US20140054195A1

US20140054195A1 - Tag-Along-Pack

Info

Publication number: US20140054195A1
Application number: US13/897,738
Authority: US
Inventors: Dawn Hallman
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-08-24
Filing date: 2013-05-20
Publication date: 2014-02-27

Abstract

A storage device is disclosed that provides a discreet and convenient device for carrying and storing essential feminine hygiene supplies. The storage device comprises a generally elongated singular sheet divided into multiple sections via folds that are made in the singular sheet at predetermined positions. Typically, the singular sheet is divided into a tri-fold configuration. The singular sheet further comprises multiple pockets with transparent front panels that are secured within the multiple sections for retaining feminine hygiene supplies. Additionally, the singular sheet comprises a securing component for securing the device to a belt or pocket.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE

This application claims priority from Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/692,948 filed Aug. 24, 2012.

BACKGROUND

When young women begin their menstrual cycle, they may be unprepared for the experience. They may find themselves without tampons or pain medication when needed. They might also not have a change of underwear or other essential supplies on hand when necessary. Thus, many young women could use a device for storing feminine hygiene supplies.
The present invention provides young adult women with a discreet and convenient device for carrying and storing essential feminine hygiene supplies, and offers an accessible case that can be worn on the waist area by women, especially those 12 to 18 years old. The storage device further eliminates the embarrassment of menstruation supplies being publicly exposed in school or other locations, and prepares young girls for starting their menstrual cycle by ensuring they have all necessary supplies, such as pads, tampons, wipes, medication, and underwear. Any young adult woman would benefit from the convenience and efficiency this device provides.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one aspect thereof, comprises a storage device that provides a discreet and convenient device for carrying and storing essential feminine hygiene supplies. The storage device comprises a generally elongated singular sheet divided into multiple sections via folds that are made in the singular sheet at predetermined positions. Typically, the singular sheet is divided into a tri-fold configuration. The singular sheet further comprises multiple pockets secured within the multiple sections for retaining feminine hygiene supplies. The pockets comprise transparent front panels such that a user can view the entire contents of the pockets without having to open the pockets.
In a preferred embodiment, the singular sheet further comprises a hanging component secured to the first end of the singular sheet for hanging the singular sheet on a vertical surface, such as a door or wall. Additionally, the singular sheet can comprise a securing component for securing the device to a belt, pocket, article of clothing, handbag, etc.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of the storage device in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the storage device folded up in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the storage device with content in the pockets in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the storage device hanging from a hook in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the storage device in use in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof.
A feminine storage device is disclosed that provides young adult women with a discreet and convenient device for carrying and storing essential feminine hygiene supplies, and offers an accessible case that can be worn on the waist area by women, especially those 12 to 18 years old. The storage device further eliminates the embarrassment of menstruation supplies being publicly exposed in school or other locations, and prepares young girls for starting their menstrual cycle by ensuring they have all necessary supplies, such as pads, tampons, wipes, medication, and underwear.
The storage device comprises a generally elongated singular sheet divided into multiple sections via folds that are made in the singular sheet at predetermined positions. Typically, the singular sheet is divided into a tri-fold configuration. The singular sheet further comprises multiple pockets with transparent front panels that are secured within the multiple sections for retaining feminine hygiene supplies. Additionally, the singular sheet comprises a securing component for securing the device to a belt or pocket. Exact dimensions or materials used may vary to suit manufacturing needs and/or user preference.
Referring initially to the drawings, FIGS. 1-3 illustrate a storage device 100 that provides a discreet and convenient device for carrying and storing essential feminine hygiene supplies. The storage device 100 comprises a generally elongated singular sheet 102 comprising a first end 104 and a second end 106 and divided into multiple sections 108. Typically, the elongated singular sheet 102 is rectangular in shape, however any other suitable shape can be used as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention.
The elongated singular sheet 102 would generally be constructed of canvas, fabric, leather, or vinyl, etc., though any other suitable textile material may be used to manufacture the elongated singular sheet 102 as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention. Further, the material of the singular sheet 102 should be generally waterproof and/or weatherproof. The elongated singular sheet 102 can also comprise a variety of colors and designs to suit user and manufacturing preference. Further, the elongated singular sheet 102 is approximately between 7 and 9 inches long as measured from the first end 104 to the second end 106, and approximately between 4 and 5 inches wide as measured from opposing sides 110, and approximately between 0.5 and 2 inches thick as measured from the front surface 112 to the back surface 114.
Additionally, the elongated singular sheet 102 can be divided into multiple sections 108 for the storage of feminine hygiene supplies 300. The elongated singular sheet 102 can be divided into any suitable number of sections 108 as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention. Generally, the elongated singular sheet 102 is divided into multiple sections 108 via folds or creases 116 that are made in the singular sheet 102 at predetermined positions. However, the multiple sections 108 can be created via any suitable method as is known in the art. In a preferred embodiment, the singular sheet 102 is divided into a tri-fold configuration (as shown in FIG. 1), such that the first end 104 and the second end 106 are folded toward a middle of the singular sheet 102 and overlap each other, creating three sections 108, however the singular sheet 102 can be divided into any suitable configuration as is known in the art. Specifically, the first end 104 is folded in toward the middle of the singular sheet 102 and the second end 106 is folded over the first end 104, such that the second end 106 substantially overlays the first end 104, creating a compact structure (as shown in FIG. 2). Thus, if the singular sheet 102 was 9 inches long and 4 inches wide, the first end 104 would be folded in approximately 6 inches toward the middle and the second end 106 would be folded in approximately 6 inches toward the middle, overlapping the first end 104 and creating three sections that are 3 inches in length. Furthermore, once folded, the compact structure is approximately between 2 and 3 inches long as measured from opposing ends, and approximately between 4 and 5 inches wide as measured from opposing sides 110, and approximately between 3 and 4 inches thick.
The singular sheet 102 further comprises at least one pocket 118 secured within the multiple sections 108 for retaining feminine hygiene supplies 300 (as shown in FIG. 3). The singular sheet 102 can comprise any suitable number of pockets 118 as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention. Generally, the pockets 118 comprise a plastic lining which is secured at the pocket edges to define an inner receptacle open at the top. However, any suitable material as is known in the art may be used to construct the pockets 118. Further, in a preferred embodiment, the pockets 118 comprise clear (or transparent), plastic front panels such that a user can view the entire contents of the pockets 118 without having to open the pockets 118. Additionally, in a preferred embodiment, the singular sheet 102 in a tri-fold configuration, comprises two pockets 118 in the first and second sections 108 and one pocket 118 in the third section 108 (as shown in FIG. 1). However, the singular sheet 102 can comprise any suitable number of pockets 118 as is known in the art in the sections 108.
The singular sheet 102 further comprises at least one magnet (not shown) secured to a fold 116 in each section 108 to secure the singular sheet 102 in a folded-up position. The magnets can be secured to the folds 116 via any suitable securing means as is known in the art, such as sewing, gluing, etc., without affecting the overall concept of the invention. The magnets can be secured in any suitable configuration within the multiple folds 116. Furthermore, magnets do not need to be used and the singular sheet 102 can function without the use of magnets, or the singular sheet 102 can use any suitable securing means as is known in the art to secure the singular sheet 102 in a folded-up position.
The singular sheet 102 further comprises a hanging component 120 secured to the first end 104 of the singular sheet 102 for hanging the singular sheet 102 on a vertical surface, such as a door or wall. The hanging component 120 is typically a hole (or continuous opening) or a loop which engages a hook on the door, wall, or other vertical surface, or the hanging component 120 can be any suitable securing component as is known in the art. The singular sheet 102 can be hung on a door, wall, or other vertical surface via the hanging component 120.
The singular sheet 102 can further comprise a securing component for securing the device 100 to a belt, pocket, article of clothing, handbag, etc. Specifically, the securing component comprises a belt clip 122 for engaging a belt or pocket, or any other suitable securing component as is known in the art, such as a hook, a snap, or a hook and loop fastener, etc. The belt clip 122 is typically secured to the back surface 114 of the singular sheet 102 via any suitable securing means as is known in the art, such as sewing, gluing, etc. (as shown in FIG. 2), and allows a user to secure the folded-up singular sheet 102 on a belt or pocket for transportation.
FIG. 4 illustrates the storage device 100 hanging from a hook. As stated supra, the storage device 100 comprises a hanging component 120 secured to the first end 104 of the singular sheet 102 for hanging the singular sheet 102 on a vertical surface, such as a door or wall. The hanging component 120 is typically a hole (or continuous opening) which engages a hook on the door, wall, bathroom stall, or other vertical surface, or the hanging component 120 can be any suitable securing component as is known in the art. The singular sheet 102 can be hung on a door, wall, a bathroom stall, or other vertical surface via the hanging component 120. Specifically, a user unfolds the storage device 100 such that the device 100 is completely flat and open, and then threads a wall hook 400 through the opening 402 on the singular sheet 102. The storage device 100 can then be suspended from the wall hook 402, allowing its contents to be easily accessed by the user.
FIG. 5 illustrates the storage device 100 in use. In operation, a user 500 would choose the color and/or specific design of the storage device 100 that meets their needs and/or wants. The user would then unfold the storage device 100 such that it lies flat and the ends are fully extended. Once the storage device 100 is unfolded, the user 500 is able to access the pockets 118 within the separate sections 108, and can then fill the pockets 118 with multiple feminine hygiene supplies 300. For example, the user 500 can insert small individual-sized packets of medicine, such as for cramping relief in the first pocket of the first section. The second pocket of the first section can comprise cleansing wipes. The third pocket which is positioned in the second section can hold a pair of underwear and the fourth pocket can hold tampons. The bottom pocket can hold pads, and a plastic bag for disposing of the used items.
Once the pockets 118 are filled with the necessary feminine hygiene supplies, the user would then fold up the ends of the storage device 100 toward the middle of the singular sheet 102 in a tri-fold configuration. Specifically, the first end 104 is folded in toward the middle of the singular sheet 102 and the second end 106 is folded over the first end 104, such that the second end 106 substantially overlays the first end 104, creating a compact structure (resembling a thinner version of a camera case). Magnets within the folds of the sections secure the ends 104 and 106 on top of each other, and secure the storage device 100 in a folded configuration.
Once the storage device 100 is folded up and secured, the user 500 can then secure the storage device 100 to a belt 502, pocket or other structure. Specifically, the user 500 grasps the belt clip secured to the storage device 100 and slides it over the edge of their belt 502. Once the storage device 100 is secured to the belt 502, pocket or other structure, the user 500 can easily transport the storage device 100 as necessary.
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A storage device for storing feminine items, comprising:

a generally elongated rectangular singular sheet comprising a first end and a second end and divided into multiple sections; and

at least one pocket formed in each section.

2. The storage device of claim 1, wherein the singular sheet comprises a first section, a second section, and a third section, and can be folded into a tri-fold configuration.

3. The storage device of claim 2, further comprising two pockets in each of the first and second sections and one pocket in the third section.

4. The storage device of claim 3, wherein at least one of the pockets comprises a transparent front panel.

5. The storage device of claim 1, further comprising at least one magnet secured to a fold in at least one section to secure the singular sheet in a tri-fold configuration.

6. The storage device of claim 1, further comprising a hanging component secured to at least one of the first end and the second end of the singular sheet for hanging the storage device.

7. The storage device of claim 1, wherein the singular sheet is made of canvas.

8. The storage device of claim 1, further comprising a securing component secured to the back surface of the singular sheet for securing the storage device to an object.

9. The storage device of claim 8, wherein the securing component comprises at least one of a hook, a snap, a clip, or a hook and loop fastener.

10. A storage device for storing feminine items, comprising:

a generally elongated rectangular singular sheet comprising a first end and a second end;

wherein the first end and the second end are folded in a tri-fold configuration toward a middle of the singular sheet creating a first section, a second section, and a third section;

at least two pockets formed in each of the first and the second sections; and

at least one pocket formed in the third section.

11. The storage device of claim 10, further comprising a hanging component secured to at least one of the first end and the second end of the singular sheet for hanging the storage device.

12. The storage device of claim 10, wherein the singular sheet is made of canvas.

13. The storage device of claim 10, wherein at least one of the pockets comprises a transparent front panel.

14. The storage device of claim 10, further comprising at least one magnet secured to a fold in at least one section to secure the singular sheet in a tri-fold configuration.

15. The storage device of claim 10, further comprising a securing component secured to the back surface of the singular sheet for securing the storage device to an object.

16. The storage device of claim 15, wherein the securing component comprises at least one of a hook, a snap, a clip, or a hook and loop fastener.

17. A storage device for storing feminine items, comprising:

at least two pockets formed in the first and the second sections; and

at least one pocket formed in the third section; and

wherein at least one of the pockets comprises a transparent front panel.

18. The storage device of claim 17, further comprising at least one magnet secured to a fold in at least one section to secure the singular sheet in a tri-fold configuration.

19. The storage device of claim 17, further comprising a hanging component secured to at least one of the first end and the second end of the singular sheet for hanging the storage device.

20. The storage device of claim 17, further comprising a securing component secured to the back surface of the singular sheet for securing the device to an object.