Patent Publication Number: US-9402451-B2

Title: Travel tote

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to provisional application Ser. No. 61/754,270, filed Jan. 18, 2013, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a carrying apparatus. More particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a portable travel tote or article for carrying, storing, and organizing a plurality of items, such as toiletries or the like. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     A vast variety of devices for carrying and storing shower toiletries is known. For example, shaving kits, caddies and the like are commonly employed. However, many of these are one sized, and include generic pockets, straps, or other members that contain or hold the stored items in place. 
     Many of the carrying devices are generic in size to allow for a variety of items to be carried therein. For example, the article may include one or more pockets where items can be stored. This leaves the items unorganized, and can greatly increase the size of the article by including larger items containing products. In addition, the article&#39;s unorganized design makes it difficult to find items, or to use the article in a shower. 
     The present systems for carrying toiletries, are, basically, little suitcases, bags, kits, or, caddies for a person&#39;s personal toiletries, which usually are too many and take up too much space to fit everything a person deems necessary—unless the person purchases multiple mini containers, which then limits the person&#39;s selection of products. The products are then stowed in the bag and either hung on the back of a door, or set on a counter, if available. Most of the present toiletry systems cannot be used in the shower since they are made from a material not conducive to use in water. 
     Travelers or anybody that has limited, or small showering space, or, who may be in a situation where it is far more convenient to have everything in one waterproof container to bring with them, such as going to the gym, living in a dorm, camping, missionaries, and hotel visitors, may benefit from utilizing this all in one device. 
     Other articles include built-in product containers that can store and dispense a product. However, as the containers are built into the article, they are difficult to refill, which can result in an empty container while away from home. In addition, these containers/dispensers take up a lot of room, and require that the article be able to be used wherever the product contained therein is to be used, e.g. in a shower. As a user may not want all of the contents or interior of the article to be exposed to water or a shower, this can prevent some uses of the article. 
     Therefore, there is a need in the art for a portable article that can be used to store items for travel in an organized manner, while also providing easy access to the items. There is also a need for a portable article that can be used in a plurality of settings and conditions. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Therefore, it is a primary object, feature, and/or advantage of the present invention to provide a portable article that improves over the state of the art. 
     It is another object, feature, and/or advantage of the present invention to provide a portable tote or article that includes an organized interior for storing articles during transport and/or use. 
     It is still another object, feature, and/or advantage of the present invention to provide a portable article that includes product-containing tubes removably connected to the article for storage and use. 
     It is yet another object, feature, and/or advantage of the present invention to provide a portable article that includes refillable, product-containing tubes. 
     It is a further object, feature, and/or advantage of the present invention to provide a plurality of holders in the article for holding additional items. 
     It is yet a further object, feature, and/or advantage of the present invention to provide a product-containing tube that includes a valve for selective dispensement of the product. 
     It is still a further object, feature, and/or advantage of the present invention to provide a portable article that can be used in wet or dry conditions. 
     These and/or other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The present invention is not to be limited to or by these objects, features and advantages. No single embodiment need provide each and every object, feature, or advantage. 
     According to an aspect of the invention, a portable article is provided. The portable article includes a body comprising a first section and a second section foldably connected to one another, at least one protrusion extending from one of the first or second sections, and at least one tube comprising a tube body including an opening, a lid for covering the opening, and a tail opposite the lid, the tail including an aperture therethrough. The aperture of the tail is configured to attach to the at least one protrusion via a retaining member on the protrusion. 
     The article can further include one or more holders for retaining additional items within or attached to the article. Such a holder could include a pocket or bag, loops, magnets, elastic bands, or generally any other mechanism(s) that can retain, hold, or store items. 
     According to additional aspects of the invention, a refillable tube for use with a portable article such that a portion of the tube is removably connectable to a protrusion of the portable article is provided. The tube includes a tube body including an opening for receiving and dispensing product and an aperture through a portion of the tube body opposite the opening, and a lid for selectively closing the opening of the tube. The aperture through the tube body is configured to removably attach to the protrusion of the portable article to allow for quick and easy attaching and detaching of the tube from the portable article. 
     The tube can further include a valve member operatively attached to the opening of the tube body, in the opening or in the lid, and configured to allow one-way movement of the product relative to the tube. Furthermore, the aperture of the tube body can be through the body itself, or can be through a tail portion at a distal end of the body. 
     According to still additional aspects of the invention, a portable article is included. The portable article includes a body comprising a first section and a second section foldably connected to one another, a protrusion extending from one of the first or second sections, and a refillable tube for use with the portable article such that a portion of the tube is removably connectable to the protrusion of the portable article. The tube can include a tube body including an opening for receiving and dispensing product and an aperture through a portion of the tube body opposite the opening, and a lid for selectively closing the opening of the tube. The aperture through the tube body is configured to removably attach to the protrusion of the portable article to allow for quick and easy attaching and detaching of the tube from the portable article. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a front elevation view of the interior of an opened portable article according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a side elevation view of an opened article. 
         FIG. 3  is perspective view of an opened article. 
         FIG. 4  is a rear view of an opened article. 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded, perspective view of the interior side of an opened article. 
         FIG. 6A  is an enlarged view of a portion of an opened article showing tubes connected to an interior of the article. 
         FIG. 6B  is an enlarged view of a portion of the opened article of  FIG. 6A  showing the protrusion including a retaining member. 
         FIG. 7  is an exploded, perspective view of a tube assembly according to embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a portable article in a closed configuration. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       FIG. 1  is a view of the interior  22  of a travel tote or portable article  10  according to an embodiment of the present invention. For purposes of the present invention, the terms travel tote and portable article will be interchangeable, and should not be limiting. A travel tote  10 , such as that shown in  FIG. 1 , is commonly used for storing, transporting, and/or using a plurality of items  44 . For example, a travel tote  10  such as that shown in  FIG. 1  may be used on a vacation or other trip. Other instances of use may include living conditions where a user does not have access to a permanent storage for items, such as toiletries. For example, college students temporarily stay in dorms, which can include shared showers and restrooms. Therefore, the student may need to transport his/her toiletries to and from the shared restroom space from their room. The travel tote  10  shown in Figures can provide an organized manner to store, transport, and use such toiletries. 
     The travel tote  10  as shown in the Figures includes a body  12  comprising a first section  14 , a second section  16 , and a body connector area  18 . The body connector  18  may or may not be required. For example, in some embodiments, the first and second sections  14 ,  16  of the body  12  may be directly connected to one another, which will allow for the sections to fold or otherwise move together or apart. However, the body connector  18  as shown in the Figures includes a section  20  to aid in providing some width when the first and second sections  14 ,  16  are adjacent one another in a closed position, i.e., folded together. The section  20  is hingedly connected to the first and second sections  14 ,  16  such that they fold relative to the section  20 . However, extra material may also be attached at an edge  26  of the body  12  to provide for additional width or outside protection for a closed travel tote. The invention is not limited to the exact configuration and/or use of a connector  18  or additional material. 
     The body  12  includes an interior side  20  and an exterior side  24 . The body exterior  24  is shown generally in  FIGS. 4 and 8 . The body interior  22  can be used to organize, store, and even use some of the items  44  associated with the travel tote  10 . As shown, such items  44  may include a toothbrush, razor, toothpaste, shaving cream, soap, or the like. However, other items or supplies may be stored in the article. For example, money, jewelry, or other items that need to be kept in a safe and secure place can be stored within the article  10 . In addition, one or more tubes  32  may be stored at either the first or the second section of the body  12  of the travel tote  10 .  FIG. 1  shows a plurality of tubes  32  removably connected to the first section  16  of the interior  22  of the body  12 . 
     The body interior  22  includes a plurality of protrusions  28  extending therefrom, which are shown best in  FIGS. 5, 6A, and 6B . The protrusions  28  can have a number that matches the number of tubes  32  to use therewith. While the Figures show three tubes, and thus three protrusions  28 , it should be appreciated that the size of the travel tote  10 , the size of the tube  32 , as well as other factors may determine how many tubes can fit within the travel tote  10 , and the invention contemplates any number of tubes being used. The protrusions  28  may be hook-like members and/or may include a retaining member  30 , which can be a bump or other member positioned at or on the protrusion  28 . One example of a protrusion  28  including a retaining member  30  is shown in  FIG. 6B . The tube  32  includes a tail  38  at one end of the tube body  34 , which includes an aperture  40  for attaching to the protrusion  28 . The tail  38  may be a portion of the tube itself, or it could be a separate section that extends from the tube. The aperture  40  is sized to mate with the retaining member  30 . Having the size of the retaining member  30  be at least slightly larger than a portion of the aperture  40  will allow the retaining member  30  to hold the tube  32  on or at the protrusion  28  while not in use. The tube  32  can be temporarily attached to the travel tote  10  via the retaining member  30  mating with at least a portion of the aperture  40  of the tail  38  of the tube  32  to retain the tube at the position shown in  FIG. 1 . However, the retaining member  30  may be sized to allow the tube to be removed from the protrusions  28  with little or limited force. For example, the tubes can be slid such that the retaining member  30  passes through the tail aperture  40  to allow a user to remove the tube  32  from the interior  22  of the travel tote  10 . 
     The tubes  32  can contain a product for use by an individual. For example, one embodiment contemplates that at least one tube includes shampoo or soap. When the shampoo or soap is needed to be used by the user or owner of the travel tote  10 , the tube can be quickly and easily removed from the protrusion  28 . The tube  32 , which includes a tube body  34  and a lid  36 , can then dispense the product for use by the user. Once an amount has been dispensed, the tube  32  can be replaced on the protrusion  28  such that the travel tote  10  remains in an organized manner, with a tube being replaced to its original location. At this time one or more of the other tubes may be replaced and used as needed, followed by the being replaced to their associated protrusion  28 . Likewise, any of the items  44  can be removed from a holder  42  for use. Once the item  44  has been used, the item  44  can be replaced to its associated holder  42  to insure organization of the interior  22  of the travel tote  10 . 
     However, it should also be appreciated that the tubes  32  do not need to be removed in order to be used, and the product contained therein can be dispensed while the tubes are still attached to the travel tote  10 . The tubes  32  may comprise silicone or soft rubber or another elastomer. This allows the tubes  32  to be able to be squeezed rather easily. Therefore, the tubes  32  could be squeezed or deformed while still connected to the tote section such that they will dispense the product while still connected. This makes the tote  10  easier to use, and lessens the chance that something will be dropped during use. However, allowing the tubes  32  to be removed makes it easier to refill the tubes for future uses. 
     The retaining members, which may also be known as holders  42 , may be hooks, pockets, straps, adhesives, magnets, bags, protruded snaps, other protrusions, or the like. The holders  42  are used to maintain, hold, store, or otherwise maintain an item  44  in a position during transport and use of the item  44  and travel tote  10 . Thus, the holders  42  may generally be any configuration such that they are able to hold an item  44  in place, while also aiding in organizing the contents of the travel tote  10 . The holders  42  may also comprise the same material as the body  12  of the tote  10 , or may comprise a different material altogether. For example, the holders  42  may comprise a material having a higher coefficient of friction to aid in holding the items  44  in place when not in use. 
     The body  12  of the travel tote  10  may comprise generally any material. For example, the body  12  may comprise a plastic or rubber material such that the body  12  will not become damaged if the travel tote  10  is used in wet conditions, such as in a shower. One type of material found suitable for the body  12  is a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), also referred to as a thermoplastic rubber. Furthermore, both the interior  22  and exterior  24  of the body  12  may include designs, decals, labels, or the like, which may be custom designs to distinguish one travel tote from another. It is possible to add stickers or other personal touches to the travel tote  10  as well. Other materials capable of use of the body  12  of the travel tote  10  include molded rubber or other elastomers. However, it is contemplated that the present invention is not to be limited to the number and type of materials described herein. Furthermore, it is contemplated that the exterior  24  may comprise a different material then that of the interior  22 . The exterior may include a material that is more durable and/or waterproof, while the interior may include a separate or different material. 
     Other components shown in the Figures include a handle  46  and a connection member  52 . The handle  46  can be used to carry the travel tote  10  for transport, or also to hang the travel tote  10  at a destination where the contents of the travel tote  10  are to be used. For example, the handle  46  can be hung on a hook or showerhead such that the contents of the travel tote  10  can be used during showering or other steps of getting ready. Such a configuration is shown best in  FIG. 2 , which is a side view of the travel  10  in an open position. The handle  46  may comprise first and second sections  48 ,  50 , which are connected to the first and second sections  14 ,  16  of the body  12 , as shown best in  FIG. 4 . For example, the first section  48  of the handle  46  may be connected to the first section  14  of the body  12  via snaps  54  or other connecting devices. For example, while snaps  54  are shown, it should be appreciated that the handle may be sewn to the body  12 , buttons may be used, adhesives may be used, hook and loops may be used, or the like. Likewise, the second section  50  of the handle  46  is shown to be attached to the second section  16  of the body  12  of the travel tote  10 . 
     However, as shown in some embodiments of the tote  10 , connection members  52  need not be required in all instances. Instead, the first and second sections  14 ,  16  may include snaps, magnets, or other connections means near or at the outer portions of the sections to selectively connect the sections together to place the tote  10  in a closed position. Furthermore, as shown in some embodiments, the lids  60  of the tubes  32  may be positioned generally at the section  20  such that when the tote  10  is in a closed position, the generally planar top of the lids  60  aid in balancing the tote  10 . However, it should be appreciated that the ends of the tubes  32  may extend generally any length, and the tubes may be varied in length as well. 
     The travel tote  10  may also include connection members  52 . The connection members can include additional material extending from sides of the first section  14  or second section  16  of the body  12 . Thus, when the travel tote  10  is in a closed position, the snap  54  of the connection member  52  can be attached to the button  55  on the exterior of the second section  16  of the body  12 . By connecting the first and second sections  14 ,  16  in this manner, the travel tote  10  can be maintained in a closed position. This may be beneficial during transport of the travel tote to and from locations such that the contents can remain private, and so that the contents do not fall out of the tote. However, other means of connecting the first and second sections  14 ,  16  of the body  12 , contemplated. For example, hook and loops, snaps, buttons, magnets, adhesives, locks, or the like may be positioned on the first and second sections of the body  12  such that the sections will remain adjacent to one another in a closed position. 
     Furthermore, the present invention contemplates that additional items, such as venting holes, additional pockets or holders, battery packs, mirrors, clocks (both digital and analog), or the like may also be included with and/or attached to a portion of the travel tote  10 . The components of the travel tote  10  may be modular in the fact that they can be personalized by a user. This would allow a user to be able to change the configuration of the travel tote  10  based upon factors such as the location of use and need of the user. The exact configuration shown in the figures is not to be the only embodiment covered by the present invention. 
     It should be appreciated that the travel tote  10  can be made in any number of shapes and sizes. For example, some agencies restrict the size of items that may be carried onto airplanes or other methods of travel. Therefore, a smaller tote  10 , including many of the same features shown and described, can be utilized to meet these restrictions. Furthermore, the additional sizes contemplated by the invention allow for the tote to be used for many different occasions, while also allowing a more personalized manner of use. Some embodiments contemplate the addition of flip-flops or other sandals, shoes, etc., which may be used with, match, or otherwise go with the tote. Such shoes can be attached to the tote  10  such as by clip, pocket, magnets, or other means, to allow the shoes to be stored and used with the travel tote  10 . 
     The tube  32  for use with the travel tote  10  may take many configurations. One configuration is shown in an exploded view in  FIG. 7 . The tube  32  includes a tube body  34  having a lid  60  operatively connected thereto at one end and a tail  38  at the opposite end. The term “tail” may describe an embodiment that includes a separate section of the tube extending from the tube body  34 , or it may also include a distal end of the tube body itself, which is opposite the end of the lid  60 . The tail  38  includes a tail aperture  40  passing therethrough and configured to connect to the protrusions  28  of the body  12 . As is understood, the protrusions can include a retaining member  30  that is sized slightly larger than the aperture  40  of the tail  38  of the tube  32 , such that the tube can be temporarily connected to the interior  22  of the body  12 . In addition, a hook or other member can be positioned through the aperture  40  of the tube  32  to removably hold the tube  32  in place in the travel tote  10 . The tube  32  is configured to hold a product for use by an individual. Examples of product may include lotion, shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste, shaving cream, or other beauty or hair products, or the life. 
     The lid  60  can a lid cover  62 , which may be hingedly or fully removably connected to a lid body  64 . A hinge  66  can allow the lid cover  62  to be selectively opened or closed to allow access to the product. The lid cover  62  can be snap fit to the lid body  64  such that the lid will remain in a closed position, such as that shown in the Figures. However, the snap may be overcome with little force such that the lid cover  62  can be opened as well. Also shown in  FIG. 7  is a valve  70  that can be positioned within an opening of the tube lid or within an opening of the tube itself. The valve  70  allows for one way movement of the product contained within the tube  32  upon a squeezing or like force to the tube body  34 . Thus, squeezing of the tube body  34  will open the valve  70  to allow the product to be dispensed therefrom. However, the valve will not allow water or other product to pass into the tube body  34 , thus insuring the contents of the tube body  34  remain untainted. Thus, the valve  70  may be a check valve, ball valve, or generally any other type of valve. 
       FIG. 7  shows an embodiment of the tube  32  wherein the lid  60  can be fully removed from the rest of the tube  32 . As shown, the end of the tube  32  having the tube opening  68  may include threading. The threading can match like threading at the interior of the lid  60  such that the lid is screwed or otherwise friction fit onto the tube body  34  to attach the lid thereto. It should also be noted that the valve  70  is located inside the tube lid  60 , and not the opening  68  of the tube body  34 . However, the valve  70  can be positioned in the tube opening  68  as well. Placing the valve in the lid  60  will allow the tube  32  to be refilled via the tube opening  68  when the lid  60  is removed from the tube body  34 . As there is no one way valve  70  positioned in the opening  68 , new product or a refilling amount of product can be inserted through the opening  68  to replenish the product within the tube  32 . 
       FIG. 7  shows an exploded view of an embodiment of a tube  32  for use with the travel tote  10 . The embodiments shown in the Figures may also include a tube top  72  that can be friction fit into the tube body  34  via snap ribs or the like. Other embodiments contemplate that, instead of ribs, the tube top and tube may include threaded sections that can be screwed to one another. Furthermore, the lid  60  itself may also include a threaded portion that can be screwed to threaded portions of the tube body  34 . Having the tube top  72  be removable from the tube body  34  allows an even larger opening to the interior of the tube  32  such that the tube can be refilled or cleaned. As shown in  FIG. 7 , the valve  70 , which may be a silicone valve, is positioned within the tube top  72 , and the lid  60  is attached to the tube top  72 . The lid  60  may be made to include a hinged snap top open, or may be a single piece that is snap fit onto the tube top  72 . 
     Other aspects of the invention that are to be included, but which may not be shown include the use of a carrier bag for storing and/or transporting the travel tote  10 . The carrier bag can comprise a waterproof material. This would allow the travel tote  10  of the invention to be packed in a suitcase or otherwise transported while portions of the tote  10  may still be wet. The waterproof carrier case can encapsulate the tote  10  to mitigate the transfer of the water from the tote to other items, such as clothes in a suitcase. Furthermore, as mentioned, the tote can be sized, along with the components housed within, to accommodate many different travel restrictions. The size of the tote, including the tubes, holders, handles, etc., can be changed to allow for smaller versions to be used for canyon situations, or when the tote is to be used as a makeup case or other smaller container. 
     It should be understood that additional changes and modifications to the embodiments shown and described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and without diminishing its advantages. It is intended, therefore, that such change and modifications be covered by the various aspects and embodiments of the invention.