US20060042971A1

US20060042971A1 - Storage enclosure for electronic device

Info

Publication number: US20060042971A1
Application number: US10/963,031
Authority: US
Inventors: John Jeffrey Holmes; Modupeh Sowe
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-09-01
Filing date: 2004-10-12
Publication date: 2006-03-02

Abstract

A compartment for storing items comprises a base compartment and a lid. The base compartment may be coupled to a battery cover of a portable electronic device. The lid can be coupled to the base compartment. The lid and the base compartment produce an enclosure for storing items. The items stored may include cosmetic products and other personal items.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to copending U.S. Provisional Application entitled, “Storage Enclosure for Electronic Device”, having Ser. No. 60/606,456, filed Sep. 1, 2004, which is entirely incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is generally related to a storage enclosure, and more particularly is related to a storage enclosure for cosmetics and personal items coupled to a portable electronic device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Cosmetics are typically applied to the facial portion of the body. Cosmetics are often used to accent desirable features of the face and conceal less desirable features, such as wrinkles, blemishes, and freckles. Examples of cosmetic products may include, for example but not limited to, foundation/concealers, blush, eyeliner, mascara, lip liner, lipstick, and lip-gloss. Foundation/concealers are used to alter the tone of the skin of a person and hide shine and imperfections in the skin. Blush is applied to the upper cheeks and provides a reddish hue to the cheeks of the user. Blush can be stored in a power form and applied with a brush or pad.
Throughout the course of a day, cosmetic products often need to be reapplied to the face. Cosmetic products are often stored in a small case with an applicator, often referred to as a compact. The compact allows the user to carry the cosmetic products for touch-up purposes on their person, such as in a purse or pocket. Compacts may have a base with one or more bins where different shades of the cosmetics are stored along with a bin to store the applicator. A lid coupled to the base allows the user to access the cosmetic products within the bins and close the lid for storage.
Portable electronic devices, for example but not limited to, mobile phones, smart phones and IP phones, walkie-talkie phones, Personal Digital Accessories (PDAs), handheld GPS systems, MP3 or other portable recording and playing devices, cameras, handheld remote control units, handheld and pocket personal computers, web pads, handheld tablets, tablet PCs, handheld readers and scanners, handheld calculators, and handheld digital games are becoming regular accessories. People often carry the portable electronic devices on their person throughout their daily activities.
The number of items an individual carries with them during their daily routine is increasing. An individual has to remember to carry and store several items before leaving to begin their daily routine. Often an individual forgets to bring their cosmetic products or must carry and store a large number of different cosmetic products.
Thus, a heretofore unaddressed need exists in the industry to address the aforementioned deficiencies and inadequacies.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention provide a compartment for storing items comprising a base compartment and a lid. The base compartment is coupled to a portable electronic device. The lid may be coupled to the base compartment with hinges. The lid allows a user to access the base compartment. The lid and the base compartment produce an enclosure for storing items. The base compartment may be coupled to a battery pack cover of the portable electronic device. The items stored may include cosmetic products and other personal items.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Many aspects of the invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present invention. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the compartment with the lid in a closed position.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the compartment with the lid in the open position.
FIG. 3 is a profile view of the compartment in a closed position coupled to a first exemplary phone.
FIG. 4 is a profile view of the compartment in an open position coupled to the first exemplary phone.
FIG. 5 is a planar view of the compartment in a closed position coupled to a second exemplary flip phone in an open position.
FIG. 6 is planar view of the compartment in an open position coupled to the second exemplary flip phone in a closed position.
FIG. 7 is a rear view of the compartment.
FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the base compartment displaying a first exemplary configuration of the storage sections.
FIG. 8B is a top and detailed sectional view of the base compartment displaying the first exemplary configuration of the storage sections.
FIG. 9 is a top and detailed sectional view of the base compartment displaying a second exemplary configuration of the storage sections.
FIG. 10 is a top and detailed sectional view of the base compartment displaying a third exemplary configuration of the storage sections.
FIGS. 11 is a perspective view of the compartment displaying a first exemplary embodiment of the compartment.
FIGS. 12 is a perspective view of the compartment displaying a second exemplary embodiment of the compartment.
FIGS. 13 is a perspective view of the compartment displaying a third exemplary embodiment of the compartment.
FIGS. 14 is a perspective view of the compartment displaying a fourth exemplary embodiment of the compartment.
FIGS. 15 is a perspective view of the compartment displaying a fifth exemplary embodiment of the compartment.
FIGS. 16 is a perspective view of the compartment displaying a sixth exemplary embodiment of the compartment.
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the compartment with the lid in the open position displaying a divider according to a second exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 18 is a detailed sectional view of the divider according to the second exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the compartment with the lid in the open position displaying a divider according to a third exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a compartment 100 in a closed position and FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the compartment 100 in an open position. The compartment 100 has a lid 102 and a base compartment 104. The base compartment 104 and the lid 102 can be coupled to a portable electronic device and provide a means for storing items, as will be discussed in greater detail later herein. The lid 102 can be coupled to the base compartment 104 with one or more hinges 202. The one or more hinges 202 allow the lid 102 to rotate about a side edge 204 of the base compartment 104. The compartment 100 is opened and closed by rotating the lid 102 around the hinges 202. As shown in FIG. 2, the lid 102 can be rotated approximately 180 degrees into an open position. The one or more hinges 202 allow a user to access items within the compartment 100. The hinges 202 can be a variety of different types of hinges, for example, but not limited to, a living hinge, butt hinge, continuous hinge, spring or torque hinge, slip hinge, latch hinge, snap-in hinge, piano hinge, and pin.
The lid 102 may also include a securing device to secure the lid 102 in a closed position. Dimples 206, as shown in FIG. 2, are used as the securing device. The dimples 206 produce a frictional fit against ridges 208 in the lid 102. The securing device prevents the lid 102 from opening and spilling items stored within the compartment 100 when the compartment 100 is carried in various positions. The securing device is not limited to dimples 206; specifically, a variety of other securing devices can be used, for example, but not limited to, latches, magnetized or non-magnetized clasp, clamp, snap, or catch; or a magnetized or non-magnetized spring, recessed, multipoint, and compression or pawl-type latch. In another exemplary embodiment, the compartment 100 may not have hinges. In this exemplary embodiment (not shown), the lid 102 can be completely removed from the base compartment 104 and can be held in a closed position using a frictional fit or other securing device.
FIG. 3 is a profile view of the compartment 100 in a closed position coupled to a first exemplary phone 302 and FIG. 4 is a profile view of the compartment 100 in an opened position. The compartment 100 may be coupled to a back surface 304 of the phone 302. The compartment 100 can also be coupled to a flip phone. FIG. 5 is a planar view of the compartment 100 in a closed position coupled to a second exemplary flip phone 502 in an open position. FIG. 6 is a planar view of the compartment 100 in an open position coupled to the second exemplary flip phone 502 in a closed position.
The compartment 100 allows a user to carry personal items with their phone 302 or other electronic device. The compartment 100 can be manufactured as permanently coupled or detachably coupled to the phone 302. The compartment 100 can be molded integrally with the phone 302 or can be molded integrally with a battery cover of the phone 302, or an outer removable cover of the phone 302.
Alternatively, the compartment 100 can be manufactured separately and coupled to the phone 302. The compartment 100 can be coupled directly to the phone 302 using, for example, but not limited to, screws, rivets, brads, adhesives, hooks, and loops or a clasping mechanism. FIG. 7 is a rear view of the compartment 100. Adhesive 702 is applied to the rear surface 704 of the base compartment 104. The rear surface 704 of the base compartment 104 is placed against the back surface 304 of the phone 302, thereby coupling the phone 302 and compartment 100.
The compartment 100 can also be coupled to the phone 302 using a sleeve, exterior housing, or clip. The base compartment 104 and lid 102 can be made of a variety of materials, for example, but not limited to, metal, metal alloy, plastic, polyurethane, polymer, carbon fiber, fiberglass, ceramic, vinyl, composite or blended material such as nylon, polyester, neoprene, polycarbonate and epoxy, rubber or rubberized material, or combinations of these materials.
The compartment 100 can also couple to the phone 302 using a battery-coupling portion of the phone 302. In this embodiment (not shown), the compartment 100 may have an exterior housing that has a clip portion that mates to the battery coupling portion of the phone 302. A user can clip the exterior housing and compartment 100 to the phone 302 in place of the battery cover. A variety of different sized and shaped clip portions of the exterior housing can be made to accommodate the different manufacturers and styles of phones 302. The user can couple the compartment 100 to the phone 302 or remove the compartment 100 in order to couple the compartment 100 to an alternative phones. The compartment 100 may be purchased separately from the phone 302 as an add-on feature for the phone 302. The exterior housing can also include a battery stored within a separate storage section of the exterior housing. This allows the user to replace both the battery and battery cover of the phone 302.
The compartment 100 allows a user to store a variety of personal items. In one embodiment, the compartment 100 is used to store cosmetic items, for example, but not limited to, blush. FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the base compartment 104 displaying a first exemplary configuration of the storage sections of the base compartment 104. In the first exemplary configuration, the base compartment 104 is divided into six small sections 802 and one larger section 804 for storing different shades or hues of blush. The base compartment also can have an applicator section 806 to store a cosmetic applicator, for example, a brush or pad. FIG. 8B is a top and detailed sectional view of the base compartment displaying the first exemplary configuration of the storage sections. The height of the base compartment 104 is designed to provide storage for an ample supply of cosmetic products and one or more applicators.
FIG. 9 is a top and detailed sectional view of the base compartment 104 displaying a second exemplary configuration of the storage sections. In the second exemplary configuration, the base compartment 104 is divided into six smaller sections 902 creating a first row and one larger section 904, as well as one applicator section 906 for storing applicators in a second row. FIG. 10 is a top and detailed sectional view of the base compartment 104 displaying a third exemplary configuration of the storage sections. In the third exemplary configuration, the base compartment 104 is divided into three smaller sections 1002 and one large section 1004 running the width of the base compartment 104. The third exemplary configuration also has a section 1006 for storing applicators. The configuration of the base compartment 104 is not limited to the above described configurations. A variety of configurations can be used with the invention based on the type of cosmetic products, for example, but not limited to, foundation/concealers, blush, eyeliner, mascara, lip liner, lipstick, and lip-gloss.
FIGS. 11-16 are perspective views of the compartment 100, where each view displays a different exemplary embodiment of the compartment 100. The compartment 100 can also be designed to have a variety of aesthetically pleasing looks as shown in FIGS. 11-16. In the first exemplary embodiment 1100 and second exemplary embodiment 1200 shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, respectively, the lid 102 of the compartment has a mirror 1102, 1202. The mirror 1102, 1202 aids the user in application of the cosmetic products. In the third exemplary embodiment 1300 and fourth exemplary embodiment 1400 shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, respectively, the sections of the base compartment 104 have a circular shape. In the fifth exemplary embodiment 1500 and sixth exemplary embodiment 1600 shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, respectively, the base compartments 104 have different sectional configurations and exterior finishes. The design of the exterior and interior of the compartment 100 is not limited to the exemplary compartment embodiments shown in FIGS. 11-16; a variety of other designs are within the scope of the invention.
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the compartment 100 with the lid 102 in the open position displaying a divider 1702 according to a second exemplary embodiment. According to the second exemplary embodiment, the divider 1702 allows the user to store cosmetics in the base compartment 104 and store personal items in the lid 102. The divider 1702 can be hinged to the side edge 204 of the base compartment 104. The divider 1702 rotates about the hinges and provides a cover for the sections of the base compartment 104. This allows the user to store additional items within a top portion of the compartment 100 or lid 102 of the compartment 100. Such items may include, but are not limited to, identification cards, payment cards, cash, and other small personal items. The divider 1702 prevents the items from becoming mixed with the cosmetic products. The divider 1702 can also have a reflective surface 1704 to aid the user in application of the cosmetic products.
FIG. 18 is a detailed sectional view of the divider 1702 according to the second exemplary embodiment. The base of the divider 1702 has a jacket or sleeve 1706 that allows the reflective surface to slide within the sleeve 1706. The reflective surface 1704 can be permanently coupled to the sleeve 1706 or detachably coupled to the sleeve 1706. The divider 1702 can also have a securing device (not shown). The securing device prevents the divider 1702 from opening and spilling items stored within the sections of the base compartment 104. In another example of the divider 1702 construction, the divider 1702 can be made of a single piece of material. The reflective surface can be coupled to either a front or back surface of the divider 1702. The divider 1702 can be permanently coupled or detachably coupled to the compartment 100.
FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the compartment 100 with the lid 102 in the open position displaying a divider 1902 according to a third exemplary embodiment. According to the third exemplary embodiment, the divider 1902 allows the user to store cosmetics in the base compartment 104 and store personal items in the lid 102. The divider 1902 can be hinged near the top side edges of the lid 102. The divider 1902 rotates about the hinges and provides a cover for the sections of the base compartment 104. Items may be placed within the lid 102 prior to folding the divider 1902 down against the lid 102. This allows the user to store additional items within a top portion of the base compartment 100 or lid 102. The divider 1902 prevents the items from becoming mixed with the cosmetic products. The divider 1902 can also have a reflective surface 1904 to aid the user in application of the cosmetic products. According to the third embodiment, the divider 1902 can be folded towards the lid 102 allowing the reflective surface 1904 to rest opposite the base compartment 104. This prevents cosmetic products within the base compartment 104 from smearing or marking the reflective surface 1904. The divider 1902, according to the third embodiment, can have similar features to the divider of the second embodiment as shown in greater detail in FIG. 18.
The compartment 100 is not limited to being coupled to a phone 302. The compartment 100 can be coupled to a variety of portable electronic items, for example, but not limited to, cellular phones, smart phones and IP phones, walkie talkie phones, Personal Digital Accessories (PDAs), handheld GPS systems, MP3 or other portable recording and playing devices, cameras, handheld remote control units, handheld and pocket personal computers, web pads, handheld tablets, tablet PC's, handheld readers and scanners, handheld calculators, and handheld digital games.
It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the present invention, particularly, any embodiments, are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the invention. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments of the invention without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the invention. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and the present invention and protected by the following claims.

Claims

1. A compartment for storing items, comprising:

a base compartment coupled to a battery pack cover of a portable electronic device; and

a lid coupled to the base compartment wherein the base compartment and lid produce an enclosure for storing items.

2. The compartment of claim 1, wherein the base compartment is integrally fixed to an exterior surface of the battery cover of the portable electronic device.

3. The compartment of claim 1, further comprising:

a divider between the base compartment and the lid wherein the divider separates the base compartment and a lid compartment adjacent to the lid.

4. The compartment of claim 3, further comprising:

a reflective surface on one or more surfaces of the divider.

5. The compartment of claim 1, wherein a hinge couples the base compartment to the lid.

6. The compartment of claim 1, wherein the portable electronic device is a device selected from the group consisting of a cellular phone, a personal digital accessory, a camera, an audio player, and a hand held gaming device.

7. A compartment for storing cosmetic items, comprising:

a base compartment coupled to a portable electronic device; and

a lid coupled to the base compartment wherein the base compartment and lid produce an enclosure for storing cosmetic items.

8. The compartment of claim 7, wherein the base compartment is divided into a plurality of compartments storing one or more types of cosmetics.

9. The compartment of claim 7, wherein the base compartment is integrally fixed to an exterior surface of the portable electronic device.

10. The compartment of claim 7, further comprising:

a divider between the base compartment and the lid wherein the divider separates the base compartment and a lid compartment.

11. The compartment of claim 10, wherein the divider is rotatably coupled to a top portion of the lid compartment.

12. The compartment of claim 10, further comprising:

a reflective surface on one or more surfaces of the divider.

13. The compartment of claim 7, wherein a hinge couples the base compartment to the lid.

14. The compartment of claim 7, wherein the portable electronic device is a device selected from the group consisting of a cellular phone, a personal digital accessory, a camera, an audio player, and a hand held gaming device.

15. A container for holding items, comprising:

an exterior housing detachably coupled to a portable electronic device;

a bottom enclosure portion coupled to the exterior housing; and

a top enclosure portion rotatably coupled to the bottom enclosure portion wherein the bottom enclosure portion and the top enclosure portion produce a container for storing personal items.

16. The container of claim 15, wherein the exterior housing is a sleeve that clips to an exterior surface of the portable electronic device.

17. The container of claim 15, wherein the exterior housing further comprises a clip portion shaped to engage a battery coupling portion of the portable electronic device.

18. The container of claim 15, further comprising:

a partition between the top enclosure portion and the bottom enclosure portion wherein the partition separates the top enclosure portion and bottom enclosure portion.

19. The container of claim 18, further comprising a reflective surface on one or more surfaces of the partition.

20. The container of claim 15, wherein the portable electronic device is a device selected from the group consisting of a cellular phone, a personal digital accessory, a camera, an audio player, and a hand held gaming device.

21. The container of claim 15, wherein the container further comprises one or more sub compartments with one or more types of cosmetics located within the sub compartments.

22. A container for holding items, comprising:

a means for housing detachably coupled to a portable electronic device;

a means for enclosing a bottom portion coupled to the means for housing; and

a means for enclosing a top portion rotatably coupled to the means for enclosing the bottom portion wherein the means for enclosing the bottom portion and the means for enclosing the top portion produce a container for storing personal items.