PERSONAL HYGIENE DEVICE

Abstract

Apparatus and methods for storing and carrying personal item. In one embodiment, the storage container is nested within a pair of opposing hooks in a stowed position. In a deployed position, the container can be rotated relative to each of the hooks. Further, one of the hooks can be moved to a deployed position such that the apparatus can be hung from the deployed hook, and further such that an object such as a coat or a purse can be suspended from the second hook.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Some embodiments of the present invention pertain to apparatus for safe storage and transportation of personal hygiene devices, and in particular to such devices adapted and configured to hang from a door.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention pertain to an apparatus for storing objects. Some embodiments include a container having an interior and first and second ends and an opening providing access to the interior. Other embodiments include a support member rotatably coupled to the container, the member having two ends, one of the ends being generally in the shape of a first hook. Yet other embodiments include a second hook having an opened end, the second hook being coupled to the support member proximate the other end of the support member and movable between stowed and deployed positions relative to the support member, wherein in the stowed position the opened end of said second hook can receive therein an end of the container, and in the deployed position the second hook and the first hook have the general shape of an “S”.

Another aspect of the present invention pertains to a container having an interior and first and second ends, an opening providing access to the interior, and a cap covering the opening. Other embodiments include first and second hooks each having an opened end and each hook extending from the container, the first hook being positionable to support the container, the second hook being positionable to support an object from the container; wherein the container is rotatable relative to the first and second hooks.

It will be appreciated that the various apparatus and methods described in this summary section, as well as elsewhere in this application, can be expressed as a large number of different combinations and subcombinations. All such useful, novel, and inventive combinations and subcombinations are contemplated herein, it being recognized that the explicit expression of each of these combinations is unnecessary.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some of the figures shown herein may include dimensions. Further, some of the figures shown herein may have been created from scaled drawings or from photographs that are scalable. It is understood that such dimensions, or the relative scaling within a figure, are by way of example, and not to be construed as limiting.

FIG. 1 a is a front plan view of a personal hygiene device according to one embodiment of the present invention shown in the closed position.

FIG. 1 b is a right side elevational view of the apparatus of FIG. 1a.

FIG. 1 c is a top plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 1a.

FIG. 2 a is a front plan view of a personal hygiene device according to one embodiment of the present invention shown in the opened position.

FIG. 2 b is a right side elevational view of the apparatus of FIG. 2a.

FIG. 2 c is a top plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 2a.

FIG. 3 a is a front elevational view of a part of the assembly of FIG. 1a.

FIG. 3 b is a right side elevational view of the apparatus of FIG. 3a.

FIG. 3 c is a top plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 3a.

FIG. 3 d is a front elevational view of a part of the assembly of FIG. 1a.

FIG. 3 e is a right side elevational view of the apparatus of FIG. 3d.

FIG. 3 f is a top plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 3d.

FIG. 4 a is a front elevational view of a part of the assembly of FIG. 1a.

FIG. 4 b is a right side elevational view of the apparatus of FIG. 4a.

FIG. 4 c is a top plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 4a.

FIG. 5 a is a front elevational view of a part of the assembly of FIG. 1a.

FIG. 5 b is a right side elevational view of the apparatus of FIG. 5a.

FIG. 5 c is a top plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 5a.

FIG. 6 a is a front elevational view of a part of the assembly of FIG. 1a.

FIG. 6 b is a right side elevational view of the apparatus of FIG. 6a.

FIG. 6 c is a top plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 6a.

FIG. 7 a is a top, front, right, perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1a.

FIG. 7 b is a view of the apparatus of FIG. 7a, except rotated to a partially opened position.

FIG. 7 c shows the apparatus of FIG. 7a in the fully opened position.

FIG. 8 a is a top, front, right, perspective view of an apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 b is a top, rear, right, perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 8a.

FIG. 9 a is a perspective view of an apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 b is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 9a.

FIG. 10 a is a close-up of a portion of the apparatus of FIG. 8b.

FIG. 10 b is a close-up view of the portion of FIG. 10a from a different angle.

FIG. 11 a is a close-up of the top of FIG. 8a.

FIG. 11 b is a portion of the assembly of FIG. 11a.

FIG. 11 c is a view of the apparatus of FIG. 11b as taken from the rear.

FIG. 11 d is a view of the apparatus of FIG. 11a as taken from the rear.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. At least one embodiment of the present invention will be described and shown, and this application may show and/or describe other embodiments of the present invention. It is understood that any reference to “the invention” is a reference to an embodiment of a family of inventions, with no single embodiment including an apparatus, process, or composition that should be included in all embodiments, unless otherwise stated. Further, although there may be discussion with regards to “advantages” provided by some embodiments of the present invention, it is understood that yet other embodiments may not include those same advantages, or may include yet different advantages. Any advantages described herein are not to be construed as limiting to any of the claims.

The use of an N-series prefix for an element number (NXX.XX) refers to an element that is the same as the non-prefixed element (XX.XX), except as shown and described thereafter The usage of words indicating preference, such as “preferably,” refers to features and aspects that are present in at least one embodiment, but which are optional for some embodiments. As an example, an element 1020.1 would be the same as element 20.1, except for those different features of element 1020.1 shown and described. Further, common elements and common features of related elements are drawn in the same manner in different figures, and/or use the same symbology in different figures. As such, it is not necessary to describe the features of 1020.1 and 20.1 that are the same, since these common features are apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the related field of technology. This description convention also applies to the use of prime (′), double prime (″), and triple prime (′″) suffixed element numbers. Therefore, it is not necessary to describe the features of 20.1, 20.1′, 20.1″, and 20.1′″ that are the same, since these common features are apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the related field of technology.

Although various specific quantities (spatial dimensions, temperatures, pressures, times, force, resistance, current, voltage, concentrations, wavelengths, frequencies, heat transfer coefficients, dimensionless parameters, etc.) may be stated herein, such specific quantities are presented as examples only, and further, unless otherwise noted, are approximate values, and should be considered as if the word “about” prefaced each quantity. Further, with discussion pertaining to a specific composition of matter, that description is by example only, and does not limit the applicability of other species of that composition, nor does it limit the applicability of other compositions unrelated to the cited composition.

Each of the drawings shown herein are presented substantially as scaled drawings. However, the scalings indicated on some drawings (such as scale of 3:4 on FIG. 2a) are not accurate. Further, FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 are shown in a standard orthogonal format. Additionally, more numbers and arrows on some drawings, such as FIG. 2b and FIGS. 3, 4, 5, and 6 represent dimensions (in centimeters) for a particular embodiment. It will be appreciated that some drawings are shown in a wire frame format, whereas other drawings (such as FIG. 7) are shown with shaded external surfaces.

FIG. 1 show three orthogonal views of a portable personal hygiene device 20 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Device 20 includes a rotatable assembly 22 that is pivotally coupled to a hanging assembly 24. In one embodiment, the external dimensions of assemblies 22 and 24 are adapted and configured to provide a compact overall envelope, as best seen in FIG. 1c. FIG. 1 show device 20 in the closed position, which is suitable for carrying.

FIG. 2 show the device of FIG. 1 in the opened position. Device 20′ includes a sliding hook 40′ that translates along a guide 36a of hanging assembly 24′. Hanging assembly 24′ supports rotatable assembly 22′ such that a relative rotational displacement of about ninety degrees can be established between static assembly 24′ and rotating assembly 22′ in an anti-clockwise direction (with reference to FIG. 2a). As best seen in FIG. 2b, the extended position of hook 40′ is to the rear of device 20′. A second, static hook 32 extends forward on assembly 24′, in a direction opposite to that established by hook 40′. In some embodiments, sliding hook 40′ is adapted and configured to support device 20′ from a doorway (such as the doorway to a stall or partition of a stall in a public restroom). Static hood 32 is oriented in the upward direction in order to accommodate a coat, handbag, briefcase or other clothing of the restroom user. As best seen in FIG. 2b, when sliding hook 40 is extended to a deployed position the hooks 40 and 32 resemble an “S” shape.

Although what's been shown and described is a hook 40 that is movable relative to spine 30 such that it slides relative to spine 30, yet other embodiments are not so constrained. In one embodiment, hook 40 is rotatably movable relative to spine 40. In such embodiments, hook 40 is rotatably coupled to spine 30, and with reference to FIG. 2b, could be rotated one hundred and eighty degrees about a centerline extending along spine 30. In such embodiments, the opened end of the hook 40 can include a projecting shoulder, similar to the shoulder of hook 32.

FIGS. 3 a, 3b, and 3c show a component of device 20 in three orthogonal views. Main spine 30 includes an elongated central member that interconnects a static hook 32 at one end, and a T-shape guide 36a at the other end. As best seen in FIG. 3a, guide 36a includes a pair of laterally and oppositely extending flanges that are connected by a central neck 38. Referring to FIG. 3b, it can be seen that the flanges 36a extend along a depth relative to the central joining member. The static hook 32 at the bottom of spine 30 extends forward in a manner and depth similar to that of guide 36. Hook 32 preferably includes a vertically upward-extending nose around which a clothing loop or clothing cuff can be hung. About midway along the central joining member and intermediate of guide 36 and hook 32 is a semi-spherical indentation 34 used for joining spine 30 to rotatable assembly 22.

FIGS. 3 d, 3e, and 3f are orthogonal views of a hook 40 that receives within a slot 46 the T-shape guide 36 of spine 30. Referring to FIG. 3d, slot 46 can be seen having an upper, horizontal slot that accepts the lateral flanges 36a of spine 30. A central portion of slot 46 is adapted and configured to receive neck 38. Preferably, hook 40 includes a pair of stabilizing shoulders 48. Shoulders 48 are received around neck 38 in the closed position. When hook 40 is slid to the open position, shoulders 48 comprise a downward projection as part of a hook structure in conjunction with the central member of spine 30 (as seen previously in FIG. 2b).

FIG. 4 show orthogonal views of a generally cylindrical body 50 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Body 50 includes an integrally molded and semi-spherical ball 54 that is located intermediate of the ends (as best seen in FIG. 4b), and which is received in the assembled device 20 by the socket 34 of spine 30. A fastener (not shown) completes attachment of ball 54 to socket 34.

Referring to FIGS. 4a and 4c, cylinder 50 defines an internal volume 53 that is adapted and configured to receive within it an item of personal hygiene, such as a roll of toilet paper 10. Cylinder 50 further defines a slot 56 through which the item received within interior 53 can be externally accessed by the user.

FIG. 5 show three orthogonal views of a clip-on compartment 60. Compartment 60 includes a pair of cylindrical segments 63 that are interconnected by a cylindrical storage compartment 62. As best seen in FIG. 5b, the clips 63 are adapted and configured (preferably by a combination of wall thickness, material stiffness, and cutout angle) to be expanded to receive within them an end of cylinder 50. Compartment 62 defines an internal volume for storage of another item of personal hygiene, such as a toothbrush or a tampon.

FIG. 6 show orthogonal views of an end cap 70 according to one embodiment of the present invention. End cap 70 includes an axle 76 coupled to an endplate 72. A knurled finger grip 74 extends around the periphery of endplate 72. Further, as best seen in FIG. 6b, endplate 72 can also include an angular segment of reduced thickness, which is useful either for applying a moment to end cap 70, or to visibly show the angular orientation of endcap 70. In some embodiments, axle 76 is adapted and configured to be received within the hollow support tube of a roll of toilet paper. In one embodiment, device 20 includes a pair of endcaps 70 that are received within different ends of cylinder 50 (as seen in FIGS. 1b and 2a). In some embodiments, endplates 72 include latching features for coupling the endplate to the ends of outer cylinder 50. In yet other embodiments the internal end of axle 76 is adapted and configured to interlock with the other axle inserted within the cylinder 50. End caps 70 preferably defines an internal cavity 78 suitable for storage of personal hygiene items, such as wet wipes or toilet seat covers by way of example.

FIG. 7 show device 20 being reconfigured from the closed configuration (FIG. 7a) to the open configuration (FIG. 7c). Referring to FIG. 7b, it can be seen that the periphery of the end caps 70 come closest to spine 30 in a partially opened state. The length and diameter of cylinder 50 and the distance between the upper surface of hook 32 and the lower surface of guide 36 are adapted and configured to provide clearance between rotating assembly 22 and static assembly 24 in the position depicted in FIG. 7b.

FIG. 8 show a personal hygiene device 120 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Device 120 operates and is constructed in a manner similar to that of device 20, except as will now be shown and described. FIG. 8a shows the rotating assembly 122 in the closed and fully nested position within hanging assembly 124. Portably personal hygiene device 120 includes a pair of storage compartments 162 that are coupled to clip assembly 160. Referring to FIG. 8b, it can be seen that a knob 158 provides a connection between spine 130 and rotatable assembly 122.

FIG. 9 show perspective views of a cylinder 150 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Cylinder 150 includes an integral end cap 151a. And integrally molded axle 151b extends inwardly within volume 153. Therefore, device 120 includes only a single, separate end cap 170. In some embodiments, the separate end cap 170 includes an internal cavity 178 for storage of personal hygiene devices. In yet other embodiments, and as best seen in FIG. 9b, integral end cap 150a includes an internal cavity 178 for storage of personal hygiene items.

FIG. 9 b shows the integrally molded knob 158 that is part of cylinder 150. Knob 158 includes a central, cylindrical portion, and two outwardly extending projections 158a and 158b.

FIG. 10 depict the attachment of cylinder 150 to spine 130. Spine 130 includes a cutout slot 139 in place of the socket 34 of spine 30. This cutout 139 includes a generally spherical central portion 139b with a pair of elongate slots 139a on opposite sides of the central hole. In order to assemble cylinder 150 to spine 130, knob 158 is aligned with slot 139, and pushed through the central wall of spine 130 until the projections 158b extend past the back surface of the central wall. Cylinder 160 is then rotated about the axis created by placement of cylinder 158b within central aperture 139b. Cylinder 160 is rotated until a projection 158a encounters a flexible projecting latch 137a. Since latch 137a is flexible, the operator can continue rotating cylinder 160 until the projection 158a snaps across latch 137a from one side to the other side.

In this position, cylinder 160 is able to rotate 90 degrees relative to spine 130. Limits on this relative rotation are established by latch 137a and stop 137b. As shown in FIG. 10a, cylinder 160 is in the closed position. As seen in FIG. 10b, the projection 139a is in contact with stop 137b, and the cylinder 160 is in the opened position. In order to remove cylinder 160 from spine 130, the cylinder is returned to the closed position, and the operator bends latch 137a so that it does not interfere with rotation of projection 158a back toward slot 139.

FIG. 11 depict the coupling of sliding latch 140 to spine 130. FIG. 11a shows hook 140 in the closed, fully-nested position on spine 130. FIG. 11b shows hook 140 removed from spine 130. A fastener 125 extends within a hole 141.

FIG. 11 c shows spine 130 without sliding hook 140. Spine 130 defines a female guide slot 136b. Referring to FIG. 11d, the fastener 125 attaches to hook 140 a pin 142 that is adapted and configured to be received within slot 136b. Pin 142 is attached to hook 140 after placement of the hook on spine 130, in one embodiment. As can be appreciated from FIG. 11d, hook 140 can be slid backwards (i.e., toward the viewer out of the plane of FIG. 11d), and the sliding motion of hook 140 will be stopped by contact of pin 142 with an end of slot 136b.

While the inventions have been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only certain embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected.

Claims

1. An apparatus for storing objects, comprising: a container having an interior and first and second ends, an opening providing access to the interior, and a repeatedly releasable cap covering the opening;a support member rotatably coupled to said container, said member having two ends, one of the ends being generally in the shape of a first hook; anda second hook having an opened end, said second hook being coupled to said support member proximate the other end of said support member and movable between first and second positions relative to said support member, wherein in the first position the opened end of said second hook can receive therein an end of said container, and in the second position said second hook and said first hook have the general shape of an “S”;wherein one of said first hook or said second hook is adapted and configured to vertically support said container such that said container and the other of said first hook or said second hook are located below the one hook.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said first hook is fixed in position relative to said support member.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said second hook is rotatable relative to said support member.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said second hook is slidable relative to said support member.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the second hook is adapted and configured to vertically support said container.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said container is generally cylindrical, the opening is a first opening at an end of said cylinder, and said container includes a second lengthwise opening.

7. An apparatus for storing objects, comprising: a container having an interior and first and second ends, an opening providing access to the interior, and a repeatedly releasable cap covering the opening; andfirst and second hooks each having an opened end and each said hook extending from said container, said first hook being positionable to support said container from a first object, said second hook being positionable to support a second object from said container;wherein said container is rotatable relative to said first and second hooks, and each of said first and second hooks are positionable such that each end of said container fits within the opened end of a different respective hook.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the first object is a door, and said first hook is adapted and configured to fit over the top of the door.

9. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said container has a shape established by a generally rigid material.

10. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said first hook is positionable such that the opened end of said first hook receives therein the first end of said container, and said second hook is positionable such that the opened end of said second hook receives therein the second end of said container.

11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein said container is generally cylindrical.

12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the end of each said hook is adapted and configured to receive therein a different end of the cylindrical container.

13. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the opening is at one end of said cylindrical container, and the cap is generally circular.

14. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said first hook, said second hook, and said container each extend from a support member.

15. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said first hook is slidable to the support position relative to said support member.