Patent Publication Number: US-11659905-B2

Title: Travel case

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority to and is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/424,940 filed on May 29, 2019, for a Travel Cosmetic Kit, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     This disclosure relates to the field of portable travel cases. More particularly, this disclosure relates to a portable and modular case for transporting cosmetics and other personal care items. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Traveling with cosmetics and other personal care items is typically restricted, such as by rules limiting a volume or container of the cosmetics and personal care items. For example, in the U.S. the Transportation Security Administration implements rules that place strict limits on liquids and gels that may accompany a traveler as part of the traveler&#39;s carry-on luggage. The TSA imposes limits to the volume of products that may accompany the traveler. While larger volumes of product may be checked with the traveler&#39;s luggage, this is typically undesirable where a traveler is only traveling with carry-on luggage, and in particular business travelers. 
     While travel sizes of cosmetics and other personal care products are available for purchase, those products are typically provided in containers that are too large for most trips. This results in significantly wasted amounts of products that are not used during travel. A traveler may further accumulate a significant number of products that have not been fully consumed during travel, resulting in further waste. Travel sized products are typically limited in availability. Particular products desired by a traveler may not be available in travel size, therefore requiring the traveler to purchase different items than would normally be desired by the traveler. 
     Finally, a traveler desiring to bring multiple cosmetics or personal care items in individual travel containers is required to carry several separate containers for those products. Those items may become lost in the traveler&#39;s luggage, or the traveler is required to place the items in a baggie within the traveler&#39;s luggage. Those items may leak or otherwise spill within the luggage or baggie causing the contents of those items to be leaked onto other items within the traveler&#39;s luggage. Further, placing multiple items such as cosmetics and personal care products in separate containers will require a significant amount of space of a traveler&#39;s luggage and is undesirable for carry-on luggage. 
     What is needed, therefore, is a portable and modular case for transporting cosmetics and other personal care items that allows a traveler to transport a desired quantity of cosmetics or personal care items with the traveler. 
     SUMMARY 
     The above and other needs are met by a portable and modular case for transporting cosmetics and other personal care items that allows a traveler to transport a desired quantity of cosmetics or personal care items with the traveler. In a first aspect, a modular travel case for transporting personal care items includes: a base having opposing side rails formed along sides of the base, the side rails forming elongate channels therein; a plurality of container modules removably secured on the base, the plurality of container modules having a base plate having a width extending across a width of the base such that sides of the base plate fit within the elongate channels formed by the side rails of the base, one or more containers formed on the base and extending upwardly therefrom, the one or more containers including an open end, and one or more caps secured to the one or more containers over the open end. Sides of the plurality of base plates slidably engage the elongate channels formed on the base such that the plurality of container modules are removably secured to the base. 
     In one embodiment, the opposing side rails further include closed ends formed on a first end of the base. The closed ends of the opposing side rails prevent sliding of the plurality of container modules from slidably disengaging the base at the first end of the base. In another embodiment, the travel case further includes a retention mechanism formed on the base for securing the plurality of container modules within the elongate channels formed on the base. In yet another embodiment, the retention mechanism includes a plurality of magnets located on at least one of the base and the plurality of container modules. 
     In one embodiment, the one or more caps are threadably secured to the one or more containers of the plurality of container modules. In another embodiment, the travel case further includes a recess cavity formed on a bottom surface of the base, wherein the recess cavity is located under the base plates of the plurality of container modules when the plurality of container modules are slidably secured on the base. In yet another embodiment, the travel case further includes a spatula shaped to fit within the recess cavity. The spatula is secured in the recess cavity by the plurality of container modules slidably secured to the base. 
     In one embodiment, the travel case further includes a recessed portion formed on the one or more caps of the plurality of container modules for receiving a label. 
     In a second aspect, a modular travel case for transporting personal care items includes: a base including opposing side rails formed along sides of the base, the side rails forming elongate channels therein, closed ends formed on a first end of the opposing side rails of the base, and a plurality of magnets located on the base; a plurality of container modules removably secured on the base, the plurality of container modules having a base plate having a width extending across a width of the base such that sides of the base plate fit within the elongate channels formed by the side rails of the base, one or more containers formed on the base and extending upwardly therefrom, the one or more containers including an open end, one or more caps secured to the one or more containers over the open end, and a plurality of magnets located on the base plate. Sides of the plurality of base plates slidably engage the elongate channels formed on the base such that the plurality of container modules are removably secured to the base. The plurality of container modules are removably secured to the base when the plurality of magnets of the base plate are aligned with the plurality of magnets on the base plate of the plurality of container modules. 
     In one embodiment, the plurality of magnets are embedded within the base plate and the base of the travel case. In another embodiment, the one or more caps are threadably secured to the one or more containers of the plurality of container modules. 
     In yet another embodiment, the travel case further includes a recess cavity formed on a bottom surface of the base, wherein the recess cavity is located under the base plates of the plurality of container modules when the plurality of container modules are slidably secured on the base. In one embodiment, the travel case further includes a spatula shaped to fit within the recess cavity, wherein the spatula is secured in the recess cavity by the plurality of container modules slidably secured to the base. In another embodiment, the travel case further includes a recessed portion formed on the one or more caps of the plurality of container modules for receiving a label. 
     In a third aspect, a modular travel case for transporting personal care items includes: a base including opposing side rails formed along sides of the base, the side rails forming elongate channels therein and a recess cavity formed on a bottom surface of the base; a plurality of container modules removably secured on the base, the plurality of container modules having a base plate having a width extending across a width of the base such that sides of the base plate fit within the elongate channels formed by the side rails of the base, one or more containers formed on the base and extending upwardly therefrom, the one or more containers including an open end, and one or more caps secured to the one or more containers over the open end. Sides of the plurality of base plates slidably engage the elongate channels formed on the base such that the plurality of container modules are removably secured to the base. The recess cavity is located under the base plates of the plurality of container modules when the plurality of container modules are slidably secured on the base. 
     In one embodiment, the opposing side rails further include closed ends formed on a first end of the base. The closed ends of the opposing side rails prevent sliding of the plurality of container modules from slidably disengaging the base at the first end of the base. In another embodiment, the travel case further includes a retention mechanism formed on the base for securing the plurality of container modules within the elongate channels formed on the base. In yet another embodiment, the retention mechanism includes a plurality of magnets located on at least one of the base and the plurality of container modules. 
     In one embodiment, the one or more caps are threadably secured to the one or more containers of the plurality of container modules. In another embodiment, the travel case further includes a spatula shaped to fit within the recess cavity, wherein the spatula is secured in the recess cavity by the plurality of container modules slidably secured to the base. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Further features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood by reference to the following detailed description, appended claims, and accompanying figures, wherein elements are not to scale so as to more clearly show the details, wherein like reference numbers indicate like elements throughout the several views, and wherein: 
         FIG.  1    shows a perspective view of a travel case according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  2    shows a top view of a travel case according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  3    shows a bottom view of a travel case according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  4    shows a left side view of a travel case according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  5    shows a right side view of a travel case according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  6    shows a front view of a travel case according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  7    shows a rear view of a travel case according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  8    shows an exploded view of a travel case according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG.  9    shows a cross-sectional top view of a base of a travel case according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Various terms used herein are intended to have particular meanings. Some of these terms are defined below for the purpose of clarity. The definitions given below are meant to cover all forms of the words being defined (e.g., singular, plural, present tense, past tense). If the definition of any term below diverges from the commonly understood and/or dictionary definition of such term, the definitions below control. 
       FIG.  1    shows a basic embodiment of a travel case  10  for storing one or more cosmetics and other personal care products during travel. The travel case  10  is modular and preferably configured to securely store multiple cosmetics and personal care products during travel. The travel case  10  is configured to contain cosmetics and personal care products in a plurality of containers and to allow the plurality of containers to be separated from the travel case  10 . The travel case  10  advantageously enables multiple cosmetics and personal care products to be stored during travel without requiring a user to utilize multiple individual travel containers. 
     The travel case  10  includes a base  12 . As shown in the bottom view of  FIG.  3   , the base  12  is preferably planar and rectangular in shape. The base  10  includes opposing sides  14 A and  14 B. The base  10  further includes a first end  16  and a second end  18  that is distal from the first end  16 . While the base  10  is shown in the figures as being rectangular, it is also understood that the base  10  may be formed in various other suitable shapes, such as in a square. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  6  and  7   , the base  12  includes opposing side rails  20 A and  20 B. The opposing side rails  20 A and  20 B extend upward from the base  12  and run parallel to one another along a length of the base  12 . Opposing inwardly projecting portions  22 A and  22 B are formed at an upper end of the opposing side rails  20 A and  20 B and preferably extend along lengths of the opposing side rails  20 A and  20 B. The opposing side rails  20 A and  20 B and inwardly projection portions  22 A and  22 B are preferably arranged such that a pair of elongate channels  24 A and  24 B are formed along lengths of the opposing sides  14 A and  14 B of the base. 
     As shown in  FIG.  6   , the pair of elongate channel  24 A and  24 B are preferably closed at an end of the channels  24 A and  24 B proximate to the first end  16  of the base  12 . As shown in FIG.  7 , the pair of elongate channels  24 A and  24 B are preferably open at an end of the channels  24 A and  24 B proximate to the second end  18  of the base  12 . 
     Referring again to  FIG.  1   , the travel case  10  includes a plurality of container modules  26 A,  26 B, and  26 C configured to be removably secured to the base  12 . Reference herein is made to one of the container modules  26 A, and it is understood that each of the container modules  26 A,  26 B, and  26 C may be substantially identical. Alternatively, dimensions and configurations of the plurality of container modules  26 A,  26 B, and  26 C may vary relative to one another depending on a desired configuration of the travel case  10 . 
     The container module  26 A includes a base plate  28  sized to extend substantially across a width of the base  12 . As shown in  FIGS.  6  and  7   , the base plate  28  is shaped to fit across a width of the base  12  such that side edges of the base plate  28  extend at least partially into the elongate channels  24 A and  24 B formed on the base  12 . The base plate  28  is preferably planar in shaped and fits adjacent to an upper surface of the base  12  when the base plate  28  is mounted on the base  12  as discussed in greater detail herein. 
     The container module  26 A further includes at least one container  30  formed on the base plate  28  and extending upwardly therefrom. The container  30  extends upwardly from the base plate  28  and defines a cavity  32  ( FIG.  8   ) formed therein. The container  30  is preferably circular in shape as shown in the figures, however it is also understood that the container  30  may be formed into other suitable shapes, such as an oval, square, or rectangle. The container  30  preferably includes threads  34  formed around an outer portion of the container  30 . The threads  34  are preferably formed on an outer surface of the container  30  and extend along a height of the container  30 . The container preferably has a volume of 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters, such that an amount of substance storable in the container meets TSA or other regulatory guidelines. It is also understood that a volume of the container may be varied depending on desired uses of the container and applicable regulations for travel. 
     Each container  30  preferably includes a cap  36  shaped to fit over an open end of the container  30  to secure contents of the container  30 . The cap  36  is preferably threadably secured on the container  30  by engaging the threads  34  formed around the outer surface of the container. However, it is also understood that the cap  36  may otherwise be secured to the container  30 , such as by securing the cap  36  onto the container  30  with a hinge or other similar mechanism. 
     The cap  36  preferably includes a recess  38  formed on an upper surface of the cap  36 . The recess  38  is preferably shaped to receive a label or other identifier for identification of contents of the container  30 . While the figures illustrate a recess  38  formed therein, it is also understood that the cap  36  may include other features for identification of contents of the container  30 , such as a flattened area for application of a label or identifying information integrated on the cap  36 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  8   , the plurality of container modules  26 A,  26 B, and  26 C are secured on the base  12  with a retention mechanism. The retention mechanism enables the plurality of container modules  26 A,  26 B, and  26 C to be releasably secured on the base  12  such that a user may readily remove the plurality of container modules  26 A,  26 B, and  26 C from the base. 
     In one embodiment, as shown in  FIG.  8   , the retention mechanism includes one or more container magnets  40  and one or more base magnets  42  for securing the plurality of container modules  26 A,  26 B, and  26 C on the base  12 . The one or more container magnets  40  are preferably located on the base plate  28 , such as by securing the one or more container magnets  40  to the base plate  28  or embedding the one or more container magnets  40  within the base plate  28 . The one or more container magnets  40  are preferably located on the base plate  28  under a center of the container  30  formed on the base plate  28 . 
     The one or more base magnets  42  are located on the base  12  and are located such that the one or more base magnets  42  are aligned with the one or more container magnets  40  of the plurality of container modules  26 A,  26 B, and  26 C when the plurality of container modules  26 A,  26 B, and  26 C are slidably engaged with the base  12 . The one or more base magnets  42  may be located on an upper surface of the base  12  such that the one or more base magnets  42  are proximate to the one or more container magnets  40 . The one or more base magnets  42  are preferably embedded within the base  12 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  9   , in another embodiment, the retention mechanism may include a clip  44  for securing the plurality of container modules  26 A,  26 B, and  26 C on the base  12 . The clip  44  is preferably formed on one or both of the elongate side rails  20 A and  20 B and extends into the elongate channels  24 A and  24 B of the base. The clip  44  is preferably resiliently flexible and projects into the elongate channels  24 A and  24 B to engage the base plate  28  of at least one of the plurality of container modules  26 A,  26 B, and  26 C. The plurality of container modules  26 A,  26 B, and  26 C are secured within the elongate channels  24 A and  24 B between the first end  16  and the second end  18  of the base  12 . 
     Referring again to  FIG.  8   , the base  12  preferably includes a recess  46  formed on an upper surface of a planar portion of the base  12 . The recess  46  is preferably elongate in shape and extends along a length of the base  12 . The recess  46  is preferably positioned on the base such that the recess  46  is concealed behind the plurality of container modules  26 A,  26 B, and  26 C when they plurality of container modules  26 A,  26 B, and  26 C are located on the base  12 . As shown in  FIG.  9   , the recess  46  is preferably shaped to receive a spatula  48  or other applicator within the recess  46 . The spatula  48  is secured in the recess by the plurality of container modules  26 A,  26 B, and  26 C slidably engaged with the base  12 . 
     In use, the travel case  10  is configured to contain multiple cosmetics or other personal care products items such as soaps, shampoos, lotions, and other luxury items within the containers  30  of the plurality of container modules  26 A,  26 B, and  26 C. A user may place contents into the container  30  and subsequently secure the plurality of container modules  26 A,  26 B, and  26 C to the base  12  by slidably engaging the base  12 . The plurality of containers modules  26 A,  26 B, and  26 C are secured to the base with the retention mechanism to prevent the container modules  26 A,  26 B, and  26 C from disengaging the base during travel. When the user reaches a desired location, the plurality of container modules  26 A,  26 B, and  26 C may be removed from the base  12 . 
     As shown in the figures, the travel case  10  may be configured to transport six different cosmetics or personal care products on the plurality of container modules  26 A,  26 B, and  26 C. The arrangement of container modules  26 A,  26 B, and  26 C as shown may be adjusted based on a desired number of cosmetics or personal care products to be transported. For example, the travel case  10  may be provided with four containers instead of six as illustrated. Further, each of the container modules may be configured to include only a single container or more than two containers depending on a desired configuration. 
     Embodiments of the travel case described herein advantageously enable a user to transport multiple cosmetics and other personal care products during travel. The user may carry multiple cosmetics and personal care products in a single case carried in luggage of the user while allowing the user to separate individual containers after reaching a destination. The user may refill contents of the containers of the travel case from other containers without requiring the user to purchase travel-sized containers of product. 
     The foregoing description of preferred embodiments of the present disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The described preferred embodiments are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope of the disclosure to the precise form(s) disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments are chosen and described in an effort to provide the best illustrations of the principles of the disclosure and its practical application, and to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the concepts revealed in the disclosure in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the disclosure as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled.