Systems, devices and methods for storing items - Patents.com

Abstract

An apparatus for storing items is disclosed, the apparatus including a housing including a plurality of members configured to rotate relative to one another between a closed position and an open position about mounting portions of the plurality of members to form an internal cavity, an assembly attached to the housing and configured to rotate relative to the housing, a shaping member attached to one of the plurality of members and configured to rotate relative to the one of the plurality of members, and at least one opening extending through one of the plurality of members, the shaping member configured to removably receive the item.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE This disclosure relates generally to systems, devices, and methods for items, and more particularly to systems, devices, and methods for storing items. [Background technology]

[0002] Recreational activities such as golf typically involve the organization of items used by individuals participating in the activity. For example, a typical golfer will use between five and seven different items, in addition to golf clubs, to effectively play a round of golf. Golfers typically scatter these items throughout their golf bag. These items may include supplies and equipment such as golf tees, divot repair tools, ball markers, gloves, yardage books, and golf balls, which are typically stored unsystematically within random pockets of the golf bag.

[0003] Attempting to find and organize these items at various points during a golf game, such as before one's first tee shot, can be time consuming and frustrating for a golfer. A typical golfer usually places these items in the most convenient pocket or pockets of their golf bag without much thought and typically has difficulty remembering where they placed various items during a round of golf.

[0004] Golfers typically experience difficulty in handling and caring for their golf gloves during play for similar reasons as above. For example, golfers experience difficulty in folding and storing their gloves between rounds of golf and between practice sessions or games. Golfers typically fail to properly maintain and care for their gloves because conventional methods do not provide a systematic way to organize golf items before and after a round of golf. For example, a typical golfer often bundles the gloves in a pocket or uses the gloves to store other items mentioned above, which ultimately stretches the gloves. Also, for example, a typical golfer often attaches or attaches the gloves to the outside of a bag, which exposes the gloves to the outdoor elements and increases the chances of losing the gloves. As a result, gloves are typically not maintained in good condition, leading to the gloves wearing out or breaking relatively early, leading to golfers spending additional money to purchase new or additional golf gloves relatively frequently based on the gloves not being properly maintained.

[0005] U.S. Patent No. 7,770,723 to Hajduk (the '723 patent) attempts to address some of the above-mentioned shortcomings of the prior art by providing a moisture-wicking glove-type container that can be inserted into a glove. However, the moisture-wicking glove-type container of the '723 patent provides the user with additional items to be managed and maintained, placing an additional burden on the user to organize the items. Moreover, the container of the '723 patent does not allow for the organization of additional items used during activities such as golfing.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE The exemplary disclosed apparatus, systems, and methods are directed to overcoming one or more of the above-referenced drawbacks and / or other deficiencies in the existing art. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In one exemplary aspect, the disclosure is directed to an apparatus for storing items, the apparatus including a housing including a plurality of members configured to rotate relative to one another about mounting portions of the plurality of members between a closed position and an open position forming an interior cavity, an assembly attached to the housing and configured to rotate relative to the housing, a shaping member attached to one of the plurality of members and configured to rotate relative to the one of the plurality of members, and at least one opening extending through one of the plurality of members, the shaping member configured to removably receive the item.

[0008] In another aspect, the disclosure is directed to a method for storing items. The method includes providing a first member, providing a second member attached to the first member via an attachment portion, the second member including a plurality of openings, rotating the first member and the second member relative to one another about the attachment portion between a closed position and an open position forming an internal cavity, providing an organizing assembly attached to the attachment portion or the first member, and rotating the organizing assembly about the attachment portion or about a first axis parallel to the attachment portion. The method also includes providing a shaping member rotatably attached to the second member, rotating the shaping member about a second axis substantially perpendicular to the attachment portion or the first axis, placing an item on the shaping member, and drying the item through the plurality of openings when the item is placed on the shaping member in the internal cavity when the first member and the second member are in the closed position. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] 1-5 show an exemplary embodiment of the exemplary disclosed systems, devices, and methods. System 100 may include device 105. Device 105 may be an assembly for maintaining, storing, and / or organizing equipment for any suitable activity. For example, device 105 may be used to maintain, store, and organize equipment for recreational activities (e.g., golf, baseball, soccer, lacrosse, bowling, bicycling and automobiles, weightlifting, hunting, skiing, fishing, water sports, and / or any other suitable recreational activities), work or occupational activities (e.g., electrical or mechanical work, construction work, medical care, law enforcement, or military applications, and / or any other suitable work or occupational activities), or any other suitable activity.

[0011] The apparatus 105 may include a housing 110, a marshaling assembly 115, and a shaping assembly 120. The marshaling assembly 115 and the shaping assembly 120 may be movably supported by the housing 110.

[0012] The housing 110 may be any suitable assembly for housing and supporting the organizing assembly 115 and the shaping assembly 120. The housing 110 may include a first member 125 and a second member 130. The first member 125 and the second member 130 may be integrally formed together or attached together via any suitable technique. For example, the first member 125 and the second member 130 may be attached via an attachment portion 135, which may be a direct attachment between the first member 125 and the second member 130, or an attachment portion attached between the first member 125 and the second member 130. The attachment portion 135 between the first member 125 and the second member 130 may be made by stitching, adhesive, mechanical fasteners, and / or any other suitable attachment technique.

[0013] The first member 125 and the second member 130 may remain attached and move relative to one another, for example, between the relative positions shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 (e.g., the housing 110 in a closed position) and the relative positions shown in FIG. 5 (e.g., the housing 110 in a partially open position or a substantially fully open position). The housing 110 may include a fastener assembly 140 that may selectively secure the housing 110 in the closed position. The fastener assembly 140 may include any suitable fastener, such as, for example, a zipper, a magnet, a button, a mechanical fastener, and / or any other suitable fastener. For example, the fastener assembly 140 may be a zipper assembly disposed along corresponding perimeters or peripheries of the first member 125 and the second member 130. The fastener assembly 140 may function to secure the first member 125 and the second member 130 together in the closed position (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) to secure items, such as the exemplary disclosed articles, within the housing 110 described herein.

[0014] Housing 110 may include an external fastener 145 that may be attached to first member 125 and / or second member 130, for example, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. External fastener 145 may be any suitable fastener for fastening device 105 to an object, such as a bag, a structure, clothing, or any other desired object. Fastener 145 may include mechanical fasteners, clips, carabiners, magnets, adhesive strips, hook-and-loop fasteners, flip-up locking devices, friction fit locking devices, compression locking devices, and / or any other suitable attachment device.

[0015] The housing 110 may be formed from any suitable material for supporting the organization assembly 115 and the shaping assembly 120 and storing items, such as, for example, items of the exemplary disclosure described herein. The housing 110 may include any suitable material of construction, such as, for example, plastic, polymer, textile, fiber, synthetic material, leather, wood, metal, and / or any other suitable material of construction. For example, the housing 110 may be formed from a nylon fiber material. The housing 110 may be formed from a vinyl, foam, or acetate material. The housing 110 may be formed from an ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) material. The housing 110 may be thermoformed. The housing 110 may include ballistic nylon. The housing 110 may be formed from foam thermoformed with nylon. The housing 110 may be formed from "full grain leather" and / or synthetic "genuine leather". The housing 110 may be formed from nylon, leather, and / or polyurethane. In at least some exemplary embodiments, housing 110 may be formed from EVA foam thermoformed with 600D-900D ballistic nylon.

[0016] The housing 110 may include a resilient or flexible material disposed inside the first member 125 and the second member 130 (e.g., forming and / or facing an interior cavity 152 within the housing 110 when the housing 110 is in a closed position, e.g., as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 ). For example, the inner layer 150 disposed inside the first member 125 and the second member 130 may be formed from any suitable resilient or flexible material, such as fabric, felt, foam, natural fiber material, synthetic fiber material, cotton, elastic material, rubber, polyester, open cell foam sheet material, and / or any other suitable material that may provide a soft, flexible, and / or resilient layer to the interior surface of the housing 110.

[0017] In at least some exemplary embodiments, and as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the member 154 may be attached to the first member 125, the second member 130, and / or the inner layer 150. The member 154 may be formed of a material similar to the inner layer 150 (e.g., and / or the first member 125 and the second member 130). The member 154 may be a sheet member. The member 154 may be a flexible or elastic member. In at least some exemplary embodiments, the member 154 may be a net (e.g., a fiber net). The member 154 and a portion of the inner layer 150 together may form a pocket for storing an item (e.g., an article of the exemplary disclosure described herein). In at least some exemplary embodiments, the member 154 may be a member for containing (e.g., holding) a cigar or other tobacco product. For example, the member 154 may be an insert that may be selectively opened and closed to receive a cigar. In at least some exemplary embodiments, the member 154 may be a foam insert.

[0018] Returning to FIGS. 1-5, the first member 125 and / or the second member 130 may include one or more (e.g., a plurality of) openings 155. In at least some exemplary embodiments, the second member 130 may include the opening 155, and the first member 125 may not include the opening 155 (e.g., or both the first member 125 and the second member 130 may include the opening 155). The openings 155 may extend through the thickness (e.g., the entire thickness) of the first member 125 and / or the second member 130. The openings 155 may allow air and moisture to pass (e.g., permit airflow) between the interior cavity 152 of the housing 110 (e.g., when the housing 110 is in the closed position shown in FIG. 2) and the exterior of the housing 110 (e.g., the air or atmosphere surrounding the housing 110). The openings 155 may be holes created (e.g., formed) via laser cutting. The openings 155 may be laser cut holes. For example, the opening 155 may be a laser hole (e.g., a machined laser hole). The opening 155 may allow for drying of items stored within the interior cavity 152 of the housing 110 (e.g., when the housing 110 is in the closed position shown in FIG. 2).

[0019] The organizing assembly 115 may be any suitable assembly movably attached to the housing 110. The organizing assembly 115 may be attached to the first member 125, the second member 130, and / or the mounting portion 135 via any suitable attachment technique, or may be integrally formed with the first member 125, the second member 130, and / or the mounting portion 135. For example, the organizing assembly 115 may be attached to the first member 125, the second member 130, and / or the mounting portion 135 via stitching, adhesives, mechanical fasteners, and / or any other suitable attachment technique. A side portion 160 (e.g., a portion or substantially the entire length thereof) of the organizing assembly 115 may be attached to the first member 125, the second member 130, and / or the mounting portion 135. The organizing assembly 115 may be movable relative to the housing 110, for example, as shown in FIG. 3. For example, the organization assembly 115 may be rotatably moved relative to the housing 110 about the attachment of the side portion 160 to the first member 125, the second member 130, and / or the attachment portion 135. For example, the organization assembly 115 may be rotated relative to the housing 110 to any desired position between the exemplary positions shown in Figures 11 and 12. The organization assembly 115 may be a sewn flap of the housing 110.

[0020] Returning to FIGS. 1-5, the organizing assembly 115 may be a substantially flat member. The organizing assembly 115 may be a sheet member. The organizing assembly 115 may be a substantially flat, flexible member. The organizing assembly 115 may be formed from any suitable material, such as a material similar to the housing 110. In at least some exemplary embodiments, the organizing assembly 115 may be a flat member formed from plastic, polymer, textile, fiber, synthetic material, leather, wood, metal, and / or any other suitable material of construction. The organizing assembly 115 may include a layer 165 covering some or all of one or both sides of the organizing assembly 115, which may be formed from a material similar to the inner layer 150. The organizing assembly 115 may include an end portion 170, which may be a seam, and / or may include additional material (e.g., padding) formed from a material similar to the inner layer 150. For example, the end portion 170 may provide a padded area that may be comfortable for a user to touch or move.

[0021] The organization assembly 115 may include one or more elastic fasteners 175, as shown, for example, in FIG. 12. The elastic fasteners 175 may be attached to one or both sides of the organization assembly 115 (e.g., to the layer 165) via any suitable technique, such as via stitching, adhesive, mechanical fasteners, and / or any other suitable attachment technique. The elastic fasteners 175 may be formed from any suitable flexible or elastic material, such as nylon, spandex, polyester, elastic material, rubber, and / or any other suitable elastic material for holding any suitable items, such as the articles of the exemplary disclosure described. Portions of the elastic fasteners 175 (e.g., strip fasteners) may be attached to the organization assembly 115 at any desired intervals to form multiple pockets or sections for holding items. The magnets 180 may be attached or held by the elastic fasteners 175 (e.g., via stitching, adhesive, clips, or any other suitable fasteners). The magnets 180 may be sewn to the elastic fasteners 175.

[0022] 1-5, the shaping assembly 120 may include a shaping member 185 and a support assembly 190. The shaping member 185 may be supported via the support assembly 190 so as to be movably (eg, rotatably).

[0023] Shaping member 185 may be formed from any suitable structural material, such as, for example, a material similar to housing 110 and / or organization assembly 115. Shaping member 185 may be formed from any suitable rigid or inflexible material (e.g., or flexible material). Shaping member 185 may be formed from plastic (e.g., hard plastic), metal, wood, synthetic materials, and / or any other suitable material. In at least some exemplary embodiments, shaping member 185 may be formed from, for example, an EVA material similar to that described above with respect to housing 110. Shaping member 185 may also be formed from any suitable moisture wicking material.

[0024] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 8 , the shaping member 185 may be configured or shaped into any desired configuration. For example, the shaping member 185 may include a plurality of tines 195. A portion of the shaping member 185 may include a stiffener 200 (e.g., a rib) that may stiffen a portion of the shaping member 185. The stiffener 200 may be formed from a similar material as the shaping member 185 and may be integrally formed with or attached to the shaping member 185 by any suitable technique. For example, the stiffener 185 may be disposed on the tines 195 and / or disposed along a periphery of the shaping member 185 to stiffen the tines 195. In at least some exemplary embodiments, the shaping member 185 may be configured to receive a glove having the tines 195 configured to receive the finger (e.g., finger and / or thumb) portions of the glove. For example, shaping member 185 may be hand-shaped having four or five tines 195 (eg, finger-shaped or finger-shaped tines) for receiving the finger portions of a glove.

[0025] 8, shaping member 185 may include an elongated member 205 that may be integrally formed with (e.g., an integral part of) or attached to shaping member 185. Elongated member 205 may be configured to be received within a portion of support assembly 190, for example, as described below. Elongated member 205 may be integrally formed with or attached to shaping member 185 via portion 210. An opening 215 may be formed by elongated member 205 and portion 210 that may receive a portion of support assembly 190. Elongated member 205 and portion 210 may be formed from a similar material as shaping member 185.

[0026] 5-7, the support assembly 190 can include a base member 220 and one or more (e.g., a plurality of) fastener assemblies 225. The fastener assemblies 225 can attach the base member 220 to the first member 125 (e.g., or the second member 130).

[0027] The base member 220 may be formed from a similar material as the shaping member 185. The base member 220 may include one or more openings 230 for receiving a portion of the fastener assembly 225. The base member 220 may also include a plurality of protrusions 235, 240, and 245 configured to receive the elongated member 205. For example, the protrusions 235, 240, and 245 may be disposed on each side and end portion of the elongated member 205. The protrusions 235, 240, and 245 may be flexible such that the elongated member 205 may be removably attached to the base member 220 between the protrusions 235, 240, and 245. For example, the elongated member 205 of the shaping member 185 may be snapably received (e.g., snapped on, unsnapped) protrusions 235, 240, and 245. The openings 250 and 255 may be disposed adjacent the protrusions 235 and 240, as shown, for example, in FIG. 7. The openings 250 and 255 may provide cutouts in material that may allow the protrusions 235 and 240 to be relatively more flexible to facilitate snapping and unsnapping of the elongated member 205. When the elongated member 205 is received between the protrusions 235, 240, and 245, the elongated member 205 may be rotatable. For example, the elongated member 205 may be removably, rotatably (e.g., and snappably) received between the protrusions 235, 240, and 245 such that the shaping member 185 may be rotated to any desired position, as shown, for example, in FIG. 4. In at least some exemplary embodiments, the protrusions 245 may be side rails or bumpers that maintain the elongated member 205 in place during rotation (e.g., pivoting).

[0028] The fastener assembly 225 may include a base fastener 260 and a fastener 265. The fastener 265 may include an opening 266 for receiving (e.g., snapably and / or fixedly receiving) the protrusion 261 of the base member 260. The fastener assembly 225 may be formed from any suitable material, such as, for example, a material similar to the shaping member 185. In at least some exemplary embodiments, the fastener assembly 225 may be formed from plastic, metal, or any other suitable material of construction. The fastener assembly 225 may be a threaded bolt, a rivet assembly, or any other suitable fastener assembly. In at least some exemplary embodiments, the fastener assembly 225 may be a plastic snap rivet assembly. The one or more fastener assemblies 225 may permanently or fixedly attach the base member 220 to the first member 125 (e.g., or second member 130) based on the projections 261 being received through the apertures 230 of the base member 220 and corresponding (e.g., aligned) apertures of the first member 125 (e.g., or second member 130). The one or more fastener assemblies 225 may thereby fixedly attach the base member 220 to an interior of the first member 125 (e.g., or second member 130). The base member 220 may thereby be secured within the interior cavity 152 of the housing 110.

[0029] 9-12, system 100 may be used to maintain, store, and / or organize any suitable items, such as gloves 300, golf tees 305, divot tools 310, ball markers 315, and / or any other desired items. The items of the exemplary disclosure may be maintained, stored, and / or organized using device 105.

[0030] The glove 300 may be received by the shaping member 185. For example, the fingers or digits of the glove 300 may be received by the respective tines 195 such that a preferred shape of the glove 300 is maintained (e.g., to prevent the glove 300 from rolling up or to prevent the finger portions and other portions of the glove 300 from sticking together and making it difficult for the user to put on after storage). The shaping member 185 may thereby shape the glove 300 while it is stored within the housing 110. For example, a user may open (e.g., remove or unzip) the device 105 and open the device 105 from the closed position shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 to the open position shown in FIG. 9. The user may then move (e.g., rotate) the shaping member 185 to any desired position, such as those shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, which may facilitate placing the glove 300 on the shaping member 185 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 10). The shaping member 185 holding the glove 300 may then be moved (e.g., rotated) into the interior cavity 152, for example, as shown in FIG. 11. The user may then close and secure (e.g., zip) the first member 125 and the second member 130 together with the shaping member 185 holding the glove 300 into the interior cavity 152, such that the device 105 is closed and secured in the position shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. While the glove 300 is stored within the device 105, the openings 155 may allow air and moisture (e.g., of a wet glove 300) to pass between the interior cavity 152 of the housing 110 and the exterior of the housing 110. Airflow through these openings 155 may allow the glove 300 to dry while stored within the device 105.

[0031] Any desired items may be stored using member 154 (e.g., between member 154 and inner layer 150 of first member 125 or second member 130). For example, paper, scorecards, yardage books, pencils or pens, balls (e.g., golf balls), and / or any other suitable items for use with device 105 in any of the exemplary disclosed activities may be stored between member 154 and inner layer 150.

[0032] Any desired item may be stored using the organization assembly 115. For example, one or more golf tees 305, one or more divot tools 310, one or more ball markers 315, and / or any other desired item may be stored within the pockets or sections of the exemplary disclosure formed by the elastic fasteners 175. Metallic items such as ball markers 315 may be magnetically attached to the magnets 180 for storage. The organization assembly 115 may be moved (e.g., rotated) between any desired positions between the positions shown in FIGS. 11 and 12.

[0033] The organizing assembly 115 may function as a separator between the globe 300 received on the shaping assembly 185 and items stored by the member 154 on the organizing assembly 115. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, items may be stored on a side or face of the organizing assembly 115 that faces the member 154, and the opposite side or face of the organizing assembly 115 may not store items and may face the globe 300 when the device 105 is closed and secured. Additionally, the organizing assembly 115 may function to separate or block moisture in the globe 300 received by the shaping member 185 from moistening items stored by the member 154 on the opposite side of the organizing assembly 115 when the device 105 is in the closed position and in the closed and secured position shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 (e.g., as the globe 300 dries based on airflow carrying moisture from the globe 300 out of the interior cavity 152 through the opening 155).

[0034] The organizing assembly 115 and the shaping member 185 may move or rotate (e.g., pivot) about different axes to facilitate efficient and compact organization and storage of the exemplary disclosed items within the device 105. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the organizing assembly 115 may pivot or rotate about axis z (e.g., axis z may be along the length of the device 105, axis x may be along the width of the device 105, and axis y may be along the height of the device 105). For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the shaping member 185 may pivot or rotate about axis x (e.g., or an axis parallel to axis x). In at least some exemplary embodiments, the shaping member 185 may rotate or pivot perpendicular to the rotation or pivot of the organizing assembly 115. The relative rotation or pivot of the exemplary disclosure may allow the organizing assembly 115 to fold onto the shaping member 185 to provide compact and efficient storage and drying of the exemplary disclosed items.

[0035] 13-17 show another exemplary embodiment of the exemplary disclosed systems, devices, and systems, system 1100. FIG. 13 shows an exterior surface portion of a hinged glove shaper and organizer that may be configured to store and organize golf items, or any other suitable items, for example, as described herein. The hinged glove shaper and organizer may include leather exterior and interior surfaces 1102, 1116, 1118, and 1126, an elastic fastener 1104, an elastic fastener 1112 with a mesh pocket for accommodating a divot tool, one or more elastic golf tee fasteners 1110, a magnetic circle 1108 for fastening a ball marker or similarly sized item, a sewn pocket 1106 for fastening a yardage book, a hinge mechanism 1120, a glove shaper 1114, and a golf ball fastener 1122. The exterior and interior surfaces may be formed from any suitable material, such as leather, plastic, wood, or combinations thereof. The elastic fasteners 1104 may be formed from any suitable material, such as nylon, spandex, polyester, or combinations thereof. The elastic fasteners 1104 may include any suitable device, such as a zipper, a magnet, a button, or combinations thereof.

[0036] FIG. 14 shows a left interior surface 1116 having a sewn pocket 1106 on the top surface and an opening at the bottom facing the inside surface of the device. The sewn pocket 1106 may be formed from any suitable material, such as leather, mesh, fabric, or combinations thereof. Sewn into the sewn pocket 1106 may be an elastic fastener 1112 having a mesh pocket that may accommodate a divot tool or similarly sized object. Additionally, for example, sewn into the sewn pocket 1106 may be a golf tee fastener that may accommodate a golf tee or similarly sized item. Secured to the upper right corner of the sewn pocket 1106 may be a magnetic circle 1108 secured by any suitable material, such as adhesive (e.g., glue), stitching, magnets, or combinations thereof, to accommodate a ball marker or similar item.

[0037] FIG. 14 also shows the right inner surface 1118. The hinge mechanism 1120 may be secured to a button portion formed from any suitable material, such as metal, plastic, wood, or a combination thereof. The hinged glove shaper base 1124 shown in FIG. 17 may be configured to connect substantially the entire hinged glove shaper 1114 to the hinge mechanism 1120 secured to the bottom of the right inner surface 1118. The hinge mechanism 1120 may be securely connected and attached to the hinged glove shaper 1114 via a locking pin formed from any suitable material, such as metal, plastic, wood, or a combination thereof, as shown, for example, in FIG. 16. The connection relationship between the hinge mechanism 1120 and the hinged glove shaper 1114 may allow the hinged glove shaper 1114 to move (e.g., rotate) freely in a longitudinal (e.g., sagittal) plane of motion and to lift off the right inner surface 1118. This motion, established by the interlocking relationship between the hinge mechanism 1120 and the hinged glove shaper 1114, may allow a user to easily put gloves on and take off the hinged glove shaper 1114.

[0038] FIG. 15 shows a rear exterior portion of the hinged glove shaper and organizer 1126. Elastic fasteners 1104 may be secured to the top and bottom portions of the rear exterior portion of the hinged glove shaper and organizer 1126. The elastic fasteners 1104 may be formed from any suitable material, such as nylon, spandex, polyester, or combinations thereof. The elastic fasteners 1104 may include any suitable device, such as a zipper, a magnet, a button, or combinations thereof. The elastic fasteners 1104 may be secured via any method, such as stitching, an adhesive (e.g., glue), a staple, or combinations thereof. On the bottom portion of the rear exterior portion of the hinged glove shaper and organizer 1126 may be one or more elastic fasteners 1122 having one or more mesh pockets for storing one or more golf balls or similarly sized items.

[0039] In at least some exemplary embodiments, the exemplary disclosed systems, devices, and methods can be hinged glove shapers and organizers that securely accommodate a wide range of items in a variety of sizes. The hinged glove shapers and organizers can include hinged glove shapers that move freely within the device for ease of use by a user when putting on and taking off gloves.

[0040] In at least some exemplary embodiments, the exemplary disclosed systems, devices, and methods may include a glove shaper that provides a hinged motion that allows a user to lift the device off a surface to put on / take off a glove. The hinged glove shaper may allow a user to place a glove on the device to effectively store and dry the glove. Airflow and ventilation may be allowed within the case for effective drying of the glove after use. The case interior may be a sewn flap with elastic loops that may accommodate golf items such as tees, divot tools (e.g., and may have sewn magnets to accommodate ball markers). The front interior of the case may include a mesh pocket for storing a mobile device (e.g., cell phone), wallet, keys, and other similarly sized items.

[0041] In at least some exemplary embodiments, the exemplary disclosed systems, devices, and methods may include a shaping member "hinge" device that may allow the device to be assembled into an EVA case and used by lifting and placing it back into the case. The base of the hinge may be attached to the EVA case via two individual plastic snap rivets, and then the "hand shaper" component may be snapped into the "hinge" component of the base. There may be two side rails / bumpers on the base of the hinge to prevent lateral shifting of the hand shaper that may adversely affect the "hinge" motion. The inner "flap" allows for organized storage of items and may include one or more (e.g., two) magnets sewn into place to store a magnetic ball marker. The back of the EVA case may include holes created via laser cutting that allow for airflow and effective drying of the gloves on the shaper.

[0042] In at least some exemplary embodiments, the exemplary disclosed systems, devices, and methods may allow the glove to retain a preferred (e.g., proper) shape while being securely contained within a closed environment to reduce exposure to external elements, and may prevent the glove from falling off or becoming lost. Air vents may allow the glove to dry naturally without exposing the bulk of the glove to external factors. The thumb portion of the hand shaper may be detached to allow for relatively easy donning / doffing of the glove.

[0043] In at least some exemplary embodiments, the exemplary disclosed systems, devices, and methods may include a front inner component that fits a cigar case that may accommodate multiple (e.g., four cigars) cigars, including a cover to protect the cigars from interacting with other items inside the case individually. A magnet may also be mounted on the rear component of the case to allow for attachment (e.g., fastening) to a golf cart for easy access to the device during play. Alternative fastening techniques may also include buttons, elastic straps, materials located on or at the exterior surface, including leather and / or nylon. The case may also include dual hand shapers (e.g., one in the front and one in the back) to store multiple gloves for dual glove sports or activities.

[0044] In at least some exemplary embodiments, the exemplary disclosed systems, devices, and methods may generally relate to golf accessories and may be a hinged globe shaper and organizer. The exemplary disclosed systems, devices, and methods may include a hinged globe shaper and organizer that includes a leather booklet that is opened to reveal organizational components of the device. The top and bottom portions of the leather booklet may have fixed components. The left interior surface may be configured to securely store a predetermined amount of golf tees. The left interior surface may be configured to securely store divot tools. The left interior surface may include a magnet device secured with opposite magnetic poles to attract and securely secure ball markers. The left interior surface may include a liftable pocket for securely holding a yardage book. The right interior surface may include a hinged glove shaper for securely holding and shaping a golf glove. The right interior surface may have a hinge secured to the bottom portion. A hinge located on the right interior surface may be connected to the globe shaper to allow the glove shaper to be lifted from the right interior surface. The rear portion of the device may be secured within the leather booklet and have a mesh pocket for holding a predetermined amount of golf balls.

[0045] In at least some exemplary embodiments, the exemplary disclosed systems, devices, and methods may be a hinged glove shaper including a body and a base, the base having a linking component connected to the hinge component and secured via a locking pin to allow a relatively large degree of movement in the longitudinal (e.g., sagittal) plane. In at least some exemplary embodiments, the exemplary disclosed systems, devices, and methods may be a hinged glove shaper and organizer including a leather case including an outer surface and an inner surface secured via elastic fasteners, a hinged glove shaper secured to the inner surface to allow a relatively large arc of movement away from the inner surface, and an inner portion comprised of multiple fasteners to store a wide range of items of different sizes.

[0046] The exemplary disclosed systems, devices, and methods may be used in any suitable application to maintain, store, and organize equipment for any suitable activity. For example, the exemplary disclosed systems, devices, and methods may be used to maintain, store, and organize equipment for recreational activities such as golf, baseball, soccer, lacrosse, bowling, bicycling and automobiles, weightlifting, hunting, skiing, fishing, water sports, and / or any other suitable recreational activity. The exemplary disclosed systems, devices, and methods may also be used in any suitable work or occupational activity, such as electrical or mechanical work, construction work, medical care, law enforcement, or military applications, or any other suitable work or occupational activity.

[0047] In at least some exemplary embodiments, the exemplary disclosed device may be a device for storing an article that may include a housing including a plurality of members configured to rotate relative to one another about an attachment portion of the plurality of members between a closed position and an open position forming an internal cavity, an assembly attached to the housing and configured to rotate relative to the housing, a shaping member attached to one of the plurality of members and configured to rotate relative to one of the plurality of members, and at least one opening extending through one of the plurality of members. The shaping member may be configured to removably receive the article. The assembly may be configured to rotate about the attachment portion or about an axis parallel to the attachment portion. The article may include a glove, and the shaping member includes a plurality of tines configured to receive finger portions of the glove. The exemplary disclosed device may further include a fiber braid attached to the second plurality of members, the assembly separating the fiber braid and the shaping member within the internal cavity when the plurality of members are in the closed position. The exemplary disclosed device may further include at least one elastic fastener attached to a surface of the assembly facing the fiber braid when the plurality of members are in the closed position. The shaping member may be attached to one of the plurality of members via a hinge assembly that is attached to one of the plurality of members via a snap rivet assembly. The at least one opening may be a plurality of laser cut holes. The plurality of members may be formed from at least one selected from the group consisting of nylon, leather, polyurethane, and combinations thereof.

[0048] In at least some exemplary embodiments, an exemplary disclosed method may be a method for storing items that includes providing a first member, providing a second member attached to the first member via an attachment portion, the second member including a plurality of openings, rotating the first member and the second member relative to one another about the attachment portion between a closed position and an open position forming an internal cavity, providing an organizing assembly attached to the attachment portion or the first member, rotating the organizing assembly about the attachment portion or about a first axis parallel to the attachment portion, and providing a shaping member rotatably attached to the second member. The exemplary disclosed method may also include rotating the shaping member about a second axis substantially perpendicular to the attachment portion or the first axis, placing an item on the shaping member, and drying the item through the plurality of openings when the item is placed on the shaping member in the internal cavity when the first member and the second member are in the closed position. The exemplary disclosed method may also include disposing an organization assembly in the interior cavity between the first member including the storage pocket and the second member including the shaping member when the first member and the second member are in the closed position. The organization assembly may include a plurality of elastic fasteners disposed on a surface of the organization assembly facing the storage pocket in the interior cavity when the first member and the second member are in the closed position. The exemplary disclosed method may further include storing additional items using the storage pocket and the plurality of elastic fasteners in the interior cavity when the first member and the second member are in the closed position, and separating the additional items from the one item drying in the interior cavity via the organization assembly when the first member and the second member are in the closed position.Rotating the first and second members from an open position to a closed position forming the interior cavity may include rotating the shaping member containing the item toward an inner surface of the second member, rotating the first member toward the second member such that the organization assembly abuts the shaping member containing the item within the interior cavity, and securing a first perimeter of the first member to a second perimeter of the second member. Securing the first perimeter of the first member to the second perimeter of the second member may include zipping the first perimeter of the first member to the second perimeter of the second member.

[0049] In at least some exemplary embodiments, an exemplary disclosed device may be a device for storing golf equipment including golf gloves, comprising a first member, a second member attached to the first member via a mounting portion, the first member and the second member configured to rotate relative to one another about the mounting portion between a closed position forming an internal cavity and an open position, an organizing assembly attached to the mounting portion or the first member and configured to rotate about the mounting portion or about a first axis parallel to the mounting portion, a shaping member removably attached to the second member and configured to rotate about a second axis that is substantially perpendicular to the mounting portion or the first axis, and a plurality of openings extending through the second member. The shaping member may be configured to removably receive the golf gloves. The shaping member may be rotatably attached to the second member via a hinge assembly attached to the second member. The shaping member may include an elongated member. The hinge assembly may include a plurality of protrusions configured to removably, snapably, and rotatably receive the elongated member. The first member may include a storage pocket disposed within the interior cavity when the first member and the second member are in the closed position. The organization assembly may include a plurality of elastic fasteners configured to receive a plurality of golf equipment including golf tees and divot tools. The plurality of elastic fasteners may include a plurality of sewn magnets configured to receive golf equipment including metal golf equipment. The shaping member may be a hand-shaped member including finger-shaped tines configured to receive finger portions of a golf glove.

[0050] In at least some exemplary embodiments, the exemplary disclosed systems, devices, and methods may provide an efficient and effective system for maintaining and organizing items used in activities such as golfing. The exemplary disclosed systems, devices, and methods may also enable proper care and maintenance of equipment such as gloves.

[0051] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the exemplary disclosed apparatus, systems, and methods. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the description and practice of the exemplary disclosed apparatus, systems, and methods. It is intended that the description and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

1. 1. A device for storing items, comprising: a housing including the plurality of members configured to rotate relative to one another about attachment portions of the plurality of members between a closed position and an open position defining an internal cavity; a rigid shaping member attached to one of the plurality of members and configured to rotate relative to the one of the plurality of members; the rigid shaping member is configured to removably receive the article; and the rigid shaping member includes a plurality of elongated portions configured to receive portions of the article, the plurality of elongated portions being rotatable relative to the one of the plurality of members based on the rigid shaping member being rotatably attached to the one of the plurality of members; The apparatus, wherein the rigid shaping member is attached to the one of the plurality of members via a hinge assembly that is attached to the one of the plurality of members via a snap rivet assembly.

2. 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the article comprises a glove and the plurality of elongated portions of the rigid shaping member are a plurality of tines configured to receive finger portions of the glove.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising an assembly attached to the housing and configured to rotate relative to the housing.

4. 4. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising a fiber braid attached to a second of said plurality of members, said assembly separating said fiber braid and said rigid shaping member within said internal cavity when said plurality of members is in said closed position.

5. 5. The apparatus of claim 4, further comprising at least one resilient fastener attached to a surface of said assembly that faces said fiber web when said plurality of members are in said closed position.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising at least one aperture extending through said one of said plurality of members.

7. The device of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of members are formed from at least one selected from the group consisting of nylon, leather, polyurethane, and combinations thereof.

8. 1. A device for storing items, comprising: a housing including the plurality of members configured to rotate relative to one another about attachment portions of the plurality of members between a closed position and an open position defining an internal cavity; a rigid shaping member attached to one of the plurality of members and configured to rotate relative to the one of the plurality of members; the rigid shaping member is configured to removably receive the article; and the rigid shaping member includes a plurality of elongated portions configured to receive portions of the article, the plurality of elongated portions being rotatable relative to the one of the plurality of members based on the rigid shaping member being rotatably attached to the one of the plurality of members; an assembly attached to the housing and configured to rotate relative to the housing; The apparatus further comprising a fiber braid attached to a second of said plurality of members, said assembly separating said fiber braid and said rigid shaping member within said internal cavity when said plurality of members is in said closed position.

9. 9. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising at least one resilient fastener attached to a surface of said assembly that faces said fiber web when said plurality of members are in said closed position.

10. 1. A device for storing golf equipment, including golf gloves, comprising: A first member; a second member attached to the first member via a mounting portion, the first member and the second member configured to rotate relative to one another about the mounting portion between a closed position and an open position forming an internal cavity; and an inflexible shaping member rotatably mounted to the second member and configured to rotate about a second axis substantially perpendicular to the mounting portion; the inflexible shaping member is configured to be removably received within the golf glove; the inflexible shaping member includes a plurality of elongated portions configured to receive portions of the golf glove; the inflexible shaping member comprises an elongated member; The apparatus, wherein the hinge assembly includes a plurality of protrusions configured to releasably, snapably, and rotatably receive the elongated member.

11. The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the inflexible shaping member is rotatably attached to the second member via the hinge assembly attached to the second member.

12. an organizing assembly attached to the mounting portion or the first member and configured to rotate about the mounting portion or about a first axis parallel to the mounting portion; the first member includes a storage pocket disposed within the interior cavity when the first member and the second member are in the closed position; The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the organization assembly includes a plurality of resilient fasteners configured to receive a plurality of the golf equipment including golf tees and divot tools.

13. The device of claim 12 , wherein the plurality of elastic fasteners comprises a plurality of sewn magnets configured to receive the golf equipment, including metal golf equipment.

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