Abstract:
Storage pouches ideal for securing loose and relatively formless items such as necklaces, chains, earrings, and other personal jewelry, including storage pouches comprised of a flexible sheet of material that may be optionally fashioned with pre-formed channels for securing chains and ropes. The storage pouch is closed by folding it in upon itself, and securing it shut with one or more removable fasteners. Other embodiments include pouch material without pre-formed channels, but first folding in to form the channels, then folding upon itself to be secured shut.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to copending U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/058,191, filed on 1 Oct. 2014, which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present disclosure relates generally to organization and protection of small form factor items. More specifically, storage equipment consisting of loops that enables the organization of pendant and necklace-style jewelry, similarly configured items, and associated components is disclosed. 
         [0003]    An object with chains, ropes, or strings, such as a pendant, necklace, or other type of jewelry, typically requires special equipment to prevent getting tangled during travel. Frequently such equipment is limited to a particular type of jewelry and form factor. In particular, currently available equipment for small form factor jewelry lacks modularity, flexibility, and versatility. Furthermore, various types and components of such storage equipment are typically not interchangeable and lack widespread versatility in usage. 
         [0004]    Thus, there exists a need for a means to store jewelry and other similarly sized and configured items in a way that prevents damage to the items, prevents tangling of associated chains, ropes, cords, or strings, and yet is flexible enough to accommodate differences in item size, and is capable of being utilized with other travel and storage accessories. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    The present disclosure is directed to a storage pouch ideal for securing loose and relatively formless items such as necklaces, chains, earrings, and other personal jewelry. The storage pouch is comprised of a flexible sheet of material that may be optionally fashioned with pre-formed channels for securing chains and ropes. The storage pouch is closed by folding it in upon itself, and securing it shut with one or more removable fasteners. Other embodiments have the pouch material without pre-formed channels, but first folding in to form the channels, then folding upon itself to be secured shut. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0006]    The features and attendant advantages of the present invention will be fully appreciated and better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The use of common reference characters across the drawings designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views. 
           [0007]      FIG. 1  is an illustration of a first example storage equipment with two organizing loops, without an end closing flap, that incorporates a mechanism for connecting the loop material together, thereby enabling organization, modularity, portability, and protection of the cord elements (wire, string, chain, etc.) of enclosed jewelry. 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  is an illustration of a second example storage equipment with two organizing loops, with several materials bonded together and with an integrated end closing flap, to offer protection from the outside environment. 
           [0009]      FIG. 3  is another illustration of the second example storage equipment depicted in  FIG. 2 , showing the end closing flap folded shut and attached to the body of the storage equipment, thereby offering protection from the outside environment, enhancing the versatility and portability of the storage equipment in use. 
           [0010]      FIG. 4  is an overhead illustration of the second example storage equipment depicted in  FIG. 2 , showing the organization loops unfolded. 
           [0011]      FIG. 5  is an illustration of protecting and organizing several separated pieces in place. A method such as magnets can be used to further keep different pieces separated. 
           [0012]      FIG. 6  illustrates the embodiment of storing and holding smaller extruded pieces, and such pieces are fully protected when folded over several times. 
           [0013]      FIG. 7  illustrates the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6  in a folded and secured closed configuration. 
       
    
    
       [0014]    The same numbers are used throughout the disclosure and the figures to reference like components and features. Numbers in the  100  series refer to the features originally found in  FIG. 1 ; numbers in the  200  series refer to features originally found in  FIG. 2 ; and so on. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
       [0015]    As discussed above, the majority of additional equipment used to prevent jewelry and other similar small form factor items from tangling are limited to particular types of jewelry and specific form factors. This results in a product that can be limited with respect to widespread application. Moreover, as current storage equipment comes in a range of sizes and configurations such as straws and tubes or, on the opposite spectrum of options, large, expensive boxes with compartments and cases, these available options are ill suited for space efficiency and/or protection from environmental damage while traveling. Furthermore, current solutions are not modular. Rather, existing known storage equipment is permanently linked to the original form factor. 
         [0016]    The embodiments described herein generally relate to storage equipment with a small form factor that enables space efficiency, organization, modularity, portability, versatility, interchangeability, while providing protection of enclosed items. In some embodiments, the small form factor includes one or more flaps made from flexible material that are foldable and held together by bonding mechanisms that are repeatably removable such as Velcro®, Ziploc®, buttons, snaps, or magnetic strips, so as to form one or more loops in which to secure the cord element of an item or items to be stored therein from substantial movement. Further, in some embodiments, the small form factor does not include a flap and bonding mechanism, but is simply comprised of two fixed organizing loops. A bonding mechanism can be used to enable access to the internal components. Additionally, the storage equipment can optionally include a flap or a shielding piece at either or both ends of the storage equipment that provides an enclosing mechanism to protect internal components from damage. 
         [0017]    In the following description and claims, the terms “organizing loop” and “set of loops,” along with their derivatives, may be used. It should be understood that these terms are not intended as synonyms for each other. Rather, in particular embodiments, “set of loops” may mean that two or more elements are organized intentionally as a means to create opportunities for item organization, separation, protection, as well as a variety of other useful applications. 
         [0018]      FIG. 1  is an illustration of a first example storage equipment  100 , comprised of a loop housing (LH) that is folded to create organizing loops. The integrated bonding mechanism to removably secure the folded housing material to create the loops enables organization, modularity, portability, and protection of enclosed items and their associated components. The storage equipment may thus be constructed from any flexible material that can receive an appropriate bonding mechanism. The storage equipment can be manufactured from a variety of different materials, with varying thicknesses and durability. Some examples include microfiber, leather, canvas, plastic, vinyl, woven material, cloth, or any other suitable flexible material now know or later developed. The storage equipment can be made to different sizes to accommodate various types of jewelry or other similar items, e.g., sizes for bracelets, standard or long necklaces, or any size suitable to accommodate a variety of different jewelry types. 
         [0019]    The storage equipment  100  is comprised of two organizing loops  102 , which are formed from flaps  108 . Of the two organizing loops  102  depicted in  FIG. 1 , one of the loops  102  can be made slightly larger so as to allow room for thicker clasps or any end mechanisms of sorts that require extra space to be able to go through the organizing loop  102 . The flexible material used for flaps  108  acts as a helping agent to aid in such processes. 
         [0020]    At least one of the flaps  108  includes a bonding mechanism  104 . The bonding mechanism  104  holds the two flaps  108  in place, thereby creating organizing loops  102 , and allowing item material to be inserted and to move freely through the loops. The bonding mechanism  104  can be of any bonding or adhesive of sorts to keep the structural integrity of the organized loops together as the elongated center length axis, and ideally is a material that creates a removable bond, such as a magnet, magnetic strips, Velcro®, button(s), snap(s), Ziploc®, or other similar material. 
         [0021]    Between each flap  108  lies a center strip  106 , which may be linked through bonding mechanism  104  to create a divider between the two organizing loops  102 , thereby separating and keeping stored item material  110  such as cords, strings, chains, etc. divided. Center strip  106  ideally will include a portion of the bonding mechanism  104 , such as a metal or magnetic strip (where magnets are used for the bonding mechanism), button, snap, or a hook or loop portion where Velcro is used. 
         [0022]    By using a removable bond material for bonding mechanism  104 , the organizing loops  108  may be opened and the entire storage equipment  100  opened flat to allow easy accessibility to stored jewelry and item components if needed, or easy insertion of jewelry or items to be stored. 
         [0023]      FIG. 2  illustrates a second embodiment of a storage equipment  200  with two organizing loops  208  and  210 , with an additional end closing flap  202  of materials bonded to the main body of the storage equipment  200  with an integrated bonding mechanism feature, thereby offering protection from potential damage from outside environments. 
         [0024]    The storage equipment  200  includes two organizing loops  208  created by flaps  210 , analogous to the organizing loops  102  in  FIG. 1 ., which provide two separated areas to hold, secure, and divide any cord, string, chain, or components of sorts. 
         [0025]    The end closing flap  202  extends from the end of storage equipment  200  along its long axis, and is comprised of a flexible tab which protrudes from the set of organizing loops  208  to form a flap or enclosure for the end openings of the organizing loops  208 , and to allow access to any items stored therein. Optionally, a second end closing flap  202  may be located on the opposite end of the storage equipment  200  if a completely enclosable storage is desired. 
         [0026]    End closing flap  202  closes to storage equipment  200  to protect the contents of storage equipment  200  by folding to bonding line  204  and mating to a bonding mechanism  206  that removably holds the end closing flap  202  shut. Depending on the type of bonding mechanism utilized, end closing flap  202  includes the matching portion  212  of the bonding mechanism  206 , such as a magnet, snap, button hole, hook or loop portion, or Ziploc® track, as required. 
         [0027]    To accommodate a range of jewelry or other item sizes, one or both of the organizing loops  208  can be made slightly larger, so as to provide extra room for thicker stored item materials  110  or clasps that needs to run through the loop. 
         [0028]    As with the storage equipment  100  depicted in  FIG. 1 , the flaps  210  are detachably linked together to form organizing loops  208 , utilizing a flexible material to form the organizing loops  208  and provide storage with minimal slippage, so as to securely hold the internal components stored inside. 
         [0029]    Depending on the bonding mechanism utilized, an optional bonding mechanism flap  214  may be provided, and be constructed from a piece of material, adhesion or bonding agent that assists in holding the bonding mechanism  212  components together. 
         [0030]      FIG. 3  is an illustration of the example storage equipment  200 , depicting the end closing flap shut and secure, so as to provide a closed storage equipment  300  that offers protection to enclosed jewelry or other items from the outside environment or potential damage, and further providing versatility and portability in usage. As discussed above, the storage equipment  300  is ideally made of a material that is flexible yet provides minimal slippage, thereby holding stored items securely. By way of example, a material that includes a non-slip interior could be utilized, such as a plastic or cloth exterior with a felt or suede lining. 
         [0031]    The bonding mechanism  304  is used to secure end closing flap  302  to the body of storage equipment  300 , thereby helping to hold the entire enclosure together. 
         [0032]      FIG. 4  is an illustration of storage equipment  400 , a top view of the storage equipment  200  disclosed in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , but with the organizing loops and end closing flap detached from the bonding mechanism and unfolded. 
         [0033]    The storage equipment  400  embodiment described herein generally relates to the idea of protecting small form factor items. As can be seen in  FIG. 4 , unfolding the storage equipment  400  enables easy accessibility to place or remove the jewelry or items to be stored. When folded as depicted in the figures, the storage equipment  400  becomes an enclosure that provides security and protection from potential damage, while ensuring versatility of use. 
         [0034]    The bonding mechanism  402  is analogous to the bonding mechanism  304  depicted in  FIG. 3 , in which the bonding mechanism is used to secure an end closing flap, and thereby help hold the storage equipment together. 
         [0035]    Depending on the mechanism used, a bonding mechanism flap  404  may provided to secure the bonding mechanism  402 , which connects to a mating bonding mechanism on the body of storage equipment  400 . Likewise, a second bonding mechanism flap  406  may be utilized to match with the bonding mechanism  402 . Both bonding mechanism flaps  404  and  406  are comprised of either a separate layer of material, or an adhesive or bonding agent that secures the bonding mechanism to the body of the storage equipment  400 . 
         [0036]    The storage equipment  400  can include folding guides  408 , which assist the user in appropriately placing the jewelry or other items to be stored, along with guiding folding the single flexible piece of material that comprises the storage equipment  400  body into a closed form. 
       Example Embodiment 1 
       [0037]    A set of organizing loops are disclosed. The organizing loops are comprised of two flexible flaps that removably are secured to create a housing (ie. Case, enclosure, etc.) for strings, cords, chains, or anything of sorts. Creating the housing from removably attached flaps enables access to items stored inside. The organizing loops also provide separated spaces to keep the items secured inside separate, preventing them from becoming tangled. 
         [0038]    The enclosure provides shielding from damage from external and potentially internal components. The enclosure includes a means to enclose long strands or pieces of material. The enclosure also ideally minimizes waste and provides for a reusable, versatile, space saving, modular, portable protectant that protects and secures enclosed jewelry or other items from moving around, especially during transportation, and prevents the enclosed items becoming tangled. 
       Example Embodiment 2 
       [0039]    The storage equipment disclosed above also provides a method for storing small form factor jewelry and other similar items in a space efficient, modular, portable, protecting organizer that allows for easy and safe transportation. The method includes opening up a flexible piece of material that includes an embedded bonding mechanism, placing the item(s) to be stored upon the flexible piece of material, and then folding over two flaps of the flexible material and securing them to the embedded bonding material so as to form two organizing loops that enclose the item(s) to be stored. Optionally, flap(s) disposed at one or both end openings of the organizing loops may be further folded over and attached to a second bonding mechanism so as to more fully enclose and protect the item(s) to be stored. 
       Example Embodiment 3 
       [0040]    The storage of pieces that are thicker can be stored in a designated area that acts as storage to protect pieces inside the flap(s) in  501 . The end closing flap can have an open area to hook the storage equipment for display and easy access purposes in  500 , grommets may be used as needed. 
         [0041]    As shown in  FIG. 5 , the disclosed storage pouch can be equipped with an eyelet  500  for hanging or securing the storage pouch on a hook or other protrusion. The storage pouch in  FIG. 5  is comprised of one or more end flaps  501 , which includes apertures  502  that can mate with a corresponding fastener  507 . The storage pouch includes one or more channels  504  through which items can be passed, and then removably secured within the storage pouch by affixing mechanisms  508 . Affixing mechanisms  508  can be anything suitable for removably securing items without harming the secured items, such as magnets, adhesive spots, hook and loop material, buttons, clasps, etc. End flap  501  can be equipped with additional material that covers the ends of secured items as well as affixing mechanisms  508 . In  FIG. 6 , which shows an overhead view of the storage pouch unfolded, optional attachment points  600  can be seen for securing items such as earrings. 
         [0042]    The storage pouch is closed by repeatedly folding along folding lines  503 . Fasteners  507  first pass through apertures on the initially folded flap (not numbered, but shown next to affixing mechanisms  508  in  FIG. 5 ), and then through a second set of apertures  505 . As the pouch is folded further, apertures  502  finally engage with fasteners  507  to secure the storage pouch closed. The storage pouch in its closed configuration is seen in  FIG. 7 , where secured fasteners  700  are shown on the outer surface. The inner folds  701  are visible along the side of the closed and secured storage pouch.