Modular Travel Jewelry Container

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application 63/646,201, filed on May 13, 2024, and entitled “Modular Travel Jewelry Container,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

This disclosure relates to embodiments of containers that are expandably modular to securely hold small, light objects and/or personal ornaments such as jewelry and the like.

When traveling, smaller, light objects such as jewelry are difficult to transport in a fashion that allows the jewelry to remain sorted in a consistent fashion from the point of packing to the destination. Typically, this means that jewelry is all packed together and sorted out at the destination, or each piece of jewelry must be packed in separate containers, irrespective of the space taken up by each of the containers.

As nonlimiting examples, earrings and their associated backs may be tossed around becoming unclipped or getting lost altogether. Rings may contact one another damaging the rings or their respective surface finishes. Necklaces may be jostled around such that they become entangled, difficult to untangle, and/or permanently deformed. Watches may be contact one another and/or other jewelry and scratch or otherwise mar the face, band, and/or other show surfaces of the watch.

In Example 1, a modular jewelry storage container includes 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.

Example 2 relates to the modular jewelry storage container according to Example 1, wherein the connector is a threaded connector;

Example 3 relates to the modular jewelry storage container according to Example 2, wherein the threaded connector comprises internal threads.

Example 4 relates to the modular jewelry storage container according to Example 1, wherein the module comprises external threads.

Example 5 relates to the modular jewelry storage container according to Example 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.

Example 6 relates to the modular jewelry storage container according to Example 1, wherein the lid is hingedly attached to the main container.

Example 7 relates to the modular jewelry storage container according to Example 1, wherein the lid has an exterior side and an interior side, and wherein the interior side includes a mirror.

Example 8 relates to the modular jewelry storage container according to Example 7, wherein the mirror is removably attached to the lid.

Example 9 relates to the modular jewelry storage container according to Example 7, wherein the mirror is removably attached to the lid via a threaded connection.

Example 10 relates to the modular jewelry storage container according to Example 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.

Example 11 relates to the modular jewelry storage container according to Example 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.

Example 12 relates to the modular jewelry storage container according to Example 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.

Example 13 relates to the modular jewelry storage container according to Example 1, wherein the main container is at least twice as long along a main axis than an attached module.

Example 14 relates to the modular jewelry storage container according to Example 1, wherein the lid further comprises eyelets to hold longer flexible items.

In Example 15, a portable organizer for small personal items includes 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, and 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.

Example 16 relates to the portable organizer of Example 15, wherein the openable lid is openable by a living hinge.

Example 17 relates to the portable organizer of Example 15, wherein the interior storage space is segmented by a plurality of interior dividers.

Example 18 relates to the portable organizer of Example 17, wherein the interior dividers extend substantially the length of the interior storage space.

Example 19 relates to the portable organizer of Example 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.

Example 20 relates to the portable organizer of Example 15, wherein the module is a first module and further comprises a second module removably coupled to and extending from a second end of the first module.

These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present disclosure will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

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. 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.

As best shown in, according to some embodiments, the modular jewelry containermay 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, the modular jewelry containerhas 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. The attachable modulesmay be any size, shape, and configuration and can removably attach to one or both end(s) of a main containerand 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.

As best shown in, the main containermay 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 containerhas a length of about 7″ and a diameter of about 3⅜″. 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, although in some embodiments the length may or may not include the lidin the overall length.

As best shown in, the modular jewelry containermay include a main container, a lidconnected to the main container(shown invia a hinge, and in other embodiments shown in as a threaded connector,, although it should be known that any connection is contemplated without deviating from the scope of the disclosure), and one or more modulesremovably attachable to the main container. As shown inand described in detail below, the removable attachment of modulesto the main containermay be via corresponding maleand female threadsmolded or otherwise attached to the main containerand/or the additional modules.

As best shown in, in some embodiments, the main containermay have an interior walland an exterior wall. As shown, the interior and exterior walls are the same, in which case the single wall has an interior surfaceand an exterior surface. In such embodiments, the exterior wallmay include decorative elementsto present an aesthetically pleasing surface or identifiable appearance. Such decorative elementsmay be included on the module or modulesto present a uniform and aesthetically pleasing appearance for the jewelry organizerwhen assembled. While decorative elementis shown in a single place on the main container, it should be known that the decorative elementsmay be any shape and may cover any amount of the exterior surfaceof the main container, the lid,, and any combination of additional modules.

The lidmay be any size, shape, and configuration to provide selective access to the interior of the main container. The lidas shown inhas a common diameter with the main container, although it should be known that the lidmay be slightly larger or smaller in diameter from the main container, as long as it provides secure storage of the items within the main containerwhen closed, and access to the items within the main containerwhen opened.

As best shown in, the lidmay 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) via a hingedisposed on one side on the main containerand on another side to the lid. In some embodiments such as that shown inthe hingemay be a living hinge that is molded integrally with and between the lidand the main container. In other embodiments, the hingemay be a set of interlocking and/or interfering elements (not depicted) on the lidthat correspond and snap to elements on the main containerthat provide a method of removing the lidentirely when desired (e.g., by unsnapping), but holding the lidin place during normal use.

As best shown in, in still other embodiments, the lidmay removably attach to the main containervia a combination of male threadsand corresponding female threads. In the embodiment shown, the male threadsare on a proximal end of the main container, and the female threadsare on a distal end of the lid, although it should be known that these threads may be reversed without deviating from the scope of the disclosure.

As best shown in, in some embodiments, the lidmay have an exterior faceand an interior face. In such embodiments, the interior face may also include a mirror. The mirrormay be attached to or may comprise the top of the lid. The mirrormay be attached to the lidvia a threaded connection or any other twist connection with the perimeter of the lid. In some embodiments, the mirrored surface of the mirrorfaces the interior of the main container, such that it is protected during transportation.

Looking back at, at a distal endof the main containeropposite the lid, the main containermay have a connector. In some embodiments, the connectoris a set of female or internal threadswithin the distal end(shown inbut typically are internal and not visible as shown in). The distal endmay be flat and the threadsmay be internal such that the main containermay present a pleasing aesthetic appearance and stand on its distal endwithout any module or modulesattached.

As shown in, in some embodiments, the main containermay include an interior walland an exterior wall. The interior of the main containermay be segmented by a number of divider wallsthat define a number of interior spaces or segments. The interior spacesand divider wallscooperate 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 wallsextend the length of the main container. In other embodiments, the divider wallsmay not reach the entire length but some smaller length of the main containeralong or parallel with the axis of the main container.

In some embodiments, as shown in, the top portion of the main containermay include a number of eyeletsto connect and securely hold necklaces or the like. One end of the necklace may be placed through one of the eyeletsand the rest of the necklace may hang down within the interior spacesof the main container, separated by the dividers within the interior of the main container. In this way, the necklaces are separated and prevented from entangling with other necklaces as well as themselves. It should be known that the eyeletsmay be included in the lidas well and the liditself includes a hingeas described above and connects to the main containerthrough the threads while the hingeconnects the thread portion of the lidwith a top portion of the lidthat rotated out of the way to expose the eyelets.

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

The modulesmay be any length sufficient to hold the specific items within and extend between a proximal endto a distal end, or they may all be uniform in length. The modulesmay include varying elements within to further protect and separate personal items from one another and to prevent damage from themselves. In some embodiments, the modulesinclude internal walland external wall. External wallmay include decorative elementsto match the decorative elementson the main container to present a pleasing aesthetic appearance.

In some embodiments, the proximal endof the modulesmay include a corresponding connectorto the connectorof the main containerand/or the connectorof other modules. In some embodiments, the connectoris a set of male (external) threads (hereinafter the connectorwill be referred to as threads) that correspond to and cooperate with female threadsof the main containerand/or female threadsof other modules. Like the main container, the distal endof each module may include female (internal) threads(shown in the Figures for clarity but typically are internal and not visible) and a flat bottom presenting a pleasing aesthetic appearance without threadsshowing externally, and in some embodiments such that the main containerwith one or multiple modulesattached may be stood on end.

In some embodiments, such as shown in, the modulemay include a number of troughswithin which rings or other similar personal items may be placed. The troughsmay 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.

In some embodiments, such as shown in, the modulemay include a soft, flat surfaceupon which small items such as earrings and their corresponding backs may be securely placed. The soft, flat surfacemay 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.

In some embodiments, such as shown in, the modulemay include a soft, flat surfaceupon which small, loose items such as bracelets may be securely placed. The soft, flat surfacemay 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 surfacethat will not mar the surface of the bracelets.

In some embodiments, such as shown in, the modulemay include a soft basewith a center postaround which a watch may be placed. The center postkeeps the watch from sliding around and back upon itself to prevent marring of the watch face or band. The basemay 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 basemay 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 ringmay be removably placeable over a first watch such that a second watch may be placed over the first watch and on the removable ring, effectively holding two watches in a single module. In still other embodiments, multiple removable ringsmay be used to hold three or more watches within a single module

In still other embodiments, other modulesmay be created or modified to securely hold other personal items securely in place while traveling. Any, all, or none of the modulesmay be attached to the jewelry organizerwithout deviating from the scope of the disclosure. In still other embodiments, only a number of modulesmay be attached to one another without including the main containerwithout deviating from the scope of the disclosure.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.