U.S. patent application number 09/781549 was filed with the patent office on 2002-06-20 for twin organizer pack.
Invention is credited to Sagol, Sami.
Application Number | 20020074332 09/781549 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26945035 |
Filed Date | 2002-06-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020074332 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sagol, Sami |
June 20, 2002 |
Twin organizer pack
Abstract
A twin organizer pack adapted to carry a substantial load of
fishing tackle or other pieces. Each pack in the twin is formed by
a carrying case provided with a handle and a tray having a
rectangular base supporting an array of cells to accommodate the
pieces. Mounted on one end of the base adjacent each corner thereof
is a pair of lugs having inwardly-projecting legs defining a
T-shaped socket. Mounted on the opposite end of the base adjacent
each corner thereof is a pair of lugs having outwardly projecting
legs defining a T-shaped plug. To assemble the twin pack, two cases
are stacked in back-to-back relation, with the plugs on each base
then being next to the sockets on the other base and in line
therewith. The cases are then interlocked by shifting one case
toward the other to cause the plugs to enter the sockets, at which
point the cases are in registration. Their handles are then brought
into side-by-side relation to form a twin pack having a twin handle
that can be grasped by one hand.
Inventors: |
Sagol, Sami; (Ramat
Hasharon, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BROWDY AND NEIMARK, P.L.L.C.
624 NINTH STREET, NW
SUITE 300
WASHINGTON
DC
20001-5303
US
|
Family ID: |
26945035 |
Appl. No.: |
09/781549 |
Filed: |
February 13, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60255888 |
Dec 18, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
220/23.4 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B25H 3/02 20130101; A01K
97/06 20130101; A45C 7/0045 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/23.4 |
International
Class: |
A47G 019/00; B65D
021/02 |
Claims
1. An organizer carrying case for storing an transporting a load of
different pieces, said case comprising: a. a compartmentalized tray
having a rectangular base in which is supported an array of cells
adapted to receive said pieces; and b. means mounted on said base
and engageable with complementary means on a like case when the
like case is in back-to-back relation with said case to interlock
the cases, thereby creating a twin pack capable of carrying a
greater load of pieces.
2. A case as in claim 1, in which the pieces are pieces of fishing
gear, and the cells are dimensioned to accommodate these
pieces.
3. A case as in claim 1, further including a lid hinged to a rear
end of the tray which when closed then shuts the cells.
4. A case as in claim 3, in which hinged to a front side of the lid
is a pair of latching elements adapted to engage a pair of catches
mounted on a front side of the tray.
5. A case as in claim 1, further including a handle pivotally
mounted in a recess in the front side of the tray, the handle when
swung out of the recess being then in alignment with said base,
whereby when said case is in back-to-back relation with a like
case, the handles thereof are then in side-by-side relation to
create a twin handle.
6. A case as set forth in claim 1, molded of transparent synthetic
plastic material whereby the pieces stored in said cells are
visible.
7. A case as in claim 1, in which compartmentalization of the tray
is effected by means of parallel slats extending between opposing
ends of the tray and transverse insert plates joined to adjacent
slats at spaced positions to define said cells.
8. A case as in claim 7, in which the slats are provided at spaced
positions with slotted vertical columns into which said plates are
slidable.
9. A case as in claim 1, further including a ramp mounted at one
end of the base and a ridge mounted on the other end thereof,
whereby when said case and said like case are in back-to-back
relation and the like case is shifted in one direction to bring it
into registration with said case, the base of the like case then
rides over the ramp and the ridge thereof overrides the ramp to
fall behind it to prevent shifting of the like case in a reverse
direction.
10. A case as in claim 1, in which said means includes A. a pair of
lugs at one end of said base shaped to define a T-shaped female
socket; and B. a pair of lugs at the opposite end of the base
shaped to define a T-shaped male plug that is insertable in said
socket.
11. A case as in claim 10, in which the socket lugs have inward
projections.
12. A case as in claim 10, in which the plug lugs have outward
projections.
13. A twin organizer pack comprising a pair of compartmentalized
carrying cases for carrying a load of pieces, said cases being in
back-to-back relation, each case having a base on which is mounted
means which engage complementary means on the other case of the
pair to interlock the cases.
14. A twin organizer as in claim 13, in which each case is provided
with a handle which is aligned with said base whereby when the
cases are in back-to-back relation, the handles are then in
side-by-side relation to create a twin handle.
15. A twin organizer as set forth in claim 13, in which each case
includes a tray that is compartmentalized to form an array of cells
for receiving different pieces, and a lid hinged to the tray to
close the cells.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates generally to organizers in a carrying
case format adapted to store fishing tackle pieces or other
paraphernalia, and more particularly to a twin organizer pack
composed of a pair of interlocked carrying cases.
[0003] 2. Status of Prior Art
[0004] A sports fisherman embarking on a fishing expedition must
take along many pieces of fishing tackle or gear, such as fishing
hooks of different types and sizes, floats of various kinds,
weights in a range of weights, diverse lures and bait as well as
fish gutting implements and other pieces the fisherman may
require.
[0005] In order to store fishing tackle in an organized manner so
that the pieces are readily accessible, it is known to provide an
organizer for this purpose in the form of a compartmentalized tray
or box having an array of cells, each accommodating a particular
piece of fishing tackle. It is also known to provide such an
organizer in a carrying case format having a handle to facilitate
handling of the organizer, which now can be hand-carried, or placed
in the trunk of a vehicle or in the locker of a fishing boat. To
obtain access to a particular piece, the fisherman has only to open
the case and take the piece out of the cell in which it was
stored.
[0006] In recent years, developments in the field of fishing tackle
have multiplied the number of pieces available to a sports
fisherman. As a consequence, a single organizer carrying case is
incapable of carrying the many more pieces one may require on a
fishing expedition.
[0007] The obvious solution to this problem is for the fisherman to
take along two organizer-carrying cases, which together can
accommodate all of the pieces. But this presents practical
difficulties in that the fisherman now needs both hands to carry
the two cases. It is far better for a fisherman or for that matter
any individual loaded with luggage, to carry only one piece at a
time in one hand, thereby leaving the other hand free for other
purposes.
[0008] Should a fisherman try to carry in one hand a pair of
handled carrying cases, because the handles are spaced apart, the
fisherman, unless he has an unusually big hand, would find it
difficult to grasp both handles in one hand.
[0009] Another practical drawback in having a load of fishing
tackle distributed between two carrying cases which must be
separately handled is that these cases often wind up at different
places on a boat or on fishing grounds. Hence when a fisherman
needs a particular piece of tackle, he may not remember which case
contains the desired piece and where that case is located.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] In view of the foregoing, the main object of this invention
is to provide a twin organizer pack having a large capacity capable
of carrying a substantial load of paraphernalia.
[0011] The paraphernalia disclosed herein is fishing tackle or
gear, for such gear takes the form of small pieces that lend
themselves to storage in small organizer cells. However, a twin
pack in accordance with the invention is useable as an organizer
for many other species of small pieces such as nuts, bolts,
washers, screws and other fastener items, or for clothing buttons
of different sizes, shapes and colors. The organizer is useful for
storing any set of items which must be organized to prevent their
intermixing.
[0012] More particularly, an object of this invention is to provide
a twin organizer pack composed of a pair of carrying cases
interlocked in back-to-back relation, with the handles of the two
cases then being in side-by-side relation to form a twin handle
that can be grasped without difficulty in one hand.
[0013] Among the significant advantages of the invention are the
following:
[0014] A. The two carrying cases which together form a twin
organizer pack are molded of transparent, synthetic plastic
material, making it possible to see the contents of the twin
packs.
[0015] B. Each of the cases has a tray that is compartmentalized by
means of parallel slats and transverse insert plates bridging
adjacent slats to create an array of cells the dimensions of which
depend on the spacing between adjacent plates. Hence the sizes of
the cells can be adjusted to accommodate pieces of different
length.
[0016] C. The two carrying cases which together form a twin pack
can be quickly interlocked to assemble the twin pack, and just as
quickly disassembled.
[0017] D. The carrying cases are molded of high strength synthetic
plastic material and are capable of withstanding the rough handling
to which cases containing fishing tackle are often subjected.
[0018] E. The carrying case can be mass-produced at low cost.
[0019] Briefly stated, these objects are attained in a twin
organizer pack adapted to carry a substantial load of fishing
tackle or other pieces. Each pack of the twin is formed by a
carrying case provided with a handle and a tray having a
rectangular base supporting an array of cells to accommodate the
pieces. Mounted on one end of the base adjacent each corner thereof
is a pair of lugs having inwardly-projecting legs defining a
T-shaped female socket. Mounted on the opposite end of the base
adjacent each corner thereof is a pair of lugs having outwardly
projecting legs defining a T-shaped male plug.
[0020] To assemble the twin pack, two cases are stacked in
back-to-back relation, with the plugs in each base then being next
to the sockets on the other base and in line therewith. The cases
are then interlocked by shifting one case toward the other to cause
the plugs to enter the sockets, at which point the cases are in
registration. Their pivoted handles may then be swung into
side-by-side relation to form a twin pack having a twin handle that
can be grasped by one hand.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] For a better understanding of the invention as well as other
objects and features thereof, reference is made to the annexed
drawings wherein:
[0022] FIG. 1. is a perspective view of an organizer carrying case
in accordance with the invention, the lid of the case being raised
to expose the compartmentalized tray to which the lid is
hinged;
[0023] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the base of the tray;
[0024] FIG. 3 shows one of the slats forming the compartmentalized
tray and a transverse insert plate to be joined to the slat;
[0025] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of one of the carrying cases
in the twin pack;
[0026] FIG. 4B shows the other carrying case;
[0027] FIG. 4C shows the two cases interlocked to form the twin
pack;
[0028] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one of the female sockets
mounted on the base of the tray;
[0029] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one of the male plugs
mounted on the base of the tray;
[0030] FIG. 7 is an end view of a male plug on the base of one tray
inserted into the female socket on the base of the other tray in
the twin pack; and
[0031] FIG. 8 shows a ramp on the base of one tray engaged by a
ledge on the base of the other tray.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0032] Referring now to FIG. 1, shown therein is one of the pair of
organizer carrying cases which form a twin pack in accordance with
the invention. This carrying case, generally identified by numeral
10, comprises a box-like compartmentalized tray 11 to which is
hinged a rectangular lid 12. The tray and lid are molded of
transparent synthetic plastic material of high strength such as
polypropylene, polyethylene, or polystyrene so that the contents of
the case are visible.
[0033] Attached by living hinges to the front side of lid 12 is a
pair of latch elements 13 and 14 which when the lid is shut can
then snap onto a complementary pair of catches 15 and 16 mounted on
the front side of tray 11.
[0034] Pivotally mounted within a recess 17 at the center section
of the front side of tray 11 is a handle 18. This handle is
normally retracted within the recess but can be swung out so that
the case can be carried. When swung out, handle 18 is then in line
with the base 11B of the tray. In a conventional carrying case, the
handle mounted on the upper end thereof is midway between the
sides, whereas in the case shown it is in line with the base side
of the case.
[0035] Tray 11 is compartmentalized by means of rectangular plastic
slats 19 in combination with plastic transverse insert plates 20.
As shown in FIG. 1, tray 11 is divided by three parallel slats 19
into four channels C1, C2, C3 and C4, the slats bridging the
opposite ends of the tray. Each channel is sub-divided into cells
by transverse insert plates 20. To join the plates to the slats,
there are molded at equi-spaced positions along each slat 19 a
slotted vertical column 19C which functions as a joint to connect a
plate to the slat.
[0036] Each insert plate 20, as shown in FIG. 3, has formed on its
vertical edges a tapered wedge 20T. Hence when an edge of the plate
slides into the column 19C, it then becomes wedged therein. But the
wedging can be overcome and should one wish to remove an insert
plate from the slats, the plastic can be pulled out without
difficulty. Should all of the columns on the slats be occupied by
insert plates, then there would be erected an array of individual
cubical cells 21 all having about the same dimensions. These
relatively small cells are suitable for most small item fishing
tackle.
[0037] However, it may be necessary to create larger cells to
accommodate longer pieces. As shown in FIG. 1, this is done by
omitting insert plates from channel C1, C2 and C3 to create double
size cells 22, 23 and 24. By omitting more plates, the cells can be
further lengthened.
[0038] As shown in FIG. 2, mounted on one side of the base 11B of
tray 11 of the case on which the cells are supported are two pair
of lugs 25, one pair of which is adjacent the rear corner of the
base, the other being adjacent the front corner thereof. The lugs
in pair 25 as shown in FIG. 5, each have an inwardly-projecting leg
25L to define a T-shaped female socket S. Mounted on the opposite
end of base 11 are two pairs of lugs 26, one being adjacent the
rear corner at this end of the base, the other being adjacent the
front corner. As shown in FIG. 6, lugs 26 are provided with
outwardly-projecting legs 26L to define T-shaped male plugs which
complement the T-shaped female socket S. Each pair of female lugs
25 on one end of the base and the complementary pair of male lugs
26 on the opposite end of the base lie on a common longitudinal
axis.
[0039] In order to interlock a pair of carrying cases, they must
first be stacked in back-to-back relation, with the male plugs on
the bases of the two cases being then next to and in line with the
female sockets thereof. In this initial state, one case is
longitudinally displaced with respect to the other. Then the upper
case is shifted toward the lower case to cause the plugs to enter
the sockets, at which point the two cases lie in registration with
each other.
[0040] To prevent overshooting of the case that is shifted, the
ends of the female sockets are blocked (not shown) to prevent the
plugs inserted therein from going beyond the sockets. To resist
separation of the interlocked two cases, base 11 as shown in FIG.
2, is provided adjacent each pair of female lugs 25 a triangular
ramp 27. On the other end of the base in front of the male lugs 26
there is a ridge 28.
[0041] When the upper case is shifted into registration with the
lower case, then as shown in FIG. 8, its base 11B rides over ramp
27 until the ridge 28 at the end of the base overrides the ramp to
fall behind its straight edge, thereby resisting displacement of
the case.
[0042] To assemble a twin pack made up of two carrying cases, one
being shown in FIG. 4A and the other in FIG. 4B, the two cases are
interlocked in back-to-back relation to form the twin pack shown in
FIG. 4C. It is important to note that in the twin pack. the handles
18 of the two cases are in side-by-side relation to form a twin
handle that can be grasped by a single hand.
[0043] While there has been shown a preferred embodiment of a twin
organizer pack in accordance with the invention, it is to be
understood that many changes may be made therein without departing
from the essential spirit of the invention. Thus the handle on each
carrying case can be attached to one end of the case rather than to
one side thereof.
* * * * *