Abstract:
Apparatus and methods for storing and carrying personal item. In one embodiment, the storage container is nested within a pair of opposing hooks in a stowed position. In a deployed position, the container can be rotated relative to each of the hooks. Further, one of the hooks can be moved to a deployed position such that the apparatus can be hung from the deployed hook, and further such that an object such as a coat or a purse can be suspended from the second hook.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/408.582, filed Nov. 3, 2010, titled PERSONAL HYGIENE DEVICE, incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Some embodiments of the present invention pertain to apparatus for safe storage and transportation of personal hygiene devices, and in particular to such devices adapted and configured to hang from a door. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    One aspect of the present invention pertain to an apparatus for storing objects. Some embodiments include a container having an interior and first and second ends and an opening providing access to the interior. Other embodiments include a support member rotatably coupled to the container, the member having two ends, one of the ends being generally in the shape of a first hook. Yet other embodiments include a second hook having an opened end, the second hook being coupled to the support member proximate the other end of the support member and movable between stowed and deployed positions relative to the support member, wherein in the stowed position the opened end of said second hook can receive therein an end of the container, and in the deployed position the second hook and the first hook have the general shape of an “S”. 
         [0004]    Another aspect of the present invention pertains to a container having an interior and first and second ends, an opening providing access to the interior, and a cap covering the opening. Other embodiments include first and second hooks each having an opened end and each hook extending from the container, the first hook being positionable to support the container, the second hook being positionable to support an object from the container; wherein the container is rotatable relative to the first and second hooks. 
         [0005]    It will be appreciated that the various apparatus and methods described in this summary section, as well as elsewhere in this application, can be expressed as a large number of different combinations and subcombinations. All such useful, novel, and inventive combinations and subcombinations are contemplated herein, it being recognized that the explicit expression of each of these combinations is unnecessary. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0006]    Some of the figures shown herein may include dimensions. Further, some of the figures shown herein may have been created from scaled drawings or from photographs that are scalable. It is understood that such dimensions, or the relative scaling within a figure, are by way of example, and not to be construed as limiting. 
           [0007]      FIG. 1   a  is a front plan view of a personal hygiene device according to one embodiment of the present invention shown in the closed position. 
           [0008]      FIG. 1   b  is a right side elevational view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1   a.    
           [0009]      FIG. 1   c  is a top plan view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1   a.    
           [0010]      FIG. 2   a  is a front plan view of a personal hygiene device according to one embodiment of the present invention shown in the opened position. 
           [0011]      FIG. 2   b  is a right side elevational view of the apparatus of  FIG. 2   a.    
           [0012]      FIG. 2   c  is a top plan view of the apparatus of  FIG. 2   a.    
           [0013]      FIG. 3   a  is a front elevational view of a part of the assembly of  FIG. 1   a.    
           [0014]      FIG. 3   b  is a right side elevational view of the apparatus of  FIG. 3   a.    
           [0015]      FIG. 3   c  is a top plan view of the apparatus of  FIG. 3   a.    
           [0016]      FIG. 3   d  is a front elevational view of a part of the assembly of  FIG. 1   a.    
           [0017]      FIG. 3   e  is a right side elevational view of the apparatus of  FIG. 3   d.    
           [0018]      FIG. 3   f  is a top plan view of the apparatus of  FIG. 3   d.    
           [0019]      FIG. 4   a  is a front elevational view of a part of the assembly of  FIG. 1   a.    
           [0020]      FIG. 4   b  is a right side elevational view of the apparatus of  FIG. 4   a.    
           [0021]      FIG. 4   c  is a top plan view of the apparatus of  FIG. 4   a.    
           [0022]      FIG. 5   a  is a front elevational view of a part of the assembly of  FIG. 1   a.    
           [0023]      FIG. 5   b  is a right side elevational view of the apparatus of  FIG. 5   a.    
           [0024]      FIG. 5   c  is a top plan view of the apparatus of  FIG. 5   a.    
           [0025]      FIG. 6   a  is a front elevational view of a part of the assembly of  FIG. 1   a.    
           [0026]      FIG. 6   b  is a right side elevational view of the apparatus of  FIG. 6   a.    
           [0027]      FIG. 6   c  is a top plan view of the apparatus of  FIG. 6   a.    
           [0028]      FIG. 7   a  is a top, front, right, perspective view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1   a.    
           [0029]      FIG. 7   b  is a view of the apparatus of  FIG. 7   a , except rotated to a partially opened position. 
           [0030]      FIG. 7   c  shows the apparatus of  FIG. 7   a  in the fully opened position. 
           [0031]      FIG. 8   a  is a top, front, right, perspective view of an apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0032]      FIG. 8   b  is a top, rear, right, perspective view of the apparatus of  FIG. 8   a.    
           [0033]      FIG. 9   a  is a perspective view of an apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0034]      FIG. 9   b  is a perspective view of the apparatus of  FIG. 9   a.    
           [0035]      FIG. 10   a  is a close-up of a portion of the apparatus of  FIG. 8   b.    
           [0036]      FIG. 10   b  is a close-up view of the portion of  FIG. 10   a  from a different angle. 
           [0037]      FIG. 11   a  is a close-up of the top of  FIG. 8   a.    
           [0038]      FIG. 11   b  is a portion of the assembly of  FIG. 11   a.    
           [0039]      FIG. 11   c  is a view of the apparatus of  FIG. 11   b  as taken from the rear. 
           [0040]      FIG. 11   d  is a view of the apparatus of  FIG. 11   a  as taken from the rear. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0041]    For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. At least one embodiment of the present invention will be described and shown, and this application may show and/or describe other embodiments of the present invention. It is understood that any reference to “the invention” is a reference to an embodiment of a family of inventions, with no single embodiment including an apparatus, process, or composition that should be included in all embodiments, unless otherwise stated. Further, although there may be discussion with regards to “advantages” provided by some embodiments of the present invention, it is understood that yet other embodiments may not include those same advantages, or may include yet different advantages. Any advantages described herein are not to be construed as limiting to any of the claims. 
         [0042]    The use of an N-series prefix for an element number (NXX.XX) refers to an element that is the same as the non-prefixed element (XX.XX), except as shown and described thereafter The usage of words indicating preference, such as “preferably,” refers to features and aspects that are present in at least one embodiment, but which are optional for some embodiments. As an example, an element  1020 . 1  would be the same as element  20 . 1 , except for those different features of element  1020 . 1  shown and described. Further, common elements and common features of related elements are drawn in the same manner in different figures, and/or use the same symbology in different figures. As such, it is not necessary to describe the features of  1020 . 1  and  20 . 1  that are the same, since these common features are apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the related field of technology. This description convention also applies to the use of prime (′), double prime (″), and triple prime (′″) suffixed element numbers. Therefore, it is not necessary to describe the features of  20 . 1 ,  20 . 1 ′,  20 . 1 ″, and  20 . 1 ′″ that are the same, since these common features are apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the related field of technology. 
         [0043]    Although various specific quantities (spatial dimensions, temperatures, pressures, times, force, resistance, current, voltage, concentrations, wavelengths, frequencies, heat transfer coefficients, dimensionless parameters, etc.) may be stated herein, such specific quantities are presented as examples only, and further, unless otherwise noted, are approximate values, and should be considered as if the word “about” prefaced each quantity. Further, with discussion pertaining to a specific composition of matter, that description is by example only, and does not limit the applicability of other species of that composition, nor does it limit the applicability of other compositions unrelated to the cited composition. 
         [0044]    Each of the drawings shown herein are presented substantially as scaled drawings. However, the scalings indicated on some drawings (such as scale of 3:4 on  FIG. 2   a ) are not accurate. Further,  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  3 ,  4 , and  5  are shown in a standard orthogonal format. Additionally, more numbers and arrows on some drawings, such as  FIG. 2   b  and  FIGS. 3 ,  4 ,  5 , and  6  represent dimensions (in centimeters) for a particular embodiment. It will be appreciated that some drawings are shown in a wire frame format, whereas other drawings (such as  FIG. 7 ) are shown with shaded external surfaces. 
         [0045]      FIG. 1  show three orthogonal views of a portable personal hygiene device  20  according to one embodiment of the present invention. Device  20  includes a rotatable assembly  22  that is pivotally coupled to a hanging assembly  24 . In one embodiment, the external dimensions of assemblies  22  and  24  are adapted and configured to provide a compact overall envelope, as best seen in  FIG. 1   c.    FIG. 1  show device  20  in the closed position, which is suitable for carrying. 
         [0046]      FIG. 2  show the device of  FIG. 1  in the opened position. Device  20 ′ includes a sliding hook  40 ′ that translates along a guide  36   a  of hanging assembly  24 ′. Hanging assembly  24 ′ supports rotatable assembly  22 ′ such that a relative rotational displacement of about ninety degrees can be established between static assembly  24 ′ and rotating assembly  22 ′ in an anti-clockwise direction (with reference to  FIG. 2   a ). As best seen in  FIG. 2   b , the extended position of hook  40 ′ is to the rear of device  20 ′. A second, static hook  32  extends forward on assembly  24 ′, in a direction opposite to that established by hook  40 ′. In some embodiments, sliding hook  40 ′ is adapted and configured to support device  20 ′ from a doorway (such as the doorway to a stall or partition of a stall in a public restroom). Static hood  32  is oriented in the upward direction in order to accommodate a coat, handbag, briefcase or other clothing of the restroom user. As best seen in  FIG. 2   b , when sliding hook  40  is extended to a deployed position the hooks  40  and  32  resemble an “S” shape. 
         [0047]    Although what&#39;s been shown and described is a hook  40  that is movable relative to spine  30  such that it slides relative to spine  30 , yet other embodiments are not so constrained. In one embodiment, hook  40  is rotatably movable relative to spine  40 . In such embodiments, hook  40  is rotatably coupled to spine  30 , and with reference to FIG.  2   b,  could be rotated one hundred and eighty degrees about a centerline extending along spine  30 . In such embodiments, the opened end of the hook  40  can include a projecting shoulder, similar to the shoulder of hook  32 . 
         [0048]      FIGS. 3   a ,  3   b , and  3   c  show a component of device  20  in three orthogonal views. Main spine  30  includes an elongated central member that interconnects a static hook  32  at one end, and a T-shape guide  36   a  at the other end. As best seen in  FIG. 3   a , guide  36   a  includes a pair of laterally and oppositely extending flanges that are connected by a central neck  38 . Referring to  FIG. 3   b , it can be seen that the flanges  36   a  extend along a depth relative to the central joining member. The static hook  32  at the bottom of spine  30  extends forward in a manner and depth similar to that of guide  36 . Hook  32  preferably includes a vertically upward-extending nose around which a clothing loop or clothing cuff can be hung. About midway along the central joining member and intermediate of guide  36  and hook  32  is a semi-spherical indentation  34  used for joining spine  30  to rotatable assembly  22 . 
         [0049]      FIGS. 3   d ,  3   e , and  3   f  are orthogonal views of a hook  40  that receives within a slot  46  the T-shape guide  36  of spine  30 . Referring to  FIG. 3   d , slot  46  can be seen having an upper, horizontal slot that accepts the lateral flanges  36   a  of spine  30 . A central portion of slot  46  is adapted and configured to receive neck  38 . Preferably, hook  40  includes a pair of stabilizing shoulders  48 . Shoulders  48  are received around neck  38  in the closed position. When hook  40  is slid to the open position, shoulders  48  comprise a downward projection as part of a hook structure in conjunction with the central member of spine  30  (as seen previously in  FIG. 2   b ). 
         [0050]      FIG. 4  show orthogonal views of a generally cylindrical body  50  according to one embodiment of the present invention. Body  50  includes an integrally molded and semi-spherical ball  54  that is located intermediate of the ends (as best seen in  FIG. 4   b ), and which is received in the assembled device  20  by the socket  34  of spine  30 . A fastener (not shown) completes attachment of ball  54  to socket  34 . 
         [0051]    Referring to  FIGS. 4   a  and  4   c , cylinder  50  defines an internal volume  53  that is adapted and configured to receive within it an item of personal hygiene, such as a roll of toilet paper  10 . Cylinder  50  further defines a slot  56  through which the item received within interior  53  can be externally accessed by the user. 
         [0052]      FIG. 5  show three orthogonal views of a clip-on compartment  60 . Compartment  60  includes a pair of cylindrical segments  63  that are interconnected by a cylindrical storage compartment  62 . As best seen in  FIG. 5   b , the clips  63  are adapted and configured (preferably by a combination of wall thickness, material stiffness, and cutout angle) to be expanded to receive within them an end of cylinder  50 . Compartment  62  defines an internal volume for storage of another item of personal hygiene, such as a toothbrush or a tampon. 
         [0053]      FIG. 6  show orthogonal views of an end cap  70  according to one embodiment of the present invention. End cap  70  includes an axle  76  coupled to an endplate  72 . A knurled finger grip  74  extends around the periphery of endplate  72 . Further, as best seen in  FIG. 6   b , endplate  72  can also include an angular segment of reduced thickness, which is useful either for applying a moment to end cap  70 , or to visibly show the angular orientation of endcap  70 . In some embodiments, axle  76  is adapted and configured to be received within the hollow support tube of a roll of toilet paper. In one embodiment, device  20  includes a pair of endcaps  70  that are received within different ends of cylinder  50  (as seen in  FIGS. 1   b  and  2   a ). In some embodiments, endplates  72  include latching features for coupling the endplate to the ends of outer cylinder  50 . In yet other embodiments the internal end of axle  76  is adapted and configured to interlock with the other axle inserted within the cylinder  50 . End caps  70  preferably defines an internal cavity  78  suitable for storage of personal hygiene items, such as wet wipes or toilet seat covers by way of example. 
         [0054]      FIG. 7  show device  20  being reconfigured from the closed configuration ( FIG. 7   a ) to the open configuration ( FIG. 7   c ). Referring to  FIG. 7   b , it can be seen that the periphery of the end caps  70  come closest to spine  30  in a partially opened state. The length and diameter of cylinder  50  and the distance between the upper surface of hook  32  and the lower surface of guide  36  are adapted and configured to provide clearance between rotating assembly  22  and static assembly  24  in the position depicted in  FIG. 7   b.    
         [0055]      FIG. 8  show a personal hygiene device  120  according to another embodiment of the present invention. Device  120  operates and is constructed in a manner similar to that of device  20 , except as will now be shown and described.  FIG. 8   a  shows the rotating assembly  122  in the closed and fully nested position within hanging assembly  124 . Portably personal hygiene device  120  includes a pair of storage compartments  162  that are coupled to clip assembly  160 . Referring to  FIG. 8   b , it can be seen that a knob  158  provides a connection between spine  130  and rotatable assembly  122 . 
         [0056]      FIG. 9  show perspective views of a cylinder  150  according to another embodiment of the present invention. Cylinder  150  includes an integral end cap  151   a.  And integrally molded axle  151   b  extends inwardly within volume  153 . Therefore, device  120  includes only a single, separate end cap  170 . In some embodiments, the separate end cap  170  includes an internal cavity  178  for storage of personal hygiene devices. In yet other embodiments, and as best seen in  FIG. 9   b , integral end cap  150   a  includes an internal cavity  178  for storage of personal hygiene items. 
         [0057]      FIG. 9   b  shows the integrally molded knob  158  that is part of cylinder  150 . Knob  158  includes a central, cylindrical portion, and two outwardly extending projections  158   a  and  158   b.    
         [0058]      FIG. 10  depict the attachment of cylinder  150  to spine  130 . Spine  130  includes a cutout slot  139  in place of the socket  34  of spine  30 . This cutout  139  includes a generally spherical central portion  139   b  with a pair of elongate slots  139   a  on opposite sides of the central hole. In order to assemble cylinder  150  to spine  130 , knob  158  is aligned with slot  139 , and pushed through the central wall of spine  130  until the projections  158   b  extend past the back surface of the central wall. Cylinder  160  is then rotated about the axis created by placement of cylinder  158   b  within central aperture  139   b.  Cylinder  160  is rotated until a projection  158   a  encounters a flexible projecting latch  137   a.  Since latch  137   a  is flexible, the operator can continue rotating cylinder  160  until the projection  158   a  snaps across latch  137   a  from one side to the other side. 
         [0059]    In this position, cylinder  160  is able to rotate 90 degrees relative to spine  130 . Limits on this relative rotation are established by latch  137   a  and stop  137   b.  As shown in  FIG. 10   a , cylinder  160  is in the closed position. As seen in  FIG. 10   b , the projection  139   a  is in contact with stop  137   b,  and the cylinder  160  is in the opened position. In order to remove cylinder  160  from spine  130 , the cylinder is returned to the closed position, and the operator bends latch  137   a  so that it does not interfere with rotation of projection  158   a  back toward slot  139 . 
         [0060]      FIG. 11  depict the coupling of sliding latch  140  to spine  130 .  FIG. 11   a  shows hook  140  in the closed, fully-nested position on spine  130 .  FIG. 11   b  shows hook  140  removed from spine  130 . A fastener  125  extends within a hole  141 . 
         [0061]      FIG. 11   c  shows spine  130  without sliding hook  140 . Spine  130  defines a female guide slot  136   b.  Referring to  FIG. 11   d , the fastener  125  attaches to hook  140  a pin  142  that is adapted and configured to be received within slot  136   b.  Pin  142  is attached to hook  140  after placement of the hook on spine  130 , in one embodiment. As can be appreciated from  FIG. 11   d , hook  140  can be slid backwards (i.e., toward the viewer out of the plane of  FIG. 11   d ), and the sliding motion of hook  140  will be stopped by contact of pin  142  with an end of slot  136   b.    
         [0062]    While the inventions have been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only certain embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected.