Item Holder Apparatus and Methods of Using the Same

Abstract

The present invention relates to an item holder apparatus and methods of using the same. Specifically, the present invention comprises a rollable sheet of gripping material that is capable of rolling or otherwise wrapping around an item to be carried by a user. Specifically, the item holder apparatus comprises a first wing and a second wing of flat, flexible gripping material having fasteners disposed thereon, wherein said first and second wings are capable of rolling or wrapping around an item to be carrier. Further, the item holder apparatus comprises a flat portion extending away from the first and second wings and having an aperture therein for holding a ring, clip, carabiner, or other connector. The item holder apparatus resiliently holds an item within the same and allows the same to be usefully accessible for a user thereof.

Description

[0001] The present invention claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(d) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/806,259, titled "Item Holder Apparatus and Methods of Using the Same," filed Mar. 28, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates to an item holder apparatus and methods of using the same. Specifically, the present invention comprises a rollable sheet of gripping material that is capable of rolling or otherwise wrapping around an item to be carried by a user. Specifically, the item holder apparatus comprises a first wing and a second wing of flat, flexible gripping material having fasteners disposed thereon, wherein said first and second wings are capable of rolling or wrapping around an item to be carrier. Further, the item holder apparatus comprises a flat portion extending away from the first and second wings and having an aperture therein for holding a ring, clip, carabiner, or other connector. The item holder apparatus resiliently holds an item within the same and allows the same to be usefully accessible for a user thereof.

BACKGROUND

[0003] It is, of course, generally known to carry small items for personal use thereof. For example, it is very common to carry small, tubular items, such as lipstick, lip balm such as Chap Stick®, a lighter or other like personal product for use by an individual. To use the item, the individual must carry the item around with him or her.

[0004] Typically, an individual may hold the item in his or her pocket or otherwise within a purse, pocketbook, or bag. Indeed, an individual may carry multiple items around for personal use thereof. For example, it is common for a woman to utilize lipstick periodically throughout the day to ensure that her lips remain freshly and brightly colored. In addition, it is common for both men and women to carry lip balm around for use throughout the day. In many cases, it is difficult to obtain the item for use, especially if the item is within a pocket, or more specifically if the item is buried within a purse or pocketbook. Therefore, it may be difficult to find these items within pockets, purses, pocketbooks or bags, especially if there are a number of other items within the pockets, purses, pocketbooks or bags.

[0005] Indeed, lip balm is utilized frequently in cold climates to protect a person's lips from harsh elements, such as cold temperatures, snow, ice and the like. In many cases where survival is threatened in harsh climates, lip balm is very useful to protect skin from the elements. When lip balm is used by an individual, it typically must be retrieved from the pocket, purse or pocketbook. In cold climates, it is common for individuals to be bundled against the elements, such as with thick coats, mittens, gloves, etc. Thus, retrieval of lip balm, or other personal items from pockets, purses, pocketbooks or bags may be particularly difficult. Frequently, an individual must remove his or her mittens or gloves to retrieve the product for use, exposing the individual's hands and fingers to the harsh cold, snow and/or ice. An individual may experience extreme discomfort in doing so, and in some cases exposure to cold weather can be damaging to skin. Other items of like size and shape may also be difficult to retrieve and utilize, such as lighters, flashlights or other like items.

[0006] A need, therefore, exists for an item holder apparatus and methods of using the same. Specifically, a need exists for an item holder apparatus and methods of using the same that allows an item, such as a small, tubular or non-tubular item to be easily accessible by a user thereof.

[0007] Moreover, a need exists for an item holder apparatus and methods of using the same that is made from a flexible, resilient, stretchable material that may take the shape of the item to be held by the item holder apparatus. In addition, a need exists for an item holder apparatus and methods of using the same that easily allows a user to dispose and hold an item therein.

[0008] Further, a need exists for an item holder apparatus and methods of using the same that further includes a connector, such as a ring, clip, carabiner, or the like for clipping the item holder apparatus to an article of clothing, another object such as a a bag or a backpack, or in any other convenient location. Still further, a need exists for an item holder apparatus and methods of using the same that allows the item to be used by an individual while remaining within the item holder apparatus.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention relates to an item holder apparatus and methods of using the same. Specifically, the present invention comprises a rollable sheet of gripping material that is capable of rolling or otherwise wrapping around an item to be carried by a user. Specifically, the item holder apparatus comprises a first wing and a second wing of flat, flexible gripping material having fasteners disposed thereon, wherein said first and second wings are capable of rolling or wrapping around an item to be carrier and fastened into the rolled configuration with the fasteners. Further, item holder apparatus comprises a flat extending portion extending away from the first and second wings and having an aperture therein for holding a ring, clip, carabiner, or other connector. The item holder apparatus resiliently holds an item within the same and allows the same to be usefully accessible for a user thereof.

[0010] To this end, in an embodiment of the present invention, a sheet of flexible material is provided having a first wing and a second wing, and a fastener to connect the first wing to the second wing in a rolled configuration when connected, and further comprising an extended portion having an aperture for holding a connector, such as a clip, ring, carabiner or other like connector.

[0011] It is, therefore, an advantage and objective of the present invention to provide an item holder apparatus and methods of using the same.

[0012] Specifically, it is an advantage and objective of the present invention to provide an item holder apparatus and methods of using the same that allows an item, such as a small, tubular item to be easily accessible by a user thereof.

[0013] Moreover, it is an advantage and objective of the present invention to provide an item holder apparatus and methods of using the same that is made from a flexible, resilient, stretchable material that may take the shape of the item to be held by the item holder apparatus.

[0014] In addition, it is an advantage and objective of the present invention to provide an item holder apparatus and methods of using the same that easily allows a user to dispose an item therein.

[0015] Further, it is an advantage and objective of the present invention to provide an item holder apparatus and methods of using the same that further includes a connector, such as a ring, clip, carabiner, or the like for clipping the item holder to an article of clothing, a bag, or in any other convenient location.

[0016] Still further, it is an advantage and objective of the present invention to provide an item holder apparatus and methods of using the same that allows the item to be used by an individual while remaining within the item holder apparatus.

[0017] Additional features and advantages of the present invention are described in, and will be apparent from, the detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments and from the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The drawing figures depict one or more implementations in accord with the present concepts, by way of example only, not by way of limitations. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements.

[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an item holder apparatus holding an item in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 2A illustrates a plan view of a two-button item holder apparatus in a flat configuration in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 2B illustrates a plan view of a one-button holder apparatus in a flat configuration in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a two-button item holder apparatus prior to wrapping around a tubular item in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an item holder apparatus disposed around a tubular item, the tubular item having a main body portion and a cap portion, the main body portion removable from the cap portion in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of an item holder apparatus wrapped around a non-tubular item with an attaching ring in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of an item holder apparatus clips to another object in an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] The present invention relates to an item holder apparatus and methods of using the same. Specifically, the present invention comprises a rollable sheet of gripping material that is capable of rolling or otherwise wrapping around an item to be carried by a user. Specifically, the item holder apparatus comprises a first wing and a second wing of flat, flexible gripping material having fasteners disposed thereon, wherein said first and second wings are capable of rolling or wrapping around an item to be carrier. Further, the item holder apparatus comprises a flat portion extending away from the first and second wings and having an aperture therein for holding a ring, clip, carabiner, or other connector. The item holder apparatus resiliently holds an item within the same and allows the same to be usefully accessible for a user thereof.

[0027] Now referring to the figures, wherein like numerals refer to like parts, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an item holder apparatus 10 in an embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, the item holder apparatus 10 may generally have features that allow it to resiliently hold an item 12 therein, such as a tube of lip balm, such as Chap Stick®, lipstick, a lighter, a tube of medicine, candy, a flashlight or any other item apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. More specifically, the item holder apparatus 10 may include a rolled tube 14 of flexible material forming a sleeve, the ends of which may be held together with one or more fasteners 18a, 18b, such as buttons, snaps, a zipper, hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro® or other like fasteners. Moreover, the item holder apparatus 10 may have an aperture 16 that may be utilized to attach or otherwise connect the item holder apparatus 10 to another item.

[0028] FIGS. 2A and 3A illustrate an embodiment of the present invention of the item holder apparatus 110a and 110b in a flat configuration, prior to using to hold an item therein, or after removal of an item therefrom. Specifically, the item holder apparatus may be made of a flat piece of material that may be rollable into a tube or sleeve, as shown above with respect to FIG. 1 to roll or wrap around an item and hold the same therein. The flat, flexible material may preferably be made of any material useful for this purpose. In a preferred embodiment, the flat, flexible material may be made from a foam or rubbery material having a first surface and a second surface. The first surface may be an item contacting surface, and may be made from a gripping material, such as a textured rubber surface, or other surface having a relatively high coefficient of friction for resiliently gripping an item when disposed therein.

[0029] Referring to FIG. 2A, item holder apparatus 110a is illustrated having first and second wing portions 113a, 113b with two snap button fasteners, each snap button fasteners having a first half 112a, 114a and a second half 112b, 114b, respectively, that may be utilized to retain the flat, flexible material into a rolled configuration when the respective halves 112a, 112b and 114a, 114b are snapped together. Moreover, the item holder apparatus 110a may be generally shaped in a rectangular configuration, having sufficient spacing to utilize the button snap fasteners thereon. In addition, the item holder apparatus 110a may include a flange 120 having an aperture 122 therein for connecting to another item. Specifically, the aperture may be reinforced around its edge with a reinforcing ring, such as, preferably, a metal ring, so that the flange 120 does not tear when the aperture 122 is utilized. As illustrated in FIG. 5, a ring may be disposed in the aperture 122 for connecting to another item.

[0030] FIG. 2B illustrates item holder apparatus 110b having first and second wing portions 115a, 115b and further having a single snap button fastener having a first half 116a and a second half 116b that may be utilized to retain the flat, flexible material into a rolled configuration when the halves 116a, 116b are snapped together. Moreover, the item holder apparatus 110b may be generally shaped in a rectangular configuration with the second wing 115b having a triangular shape for holding the single button snap fastener, having sufficient spacing to utilize the button snap fastener thereon. In addition, the item holder apparatus 110b may include a flange 130 having an aperture 132 therein for connecting to another item. Specifically, the aperture may be reinforced around its edge with a reinforcing ring, such as, preferably, a metal ring, so that the flange 130 does not tear when the aperture 132 is utilized. As illustrated in FIG. 5, a ring may be disposed in the aperture 132 for connecting to another item.

[0031] Although the present invention illustrates exemplary embodiments of two snap or one snap designs, it should be noted that any number of button snap fasteners may be utilized as apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, other fastener types may be utilized, such as zippers, hook and loop fasteners, or any other like fastener apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0032] Referring now to FIG. 3, a two-button item holder apparatus 110a is illustrated holding an item 12 therein, specifically a tube of lip balm. FIG. 3 illustrates a step of disposing an item within the item holder apparatus 110a or removing an item from the item holder apparatus 110a. In a preferred embodiment, the item 12 may be disposed in the item holder apparatus 110a so as to have an end 13 extend out from a bottom of the item holder apparatus 110a. Thus, the item may be accessible without removal from the item holder apparatus 110a.

[0033] FIG. 4 illustrates an alternate example wherein an item 12, a tube of lip balm may be removed from a cap 15 to be utilized without removing the cap 15 from within the item holder apparatus 110a. Thus, the item may be utilized without complete removal from the item holder apparatus.

[0034] As illustrated in FIG. 5, lip balm having a non-tubular shape may be disposed within the item holder apparatus 110a (or 110b, as the case may be). Because of the flexible nature of the item holder apparatus, the item holder apparatus 110a may generally take the shape of the item to resiliently hold the same when the item is disposed therein. Moreover, a ring 140 may be attached through the aperture 120, which may be utilized to clip or otherwise attach to another item.

[0035] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the ring 140 may be utilized to attach to a carabiner 142 which may, in turn, be attached to a zipper of a backpack or another object. Thus, the item held within the item holder apparatus may be immediately accessible to a user. Alternatively, the item holder apparatus may be clipped or otherwise connected to a jacket, coat, or other article of clothing to have immediate accessibility.

[0036] It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages.

Claims

1. An item holder apparatus comprising: a sheet of flexible material having a first wing and a second wing; and a fastener to connect the first wing to the second wing in a rolled configuration when connected, and further comprising an extended portion having an aperture for holding a connector.

2. The item holder apparatus of claim 1 wherein the sheet of flexible material is a rubber.

3. The item holder apparatus of claim 1 wherein the sheet of flexible material is made of neoprene.

4. The item holder apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a middle portion of flexible material between the first wing and the second wing, wherein the extended portion extends from the middle portion of flexible material.

5. The item holder apparatus of claim 4 wherein the extended portion extends perpendicularly from the middle portion relative to the first and second wings.

6. The item holder apparatus of claim 1 wherein the fastener is a snap.

7. The item holder apparatus of claim 1 wherein the fastener is a hook and loop fastener.

8. The item holder apparatus of claim 1 wherein the fastener is a hook.

9. The item holder apparatus of claim 1 wherein the aperture is reinforced with a resilient material.

10. The item holder apparatus of claim 1 wherein the resilient material is selected from the group consisting of plastic and metal.

11. An item holder system comprising: a tubular object; an item holder apparatus comprising a sheet of flexible material having a first wing and a second wing; and a fastener to connect the first wing to the second wing in a rolled configuration when connected, and further comprising an extended portion having an aperture for holding a connector, wherein when said item holder apparatus is disposed in a rolled configuration, the item holder apparatus securely holds the tubular object within the rolled configuration of the first and second wings.

12. The item holder system of claim 11 wherein the sheet of flexible material is selected from the group consisteing of rubber and neoprene.

13. The item holder system of claim 11 wherein the item holder apparatus further comprises a middle portion of flexible material between the first wing and the second wing, wherein the extended portion extends from the middle portion of flexible material.

14. The item holder system of claim 13 wherein the extended portion extends perpendicularly from the middle portion relative to the first and second wings.

15. The item holder system of claim 11 wherein the fastener is a snap.

16. The item holder system of claim 11 wherein the fastener is a hook and loop fastener.

17. The item holder system of claim 11 wherein the fastener is a hook.

18. The item holder system of claim 11 wherein the aperture is reinforced with a resilient material.

19. The item holder system of claim 11 wherein the resilient material is selected from the group consisting of plastic and metal.

20. The item holder system of claim 11 wherein the tubular object is selected from the group consisting of lip balm, lipstick, and a flashlight.

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