Dopp kit
A Dopp kit is a small toilet bag, made of leather, vinyl, or cloth, that is used for storing men's grooming tools for travel. Common items kept in a Dopp kit are deodorant, a razor, shaving cream, comb, shampoo, nail clippers, scissors, toothbrush, toothpaste, and cologne.
Etymology
The name derives from early 20th century leather craftsman Charles Doppelt, whose company designed the case in 1919.[1] While the case is named after Doppelt, it appears that the case was actually designed by Doppelt's nephew, Jerome Harris.[2]
History
The kits became widely known during the Second World War when they were issued to GIs. [3] The Dopp brand name was purchased by Samsonite in the early 1970s, and was later acquired by Buxton in 1979.[4]
The trademark Dopp was filed by Samsonite for registration at the U.S. Trademark Office on Mar. 24, 1980.[5] The class of goods for which it was applicable was “toilet cases sold empty, briefcases, briefcase type portfolios, sample and catalog cases sold empty, luggage identification tags, and traveling bags”. An additional filing for the trademark Dopp Kit was made on April 3, 1980 for the class of goods “travel kits, sold empty”.[6] In both of those applications Samsonite stated that the trademarks were first used in July 1936. The registration for “Dopp Kit” was cancelled in March of 2003 when no one filed a required (Section 8) Declaration of Continued Use, but the required declarations have been filed for “Dopp”. The marks were assigned to DHP Limited Partnership (dba Buxton) in 1990; the current owner of the “Dopp” trademark is listed as Buxton Acquisition Co., LLC, of Chicopee, Massachusetts.
Dopp kits were once a common gift given to adolescent males as they ascended from boyhood to adulthood.[7]
In British English the item can be known as a "sponge bag".[8] or a "toilet bag". However, in modern usage these are most commonly known and sold as a "wash bag".
Notes
- ↑ Source: Catalogue from The Guildhall, Davis + Henderson, Markham, Ontario, Canada.
- ↑ Jim Rader (27 Jan 1998). "Etymology discussion on American Dialect". Retrieved 27 Jan 2016.
- ↑ Woolnough, Richard (2008-01-01). The A to Z Book of Menswear. The A to Z Book of Menswear. ISBN 9781897403259.
- ↑ Buxton. "About Us". Retrieved 27 Jan 2016.
- ↑ http://tsdr.uspto.gov Registration number 1193631
- ↑ "Trademark Application "DOPP KIT" (serial #73256578), Registration number 1197268". United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Retrieved 20 February 2014.
- ↑ ESC (8 March 2005). "Dopp kit". Retrieved 22 September 2015.
- ↑ "sponge bag". Cambridge Dictionaries Online. Retrieved 22 September 2015.
External links
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