GB2469270A

GB2469270A - Jewellery storage device

Info

Publication number: GB2469270A
Application number: GB0905884A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Andrea Florentia
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-04-06
Filing date: 2009-04-06
Publication date: 2010-10-13
Also published as: GB0905884D0

Abstract

A storage device comprises a first body portion at least one fixing means 3 for fixing the first body portion to a support and a plurality of storage means for storing a plurality of items on the storage device. Each of the plurality of storage means preferably comprises a strap member 4 comprising a proximal portion 5 and a distal portion 6. The proximal and distal portions may each be independently connectable to the first body portion so as to provide a looped structure configured to retain an item of jewellery and/or clothing. The storage device of the invention may further comprise at least one second body portion comprising a plurality of holes. In use, the storage device is especially suited for use with clothes and/or jewellery and may be hung on a door, on the pole of a wardrobe or the like.

Description

Storage Device

Field of the Invention

This invention generally relates to a storage device. Specifically, this invention relates to a storage device for clothes and/or jewellery.

BackQround to the Invention Typically, jewellery is stored in a traditional jewellery box. Traditional jewellery boxes often include different sections designed to store, for example, rings or small earrings so that they may be viewed by the wearer prior to selection. Some conventional jewellery boxes do not contain sections for separately storing necklaces, bracelets, bangles, larger sized earrings or anklets or other bulky items of jewellery, and instead contain a section where these larger items are stored together. Other conventional jewellery boxes do contain sections for individually storing such items. However, this type of storage requires a significant amount of space in the jewellery box and the total number of items stored is thereby reduced.

Jewellery boxes range in size and their dimensions are designed so that the box is small enough to be able to be placed on an item of furniture but large enough to store a desired amount of jewellery. These two factors constrain the design of the dimensions of the box.

Alternatively, earrings may be stored in individual earring boxes. These boxes are usually designed to store a pair of earrings, but sometimes can store up to about three pairs of earrings.

A limited number of necklaces, bracelets, bangles, larger sized earrings and anklets may alternatively be stored on a table-top display device which is designed to stand on the surface of e.g. a dressing table and allow the limited number of larger items of jewellery, such as the ones mentioned above, to hang on display.

Ties and scarves are usually stored in drawers or a wardrobe. When ties are stored in a drawer, they are usually folded or rolled. If stored in a wardrobe the ties are usually hung on a hanger or tie rack. Similarly, when scarves are stored in a drawer, they are usually folded or rolled. If stored in a wardrobe may be hung on a coat hanger or similar item.

Traditional jewellery boxes are usually expensive to manufacture and purchase, and represent a costly solution to the problem of storing jewellery. Additionally, when jewellery is stored in a traditional jewellery box, the amount of jewellery that can be stored is limited by the size of the box. If it is desired to store more jewellery than the box has capacity to store, then it is necessary to purchase a new jewellery box.

Jewellery boxes are often in themselves bulky items and can take up valuable table-top room.

Additionally, because of their general design, other items can be placed on top of jewellery boxes which can present a problem when attempting to access items of jewellery.

As mentioned above, jewellery boxes do not usually contain sections for separately storing bulky jewellery items such as necklaces, bracelets, bangles, larger sized earrings or anklets. These items are usually stored in a unitary section where all items are stored together. This makes the task of selecting the desired item problematic and can lead to damage being inflicted on the jewellery if items become entangled with one another. Additionally, it is not possible to easily compare items of jewellery when the jewellery is stored together in one compartment. Similar problems are apparent when using table-top display devices to store such items.

As mentioned above, some jewellery boxes may comprise separate storage compartments for individually storing necklaces, bracelets, bangles, larger sized earrings or anklets or other bulky items of jewellery. However, such jewellery boxes have a limited storage space due to the restrictions relating to box size and so the total number of items stored is thereby reduced which can be problematic.

A further problem with traditional jewellery boxes is that often larger sized earrings or bangles are not able to be stored in a jewellery box as there simply is not enough room to store such items.

Storing ties in drawers can lead to difficulties when selecting the appropriate tie and can lead to the tie becoming creased if not folded or rolled correctly. Tie racks use up wardrobe hanging space and the tie can become damaged if the tie rack is positioned adjacent to an item of clothing which is liable to snag the material of the tie. Additionally, not all ties stored on a tie rack or similar hanger device can easily be displayed simultaneously.

Similarly, storing scarves in drawers can lead to difficulties when selecting the appropriate scarf and, depending on the material of the scarf, can lead to the scarf becoming creased if not folded or rolled correctly. Storing scarves on clothes hangers also uses up wardrobe hanging space and the scarf can become damaged when hung adjacent to an item of clothing which is liable to snag the material of the scarf. Additionally, scarves stored in drawers or on clothes hangers cannot be easily be displayed simultaneously.

A further problem with storing clothing orjewellery in any of the above methods is that the item of jewellery or clothing cannot be easily compared and contrasted with other items of clothing e.g. a dress or a shirt without first removing the stored item of clothing orjewellery from the storage device and comparing with the other item of clothing.

This invention aims to solve at least one or more of the above mentioned problems. In particular, the present invention aims to provide a storage device that is suitable for storing items of jewellery. More particularly, the present invention aims to provide a storage device that is suitable for storing earrings, necklaces, bracelets, larger sized earrings, anklets, bangles and other items of jewellery. The present invention also or alternatively aims to provide a storage device that is suitable for storing items of clothing. More particularly, the present invention aims to provide a storage device that is suitable for storing ties, scarves and/or other similar elongate clothing items. The present invention aims to provide a storage device that is cheap to manufacture. The present invention aims to provide a storage device that does not require table-top storage area. The present invention aims to provide a storage device that is convenient to use. The present invention aims to provide a storage device that is suitable for individually storing and/or displaying many items of jewellery and/or clothing.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and variations of them mean "including but not limited to", and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

The readers attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

Summary of the Invention

In one aspect, the present invention provides a storage device comprising: a first body portion; at least one fixing means for fixing the first body portion to a support; and a plurality of storage means for storing a plurality of items on the storage device.

In an embodiment, the first body portion may be made from fabric. The fabric may be woven, knitted, or felted thread or fibres. Preferably, the fabric may be a synthetic and/or a natural material.

In an embodiment, each one of the plurality of storage means comprises a strap member having a proximal portion and a distal portion.

In an embodiment, the proximal portion and the distal portion are each independently (i.e. separately) connectable to the first body portion to provide a looped structure. In an embodiment, the proximal portion of the strap member may be permanently connected to the first body portion using any known permanent connection means and methods, e.g. by sewing or gluing the proximal end of the strap member to the first body portion. In an embodiment, the proximal portion and/or distal portion is/are removably connectable to the first body portion by a suitable connection means. Preferably, the connection means comprises at least one button, clasp, toggle or zipper, nook and loop (eg. Velcro �) or other similar known connection means. In an embodiment, the proximal portion and/or the distal portion further comprises a slit or aperture configured to receive the connection body.

In an alternative embodiment, the proximal portion of the strap member is integrated with the first body portion and the distal portion is connectable to the first body portion to provide a looped structure. The strap member may be formed as of part of the first body portion. In this case, the strap member may be cut out of the first body portion such that the proximal portion remains connected to the first body member. The distal portion may then be connected to the first body portion to provide a looped structure. The distal portion may be permanently connected (e.g. by sewing or gluing) or removably connected (e.g. by at least one button, clasp, toggle or zipper, hook and loop, e.g. Velcro �, or other similar known connection means) to the first body portion.

In an embodiment, the strap member is a fabric strap member. The strap member may be made from the same or similar fabric to the first body portion. Alternatively, the strap member may be made from different fabric to the first body portion. The looped structure of the strap member is configured to retain an item of jewellery and/or clothing.

In an embodiment, the storage device comprises at least one second body portion comprising a plurality of holes. Preferably, the at least one second body portion is connectable to or integrated with the first body portion. In an embodiment, the second body portion is permanently connected to the first body portion using any known permanent connection means and methods, e.g. by sewing or gluing the proximal end of the strap member to the first body portion. In an embodiment, the second body portion is removably connectable to the first body portion by a suitable connection means. Preferably, the connection means comprises at least one button, clasp, toggle or zipper, hook and loop, e.g. Velcro � or other similar known connection means. In an alternative embodiment, the second body portion is integrated with the first body portion. The second body portion may be formed as of part of the first body portion.

In an embodiment the plurality of holes are each configured to retain an item for storage.

Preferably, the item for storage is an item of jewellery and/or clothing. The holes may be arranged in pairs and configured to retain a pair of earrings.

The at least one second body portion may have a length which substantially corresponds to the width of the first connection body. Alternatively, the at least one second body portion may have a length which is substantially less than the width of the first connection body.

In an embodiment the first body portion is substantially flat when fixed to the support. In an embodiment, the first body portion has a length of between approximately 10 cm and 200cm and a width of between approximately 10 cm and 100 cm. In an embodiment the length is preferably between approximately 50 cm and 150 cm, preferably 130 cm. In an embodiment, the length corresponds to the height of a conventional door and/or a conventional wardrobe door. In an embodiment the width is between approximately 20 cm and 50 cm. In an embodiment, the width corresponds to the width of a conventional door and/or a conventional wardrobe door.

In an embodiment the at least one fixing means comprises a strapping means, hooking means or engaging means and the support is a wall or a door. The storage device may be fixed to an external or internal side or a door or wardrobe door. In an embodiment, the at least one fixing means comprises a length of fabric, string or similar material. In another embodiment, the at least one fixing means comprises at least one hole for fixing the storage device to the support with e.g. at least one screw or nail. In a preferred embodiment, the fixing means is configured to be hung on a pole in a wardrobe. Alternatively or in addition, the fixing means is configured to be hung on a door.

In an embodiment, the plurality of items to be stored are items of jewellery and/or items of elongate clothing. Optionally, the items of jewellery include necklaces, bracelets, earrings, larger sized earrings, bangles, anklets, piercings or similar items of jewellery. Optionally, the items of elongate clothing include ties or scarves or other similar items of clothing.

In an embodiment, the storage device further comprises a third body portion having substantially the same dimensions as the first body portion and configured to cover the first body portion. The third portion may be provided to protect the stored items and also help to keep the items clean (e.g. dust free). If the storage device is fixed to the internal face of a wardrobe door, the third body portion can prevent the items of jewellery from snagging with items of clothing hanging inside the wardrobe.

Description of the FiQures

Figure 1: A schematic diagram of the front aspect of an example of a storage device of the present invention.

Figure 2: A schematic diagram of the rear aspect of an example of a storage device of the present invention.

Figure 3: A schematic diagram of the top portion of the front aspect of an example of a storage device of the present invention.

Figure 4: A schematic diagram of the front aspect of an example of a storage device of the present invention. The dotted lines illustrate that the middle portion may be repeated any number of times.

Figure 5: A schematic diagram of the front aspect of an example of a storage device of the present invention.

Figure 6: A photograph of an example of a storage device comprising a first body portion, a plurality of storing means, a plurality of connecting bodies for connecting the plurality of storing means to the first body portion and a second body portion including a plurality of holes.

Figure 7: A photograph of an example of a storage device comprising a first body portion, a plurality of storing means, a plurality of connecting bodies for connecting the plurality of storing means to the first body portion and a number of items for storage.

Figure 8: A photograph of an example of a storage device comprising a first body portion, a plurality of storing means, a plurality of connecting bodies for connecting the plurality of storing means to the first body portion, a plurality of second body portions and a number of items for storage.

Figure 9: A photograph of an example of a storage device comprising a first body portion, a plurality of storing means, a plurality of connecting bodies for connecting the plurality of storing means to the first body portion, a plurality of second body portions and a number of items for storage.

Detailed Description of the Invention

Referring to the figures, the storage device 1 comprises a first body portion 2, at least one fixing means 3 for fixing the first body portion 2 to a support (not shown) and a plurality of storage means 4 for storing a plurality of items (not shown) on the storage device 1.

The plurality of storage means 4 illustrated in figure 1 each comprise a strap member having a proximal portion 5 and a distal portion 6. The proximal portion 5 and the distal portion 6 are each independently connectable to the first body portion 2 to provide a looped structure 4b (the extended or non-looped structure is illustrated as 4a).

As is illustrated in figure 5, the proximal portion 5 and the distal portion 6 are connectable to the first body portion 2 by a connection means 7. The connection means 7 of figure 5 is a button but may be a similar connection means. The proximal portion 5 and the distal portion 6 further comprise an aperture 8 which is configured to receive the button 7.

The storage device 1 as illustrated in figure 5 also comprises a second body portion 9 which is integrated with the first body portion 2. Second body portion comprises a plurality of holes 10 configured to receive an item (not shown) for storage.

The storage device 1 illustrated in figure 5 has a length A and a width B. Length A may be approximately 130cm and width B may be approximately 36cm.

Referring to figure 6, the storage device 1 comprises a first body portion 2, a second body portion 9 comprising a plurality of holes 10, a plurality of connection means 7 wherein the connection means 7 are each a button and a plurality of storage means 4 each comprising a strap member.

Each strap member 4 is illustrated as a looped structure 4b.

Referring to figure 7, the storage device 1 comprises a first body portion 2, a fixing means 3 wherein the fixing means 3 is a hooking means in the form of a conventional coat hanger, a plurality of storage means 4 in the form of strap members and a plurality of connection means 7 for connecting the strap members 4 to the first body portion 2. Figure 7 also illustrate items of jewellery 12 stored and displayed on the storage device 1.

Referring to figures 8 and 9, the storage device 1 comprises a first body portion 2, a plurality of storage means 4 in the form of strap members and a plurality of connection means 7 for connecting the strap members 4 to the first body portion 2. Figures 8 and 9 also illustrate items of jewellery 12 stored and displayed on the storage device 1.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A storage device comprising: a first body portion; at least one fixing means for fixing the first body portion to a support; and a plurality of storage means for storing a plurality of items on the storage device.
2. The storage device of claim 1 wherein each one of the plurality of storage means comprise a strap member comprising a proximal portion and a distal portion.
3. The storage device of claim 2 wherein the proximal portion and the distal portion are each independently connectable to the first body portion to provide a looped structure.
4. The storage device of claim 2 wherein the proximal portion of the strap member is integrated with the first body portion and the distal portion is connectable to the first body portion to provide a looped structure.
5. The storage device of claim 3 or claim 4 wherein the proximal portion and/or distal portion is/are connectable to the first body portion by a connection means.
6. The storage device of claim 5 wherein the proximal portion and/or the distal portion further comprises an aperture configured to receive the connection body.
7. The storage device of any preceding claim further comprising at least one second body portion comprising a plurality of holes.
8. The storage device of claim 7 wherein the at least one second body portion is connectable to or integrated with the first body portion.
9. The storage device of any of claims 7 or 8 wherein the plurality of holes are each configured to receive an item for storage.
10. The storage device of any preceding claim wherein, when fixed to the support, the first body portion is substantially flat.
11. The storage device of any preceding claim wherein, when fixed to the support, the first body portion has a length of between approximately 10 cm and 200 cm and a width of between approximately 10cm and 100 cm.
12. The storage device of claim 11 wherein the length is between approximately 50cm and cm, preferably 130 cm.
13. The storage device of claim 11 or claim 12 wherein the width is between approximately 2Ocmand5Ocm.
14. The storage device of any preceding claim wherein the at least one fixing means comprises a strapping means, hooking means or engaging means and the support is a wall or a door.
15. The storage device of any preceding claim wherein the plurality of items to be stored are items of jewellery and/or items of elongate clothing.
16. The storage device of any preceding claim further comprising a third body portion having substantially the same dimensions as the first body portion and configured to cover the first body portion.
17. A storage device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, or as illustrated by, the accompanying figures.