Abstract:
A case is described for use, for example and without limitation, with a nipple shield or nipple protector. The case, which has an interior volume to contain a nipple shield/protector, generally provides a rigid container to protect a nipple shield/protector and to protect it from the environment. Certain embodiments provide rigid container that may be opened to place or remove a nipple shield/protector and closed to hold the shield/protector with a minimal amount of contact. The case may also include ventilation holes to permit drying of the contents of the case.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention generally relates to storage cases, and more specifically to cases that can store and/or protect articles while providing ventilation and minimizing contact with the case. 
         [0003]    2. Discussion of the Background 
         [0004]    Some nursing mothers use nipple shields or nipple protectors as an aid for themselves or their babies in nursing. Nipple shields and nipple protectors are generally similar devices that have the shape of and are placed over the mother&#39;s nipple and include holes to allow milk to flow. 
         [0005]    Nipple shields are generally used as an aid for proper nursing, while nipple protectors are used to protect the nipple from discomfort. These devices are typically smaller than a breast and fit over the nipple and surrounding area. A nipple portion of the shield may partially or fully enclose the mother&#39;s nipple. The baby then latches onto the nipple shield and feeds as normal, with the nipple shield at least inhibiting some of the discomfort that may otherwise be experienced upon direct contact of the baby with the mother&#39;s nipple. 
         [0006]    Thus, for example, some mothers experience discomfort during breastfeeding, particularly due to sensitive, sore and/or irritated nipples. Such discomfort can effect and sometimes hinder suitable nursing of a baby, as well as detract from the maternal experience in providing care to her baby. Other nursing problems from or during nursing include difficulties of nursing from flat or inverted nipples and problems with the baby latching properly. Nipple shields and/or nipple protectors may be used to address these problems. 
         [0007]    In general, nipple shields are formed from thin sheets of silicone that is washed and kept clean between uses. Since nipple shields are typically formed from a clear material, they can be easily misplaced. Further, the materials that they are formed of may take some time to dry. The care of nipple shields is problematic for at least these reasons. 
         [0008]    An example of a prior art nipple shield is illustrated in the top perspective view of  FIG. 1A  and the sectional view  1 A- 1 A of  FIG. 1B . Examples of nipple shields include nipple shields and contact nipple shields manufactured by Medela, Inc. (McHenry, Ill.). As illustrated in  FIG. 1B , nipple shield A has an outer, slightly domed portion F with a perimeter P, and a peaked central portion N with at tip T. Perimeter P is generally confined within a circular diameter d 1  and extends a height h 1  above the perimeter. Peaked portion N is confined within a smaller diameter d 2  and extends to a height h 2  above perimeter P. In general, the dimensions of nipple shields and nipple protectors are approximately as follows: d 1  is 75 mm; d 2  is 20 mm, h 1  is 20 mm, and h 2  is 45 mm. 
         [0009]    Prior art cases are not designed to minimize contact between nipple shields and the case and do not allow for ventilation and/or drying of the nipple shield. There exists a need for cases that can protect articles while minimizing contact with the case and allowing for ventilation and/or drying in a protected environment. 
         [0010]    In addition, other articles, such as nipple protectors and dental retainers, could also benefit from a case that provides protection from the environment while allowing for ventilation, and which minimizes contact with the case. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    The present invention overcomes the disadvantages of prior art by providing a case that can securely hold articles while allowing for ventilation and/or drying of the articles. The case includes an integral drying rack and holes for ventilation and/or dying. Certain embodiments may be easily opened with one hand. 
         [0012]    Certain embodiments provide a case for storing articles such as nipple shields or nipple protectors. Certain other embodiments provide a case that conforms to the shape of the article. Yet certain other embodiments provide a case that is rigid, to provide protection, and has holes therethrough to provide ventilation for the interior of the case. 
         [0013]    Certain embodiments provide a case having an interior surface for confining an article. The case includes a first case portion and a second case portion adapted for engaging the first case portion to define the interior surface. The first case portion includes one or more first ridges having edges that protrude towards the second case portion and one or more apertures to the exterior of the case. The second case portion includes one or more second ridges having edges that protrude towards the first case portion. The case is configured such that an article placed within the case contacts the edges of at least some of the first ridges and the edges of at least some of the second ridges. 
         [0014]    Certain other embodiments provide a case for confining a conical-shaped article. The case includes a first case portion, a second case portion, and a hinge connecting the first case portion and the second case portion, such that when the first case and the second case are in a closed configuration the case has an interior surface. The first case portion has a first rim and includes one or more first ridges having edges that protrude towards the second case portion, where the edges of the one or more first ridges generally define a convex shape, and one or more apertures to the exterior of the case. The second case portion has a second rim and includes one or more second ridges having edges that protrude towards the first case portion, where the edges of the one or more second ridges generally define a concave shape. The case is configured such that article placed within the case contacts the edges of at least some of the first ridges and the edges of at least some of the second ridges. 
         [0015]    These features together with the various ancillary provisions and features which will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, are attained by the case of the present invention, preferred embodiments thereof being shown with reference to the accompanying drawings, by way of example only, wherein: 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
         [0016]      FIG. 1A  is a top perspective view of a prior art nipple shield; 
           [0017]      FIG. 1B  is a sectional view  1 A- 1 A of a prior art nipple shield; 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  is a top perspective view of a first embodiment of a case in a closed configuration; 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  is a bottom perspective view of the case of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 4A  is a sectional view  4 A- 4 A of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 4B  is an exploded sectional view of  FIG. 4A ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 5  is a bottom view  5 - 5  of the case top of  FIG. 4B . 
           [0023]      FIG. 6  is a top view  6 - 6  of the case bottom of  FIG. 4B . 
           [0024]      FIG. 7A  is a top perspective view of the first embodiment case in an open configuration, with a nipple shield in place; 
           [0025]      FIG. 7B  is a rear elevational view of the first embodiment case in an open configuration; 
           [0026]      FIG. 7C  is a top perspective view of the first embodiment case in an open configuration, with a nipple shield removed; 
           [0027]      FIG. 8  is a view the first embodiment case in an open configuration; 
           [0028]      FIGS. 9 and 10  are sectional views of a second embodiment case. 
       
    
    
       [0029]    Reference symbols are used in the Figures to indicate certain components, aspects or features shown therein, with reference symbols common to more than one Figure indicating like components, aspects or features shown therein. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0030]    Although certain preferred embodiments and examples are disclosed below, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the invention extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the invention and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. Thus it is intended that the scope of the invention herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiment described below. 
         [0031]    As an example of a first embodiment of the inventive case  100 ,  FIG. 2  is a top perspective view of the case in a closed configuration,  FIG. 3  is a bottom perspective view of the case of  FIG. 2 ; and  FIG. 4A  is a sectional view  4 A- 4 A of  FIG. 2 . 
         [0032]    Case  100  includes a first case portion  110 , which is the top of the case, and a second case portion  120 , which is the bottom of the case. Case portions  110  and  120  are joined at a hinge  103  and include a clasp  101  to keep case  100  closed. In  FIGS. 2 ,  3 , and  4 A, case  100  is in closed configuration defining an internal volume V, defined by bounding top surface  401  and bottom surface  403 , and which is large enough to contain an article which is shown, for example and without limitation, as a prior art nipple shield A. In one embodiment, case  100  has dimensions of D=8 mm and H=50 mm. 
         [0033]    The structure of case  100  is shown in greater detail in  FIG. 4B , which is an exploded sectional view of  FIG. 4A ,  FIG. 5 , which is a bottom view  5 - 5  of case portion  110 , and in  FIG. 6 , which is a top view  6 - 6  of case portion  120 . Case portion  110  has a domed portion  111  with a rim  113 , and several inward and radial ridge or extensions  115  that each has an edge  117 , and a first clasp piece  501  and a first hinge piece  503 . Case portion  120  has a base  121  with a rim  123 , and several inward and radial ridges or extensions  125  that each has an edge  127 , and a second clasp piece  601  and a second hinge piece  603 . Case bottom  120  also has a plurality of holes  129  through portion  121 . 
         [0034]    In one embodiment, extensions  115  and  125  protrude into case  100  and form part of surfaces  401  and  403  such that, when the case is closed, edges  117  and  127  approximate the shape of the article to be held, such as that of nipple shield A. 
         [0035]      FIGS. 7A ,  7 B, and  7 C are views of case  100  in an open configuration, where  FIG. 7A  is a perspective view showing nipple shield A in place,  FIG. 7B  is a rear elevational view of the case, and  FIG. 7C  is a perspective view with the nipple shield removed from the case.  FIG. 8  is a view the first embodiment case in a fully open configuration, showing the inner surfaces of case portion  110  and  120 . 
         [0036]    As shown in  FIGS. 5 ,  6 ,  7 A and  7 B, clasp  101  works by the cooperation of first clasp piece  501  and second clasp piece  601 . Pieces  501  and  601  may interlock when case  100  is closed, and the twisting of the pieces or deforming rims  113  and/or  123  may release clasp  101 . The figures also show hinge  103  as being formed from the cooperation of first hinge piece  503  and second hinge piece  603 . Pieces  503  and  603  may, for example, include a pin and pin notches to permit the first case portion  110  and second case portion  120  to rotate and allow the case to open or, alternatively, hinge  103  may be an integral part of case top  110  and case bottom  120  that is engineered to bend and work as a hinge. 
         [0037]    In certain embodiments, case  100  is formed, for example and without limitation, from polypropylene manufactured by injection molding. Thus, for example, case  100  may be formed by molding a plastic to provide solid portions  111  and  121  and extensions  115  and  125  that are approximately 2 to 4 mm thick. In certain embodiments, there may be from 1 to 12 extensions  115  and  125 . In certain other embodiments, there may be from 1 to 20 holes or more, distributed along portion  121 . Although rims  113  and  123  are shown as being generally circular, matching rims of other shapes are within the scope of the present invention. 
         [0038]    Case  100  thus may be opened, as in  FIG. 7C , to allow a user to place nipple shield A within the case, as in  FIG. 7A and 7B , and then closed, as in  FIG. 4A  to contain the nipple shield. The shape of volume V permits the nipple shield to be held in place with the minimum of movement or contact by case  100 . Holes  129  allows for the drying of nipple shield A by allowing humid air within volume V to be exchanged with air outside of case  100  and allows the nipple shield to be stored in a clean environment. 
         [0039]    As shown in  FIG. 8 , case  100  may include rings  801  that may be used for attaching a string or chain to the case. 
         [0040]      FIGS. 9 and 10  are sectional views of a second embodiment case  200 . Case  200  is generally similar to case  100 , except as discussed below. 
         [0041]    Case  200  illustrates an alternative embodiment, wherein the case is rectangular and ridges  115  and  125  are in a linear arrangement along first case portion  110  and second case portion  120 . Case  200  is not specifically shaped for storing any particular article, which may be, for example, a dental retainer in  FIG. 9  and a baby bottle nipple in  FIG. 10 . Case  200  provides for the storage of articles with minimal case contact and having holes  129  for ventilation. 
         [0042]    Thus, while there has been described what is believed to be the preferred embodiment of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the invention. For example, and with out limitation, different clasping and/or hinging mechanisms may be employed, or case top  110  and case bottom  120  may be separate items that snap together to form an enclosed volume, the inner and/or outer geometries may be different and my for example, have oval or square rims  112  and  123 , or may be less domed shape to facilitate stacking of the cases. 
         [0043]    It should be appreciated that in the above description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.