BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to storage and display devices for jewelry. More particularly, the present invention provides a jewelry storage device that allows jewelry to be stored in a secure and organized manner, which also provides for a display configuration for comparing different jewelry items for wearing.
Many individuals enjoy wearing jewelry and similar accessories such as earrings, necklaces, bracelets, rings, and the like. Different types and styles of jewelry are often combined and worn simultaneously to achieve an overall aesthetic. To accomplish this, many individuals enjoy lining up different jewelry items, comparing them and contrasting them with particular outfit and clothing choices, and selecting a combination of jewelry to wear with the outfit. However, it can be difficult to gather and combine different jewelry pieces in an organized manner each time one wishes to select a jewelry and outfit combination. It can be all too easy to lose or misplace jewelry during this process. While some organized storage solutions for jewelry exist, many of them do not adequately organize or protect the stored jewelry. Additionally, most storage devices may organize the jewelry, but lack a means to adjustably display the jewelry to aid in selection of particular jewelry. Many jewelry storage and organizing devices further lack the structure or accessory attachments to be easily portable, when it is desirable for most individuals to be able to easily carry their jewelry with them on extended trips or outings.
In light of the devices disclosed in the known prior art, it is submitted that the present invention substantially diverges in design elements from the known prior art and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the prior art for an improvement to existing jewelry storage and organizing devices. In this regard, the present invention fulfills these needs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Therefore, there is a defined need amongst the known prior art references for an improvement to the known types of jewelry storage and organizing devices. The present invention provides a jewelry storage and display device resembling a 3-ring binder having a left cover affixed to a right cover via a vertical spine. Circular rings are affixed to the vertical spine to receive any number of interior pages. The top portions of the left cover and right cover may contain a removable rigid interior rod to hold the covers in an open position. A pair of stretchable elastic straps are also affixed to the cover portions and can reach around to secure any number of interior pages. The interior pages are foldable and can expand outwardly to form a linear assembly of individual panels which include a variety of transparent pockets in different shapes and sizes to secure various types of jewelry in place. The panels are separated by two folds that form a spine when they are closed together with the spine adding separation to help protect the jewelry from any damage while secured in the device. Furthermore, the panels include a padded area that creates a space between each panel when the panels are folded overtop one another. The individual panels further include a hook and a loop. The loop is affixed to the bottom portion of the individual panels which can be removably placed onto a hook to secure selected internal pages in a closed position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.
FIG. 1 shows a front view of an embodiment of the jewelry storage and display device.
FIG. 2 shows a front view of an embodiment of the jewelry storage and display device wherein a plurality of display panels is expanded.
FIG. 3a shows a rear view of an embodiment of the jewelry storage and display device wherein the elastic strap is in a tightened position.
FIG. 3b shows a rear view of an embodiment of the jewelry storage and display device wherein the elastic strap is in a loosened position.
FIG. 4a shows a front, perspective view of an embodiment of the jewelry storage and display device in a carrying case configuration.
FIG. 4b shows a rear, perspective view of an embodiment of the jewelry storage and display device in a carrying case configuration.
FIG. 5 shows a front view of an embodiment of the jewelry storage and display device wherein a single panel of the plurality of internal pages is expanded.
FIG. 6 shows a rear view of an embodiment of the jewelry storage and display device wherein a single panel of the plurality of internal pages is expanded.
FIG. 7a shows a side view of an embodiment of the jewelry storage and display device wherein the device is in a folded configuration.
FIG. 7b shows a close-up view of an embodiment of the jewelry storage and display device wherein a hook inserted into a padded area.
FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of an individual page of the jewelry storage and display device.
FIG. 9 shows a front view of an embodiment of the jewelry storage and displace device wherein the internal page contains transparent pockets of various sizes and shapes.
FIG. 10 shows a front view of an alternate embodiment of the jewelry storage and display binder in an opened position, but with the pages in a closed position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the jewelry storage and display device. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.
Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a front view of an embodiment of the jewelry storage and display device. The jewelry storage and display device includes a main housing resembling a traditional 3-ring binder having a left cover 101 affixed to a right cover 102 via a vertical spine 103. Circular rings 504 are affixed to the vertical spine 103 to receive a plurality of interior pages. Any number of pages may be included within. The exterior of the left cover 101 and the right cover 102 include circular apertures 501, 502, 503 to receive a rigid interior rod 104 that is able to be maintained overtop the left cover 101 and the right cover 102, such that the rigid interior rod 104 cause the left cover 101 and the right cover 102 to be held in an open position. The rigid interior rod 104 can be composed of metal or other suitably durable and rigid material. When not in use, the rigid interior rod 104 can be stored in a sleeve 105 affixed to the interior of the right cover 102. There are a pair of elastic straps 505 affixed to the interior of the left cover 101 and the interior of the right cover 102. The pair of elastic straps 505 are stretchable such that they can reach around to secure any number of interior pages. In another embodiment, the pair of elastic straps 505 can fold away within the left cover 101 and the right cover 102 when the device is no longer in use and secured in a case configuration.
Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a front view of an embodiment of the jewelry storage and display device wherein a plurality of display panels is expanded. The plurality of internal pages 106 are foldable and can expand outwardly to form a linear assembly of individual panels 200, 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, 208, 209. Each individual page contains several panels 106 that are separated by two folds that thereby form a spine 103 when they are closed together with the spine 103 adding separation. In the current embodiment the spine is made of the same material as the internal panels 106. In alternate embodiments the spine can have rigidity, contain a pocket to receive a rigid element or be made of a different material. Each individual panel includes a plurality of transparent pockets 107 of various sizes and shapes to secure different types of jewelry in place. The individual pages may be made from paper, plastic, or other suitable material. The binder configuration containing circular rings 504 also functions as a security feature as it provides the ability of a single page to be easily detached from the circular rings 504 so that if a thief attempts to snatch the device they will only get away with a single page. In an alternate embodiment a perforation 110 is disposed between each individual panel within an internal page 106 such that an individual panel may break away from an internal page 106. A selection of individual pages 202, 204, 207, 209 include a padded area 122 affixed thereto. The plurality of internal pages 106 also contain a padded area 122 containing a recess 701 within to receive a hook 108 when the panels are folded overtop one another. A loop 702 is also affixed to the bottom portion of the individual panels. FIG. 2 illustrates the orientation of these elements and their functionality will be further described in FIG. 5.
In an alternate embodiment, the internal pages 106 may be organized in terms of categories of different types of jewelry. A user may choose to group together categories such as silver jewelry, gold jewelry, rose-gold jewelry, precious stone jewelry, costume jewelry, and the like. Having various jewelry items grouped together by categories can help make the jewelry selection process easier for the user.
Referring now to FIGS. 3a and 3b, there are shown rear views of an embodiment of the jewelry storage and display device. The elastic strap 113 is shown in a tightened position (as shown in FIG. 3a) and a loosened position (as shown in FIG. 3b). The elastic strap 113 is secured through apertures located at a top portion of the rear side of the left cover 101 and the right cover 102. The elastic strap 113 is stretchable such that it can reach around to the front of the device to secure the left cover 101 and the right cover 102 in an open position if desired. The elastic strap 113 further contains an adjuster buckle 114 which can be slidably moved in either direction thereby adjusting the length of the elastic strap 113 to the desired length in order to for the user to maintain the device at a certain open configuration. This allows the user to find potential jewelry combinations more easily. In an alternate embodiment the apertures can be smaller in diameter than the elastic strap 113 so as to frictionally engage the elastic strap 113 and maintain tension. Any other suitable means can be utilized that maintain tension to the elastic strap 113.
Referring now to FIG. 4a, there is shown a front, perspective view of an embodiment of the jewelry storage and display device in a carrying case configuration. When the left cover and the right cover are in a closed position, the device can be secured in a case configuration 115 via one or more fasteners that will be further described in FIG. 4b. In the preferred embodiment, the front portion of the cover comprises a plurality of external storage pockets of varying sizes 601, 602, 603, 604 to store miscellaneous items.
Referring now to FIG. 4b, there is shown a rear, perspective view of an embodiment of the jewelry storage and display device in a carrying case configuration. When the left cover and the right cover are in a closed position, the device can be secured in a case configuration 115 via one or more fasteners. When in this configuration, multiple additional straps provide different functions. In the shown embodiment the elastic strap 113 is utilized to keep the device closed. Instead of wrapping around the spine as previously shown in FIG. 3a, the elastic strap 113 wraps around the side of the case configuration 115. In an alternate embodiment, the elastic strap 113 can be used to hold the device in an open position, thereby running parallel to a spine strap 605. The spine strap 605 is affixed to the distal end of the rear of the vertical spine 103 and is provided for hanging the device from a wall or other surface. A handle strap 118 is also affixed to the rear of the vertical spine 103 and is provided to serve as a carrying handle. A shoulder strap 116 is affixed to both distal ends of the vertical spine 103 and provides an alternate means for carrying the device. The shoulder strap 116 comprises an adjustable buckle 801 that allows the user to adjust the shoulder strap 116 to a desired length. Further, the shoulder strap 116 comprises a pad 117 for added comfort to the user while carrying the device. In another alternate embodiment, the shoulder strap 116 can also be utilized to hang the device from an object or surface when in a case configuration 115.
Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown a front view of an embodiment of the jewelry storage and display device wherein a single panel of the plurality of internal pages is expanded. The plurality of internal pages 106 are secured within circular rings 504 that are affixed to the vertical spine 103. The plurality of internal panels 106 are foldable and can expand outwardly to form a linear assembly of individual pages 200, 201, 202, 203, 204. Each individual panel includes a plurality of transparent pockets 107 of various sizes and shapes to secure different types of jewelry in place. In an alternate embodiment a perforation 110 is disposed between each individual panel within an internal page 106 such that an individual panel may break away from an internal page 106. In the current embodiment, a selection of individual panels 202, 204 include a padded area 122 affixed on the front side. The padded area 122 creates a space between the individual panels when the panels are folded overtop one another that helps to protect the jewelry from any damage while secured in the device. The padded area 122 contains a recess 701 within to receive a hook 108 when the opposing individual panels 201, 203 are folded overtop one another. A loop 702 is affixed to the bottom portion of the individual panels which can be removably placed onto the hook 108 to secure the internal pages 106 in a closed position via the recess 701. In an alternate embodiment the loop 702 can be removably placed onto the hook 108 for a selection of individual panels while leaving the remaining individual panels expanded for view. In another alternate embodiment, additional fasteners and clips may be provided for securing the jewelry pieces in a display configuration or for attaching articles of clothing to the device for the purpose of comparing jewelry choices with outfit choices.
Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown a rear view of an embodiment of the jewelry storage and display device wherein a single page of the plurality of internal pages is expanded. The plurality of internal pages 106 are foldable and can expand outwardly to form a linear assembly of individual panels 200, 201, 202, 203, 204, wherein the same would be mirrored in a two page configuration. In an alternate embodiment a perforation 110 is disposed between each individual panel within an internal page 106 such that an individual panel may break away from an internal page 106. A selection of individual panels 201, 203 include a padded area 122 affixed on the rear side. The padded area 122 creates a space between the individual panels when the panels are folded overtop one another that helps to protect the jewelry from any damage while secured in the device. The padded area 122 contains a recess 701 within to receive a hook 108 when the opposing individual panels (202, 204) are folded overtop one another. A loop 702 is affixed to the bottom portion of the individual panels which can be removably placed onto the hook 108 to secure the internal pages 106 in a closed position via the recess 701.
Referring now to FIG. 7a there is shown an exploded side view of an embodiment of the jewelry storage and display device wherein the device is in a folded configuration. When an interior page 106 is in a folded position the padded area 122 affixed to each individual panel 201, 202, 203, 204 creates a space between each of the individual panels that helps to protect the jewelry from any damage while secured in the device. A loop 124 is configured to connect to a hook 123 in order to secure a pair of individual panels together for storage. Each individual page contains several panels that are separated by two folds 160 that thereby form a spine when they are closed together with the spine adding separation.
Referring now to FIG. 7b, there is shown a close-up view of an embodiment of the jewelry storage and display device wherein a hook is inserted into a padded area. The padded area 122 affixed to an individual panel is configured to receive the hook 123 and loop 124 when the panels are folded overtop one another, thereby preventing the hook 123 from damaging the jewelry.
Referring now to FIG. 8, there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of an individual panel of the jewelry storage and display device. The individual panel 204 contains a padded area 122 affixed thereto. The padded area 122 contains a recess 701 within to receive a hook when another individual panel is folded overtop. While the individual panel is in a folded position, the recess 701 contains the hook so that it is not exposed and protects the stored jewelry pieces from being damaged from movement of the hook against the individual panel. A loop 702 is also affixed below the padded area 122 of the individual panel 204 which may be removably attached to another individual panel in order to secure it in a closed position. The individual panel 204 includes a plurality of transparent pockets 107 of various sizes and shapes to secure different types of jewelry in place. The plurality of transparent pockets 107 also contain outer flaps 129 which will be further described in FIG. 9.
Referring now to FIG. 9, there is shown a front view of an embodiment of the jewelry storage and displace device wherein the individual panel 204 contains transparent pockets of various sizes and shapes. A user may secure different sizes and types of jewelry within the transparent pockets such as earrings 300, 303, rings 301, 304, bracelets 302, 303, and necklaces 306. When storing the jewelry, the outer flaps 129 of the transparent pockets can be closed to protect the contents. Further, the outer flaps 129 of the transparent pockets are secured via a hook and loop material 128 in order to provide added protection to the stored pieces of jewelry therein to ensure they do not fall out of the device. In alternate embodiments, different elements such as buttons, snaps, magnets, etc. may also be used to secure the transparent pockets 129.
Referring now to FIG. 10, there is shown a front view of an alternate embodiment of the jewelry storage and display binder in an open position, but with the pages in a closed position and opening to the left and right as opposed to the preferred configuration where the pages would open down. The jewelry storage and display device includes a main housing comprising a left cover 101 affixed to a right cover 102 via a vertical spine 103. Circular rings 504 are affixed to the vertical spine 103 to receive a plurality of interior pages 106. In the current embodiment, the individual panels 200, 201, 202, 203, 204 are folded overtop of one another in preparation to be contained when the device is in a carrying case configuration shown sideways.
It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in various embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.
Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.
Patent Application
20230301409
