PRIORITY CLAIM

Benefit is claimed of and to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/029,886, filed Jul. 28, 2014, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the storage and display of personal toiletry items such as razors, toothbrushes and the like.

2. Related Art The storage of personal toiletry items such as toothbrushes and razors can pose difficulties for travelers. As it is almost always desirable to maintain such items in a hygienic state, users are often leery of simply placing such items on basins or countertops in hotel bathroom areas. Many fear such surfaces are unclean, and so avoid placing personal items where they may come into contact with disease and bacteria covered surfaces.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a toiletry item stand is provided, including a body having a first leg, a second leg, an upper portion, and an item receiving channel defined between the first and second legs. Each of the first leg and second leg can terminate at a surface engagement section configured to engage a support surface upon which the toiletry item stand is placed, the surface engagement sections being separated by the item receiving channel. The item receiving channel can include an item receiving socket defined adjacent the upper portion and an item entry passage defined below the item receiving socket. The item entry passage can be smaller in width than the item receiving socket. The toiletry item stand can be operable to receive a portion of a toiletry item in the item receiving socket and thereby suspend a portion of the toiletry item above the support surface when the toiletry item stand is placed on the support surface.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a toiletry item and support stand combination is provided, including a toiletry item and a support stand. The support stand can have a body having a first leg, a second leg, an upper portion, and an item receiving channel defined between the first and second legs. Each of the first leg and second leg can terminate at a surface engagement section configured to engage a support surface upon which the toiletry item stand is placed, the surface engagement sections being separated by the item receiving channel. The item receiving channel can include an item receiving socket defined adjacent the upper portion and an item entry passage defined below the item receiving socket. The item entry passage can be smaller in width than the item receiving socket. A portion of the toiletry item can be held within the item receiving socket, and a portion of the toiletry item can be suspended above the support surface when the toiletry item support stand is placed on the support surface.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a method for supporting a portion of a toiletry item above a surface is provided, including: positioning a toiletry item relative to a toiletry item stand, the toiletry item stand including a body having a first leg, a second leg, an upper portion, and an item receiving channel defined between the first and second legs, the item receiving channel including an item receiving socket defined adjacent the upper portion of the body and an item entry passage defined below the item receiving socket; positioning a surface engagement section of the first leg and the second leg on a support surface with the surface engagement sections being separated by the item receiving channel; passing a first portion of the toiletry item through the item entry passage and into the item receiving socket; moving the toiletry item longitudinally within the item receiving socket and positioning a second portion of the toiletry item within the item receiving socket; and resting a tail end of the toiletry item upon the support surface and suspending a head end of the toiletry item above the support surface.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the detailed description which follows, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which together illustrate, by way of example, features of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments for carrying out the invention. Like reference numerals refer to like parts in different views or embodiments of the present invention in the drawings.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a personal toiletry item, in this case a toothbrush, stored in an item stand in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a personal toiletry item, in this case a disposable razor, stored in an item stand in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; FIG. 2 is a front view of the item stand of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 3A is a front view of another item stand in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3B is an exploded view of the item stand of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4A is a sectional view of a portion of the item stand of FIG. 3A, taken along section 4-4 of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4B is a sectional view of an alternate arrangement of engagement material, as would be seen taken along the same section 4-4 of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 5 is a front view of another item stand in accordance with an aspect of the invention; and

FIG. 6 is a front view of another item stand in accordance with an aspect of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before the present invention is disclosed and described, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular structures, process steps, or materials disclosed herein, but is extended to equivalents thereof as would be recognized by those of ordinarily skilled in the relevant arts. It should also be understood that terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.

It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms â€œaâ€ and â€œtheâ€ can include plural referents, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a â€œtoothâ€ can include reference to one or more of such teeth.

Definitions

In describing and claiming the present invention, the following terminology will be used in accordance with the definitions set forth below.

Relative directional terms, such as â€œforward,â€ â€œrearward,â€ â€œupper,â€ â€œlower,â€ â€œtop,â€ bottom,â€ etc., may be used herein to aid in describing various features of the present systems and techniques. It is to be understood that such terms are generally used in a manner consistent with the understanding one of ordinary skill in the art would have of such systems. Such terms should not, however, be construed to limit the present invention. Generally, directional terms are used herein to describe components of the technology as referenced to the item stands oriented in a â€œstandingâ€ position, such as that shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B.

As used herein, the term â€œsubstantiallyâ€ refers to the complete, or nearly complete, extent or degree of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. As an arbitrary example, an object that is â€œsubstantiallyâ€ enclosed would mean that the object is either completely enclosed or nearly completely enclosed. The exact allowable degree of deviation from absolute completeness may in some cases depend on the specific context. However, generally speaking the nearness of completion will be so as to have the same overall result as if absolute and total completion were obtained.

The use of â€œsubstantiallyâ€ is equally applicable when used in a negative connotation to refer to the complete or near complete lack of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. As another arbitrary example, a composition that is â€œsubstantially free ofâ€ particles would either completely lack particles, or so nearly completely lack particles that the effect would be the same as if it completely lacked particles. In other words, a composition that is â€œsubstantially free ofâ€ an ingredient or element may still actually contain such item as long as there is no measurable effect thereof.

As used herein, the term â€œaboutâ€ is used to provide flexibility to a numerical range endpoint by providing that a given value may be â€œa little aboveâ€ or â€œa little belowâ€ the endpoint.

Distances, forces, weights, amounts, and other numerical data may be expressed or presented herein in a range format. It is to be understood that such a range format is used merely for convenience and brevity and thus should be interpreted flexibly to include not only the numerical values explicitly recited as the limits of the range, but also to include all the individual numerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if each numerical value and sub-range is explicitly recited.

As an illustration, a numerical range of â€œabout 1 inch to about 5 inchesâ€ should be interpreted to include not only the explicitly recited values of about 1 inch to about 5 inches, but also include individual values and sub-ranges within the indicated range. Thus, included in this numerical range are individual values such as 2, 3, and 4 and sub-ranges such as from 1-3, from 2-4, and from 3-5, etc.

This same principle applies to ranges reciting only one numerical value and should apply regardless of the breadth of the range or the characteristics being described.

Invention

The present technology provides portable stands for use in storing personal toiletry items such as toothbrushes and disposable razors. The present stands allow the secure storage of such items, while maintaining at least one operable component of such items suspended above a surface on which the stands are resting. In this manner, contact between the operable end and potentially contaminated surfaces is avoided.

While the present stands can be used in a variety of environments, they are particularly well adapted for use in hotel and motel rooms, and other places where travelers may visit for only a short time. Generally, in such places, the user may not be confident that the cleanliness of surfaces has been properly maintained. The item stands can be used to store a variety of items, such as toothbrushes, razors and the like. It is anticipated that such stands can be provided by hotel staff at a relatively low price. The item stands can include one or more surfaces on which the hotel can brand itself, or upon which other product logos can be placed (e.g., logos for particular toothbrush or toothpaste products, shaving products, etc.).

The system is shown generally in FIG. 1A, where it can be seen that a toothbrush 24 is maintained in position by item stand 10 on a generalized surface. The head end 24a of the toothbrush (the bristle end) is maintained above the surface while the tail end 24b rests upon the surface. In this manner, the head end is prevented from contacting the surface, and potentially becoming contaminated by the surface. While a toothbrush is shown in FIG. 1A, it is to be understood that the present system works just as effectively for other toiletry items, such as disposable razors and the like, as would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art having possession of this disclosure. For example, FIG. 1B illustrates use of the device 10 with a razor 25.

As shown more clearly in the figures following FIGS. 1A and 1B, the stand 10 can include a variety of features that aid in providing a stable and secure holding mechanism for the toiletry item, while requiring very few components. The item stand 10 can include a body 12 (FIG. 2) that includes an upper portion 16 and a first 14a and a second 14b leg extending below the upper portion. An item receiving channel 18 can be defined between the first and second legs. Each of the first leg and second legs can terminate at a surface engagement section 14aâ€² and 14bâ€², respectively. The surface engagement sections can be configured to engage the support surface upon which the toiletry item stand is placed. The surface engagement sections can be separated by the item receiving channel 18.

The surface engagement surfaces 14aâ€², 14bâ€² can include generally rounded surfaces that do not require a specific orientation of the stand 10 to function properly. While not shown in detail, the surface engagement surfaces can include a surface treatment to aid in maintaining the stand on the surface. For example, the surface engagement surfaces can include a relatively high friction material to prevent the stand from sliding upon the surface.

The item receiving channel 18 can include an item receiving socket 20 defined adjacent (and generally below) the upper portion 16. An item entry passage 22 can be defined below the item receiving socket (and between the legs 14a and 14b). While not so required, in one aspect, the item entry passage can be smaller in width than the item receiving socket. Thus, W₂is generally larger in magnitude than is W₁, as illustrated in FIG. 2. This aspect of the technology aids in retaining the toiletry item within the item stand 10. As shown for example in FIG. 5, the section 24d of the item held within the item receiving socket 20b is prevented from falling through the legs of the item holder by the smaller width.

Returning to FIG. 1A, in one aspect of the invention, the legs 14a, 14b can be relatively rigid and not easily partable to expand the size of the item entry passage 22. In this case, the toiletry item 24 can be installed within the item receiving socket 20 by first moving a relatively narrow section of the item through the item entry passage and into the item receiving socket. See, for example, the section 24c of item 24 that is narrower than is section 24d, which rests within and is retained by the item receiving socket. In practice, the more narrow section is inserted into the item stand, after which the item is moved longitudinally relative to the stand to position the wider section in the receiving socket. In this manner, a secure interface can be obtained between the stand and the item, preventing the item from easily falling out of the item stand.

In some aspects, the body can be formed from a material that provides flexibility to the various components. In this case, the legs 14a, 14b can be easily parted to allow entry of the item 24 within the item receiving socket 20. Once positioned properly, the legs can be allowed to return to a nominal position and thereby secure the item. Thus, flexibility can be provided to the various components by way of material selection. In addition, various shape and dimensional aspects of the body can be tailored to achieve a desired level of flexibility. Combinations of these two methods can provide even further variability in design possibilities.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1A, 1B and 2, the body 12 is formed of an integral piece of material that flows smoothly from one component to another, with very few if any discontinuities present in the curvature of the body. Each of the legs and the upper portion can include a continuously curved profile that lends itself well to flexibility and ease of manufacture. The upper section 16 is generally rounded in shape, transitioning smoothly into each leg section, which are also rounded in shape. The rounded portions of the upper section and the legs also serve to provide a number of positions in which the stand 10 can be supported if tipped from its nominal position. For example, if the stand, holding the toiletry item 24, is tipped on its side, the upper portion 16 and one of the legs 14a, 14b can contact the surface and still maintain the head end of the item above the surface. Thus, even if a user accidentally tips over the body and item, the head end of the item will not contact the surface and possibly become contaminated.

As shown in FIG. 3A, in some embodiments of the invention, a second, engagement material 26 can be disposed about a periphery of the item receiving socket (20 in FIG. 2). The engagement material can be operable to engage the portion of the toiletry item in the item receiving socket and provide a more secure interface between the two. While not so required, the engagement material can differ from a material from which the body 12 is formed. This can be advantageous, for example, in that the engagement material can be formed from a relatively pliable (and/or high-friction) material that can grip the item 24 more securely. In this manner, the body can be formed from a material that best performs the function of maintaining the head end of the item above the surface, while the engagement material can best perform the function of gripping the item.

In the example shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B and 4A, the engagement material 26 includes a thickness (â€œT₁â€ in FIG. 4A). This thickness can be greater than a thickness (â€œT₂â€ in FIG. 4A) of the body 12a. Thus, the engagement material essentially forms a collar that wraps about the body in the area of the receiving socket. In this manner, it is possible to individually manufacture the body and the engagement material, and then mate them afterward. The collar or engagement material can be formed in a generally U-shaped configuration to allow it to be installed about the receiving socket.

While the body and the engagement material can be formed from the same material, in some embodiments they differ. The body can be formed from a relatively rigid polymer, such as Nylon 66, which includes a Young's Modulus of about 1.6-23 GPa. The engagement material can be formed from a relatively pliable material such as SantopreneÂ®, which has a Young's Modulus of about 0.0015-0.0055. These are but two examples of materials that the present inventor has found to be effective.

While the engagement material can be formed in a collar fashion, as shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B and 4A, it can alternately be configured to extend from the body material with the same thickness as, or a thickness slightly less than, the body material, as shown for example in FIG. 4B. In this case, the engagement material 26 can extend smoothly from the body 12, with no noticeable seam between the two (except, perhaps, for the different appearance of the differing materials). In the example shown in FIG. 4B, the engagement material can be bonded to the body material, or it can be plastically welded thereto during the manufacturing process, or formed integrally therewith.

The embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate other exemplary configurations of the engagement material. In these examples, the engagement material includes a series of teeth or engagement nubs 32, 34, respectively, that aid in providing a gripping interface with the item (see, e.g., 24d in FIG. 5). The engagement teeth can be formed from a material different from the material from which the body is formed, or from the same material as the body. The engagement teeth can be substantially uniform in size, or can vary in size. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the engagement teeth 34 are longer near the upper body portion 16a, and shorter as they progress downwardly toward the legs 14a, 14b. In this manner, the teeth are stiffer near the legs and more flexible near the upper body portion. Thus, the engagement material in this example provides a graduated interface that varies along the circumference of the receiving socket 20c.

As shown in FIG. 5, in one aspect of the invention the item stand 10b can provide an interface to allow the display, on the item stand, of informational material. For example, indicia 50 can be provided on the upper portion of the body 10b. The indicia can be used by a hotel, for example, to advertise the hotel. The indicia can also be used to advertise related products, for example toothbrush and toothpaste brands, shaving brands, etc. Alternately, the indicia can be unrelated to the product with which the stand is used, or the setting in which the stand is used, and can relate to some other sponsor's information. In addition to positioning the indicia on the upper portion, as shown, it can alternately or additionally be positioned on one or both of the legs 14a, 14b.

In addition to the structural features discussed above, the present invention can also provide a method for supporting a portion of a toiletry item above a surface. The method can include positioning a toiletry item relative to a toiletry item stand, the toiletry item stand including a body having a first leg, a second leg, an upper portion, and an item receiving channel defined between the first and second legs. The item receiving channel can include an item receiving socket defined adjacent the upper portion of the body and an item entry passage defined below the item receiving socket. The method can include positioning a surface engagement section of the first leg and the second leg on a support surface with the surface engagement sections being separated by the item receiving channel. A first portion of the toiletry item can be passed through the item entry passage and into the item receiving socket. The toiletry item can be moved longitudinally within the item receiving socket and positioning a second portion of the toiletry item within the item receiving socket, and a tail end of the toiletry item can be positioned upon the support surface while suspending a head end of the toiletry item above the support surface.

The body of the toiletry item stand can include an engagement material disposed about a periphery of the item receiving socket, and positioning the second portion of the toiletry item within the item receiving socket can include engaging the second portion with the engagement material. The engagement material is more pliable than is a material from which the body is formed. The engagement material can include a series of teeth formed therein. The method can be effectively used for a variety of toiletry items including, without limitation, toothbrushes and disposable razors.

It is to be understood that the above-referenced arrangements are illustrative of the application for the principles of the present invention. Numerous modifications and alternative arrangements can be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention while the present invention has been shown in the drawings and described above in connection with the exemplary embodiments(s) of the invention. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications can be made without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention as set forth in the examples.