U.S. patent application number 10/731295 was filed with the patent office on 2005-06-09 for portable organizer.
Invention is credited to Platte, Curtis Richard III.
Application Number | 20050121275 10/731295 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34634328 |
Filed Date | 2005-06-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050121275 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Platte, Curtis Richard III |
June 9, 2005 |
Portable organizer
Abstract
A portable organizer includes a body defining an interior
compartment and a plurality of trays for holding objects. The trays
are disposed within the compartment and movable between a collapsed
configuration where all the trays are located within the
compartment and an expanded configuration where a number of the
plurality of trays extend outwardly from the body. The trays are
aligned and operationally connected to each other.
Inventors: |
Platte, Curtis Richard III;
(Simi Valley, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KELLY BAUERSFELD LOWRY & KELLEY, LLP
6320 CANOGA AVENUE
SUITE 1650
WOODLAND HILLS
CA
91367
US
|
Family ID: |
34634328 |
Appl. No.: |
10/731295 |
Filed: |
December 8, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
190/103 ;
190/110; 190/113 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 5/14 20130101; A45C
5/065 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
190/103 ;
190/110; 190/113 |
International
Class: |
A45C 003/00; A45C
007/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A portable organizer, comprising: a body defining an interior
compartment; and a plurality of trays for holding objects, the
trays disposed within the compartment and movable between a
collapsed configuration wherein all the trays are located within
the compartment and an expanded configuration wherein a number of
the plurality of trays extend outwardly from the body; wherein the
trays are aligned and operationally connected to each other.
2. The organizer of claim 1, including means for locking the trays
in the expanded configuration connected to the body.
3. The organizer of claim 2, wherein the locking means include at
least one telescopically expandable support.
4. The organizer of claim 1, including at least one pocket
connected to an exterior of the body.
5. The organizer of claim 1, wherein the trays are stacked one atop
the other in the collapsed configuration.
6. The organizer of claim 1, wherein the trays are connected to an
interior framework located generally within the compartment.
7. The organizer of claim 6, wherein the framework is connected to
a bottom side of the compartment.
8. The organizer of claim 6, wherein the interior framework
includes two collapsible sidewalls, the trays connected to each of
the sidewalls, each tray connected to a particular location on one
of the sidewalls and a corresponding location on the other of the
sidewalls.
9. The organizer of claim 6, wherein the framework includes means
for locking the trays in the expanded configuration.
10. The organizer of claim 9, wherein the locking means includes at
least one telescopically expandable support.
11. The organizer of claim 1, wherein the body includes a bottom
side, a top side, two sidewalls, a front side, and a back side,
wherein the top side pivots along an intersection of the top side
and back side.
12. The organizer of claim 11, wherein the front side pivots along
an intersection of the front side and bottom side.
13. The organizer of claim 11, wherein a pair of supports connect
the front side and sidewalls, each support including a first
portion connected to one of the side walls and a second portion
connected to the front side.
14. The organizer of claim 13, wherein the first portion and second
portion are connected by a fastening means.
15. The organizer of claim 14, wherein the fastening means includes
hook and loop fasteners.
16. The organizer of claim 11, wherein each sidewall includes a
pocket.
17. The organizer of claim 11, wherein each sidewall includes a
handle.
18. The organizer of claim 11, wherein the top side includes a
handle.
19. The organizer of claim 11, including means for fastening the
top side and the sidewalls.
20. The organizer of claim 11, including means for fastening the
front side and the sidewalls.
21. The organizer of claim 11, including means for fastening the
top side and front side.
22. The organizer of claim 1, including a pair of wheels
operationally connected to the body.
23. The organizer of claim 22, wherein the wheels are connected to
an exterior framework connected to the body.
24. The organizer of claim 1, including a handle connected to the
body and extendable between a retracted position and an extended
position.
25. The organizer of claim 24, wherein the handle is connected to
an exterior framework connected to the body.
26. A portable organizer, comprising: a body defining an interior
compartment; a plurality of trays for holding objects, the trays
disposed within the compartment and movable between a collapsed
configuration wherein all the trays are located within the
compartment and an expanded configuration wherein a number of the
plurality of trays extend outwardly from the body; and means for
locking the trays in the expanded configuration connected to the
body; wherein the trays are aligned, operationally connected to
each other, stacked one atop the other in the collapsed
configuration, and connected to an interior framework located
generally within the compartment.
27. The organizer of claim 26, wherein the locking means include at
least one telescopically expandable support.
28. The organizer of claim 26, including at least one pocket
connected to an exterior of the body.
29. The organizer of claim 26, wherein the interior framework,
connected to a bottom side of the compartment, includes two
collapsible sidewalls and means for locking the trays in the
expanded configuration; wherein the trays are connected to each of
the sidewalls, each tray connected to a particular location on one
of the sidewalls and a corresponding location on the other of the
sidewalls, and the locking means include at least one
telescopically expandable support.
30. The organizer of claim 26, wherein the body includes a bottom
side, a top side, two sidewalls, a front side, a back side, means
for fastening the top side and the sidewalls, means for fastening
the front side and the sidewalls, and means for fastening the top
side and front side, wherein the top side pivots along an
intersection of the top side and back side, the front side pivots
along an intersection of the front side and bottom side, and the
front side and sidewalls are connected by a pair of supports, each
support including a first portion connected to one of the side
walls and a second portion connected to the front side, each first
and second portion connected to each other by hook and loop
fasteners; wherein each sidewall includes a pocket and a first
handle, and the top side includes a second handle.
31. The organizer of claim 26, including a pair of wheels
operationally connected to the body, an exterior framework
connected to the body, a handle connected to the body and
extendable between a retracted position and an extended position,
wherein the wheels are connected to the exterior framework and the
handle is connected to the exterior framework.
32. A portable organizer, comprising: a body defining an interior
compartment; a plurality of trays for holding objects, the trays
disposed within the compartment and movable between a collapsed
configuration wherein all the trays are located within the
compartment and an expanded configuration wherein a number of the
plurality of trays extend outwardly from the body, and wherein the
trays are aligned, operationally connected to each other, stacked
one atop the other in the collapsed configuration, and connected to
an interior framework located generally within the compartment;
means for locking the trays in the expanded configuration connected
to the body; at least one pocket connected to an exterior of the
body; a pair of wheels operationally connected to the body; an
exterior framework connected to the body; and a handle connected to
the body and extendable between a retracted position and an
extended position, wherein the handle and wheels are connected to
the exterior framework; wherein the interior framework, connected
to a bottom side of the compartment, includes two collapsible
sidewalls and the means for locking the trays in the expanded
configuration; wherein the trays are connected to each of the
sidewalls, each tray connected to a particular location on one of
the sidewalls and a corresponding location on the other of the
sidewalls, and the locking means include at least one
telescopically expandable support; wherein the body includes a
bottom side, a top side, two sidewalls, a front side, a back side,
means for fastening the top side and the sidewalls, means for
fastening the front side and the sidewalls, and means for fastening
the top side and front side, wherein the top side pivots along an
intersection of the top side and back side, the front side pivots
along an intersection of the front side and bottom side, and the
front side and sidewalls are connected by a pair of supports, each
support including a first portion connected to one of the side
walls and a second portion connected to the front side, each first
and second portion connected to each other by hook and loop
fasteners; wherein each sidewall includes a pocket and a first
handle, and the top side includes a second handle.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates generally to luggage. More
particularly, the invention relates to luggage containing
compartments for organizing the contents within the luggage.
[0002] There is a great need for luggage that allows a user to
transport a variety of objects and materials. Over the years, many
types of wheeled luggage have been used to aid a user in rolling
luggage over a surface without the need to lift and carry that
heavy piece of luggage. It is well-known for such pieces of wheeled
luggage to include a handle that extends and retracts in order to
allow the user to control the direction the luggage is rolling
in.
[0003] Many different types of luggage have been employed to carry
objects or materials. However, such luggage is usually more
concerned with maximizing the amount of empty space within the
luggage available for use by the user than anything else. For
example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,575,272 discloses an expandible luggage
with locking expansion mechanism. However, this piece of luggage
merely expands the dimensions of the body of the luggage in order
to create more room for objects, clothing, etc. to be placed
within. In another example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,609,598 discloses a
luggage piece having a sector-like expandable section. However,
this piece of luggage also merely increases the space within the
luggage for receiving objects, clothing, etc.
[0004] While luggage such as those described above may provide
means of increasing the interior volume of the luggage, such
luggage can always be improved.
[0005] Accordingly, there is a need for luggage which allows a user
to organize the contents within. There is also a need for luggage
which provides the user with easy access to the contents within.
There is a further need for luggage that provides expandible access
to the contents therein. There is an additional need for luggage
that provides expandible/collapsible storage therein. The present
invention satisfies these needs and provides other related
advantages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention provides luggage which allows a user
to organize the contents within. The present invention also
provides the user with easy access to the contents within. The
present invention additionally provides expandible access to the
contents therein. The present invention further provides
expandible/collapsible storage.
[0007] An embodiment of the present invention, in the form of a
portable organizer, includes a body defining an interior
compartment. The organizer also includes a plurality of trays for
holding objects. The trays are disposed within the compartment and
movable between a collapsed configuration where all the trays are
located within the compartment and an expanded configuration where
a number of the plurality of trays extend outwardly from the body.
The trays are aligned and operationally connected to each
other.
[0008] The organizer further includes means for locking the trays
in the expanded configuration connected to the body. The locking
means include at least one telescopically expandable support.
[0009] The organizer includes at least one pocket connected to an
exterior of the body.
[0010] The trays of the organizer are stacked one atop the other in
the collapsed configuration. The trays are connected to an interior
framework that is located generally within the compartment and
connected to a bottom side of the compartment. The interior
framework includes two collapsible sidewalls where the trays are
connected to each of the sidewalls. Each tray is connected to a
particular location on one of the sidewalls and to a corresponding
location on the other of the sidewalls. The interior framework
includes means for locking the trays in the expanded configuration.
The locking means include at least one telescopically expandable
support.
[0011] The body of the organizer includes a bottom side, a top
side, two sidewalls, a front side, and a back side. The top side
pivots along an intersection of the top side and back side and the
front side pivots along an intersection of the front side and
bottom side.
[0012] A pair of supports connect the front side and sidewalls.
Each support includes a first portion connected to one of the side
walls and a second portion connected to the front side. The first
portion and second portion are connected by a fastening means which
may come in various forms, including, but not limited to, hook and
loop fasteners.
[0013] Each sidewall of the body includes a pocket. Each sidewall
may also include a handle. The top side of the body also includes a
handle.
[0014] The organizer includes means for fastening the top side and
the sidewalls. The organizer also includes means for fastening the
front side and the sidewalls. The organizer further includes means
for fastening the top side and front side.
[0015] The organizer includes a pair of wheels operationally
connected to the body. The organizer additionally includes a handle
connected to the body and extendable between a retracted position
and an extended position. The wheels and handle may each be
connected to an exterior framework that is itself connected to the
body.
[0016] Other features and advantages of the invention will become
more apparent from the following detailed description, taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way
of example, the principles of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such
drawings:
[0018] FIGS. 1 and 2 are orthogonal views illustrating a piece of
luggage embodying the present invention showing, respectively, a
handle extended and the handle retracted;
[0019] FIGS. 3 and 4 are front and rear views of the luggage of
FIG. 1;
[0020] FIGS. 5 and 6 are side views of the luggage of FIG. 1;
[0021] FIGS. 7 and 8 are top and bottom plan views of the luggage
of FIG. 1;
[0022] FIG. 9 is an orthogonal view of the luggage of FIG. 1 with
the luggage in an open configuration;
[0023] FIG. 10 is an orthogonal view of the luggage of FIG. 9 with
the trays extended;
[0024] FIGS. 11 and 12 are front and rear views of the luggage of
FIG. 10;
[0025] FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of the luggage of FIG.
10;
[0026] FIGS. 14 and 15 are side elevational views of the trays of
FIG. 13 embodying the present invention in, respectively, extended
and retracted configurations; and
[0027] FIG. 16 is a front view of the trays of FIG. 14;
[0028] FIG. 17 is a front view of the trays in an intermediate
extended position; and
[0029] FIG. 18 is a front elevation view of the trays of FIG.
15.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0030] The present invention is useful in allowing a user to
organize the contents within a piece of luggage embodying the
present invention. The present invention is also useful in
providing a user with easy access to the contents within a piece of
luggage embodying the present invention. The present invention is
further useful in providing expandible access to the contents
within a piece of luggage embodying the present invention. The
present invention is additionally useful in providing
expandible/collapsible storage within a piece of luggage embodying
the present invention.
[0031] As shown in the drawings for purposes of illustration, an
embodiment of the present invention resides in a portable organizer
20. As illustrated in FIGS. 1-18, the organizer 20 includes a
generally cube-shaped body 22 defining an interior compartment 24.
Alternatively, the shape of the body 22 can be any
three-dimensional shape including, without limitation, cylindrical,
rectangular, or the like. The organizer 20 also includes a
plurality of trays 26 for holding objects such as construction
paper, printer paper, tools, jewelry, personal documents,
embellishments, ribbons, any object that can be stored or the like.
Nine trays 26 are shown in the figures for purposes of
illustration. The trays 26 are disposed within the compartment 24
and movable between a collapsed configuration where all the trays
26 are located within the compartment 24 and an expanded
configuration where a number of the plurality of trays 26 extend
outwardly from the body 22. The trays 26 are aligned and
operationally connected to each other.
[0032] The body 22 of the organizer 20 includes a top side 28, a
bottom side 30, a first sidewall 32, a second sidewall 34 opposite
the first sidewall 32, a front side 36, and a back side 38 opposite
the front side 36. The top side 28 is connected to the back side
38. The top side 28 pivots along an intersection 40 of the top side
28 and the back side 38. In a similar manner, the front side 36
pivots along an intersection 42 of the front side 36 and bottom
side 30. The body 22 can be reinforced by connecting a number of
L-shaped brackets (not shown) along the intersections of the front
side 36 and the sidewalls 32, 34 as well as connecting a number of
the L-shaped brackets along the intersections of the back side 38
and the sidewalls 32, 34.
[0033] The body 22 includes at least one pocket 44 connected to an
exterior of the body 22. Preferably, each sidewall 32, 34 of the
body 22 includes a pocket 44 which extends outwardly from the
sidewall 32, 34. The pockets 44 may be various shapes including,
without limitation rectangular, trapezoidal, semi-circular or the
like. Each pocket 44 may be open or include a closure 45 in the
form of a zipper. Each sidewall 32, 34 also includes a handle 46 to
assist a user in lifting the organizer 20. The ends of the handles
46 may be sewn or otherwise permanently attached to the sidewalls
32, 34. The top side 28 of the body 22 also includes a handle 48.
The ends of the handle 48 may be sewn or otherwise permanently
attached to the top side 28. Mating fasteners 50, in the form of
hook and loop fasteners, snaps, buttons or the like, are used to
removably connect the middle portion of the handle 48 on the top
side 28 to the surface of the top side 28.
[0034] The body 22 includes a means 52 for fastening the each side
of the top side 28 to one of the sidewalls 32, 34. The fastening
means 52 is in the form of a closure that comes in various forms
including, but not limited to, a zipper. One closure 52 runs along
the length the top side 28 where the top side 28 meets the first
sidewall 32 and another closure runs the length of the top side 28
where the top side 28 meets the second sidewall 34. When each
closure 52 is open, the top side 28 can pivot along an intersection
40 where the top side 28 meets the back side 38.
[0035] The body 22 also includes a means 54 for fastening the each
side of the front side 36 to one of the sidewalls 32, 34. The
fastening means 54 is in the form of a closure that comes in
various forms including, but not limited to, a zipper. One closure
54 runs along the length the front side 36 where the front side 36
meets the first sidewall 32 and another closure runs the length of
the front side 36 where the front side 36 meets the second sidewall
34. When each closure 52 is open, the front side 36 can pivot along
an intersection 42 where the front side 36 meets the bottom side
30.
[0036] A pair of rectangularly-shaped supports 56 connect the front
side 36 and the sidewalls 32, 34. Each support 56 includes a first
portion 58 connected to one of the sidewalls 32, 34 and a second
portion 60 connected to the front side 36. Each portion 58, 60 is
rectangularly-shaped. The first portion 58 and the second portion
60 are connected to each other by a fastening means 62 which may
come in various forms, including, but not limited to, hook and loop
fasteners, snaps, buttons and button holes, etc. The fastening
means 62 may be positioned at several points along the lengths of
the first and second portions 58, 60 in order to allow the combined
length of the two portions 58, 60 to be adjustable. This allows the
front side 36 to be held at a relative angle .alpha. of between
zero and ninety degrees with respect to the body 22. To this end,
one end of each portion 58, 60 is attached at an angle to its
respective side 32, 34, 36. The ends of the portions 58, 60 may be
sewn or otherwise permanently attached to its respective side 32,
34, 36. In the alternative, the ends of the portions 58, 60 may be
removably connected to its respective side 32, 34, 36 by hook and
loop fasteners, snaps, buttons or the like.
[0037] The top side 28 includes a flap 64 which extends over and
partially covers the front side 36. The flap 64 includes a means 66
for fastening the top side 28 and the front side 36. The fastening
means 66 which may come in various forms, including, but not
limited to, hook and loop fasteners, snaps, buttons and button
holes, etc.
[0038] The trays 26 of the organizer 20 are stacked one atop the
other in the collapsed configuration. The trays 26 are connected to
an interior framework 68 that is located generally within the
interior compartment 24 and connected to the bottom side 30 and
sidewalls 32, 34 of the body 22. The interior framework 68 includes
two collapsible sidewalls 70 where the trays 26 are connected to
each of the sidewalls 70. Each tray 26 is connected to a particular
location on one of the sidewalls 70 and to a corresponding location
on the other of the sidewalls 70. The collapsible sidewalls 70 are
constructed of a fiber cloth material which may be constructed from
various materials including, without limitation, natural fibers,
artificial fibers (e.g., NYLON), plastic, leather or the like. Each
sidewall 70 includes a plurality of individual rectangular portions
72 where most, if not all, of the rectangular portions 72 have a
hollow interior (not shown) filled with a flat internal sheet (not
shown) that may be made from various materials including, without
limitation, plastic, plywood, metal, wood or the like in order to
reinforce the rectangular portions 72 such that the sidewalls 70
fold/unfold in a consistent manner as the trays 26 move between the
collapsed and expanded configurations. The trays 26 may be
connected to the sidewalls 70 by various fastening means 74
including, without limitation, rivets, nuts and bolts, screws or
the like. Each sidewall 70 is a single piece separated into the
rectangular portions 72 by stitching 76 which holds the flat
internal sheets in position. The rectangular portions 72 to which
the trays 26 are connected are slimmer than the remaining
rectangular portions 72.
[0039] The interior framework 68 also includes a collapsible back
wall 78, similar in construction and appearance to the sidewalls
70, connected to each tray 26 at a particular location. Each tray
26 should be connected to the sidewalls 70 and back wall 78 at the
same position along the walls 70, 78 such that each tray 26 is
generally horizontal when the trays 26 are in the expanded and
collapsed configurations. The collapsible back wall 78 is
constructed in the same manner as the sidewalls 70 with a fiber
cloth material which may be constructed from various materials
including, without limitation, natural fibers, artificial fibers
(e.g., NYLON), plastic, leather or the like.. The back wall 78
includes a plurality of individual rectangular portions 80 where
most, if not all, of the rectangular portions 80 have a hollow
interior (not shown) filled with a flat internal sheet (not shown)
that may be made from various materials including, without
limitation, plastic, plywood, metal, wood or the like in order to
reinforce the rectangular portions 80 such that the back walls 78
folds/unfolds in a consistent manner as the trays 26 move between
the collapsed and expanded configurations. The trays 26 may be
connected to the back wall 78 by various fastening means 82
including, without limitation, rivets, nuts and bolts, screws or
the like. The back wall 78 is a single piece separated into the
rectangular portions 80 by stitching 84 which holds the flat
internal sheets in position. The rectangular portions 80 to which
the trays 26 are connected are slimmer than the remaining
rectangular portions 80.
[0040] The interior framework 68 includes a top portion 86. The top
portion 86 is shaped and sized so as to fit within the compartment
24 when the trays 26 are in the collapsed configuration. One end of
the sidewalls 70 and back wall 78 is connected to the bottom side
30 while the other end of the sidewalls 70 and back wall 78 is
connected to the top portion 86. In the expanded configuration, the
trays 26 are spaced apart and suspended between the collapsible
walls 70, 78.
[0041] The interior framework 68 includes a means 88 for locking
the trays 26 in the expanded configuration. The locking means 88
includes two telescopically expandable supports 90. Each support 90
includes two brackets 92 which connect the support 90 to one of the
sidewalls 32, 34 at two locations along the length of the
particular sidewall 32, 34. The top end of each support 90 is
connected to the top portion 86.
[0042] The top portion 86 also includes two handles 94, each handle
94 located near or at the location where one of the supports 90
connects to the top portion 86. The handles 94 assist a user in
lifting the trays 26 to the expanded configuration. The ends of the
handles 94 may be sewn or otherwise permanently attached to the top
portion 86. The top portion 86 also includes two locking mechanism
release buttons 96, each button 96 assigned to and located above
one of the supports 90.
[0043] Each support 90 is telescopically expandable between the
collapsed and expanded configurations and automatically lock into
position in the expanded configuration. When the supports 90 are
locked in the expanded configuration, depressing the release button
96 at the top of the support 90 frees the support 90 to
telescopically move towards the collapsed position. The supports 90
also lock into position in an intermediate configuration between
the expanded and collapsed configurations. As the supports 90 move
from the expanded configuration towards the collapsed
configuration, the supports 90 automatically lock into the
intermediate configuration unless the user maintains the release
button 96 in a depressed position, allowing the supports 90 to
continue to telescopically retract towards the collapsed
configuration.
[0044] An exterior, generally L-shaped framework 98 is connected to
the bottom side 30 and back side 38 of the body 22. The exterior
framework 98 includes a pair of wheels 100 located near or at the
intersection of the L-shape. The exterior framework 98 also
includes a pair of rests 102 on the bottom of the framework 98
located towards the front side 36 of the body 22. The rests 102
compensate for the additional height of the wheels 100 and allow
the organizer 20 to maintain a generally horizontal stable
position.
[0045] The exterior framework 98 also includes a handle 104 forming
the upper portion of the exterior framework 98. The handle 104 is
telescopically expandable/retractable between retracted and
extended positions and automatically locks into position in the
extended position. When the handle 104 is locked in the extended
position, depressing a release button 106 at the top of the handle
104 frees the handle 104 to telescopically move towards the
retracted position. The handle 104 also locks into position in an
intermediate position between the extended and retracted positions.
As the handle 104 moves from the extended position towards the
retracted position, the handle 104 automatically locks into the
intermediate position unless the user maintains the release button
106 in a depressed position, allowing the handle 104 to continue to
telescopically retract towards the retracted position.
[0046] In an alternative embodiment, instead of having the interior
framework 68. the organizer 20 include tracks (not shown) connected
to the sidewalls 32, 34. The trays 26 may be connected to and run
along the tracks. The trays 26 may be connected to each other so
that pulling the topmost tray 26 upwards, causes the remaining
trays 26 to also be pulled upwards along the tracks.
[0047] In another alternative embodiment, the trays 26 may slide
outwards horizontally from the interior framework 68.
[0048] In yet another alternative embodiment, the trays 26 may be
spring-loaded such that the trays 26 automatically move towards the
expanded configuration from the collapsed configuration.
[0049] In a further alternative embodiment, the trays 26 may
include a number of covered compartments or the tray 26 itself may
be one large compartment with a lid to provide access to the
contents therein.
[0050] In use, the user can fill the organizer 20 with a variety of
objects such as construction paper, printer paper, tools, jewelry,
personal documents, embellishments, ribbons, or any object that one
normally thinks of as being storable in a drawer, chest, cabinet,
closet or the like. One way the user can begin the process of
filling the organizer is to open the top side 28 of the body 22 by
opening the fastening means 52 (zippers are shown for purposes of
illustration) on each side of the top side 28 that intersects with
one of the sidewalls 32, 34. When each zipper 52 is opened, the top
side 28 is pivoted by the user along the intersection 40 where the
top side 28 meets the back side 38 after the user pulls on the flap
64, releasing the fastening means 66 connecting the flap 64 of the
top side 28 to the front side 36.
[0051] At this point, the user could lift the trays 26 by pulling
the handles 94 on the top portion 86 but this would provide access
to only the trays 26 that extend above the top of the body 22 in
the expanded configuration. In order to access the bottom trays 26,
the user must open the front side 36 of the body 22. The user then
opens the fastening means 54 (zippers are shown for purposes of
illustration) on each side of the front side 36 that intersects
with one of the sidewalls 32, 34. When each zipper 54 is opened,
the front side 36 is pivoted by the user along the intersection 42
where the front side 36 meets the bottom side 30.
[0052] The front side 36 may then pivotally fall outwards away from
the body 22, but the supports 56 allow the front side 36 to move
only the distance allowed by the adjustable length of the supports
56.
[0053] The user is then free to pull the handles 94 on the top
portion 86 to move the trays 26 to the expanded configuration. The
user then fills whatever number of trays 26 the user desires to
fill with whatever objects the user desires to place in the trays.
The trays 26 are generally in the form of an open receptacle with a
generally flat bottom and a low rim 108 for holding, carrying, or
exhibiting the articles contained therein. The bottom of each tray
26 includes a number of generally semi-circular grooves 110
traversing the tray 26 as well as an access hole 112 big enough to
accommodate a user's fingers which allows the user to push up from
below an object (e.g., a stack of paper) resting on the bottom of
the tray.
[0054] The user can also fill the pockets 44 on the sidewalls 32,
34 if they so desire.
[0055] When the user is finished loading, unloading or accessing
the contents of the trays 26, the user can press the release
buttons 96 to move the trays 26 back towards the collapsed
configuration. The user can then secure the top and front sides 28,
36 in their closed positions by re-securing the zippers 52, 54 and
pressing the flap 64 against the front side 36 so that the flap 64
is secured to the front side 36 by the fastening means 66.
[0056] The user can then move the organizer 20 in the same manner
that one would move conventional wheeled luggage: The user pulls
the adjustable handle 104 to a desired position, tips the organizer
20 so that only the wheels 100 of the organizer 20 are in contact
with the surface upon which the organizer 20 rests, and pulls the
organizer 20 behind them as they move towards a desired
destination.
[0057] The body 22 may be constructed of a fiber cloth material
which may be constructed from various materials including, without
limitation, natural fibers, artificial fibers (e.g., NYLON),
plastic, leather or the like. One or more of the sides 28-38 may be
constructed of the above materials and reinforced with an internal
sheet that may be made from various materials including, without
limitation, plastic, plywood, metal, wood or the like. The external
and internal frameworks may be constructed from various materials
including, without limitation, plastic, metal, wood or the
like.
[0058] The above-described embodiments of the present invention are
illustrative only and not limiting. It will thus be apparent to
those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may
be made without departing from this invention in its broader
aspects. Therefore, the appended claims encompass all such changes
and modifications as falling within the true spirit and scope of
this invention.
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