Flexible case for carrying small objects

Abstract

A flexible purse or case for holding small objects within a user's pocket or handbag includes a flexible skin which forms a shaped body having enclosed space and a slot extending between the ends of the body for accessing the interior of the purse. A semi-rigid frame is engaged to the body and includes a downwardly curved bar extending between the ends of the body. Opposed rigid end caps cover the body ends and are engaged to opposed ends of the frame. Squeezing the first and second opposed ends together by squeezing the end caps flexes the frame and urges the slot open to allow access to the interior of the body. The skin and end caps form a visually unitary structure with a continuously curving exterior surface which may be in the shape of an ellipsoid.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A flexible case for holding small objects comprising: 
 a flexible skin having sufficient rigidity to maintain a selected shape of a case body defining an enclosed space, said body having first and second opposed ends and a slot extending between said ends for accessing the interior of the body;    a frame comprising an elongate, semi-rigid resilient downwardly curved bar engaged to said body and extending between said ends; and    opposed rigid end caps separate from said skin and covering said first and second opposed ends of said body, said end caps being engaged to opposed ends of said frame;    wherein upon squeezing said first and second opposed ends together, said bar is flexed and said slot is urged open allowing access to the interior of the body.    
     
     
         2 . A case defined in  claim 1 , wherein said end caps and said body form a visually unitary structure with a continuously curving exterior surface.  
     
     
         3 . A case as defined in  claim 1 , wherein said bar has opposed side edges which bow outwardly towards the middle of said bar.  
     
     
         4 . A case as defined in  claim 1 , wherein said frame is disposed within the interior of said hollow body.  
     
     
         5 . A case as defined in  claim 1 , comprising outwardly protruding lips along the borders of said slot.  
     
     
         6 . A case as defined in  claim 1 , wherein a tab extends from one of said rigid end caps, said tab including an aperture for a key ring, chain, card or other member.  
     
     
         7 . A case as defined in  claim 1 , wherein said end caps and said body together form a generally ellipsoidal structure.  
     
     
         8 . A package comprising the case as defined in  claim 6 , a pocket including an optical cleaner and a manual of instructions; and a cord securing the case, the pocket, and the manual of instructions together.  
     
     
         9 . A case for holding small objects comprising: 
 a frame, said frame comprising an elongate semi-rigid arcuate spine joined with end caps on either end of said strip for finger contact by a user; and    a flexible skin separate from and supported by said frame and extending longitudinally between said end caps, said skin having an elongate slot therein extending between said end caps for access into the interior of said case, wherein squeezing together of said end caps by a user urges said slot to an open position while flexing said strip, while release of said end caps causes said strip to revert to a relaxed position wherein said end caps are drawn apart for closing of said slot, said end caps and covering comprising a visually unitary and continuously curving ellipsoidal exterior surface.    
     
     
         10 . A case as defined in  claim 9 , wherein said end caps each include a constricted throat region for engaging said skin with a friction fit and an annular groove for engaging respective ends of said skin.  
     
     
         11 . A case as defined in  claim 9 , wherein said strip is retained within the interior of said case.  
     
     
         12 . A case as defined in  claim 9 , wherein said spine opposed side edges which bow outwardly towards the middle of said spine.  
     
     
         13 . A case as defined in  claim 9 , further comprising a pair of upstanding lips extending along the borders of said slot and opposed to each other, said lips being arranged for contact with each other when said case is closed.