Patent Publication Number: US-11641983-B2

Title: Soap travel case

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/740,015, filed Oct. 2, 2018. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not applicable. 
     THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT 
     Not applicable. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to devices used to keep a bar of soap dry during transport or travel. 
     Technology in the Field of the Invention 
     It is known virtually worldwide to use a bar of soap for washing. Millions of people use soap every day for the washing of hands and body. The traditional bar of soap comprises a dry material that becomes a surface acting agent (or “surfactant”) when applied to human skin with water. The soap is generally made by treating vegetable or animal oils and fats with a strongly alkaline solution. 
     While traveling or using shared bathing areas such as a communal shower, it is commonplace to place the bar of soap in a travel case or other enclosure after use. Such a travel case allows for storage of the soap and prevents soap residue from being transferred to items or products stored in close proximity thereto. However, this creates a problem as a pool of water tends to collect under the bar of soap after use. Moreover, the bar tends to retain and even absorb at least a small amount of water while it sits in the pool, causing the soap to become gooey. This “goo” becomes a source of soap loss. Over the life of a bar of soap, it is estimated 15 to 20% of soap volume may disintegrate, slough off the bar, or adhere to the travel case due to this condition. As a result, the life of the bar of soap is substantially shortened. 
     To diminish this problem, some have created soap travel cases having ridges along a bottom surface. The soap is placed on top of the ridges in the case, allowing the soap to rest above shallow pool of water that may form between uses. However, the ridges tend to create only very shallow trenches, meaning that in some cases the bar of soap is still in contact with water. In addition, moisture residing on or in the bar can become trapped along the soap case ridges. Further, traditional soap travel cases do not fix the soap in a given position, and the soap slides against the various surfaces of the case. Soap travel cases may become inverted during travel or transport to/from the bathing area causing the unfixed soap to rest on a non-ridged surface, thereby exposing the soap to the water or moisture within the case. 
     To avoid these issues, many manufacturers have begun providing soap in liquid form, wherein the soap is dispensed from a container using a pump. In the U.S. and Europe, liquid soap has become a significant portion of soap sales. However, for several reasons liquid soap has a higher environmental impact than bar soap, not the least of which is that liquid soap requires several times more energy for raw material production and 20 times more energy for packaging production than bar soap. Further, liquid soap tends to be more expensive than bar soap. Additionally, liquid soap is heavier and more voluminous than bar soap on a per-wash basis, making travel with the liquid soap more cumbersome. Also, as a result of bulky liquid soap containers, shipping liquid soap requires more space and more fuel to transport the same number of cleanings. It is also observed that empty liquid soap containers add several million pounds of plastic trash each year. 
     To address the troublesome development of soap “goo” on a bar of soap, U.S. Pat. No. 9,307,870 (the &#39;870 Patent) and U.S. application Ser. No. 29/580,678, both of which are incorporated herein in their entireties by reference, disclose a soap support that attaches to an off-the shelf bar of soap. The soap support claimed in the &#39;870 patent prevents the bar of soap from resting in a pool of water after use thereof, allowing the soap to dry quickly and remain dry between uses. However, the soap support of the &#39;870 patent is not configured for travel, and thus does not address the issue of preventing the development of soap “goo” while a bar of soap resides within a travel case. 
     Accordingly, a need exists for a device that replaces the traditional soap travel case or, alternatively, that supplements traditional travel cases. Further, a need exists for a device or system that permits transport of soap while simultaneously preventing the soap from contacting moisture or any pool of water that is arise during such transportation. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A case for a bar of soap is provided herein. The case comprises a base and a lid with a plurality of surfaces. The base includes a receiving portion, and the case is configured to releasably hold and secure a bar of soap in a given vertical and horizontal position. In one embodiment, the bar of soap is attached to a soap support and the case is configured to releasably hold and secure the soap support such that the bar of soap is prevented from contacting the plurality of surfaces, base, lid, or a combination thereof. 
     The receiving portion can be defined by one or more walls. The case can further comprise at least one locking tab, wherein the locking tab selectively secures a bar of soap in a given vertical position when the case assumes a closed position. 
     In one embodiment, the receiving portion comprises a contoured surface that is complementary to a contoured surface of the soap support. 
     The lid can include a means for reversibly securing the bar of soap in a given vertical position when the case assumes a closed position. 
     A method of supporting a bar of soap within a case is also disclosed herein. The method includes reversibly securing a bar of soap to a soap case, when the bar of soap is attached to a soap support. The method further includes maintaining the bar of soap in a given vertical and horizontal position when the soap case is in a closed position. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       So that the manner in which the present invention can be better understood, certain illustrations, charts and/or flow charts are appended hereto. It is to be noted, however, that the drawings illustrate only selected embodiments of the inventions and are therefore not to be considered limiting of scope, for the inventions can admit to other equally effective embodiments and applications. 
         FIG.  1    is a top perspective view of a soap travel case, in one embodiment. In this view, the soap travel case is in a closed position. 
         FIG.  2    is another top perspective view of the soap travel case of  FIG.  1   . Here, the lid is shown partially open to reveal a bar of soap within the case. 
         FIG.  3 A  is a bottom view of the soap travel case of  FIG.  1   . Here, the bottom surface base is shown with two locking clips embedded therein. 
         FIG.  3 B  presents a spring-loaded locking clip removed from the base of the soap travel case, under one embodiment. 
         FIG.  4    shows an off-the-shelf bar of soap connected to a soap support in one embodiment. Two illustrative locking notches are visible in the soap support. 
         FIG.  5    is another top perspective view of the soap travel case of  FIG.  1   . The lid is shown closing over a bar of soap. 
         FIG.  6    is a cross-sectional, enlarged view of the locking mechanism used in the exemplary soap case of  FIG.  1   . A locking clip is shown extending into the locking notches of the soap support of  FIG.  4   . 
         FIG.  7    provides a photographic side perspective view of a soap case with locking tabs, under one embodiment. 
         FIG.  8    is a photographic top perspective view of the soap case of  FIG.  7   . 
         FIG.  9    presents a photographic view of the bottom surface of the soap case of  FIG.  7   . 
         FIG.  10    provides an alternative top perspective view of the soap case of  FIG.  7   . 
         FIG.  11    is a top photographic view of a soap case under an alternative embodiment. The case is shown open with a vertical tension band across the lid. 
         FIG.  12    is a side perspective view of the soap case of  FIG.  11   . 
         FIG.  13    is a top perspective view of the soap case of  FIG.  11    in an enclosed position. 
         FIG.  14    is a front view of the soap case of  FIG.  11   . 
         FIG.  15 A  and  FIG.  15 B  provide side, cross-sectional views of a soap travel case and reveal an exemplary locking mechanism under an alternative embodiment. 
         FIG.  16 A  and  FIG.  16 B  show exploded perspective views of a substantially circular travel case under one embodiment. 
         FIG.  17    provides a perspective view of a soap travel case with a sliding lid under one embodiment. 
         FIG.  18    shows a top view of a soap travel case with a sliding lid in an alternative embodiment. The bar of soap is shown in phantom to reveal the floor of the travel case. 
         FIG.  19    shows a top perspective view of a soap travel case with a sliding lid under another embodiment. The lid is shown open to reveal the base with a soap support stand disposed therein. 
         FIG.  20    provides a bottom perspective view of the sop travel case of  FIG.  19   . 
         FIG.  21    shows a front side perspective view of the soap travel case of  FIG.  19   . 
         FIG.  22    shows a back side perspective view of the soap travel case of  FIG.  19   . 
         FIG.  23    provides an exploded view showing various components of the soap travel case of  FIG.  19   . 
         FIG.  24    shows a partially exploded, top perspective view of the soap travel case of  FIG.  19   . 
         FIG.  25    provides a perspective view of a locking clip isolated from the  FIG.  19    embodiment. 
         FIG.  26    is top perspective view of an exemplary soap support for use in the  FIG.  19    embodiment. 
         FIG.  27    is a top cross-sectional view of the soap case of  FIG.  19   . The cross section is taken along the longitudinal axis at the level of the locking notch of the soap support to reveal an exemplary locking mechanism of  FIG.  19   . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Definitions 
     The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The use of the word “a” or “an” when used in conjunction with the term “comprising” in the claims and/or the specification can mean “one,” but it is also consistent with the meaning of “one or more,” “at least one,” and “one or more than one.” 
     Wherever any of the phrases “for example,” “such as,” “including” and the like are used herein, the phrase “and without limitation” is understood to follow unless explicitly stated otherwise. Similarly “an example,” “exemplary” and the like are understood to be nonlimiting. 
     The term “substantially” allows for deviations from the descriptor that do not negatively impact the intended purpose. Descriptive terms are understood to be modified by the term “substantially” even if the word “substantially” is not explicitly recited. Therefore, for example, the phrase “wherein the lever extends vertically” means “wherein the lever extends substantially vertically” so long as a precise vertical arrangement is not necessary for the lever to perform its function. 
     The terms “comprising” and “including” and “having” and “involving” (and similarly “comprises,” “includes,” “has,” and “involves”) and the like are used interchangeably and have the same meaning. Specifically, each of the terms is defined consistent with the common United States patent law definition of “comprising” and is therefore interpreted to be an open term meaning “at least the following,” and is also interpreted not to exclude additional features, limitations, aspects, etc. Thus, for example, “a process involving steps a, b, and c” means that the process includes at least steps a, b and c. Wherever the terms “a” or “an” are used, “one or more” is understood, unless such interpretation is nonsensical in context. 
     As used herein the term “about” is used herein to mean approximately, roughly, around, or in the region of. When the term “about” is used in conjunction with a numerical range, it modifies that range by extending the boundaries above and below the numerical values set forth. In general, the term “about” is used herein to modify a numerical value above and below the stated value by a variance of 20 percent up or down (higher or lower). 
     For purposes of the present disclosure, it is noted that spatially relative terms, such as “up,” “down,” “right,” “left,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper” and the like, can be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature&#39;s relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over or rotated, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device can be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. 
     As used herein, the term “bar of soap” means any solid cake of surfactant material. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS 
     Detailed descriptions of one or more embodiments are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in any appropriate manner. 
     Provided herein in various exemplary embodiments is a soap case configured to releasably secure a bar of soap both vertically and horizontally within the case. Thus, when secured within the soap case, a bar of soap does not contact any surface of the case, even if the case becomes inverted during transport. Furthermore, the presently disclosed embodiments permit air to circulate around the entire surface of the soap to promote drying and prevent the transfer of soap residue to the soap case. In preferred embodiments, the soap travel case is configured to secure the soap both vertically and horizontally when the case is in an enclosed position. The case can be further configured to release the bar of soap from the restraint upon opening of the soap case. In certain embodiments, the soap case automatically secures the soap in a locked vertical and horizontal position upon closing or automatically disengages the bar of soap from horizontal and vertical restraint upon opening. In alternative embodiments, a user manually engages the bar of soap in a secured position or manually disengages the bar of soap from the secured position. 
       FIGS.  1  and  2    provide top perspective views of a soap case  100  in one embodiment. In  FIG.  1   , a lid  110  is shown in a closed position over a base  105 . In  FIG.  2   , the lid  110  is partially open to reveal the interior of the soap travel case  100 . The soap travel case  100  will be introduced with reference to  FIGS.  1  and  2    together. 
     The soap travel case  100  first includes a base  105  and a lid  110 . In the arrangement of  FIGS.  1  and  2   , the lid  110  includes two side walls  112 , a top surface  114 , a front wall  116 , and a back surface (more clearly seen at  118  of  FIG.  3 A ). The lid  110  is shown hingedly attached to the base  105 . In alternative embodiments, the lid  110  is capable of being completely lifted off, slid off, or otherwise removed from the base  105 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  1   , the walls of the lid  112 ,  114 ,  116  extend substantially over the base  105  to enclose a bar of soap that is secured therein ( 201  at  FIG.  2   ). In  FIG.  2   , the base  105  is shown with a bar of soap  201  reversibly secured thereto. The soap  201  is shown in phantom to partially reveal the mechanism by which the soap is reversibly secured to the base  105  (discussed in more detail below). A locking tab  155  of a locking clip (more clearly seen in  FIGS.  3 A and  3 B  at  150 ), which forms an integral part of the locking mechanism, can be seen extending from a hole, gap, notch, indentation, or groove of the base  105  when the lid  110  is partially open. Also in  FIG.  2   , an interior surface  113  of one side wall  112  is visible. 
       FIG.  3 A  provides of perspective view of the soap travel case  100  in a closed position and inverted relative to  FIG.  1   . In the  FIG.  3 A  arrangement, a bottom surface  106  of the base  105  shown. A channel  120  in the bottom surface  106  can be seen and a pair of locking clips  150  is shown residing partially within the channel  120 . The walls of the channel  120  define a receiving portion (visible at  170  in the top perspective views of  FIGS.  7 ,  8 , and  10   ) of the soap case  100  that is configured to receive and hold a soap support ( 220  of  FIG.  4   ) and an associated bar of soap (see  201  at  FIGS.  2  &amp;  4 - 5   ). 
     The  FIG.  3 A  embodiment also includes one or more feet  140 . The feet  140  reside along the bottom surface  106  of the base  105 . The feet  140  are dimensioned to support the base  105  and the soap travel case  100  on a support surface. In the arrangement of  FIGS.  3 A , the feet  140  are fabricated from a rubber or elastomeric material. This prevents the soap travel case  100  from slipping on the support surface. In embodiments, the feet  140  can be fabricated from the same material as the base  105 . 
     In the arrangement of  FIG.  3 A , the feet  140  are placed along the bottom corners of the base  105 . In alternative embodiments, the feet can be placed at any location or at any interval along the bottom surface  106  of the base  105 . In this embodiment, all of the feet  140  have the same height. 
     It is understood that the bottom surface  106  can have more or fewer feet  140  than that pictured in  FIG.  3 A . It is also understood that the feet  140  can have a circular (or arcuate) profile or a polygonal profile. 
     A plurality of ventilation holes  130  is also visible in  FIG.  3 A  embodiment. The ventilation holes  130  allow air to access a bar of soap (seen at  201  in  FIGS.  2  and  4 - 6   ) when the bar of soap is enclosed within the soap case  100 . In the  FIG.  3 A  embodiment, the ventilation holes  130  are substantially circular and are shown at each of the corners of the bottom surface  106  of the soap support  100 . However, it is understood that these are merely illustrative and that any number, shape, size, or arrangement of ventilation holes  130  can be provided. Certain embodiments do not comprise ventilation holes  130 . 
       FIG.  3 B  shows an enlarged view of the locking clip  150  of  FIG.  3 A  removed from the soap travel case  100 . The locking clip  150  comprises a body  156  that is integrally connect to a locking tab  155  and includes two radial spring arms  152 . A protrusion extends beyond the point of attachment of the spring arms  152  to from a flange  153  that acts in concert with a soap support (shown at  220  in  FIG.  4   ) to secure a bar of soap to the base  105  of the soap travel case  100 . 
       FIG.  4    shows an off-the shelf bar of soap  201  attached to a soap support  220 . In this embodiment, the soap support  220  comprises at least one locking notch  253  configured to receive the flange  153  of the locking clip  150 . In this embodiment, the soap support  220  comprises a sinusoidal shape that continues around the soap support  220 . 
       FIG.  5    reveals another top perspective view of the soap travel case  100 , wherein the lid  110  is moved in the direction of arrow  162  to a closed position. As the lid moves in the direction of arrow  162 , the interior surface (seen at  113  of  FIG.  2   ) of the side wall  112  presses against the locking tab  155  such that the locking clip  150  moves in the direction of arrow  167 . Thus, when fully closed, the flange  153  of the locking clip  150  is maximally extended into the receiving portion ( 170  of  FIGS.  7 ,  8 , and  10   ) of the base  105 . When so situated, the flange  153  is positioned to engage the at least one locking notch  253  of a soap support  220  resting within the receiving portion ( 170  of  FIGS.  7 ,  8 , and  10   ) of the base  105  (more clearly shown in  FIG.  6   ). As shown in the  FIG.  5    embodiment, the locking tab  155  can be tapered or generally triangular such that the thickness of the tab  155  increases with proximity to the body  156  of the locking clip  150  (more clearly seen in the tab  155  of  FIG.  6   ). 
       FIG.  6    provides a cross-sectional, enlarged view of the corner of a closed soap support under one embodiment.  FIG.  6    shows the locking mechanism used in the exemplary soap case of  FIG.  1   . As shown, the lid  110  is closed, and the interior surface  113  of the side wall  112  has fully depressed the tab  155  of the locking clip  150  such that the flange  153  of the locking clip  150  is maximally extended into the receiving portion ( 170  of  FIGS.  7 ,  8 , and  10   ) of the base to engage the at least one locking notch  253  of the soap support  220 . When so disposed, the soap support  220  and the soap  201  tethered thereto are secured both horizontally and vertically within the soap travel case  100 . Thus, the soap  201  is prevented from sliding within the case  100  and remains in a constant position within the case  100 . Importantly, this prevents the soap from contacting any of the various interior surfaces of the soap case  100 , and, hence, the soap avoids contact with any water or moisture that can pool or otherwise collect on such interior surfaces. In addition, all faces of the soap  201  are exposed to air to accelerate drying of the soap  201  and prevent the formation of “goo” between uses. 
     The use of locking tabs  150  as shown in the  FIGS.  5  &amp;  6    embodiments is merely exemplary. The soap case  100  can have any number of locking tabs suitable to secure a bar of soap  201  in a fixed horizontal and vertical position. Embodiments can comprise up to ten locking tabs. Certain embodiments comprise between one and five locking tabs. Further, the location of the locking tabs may vary in alternative embodiments. The locking tabs can be placed on the sides (as shown in  FIGS.  2 ,  3 A,  5 , and  6   ) or the locking tabs can be on the front or back of the soap case  100 . In one embodiment, a single locking tab is placed along either of the sides, the front, the back, or the undersurface of the soap case  100 . 
       FIG.  7    presents a side view of a soap travel case  100  under one embodiment. The soap case is shown without an associated soap support or bar of soap. The receiving portion  170  is enclosed within a continuous wall  172  that is formed from the channel  120  that is visible from the undersurface  106  of the soap case (see  FIGS.  3 A and  9   ). The tab  155  of a single locking clip  150  is shown on one side of the case  100 , while the locking clip is removed from the opposite side of the case to reveal the hole, gap, notch, indentation, or groove  109  through which the tab of the locking clip would otherwise extend. As shown, the floor  175  of the receiving portion is flat. However, in alternative embodiments, the floor  175  can comprise a shape or texture that is complementary to that of the soap support ( 220  of  FIG.  4   ). In embodiments wherein the shape or texture of the floor is complementary to that of the soap support  220 , the floor  175  and the walls  172  of the receiving portion  170  provides additional support to the soap support and can further prevent at least the horizontal displacement of the soap support and associated bar of soap during transport. (See  FIGS.  11 ,  12   , &amp;  14 ). 
       FIG.  8    is a top, perspective view of the case of  FIG.  7   . In this view, the receiving portion walls  172  define an oval-shaped receiving portion  170  configured to receive the soap support and bar of soap attached thereto. Also visible in this view is the opening  171  through which the flange ( 153  of  FIG.  3 B ) of the locking clip  150  extends to vertically and horizontally secure a soap support ( 220  of  FIG.  4   ) when the lid  110  of the soap case  100  is in a closed position. 
     The oval shape of the receiving portion  170  is merely exemplary. The receiving portion  170  can assume any shape that is complementary to that of the soap support. The receiving portion  170  can be polygonal, circular, or elliptical. Polygonal embodiments can have sharp or rounded corners. The receiving portion  170  can be in the shape of a rectangle, triangle, square, pentagon, hexagon, heptagon, octagon, nonagon, or decagon. Embodiments of the receiving portion have more than 10 sides. 
       FIG.  9    provides a photographic view of the bottom surface  106  of the  FIG.  7    embodiment. The oval-shaped channel  120  that defines the receiving portion can be seen, and the body  156  and radial spring arms  152  of the locking clip  150  are also visible. 
       FIG.  10    is an alternative top perspective view of the soap case  100  of  FIG.  7   . The receiving portion  170 , walls of the receiving portion  172 , and the floor of the receiving portion  175  are clearly seen. 
       FIG.  11    provides a top view of a soap travel case  500  in yet another embodiment. The soap case  500  is shown in an open position to reveal the receiving portion  570  of the base  505  of the soap case  500 . The receiving portion  570  is defined by a continuous wall  572 . The floor  575  of the receiving portion  570  also includes a shaped or contoured region  576 , which, in operation, serves to secure a soap support horizontally within the soap case  500 . In this embodiment, the shaped or contoured region  576  is complementary to the sinusoidal pattern of a soap support (see  220  of  FIG.  4   ); however the shaped or contoured region  576  can be in the form of any shape, as long as at least a portion of the region  576  is complementary to the shape of an associated soap support. Also in the  FIG.  11    embodiment, a tension band  515  is shown extending across the inside of the lid  510 . This tension band  517  is held in place by a hole, notch, groove, or gap  517  in the lid  510 . In operation, the tension band  517  is configured to provide vertical support to prevent a bar of soap from moving in a vertical orientation. Thus, in this embodiment, the tension band  515 , the shaped or contoured region  576  of the receiving portion  570 , and the walls  572  of the receiving portion  570  work in concert to secure a bar of soap both vertically and horizontally within the soap travel case  500 . In this manner, the soap is prevented from contacting the surface of the case  500  which promotes rapid drying of the soap within the case and prevents the formation of soap “goo.” 
       FIG.  12    provides a side view of the  FIG.  11    embodiment. The lid  510  and the base  505  are shown as the soap case  500  rests in an open position. 
       FIG.  13    is a top perspective view of the soap case  500  of  FIG.  11    in a closed position. A plurality of ventilation holes  530  can be seen extending through the top surface of the lid  510 . In this embodiment, the tension band  515  extends across the top surface of the lid  510 . In alternative embodiments, the tension band  515  does not extend over the top portion. The tension band  515  can be anchored to the interior surface of the soap case  500  or can run through a channel that is disposed within the interior of the lid  510 . 
       FIG.  15    is a side, cross-sectional view of a soap case in an alternative embodiment. The locking mechanism of the  FIG.  15    embodiment comprises a locking clip  750  with two flanges  753  and a locking tab  755  that are integral with the locking clip  750 .  FIG.  15 A  shows the locking clip  750  engaged in a locked position. As shown, the flanges  753  of the clip  150  engage the locking notches of the soap support such that the soap support and the associated soap are locked in position within the case. As shown in  FIG.  15 B , when the locking tab  755  is moved in the direction of the arrow, the flanges  753  of the locking clip  750  disengage from the soap support, and the soap/soap support complex can be removed for use. 
       FIG.  16 A  provides a top perspective view of a soap travel case under a substantially circular embodiment. The lid of the soap case is shown exploded above the bar of soap and the base of the soap case. The circular bar of soap is shown in phantom to reveal a circular soap support with the floor of the travel case.  FIG.  16 B  shows a bottom perspective view of the soap travel case of  FIG.  16 A  with the soap and soap support exploded away from the base of the soap case. 
       FIG.  17    shows another embodiment of the soap travel case. In the  FIG.  17    embodiment, the lid of the soap case is configured to slide off of the base of the soap case. 
       FIG.  18    provides a top view of another embodiment wherein the lid of the soap case slides off of the base in an alternative direction. A bar of soap is shown in phantom to reveal the soap support residing within or upon the floor of the soap support case. 
       FIG.  19    shows another embodiment of a soap travel case  800  with a sliding lid  810 . The lid  810  is shown in an open position over the base  805 . A soap support  220  can be seen within the walled receiving portion  870  of the base  805 . 
       FIG.  20    is a bottom perspective view of the soap case  800  of  FIG.  19   . The underside of the lid  810  is shown, and a securing bar  815  can be seen extending longitudinally across at least a portion of the lid  810 . In the  FIG.  20    embodiment, a protuberance  845  extends inwardly from the back wall of the lid  810 . A hole, gap, notch, indentation, or groove forms a receiving slot  809  near the bottom of in the back wall of the base  805 . The receiving slot  809  of the base can be aligned to receive the protuberance  845  of the lid  810 . The top portion of the base  805  can also include a channel  821  configured to receive the securing bar  815  of the lid such that, when disposed therein, the securing bar  815  prevents the lid from falling off of the base  805 . In embodiments, the securing bar  815  is integral with the lid  810 . 
       FIG.  21    provides a side, front perspective view of the soap case  800  of  FIG.  19   . A latch  817  is shown extending out of the channel  821  of the base  805 . The latch  817  can be integral with securing bar  815 . In embodiments, the latch  817  is an extension of the securing bar  815 . Alternatively, the latch  815  may be connected directly to the lid  810 . 
       FIG.  22    shows a back, side perspective view of the soap case  800  of  FIG.  19   . A latch receiver  819  in the form of a hole, gap, notch, indentation, or groove can be seen on the interior back wall of the base  805 . In operation, the latch receiver  819  is configured to receive the latch  817  of the lid  810  to assist with securing the lid  810  in a closed position. 
       FIG.  23    provides an exploded view of the soap case of  FIG.  19   . The base  805  is shown separated into a base insert  807  and a lower base plate  803 . In embodiments, the base insert  807  and the base plate  803  are interconnected to form the base  805 . The base insert  807  and the base plate  803  are shown as connected via rods that extend from the base insert  807  into rod receivers of the base plate  803 . In certain embodiments, the base insert  807  and the base plate  803  can be further secured via screws or similar fasteners to form one base piece  805 . The various parts of the base  805  can be secured together via any mechanism known to those of skill in the art. In certain embodiments, the base  805  is made of a single, integrated piece of material. The base insert further includes a walled receiving portion  870  that is configured to receive and hold a soap support  200  therein. The walled receiving portion can comprise a securing knob  871  that is configured to interact with at least one locking notch  253  within the soap support  220  to assist with securing the soap support  220  within the soap case  800 . 
     A locking clip  850  is shown exploded apart from the base plate  807 . The locking clip  850  can be disposed within a locking clip chamber  851  of the base insert  807 . In the  FIG.  23    embodiment, a decorative lid cap  811  and a decorative side plate  812  are shown exploded away from the lid  810 . Certain embodiments lack a decorative lid cap or a decorative side plate. Certain embodiments will lack both the decorative lid cap and the decorative side plate. 
       FIG.  24    shows a close up view of the base exploded into its constituent parts under one embodiment. The base insert  807  is shown hovering over the lower base plate  803 , and the locking clip  850  is shown disposed within the lower base plate  803 . A soap support  220  is shown hovering above the walled receiving portion  870  of the base  805 . As shown in the  FIG.  24    embodiment, the walled receiving portion  870  comprises a contoured surface  876  that is complementary to the shaped surface of the soap support  220 . The walled receiving portion can also include a flange pass-through  833 , which is configured to permit the flange  853  of the locking clip  850  to pass there through when the soap case assumes a closed position (discussed in more detail below). The flange pass-through  833  can be configured to be aligned with a locking notch  253  of the soap support  220 . 
       FIG.  25    shows an enlarged view of the locking clip  850  of  FIGS.  23  &amp;  24    isolated from the soap travel case  800 . The locking clip  850  comprises a body  856  that is integrally connect to a locking tab  855  and includes a crossbeam  852 . A protrusion extends distally beyond the body  856  to form a flange  853  that acts in concert with a soap support (shown at  220  in  FIGS.  24  and  26   ) to secure a bar of soap to the base  805  of the soap travel case  800  when the lid  810  is closed. 
       FIG.  26    provides a soap support  220  that is suitable for use in various embodiments of the present invention, including the embodiments of  FIGS.  19 - 25   . The soap support  220  is shown with two locking notches  253 . Certain embodiments will comprise only a single locking notch  253 . Embodiments comprise more than two locking notch  253 . 
       FIG.  27    provides a top, cross-sectional view of the soap travel case of  FIGS.  19 - 25    with the lid  810  in an open position. The cross section is taken through the plane of the case  800  and soap support  220  that contains the locking notches  253  of the soap support  220 . The locking clip  850  is shown in phantom, with the flange  853  aligned with the locking notch  220  of the soap support  220 . As can be seen, the flange  853  is not inserted into the locking notch  253  of the soap stand  220 , making the soap stand and the associated soap bar (not shown) free for removal by the user. However, when the flange  853  is inserted within the locking notch  253 , the soap support  220  is in a lock position within the case  800  and is secured both horizontally and vertically therein. 
     In operation of the soap case  800  of  FIGS.  19 - 27   , the soap support  220  is secured into its horizontal and vertical position when the soap support  220  is disposed within the walled receiving portion  870  and the lid  810  of the soap case  800  is in a closed position. When the lid  810  assumes an open position, the soap support  200  is free from the secured position, permitting a user to remove the a bar of soap (not shown) that is attached to the soap support  220  (see  FIG.  27   ). In embodiments, the closing of the lid  810  causes the protuberance ( 845  at  FIG.  20   ) of the lid  810  to pass horizontally into and through the receiving slot ( 809  of  FIGS.  20  and  23   ) of the base  805 . Upon passing there through, the protuberance  845  contacts the crossbeam  852  of the locking clip  850  and pushes the flange  853  through the flange pass-through  833  of the base and into the locking notch  253  of the soap support  220 , securing the soap support  220  within the case  800  when the case is fully closed. When in the closed position, depression of the crossbeam  852  by the protuberance  845  flexes the crossbeam  852 , creating a cantilever bending force that is stored as potential energy. Upon opening of the case  800 , the protuberance  845  is pulled away from the crossbeam  852 , releasing the stored potential energy as a spring force, and the locking tab  850  moves out of the locking notch  253  to free the soap support  220  for removal by a user. 
     Although a tension band  515 , locking clips  150 ,  850 , a walled receiving portion  170 ,  570 ,  870  a contoured floor  176 ,  576 ,  876  or a combination thereof are employed in the exemplary embodiments previously described herein, alternative mechanisms exist for horizontally and vertically securing the soap support  220  and associated bar of soap  201 . By way of non-limiting example, a spring can descend from the inner surface of the lid to prevent vertical movement of the soap when the soap case is in a closed position or the soap support and associated bar of soap can be anchored to the base of the soap support by alternative means. Under one embodiment, the travel case comprises one or more grooves or tabs that permit the soap support and associated bar of soap to be secured into a given position by inserting the soap support into the receiving portion and maneuvering or twisting the support into a locked position. In another embodiment, the soap case comprises a mechanism that permits locking and unlocking of the soap and soap support through depression of a button or the release of a clasp. 
     The soap case can be configured to automatically release the soap and associated soap support from a secured horizontal and vertical position (e.g. releases upon opening of the case) or the soap case can be configured to require manual release of the soap and soap support from the secured horizontal and vertical position. Under one aspect, the user manually disengages the soap and associated soap support by sliding a tab, twisting the soap or soap support, or “popping” the soap and soap support out of a locked position. In one embodiment, the user depresses a button to release the soap and soap support from a locked position. 
     Similarly, the soap case can be configured to automatically secure the soap and support into a locked horizontal position (e.g. secures in a locked position up closing of the case) or the soap case can be configured to require manual locking of the soap and soap support into a secured horizontal and vertical position. Under one aspect, the user manually engages the soap and associated soap support into a locked horizontal and vertical position by sliding a tab, twisting the soap or soap support, or snapping the soap support into a locked position. In one embodiment, the user depresses a button to secure the soap and soap support in the locked position. 
     The soap travel case  100 ,  500 ,  800  is preferably fabricated from a substantially rigid material such as a hard polycarbonate material, a ceramic material, or metal. However, in another embodiment the case  100 ,  500 ,  800  is fabricated from a more flexible plastic or elastomeric material, or has integral flex points for engaging a radial surface. The case  100 ,  500 ,  800  can be made from stainless steel, aluminum, or other materials know in the art. 
     In embodiments, the soap travel case  100 ,  500 ,  800  comprises a low-density material that will float in water. In such embodiments, the density will be less than 1 g/cm 3 . 
     In the arrangement shown in the figures, the soap travel case  100 ,  500 ,  800  comprises a rectangular profile. It is understood that the shape of the soap travel case  100 ,  500 ,  800  is not restricted to the pictured embodiments. In another embodiment the case  100 ,  500 ,  800  can have a more oval shape, or can have a diamond shape, or can be shaped as a star. In certain embodiments, the case can comprise an aesthetic shape that is pleasing to a child, such as a frog, a cow, a duck, a whale, a dinosaur, or a popular children&#39;s character. The case  100 ,  500 ,  800  is not limited to any particular shape so long as it has enough surface area to adequately receive and contain a bar of soap attached to a support. The soap travel case can be customized with specific logos, names, or colors. 
     In certain embodiments wherein the lid is hingedly attached to the base, the soap travel case is configured such that the base and lid are collinear with one another, i.e. lying flat, when the lid is completely open. 
     It is understood that the invention is not limited to any particular dimension unless expressly stated in the claims. 
     The soap travel case  100 ,  500 ,  800  soap support  220 , and soap  201  can be sold commercially as an integral unit. In such embodiments, the soap support  220  be pre-implanted to the soap  201  and is packaged within the travel case  100 ,  500 ,  800  for retail purchase. 
     Thus, it should be understood that the embodiments and examples described herein have been chosen and described in order to best illustrate the principles of the invention and its practical applications to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited for particular uses contemplated. Even though specific embodiments of this invention have been described, they are not to be taken as exhaustive. There are several variations that will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain, using no more than routine experimentation, numerous equivalents to the specific substances and procedures described herein.