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Having thus described my invention, I claim:
1. A multi-compartment case for carrying, removably retaining and
displaying a plurality of containers therein in vertical orientation
comprising, in combination:
1. a first substantially rectangular receptacle having a side wall,
substantially parallel end walls and substantially parallel top and bottom
walls,
2. a second substantially rectangular receptacle having a side wall,
substantially parallel end walls and substantially parallel top and bottom
walls,
3. said receptacles having a width at least equal to the height thereof, as
well as being congruent in form and equal in open face area,
4. base support means on said receptacle bottom walls operative to mount
said case as a standing, self-supporting unit in both closed and open
positions, normally erect on the bottom walls of the receptacles,
5. normally vertical hinge means joining in flexible fashion the free edges
of one end wall of each of said receptacles, whereby same may be moved
together and apart in a normally horizontal plane around said hinge to
form closed a standing, self-supporting, integral closed container and
when open a pair of standing, self-supporting, angled apart, open-face
receptacles, respectively,
6. normally vertical latch means cooperatively mounted on each of the other
end walls of said receptacle operative to engage one another and form said
standing integral closed container when said receptacles are pivoted to
closed position around said hinge,
7. at least two elongate normally vertical partitions provided within each
of said receptacles fastened along their entire length to the inside face
of the respective receptacle side wall, same running between and
connecting at their upper and lower ends to the top and bottom walls
thereof and further running substantially parallel to the receptacle end
walls, thereby to define in each said receptacle at least three parallel,
substantially rectangular, normally vertical storage chambers of
substantially greater height than width, when said receptacles are
standing normally erect on the bottom walls thereof,
8. limited, fixed wall means associated only with the normally lowermost
part of at least two of said storage chambers in each receptacle operative
to removably retain objects received in each of said chambers in the
normal vertical standing position of the case by closing off only the
lowermost portions of the open fronts of said storage chambers, while
permitting ready insertion and removal of such objects without moving said
wall,
9. each said latter wall means made up of an assembly comprising at least a
front wall member, a top wall member and a back wall member, the said
front wall member hingedly connected to the bottom wall of one receptacle
and the top wall member thereof being open centrally, whereby said
assembly, before use of the case, is pivoted around said hinge into
position in the lower end of its corresponding compartment with the front
and back wall members normally vertical, the top wall member normally
horizontal and the assembly retained in this position in its compartment
by lugs on a wall of the compartment overlying one wall of the assembly,
10. the entire, normally uppermost portions of the side walls of each of
said receptacles tapering upwardly toward one another when said case is
closed, and
11. a normally horizontal elongate grasping indentation or recess provided
in each of the upper tapered portions of the side wall of each said
receptacle adjacent the upper edge thereof,
12. each said recess running substantially the length of the said side
wall,
13. said recesses serving, in combination, when the case is closed, as a
normally horizontal grasping and carrying handle for the case, so that
said case is normally carried with the storage chambers thereof in
vertical orientation.
2. A multi-compartment case for carrying, removably retaining and
displaying a plurality of containers therein in vertical orientation
comprising, in combination:
1. a first substantially rectangular receptacle having a side wall,
substantially parallel end walls and substantially parallel top and bottom
walls,
2. a second substantially rectangular receptacle having a side wall,
substantially parallel end walls and substantially parallel top and bottom
walls,
3. said receptacles having a width at least equal to the height thereof, as
well as being congruent in form and equal in open face area,
4. base support means on said receptacle bottom walls operative to mount
said case as a standing, self-supporting unit in both closed and open
positions, normally erect on the bottom walls of the receptacles,
5. normally vertical hinge means joining in flexible fashion the free edges
of one end wall of each of said receptacles, whereby same may be moved
together and apart in a normally horizontal plane around said hinge to
form closed a standing, self-supporting, integral closed container and
when open a pair of standing, self-supporting, angled apart, open-face
receptacles, respectively,
6. normally vertical latch means cooperatively mounted on each of the other
end walls of said receptacle operative to engage one another and form said
standing integral closed container when said receptacles are pivoted to
closed position around said hinge,
7. at least two elongate normally vertical partitions provided within each
of said receptacles fastened along their entire length to the inside face
of the respective receptacle side wall, same running between and
connecting at their upper and lower ends to the top and bottom walls
thereof and further running substantially parallel to the receptacle end
walls, thereby to define in each said receptacle at least three parallel,
substantially rectangular, normally vertical storage chambers of
substantially greater height than width, when said receptacles are
standing normally erect on the bottom walls thereof,
8. limited, fixed wall means associated only with the normally lowermost
part of at least two of said storage chambers in each receptacle operative
to removably retain objects received in each of said chambers in the
normal vertical standing position of the case by closing off only the
lowermost portions of the open fronts of said storage chambers, while
permitting ready insertion and removal of such objects without moving said
wall,
9. each said latter wall means made up of an assembly comprising at least a
front wall member, a top wall member and a back wall member, the said
front wall member hingedly connected to the bottom wall of one receptacle
and the top wall member thereof being open centrally, whereby said
assembly, before use of the case, is pivoted around said hinge into
position in the lower end of its corresponding compartment with the front
and back wall members normally vertical, the top wall member normally
horizontal and the assembly retained in this position in its compartment
by lugs on a wall of the compartment overlying one wall of the assembly,
10. the depth of one of said receptacles being substantially less than the
depth of other said receptacle and there being at least one less partition
in the greater depth receptacle, whereby most of the storage compartments
therein are of greater size than most of the storage compartments in the
lesser depth receptacle, and
11. flange means attached to the top wall and latch end wall of the lesser
depth receptacles, which flange means overlies a portion of the top wall
and latch end wall of said greater depth receptacle in closure of the
case, thereby to overlie and protect the line of closure of said
receptacles, the width of said flange substantially equal to the excess of
depth of the one receptacle over the other,
12. the entire, normally uppermost portions of the side walls of each of
said receptacles tapering upwardly toward one another when said case is
closed, and
13. a normally horizontal elongate grasping recess provided in each of the
upper tapered portions of the side wall of each said receptacle adjacent
the upper edge thereof,
14. each said recess running substantially the length of the said side
wall,
15. said recesses serving, in combination, when the case is closed, as a
normally horizontal grasping and carrying handle for the case, so that
said case is normally carried with the storage chambers thereof in
vertical orientation.
3. A multi-compartment case for carrying, removably retaining and
displaying a plurality of containers therein in vertical orientation
comprising, in combination:
1. a first substantially rectangular receptacle having a side wall,
substantially parallel end walls and substantially parallel top and bottom
walls,
2. a second substantially rectangular receptacle having a side wall,
substantially parallel end walls and substantially parallel top and bottom
walls,
3. said receptacles having a width at least equal to the height thereof, as
well as being congruent in form and equal in open face area,
4. base support means on said receptacle bottom walls operative to mount
said case as a standing, self-supporting unit in both closed and open
positions, normally erect on the bottom walls of the receptacles,
5. normally vertical hinge means joining in flexible fashion the free edges
of one end wall of each of said receptacles, whereby same may be moved
together and apart in a normally horizontal plane around said hinge to
form closed a standing, self-supporting, integral closed container and
when open a pair of standing, self-supporting, angled apart, open-face
receptacles, respectively,
6. normally vertical latch means cooperatively mounted on each of the other
end walls of said receptacle operative to engage one another and form said
standing integral closed container when said receptacles are pivoted to
closed position around said hinge,
7. at least two elongate normally vertical partitions provided within each
of said receptacles fastened along their entire length to the inside face
of the respective receptacle side wall, same running between and
connecting at their upper and lower ends to the top and bottom walls
thereof and further running substantially parallel to the receptacle end
walls, thereby to define in each said receptacle at least three parallel,
substantially rectangular, normally vertical storage chambers of
substantially greater height than width, when said receptacles are
standing normally erect on the bottom walls thereof,
8. limited, fixed wall means associated only with the normally lowermost
part of at least two of said storage chambers in each receptacle operative
to removably retain objects received in each of said chambers in the
normal vertical standing position of the case by closing off only the
lowermost portions of the open fronts of said storage chambers, while
permitting ready insertion and removal of such objects without moving said
wall,
9. each said latter wall means made up of an assembly comprising at least a
front wall member, a top wall member and a back wall member, the said
front wall member hingedly connected to the bottom wall of one receptacle
and the top wall member thereof being open centrally, whereby said
assembly, before use of the case, is pivoted around said hinge into
position in the lower end of its corresponding compartment with the front
and back wall members normally vertical, the top wall member normally
horizontal and the assembly retained in this position in its compartment
by lugs on a wall of the compartment overlying one wall of the assembly,
10. the depth of one of said receptacles being substantially less than the
depth of other said receptacle, and
11. flange means attached to the top wall and latch end wall of the lesser
depth receptacle, which flange means overlies a portion of the top wall
and latch end wall of said greater depth receptacle in closure of the
case, whereby to overlie and protect the line of closure of said
receptacles the width of said flange substantially equal to the excess of
depth of the one receptacle over the other, and
12. separate horizontal handle means integral with the uppermost portions
of the side wall of each said receptacle cooperating with one another when
the case is closed to enable the case user to grasp with one hand the top
of the case and carry same in its normally erect orientation. |
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Claims |
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Description |
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DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The subject multiple compartment carrying case is provided with two sets of
compartments which are located with one set thereof on each inside surface
of one side wall. The handle of the case is integrally built within the
walls of the case and configured to be larger at the thumb gripping area.
The two sides of the container overlap in closure whereby to provide the
appearance of even or equal depth. Each one of the containers or devices
received and confined within the compartments of the case is provided with
retaining means. The entire case may be molded in one piece form from
plastic with the bottle or container retainers hinged with a 270.degree.
arc into a snap fit. The case is further designed to open to a display for
use and, as such, will stand by itself alone, open, by means of ribs on
the underside of the case. The case also will stand stably when closed.
There is further provided a two-sided (not the underside or the hinged
side) overlap at the seam to give the appearance of a symmetrical
structure although one set of compartments and sides is of lesser depth
than the other. There is a sealing abutment along the bottom of the case
where the retaining wall faces abut in closure. A hinge is provided at one
vertical edge of the case and a snap fastener on the other vertical
parallel edge.
An optimum specific application of the subject multicompartment carrying
case lies in its adaptation to and use as a carrying case for accessories
necessarily and optimally required for contact lenses. The following items
are daily used by contact lens owners and generally are carried by the
contact lens user in overnight travel if the contacts are to be used by
him:
1. Contact lens soaking solution. This typically comes in a four fluid
ounce container and is employed in an overnight contact lens storage case
as a disinfectant of the lenses. This is preferably used daily.
2. A contact lens washing machine. This typically is a container with a lid
through which extends a plunger with a handle outside the lid and double
lens receptacles at the inside end of the plunger. The plunger is moved up
and down through the lid, thus reciprocating the lens receptacles in the
cleaning solution.
3. A water tray. This is for cleaning the lenses themselves and
disinfecting same with the soaking solution previously mentioned.
Typically, this tray has curved interior corners at each end for ready
access to the lenses from the fluid therewithin.
4. A contact lens wetting solution which is applied to the lenses before
application thereof to the user's eyes. The typical container for this
(commercial) contains two fluid ounces.
5. Contact lens cleaner (may be concentrated). This may be used in the
washing machine (number (2), supra) or the water tray (number (3), supra)
and a container thereof typically is one or one-half fluid ounces.
6. Lens storage case. A typical form of this is a cylindrical, relatively
small case having an individual receptacle for each lens, the receptacles
vertically received in a cylindrical pop-up structure spring-loaded
centrally of the storage case which has a screw-down cap. The fluid
received in the storage case is typically number (1), supra, the contact
lens soaking solution.
7. A typical eye decongestant. Commercially available containers may hold
15 cc of decongestant.
These noted solutions and accessory means and devices are not in
themselves, per se, a part of or the invention herein described. In a
specific preferred application of use of the inventive compartmented case,
they are those elements, means and devices necessary and desired for
maintenance and use of contact lenses by a wearer of same, in day to day
use. As such, a carrying case for same, operative to receive, carry and
dispense each, in ordered array, of minimal bulk, would be eminently
desirable.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
An object of the invention is to provide a contact lens accessory carrying
case of unique and valuable construction and use, the case having two sets
of a multiplicity of compartments, one set on the inside of each of two
centrally hinged walls.
Another object of the invention is to provide such an improved contact lens
accessory carrying case which is particularly and uniquely adapted to the
compact and serviceably carrying, protecting and use of all necessary and
desired elements for cleaning and servicing contact lenses, in day to day
use.
Another object of the invention is to provide such an improved carrying
case adapted to contain, transport and offer for use all of (1) a
container of contact lens soaking solution, (2) a contact lens washing
machine (including a water tray for cleaning the contact lenses), (3) a
container of contact lens wetting solution, (4) a container of contact
lens cleaner for used in the aforementioned lens washing machine and water
tray, (5) a contact lens storage case, (6) a container of eye decongestant
and (7) space for a glasses case.
Another object of the invention is to provide such an improved accessory
carrying case providing separate and separated individual compartments
therein for receiving and retaining, as noted, a multiplicity of necessary
and desired contact lens accessory fluids and devices, the container
integrally providing therewith a grasping and carrying zone in the outside
wall thereof, providing for convenience of use and handling yet not
constricting the necessary and required space within the case for
receiving the previously noted elements.
Another object of the invention is to provide such a contact lens
accessory, use and display case wherein the case itself opens to provide
access to the separate and retained accessories, easily retaining itself
on a flat surface in erect open position for ready access to the contents
and return of same after use to the case.
Another object of the invention is to provide such a contact lens accessory
carrying case which optionally and preferably may be injected molded of
suitable plastic such as polypropylene, thereby to provide a durable,
useful carrying case for a multiplicity of receptacles and items for
servicing contact lenses, the case being two part and hinged at one edge
of each part, one of said portions thereof of greater depth than the other
whereby to handle larger items therein on one side thereof and vice versa.
Another object of the invention is to provide a novel, useful contact lens
accessory carrying case which may receive and retain therewithin,
optionally, a mini-case separately useable therefrom, as when a lady
wishes to carry the mini-case in her pocketbook. (The mini-case includes,
as bare essentials, a container of cleaner solution, a container of
wetting solution, a storage case with a lens soaker therewithin and a
mirror.)
Another object of the invention is to provide a multiple compartment
carrying case with two sets of compartments therein, one on the inside of
each of two centrally hinged walls, locking means provided to secure the
case closed, the case particularly adapted to carrying all of the elements
for cleaning and servicing contact lens, also utilizable to carry of
chemicals, instruments, cosmetics, and the like, thereby providing a broad
spectrum of uses.
Another object of the invention is to provide a multiple compartment
carrying case having two sets of compartments, one on the inside of each
of two centrally hinged walls, the case also having a handle built into
the walls of the case, same so configured as to be larger in the thumb
gripping area with the bottles, etc., in the compartments arranged so that
the larger ones are in the smaller handle section and vice versa.
Another object of the invention is to provide an improved, multiple
compartment carrying case having two separate sets of compartments, one
set on the inside of each of two centrally hinged walls, there being
provided a different number and spacing of compartments between the two
sets, the case adapted to sit, when either closed or open, on a lower edge
thereof, and opening around the hinge, thereby to present the two facing
sets of compartments for display or for use with the articles carried
therewithin in vertical position separately received each within its own
compartment, thereby functioning equally well as a display case or
dispensing container.
Another object is to provide an improved multi-compartment receiving,
carrying, transporting, displaying and dispensing container which is
easily and cheaply manufactured by simple plastic injection molding
practices, has a long life, is rugged, adapted to many desirable uses and,
as well, provides a unique closure construction giving the appearance of
even or equal depth sides (although one side is of greater depth than the
other) by virtue of an overlying flap closure construction on one of the
sides on two walls thereof.
Other and further objects of the invention will appear in the course of the
following description thereof.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the drawings, which form a part of the instant specification and are to
be read in conjunction therewith, an embodiment of the invention is shown,
and, in the various views, like numerals are employed to indicate like
parts.
MAIN ACCESSORY CASE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a three-quarter perspective view of the subject case from above
and from the latching end (closed).
FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the device of FIG. 1 with the hinge end to the
left in the view and the latch end to the right; the compartments of the
two sides thereof (sides of both greater and lesser depth) shown in dotted
lines (device shown closed).
FIG. 3 is an end view of the case of FIG. 1 and 2 from the latch end
(device closed).
FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of the device of FIG. 1-3, inclusive, with the
hinge and latch at the left and right hand sides of the view, respectively
(as in FIG. 2), the case shown in closed position.
FIG. 5 is a side elevation of the subject device with the hinge and latch
ends at the left and right sides of the view, respectively (as in FIGS. 2
and 4), (case shown closed).
FIG. 6 is an end view of the case of FIGS. 1-5, inclusive from the hinge
end (case shown closed).
FIG. 7 is a view taken along the lines 7--7 of FIG. 11 in the direction of
the arrows. (The dotted line showing in the lower portion of the view
represents the true view along lines 7--7 in the direction of the arrows,
the full line showing of the dotted line member rotated into position
shows the construction assembled.
FIG. 8 is a view taken along the lines 8--8 of FIG. 11 in the direction of
the arrows. Again, the dotted line showing is the true section on FIG. 11,
the full line showing illustrates the retainer element roted 270.degree.
into place ready to receive container or receptacle.
FIG. 9 is a view taken along the lines 9--9 of FIG. 3 in the direction of
the arrows with the latch shown closed in full lines and open in dotted
lines.
FIG. 10 is a view taken along the lines 10--10 of FIG. 11 in the direction
of the arrows.
FIG. 11 is a front elevation of the subject case open with the compartment
of both side receptical thereof facing toward the viewer. The hinge is
centrally of the view with the latch element centered at the left and
right hand sides. The retainer inserts and their hinges are rotated
downwardly and out of engagement 270.degree. so that a plan view of same
is given on both sides. Additionally, in dotted lines, there are shown
typical containers received by the device in use.
MINI-CASE DRAWINGS
FIGS. 12-18, inclusive, are directed to an optional mini-case which may be
received within one cell or compartment of the accessory case of FIGS.
1-11, inclusive.
FIG. 12 is an end view of the mini-case with the lid to the left in the
view and the latch at the bottom left thereof. The case is shown closed in
full lines and with the lid pivoted around its hinge 180.degree. to an
open position in dotted lines.
FIG. 13 is a plan view of the mini-case with the latch down and the hinge
up looking from left to right in the view of FIG. 10.
FIG. 14 is a view looking upwardly from below in FIG. 12 showing the
mini-case in closed position (latch end).
FIG. 15 is a view taken along the line 15--15 of FIG. 13 in the direction
of the arrows showing the contents thereof.
FIG. 16 is a view taken along the line 16--16 of FIG. 13 in the direction
of the arrows (showing a detail of the hinge).
FIG. 17 is a view taken along the line 17--17 of FIG. 12 in the direction
of the arrows (showing the edge lid closure).
FIG. 18 is a view taken along the line 18--18 of FIG. 14 in the direction
of the arrows (showing the latch construction).
STRUCTURE
Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1-11,
inclusive, therein is shown the improved container particularly adapted
for use as a contact lens accessory case. The case is made up of two
receptacles generally designated 20 and 21, respectively, receptacle 20
being of lesser depth than receptacle 21, as will be described herebelow.
Receptacles 20 and 21 are hinged to one another at one edge thereof by
hinge 22. This container or case may be advantageously fabricated from
plastic materials such as by injection molding of polypropylene all in one
piece. In such manner the two configured receptacles, with integral hinge,
latch members, inner walls defining the desired compartmentation, and
retainers within the latter, may be simultaneously formed.
Receptacle 21 has side panel 21a, normally vertical end panels 21b (at the
latch end) and 21c (at the hinge end). Receptacle 21 additionally has top
panel 21d and bottom wall or panel 21e. Integrally molded into panel 21a
or otherwise formed therein is an elongate, indented hand grip 23. Grip 23
is adapted to receive therewithin either the thumb or fingers of either
hand (one or the other) and cooperates with a like grip on the side panel
of receptacle 20 to be described. The configuration of the grip 23 panel
indentation in the side panel 21a of receptacle 21 is preferably as
illustrated, namely, tapering from a greater to a lesser heights from the
hinge toward the latch. Receptacle 21 is of greater depth than receptacle
20.
For receptacle 20, same has side panel 20a, fastener or latch carrying end
panel 20b, hinge end panel 20c, top wall or panel 20d and bottom wall or
panel 20e. As in the case of side panel 20a of receptacle 20 has an
elongate dished or indented handle or grasping means or grip 24. This
preferably runs from hinge end panel 20c to latch end panel 20b and, like
grip indentation 23, preferably is of lesser height adjacent latch end
panel 20b, tapering to a greater height adjacent the hinge end panel 20b,
tapering to a greater height adjacent the hinge end of the side panel 20a.
Receptacle 20 is of lesser depth than receptacle 21. Referring first to
the greater depth receptacle 21, particularly as seen in FIG. 11, same is
divided by a pair of elongate walls 25 and 26 into separate chambers 27,
28 and 29, respectively.
For a specific example, it will be assumed that chamber or compartment 27
is to receive a typical four ounce (fluid) container of contact lens
soaking solution, as seen in dotted lines at 30. In the same specific
example, the chamber 28, then, is so sized as to receive a typical contact
lens washing machine shown in dotted lines at 31. Yet further, there is
shown in chamber 28, also removably containing the contact lens washing
machine, a water tray numbered 32. Finally, in this specific example, the
chamber or compartment 29 is seen (in dotted lines) as receiving a typical
commercial container for a contact lens wetting solution adapted to carry
or hold two fluid ounces as at 33.
Without restricting oneself to particular numbers, typical dimensions in
receptacle 21 would be a total inside width of 6.492 inches dividing into
chambers of 1.881 inches (27), 2.043 inches (28) and 2.443 inches (29).
The inside height of the compartments then would be 5.718 inches.
On the other hand, again referring to the specific example of a contact
lens accessory kit, in receptacle 20 there are provided walls or dividers
34, 35 and 36 in this lesser depth receptacle. These walls define with the
end walls 20b and 20c chambers or compartments 37, 38, 39 and 40. In the
arrangement shown, chamber 37 is adapted to receive a typical commercial
container of contact lens cleaner to be used in the washing machine 31 or
the water tray 32 as seen in dotted lines at 41. Chamber or or compartment
38, then, may receive, as seen at 42 in dotted lines, a typical commercial
contact lens storage case. Compartment or chamber 39 is seen (in dotted
lines) as receiving at 43 a commercially available container of eye
decongestant (15cc typical).
Again looking at a specific example, but not being limited with respect to
the numbers recited, if the total inside dimension between walls 20b and
20c is 6.492 inches, then a width of 1.359 inches for chamber 37, 1.359
inches for chamber 38, 1.197 inches for chamber 39 and 2.377 inches for
chamber 40 has proved to be workable and adequate for the items and
devices mentioned. Chamber 40 may receive either conventional eye glasses
in the retainer to be named or the mini-case yet to be described.
Now referring particularly to FIGS. 2, 7, 8 and 11, therein may be seen the
container and receptacle retainer means which fit into certain of the
compartments to receive the particular containers and devices heretofore
recited and removably retain same in fixed position for transport and
storage. First looking at the deeper receptacle 21, an elongate resilient
tab 44 relieved as at 44a and 44b operates as a hinge for connection to a
pair of generally rectangular (in the view of FIG. 11) frames 45 and 46.
The view of FIG. 11 includes a bottom plan view of frames 45 and 46.
In frame 46, relatively short wall 46a is provided operative to be received
under rear retainer lugs 47. Side wall portions 46b snap under (at the
sides thereof) retainer lugs 48.
Likewise, wall 45a of frame 45 will snap under lugs 50, while the side wall
portions 45b will lock under side lugs 51.
In the case of each of frames 45 and 46, there may be provided resilient
retainer fingers 45d and 46d, respectively.
Thus, referring only to receptacle 21, first, it may be seen that the two
retainer frames 45 and 46 may be emplaced by rotating the frames 45 and 46
around the hinge 44 270.degree. from the position of FIGS. 11 and 8 (in
the view of FIG. 8 counterclockwise). The frames lock or snap under the
lugs 50 and 51 (frame 45) and 47 and 48 (frame 46). There is no retainer
frame provided for chamber 28.
Referring, then, to receptacle 20, there is a hinge 52 relieved as at 53
and 54 to which is attached four frames, namely, 55, 56, 57 and 58 fitting
into (removably) chambers or compartments 37-40, inclusive, respectively.
Each of these frames 55-57, inclusive, have the short wall portions
55a-57a, inclusive, which snap under lugs 60-63, inclusive. Likewise, they
have side wall portions 55b-57b, inclusive, which removably snap under
lugs 63-67, inclusive, the latter paired on the facing side walls of the
compartments 37-39, inclusive. The larger end frame 58 is a simple
rectangular wall open frame retainer member which removably snaps under
lugs 63 and 67. The frames 55-57, inclusive, also may have resilient
container or device retainer fingers 55c-57c, inclusive.
Referring now to the underside of the case and, particularly, the
receptacles 20 and 21, one turns to FIG. 4. Therein, it may be seen that
on bottom wall 21e there are provided spaced, parallel ridges or rests 68
and 69. These run at substantially right angles to the edge of wall 21e
which abuts the edge of wall 20e. Likewise, on bottom wall 20e, there are
provided a pair of spaced ridges or rests 70 and 71 oriented like ridges
68 and 69 on bottom wall 21e so that, when the container or case is closed
as seen in FIG. 4, ridges 68 and 70 are axially in line with one another,
as are ridges or rests 69 and 71.
Now referring to FIGS. 12-18, inclusive, therein is shown a mini-case which
may be employed alone or in conjunction with the main case. It is so sized
as to be receivable within the compartment 40 (in lieu of a glasses case
or a pair of glasses). Typically, the mini-case may be removed from the
main case and carried in the pocket of a man or the handbag of a woman.
The mini-case, basically numbered 72, per se, has a receptacle body
generally designated 73, to one side of which is hinged a lid generally
designated 74, the hinge itself 75. A latch generally designated 76 is
also provided.
Typically, the mini-case will receive a mirror removably within the lid
thereof. The body portinn 73, having rounded side edges and preferably at
least one end thereof also rounded, functions as a water tray analogous to
tray 32. Any desired multiple of the accessories recited previously (and
solution containers) previously noted with respect to the main case may be
carried which will fit. Optimally however, a contact lens storage case 42'
as well as a container of contact lens soaking solution 41' and a
container of contact lens wetting solution 33' may be included.
Referring, then, to the body portion 73 of the mini-case, same has a bottom
wall portion 73a, side walls 73b and 73c and end walls 73d and 73e.
The lid 74 has a top wall 74a, side walls 74b and 74c and end walls 74d and
74e. The mirror, removably receivable within the top 74, is indicated at
77. A circumferential flange 74f is provided inwardly of the walls 74b-e,
inclusive, to sealingly engage the end edges of the walls 73b-e,
inclusive, of the mini-case body.
Referring now to the latch generally designated 76, a flange 78 is provided
on wall 73d centrally thereof whereby to be engaged by latch member 79 as
best seen in FIGS. 10 and 16.
The entire mini-case, as seen in FIGS. 10-16, inclusive, may be injection
molded as a unit with the parts described of polypropylene or the like.
There remains the description of the circumferential edge engagement of the
two halves (receptacles, shells) of the container, the snap lock and the
flange on the shallower shell top and latch end edges.
Turning first to the latch or snap lock, same is seen in FIGS. 1-5,
inclusive, 9 and 11. FIG. 9 has the most detailed view and will be used in
the description.
Wall 21b of greater depth shell 21 has outwardly angled flange member 80
molded integrally therewith, same having angled engaging edge 81. The
adjacent wall 20b (when the case is closed as in FIGS. 2-4, inclusive) has
a portion 82 thereof molded or formed at right angles to wall 20b carrying
resilient hinge 83. The latch body 84 is connected to hinge 83 at end 84a
thereof and has engaging tongue 84b and finger or thumb flange 84c at the
other end thereof.
In operation of the latch, when same is in closed or locked position as in
FIGS. 1-5, inclusive and 9, the user of the case merely inserts the end of
his thumb between flange 84c and wall 21b and pries engaging tongue 84b
over engaging edge 81. Body 84 is resilient plastic and can bend, same
being true of edge 81. Thus, the action is counterclockwise in FIG. 9 from
full to dotted line positions. Reversal of this action relocks the case.
With respect to the flange which overlies portions of walls 21d and 21b and
is attached to walls 20d and 20b, same is seen in the views of FIGS. 1-4,
inclusive, 5, 7 (particularly) and 11. The upper portion 85 thereof begins
at 85a and runs along the entire upper wall 20d until it curves over and
downwardly at 85b where wall 20d meets wall 20b. Its sectional
configuration is seen in FIG. 7.
The portion of the flange on the front wall 20b of the smaller shell is
numbered 86 and has three parts. They comprise upper portion 86a above the
latch structure, 86b therebelow and 86c making the corner turn to wall
20e. The latter portion ends at 86d. The sectional configuration of the
attachment of flange portions 86a and 86b with respect to wall 20b is that
of FIG. 7 at 85 and 20d.
Turning to the four wall junctures (20c and 21c in FIG. 6; 20d and 21d in
FIG. 2; 21e and 20e in FIG. 4 and 20b and 21b in FIG. 3) when the case is
closed, the following is noted.
Looking first at FIGS. 6, 10 and 11, it is first noted that walls 20c and
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