query about

[Deemak]

Hi everyone. I was after some guidance around this: if my invention has 2 designs- each with the same purpose, but each with slight variation in functionality and both with different manufacturing processes ( as version 1 is made of plastic, the 2nd is made of metal), does this need to be submitted as 2 different provisional patent applications or can it be done under 1 with an explanation of both versions of the product?

eg) if i have invented 2 designs of pencil cases that holds 5 pencils ,case a + case b:

case a) is made of plastic with plastic clips to grip the pencils
vs
case b) is made of metal and has elastic straps for the pencils to be inserted

In this case do 2 separate PPA's need to be filed for each design, or can it all be done under 1?

Any advice on this would be much appreciated.

[Brad]

Based on your example I would file it as one application.  Normally things like choice of material or manufacturing process are not that important when you are trying to claim a new device like a pencil case.