Abstract:
A device for holding toiletries and the like which comprises a container and means for suspending this assembly from an overhead support or from a wall. The device may be fabricated from any suitably stiff substance or from a flexible material as, for example, a pliant plastic which folds into a compact size and which, if desired, can be placed into a storage case for traveling purposes. When a flexible material is used, this device also includes within its sidewalls, a retractable stiffening means so as to impart, to the opened container, the support needed to ensure structural integrity. The device is waterproof and mildew-proof.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates, in general, to a suspendable holder for articles. More specifically, the articles held by the holder may include toiletries. The holder also may be foldable and portable. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     Holders for articles such as toiletries are well known in the art. Rigid plastic and wire shower caddies are examples of toiletry holders that are common place and well known. A recognized problem with these caddies is that they are not easily foldable or portable, and do not hold toiletries in their original containers. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,007,531, to Lighten, which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses a portable shower kit. It utilizes a pair of containers, each of which can be opened. In addition, the containers can be folded and attached to one another. The entire kit is adaptable for hanging. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,299,683, to Poole, which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses a hanging shower caddy that is in the form of an attaché case. When opened, various toiletry articles are removably displayed and arranged in fastened form for use by the user. Another hanging shower toiletries kit is disclosed by Lindsey, U.S. Pat. No. 4,889,141, which is incorporated herein by reference. The kit disclosed in Lindsey is a plastic soap dish onto which appendages have been added for holding toiletries such as a razor, a mirror, and several bottles. An aperture on the soap dish also provides means for holding a drinking cup. 
     Although the prior art patents as disclosed address the problem of transporting toiletries, none of the prior art patents enable the user to utilize soap, shampoo, lotion containers and the like in their original forms and sizes. Rather, the prior art patents require the user to transfer the toiletry item from the prepackaged container into the containers provided by the caddy. In addition, all of the prior art caddies are rigid and bulky. Moreover, the prior art patents do not disclose bath and shower caddies that are adaptable for holding unusual items associated with bathing, such as bath toys for use by children or by adults bathing children. 
     Therefore, a need remains for a portable article holder that is suspendable, lightweight, foldable, water resilient, mildew proof, capable of holding toiletries in their original containers, and adaptable for holding unusual bathing items. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to a portable holder for articles comprised of a container having four sidewalls and a bottom panel which, in combination, define a cavity or container into which various articles may be placed. Each of the four sidewalls has a top portion, a bottom portion, a left side portion, and a right side portion. The portable holder also comprises a suspension means. The articles that may be held by the holder include bathing items, including toiletries and bath toys. The holder may be foldable and the bottom panel may contain perforations. In addition, the cavity contains a divider. 
     The holder may be made of any flexible or rigid material that will support the articles placed inside. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the portable holder for articles contains sidewalls that are made of vinyl. Preferably, the vinyl is soft and clear. At least two of the four sidewalls are adapted to include or receive a stiffener in the form of a flat sheet-like panel. In one such example, two of the sidewalls contain fixed stiffeners, which are located at the top portion and bottom portion of each sidewall. The sidewalls containing fixed stiffeners are located opposite one another. In addition, two sidewalls may be adapted for retractable stiffeners. These sidewalls do not contain fixed stiffeners. The retractable stiffener is located at the top portion of the sidewall. The two sidewalls adapted for retractable stiffeners are located opposite one another. 
     Retractable stiffeners are stiffeners that can be manipulated in such a manner that they may provide stiffening in one instance and then be manipulated so that the amount of stiffening is reduced or withdrawn. The retractable stiffeners can reduce or withdraw the amount of stiffening by enabling the stiffener to be withdrawn, to be drawn back inward, pushed outward, to fold up, to shrink back, to rotate around a hinge, to rotate around a joint, to pivot, to fold, and the like. 
     Preferably, the retractable stiffener may be comprised of a hinge or of a removable stiffener. If the retractable stiffener is comprised of a hinge, the hinge enables the sidewall to be folded inward when the hinge is not engaged and to be opened in a stiff manner when the hinge is engaged. Alternatively, the hinge could be folded outward. 
     When the retractable stiffener is a removable stiffener, each of the sidewalls adapted for a removable stiffener also may comprise a pocket. In such an embodiment, the removable stiffener may be insertable into and removable from the pocket. 
     Typical stiffeners include any sufficiently rigid flat lamina or panel which, when incorporated into the container sidewalls or when inserted into a sidewall pocket, lends form to the receptacle and ensures that it will remain in an open mode. The stiffener may be fabricated from any suitably firm and water impervious material as for example, plastic, wood, or rust-proof metals such as stainless steel or ceramic and the like; however, plastics derived from thermoplastic polymers such as Plexiglas® are preferred. Alternatively, the stiffeners may be fabricated from laminated materials as, for example, laminar layers of vinyl or a plurality of layers of the material of which the sidewalls are made. Also, in another embodiment, the holder can include a combination of stiffeners. For example, the sidewalls containing fixed stiffeners may be made of a plurality of layers of vinyl, or a plurality of layers of the material of which the sidewalls are made, while the stiffeners on the sidewalls adapted for retractable stiffeners are made of Plexiglas®. 
     The suspension means may be comprised of at least one cord, which is attached to at least one sidewall. The suspension means may also include at least one suction means, which is attachable to at least one of the sidewalls. The suspension means may also include the combination of at least one cord and at least one suction means. In addition, the cord may be made of a material, which may belong to a group consisting essentially of vinyl, nylon, cotton, polyester, hemp, rubber and plastic. Alternatively, the cord may be made of metal, which could be in a chain, and which may belong to a group consisting essentially of nickel, stainless steel, aluminum and nickel-plated metal. 
     The suspension means of the portable holder for articles of the current invention may further comprise at least one hook, which is attachable to the cord and may be attached to a fixture onto which the container may be suspended. In addition, the holder may have at least two cords, wherein each cord may further comprise a ring. The rings are attachable to at least one of the hooks in a manner whereby the suspension length of cord is shortened. 
     Attached to at least one sidewall of the portable holder is an exterior pouch whose lower portion includes a plurality of perforations to provide drainage means. Also included, on the same or a different sidewall, are ringlets arranged in series to provide holding means for a toothbrush or similar type item. 
     The holder of this invention is particularly suitable for use in a bathing area since it may be suspended onto a fixture of a bathtub, shower, sauna, hot tub, Jacuzzi®, pool, or the like, including the feeder line of a shower head, or to a soap dish, towel rack, shower curtain rod, door, faucet, rail, protrusion, or a wall or similar support. 
     The portable holder for articles of the current invention is waterproof and mildew-proof. After use, it may be wiped dry. 
     The portable holder for articles of the current invention may further comprise a storage pouch, in which the holder may be stored or transported, when not in use. The invention provides a portable holder for articles that may be packed and transported with luggage after it is used without dampening adjacent luggage items. 
    
    
     Other uses and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are presented by way of illustration and example. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Referring now to the drawings where like-numerals represent like-parts in several views: 
     FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of the portable holder of the present invention showing the holder suspended from a shower curtain rod; 
     FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the portable holder of the present invention shown in kit form folded and packed inside a carrying case; 
     FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line  3 — 3  of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line  4 — 4  of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line  5 — 5  of FIG. 4; 
     FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line  6 — 6  of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of an alternative hook means for suspending the holder of this invention from an accommodating bar; 
     FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of the portable holder of the present invention shown suspended from the feeder line of a showerhead; 
     FIG. 9 is a front elevational view of the portable holder of the present invention wherein the holder is shown suspended from a door; 
     FIG. 10 is a front elevational view of the portable holder of the present invention wherein the holder is shown suspended from a water faucet assembly; 
     FIG. 11 is a front elevational view of the portable holder of the present invention wherein the holder is shown suspended from a soap dish fixture; 
     FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the portable holder for articles of the present invention wherein the holder is shown to be suspended from a horizontal surface by suction cup means; 
     FIG. 13 is a partial side elevational view of the portable holder of the present invention showing a hinge and slide bolt assembly; 
     FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line  14 — 14  of FIG. 13; 
     FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line  15 — 15  of FIG. 13; 
     FIG. 16 is a partial side elevational view of the portable holder of the present invention showing a living hinge; 
     FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line  17 — 17  of FIG. 16; and 
     FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along line  18 — 18  of FIG.  16 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The holder of this invention may be of any desired size and, therefore, the references hereinafter made to numerical ranges and/or precise measurements are for illustration purposes only or to illustrate a preferred embodiment, but they are not meant to be limitative. 
     Reference is now made to FIG. 1, which illustrates an exemplary portable holder  10  in accordance with the present invention. As shown, the holder  10  includes a container  12  and suspension means in the form of two cords  14  and a pair of hooks  18 . 
     The container  12  is comprised of a bottom panel  60  and four sidewalls that include two flat longitudinally extending members or sidewalls  16   a,    16   b  disposed opposite one another, and two flat terminal members or sidewalls  16   c,    16   d  disposed opposite one another. The sidewalls  16   a,    16   b,    16   c,    16   d  and bottom panel  60  define an interior cavity  20 . Each sidewall  16   a,    16   b,    16   c,    16   d  contains a top portion, a bottom portion, a left side portion, and a right side portion. 
     The two terminal sidewalls  16   c,    16   d  each are adapted to contain a retractable stiffener. In this embodiment, the retractable stiffener is a removable stiffener. The removable stiffener is made of a Plexiglas® strip  30 , which is insertable into a pocket  32  located in the top portion of the sidewall  16   c,    16   d  adapted to contain a removable stiffener. In a preferred embodiment, the pocket  32  is 1½ inches deep. It is to be noted that although the preferred location of the pocket  32  is in the top portion of the sidewall  16   c,    16   d,  the pocket  32  could be located anywhere along the sidewall  16   c,    16   d.    
     While the removable stiffener used in this embodiment is made of Plexiglas®, it is to be understood that any material that stiffens could be used. Accordingly, the removable stiffener could be made of the material of which the sidewall is made as, for example, plastic, metal, glass, fiberglass, rubber, Styrofoam®, and the like. In practice, each Plexiglas® strip  30  is inserted into the pocket  32  when the holder is in use. The Plexiglas® strips  30  serve the purpose of maintaining the cavity  20  in an open position, stabilizing the container  12 , and maintaining a rigid opening to the cavity  20  when the holder  10  is in use. 
     Advantageously, when the holder  10  is not in use, each of the Plexiglas® strips  30  can be removed from its respective pocket  32 , thereby enabling each terminal sidewall  16   c,    16   d  to be folded both vertically and horizontally for transport and/or storage. In a preferred embodiment, each Plexiglas® strip  30  is 2 inches long, 1¼ inches wide, and ⅛ inch thick. 
     The two longitudinally extending sidewalls  16   a,    16   b  that are not adapted for removable stiffeners contain fixed stiffeners. In this preferred embodiment, the dimensions of the longitudinally extending sidewalls  16   a,    16   b  are 6 inches by 11½ inches. The dimensions of the terminal sidewalls  16   c,    16   d  adapted for removable stiffeners are 6 inches by 3½ inches. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the bottom panel  60  (FIG. 3) is 3½ inches by 11½ inches. 
     The container in the current embodiment also includes an exterior pouch  38 . The exterior pouch  38  is attached to the exterior surface of one of the longitudinally extending sidewalls  16   a.  The exterior pouch  38  in this embodiment is made of  16  gauge clear, soft vinyl and has the dimensions of 5 inches wide by 3 inches high. The dimension of the exterior pouch allowing for the pouch to be expanded is 7 inches wide by 4¼ inches high. However, it is to be understood, that the inclusion of, size of, and the material comprising the exterior pouch are discretionary. 
     Perforations or a pattern of reticulated openings  40  is included on the bottom portion of the exterior pouch  38  to enable liquids to drain from the pouch. 
     The current embodiment further contains a plurality of ringlets  42  attached to the exterior surface of one of the longitudinally extending sidewalls  16   a.  The ringlets enable the user of the holder  10  to hang additional items on the exterior of the container  12 . The additional items could include toothbrushes, razors, mirrors, and the like. In this embodiment, the ringlets  42  are ½ inch in height and are made of 16-gauge soft vinyl. It is to be understood, however, that the inclusion of, number of, size of and the material from which the ringlets are made are discretionary. 
     A divider in the form of a separation strip  44  is provided in the cavity  20  of the container  12 . The separation strip  44  is comprised of 16-gauge clear soft vinyl in this embodiment. It is attached in a perpendicular manner to each of the two longitudinally extending sidewalls  16   a,    16   b.  The separation strip  44  is attached at the top portion of each longitudinally extending sidewall  16   a,    16   b  and extends down each sidewall  16   a,    16   b  approximately three-quarters of the height of the sidewalls  16   a,    16   b.  In this embodiment, the longitudinally extending sidewalls  16   a,    16   b  are 6 inches tall, and the separation strip  44  is approximately 4¼ inches long and 3½ inches wide. It is to be understood that the inclusion of, location of, length of, and material from which the separation strip  44  is made are discretionary. 
     In this embodiment, the exterior pouch  38 , the ringlets  42 , and the separation strip  44  each is glued to the longitudinally extending sidewalls  16   a,    16   b  of the container  12 ; however, other means of fastening these elements to the container  12  may be employed. For example, the elements could be heat pressed, sewn, stapled, or the like to the container  12 . 
     Two cords  14  and a pair of hooks  18  are employed in this embodiment as a suspension means to suspend the container from an overhead support, which is in the form of a shower curtain rod. Each cord  14  in this embodiment is comprised of a series of segments and rings. The cord  14  contains two connecting segments  22  that are attached to the top portion of each of two longitudinally extending sidewalls  16   a,    16   b  that are opposite one another. Each connecting segment  22  is also attached to a first ring  24 . An intermediate segment  26  is attached to each first ring  24  on one end, and to a second ring  46  on the opposite end. The two intermediate segments  26  attach to the same second ring  46 . From the second ring  46 , two suspension segments  28  are affixed. The suspension segments  28  attach to a third ring  48 . The hook  18  also is attached to the third ring  48 . Each hook  18 , hooks over the top of the shower curtain rod in this embodiment. 
     Preferably, the cords are made from materials that are economical, of high tensile strength and rust resistant. In this embodiment, the cord is made from stainless steel chain link segments and stainless steel metal rings. However, nickel-plated metal, copper, aluminum, and the like may be used. In addition, the cords could be comprised of a combination of a metal and non-metal materials. For example, the chain-link portions could be replaced with fabric cords. Any kind of fabric cord could be used, including, nylon, cotton, polyester, hemp and the like. Alternatively, the cord could be made of metal that is not in a chain link or of other materials such as plastic, rubber, and the like. Also, the rings could be made of any of the materials from which the cords may be made. 
     While this preferred embodiment utilizes two cords  14 , each 20 inches long, in the suspension means, the holder  10  could be suspended by a single cord attached to only one longitudinally extending sidewall  16   a  or attached to two longitudinally extending sidewalls  16   a,    16   b.  The length of the cord is discretionary. In addition, the specific connecting segment  22 , intermediate segment  26  and/or suspension segment  28  could be omitted. Similarly, the first ring  24 , second ring  46 , and/or third ring  48  could be omitted. If the first ring  24  or the third ring  48  were omitted, the sidewall  16  or the hook  18 , respectively, would be directly attached to the cord. 
     In this embodiment, each Plexiglas® strip  30  is attached to the first ring  24  by means of a retaining cord  36 . It is to be understood that while the retaining cord  36  in this preferred embodiment is made of metal chain link, it could be replaced by a retaining cord of any material or by a tab or the like while maintaining the spirit of the invention. In addition, while the retaining cord  36  prevents the Plexiglas® strips  30  from being lost when they are not in their respective pockets  32 , the inclusion of the retaining cord  36  is optional. 
     This embodiment further shows that the left side portion of one longitudinally extending sidewall  16   a  may be joined with the right side portion of the adjacent terminal sidewall  16   c  in a heat-pressed manner that creates a bonded material flap  66  where the adjacent sidewalls are attached. All of the sidewalls  16   a,    16   b,    16   c,    16   d  are attached in this manner, thereby creating at least four bonded material flaps  66 . It is to be understood, however, that the manner in which the holder  10  is constructed is discretionary. Accordingly, the addition of bonded material flaps  66  is discretionary. For example, the sidewalls  16  could be sewn, thereby creating a seam rather than a bonded material flap. 
     In addition in this embodiment, the bottom panel is joined with the two terminal sidewalls  16   c,    16   d  that are located opposite one another in a manner whereby the bottom portion of each sidewall  16  and the bottom panel create a bonded material flap  68 . In a preferred embodiment, the two longitudinally extending sidewalls  16   a,    16   b  and the bottom panel  60  are one continuous piece of material that is folded at the bottom portion of each sidewall  16   a,    16   b.  Each terminal sidewall  16   c,    16   d  is heat pressed to the longitudinally extending sidewalls  16   a,    16   b  at flap  66  and to the bottom panel  60  at flap  68 . 
     Also in this embodiment, the separation strip  44  is heat pressed to the longitudinally extending sidewalls  16   a,  thereby creating bonded material flaps  70 . The exterior pouch  38  is glued to one of the longitudinally extending sidewalls  16   a.  Likewise, the ringlets  42  are integrally attached to a strip  74  of vinyl material that is glued to the sidewall  16   a.    
     FIG. 2 shows the portable article holder of the current invention folded into a carrying case  50 . The carrying case  50  is constructed in an envelope fashion. While any material may be used, preferable materials are breathable materials, which also are impervious to moisture. In this embodiment, the carrying case is made of 16-gauge soft vinyl. However, any material could be used to construct the carrying case  50 . 
     FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line  3 — 3  of FIG.  1 . This view illustrates two longitudinally extending sidewalls  16   a,    16   b,  each containing fixed stiffeners. Each sidewall  16   a,    16   b  contains a top portion stiffener  52  and a bottom portion stiffener  54 . In this embodiment, the stiffener is in the form of a plurality of layers of the material used to make the container  12 . While a variety of materials can be used to construct the container  12 , in this preferred embodiment, the material is 16-gauge clear, soft vinyl. Other materials, which could be used, include plastic, cotton, polyester, rubber, nylon, polyester, and the like, or a combination thereof. Also, any gauge of the material could be used that provided sufficient strength. In addition, while in this preferred embodiment, a plurality of layers of material are used to comprise the top portion stiffener  52  and the bottom portion stiffener  54 , the type of stiffener is discretionary. Accordingly, other stiffeners could be used, including Plexiglas® strips, Styrofoam®, aluminum, plastic, and the like. In a preferred embodiment, the top portion stiffener  52  and the bottom portion stiffener  54  each would be 10½ inches long, 1¼ inches wide, and ⅛ inch thick. However, the dimensions of the stiffeners are discretionary. In addition, a combination of stiffeners could be used on one container  12 . 
     The bottom panel  60  contains a plurality of perforations  34  for drainage of liquids. 
     This embodiment further shows that the separation strip  44  extending approximately two-thirds down the height of the longitudinally extending sidewalls  16   a,    16   b.    
     Also illustrated in this embodiment is the opening  62  in each of the longitudinally extending sidewalls  16   a,    16   b  and the top portion stiffener  52  through which the connecting segment  22  of the cord  14  passes. In addition to the cords  14  and hooks  18 , the holder  10  in this embodiment includes as a suspension means at least one suction means in the form of a suction cup  56 . The suction cup  56  in this embodiment is attached to the top portion of the longitudinally extending sidewall  16   b.  In a preferred embodiment, three 2-inch suction cups  56  are provided. It is to be understood that the location and number of suction cups  56  are discretionary, as long as the suction strength is sufficient to suspend the holder  10  and the articles placed therein from a horizontal surface. It is to be further understood that the holder  10  of the present invention could be suspended by at least one suction cup  56 , by a pair of cords  14 , by a single cord (not shown in this embodiment), or by a combination of suction cups  56  and cords  14 . 
     It is also to be understood that while hooks, cords, and suction means are disclosed as suspension means, additional suspension means could be used. Accordingly, any device that suspends the holder  10  may be used. Other suspension devices could include rings, nets, clips, pedestals, posts, and the like. 
     As illustrated in this embodiment, the exterior pouch  38  is constructed of a separate pouch that is formed by a piece of vinyl, preferably 7 inches by 8½ inches, that is folded in half and glued to the sidewall  16   a.  The pouch  38  contains a pattern of reticulated openings  40  that are located both on the side of the pouch  38  adjacent to the sidewall  16   a  and on the side of the pouch  38  opposite the sidewall  16   a.  However, the location and number of openings  40  is variable as long as liquid that gathers in the exterior pouch  38  is able to drain from the pouch  38 . In addition, the pouch  38  could be made from one layer of material that is attached to the sidewall  16   a  by means of heat pressing, gluing, sewing, stapling and the like. 
     FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line  4 — 4  of FIG.  1 . This view clearly shows the pocket  32  into which the Plexiglas® strip  30  is inserted. 
     The Plexiglas® strip  30  contains an opening  64  through which the retaining cord  36  passes. The pocket  32  is a cavity that is created by separating into at least two layers the material of which each sidewall  16   c,    16   d  is made. 
     It can be seen that the pocket  32  is created by the space formed between at least two separated layers of the sidewall material. Alternatively, the pocket  32  could be formed by the sidewall  16   c,    16   d  on one side of the pocket and the addition of another piece of material on the other side of the pocket. Still further, the pocket could be constructed separately from a variety of materials, and thereafter attached to the sidewall  16   c,    16   d  by means of gluing, heat pressing, sewing, stapling and the like. Ultimately, the material and manner of constructing the pocket  32  is discretionary, as long as the removable stiffener is capable of being inserted into and removed from the pocket. In still another embodiment (not shown), the removable stiffeners could be attached to the sidewall  16   c,    16   d  by means of hook and loop material sold under the trademark Velcro®, snaps, guide means and the like. 
     FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line  5 — 5  of FIG.  4 . Essentially, FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the pocket  32  into which the Plexiglas® strip  30  has been inserted. 
     FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line  6 — 6  of FIG.  1 . In FIG. 6, there is shown a partial cross-sectional view of a hook  18  whose configuration makes it particularly suitable for use with support bars of rounded, squared, or rectangular configurations. For example, when the cross-section of the bar is round (as shown in FIG.  6 ,) the rounded top portion of hook  18  serves as the contact point between hook and bar. On the other hand, when the support bar is square or rectangular in cross-section (shown in FIG. 6 in phantom,) the bar comes into contact with said hook at two points on the rounded top portion. This embodiment provides another manner by which the portable article holder  10  of the current invention may be suspended from a variety of supports, including shower curtain rods, door frames, rails, soap dishes, showerheads, faucets, walls and the like. This illustration also shows that the hook could be attached to a square-shaped shower curtain rod, frame, door, bar, or the like. The third ring  48  attaches the cord to the hook  18 . 
     In FIG. 7, there is shown a partial cross-sectional view of a hook  72  whose oblique configuration makes it particularly suitable for use with support bars of almost any configuration. For example, when the cross-section of the bar is square (as shown in FIG.  7 ,) the inclined sides  76  of hook  72  form a vertex  78  which serves as the sole contact point between hook and bar. On the other hand, when the support bar is elliptical or circular in cross-section (shown in FIG. 7 in phantom,) the bar comes into contact with said hook on each of its inclined sides. This embodiment provides another manner by which the portable article holder  10  of the current invention may be suspended from a variety of supports, including shower curtain rods, door frames, rails, soap dishes, showerheads, faucets, walls and the like. The oblique sides  76  of the hook  72  also enhance the hanging properties of the hook on non-rounded surfaces, such as diagonal, square, and rectangular surfaces. 
     FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of the portable article holder  10  of the present invention wherein the holder  10  is suspended from a feeder line of a showerhead. In this embodiment, two hooks  18  are joined together over the top of the feeder line. 
     FIG. 9 is a front elevational view of the portable article holder  10  of the present invention in which the holder  10  is suspended from the top of a door. In this embodiment, each of two cords  14  is suspended perpendicularly from the horizontal plane of the holder  10 . It is to be noted that the holder  10  could be suspended over any kind of door in this illustrated manner. The doors could include sauna doors, shower doors, bathroom doors, pool doors, and the like. In addition, the holder  10  could be suspended over the top of any kind of wall in this manner. 
     FIG. 10 is a front elevational view of the portable article holder  10  of the present invention in which the holder  10  is suspended from a water faucet assembly. In this embodiment, a hook  18  is attached to each of two cords  14  at the second ring  46 . In this manner, the length of the cord  14  is reduced by the length of the suspension segment  28 . The suspension segment  28  is allowed to fall downward, either falling into the cavity  20  of the holder, or along the outside of the sidewall  16   c,    16   d.    
     FIG. 11 is a front elevational view of the portable article holder  10  of the present invention in which the holder  10  is suspended from a soap dish. In this embodiment, a hook  18  is attached to each of two cords  14  at the second ring  46 . While the bar of a soap dish holder is illustrated in this embodiment, it is to be understood that the holder  10  could be suspended in this manner from any projecting surface in the vicinity of the use of the holder  10 . 
     FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the portable article holder  10  of the present invention wherein the holder is suspended from a horizontal surface by at least one suction cup  56 . The suction cup  56  is attached to the top portion of a sidewall  16   b.  The suction cup attaches the holder  10  to a horizontal surface by suction means that are well known in the art. 
     Reference is now made to FIG. 13, which is a partial side elevational view of the portable holder of the present invention showing a hinge and slidebolt assembly, FIG. 14, which is a cross-sectional view taken along line  14 — 14  of FIG. 13, and FIG. 15, which is a cross-sectional view taken along line  15 — 15  of FIG.  13 . In this embodiment, the retractable stiffener is comprised of a hinge  96  attached to a plurality of stiffening members  90   a,    90   b.  The hinge  96  utilized in this embodiment is a standard hinge that is well known in the art. In addition, the slide-bolt assembly  92  accompanying the hinge  96  is well known in the art. The hinge  96  and slide-bolt assembly  92  can be made of any material sufficiently stiff to maintain the sidewall  16   c,    16   d  in an open position when the bolt  86  is engaged. Materials that could be used include metals, plastics, glass, cork, and the like. 
     It is to be noted that although the preferred location of the hinge  96  and slide-bolt assembly  92  is in the top portion of the sidewall  16   c,    16   d,  they could be located anywhere along the sidewall  16   c,    16   d.    
     The hinge  96  includes a plurality of wings  80   a,    80   b  and a wing interface  82 . Each of the wings  80   a,    80   b  of the hinge  96  is attached to a corresponding stiffening member  90   a,    90   b.  The wings  80   a,    80   b  can be attached to the stiffening members  90   a,    90   b  by any of numerous attachment means known on the art, including glue, heat pressing, tape, staples, hook and loop material and the like. 
     The stiffening members  90   a,    90   b  are made of plastics derived from thermal plastic polymers such as Plexiglas®. However, it is to be understood that any material that stiffens could be used. Accordingly, the stiffening members could be made of the material of which the sidewall is made as, for example, plastic, metal, glass, fiberglass, rubber, Styrofoam®, and the like. 
     In this embodiment, each stiffening member  90   a,    90   b  is encased in between two layers  94   a,    94   b  of the material used to construct the sidewall  16   c,    16   d.  In this embodiment, the material is 16-gauge vinyl. Alternatively, the stiffening members  90   a,    90   b  could be encased by a layer of material  94   a  to construct the sidewall  16   c,    16   d  on one side and the addition of another piece of material (not shown) on the other side. Still further, the stiffening members  90   a,    90   b  could be encased in a pocket (not shown) that could be constructed separately from a variety of materials, and thereafter attached to the sidewall  16   c,    16   d  by means of gluing, heat pressing, sewing, stapling and the like. In still another embodiment (not shown), the stiffening members  90   a,    90   b  could be attached to the sidewall  16   c,    16   d  by means of hook and loop material sold under the trademark Velcro®, snaps, guide means, gluing, heat pressing, and the like. In addition, stiffening members  90   a,    90   b  could be integrally made a part of the sidewall  16   c,    16   d  similar to the construction of the fixed stiffeners  52 ,  54  previously described. 
     When the hinge  96  and slide-bolt assembly  92  are in a stiffening mode, they serve the purpose of maintaining the cavity  20  in an open position, stabilizing the container  12 , and maintaining a rigid opening to the cavity  20  when the holder  10  is in use. In a stiffening mode, the hinge  96  is in an opened position whereby the wings  80   a,    80   b  lie on the same horizontal plane. In addition, the stiffening members  90   a,    90   b  lie on the same horizontal plane. Preferably, a space  98  is provided between the two stiffening members  90   a,    90   b.  In a preferred embodiment, when the stiffening members  90   a,    90   b  lie on the same horizontal plane their combined dimensions, along with the space  98 , are 2 inches long, 1¼ inches wide, and ⅛ inch thick. 
     Also, the slide-bolt assembly  92  can be engaged to maintain the hinge  96  in an opened position. The encasement  84  of the slide-bolt assembly  92  is attached to one of the stiffening members  90   a  on the side opposite the cavity  20  of the container  12 . To engage the slide-bolt assembly  92 , the bolt  86  is slid out of the encasement  84  by means of the knob  88 . When the bolt  86  is slid outward, it engages the stiffening member  90   b  that is not attached to the encasement  84 . The engaged slide-bolt assembly  92  prevents the wings  80   a,    80   b  from retracting. While the inclusion of the slide-bolt assembly  92  is preferred, the slide-bolt assembly  92  can be omitted if the hinge  96 , without use of a slide-bolt assembly  92 , is capable of maintaining the cavity  20  in an open position, stabilizing the container  12  and maintaining a rigid opening to the cavity  20  when the holder  10  is in use. 
     Preferably, when the stiffening members  90   a,    90   b  are encased between the layers of  94   a,    94   b,  of the material used to construct the sidewalls  16   c,    16   d,  the hinge  96  and slide-bolt assembly  92  are not encased between the two layers  94   a,    94   b  of material. Rather the hinge  96  and the slide-bolt assembly  92  are attached to the outer portion of the layer  94   a  of the material facing outward, rather than the layer of the material  94   b  facing the cavity  20  of the container  12 . Similarly, if a pocket (not shown) or another piece of material (not shown) is used to encase the stiffening members  90   a,    90   b,  the hinge  96  and the slide-bolt assembly  92  would be attached to the outer portion of the pocket or piece of material. 
     In addition, the stiffening members  90   a,    90   b  are more easily retracted when the interior layer  94   b  of the material used to make the sidewall  16   c,    16   d  contains a slit along the space  98 . 
     To retract the stiffening members  90   a,    90   b,  the bolt  86  is retracted into the bolt encasement  84  by means of the knob  88 . Thereafter, the hinge  96  is pushed inward so that the angle between the two wings  80   a,    80   b  and the two stiffening members  90   a,    90   b  is decreased from 190 degrees toward zero degrees. The space  98  between the two stiffening members  90   a,    90   b,  would become greater as the wing interface  82  portion of the hinge  96  is pushed forward. Pushing the hinge interface  82  forward causes the hinge  96  to retract. 
     Reference is now made to FIGS. 16,  17 , and  18 . FIG. 16 is a partial side elevational view of the portable holder of the present invention showing a living hinge. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line  17 — 17  of FIG.  16 . FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along line  18 — 18  of FIG.  16 . In this embodiment, a self-sustaining hinge, commonly known in the art as a “living hinge”  100  is utilized as the retractable stiffener of the sidewalls  16   c,    16   d  containing retractable stiffeners. The living hinge  100  contains a plurality of stiffening wings  102   a,    102   b  and a pliable portion  106 . The living hinge  100  in this embodiment is made of plastic. However, the living hinge can be made of any of the materials known in the art to construct this type of hinge. Generally, the material forming the pliable portion  106  of the hinge must contain a memory so that the material will go back to it original shape after folding. 
     In addition, the stiffening wings  102   a,    102   b  could be made of a material that differs from the material used to make the pliable portion  106  of the living hinge  100 . Accordingly, the stiffening wings  102   a,    102   b  could be made of any material that stiffens, such as plastics derived from thermal plastic polymers such as Plexiglas®, or the material of which the sidewall is made as, for example, plastic, metal, glass, fiberglass, rubber, Styrofoam®, and the like. 
     In this embodiment, the living hinge  100  is encased in between two layers  104   a,    104   b  of the material used to construct the sidewall  16   c,    16   d.  Alternatively, the living hinge  100  could be encased by the sidewall  16   c,    16   d  on one side and the addition of another piece of material (not shown) on the other side. Still further, the living hinge  100  could be encased in a pocket (not shown) that could be constructed separately from a variety of materials, and thereafter attached to the sidewall  16   c,    16   d  by means of gluing, heat pressing, sewing, stapling and the like. In still another embodiment (not shown), the living hinge  100  could be attached to the sidewall  16   c,    16   d  by means of hook and loop material sold under the trademark Velcro®, snaps, guide means, gluing, heat pressing, and the like. In addition, the living hinge  100  could be integrally made a part of the sidewall similarly to the construction of the fixed stiffeners  52 ,  54  previously described. 
     In addition, the stiffening wings  102   a,    102   b  are more easily retracted when the interior layer  94   b  of the material used to make the sidewall  16   c,    16   d  contains a slit along the space  108 . 
     To utilize the living hinge  100 , the user would press the pliable portion  106  of the hinge toward the interior of the cavity  20 . This would cause the angle between the two stiffening wings  102   a,    102   b  to decrease from 180 degrees toward zero degrees. The space  108  between the two stiffening wings  102   a,    102   b,  would become greater as the pliable portion  106  is pushed forward. Pushing forward the pliable portion  106  causes the living hinge  100  to retract. 
     As well known in the art, the living hinge  100  automatically remains in an engaged state when pressure is not applied to the pliable portion  106 . In the engaged state, the stiffening wings  102   a,    102   b  are at an angle from one another which is 180 degrees. 
     When the living hinge  100  is in a stiffening mode, it serves the purpose of maintaining the cavity  20  in an open position, stabilizing the container  12 , and maintaining a rigid opening to the cavity  20  when the holder  10  is in use. In a preferred embodiment, when the living hinge  100  is in a stiffening mode, its dimensions are 2 inches long, 1¼ inches wide, and ⅛ inch thick. 
     In the practice of the current invention, the portable article holder  10  can be folded when not in use. In order to fold the holder  10 , the hooks  18  would be detached from the overhead support. In addition, retractable stiffeners of the terminal sidewalls  16   c,    16   d  would be retracted. Accordingly, if the terminal sidewalls  16   c,    16   d  have a hinge,  96  or  100 , the hinge,  96  or  100 , would be retracted. If the terminal sidewalls  16   c,    16   d  contain removable stiffeners, the Plexiglas® strips  30  would be removed from the pockets  32 . With the retractable stiffeners retracted, the terminal sidewalls  16   c,    16   d  can be folded vertically in half. In addition, the longitudinally extending sidewalls  16   a,    16   b,  along with the terminal sidewalls  16   c,    16   d,  can be folded horizontally in half so that the bottom portion of each sidewall  16   a,    16   b,    16   c,    16   d  is placed on top of its respective top portion. Thereafter, the cords  14  can be wrapped around the folded container  12 . Finally, the holder  12  can be inserted into the carrying case  50 . 
     In use, the portable article holder  10  could be utilized when the user has a need to contain items in a suspended holder. Such uses include accessing toiletries, bathing items, and bathing toys while the user utilizes a shower, bath, sauna, hot tub, Jacuzzi, pool and the like. To use the portable article holder illustrated in this embodiment, the holder  10  would be taken out of the carrying case  50 . Thereafter, the cords  14  would be extended and hooked onto the overhead support and/or the suction cups would be attached to a horizontal surface. The container  12  would be unfolded. Next, the terminal sidewalls  16   c,    16   d  would be stiffened. If the terminal sidewalls  16   c,    16   d  contain hinges,  96  or  100 , the hinges,  96  or  100 , would be opened. If the hinge  96  contained a slide-bolt assembly  92 , the bolt  86  would be slid outward from the bolt encasement  84 . If the terminal sidewalls  16   c,    16   d  contained removable stiffeners, the Plexiglas® strips  30  would be placed in the pockets  32  to maintain the container  12  in a stable, rigid and fully opened position. 
     Thereafter, the user could place items in the holder  10 . Items that could be inserted into the cavity  20  include toiletries that are in their original containers. Such toiletries include bottles of shampoo, hair conditioner, shaving lotion, liquid soaps, hand lotions, and the like. In addition, a bar of soap, wash cloth, or the like could be placed in the exterior pouch  38 . Also, razors, toothbrushes, mirrors, and the like could be placed in the ringlets  42 . Any liquids, such as shower water, bath water, soapsuds, shampoo, and the like would drain from the container  12  through the plurality of perforations  34  on the bottom panel  60  and from the exterior pouch  38  through the reticular openings  40 . 
     When the user wanted to transport the portable article holder  10 , the user would remove the toiletries or other articles from the container  12 . Thereafter, if the container  12  and the suspension means contained moisture, the user could simply wipe down the portable article holder  10  with a paper towel, terrycloth towel, or the like before preparing it for packing. 
     It is to be understood that the article holder  10  the present invention is particularly suited to be used to hold articles used in bathing areas. Such bathing areas include, but are not limited to bath tubs, showers, saunas, Jacuzzis, hot tubs, pools, and the like. However, it is also to be noted that the article holder of the present invention also may be used in areas other than bathing areas. In addition, the holder may be used for articles other than articles associated with bathing. 
     This invention has been described by reference to precise embodiments, but it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that this invention is subject to various modifications and to the extent that those modifications would be obvious to one of ordinary skill, they are considered as being within the scope of the appended claims.