US3335847A

US3335847A - Storage case

Info

Publication number: US3335847A
Application number: US475689A
Authority: US
Inventors: Robert W Murphy; Phipps Cornelius Mark
Original assignee: Boye Needle Co
Current assignee: Boye Needle Co
Priority date: 1965-07-29
Filing date: 1965-07-29
Publication date: 1967-08-15
Anticipated expiration: 1984-08-15

Description

Aug. 15, 1967 R. w. MURPHY ETAL 3,335,847

STORAGE CASE Filed July 29, 1965 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 FIG! INVENTORS.' F166 ROBERT w. MURPHY CORNELIUS MARK PHIPPS l|27 @Yamjmzgw ATT'YS Al1g- 15, 1967 R. w. MURPHY ETAL 3,335,847

STORAGE CASE Filed July' 29, 1965 2 sheetsheey n. mm o@ INVENTORS; ROBERT W. MURPHY CORNELIUS MARK PHIPFS United States Patent O 3,335,847 STORAGE CASE Robert W. Murphy, Morton Grove, and Cornelius Mark Phipps, Wheaton, Ill., assgnors to The Boye Needle Company, Chicago, Ill., a corporation of Illinois Filed July 29, 1965, Ser. No. 475,689 4 Claims. (Cl. 206-16) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A storage case for a multiplicity of small items such as knitting needles and the like which may be folded from an open to a closed position. The case includes a backing sheet on which are mounted a pair of storage trays. Each tray has a plurality of spaced-apart storage cavities shaped to receive and hold below the top surface thereof the items to be stored, and some of the cavities are curved to permit storage of flexible items that are longer than the trays. The case may be closed by folding about the hinge strip interposed between the trays, and part of each cavity of a tray is closed by a portion of the top surface of the other tray, thereby securing the stored items Within the cavities.

This invent-ion relates to a storage case, and more particularly to a storage case for a multiplicity of small items of different sizes and shapes. For example, the storage case of this invention is adapted for storing circular knitting needles and components for forming needles, in a variety of sizes and shapes, together with auxiliary tools and components.

A general object of -this invention is to provide a convenient, compact, and inexpensive storage case for a multiplicity of small items of different sizes and shapes, such as circular knitting needles and components therefor. A more specific object -is to provide a storage case of the character described which permits the items to be stored in two superposed trays when the case is closed, while the trays are arranged side-by-side with ready access to the tops thereof when the case is open. Another specific object is to provide means for assuring that the items will be retained within the storage trays of the case, while at the same time providing a simple and inexpensive construction. A stillfurther object is to provide means for guiding the trays into the correct superposed relation, and for maintaining the trays in such relation for the closed condition of the case. Further objects and advantages will be indicated in the following detailed specification.

This invention is shown in an illustrative embodiment in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a, perspective view of a storage case embodying the features of the present invention, the case being shown in closed condition;

FIG. 2 is a somewhat diagrammatic transverse sectional view of the case of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged detailed sectional tion of the case of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the case in its open condition;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the case in open condition taken on line 5 5 of FIG. 4; and

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary sectional elevational view showing the positioning button and guide recess in the closed position of the case.

Looking first at FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a case designated generally as C. The case is designed for storing a multiplicity of small items of different sizes and shapes, such as circular knitting needle points P, or flexview of a por- 3,335,847 Patented Aug'. l5, 1967 ible tubes T, the points being of different sizes, and the tubes being of different lengths.

Backing sheet means designated generally by the number 10 provides the outer cover for the case C, and also provides for the mounting of the trays 11 and 12. The backing sheet 10, which is formed of flexible material, includes a central, tranversely-extending hinge strip 11 (FIG. 2). The inner surfaces 10a and 10b of the backing sheet 10 on each side of the hinge strip 11 provide complementary traysupporting sections. The outer surface of the backing sheet 10 provides the outside cover for the case C.

For holding the case in its closed condition, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, there is provided releasable fastener means including a flexible strap 13, which has one end attached to the outside of case C, as indicated at 13a. The other end is provided with a socket member 14 for receiving a fastener stud 15. Since the construction and operation of such fastener means is well known in the art, it is not believed it will be necessary to further describe it herein. As shown in FIG. 2, the fastener means is effective for holding the trays 11 and 12 in facing, superposed relation when the case is closed.

One preferred construction of the backing sheet 10 and the trays 11 and 12 is illustrated in FIGS. 3-5. While the backing sheet 10 may be formed of a single layer of material, it can also be formed advantageously of multiple layers or of laminated layers. In the illustration given, the backing sheet 10 includes an outer layer 16 and an inner layer 17. The layers 16 and 17, or the entire backing sheet mem-ber, may be formed of various flexible sheet materials, such as cardboard, plastic, leather, etc. In the illustration given, the outer layer 16 is formed of lightweight cardboard having a plastic coating on the outside surface to improve the appearance and provide a surface seal against liquids or soil. Inner layers 17 may be formed of ordinary lightweight cardboard, and no special treatment or coating is required since layer 17 will not be visible in the lcompleted case.

The tray-s 11 and 12 are preferably formed of a material which may be molded, such as thermoplastic material'like polyethylene, polypropylene, or other moldable thermoplastics. While the trays 11 and 12 may be formed as a solid piece, they are preferably formed as hollow shells. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the tray 12 has a hollow interior 12a, side walls 12b, a top wall 12e, and a peripheral flange 12d extending outwardly from the bottom of the side wall 12b. It will be understood that tray 11 is of similar construction, and that the trays may be integrally molded from a suitable thermoplastic. The trays 11 and 12, whether hollow or solid, will be relatively rigid compared to the backing sheet 10.

The trays 11 and 12A may be attached to the backing sheet means 10 in various ways, such as by the use of adhesive, sewing, staples, etc. In the illustration given,V the tray flanges, such as the flange 12d, is stitched to the inner sheet layer 17, as indicated at 18 in FIGS. 3 and 4. The stitches may extend entirely around the trays, and a facing layer or sheet 19 may also be secured to the flanges, such as the flange 12d, by the same stitches. In the illustration given, the facing layer 19, which may be formed of leather, plastic, or cardboard, provides cut-outs 19a and 19b through which the tray-s 11 and 12 extend, and also the central portion 11 of the backing 10.

Where the backing sheet means 10 is formed of multiple layers, such as the layers 16 and 17, these layers should be united by some suitable means. If desired, the layers 16 and 17 may be adhe-sively attached, but this is not essential. In the illustration given, the outer edges of the 19C overlying the hinge section layers 16 and 17 are united 'by stitching, as indicated at 20. Preferably, a binding is provided which overlaps the outer edges of layers 16 and 17 and the facing sheet 19, the binding 21 and the layers 16, 17 being united by the same stitches 20.

In accordance with the present invention, the trays 11 and 12 have flat top surfaces. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the top surfaces of the trays 11 and 12 lie side by side, with the top surfaces facing upwardly when the case is openl The trays 11 and 12 are positionable in opposed relation, with the top surfaces in contact with each other when the case is closed by the flexing of the hinge section means 11, as shown in FIG. 2. The trays 11 and 12 each respectively yprovide a plurality -of spaced-apart storage cavities, such as the cavities 22 in tray 11 and the cavities 23 in tray 12, which extend from the top surfaces of the trays toward the backing sheet 10. As shown more clearly in FIG. 4, trays 11 and 12 provide a variety of storage cavities of different sizes and shapes. The cavities of each of the trays have intervening areas of their respective top surfaces extending therebetween, such as the areas 24 of tray 11 and the areas 25 of tray 12.

As shown more clearly in FIG. 3, the cavities, such as the cavities 23 of tray 12, are shaped to receive and hold the respective items to be stored, such as the needle points P below the top surface of the tray. The mouths of the cavities, such as the mouths 23a,` may advantageously be slightly narrowed to provide a snap-in type of tit for the items to be stored, while permitting the items to be readily removed. For -achieving the results of the present invention, it is important that the storage cavities, such as the cavities 22 and 23, be different for each of the trays and arranged with respect to the cavities of the other tray so that at least part of each cavity is closed by one of the intervening surface areas, such as the areas 24 and 25 when the case is closed, as shown more clearly in FIG. 2.

In the illustration given and preferably, the trays 11 yand 12 are of substantially identical size, being of the same height, length, and width. This permits the top surfaces of the trays to completely cover each other when the trays are closed. It is also preferred that the backing sheet means extend -beyond the sides of the tray, so that the trays are recessed within the case, as shown in FIGS, 1 and 2.

As shown .particularly in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, one of the trays may be provided with a positioning button, such as the button 26 provided by tray 12, which projects out from the top surface of the tray away from the backing sheet. The other tray is provided with a guide recess, such as the recess 27 provided by tray 11, which extends from the top surface thereof toward the hacking sheet. Preferably, the guide recess 27 is positioned and sized to snugly receive the positioning button 26 as the case is closed. The relative position of the button 26 in the recess 27 is shown more clearly in FIG. 6. By employing one or more such positioning buttons and guide recesses, the trays 11 and 12 are guided into the correct, superposed posit-ion when the case is closed, and are prevented from shifting laterally with respect to each other while the case remains closed.

While in the foregoing specification this invention has been described with respect to a specific embodiment thereof and many details have been set forth for purpose of illustratiom it will be apparent that the invention is susceptible to other embodiments and that certain of the details described herein can be varied considerably without departing from the basic principles of the invention.

We claim:

1. ln a storage case for a multiplicity of small items of different sizes and shapes, `such as kniting needles and the like, the combination of:

(a) backing sheet means of flexible material including central, transversely-extending hinge strip means,

the inner surfaces of said backing sheet means on each side of said hinge strip means providing complementary tray-supporting sections,

the outer surface of said backing sheet means providing the outside cover for said case,

(b) -a relatively rigid tray mounted -on each of said sections with the bottoms thereof securely attached to -said backing sheet means,

said trays having at top surfaces and side walls and lying side-by-side with said top surfaces facing upwardly when said case is open,

said trays being positionable in opposed relation w-ith said top surfaces in contact with each other when said case is closed by flexing of said hinge section means, each of said trays having a plurality of spaced-apart storage cavities extending therein from its top surface toward said back- -ing sheet means,

said cavities also extending in a direction parallel with said top sur-faces, some of said cavities being curved to extend in directions parallel with at least two of the side Walls of a tray, whereby an elongated, flexible item having a length greater than the length of said tray-supporting sections may 'be stored in said tray,

the cavities of each of said trays having intervening areas of the respective top surface extending therebetween,

said cavities being shaped to receive and hold -beloW said top surfaces the respective items to be stored,

the cavities provided by each of said trays being different and being arranged with respect to the cavities of the other tray so that at least part of each cavity is closed by one of said intervening surface areas of the opposing top surface when said case is closed,

(c) releasable fastener means for securing said case in its closed position, and

(d) a positioning button projecting out from the top surface of one of said trays away from said backing sheet means,

the other of said trays having a guide recess extending from its top surface toward said backing sheet means and being positioned and sized to snugly receive said button as said case is closed.

2. In a storage case for a multiplicity of small items of different sizes and shapes, such as knitting needles and the like, the combination of:

(a) backing sheet means a exible material including central, transversely-extending hinge strip means,

the inner surfaces of said backing sheet means on each side of said hinge strip means providing complementary tray-supporting sections, the outer surface of said backing sheet means providing the outside cover for said case,

(fb) a relatively rigid tray mounted on each of said sections, each of said trays including a flat top surface, side walls, and a perimetric flange extending outwardly from said side walls and overlying said backing sheet,

said trays lying side-by side with said top surfaces facing upwardly when said case is open,

said trays being positionable in opposed relation with said top surfaces in contact with each other when said case is closed by the liexing of said hinge section means,

eac-h of said trays having a plurality of spacedapart storage cavities extending therein from its top surface toward said backing sheet means, the cavities of each of said trays having intervening areas of the respective top surface extending therebetween,

said cavities being shaped to receive and hold below said top surfaces the respective items to be stored,

the cavities provided by each of said trays being different and being arranged with respect to the cavities of the other tray so that at least part of each cavity is closed by one of said intervening surface areas of the opposing top surface when said case is closed; and

(c) facing sheet means overlapping said perimetric anges, said facing sheet means, flanges, and backing sheet means being secured by stitching.

3. The storage case of claim 2 including a binding means overlapping the Outer edges of said backing sheet means and said `facing sheet means, said backing sheet means, facing sheet means, and binding means being secured by stitching.

4. The storage case of claim 2 wherein said facing sheet means comprises a single facing sheet which is generally coextensive with said backing sheet means, said facing sheet being provided with a pair of openings, each of said trays extending through one of said openings.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS Swan 206-17 Frisbie 206-62 Storer 206-66 XR Will 206-67 XR Flannery 206-16 Hanson 206-17 Penman 211-60 Vaughan et al. 206-16 Caputi 206-67 Great Britain.

FRANKLIN T. GARRETT, Primary Examiner.

Claims

1. IN A STORAGE CASE FOR A MULTIPLICITY OF SMALL ITEMS OF DIFFERENT SIZES AND SHAPES, SUCH AS KNITING NEEDLES AND THE LIKE, THE COMBINATION OF: (A) BACKING SHEET MEANS OF FLEXIBLE MATERIAL INCLUDING CENTRAL, TRANSVERSELY-EXTENDING HINGE STRIP MEANS, THE INNER SURFACES OF SAID BACKING SHEET MEANS ON EACH SIDE OF SAID HINGE STRIP MEANS PROVIDING COMPLEMENTARY TRAY-SUPPORTING SECTIONS, THE OUTER SURFACE OF SAID BACKING SHEET MEANS PROVIDING THE OUTSIDE COVER FOR SAID CASE, (B) A RELATIVELY RIGID TRAY MOUNTED ON EACH OF SAID SECTIONS WITH THE BOTTOMS THEREOF SECURELY ATTACHED TO SAID BACKING SHEET MEANS, SAID TRAYS HAVING FLAT TOP SURFACES AND SIDE WALLS AND LYING SIDE-BY-SIDE WITH SAID TOP SURFACES FACING UPWARDLY WHEN SAID CASE IS OPEN, SAID TRAYS BEING POSITIONABLE IN OPPOSED RELATION WITH SAID TOP SURFACES IN CONTACT WITH EACH OTHER WHEN SAID CASE IS CLOSED BY FLEXING OF SAID HINGE SECTION MEANS, EACH OF SAID TRAYS HAVING A PLURALITY OF SPACED-APART STORAGE CAVITIES EXTENDING THEREIN FROM ITS TOP SURFACE TOWARD SAID BACKING SHEET MEANS, SAID CAVITIES ALSO EXTENDING IN A DIRECTION PARALLEL WITH SAID TOP SURFACES, SOME OF SAID CAVITIES BEING CURVED TO EXTEND IN DIRECTIONS PARALLEL WITH AT LEAST TWO OF THE SIDE WALLS OF A TRAY, WHEREBY AN ELONGATED, FLEXIBLE ITEM HAVING A LENGTH GREATER THAN THE LENGTH OF SAID TRAY-SUPPORTING SECTIONS MAY BE STORED IN SAID TRAY, THE CAVITIES OF EACH OF SAID TRAYS HAVING INTERVENING AREAS OF THE RESPECTIVE TOP SURFACE EXTENDING THEREBETWEEN, SAID CAVITIES BEING SHAPED TO RECEIVE AND HOLD BELOW SAID TOP SURFACES THE RESPECTIVE ITEMS TO BE STORED, THE CAVITIES PROVIDED BY EACH OF SAID TRAYS BEING DIFFERENT AND BEING ARRANGED WITH RESPECT TO THE CAVITIES OF THE OTHER TRAY SO THAT AT LEAST PART OF EACH CAVITY IS CLOSED BY ONE OF SAID INTERVENING SURFACE AREAS OF THE OPPOSING TOP SURFACE WHEN SAID CASE IS CLOSED, (C) RELEASABLE FASTENER MEANS FOR SECURING SAID CASE IN ITS CLOSED POSITION, AND (D) A POSITIONING BUTTON PROJECTING OUT FROM THE TOP SURFACE OF ONE OF SAID TRAYS AWAY FROM SAID BACKING SHEET MEANS, THE OTHER OF SAID TRAYS HAVING A GUIDE RECESS EXTENDING FROM ITS TOP SURFACE TOWARD SAID BACKING SHEET MEANS AND BEING POSITIONED AND SIZED TO SNUGLY RECEIVE SAID BUTTON AS SAID CASE IS CLOSED.