Toiletries and Accessories Case for Travel

Abstract

Toiletries and accessories cases are disclosed which are substantially compliant with TSA 3-1-1 regulations. An exemplary case includes: a substantially flexible body; a first compartment coupled to or integrated with the body for holding liquids, gels or aerosols and having about a one-quart interior volume (e.g., 1±25%), the first compartment having a first front panel and at least a portion of a first rear panel which are substantially clear or otherwise substantially optically transparent, and further having a zippered closure coupled to a top panel; and a second compartment coupled to or integrated with the body, with the second compartment having a second, substantially clear front panel and a second rear panel. Representative embodiments may also include a hanger coupled to the body; a fastener coupled to the body; and/or a third compartment. The first and second compartments may further include indicia for, respectively, liquids and non-liquids.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to travel accessories, and more particularly, relates to a toiletry case, kit, bag or other container having separate compartments for wet and dry toiletries.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The Travel Security Administration (“TSA”) of the U.S. government has implemented regulations and other restrictions for passengers for air travel, with one such regulation commonly referred to as “3-1-1”. Among other things, these regulations restrict the carrying of liquids, gels and aerosols in carry-on bags when going through airport security checkpoints: (1) all liquids, gels and aerosols must be in three ounce or smaller containers; (2) all liquids, gels and aerosols must be placed in an approximately one quart-sized, clear bag with a zip-top closure at the top of the bag; and (3) each passenger is restricted to one such 1-quart bag, which is to be placed separately in a bin or on a conveyor belt for screening. Typical liquids, gels and aerosols for travel include, for example and without limitation, shampoo, hair conditioner, liquid or gel soaps and cleansers, hair gel, hand and face creams and lotions, hair spray, liquid or gel foundations, lipsticks, mascara, etc.

Currently, most travelers utilize a disposable, separate 1-quart plastic bag from any number of different vendors for these liquids, gels and aerosols which are typically not very durable, and may require a traveler to bring additional 1-quart bags with him or her to have a replacement bag available for a return trip. In addition, such single 1-quart bags do not allow for the inclusion of other desirable toiletry items that a traveler may wish to have while traveling, such as various powders, bar soap, toothbrushes, hairbrushes, combs, tweezers, cotton balls and pads, cotton swabs, cosmetics, powders, other substantially or comparatively dry goods, etc., requiring a traveler to include these items separately, in another bag or other travel kit or accessory.

As a consequence, a need remains for a toiletry case, kit, bag or other container having a separate compartment for liquids, gels and aerosols and at least one separate compartment for all other toiletries and other accessories. The compartment for liquids, gels and aerosols should comply substantially with TSA 3-1-1 regulations, while simultaneously allowing the traveler to organize their additional travel accessories into a separate compartment within one overall case, kit, bag or other container.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The exemplary embodiments provide a toiletries and accessories case having separate first and second compartments, with a TSA-compatible first compartment for liquids, gels and aerosols, while simultaneously providing an integrated second compartment for all other travel accessories. The exemplary embodiments provide a first compartment which not only has a substantially clear or otherwise substantially optically transparent front panel but also has a highly novel, substantially clear or otherwise substantially optically transparent back panel, allowing for substantial transparency of both front and back sides for TSA compliance. The first compartment further has about a one quart interior volume, also for TSA compliance. The exemplary embodiments provide a toiletries and accessories case having an integrated solution for organizing and traveling with liquids, gels and aerosols and other, non-liquid items and accessories. The various exemplary embodiments provide comparative ease of use for a travelling consumer at an airport security checkpoint, opening for use to lay flat in a bin or on a conveyor followed by folding in half for packing and re-packing in the traveler's suitcase, while simultaneously providing durability and ease of use at the consumer's destination.

A representative toiletries and accessories case, comprises: a substantially flexible body; a first compartment coupled to or integrated with the body, the first compartment having a first front panel, a first rear panel, a first top panel, a first bottom panel, and a first side panel and a second side panel, wherein the first front panel and at least a portion of the first rear panel are substantially clear or otherwise substantially optically transparent; and a second compartment coupled to or integrated with the body, the second compartment having a second front panel and a second rear panel. In various exemplary embodiments, the second compartment further comprises a second top panel, a second bottom panel, a third side panel and a fourth side panel.

In various exemplary embodiments, the first compartment has a one-quart or less interior volume, or has about a one-quart interior volume, or has a one-quart plus or minus twenty-five percent (1±0.25 quart(s)) interior volume, or has a one-quart plus or minus thirty percent (1±0.30 quart(s)) interior volume, or has a one-quart plus or minus thirty-five percent (1±0.35 quart(s)) interior volume, or has a one-quart plus or minus forty percent (1±0.40 quart(s)) interior volume. The body is also generally foldable between the first and second compartments. In various exemplary embodiments, the toiletries and accessories case may further comprise a third compartment coupled to or integrated with the body and located between the first and second compartments.

In various exemplary embodiments, the first compartment may further comprise a zippered closure coupled to the top panel and to the first and second side panels. In various other exemplary embodiments, the toiletries and accessories case may further comprise a hanger coupled to the body, and/or a fastener coupled to the body, and/or a handle coupled to the body. In various exemplary embodiments, the body is foldable between the first and second compartments in a closed position and lays substantially flat in an open position. Also in various exemplary embodiments, the first front panel, the first rear panel, and the second front panel each may be comprised of a substantially clear plastic, while the body may be comprised of an opaque fabric (e.g., ballistic nylon) or another opaque material, such as leather. Also in various exemplary embodiments, the second front panel is substantially clear or otherwise substantially optically transparent and the second rear panel is substantially opaque.

In various exemplary embodiments, the first compartment is for holding liquids, gels or aerosols, and the second compartment is for holding non-liquid accessories. In various exemplary embodiments, the first compartment further comprises indicia for holding liquids, gels or aerosols (or indicia for holding a liquid, gel or aerosol), and the second compartment further comprises indicia for holding non-liquids (or indicia for holding a non-liquid or a non-gel or a non-aerosol).

In another exemplary embodiment, a representative toiletries and accessories case comprises: a substantially flexible body; a first compartment coupled to or integrated with the body and having a one-quart or less interior volume, the first compartment having a first front panel, a first rear panel, a top panel, a bottom panel, and a first side panel and a second side panel, wherein the first front panel and at least a portion of the first rear panel are substantially clear or otherwise substantially optically transparent; and a second compartment coupled to or integrated with the body, the second compartment having a second front panel and a second rear panel.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, a representative toiletries and accessories case comprises: a substantially flexible body comprised of an optically opaque fabric; a first compartment coupled to or integrated with the body and having a one-quart or less interior volume, the first compartment having a first front panel, a first rear panel, a top panel, a bottom panel, and a first side panel and a second side panel, wherein the first front panel and at least a portion of the first rear panel are substantially clear or otherwise substantially optically transparent, the first compartment further comprising a zippered closure coupled to the top panel and indicia for holding liquids, gels or aerosols; a second compartment coupled to or integrated with the body, the second compartment having a second front panel and a second rear panel, the second front panel substantially clear or otherwise substantially optically transparent, the second front panel further comprising indicia for holding non-liquids; a hanger coupled to the body; and a fastener coupled to the body.

In another exemplary embodiment, a representative toiletries and accessories case comprises: a substantially flexible body; a first compartment coupled to or integrated with the body and having about a one-quart interior volume, the first compartment having a first front panel, a first rear panel, a top panel, a bottom panel, and a first side panel and a second side panel, wherein the first front panel and at least a portion of the first rear panel are substantially clear or otherwise substantially optically transparent; and a second compartment coupled to or integrated with the body, the second compartment having a second front panel and a second rear panel.

In another exemplary embodiment, a representative toiletries and accessories case compliant with TSA 3-1-1 regulations comprises: a substantially flexible body comprised of an optically opaque fabric; a first compartment coupled to or integrated with the body and having an interior volume of about one-quart plus or minus twenty-five percent (1±0.25 quart(s)), the first compartment having a first front panel, a first rear panel, a top panel, a bottom panel, and a first side panel and a second side panel, wherein the first front panel and at least a portion of the first rear panel are substantially clear or otherwise substantially optically transparent, the first compartment further comprising a zippered closure coupled to the top panel and indicia for holding a liquid, gel or aerosol; a second compartment coupled to or integrated with the body, the second compartment having a second front panel and a second rear panel, the second front panel substantially clear or otherwise substantially optically transparent, the second front panel further comprising indicia for holding a non-liquid, gel or aerosol; a hanger coupled to the body; and a fastener coupled to the body.

Numerous other advantages and features of the present disclosure will become readily apparent from the following detailed description of the subject matter described in this specification and the embodiments thereof, from the claims and from the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more readily appreciated upon reference to the following disclosure when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to identify identical components in the various views, and wherein reference numerals with alphabetic characters are utilized to identify additional types, instantiations or variations of a selected component embodiment in the various views, in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an isometric view of an exemplary or representative first toiletries and accessories case embodiment in an open configuration.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a front view of an exemplary or representative first toiletries and accessories case embodiment in an open configuration.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a front view of an exemplary or representative second toiletries and accessories case embodiment in an open configuration.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a front view of an exemplary or representative third toiletries and accessories case embodiment in an open configuration.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a rear view of exemplary or representative first, second, and third toiletries and accessories case embodiments in an open configuration.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an isometric view of an exemplary or representative first toiletries and accessories case embodiment in a folded or closed configuration.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an isometric view of an exemplary or representative variation of a second toiletries and accessories case embodiment in a folded or closed configuration.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an isometric view of an exemplary or representative fourth toiletries and accessories case embodiment in an open configuration.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an isometric view of an exemplary or representative first toiletries and accessories case embodiment in an open configuration and having contents in a first compartment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a rear view of an exemplary or representative first toiletries and accessories case embodiment in an open configuration and having contents in a first compartment.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an isometric view of an exemplary or representative first toiletries and accessories case embodiment in a folded or closed configuration and having contents in a first compartment.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an isometric view of an exemplary or representative variation of a first toiletries and accessories case embodiment in an open configuration, having contents in a first compartment, and further having an exemplary or representative honeycomb pattern.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a front view of an exemplary or representative variation of a first toiletries and accessories case embodiment in an open configuration, having contents in a first compartment, and further having an exemplary or representative honeycomb pattern.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a rear view of exemplary or representative variations of first, second, and third toiletries and accessories case embodiments in an open configuration, having contents in a first compartment, and further having an exemplary or representative honeycomb pattern.

FIG. 15 is a photograph of an exemplary or representative variation of a first toiletries and accessories case embodiment in an open configuration, having contents in first and second compartments, and further having an exemplary or representative honeycomb pattern.

FIG. 16 is a photograph of an exemplary or representative variation of a first toiletries and accessories case embodiment in a folded or closed configuration, having contents in a first compartment, and further having an exemplary or representative honeycomb pattern.

FIG. 17 is a photograph of an exemplary or representative variation of a second toiletries and accessories case embodiment in an open configuration, having contents in a second compartment, and further having an exemplary or representative honeycomb pattern.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF REPRESENTATIVE EMBODIMENTS

While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there are shown in the drawings and will be described herein in detail specific exemplary embodiments thereof, with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated. In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment consistent with the present invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of components set forth above and below, illustrated in the drawings, or as described in the examples. Methods and apparatuses consistent with the present invention are capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein, as well as the abstract included below, are for the purposes of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an isometric view of an exemplary or representative first toiletries and accessories case 100 embodiment in an open configuration. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a front view of an exemplary or representative first toiletries and accessories case 100 embodiment in an open configuration. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a front view of an exemplary or representative second toiletries and accessories case 200 embodiment in an open configuration. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a front view of an exemplary or representative third toiletries and accessories case 300 embodiment in an open configuration. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a rear view of exemplary or representative first, second, and third toiletries and accessories case 100, 200, 300 embodiments in an open configuration.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an isometric view of an exemplary or representative first toiletries and accessories case 100 embodiment in a folded or closed configuration. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an isometric view of an exemplary or representative variation of a second toiletries and accessories case 200A embodiment in a folded or closed configuration.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an isometric view of an exemplary or representative fourth toiletries and accessories case 400 embodiment in an open configuration.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an isometric view of an exemplary or representative first toiletries and accessories case 100 embodiment in an open configuration and having contents (illustrated as containers 350) in a first compartment 105. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a rear view of an exemplary or representative first toiletries and accessories case 100 embodiment in an open configuration and having contents (illustrated as containers 350) in a first compartment 105. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an isometric view of an exemplary or representative first toiletries and accessories case 100 embodiment in a folded or closed configuration and having contents (illustrated as containers 350) in a first compartment 105.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an isometric view of an exemplary or representative variation of a first toiletries and accessories case 100A embodiment in an open configuration, having contents in a first compartment, and further having an exemplary or representative honeycomb pattern. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a front view of an exemplary or representative variation of a first toiletries and accessories case 100A embodiment in an open configuration, having contents in a first compartment, and further having an exemplary or representative honeycomb pattern. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a rear view of exemplary or representative variations of first, second, and third toiletries and accessories case 100A, 200A, 300A embodiments in an open configuration, having contents in a first compartment, and further having an exemplary or representative honeycomb pattern.

FIG. 15 is a photograph of an exemplary or representative variation of a first toiletries and accessories case 100A embodiment in an open configuration, having contents in first and second compartments, and further having an exemplary or representative honeycomb pattern. FIG. 16 is a photograph of an exemplary or representative variation of a first toiletries and accessories case 100A embodiment in a folded or closed configuration, having contents in a first compartment, and further having an exemplary or representative honeycomb pattern. FIG. 17 is a photograph of an exemplary or representative variation of a second toiletries and accessories case 200A embodiment in an open configuration, having contents in a second compartment, and further having an exemplary or representative honeycomb pattern.

The first, second, third and fourth toiletries and accessories case 100, 200, 300, 400 embodiments, and their illustrated variations 100A, 200A, 300A, may be referred to equivalently as cases, kits, bags or other containers.

As illustrated in the various Figures, the first, second, third and fourth toiletries and accessories case 100, 200, 300, 400 embodiments, and their illustrated variations 100A, 200A, 300A, are each comprised of two or more separate compartments, a first compartment 105 and a second compartment 110 or 110A, which are disposed, arranged or integrated with a respective body 150, 151. The body 150, 151 may be comprised of any generally flexible material, such as fabric, leather or plastic, such a durable nylon fabric, for example and without limitation, and may be optically opaque or may be substantially clear or otherwise substantially optically transparent. As illustrated, a first hanger 170 in the first, second and third toiletries and accessories cases 100, 200, 300 (and their illustrated variations 100A, 200A, 300A) or a second hanger and/or handle 190 in the fourth toiletries and accessories case 400 embodiment (or other hanging mechanism) is coupled to the respective body 150, 151, to allow the first, second, third and/or fourth toiletries and accessories case 100, 200, 300, 400, 100A, 200A, 300A to be hung from a door hook and/or to provide a handle, for example and without limitation. It should be noted that the second hanger and/or handle 190 may function as both a hanger and a handle, and that any of the hangers and/or handles 170 or any other type of suspending member or grip may be implemented in a plurality of ways, such as a hook, a loop, a hanger, a flexible handle, a ring, a suction cup, a clamp, a flexible hook, a flexible loop, an opening like a button hole, etc., for example and without limitation. The body 150, 151 may include banded or wrapped edges 165, which optionally may also include stiffening or other structural members (not separately illustrated). The first compartment 105 is for liquids, gels and aerosols, such as those mentioned above, and the separate second compartment 110 or 110A is for all other toiletries, cosmetics and other travel accessories, also such as those mentioned above.

The first, second and third toiletries and accessories cases 100, 200, 300, 100A, 200A, 300A are foldable in the vertical dimension into a closed position, illustrated in FIGS. 6, 7, 11, and 16, and may be held in the closed position by a fastener 180, which may be any type of fastener or fastening means, such as magnetic, hook and loop (185, as illustrated in FIG. 7), button, snap, etc. The fourth toiletries and accessories case 400 embodiment is foldable in the horizontal dimension into a closed position, not separately illustrated, and also may be held in the closed position by a fastener (not separately illustrated), which may be any type of fastener or fastening means, such as magnetic, hook and loop (e.g., Velcro), button, snap, zipper, etc. The first, second and third toiletries and accessories case 100, 200, 300, 100A, 200A, 300A embodiments differ from the fourth toiletries and accessories case 400 embodiment primarily with respect to the direction of folding and hanging mechanisms, in addition to other variations described below, and are otherwise considered equivalent, and all such variations are within the scope of the present disclosure.

Another variation between the various embodiments is with regard to the shape and configuration of the second compartments 110, 110A. As illustrated in the various Figures, the second compartment 110 has more of a box-like configuration, with top 320, bottom 310, and side 305, 315 panels (along with a front panel 175) and a zipper 325 along the top panel 320 and side panels 305, 315, while the second compartment 110A has more of a flat configuration, without separate top, bottom, and side panels, but expandable using other mechanism, such as folds or gussets 230 in the front panel 175A, as illustrated.

In addition, as described in greater detail below, the third toiletries and accessories case 300 embodiment includes an optional additional, third compartment 250 located in the (horizontal) folding area of the body as illustrated in FIG. 4, i.e., between the first and second compartments 105, 110A (or 110). Although not separately illustrated, those having skill in the art will recognize that such a third compartment 250 may also be included in the (vertical) folding area of the fourth toiletries and accessories case 400 embodiment, or in any of the other embodiments, and are considered equivalent, and all such variations are within the scope of the present disclosure.

In various exemplary embodiments, the first compartment 105 is substantially transparent front-to-back and vice-versa when the first, second, third and/or fourth toiletries and accessories case 100, 200, 300, 400, 100A, 200A, 300A are in open positions or arrangements. The first compartment 105 has a front side comprised of a substantially clear or otherwise substantially optically transparent front panel 115, and has a back (or rear) side 120 which is comprised of an at least partially substantially clear or otherwise substantially optically transparent panel 130, forming the back side of the first compartment 105 (with the optional panel 125). Also as illustrated, back side 120 also includes an optional panel 125 integrated with or coupled to the substantially clear or otherwise substantially optically transparent panel 130 to form the back side 120. The optional panel 125 may be optically opaque, such as comprised of a fabric, or may be substantially clear or otherwise substantially optically transparent, or may be omitted entirely, with the balance of the back side 120 formed by a larger substantially optically transparent panel 130 extending to the bottom of the back side 120 (not separately illustrated).

Stated another way, a toiletries and accessories case 100, 200, 300, 400, 100A, 200A, 300A, comprises: a substantially flexible body (150, 151); a first compartment 105 coupled to or integrated with the body, the first compartment 105 having a first front panel 115, a first rear panel 130, a first top panel 140, a first bottom panel 160, and a first side panel 145 and a second side panel 155, wherein the first front panel and at least a portion of the first rear panel are substantially clear or otherwise substantially optically transparent; and a second compartment 110, 110A coupled to or integrated with the body, the second compartment 110, 110A having a second front panel 175175A and a second rear panel 215. In various exemplary embodiments (e.g., 100, 100A), the second compartment 110 further comprises a second top panel 320, a second bottom panel 310, a third side panel 305 and a fourth side panel 315.

It should be pointed out that this use of an optional panel 125 integrated with or coupled to the substantially clear or otherwise substantially optically transparent panel 130, to form the back side 120, also creates a bottom portion of the first compartment 105 which is not substantially optically transparent or transmissive. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 10, 11, and 14, depending upon the size of the contents 350, part of the contents 350 may not be visible when viewed from the back side 120.

The first compartment 105 also includes a top or upper panel 140, a bottom or lower panel 160, and two side or lateral panels 145, 155, which also may be comprised of a flexible material, such as fabric or plastic, and any of which may be optically opaque (such as when comprised of a flexible fabric, as shown in the various Figures), or may be substantially clear or otherwise substantially optically transparent (not separately illustrated), and which may be comprised of a unitary piece of material sewn or otherwise fastened to the front panel 115 and back side 120 (panels 125, 130). As a result, when in an open position, each of the first, second, third and/or fourth toiletries and accessories case 100, 200, 300, 400, 100A, 200A, 300A embodiments lays substantially flat, and the first compartment 105 is substantially clear or otherwise substantially optically transparent when viewed from either the front or back, such as when opened and placed in a bin during airport screening, allowing any contents within the first compartment 105 to be readily viewed within the relevant spectrum, such as in both the visual and x-ray wavelength ranges.

The first compartment 105 further includes a zippered closure 135 along the top panel 140 and partially along the side panels 145, 155, to allow opening of the first compartment 105 for comparatively easy insertion and removal of generally three ounce (or less) containers of liquids, gels and aerosols and to allow closing of the first compartment 105 for packing and travel. Other types of closure mechanisms are considered equivalent and within the scope of the disclosure.

The second compartment 110 is comprised of a front panel 175 and a rear panel 215 and may be may be optically opaque or may be substantially clear or otherwise substantially optically transparent, with a box-like configuration, with top 320, bottom 310, and side 305, 315 panels (along with a front panel 175) and a zippered closure 325 along the top panel 320 and side panels 305, 315, to allow opening of the second compartment 110 for comparatively easy insertion and removal of non-liquid items and closing of the second compartment 110 for packing and travel. Other types of closure mechanisms are also considered equivalent and within the scope of the disclosure. The second compartment 110A is comprised of a front panel 175A and a rear panel 215, and also may be may be optically opaque or may be substantially clear or otherwise substantially optically transparent. In various exemplary embodiments 100, 200, 300, 400, 100A, 200A, 300A, the front panel 175 is optionally substantially clear or otherwise substantially optically transparent and is comprised of a substantially clear plastic, while the rear panel 215 is integrated or continuous with the body 150, 151, such as by using a unitary piece of nylon fabric to form the rear panel 215 and back or rear side of the body 150, 151. The front panel 175A may also include folds, gussets or darts 230. The second compartment 110A further includes a zippered closure 210 along the front panel 175, to allow opening of the second compartment 110A for comparatively easy insertion and removal of non-liquid items and closing of the second compartment 110 for packing and travel. Other types of closure mechanisms, in addition to zippered closures 325, 210, are also considered equivalent and within the scope of the disclosure.

In representative embodiments, the zippered closures 135, 325 for the first and second compartments 105, 110, extend completely across the top panels 140, 320, and approximately or about one-third to about one-half or to about three-quarters the length of each of the various side panels 145, 155, 305, 315, or any ranges in between about zero to three-quarters the length of each of the various side panels 145, 155, 305, 315, also to allow opening of the first and second compartments 105, 110 for comparatively easy insertion and removal of non-liquid items and closing of the first and second compartments 105, 110 for packing and travel.

The optional third compartment 250 is comprised of a front panel 265 and a rear panel 260 (illustrated with a dashed line in FIGS. 4 and 5), and may be may be optically opaque or may be substantially clear or otherwise substantially optically transparent. In various exemplary embodiments, the front panel 265 is optionally substantially clear or otherwise substantially optically transparent and is comprised of a substantially clear plastic, while the rear panel 260 is integrated or continuous with the body 150, 151, such as by using a unitary piece of nylon fabric to form the rear panel 260 and back or rear side of the body 150, 151. In another exemplary embodiment, the front panel 265 is typically optically opaque and is integrated or continuous with the body 150, 151, also such as by using a unitary piece of nylon fabric to form the front panel 265 and the front side of the body 150, 151. Not separately illustrated, the front panel 265 may also include folds, gussets or darts. The third compartment 250 further includes a zippered closure 255 along the front panel 265, to allow opening of the third compartment 110 for comparatively easy insertion and removal of non-liquid items, such as a razor, and closing of the third compartment 250 for packing and travel. Other types of closure mechanisms are also considered equivalent and within the scope of the disclosure, as mentioned above. This optional third compartment 250, for items such as razors or scissors, allows a consumer to reach into other compartments without concern for being cut by a sharp object.

In representative embodiments, the first compartment 105 has an interior volume (or interior displacement) of what is considered to be about one quart (more or less) for compatibility with the various TSA regulations. More particularly, a typical TSA regulation-compatible “one quart” bag, such as a typical Ziploc® brand heavy duty one quart freezer bag manufactured by S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc. of Racine, Wis. USA, has an interior volume of about 1.25 quarts when filled and sealed, and an interior volume of over 1.5 quarts when filled and opened (i.e., unsealed). As a consequence, as used herein, “about one quart” should be understood to mean and include a range of interior volumes, typically measured, such as one quart plus or minus twenty-five percent (1±0.25 quart(s)), or such as one quart plus or minus thirty percent (1±0.30 quart(s)), or such as one quart plus or minus thirty-five percent (1±0.35 quart(s)), or such as one quart plus or minus forty percent (1±0.40 quart(s)), or such as one quart plus or minus fifty percent (1±0.50 quart(s)), or asymmetrically such as one quart plus fifty percent or minus twenty-five percent (1+0.50 or −0.25 quart(s)), and so on, and all such ranges are within the scope of the disclosure. The first compartment 105 may have any volume within any such stated or claimed range; for example and without limitation, a first compartment 105 having an interior volume of about 1.18 quarts or about 0.87 quarts is within any and all of the above-stated or claimed ranges and is within the scope of the disclosure. The second compartment 110, 110A may have any size which necessary or desirable, without limitation.

As illustrated in FIGS. 15-17, the first compartment 105 optionally may further include indicia 405 providing such volume, displacement or other size information, illustrated as “1 qt/0.95 liter” and/or TSA compatibility (illustrated with the check mark and “TSA 3-1-1” indicia), and may include additional indicia 410, 415 respectively indicating that the first compartment 105 is for liquids and the second compartment 110, 110A is for non-liquids. As another option, other indicia or designs may also be included for either the first compartment 105 and/or second compartment 110, 110A, such as the illustrated printed patterns 425, such as the printed honeycomb patterns. Such patterns 425 may be any type of decorative or functional pattern, and should not be construed, in any way, to be limited to the illustrated honeycomb pattern. Such indicia 405, 410, 415 or other patterns or designs 425 may be included in any of the various embodiments 100, 200, 300, 400, 100A, 200A, 300A, although not separately illustrated in many of the Figures. Other indicia, such as trade names 420 and/or logos, may also be included.

Several unique features and advantages of the various embodiments of the present disclosure are readily apparent. The exemplary embodiments provide separate first and second compartments, having a TSA-compatible first compartment for liquids, gels and aerosols, while simultaneously providing an integrated second compartment for all other travel accessories. The exemplary embodiments provide a first compartment which not only has a substantially clear or otherwise substantially optically transparent front panel but also has a highly novel, substantially clear or otherwise substantially optically transparent back panel, allowing for substantial transparency of both front and back sides for TSA compliance.

The exemplary embodiments provide another variation of a first compartment which not only has a substantially clear or otherwise substantially optically transparent front panel but also has a highly novel, substantially clear or otherwise substantially optically transparent back panel coupled with an optional, typically non-transparent panel 125 integrated with or coupled to the substantially clear or otherwise substantially optically transparent panel 130 to form the back side 120, also allowing for substantial transparency of both front and back sides for TSA compliance.

The first compartment further has about a one quart (more or less) interior volume, also for TSA compliance. The exemplary embodiments provide a toiletries and accessories case having an integrated solution for organizing and traveling with liquids, gels and aerosols and other, non-liquid items and accessories. The various exemplary embodiments provide comparative ease of use for a travelling consumer at an airport security checkpoint, opening for use to lay flat in a bin or on a conveyor followed by folding in half for packing and re-packing in the traveler's suitcase, while simultaneously providing durability and ease of use at the consumer's destination.

The present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated. In this respect, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of components set forth above and below, illustrated in the drawings, or as described in the examples. Systems, methods and apparatuses consistent with the present invention are capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways.

Although the invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments thereof, these embodiments are merely illustrative and not restrictive of the invention. In the description herein, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of structural connections, materials, and structural variations, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that an embodiment of the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other apparatus, systems, assemblies, components, materials, parts, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not specifically shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of embodiments of the present invention. In addition, the various Figures are not drawn to scale and should not be regarded as limiting.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, or a specific “embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention and not necessarily in all embodiments, and further, are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics of any specific embodiment of the present invention may be combined in any suitable manner and in any suitable combination with one or more other embodiments, including the use of selected features without corresponding use of other features. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular application, situation or material to the essential scope and spirit of the present invention. It is to be understood that other variations and modifications of the embodiments of the present invention described and illustrated herein are possible in light of the teachings herein and are to be considered part of the spirit and scope of the present invention.

It will also be appreciated that one or more of the elements depicted in the Figures can also be implemented in a more separate or integrated manner, or even removed or rendered inoperable in certain cases, as may be useful in accordance with a particular application. Integrally formed combinations of components are also within the scope of the invention, particularly for embodiments in which a separation or combination of discrete components is unclear or indiscernible. In addition, use of the term “coupled” herein, including in its various forms such as “coupling” or “couplable”, means and includes any direct or indirect electrical, structural or magnetic coupling, connection or attachment, or adaptation or capability for such a direct or indirect electrical, structural or magnetic coupling, connection or attachment, including integrally formed components and components which are coupled via or through another component.

Furthermore, any signal arrows in the drawings/Figures should be considered only exemplary, and not limiting, unless otherwise specifically noted. Combinations of components of steps will also be considered within the scope of the present invention, particularly where the ability to separate or combine is unclear or foreseeable. The disjunctive term “or”, as used herein and throughout the claims that follow, is generally intended to mean “and/or”, having both conjunctive and disjunctive meanings (and is not confined to an “exclusive or” meaning), unless otherwise indicated. As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also as used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

The foregoing description of illustrated embodiments of the present invention, including what is described in the summary or in the abstract, is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed herein. From the foregoing, it will be observed that numerous variations, modifications and substitutions are intended and may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the novel concept of the invention. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific methods and apparatus illustrated herein is intended or should be inferred. It is, of course, intended to cover by the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A toiletries and accessories case, comprising: a substantially flexible body;a first compartment coupled to or integrated with the body, the first compartment having a first front panel, a first rear panel, a first top panel, a first bottom panel, and a first side panel and a second side panel, wherein the first front panel and at least a portion of the first rear panel are substantially clear or otherwise substantially optically transparent; anda second compartment coupled to or integrated with the body, the second compartment having a second front panel and a second rear panel.

2. The toiletries and accessories case of claim 1, wherein the second compartment further comprises a second top panel, a second bottom panel, a third side panel and a fourth side panel.

3. The toiletries and accessories case of claim 1, wherein the first compartment has about a one-quart interior volume.

4. The toiletries and accessories case of claim 1, wherein the first compartment has an interior volume between about one-quart minus twenty-five percent to about one-quart plus fifty percent (1−0.25 quart(s) to about 1+0.50 quart(s)).

5. The toiletries and accessories case of claim 1, wherein the first compartment has a one-quart plus or minus forty percent (1±0.40 quart(s)) interior volume.

6. The toiletries and accessories case of claim 1, wherein the body is foldable between the first and second compartments.

7. The toiletries and accessories case of claim 1, further comprising: a third compartment coupled to or integrated with the body and located between the first and second compartments.

8. The toiletries and accessories case of claim 1, wherein the first compartment further comprises a zippered closure coupled to the first top panel and to the first and second side panels.

9. The toiletries and accessories case of claim 1, further comprising: a hanger coupled to the body.

10. The toiletries and accessories case of claim 1, further comprising: a fastener coupled to the body.

11. The toiletries and accessories case of claim 1, further comprising: a handle coupled to the body.

12. The toiletries and accessories case of claim 1, wherein the body is foldable between the first and second compartments in a closed position and lays substantially flat in an open position.

13. The toiletries and accessories case of claim 1, wherein the first front panel, the first rear panel, and the second front panel are each comprised of a substantially clear plastic.

14. The toiletries and accessories case of claim 1, wherein the body is comprised of an opaque fabric.

15. The toiletries and accessories case of claim 1, wherein the second front panel is substantially clear or otherwise substantially optically transparent and the second rear panel is substantially opaque.

16. The toiletries and accessories case of claim 1, wherein the first compartment is for holding liquids, gels or aerosols and wherein the second compartment is for holding non-liquid, gel or aerosol accessories.

17. The toiletries and accessories case of claim 1, wherein the first compartment further comprises indicia for liquids, gels or aerosols or a liquid, gel or aerosol.

18. The toiletries and accessories case of claim 1, wherein the second compartment further comprises indicia for non-liquids or a non-liquid or a non-gel or a non-aerosol.

19. A toiletries and accessories case, comprising: a substantially flexible body;a first compartment coupled to or integrated with the body and having about a one-quart interior volume, the first compartment having a first front panel, a first rear panel, a first top panel, a first bottom panel, and a first side panel and a second side panel, wherein the first front panel and at least a portion of the first rear panel are substantially clear or otherwise substantially optically transparent; anda second compartment coupled to or integrated with the body, the second compartment having a second front panel, a second rear panel, a second top panel, a second bottom panel, a third side panel and a fourth side panel, the second front panel substantially optically transparent and the second rear panel substantially opaque.

20. A toiletries and accessories case compliant with TSA 3-1-1 regulations, comprising: a substantially flexible body comprised of an optically opaque fabric;a first compartment coupled to or integrated with the body and having an interior volume of about one-quart plus or minus about twenty-five percent (1±0.25 quart(s)), the first compartment having a first front panel, a first rear panel, a top panel, a bottom panel, and a first side panel and a second side panel, wherein the first front panel and at least a portion of the first rear panel are substantially clear or otherwise substantially optically transparent, the first compartment further comprising a zippered closure coupled to the top panel and indicia for a liquid, gel or aerosol;a second compartment coupled to or integrated with the body, the second compartment having a second front panel and a second rear panel, the second front panel substantially clear or otherwise substantially optically transparent, the second front panel further comprising indicia for a non-liquid, gel or aerosol;a hanger coupled to the body; anda fastener coupled to the body.