawings, and in particularFIG. 1 thereof, therein depicts the eyeglass case orholder10 of the present invention in its closed configuration. As can be seen inFIG. 2, thecase10 is of a book-like or shell-like configuration and can hingedly or pivotally open into its open position as seen inFIG. 2, so that various objects, such as eyeglasses, sunglasses and/or jewelry can be placed within thecase10, so that they are stored and protected therein, when thecase10 is closed.
• As seen best inFIG. 1, thecase10 has a generally rectangular shape with rounded corners and approximates the size and shape of conventional eyeglasses and sunglasses. Furthermore,case10 has a top and a bottom cover, leaf orshell member22 and24, respectively. Theshell members22 and24 each have fourupstanding side walls26a,26b,26cand26dand are hingedly connected together via alive hinge27 disposed along a portion of oneside wall26athereof so that thecase10 can be movable between the closed position shown inFIG. 1 and the open position shown inFIG. 2. Moreover, theshell members22 and24 have a complementary shape to each other and are disposed opposite one another when the case is in its closed position, shown inFIGS. 1 and 3a. While it is preferable to hingedly connect theleaves22 and24 together, it can be appreciated that other means can be used to secure the leaves to each other, such as a zipper or snap.
• Furthermore, as seen best inFIG. 3a, each of theleaves22 and24 of thecase10 are of a generally rectangular, bowl-shaped configuration and have a convex,bottom wall25 which together with the fourupstanding side walls26a,26b,26cand26d, collectively define aninterior cavity28 in each of the leaves. Theinterior cavity28 of each of theleaves22 and24 are of a complementary shape to each other and are disposed opposite one another on the inside of thecase10 when it is closed, in order to accommodate the eyeglasses andsunglasses100 which are placed therein. As seen inFIG. 1, the exterior surfaces29 of theleaves22 and24 are preferably made of a hard or rigid material, such as plastic, metal or cardboard to protect theeyeglasses100 contained within thecase10. In addition,exterior surface29 can be covered with a more aesthetically pleasing outer surface such as leather or fabric.
• Additionally as seen inFIG. 2, closure means are provided within thecase10 to secure theleaves22 and24 in their closed positions, such as a mechanical fastener. For example, as seen best inFIG. 2, atab40 and aslot42 are provided and are disposed opposite one another on each of theleaves22 and24, respectively, and engage each other when the case is in its closed position as seen inFIG. 3a. However, it can be appreciated that other closure means could be used to secure thecase10 in its closed configuration such as a zipper, button and loop, clasp or latch. Alternatively, thesides26a,26b,26cand26dof thecase10 can be made of a flexible or accordion-like material so that they can compress and expand to accommodate eyeglasses of varying shapes and sizes.
• As depicted inFIG. 2, theleaves22 and24 can open to expose the twointerior cavities28. A solid piece or layer ofmemory foam30 and32 which generally conforms to the shape of theleaves22 and24 and is secured in each interior cavity. The memory foam layers30 and32 can be secured, e.g., by the use of an adhesive (not shown). As can be seen inFIG. 3, the user can place the eyeglasses orsunglasses100 on top of thememory foam32 and close thecase10, to secure and store theeyeglasses100 between the two layers ofmemory foam30 and32. However, it can be appreciated that the eyeglasses can be placed on top ofmemory foam layer30.
• The memory foam layers30 and32 are made of a visco-elastic polyurethane foam which has a shape memory and can be deformed and reshaped multiple times, but remembers its original shape. Multiple types of visco-elastic memory foams are commercially available and suitable for use in thecase10 of the present invention and would be known to a person having ordinary skill in the art.
• When thecase10 is in its closed position as seen inFIG. 3a, the memory foam layers30 and32 will generally adapt and conform to the shape of the items placed in between the two layers to secure it in place in order to protect the object. In particular as seen inFIG. 3, when theeyeglasses100 are placed between theleaves22 and24, the memory foam layers30 and32 will deform and conform to the contour and general shape of theeyeglasses100 and the eyeglasses will partially sink into the memory foam layers30 and32. Thus, the case can accommodate many different eyeglasses or sunglasses because the memory foam will compress and generally conform to its shape.
• The memory foam layers30 and32 also serve to cushion and protect theeyeglasses100 because they form a snug fit, such that they conform to the shape of theeyeglasses100 when the case is closed to secure them in place within the case to prevent their movement and possible breakage. When the case is opened and theeyeglasses100 are removed from the case, the memory foam layers30 and32 resiliently and inherently return to their normal, non-deformed position as seen inFIG. 2 because of their shape memory properties and, therefore, the user can place different eyeglasses therein and thecase10 will conform to their corresponding shapes and sizes.
• In a particularly preferred embodiment, thecase10 has a length of approximately 6½ inches, a width of about 2½ inches and a height of about 1½ inches. Thesidewalls26band26dare narrower than sidewalls26aand26c, so that the case tapers towards each of the lateral ends and approximates the shape of the eyeglasses which are contained therein so that they are held firmly in place. However, it can be appreciated that thecase10 can be made in other shapes and sizes depending on the type of eyeglasses which are to be stored therein. The case can also be made larger in order to store more than one pair of eyeglasses.
• Furthermore, in a particularly preferred embodiment, the memory foam has a density of about 45 kg/m³and a thickness of approximately ¼″. However, it can be appreciated that foams having other specifications can be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention.
• Turning now toFIG. 4, therein depicts another embodiment of the present invention, particularly a jewelry case orholder50, in its closed configuration. As can be seen inFIG. 5, thejewelry case50 is also of a book-like or shell-like configuration and is hingedly or pivotally connected via connectingweb67 to allow for movement between an open position and a closed position. In its open position, as seen inFIG. 5, various items of jewelry can be placed within thecase50, here abracelet102 andring104, so that they are stored and protected therein when thecase50 is closed.
• Particularly, thecase50 has a first and a second cover, leaf orshell member62 and64, respectively. Each of theshell members62 and64 of thecase50 are of a generally bowl-shaped configuration, having a generally round or oval-shaped,planar bottom wall65 and anupstanding side wall66, which collectively define aninterior cavity68. Theinterior cavity68 of each of theleaves62 and64 are a complimentary shape to each other and are disposed opposite one another on the inside of the case when it is closed, in order to accommodate the various items of jewelry which are placed therein. Theshell members62 and64 are hingedly connected via connectingweb portion67 thereof, to allow thecase50 to assume the closed configuration shown inFIGS. 4 and 6 and the open configuration shown inFIG. 5. While it is preferable to hingedly connect theleaves62 and64 together, it can be appreciated that other means can be used to secure the leaves to each other.
• Thebottom walls65 andside walls66 of each of theleaves62 and64 is made of a hard material such as plastic, metal or cardboard to protect the jewelry. Preferably, thebottom walls65 andside walls66 are made from ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA). Alternatively, theside walls66 can be made of a flexible or accordion-like material or configuration to facilitate compression and expansion thereof. Furthermore, the exterior surface of the case can be covered with a more aesthetically pleasing outer covering such as fabric or leather.
• Additionally as seen inFIG. 5, closure means are provided to secure theleaves62 and64 in their closed position, such as thezipper70 and zipper pull72. However, it can be appreciated that other closure means could be used to secure the case in its closed configuration, such as a button and loop, clasp, snap or latch.
• As depicted inFIG. 5, theleaves62 and64 of thecase50 can open to expose the twointerior cavities68. A solid piece or layer ofmemory foam80 and82 is secured to each of theinner cavities68 of theleaves62 and64. The memory foam layers80 and82 can be secured to the interior surface of theleaves62 and64 respectively, by the use of an adhesive (not shown). As can be seen inFIG. 5, the user can place the various items of jewelry such as abracelet102 or aring104 on top ofmemory foam layer80, and close thecase50 to secure and store thejewelry102 and104 between the twolayers80,82, as seen inFIG. 6. As can be seen inFIG. 5, in a preferred embodiment, the layer ofmemory foam82 has a greater thickness than the layer ofmemory foam80 so that the top surface ofmemory foam layer82 extends upwardly beyond thezipper70 on theleaf64. This allows the foam to form a “seal” around the jewelry to keep it in place and from each piece touching or getting tangled. Alternatively,layer80 could have a greater thickness thanlayer82.
• Memory foam layers80 and82 are made of a visco-elastic polyurethane foam material which has a shape memory and can be formed or shaped multiple times but remembers its original shape. Multiple types of this memory foam are commercially available and suitable for use in the case of the present invention and would be well known to a person having ordinary skill in the art.
• When thecase50 is in its closed position as seen inFIG. 6, the memory foam layers80 and82 are generally adaptable and generally deform to the contour and shape of the various items of jewelry placed between the two layers. In particular as seen inFIG. 6a, when thering104 andbracelet102 are placed between theleaves62 and64, the memory foam layers80 and82 will deform around each of the items of jewelry. Particularly, thebracelet102 and thering104 will partially sink into the memory foam leaves80 and82. As can be seen inFIG. 6a, the memory foam will compress to a greater extent around the larger object here, thebracelet102, than around the smaller object, here thering104, in order to conform to the shape of the various pieces of jewelry and secure objects of different sizes within the case. When the jewelry case is opened and the jewelry is removed from the case, the memory foam layers80 and82 will resiliently and inherently return to their normal, non-deformed positions as seen inFIG. 5 because of their shape memory properties. Therefore, different items of jewelry can be placed within the case and the foam will compress and in turn, conform to their corresponding shapes and sizes in order to secure all of the objects in place within the case.
• In a particularly preferred embodiment, the case is provided in at least two sizes, a smaller size which is approximately 6 and ½ inches×4 and ⅝ inches×3 inches and a larger size which is approximately 10 inches×7⅛ inches×3½ inches. However, it can be appreciated that thecase50 can also be made in other shapes and sizes depending on the type or number of items of jewelry which are to be stored and protected therein. For example, the case can be made smaller so that it can be used for traveling or larger in order to be used to store jewelry everyday.
• In addition, in the particularly preferred embodiment, the memory foam has a density of approximately 40 kg/m³. Preferably, in the larger sized case the layer ofmemory foam82 has a thickness of about 2⅜ inches and the layer ofmemory foam80 has a thickness of about ⅞ inches. In the smaller embodiment, the layer ofmemory foam82 has a thickness of about 2⅜″ andmemory foam layer80 has a thickness of about ⅜″. However, it can be appreciated that foams having other specifications and thicknesses can be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention.
• Additional objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reference to the detailed description taken in conjunction with the provided figures. While particular embodiments of the invention have been described, it is not intended that the invention be limited thereto, as it is intended that the invention be as broad in scope as the prior art will allow and that the specification be read likewise. Particularly, the case can be used to store and protect various objects, besides jewelry or eyeglasses and thus, can be made in any shape or size depending on the objects to be stored therein. Furthermore, the leaves of the case do not have to be pivotally connected by a hinge, but rather can be two separate halves and connected by a snap or zipper. Additionally, the top and bottom shell members can be reversed so that the top is the bottom and vice versa. Moreover, the memory foam layers can be received within the interior of the case but not secured to it or, alternatively, they can be removably secured to the case. Additionally, the entire outer surface of the case can be made of a soft or flexible material, rather than a hard or rigid outer shell. Accordingly, it will therefore be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other modifications could be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (22)

1. A case for storing eyeglasses, comprising:

a top and a bottom shell member which are connected together to allow for movement between an open position and a closed position, each of said shell members having an interior surface which when in said closed position, collectively defines an enclosed interior cavity for storage of eyeglasses therein; and

a layer of memory foam attached to and overlying said interior surface of each of said shell members, wherein when said case is in said closed position, said layers of memory foam generally deform to the shape of eyeglasses placed within said interior cavity of said case, and when said case is in said open position, said layers of memory foam return to a normal, non-deformed position.

2. The case according toclaim 1, wherein:

said top and bottom shell members each have a generally rectangular, convex-shaped bottom wall defining four outer peripheral edges and four upstanding side walls, each of which is connected to an outer peripheral edge of said bottom wall, to collectively define said interior surface therebetween.

3. The case according toclaim 1, wherein:

said top and bottom shell members are of a complementary shape to each other and are disposed opposite one another when in said closed position.

4. The case according toclaim 2, wherein:

said top and bottom shell members are pivotally connected together by a hinge which is disposed along at least a portion of respective side walls thereof.

5. The case according toclaim 1, further comprising:

a mechanical fastener for securing said top and bottom shell members in said closed position.

6. The case according toclaim 5, wherein:

said mechanical fastener is a tab connected to one of said side walls of one of said top and bottom shell members and a slot connected to a corresponding side wall of the other of said top and bottom shell members and wherein said tab engages said slot when in said closed position.

7. The case according toclaim 1, wherein:

said memory foam is visco-elastic polyurethane foam.

8. The case according toclaim 7, wherein:

said visco-elastic polyurethane foam has a density of about 45 kg/m³.

9. The case according toclaim 1, wherein:

said layers of memory foam can be deformed and reshaped multiple times.

10. The case according toclaim 1, wherein:

said top and bottom shell members have a hard exterior surface.

11. A case for storing jewelry, comprising:

a top and a bottom shell member which are connected together to allow for movement between an open position and a closed position, each of said shell members having an interior surface which when in said closed position, collectively defines an enclosed interior cavity for storage of jewelry therein; and

a layer of memory foam attached to and overlying said interior surface of each of said shell members, wherein when said case is in said closed position, said layers of memory foam generally deform to the shape of jewelry placed within said interior cavity of said case, and when said case is in said open position, said layers of memory foam return to a normal, non-deformed position.

12. The case according toclaim 11, wherein:

said top and bottom shell members are bowl-shaped, each comprising a generally oval-shaped planar bottom wall defining an outer peripheral edge and an upstanding side wall connected to said outer peripheral edge of said bottom wall, to collectively define said interior surface therebetween.

13. The case according toclaim 11, wherein:

said top and bottom shell members are of a complementary shape to each other and are disposed opposite one another when in said closed position.

14. The case according toclaim 12, wherein:

said planar bottom walls and said side walls are made of a rigid material.

15. The case according toclaim 12, wherein:

said top and bottom shell members are pivotally connected together by a hinge disposed along at least a portion of said respective side walls thereof.

16. The case according toclaim 11, further comprising:

a mechanical fastener for securing said top and bottom shell members in said closed position.

17. The case according toclaim 16, wherein:

said mechanical fastener is a zipper disposed along a top edge of each of said side walls.

18. The case according toclaim 11, wherein:

said memory foam is visco-elastic polyurethane foam.

19. The case according toclaim 18, wherein:

said visco-elastic polyurethane foam has a density of about 40 kg/m³.

20. The case according toclaim 11, wherein:

one of said layers of memory foam has a thickness which is greater than the thickness of the other of said layers of memory foam.

21. The case according toclaim 11, wherein:

said layers of memory foam can be deformed and reshaped multiple times.

22. A case for storing at least one object, comprising:

a top and a bottom shell member which are connected together to allow for movement between an open position and a closed position, each of said shell members having an interior surface which when in said closed position, collectively defines an enclosed interior cavity for storage of at least one object therein; and

a layer of memory foam attached to and overlying said interior surface of each of said shell members, wherein when said case is in said closed position, said layers of memory foam generally deform to the shape of at least one object placed within said interior cavity of said case, and when said case is in said open position, said layers of memory foam return to a normal, non-deformed position.

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