Special receptacle or package – For apparel – Article retainer or positioner
Reexamination Certificate
1999-02-12
2001-05-29
Weaver, Sue A. (Department: 3727)
Special receptacle or package
For apparel
Article retainer or positioner
C206S278000, C206S292000, C229S087150
Reexamination Certificate
active
06237761
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In a principal aspect the present invention relates to a case which is especially useful for folding articles such as shirts, trousers, dresses, slacks and the like in a manner which will retain the article of clothing free of wrinkles and available for storage, for packing in a larger case or suitcase or for transport in the packing case in which the article is folded.
A problem often encountered when traveling relates to packing of articles of clothing such as dress shirts, slacks, dress coats, dresses and other items which, unless folded in a proper fashion, will wrinkle and become untidy, therefore requiring pressing or other attention before they can be worn. Various systems are utilized in suitcases, packing cases and the like in an attempt to maintain the press or wrinkle-free condition of clothing articles. Suitcases often include flaps or similar elements which serve as a pattern or support which permits or facilitates folding of the items.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,562,952, issued Jan. 7, 1986, a wrapper for clothing and the like is disclosed. The device disclosed includes a shape retainer separate and apart from a wrapping assembly or wrapper. Articles of clothing are folded about the shape retainer. The shape retainer is then removed. The folded article is then positioned in the wrapper and the shape retainer is placed over the article. The shape retainer has a geometric shape which is the same as the center portion of the separate wrapper but of lesser dimension. Wing sections are folded over folded articles and the shape retainer.
While such a wrapper device appears to be utilitarian, it does not resolve problems associated with packing various items such as shirts with collars, dresses with shoulder pads, and other articles of clothing. Further, the shape retainer which serves as a form for folding the article of clothing may be lost or misplaced.
Thus there has developed a need for a more universal carrying and packing case and method which may serve not only as a means for holding and packing articles of clothing so that they will remain wrinkle free but also to serve as a packing case for the articles of clothing if necessary.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Briefly, the present invention comprises a packing case for foldable articles which in one embodiment includes an envelope assembly having a generally rigid rectangular center section with rigid shaping wings foldably attached to opposite sides of the center section. The shaping wings may be positioned to serve as a pattern for an article of clothing which is placed on the center section of the packing case. Flexible side retainer wings are then foldable over the center section to retain all of the elements as a package. A fold form and retainer member is optionally attached to the center section along the top edge of the center section. The retainer member generally has a configuration or shape which is distinct from that of the center section of the envelope and dimensions which are equal to or greater than the center section. The center section is generally rectangular. Retainer members are typically hinged along the top edge of the center section so they may be folded over the center section and a portion of an article such as clothing positioned on the center section. The retainer member typically includes scalloped portions to permit receipt of shirt collars or shoulder pads of a dress. Other cutout forms may be provided to accommodate the clothing article which is being the packed. Various retaining straps and flexible folding wings are provided to retain clothing items in the package. The flexible package elements may be folded one upon the other over the center section and rigid wings to provide an enclosed container or package for the clothing articles.
Thus, it is an object of the invention to provide an improved packaging system and method of packing for articles such as articles of clothing.
It is a further object of the invention is to provide an improved packaging case which includes various elements that facilitate the folding of articles of clothing and which are attached together as a single integral packing device to facilitate packaging articles of clothing.
A further object of the invention is to provide a compact, lightweight packaging method and device which is economical, easy to carry and easy to utilize when folding clothing articles and which maintains the articles in an unwrinkled condition.
Another object of the invention is to provide a packaging device which may be carried by itself or which may be hung by a strap when articles of clothing are retained therein.
These and other objects, advantages, and features of the invention will be set forth in the detailed description as follows.
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Godshaw Donald E.
Redzisz Andrezj
Banner & Witcoff , Ltd.
Travel Caddy Inc.
Weaver Sue A.
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