AU2005201193A1 - Convertible display stand and travel case - Google Patents

Description

18.Mar. 2005"16:29 Shelstoi IF 4o. 8155 P. 6 -1

AUSTRALIA

PATENTS ACT 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT

ORIGINAL

Name of Applicant/s: Actual Inventor/s: Wamer-Lambert Company David Charles Coffin and Mark Steven Peyser and David Dombrowski Address for Service is: SHELSTON IP Margaret Street SYDNEY NSW 2000 CCN: 3710000352 Attorney Code: SW Telephone No: Facsimile No.

(02) 9777 1111 (02) 9241 4666 Invention Title: CONVERTIBLE DISPLAY STAND AND TRAVEL CASE Details of Original Application No. 35381100 dated 18 May 2000 The following statement is a full description of this invention, performing it known to me/us:including the best method of File: 27805AUP01 50DS157 Is.DQCC84" COMS ID No: SBMI-01170712 Received by IP Australia: Time 16:37 Date 2005-03-18 18.Mar. 2005 16:29 Sheisto IP 110. 8155 P. 7 la- C CONlVERTIBLE DISPLAY STAND AND TRAVEL CASE SF1ELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to a combiation display stand and travel case for holding an object such as a wet shave razor, band tools, jewellery or the like where it would be advantageous to provide a low profile travel case and a display stand.

C, BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way be o considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of common tr general knowledge in the field.

o 0 Stands for holding wet shave razors uipright have been provided with various C commercially available products for a number of year. In order to hold the razor in the Supright position and be stable, the stands generallyrequire a relative large footprint This is especially true in the case of premium razors which can weigh in the range of 40-50 g. or more. The large base which is required for stability becomes a dettiment in is that it requires a large and deep retail sales package. This increase in the depth of the sales package reduces the number of packages which may be placed on any given display prong at a retail outlet Consequently, the display prongs contain the deep razor packages require more frequent refilling than those containing packages without stands.

Further, some commercially available razor stands comprise two or more pieces which require assembly by the user.

It is an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful altemative.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a combined travel case and display stand for storing and displaying an object comprising a base having a cavity for storing an object; a lid; and means for allowing the lid to open away from the base; wherein the lid is movable between a closed position and a display position and wherein when the lid is in the display position the travel case provides a display stand fr the object contained therein Unless the contxt clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words comprise, 'comprising', and the like are to be constraed in an COMS ID No: SBMI-01170712 Received by IP Australia: Time 16:37 Date 2005-03-18 18.Mar. 2005 16:29 She Isto a IF No. 8155 P. 8 0 ci 0 ci -2inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to".

According to another aspect of the present invention-there is provided a combined travel case and display stand for storing and displaying a wet shave razor having an s upper handle, a lower handle and a razor head comprisi.g: a base having a cavity for storing the razor, a lid; and means for allowing the lid to open away from the base; wherein the lid is movable between a closed position and a display position and wherein when the lid is in the display position the travel case provides a display stand for the razor contained therein.

Advantageously, the invention, at least in a preferred form provides a combined razor display-stand and travel case which has a relatively large footprint to avoid the disadvantages of stands with small footprints. Further, it would be advantageous to provide such a stand pr-assembled in order to avoid the disadvantage to the user of having to assemble the unit.

BRIEF DESCRIFTION OF THE DRAWINGS A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, byway of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of the combined display stand and travel case with a razor within the case.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the combined display stand and travel case containig a razor and with the lid of the case open.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the combined display stand and travel case containing a razor in the standing position.

Figure 4 is a cut-away side view ofthe combined display stand and travel case in the closed position containing a razor.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the combined display stand and travel case in the closed position.

Figure 6 is a top and view of the combined display stand and travel case in the closed position.

Figure 7 is a bottom end view of the combined display stand and travel case in the closed position.

COMS ID No: SBMI-01170712 Received by IP Australia: Time 16:37 Date 2005-03-18 18.Mar, 2005 16:30 Shelston I P No. 8155 P. 9 -3- SFigure 8 is a top view of the combined display stand and travel case in the closed 'c position.

Figure 9 is a side view of the combined display stand and travel ase in the closed position.

00 Fgure 10 is a bottom view of the combined display stand and travel case.

0\ Figure 11 is a bottom view of the combined display stand and travel case having a o removable cartridge holder.

SFigure 12 is a close view ofthe rotation mechanism ofthe combined display stand and travel case DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Figure 1 illustrates the combined travel case and display stand (hereinafter ref=red to as the "case" or the "stand") of the present invention in the closed, or travel, position.

Although the fgures illustrate the case in combination with a wet shave razor, it should be understood that the case is also capable of use with any other item, such as jewhry or tools, which is desired to be placed alternatively within a safe travel case and in a standing position for display. As shownin Figure 1, case 10 comprises a base portion I and a lid portion 2. The base and lid may be constructed fiom any suitable plastic material such as ABS and, in a preferred embodiment, the lid may be transparent to allow for easy viewing of the contents. Preferably, the base and lid are symmetrically curved as shown in the figures. This curving allows for the overall footprint of the base to be as minimal as possible while, at the same tie, providing a sturdy base for holding the razor in a display position. The base is provided with cut-out 4which, when the case is closed, is aligned with out-out 3 of the lid. In this closed, aligned position, the portion of the contents of the case which does not fit within the case may extend through the opening. As shown in Figure 1, razor handle 20 may extend through the opening formed by cut-outs 3 and 4.

As shown in Figure 2, the lid 2 may be lifed upward into a second, open position.

In this open position, the contents, in this case a wet shave razor, are exposed and may be COMS ID No: SBMI-01170712 Received by IP Australia: Time 16:37 Date 2005-03-18 1.Mar. 2005 16:30 Shelston IP No. 8155 P. S: easily removed from the case. As shown in Figure 2, means for releaseably attaching the lid Sand the base are provided on the edges of the lid and base. Virtually any known form of Sattachment means may be utilized, including latches, snaps or protrusions and detents. As S illustrated, snmps 7 are provided oh the edge of the lid 2 in order to provide a snap-it with the ridges 6 provided on the edge of the base. Figure 3 illustrates the razor and case in the Sdisplay position. In this position, the razor stands upright with the lower end of the handle contained within cut-out 4. Preferably, the bottom edge of the razor handle 20 may be placed within cut-out 9 (ilustrated in Figure 4) which may be provided in the base adjacent N to out-out 4 in order to accommodate the end of the razor and provide support when the o 10 razor is in the display position. The upper end of the handle is placed within cut-out 3 for Cl support and the razor cartridge portion 21 extends above the top of lid 2. Figure 3 also illustrates the opening 8 and cavity 5 which are adapted-to receive the handle 20 and the cartridge 21 respectively when the case is in the closed position. The cavity 8 may referably have widened portion 17 which extends outward from thecavity. Widened portion 17 allows the user to easily grasp the razor wen the lid is open but the razor is not in the upright display position. When the razor is in the upright display position of igure 3,.

the razor is easily accessible and removable for use.

Figure 4 illustrates a cut-away view of the razor contained within the case 10. As shown, razor cartridge 21 is contained within cavity 5, while razor handle 20 fits within opening 8 and extends outward through cut-outs 3 and 4. In the preferred embodiment, razor cartridge holder 30 is removably attached to the bottom of base I via clips 31 and 32.

Also in the preferred embodient, cut-out 9 is provided in base 1. When the razor is in the display position, the end of the razor handle 20 may be placed within cut-out 9 in order to provide additional stability to the razor.

Figures 5 11 illustrate various views of the case without any contents. In a prefemd embodiment, means are provided to aid the user in lifting and lowering the lid.

Preferably the means for opening and closing the lid may comprise fingr grips 10. With regard to the razor cartridge holder, Figure 10 illustrates the underside of the case without the holder and Figure 1-1 illustrates the underside of the case with the holder. As shown in Figure 11, in a prfered embodiment, feet 15 may be placed on ohe or more corners of the bottom ofthe base. These feet provided added stability to the case. Also preferred are one COMS ID No: SBMI-01170712 Received by IP Australia: Time 16:37 Date 2005-03-18 18.Mar, 2005 16:31. Shelston IP No, 8155 P. 11 tr'- 5 or more openings 16 on the bottom of the base adjacent to cavity 5. Those openings 16 provide drainage for any excess water remaining on the razor cartridge When it is plaed within the case.

00 Figure 12 illustrates the proefered mechanism for allowing the lid to be placed in two Cdiferent positions. Flanges 14 are provided adjacent to mating hinges 11 at the position in the case for which it is desired to pivot the lid. The flanges are affixed to lid 2, while the mating hinges are affixed to the inside wall of base 1. The flanges provide a snap fit with a the mat hinges in order to frmly afix the lid to the base. The mating hinges contain one o to or more, and preferably two, detents 12 which aid in positioning the lid The end of the lid C contains protrusion 13 which fits within the detents 12. During use of the case, the protrusion may be placed within the appropriate detent in order to provide the desired position fbr the lid. Once the tooth is in the detent, the lid is held rigidly in position. In the closed position, the detent/protrusion attachment acts in combination with the snap-fit means on the opposite end of the lid to firmly hold the lid closed. This provides great safety to the contn when the c Is being moved. or stoed. When the user desires to change the position ofthe lid, the protrusion is xemoved from the detent and moved to and placed within the other to allow the lid to remain fimly in the new position. With this prefrred mechanism, the only moving part is the lid which moves between the detents. The prefared mechanism minimizes the number of moving parts and thus reduces' the possibility of breakage and wear which could be caused by an excessive number of moving prts.

While there have been described.what are presently believed to be the preferred embodiments of the preset invention, those skilled in the art will realize that various changes and modifloations may be made to the invention without departing from the spiit bfthe invention, and it is intended to claim all Such changes and modiications as &II within the scope of the invention.

COMS ID No: SBMI-01170712 Received by IP Australia: Time 16:37 Date 2005-03-18

Claims (6)

18. Mar. 2005 16:31 Shelston IP No. 8155 P. 12 o -6- THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:- 1. A combined travel case and display stand for storing and displaying an object comprising: a base having a cavity for storing an object; a lid; and means for allowing the lid to open away fom the base; Swherein the lid is moveable between a closed position and a display position and o wherein when the lid is in the display position the travel case provides a display stand Ir for the object contained therein. o 10 2. A combined travel case and display stand according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the lid and the base contains one or more openings to allow an object contained within the case to extend outward beyond the cavity without the base. 3. A combined travel case and display stand according to claim 2, wherein the lid contains at least one opening which supports the object in the display position. 4. A combined travel case and display stand according to claim 3, wherein the base comprises at least one cut-away portion to support the object in the display position. A combined travel case and display stand according to claim 4, wherein the means for allowing the lid to open comprise one or more flanges attached to the Hd and one or more mating hinges affixed to the base. 6. A combined travel case and display stand according to claim 5, wherein the mating hinges comprise one or more detents for securely holding the lid in a desired position. 7. A combined travel case and display stand according to claim 6, wherein the mating hinges comprise two detents and the for securely holding the lid in an open position or in a closed position. 8. A combined travel case and display stand according to claim 3, wherein the base and the lid comprise means for securng the lid in a closed position. 9. A combined travel case and display stand according to claim 8, wherein the means for securing the base and lid comprise a latch, snap, or detent and protrusion. A combined travel case and display stand according to claim 9, wherein the lid further comprises grip means to aid in opening the lid. 11. A combined travel case and display stand for storing and displaying a wet shave razor having an upper handle, a lower handle and a razor head comprising: a base having a cavity for storing the razor; COMS ID No: SBMI-01170712 Received by P Australia: Time 16:37 Date 2005-03-18 .18. Mar. 2005 16:31 Shelstoi IF No.8155 P. 13 o -7- a lid, and means for allowing the lid to open away from the base; wherein the lid is movable between a closed position and a displayposition and 00 wherein when the lid is in the display position the travel case provides a display stand for the razor contained therein. n 12. A combined travel case and display stand according to claim 11, wherein at least one of the lid and the base contains one or more openings to allow the lower handle of o the razor cotained within the case to extend outward beyond the cavity within the base. Ci 13. A combined travl case and display stand according to claim 12, wherein the lid contains at lease one opening which supports the upper handle of the razor in the display position. 14. A combined travel case and display stand according to claim 13, wherein the base comprises at least one cnt-away portion to support the lower handle of the razor in the display position. 15. A combined travel case and display stand according to claim 14, wherein the means for allowing the lid to open comprise one or more flanges attached to the lid and one or more mating hinges affixed to the base. COMS ID No: SBMI-01170712 Received by IP Australia: Time 16:37 Date 2005-03-18 1.Mar. '2005 16:32 Shelston IP No. 8155 P. 14 o-8- 0 8 16. A combined travel case and display stand acc6rding to claim 15, wherein the mating Shinges comprise one or more detents for securely holding the lid in a desired position. 00 17. A combined travel case and display stand according to claim 16, wherein the mating hinges compise two detents and the flanges.comprise two protiusions which are _C removably positioned within the detents for securely holding the lid in an open position or in a closed position. S 10 18, A combined travel case and display stand according to claim 13, wherein the base and Sthe lid comprise means for securing the lid in a closed position.

19. A combined travel case and display tand according to claim 18, wherein the means for securing the base and lid comprise a latch, snap, or detent and protrusion. A combined travel case and display stand according to claim 19, wherein the lid further compises grip means to aid in opening the lid.

21. A combined travel case and display stand according to claim 20, further comprising one or more drainage holes in the porton of the cavity adjacent to the razor head.

22. A combined travel case and display stand according to claim 21, further comprising a widened cavity to allow for easy removal of the razor fam the base.

23. A combined tranl case and display stand for storing and displaying an object substantially as herein described with rafarenca to any one of the embodiments of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

24. A combined travel case and display stand for storing. and displaying &e-at shave razor substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the embodiments of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings, Dated this 18th Day of March, 2005 Shelston IP Attorneys for: Warner-Lambert Company COMS ID No: SBMI-01170712 Received by IP Australia: Time 16:37 Date 2005-03-18