U.S. patent application number 11/398348 was filed with the patent office on 2006-10-12 for portable equipment organizer system and method.
Invention is credited to Todd F. Tracy.
Application Number | 20060226321 11/398348 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37082316 |
Filed Date | 2006-10-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060226321 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tracy; Todd F. |
October 12, 2006 |
Portable equipment organizer system and method
Abstract
The present invention provides a system and a method for a
portable individual equipment organizing device. The device
includes a receiving area, wherein the receiving area opening is
generally circular in shape and is tapered on its top inner edge
where an object will rest, to prevent the object from sliding, a
receiving area for a connecting means, and a fastening means,
attached to the connecting means, for releasably attaching the
portable equipment organizing device. In certain embodiments the
device includes a rear panel, vertical supports, hooks, a center
support area, side supports, base, strap, and clasp hook. The
device is well-suited for hanging a bat, holding a ball, and
securing a helmet, cap, mitt, and/or glove in various arrangements.
The device is well-suited for use in a sports park, particularly in
a dugout area, securing the device and items to a dugout fence.
Inventors: |
Tracy; Todd F.; (Roswell,
GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DOUGHERTY CLEMENTS
1901 ROXBOROUGH ROAD
SUITE 300
CHARLOTTE
NC
28211
US
|
Family ID: |
37082316 |
Appl. No.: |
11/398348 |
Filed: |
April 5, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60594451 |
Apr 8, 2005 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
248/301 ;
211/85.7 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2102/18 20151001;
B25H 3/04 20130101; A63B 71/0045 20130101; A63B 60/60 20151001 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/301 ;
211/085.7 |
International
Class: |
A47F 5/00 20060101
A47F005/00; A47F 7/00 20060101 A47F007/00 |
Claims
1. A portable individual equipment organizing device, comprising: a
receiving area, wherein the receiving area opening is generally
circular in shape and is tapered on its top inner edge where an
object will rest, to prevent the object from sliding; a receiving
area for a connecting means, and a fastening means, attached to the
connecting means, for releasably attaching the portable equipment
organizing device.
2. The portable equipment organizing device of claim 1, further
comprising: a rear panel, providing support to the portable
individual equipment organizing device.
3. The portable equipment organizing device of claim 1, further
comprising: two vertical supports, providing support to the
portable individual equipment organizing device, wherein one
vertical support is attached perpendicularly on each vertical edge
of the rear panel, and wherein the receiving area for the
connecting means is placed atop the rear panel and the two vertical
supports.
4. The portable equipment organizing device of claim 1, further
comprising: a left hook, for holding one or more items.
5. The portable equipment organizing device of claim 1, further
comprising: a right hook, for holding one or more items.
6. The portable equipment organizing device of claim 1, further
comprising: a center support area, wherein the center support area
is attached to the left hook, the right hook, the rear panel, and
the two vertical supports.
7. The portable equipment organizing device of claim 1, further
comprising: two side supports, connecting the rear panel, the
vertical supports, the left hook, the right hook, the center
support area and providing structural support.
8. The portable equipment organizing device of claim 1, further
comprising: two side supports, connecting the rear panel, the
vertical supports, the left hook, the right hook, the center
support area, providing structural support, and providing an area
in which a ball is cradled.
9. The portable equipment organizing device of claim 1, further
comprising: a base, providing support to the left hook, the right
hook, the rear panel, the vertical supports, and the side
supports.
10. The portable equipment organizing device of claim 1, wherein
the connecting means is a strap for connecting the portable
individual equipment organizing device to the fastening means.
11. The portable equipment organizing device of claim 1, wherein
the fastening means is a clasp hook.
12. The portable equipment organizing device of claim 1, wherein
the fastening means is hook-and-loop fasteners on the strap.
13. The portable equipment organizing device of claim 1, wherein
the left hook and the right hook are attached to the center support
area and the base by one or more support members, wherein the
support members also keep a bat in the bat receiving area from
sliding out of the portable equipment organizing device.
14. The portable equipment organizing device of claim 1, wherein
the left hook and the right hook are separated by a distance less
than the knob of a bat, such that the bat is kept from sliding out
of the portable equipment organizing device.
15. A method for holding personal equipment comprised of:
connecting a portable equipment organizing device to a strap;
connecting the portable equipment organizing device and the strap
to a fastening means; fastening the device securely to a structure
with the fastening means, for releasably attaching the portable
equipment organizing device; placing one or more pieces of
equipment in a portable equipment organizing device; and securing a
bat in a bat receiving means of the portable equipment organizing
device, wherein the bat receiving area opening is generally
circular in shape and is tapered on its top inner edge where the
knob of a bat will lay, to prevent the bat from sliding.
16. The method for holding personal equipment of claim 15, further
comprised of: placing one or more pieces of sporting goods
equipment in the portable equipment organizing device.
17. The method for holding personal equipment of claim 15, wherein
the fastening means is a clasp hook.
18. The method for holding personal equipment of claim 15, wherein
one or more of the left hook and the right hook hold a helmet.
19. The method for holding personal equipment of claim 15, wherein
one or more of the left hook and the right hook hold a cap.
Description
CLAIM TO PRIORITY
[0001] Applicant hereby claims priority under all rights to which
he is entitled under the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) based upon
the U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/594,451 for this
patent application filed at the United States Patent and Trademark
Office on Apr. 8, 2005.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to the field of
organization devices. More specifically, the present invention
relates to a portable system and a method for organizing sporting
equipment.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In the interest of organization and safety, there is a need
to organize the clutter of sporting goods equipment that so often
occurs at sporting events, in particular within dugouts and the
myriad of equipment often located there: baseball bats, baseballs,
softballs, softball bats, helmets, caps, gloves, and mitts, among
other things. Equipment, when not in use at a sporting event, is
often times left by players or others along the side lines of the
playing field or strewn about in and around the dugout. Such
disorganization is undesirable for a variety of reasons, including
misplacement of the equipment and potential damage to the
equipment. Furthermore, with bats and other equipment lying around
there is a dangerous hazard to players who may trip on an item
strewn about and receive an injury.
[0004] These and other problems exist. Previous attempts to solve
these and other problems include the following:
[0005] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0194335 A1,
filed by Hibner and published on Sep. 8, 2005, discloses a device
for organizing and maintaining a baseball or softball player's
equipment (batting helmet, batting gloves, sweats, sweatshirts,
hats, water bottle, fielder's mitt or glove, catcher's chest
protector, catcher's mask, catcher's shin protectors, and sliders).
The device is easily fastened and unfastened to any standard chain
link fence, and when properly fastened does not swing or sag when
equipment is hung or removed. The device may also be permanently
mounted in dugouts or other areas. The device is easily stored in a
standard equipment bag and can serve as a form for the fielder's
glove or mitt while in storage. This is also true of the catcher's
configuration, which includes storage cylinders. These cylinders
can be removed from the device and continue to hold the chest
protector and shin guards while stored in the catcher's equipment
bag. This device, however, does not hold baseball or softball
bats.
[0006] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0062328 A1,
filed by Millard and published on Apr. 3, 2003, discloses a sports
equipment holder comprising a flexible bag for placement of sports
equipment therein; and a device for releasably attaching said
flexible bag to a chain link wherein said attaching device includes
at least one hanger connected to said flexible bag for releasably
latching said sports equipment holder onto a chain link fence. The
attaching device may also include two hangers connected to said
flexible bag for releasably latching said sports equipment holder
onto a chain link fence. Further the hangers include a top hooked
portion for engagement with a chain link fence. Preferably the
flexible bag includes a left edge and a right edge and said hooks
connected to said bag proximate said left and right edges and a bag
opening proximate a top edge for placing of articles there
through.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 3,698,563, issued to Gordon et al. on Oct. 17,
1972, discloses a portable storage rack including a ball box for
storage of baseballs, a plurality of bat retaining members
extending from the ball box for storing bats, and a plurality of
fingers extending from the ball box and providing hooks for the
storage of baseball helmets or gloves. Additional hooks are
provided on the rack to permit the entire structure to be readily
attached and detached from a chain link fence or similar structure.
This device, however, is not a personal, individual, and portable
equipment organizer.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,690,235, issued to Matzen on Nov. 25, 1997,
discloses a bat suspension device for suspending a plurality of
bats and/or balls from a chain link fence; wherein, the device
comprises an elongated hollow body member provided with a plurality
of contoured apertures each dimensioned to receive selected
portions of a bat, and wherein the body member is provided with
fastening means for releasably securing the device to a chain link
fence. This device, however, is not a personal, individual, and
portable equipment organizer.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,626,244, issued to Mesna et al. on May 6,
1997, discloses a bat rack having a generally L-shaped elongated
member with a series of recesses adapted to receive the handles of
baseball bats. The bat rack includes two spaced apart hooks, one of
which is fixed to the member while the other is laterally moveable
to adjust the spacing between the two hooks and thereby facilitate
the rack's engagement with the wire of an ordinary chain link
fence. The hooks are constructed to have a U-shaped cross-section
in which the base of the U is folded at about a 45 degree angle to
better align it with the wire of the chain link fence. This device,
however, is not a personal, individual, and portable equipment
organizer.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 4,193,495, issued to Keeley on Mar. 18, 1980,
discloses an apparatus for supporting, transporting and storing
equipment used in playing baseball, in an organized, convenient and
readily accessible manner. The apparatus includes a support member
upon which is mounted U-shaped clamps for removably holding at
least one bat and L-shaped clamps for removably holding at least
one batting helmet. The support member can be hung on a fence or
backstop or other upright member whereby the equipment is stored in
an organized and accessible manner during the game. In addition,
the support member is foldable and provided with handles to enhance
portability of the apparatus and the equipment mounted thereon.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 6,029,830, issued to Manookian on Feb. 29,
2000, discloses a sports equipment hanging belt for attachment to a
chain link fence. The belt has a hook at each end which hooks into
the chain link fence. The belt may then be tightened on the chain
link fence. A number of hooks are held to the belt and extend
downwardly below the bottom of the belt at least 3 inches so that
when sports equipment is hung on a hook the hook will rest against
the chain link fence thereby preventing the belt from turning by
the weight of the sports equipment. This device, however, is not a
personal, individual, and portable equipment organizer.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 6,948,627, issued to Evans on Sep. 27, 2005,
discloses a sports headgear hanger. In baseball and softball, as
well as other sports, equipment such as helmets, caps, and ball
gloves are worn by the players, but not necessarily throughout the
entire duration of a game. When not being worn, this equipment
should be organized by hanging it up. However, hooks for hanging
equipment are not universally available at all ball diamonds and
other sports fields. A scissor-folding hanger made of light
material such as PVC pipe and made to hang on a fence provides the
needed storage space. Such a hanger is light and folds into a very
small package, enhancing its portability. The strength of the rack
can be varied by using larger or smaller diameter pipe for its
construction. The scissor-folding sports-gear hanger is a flexible
solution to the storage needs on the sports-field. This device,
however, does not hold baseball or softball bats.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 6,749,074, issued to Hileman et al. on Jun.
15, 2004, discloses a portable rack for arranging and storing
baseball bats, balls, batting hats and related baseball equipment.
The storage rack is supported on a wall surface with extensible and
pivotal deployable equipment engaging extensions for receiving
baseball equipment. Clip assemblies allow for selective attachment
and removal from a wall-supporting surface. This device, however,
is not a personal, individual, and portable equipment
organizer.
[0014] U.S. Design Pat. No. Des. 380,920, issued to Uffner et al.
on Jul. 15, 1997, discloses ornamental design for a baseball bat
hook.
[0015] Additionally, there are several products in the sporting
goods market that seek to provide organization to sports equipment
in a dugout. Among those products are: "Dugout Buddy", sold by
Better Baseball and found online at http://www.betterbaseball.com
and the Designated Hanger.TM. sold by KuzSports and available
online at http://www.kuzsports.com/dh.htm.
[0016] Thus, in the prior art, many devices have been disclosed for
organizing items pertaining to sporting equipment. However, many of
these devices are cumbersome, hold an entire team's equipment and
not an individual's equipment, do not attach easily or quickly to a
chain-link fence commonly surrounding a field and dugout, do not
have an easily attachable hooking means, are not very lightweight,
and are expensive, among other deficiencies.
[0017] However, while such devices may be suitable for their
particular purposes, they are not suitable for the purposes of the
present invention. Therefore, a need exists for the portable system
and method for organizing sporting equipment of the present
invention.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0018] In various embodiments, the present invention provides a
portable individual equipment organizing device including a
receiving area, wherein the receiving area opening is generally
circular in shape and is tapered on its top inner edge where an
object will rest, to prevent the object from sliding, a receiving
area for a connecting means, and a fastening means, attached to the
connecting means, for releasably attaching the portable equipment
organizing device.
[0019] In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention the
portable equipment organizing device includes a rear panel,
providing support to the portable individual equipment organizing
device.
[0020] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention the
portable equipment organizing device includes two vertical
supports, providing support to the portable individual equipment
organizing device, wherein one vertical support is attached
perpendicularly on each vertical edge of the rear panel, and
wherein the receiving area for the connecting means is placed atop
the rear panel and the two vertical supports.
[0021] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention the
portable equipment organizing device includes a left hook, for
holding one or more items, and a right hook, for holding one or
more items.
[0022] In yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention
the portable equipment organizing device includes a center support
area, wherein the center support area is attached to the left hook,
the right hook, the rear panel, and the two vertical supports.
[0023] In still yet another exemplary embodiment of the present
invention the portable equipment organizing device includes two
side supports, connecting the rear panel, the vertical supports,
the left hook, the right hook, the center support area and
providing structural support and optionally providing an area in
which a ball is cradled.
[0024] In still yet another exemplary embodiment of the present
invention the portable equipment organizing device includes a base,
providing support to the left hook, the right hook, the rear panel,
the vertical supports, and the side supports.
[0025] In yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention
a method for holding personal equipment is described which includes
connecting a portable equipment organizing device to a strap,
connecting the portable equipment organizing device and the strap
to a fastening means, fastening the device securely to a structure
with the fastening means, for releasably attaching the portable
equipment organizing device, placing one or more pieces of
equipment in a portable equipment organizing device; and securing a
bat in a bat receiving means of the portable equipment organizing
device, wherein the bat receiving area opening is generally
circular in shape and is tapered on its top inner edge where the
knob of a bat will lay, to prevent the bat from sliding.
[0026] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the features
of the present invention in order that the detailed description
that follows may be better understood, and in order that the
present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There
are additional features of the invention that will be described and
which will form the subject matter of the claims. In this respect,
before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in
detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in
its application to the details of construction and to the
arrangements of the components set forth in the following
description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is
capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out
in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology
and terminology employed are for the purpose of description and
should not be regarded as limiting.
[0027] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be
utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods,
and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present
invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded
as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not
depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
[0028] Additional aspects and advantages of the present invention
will be apparent from the following detailed description of an
exemplary embodiment which is illustrated in the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] The present invention is illustrated and described herein
with reference to various drawings, in which like reference
numerals denote like apparatus components and/or method steps, and
in which:
[0030] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the equipment holding
device of the present invention, according to an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0031] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the equipment holding
device of the present invention, according to an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0032] FIG. 3 is a side planar view of the equipment holding device
of the present invention, according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0033] FIG. 4 is a top planar view of the equipment holding device
of the present invention, according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0034] FIG. 5 is a front planar view of the equipment holding
device of the present invention, according to an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0035] FIG. 6 is a rear planar view of the equipment holding device
of the present invention, according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0036] FIG. 7 is a bottom planar view of the equipment holding
device of the present invention, according to an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0037] FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of the equipment holding
device of the present invention, according to an embodiment of the
present invention; and
[0038] FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of the equipment holding
device of the present invention, according to an embodiment of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0039] Before describing the disclosed embodiments of the present
invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is
not limited in its application to the details of the particular
arrangement shown since the invention is capable of other
embodiments. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose
of description and not of limitation.
[0040] Referring now to FIG. 1, a front perspective view of the
equipment holding device 10 is shown. The equipment holding device
10 is illustrated with a bat receiving area 12 and a strap
receiving area 14. Additionally, the equipment holding device 10 is
shown with two vertical support members 24 located perpendicular to
a rear panel 22, a vertical support 24 being located one at each
edge of the rear panel 22. The two vertical support members 24 and
the rear panel 22 are placed atop a base 20. Also located atop the
base are side support members 28. The side support members 28
provide structural support to the left hook 30 and the right hook
32 which also are placed atop the base 20 and are further secured
by the support members 34. Inside of the side support members 28 is
located a center support area 36, which may be the top side of the
base 20. Within the center support area 36 is located the bat
receiving area 12. The upper inner edges 38 of the bat receiving
area 12 are tapered such that the knob of a bat may rest without
sliding. Additionally, placed atop the two vertical support members
24 and the rear panel 22, is a strap support 26.
[0041] The various sections may be integrally formed such that the
equipment holding device 10 is one piece. For example, injection
molded plastic may be used to create the equipment holding device
10. The equipment holding device 10 may be made of wood, metal, or
plastic. The equipment holding device 10 is useful to hold personal
equipment. It is especially useful for holding sporting goods
equipment such as a bat, 50 helmet 52, caps, mitts, gloves, a ball,
or the like, as illustrated in FIG. 9. The equipment holding device
10 may be manufactured in varying dimensions, so long as the bat
receiving area it not too small or too large in diameter as to be
unable to securely hold a bat by the knob.
[0042] Referring now to FIG. 2, a rear perspective view of the
equipment holding device 10 is shown. All of the aspects
illustrated in FIG. 1 are shown. Additionally, the two vertical
support members 24 are shown parallel to each other, attached to
the rear panel 22, base 20, and side supports 28, and illustrate
the method by which they allow the equipment holding device 10 to
hang perpendicularly to a chain-link fence, wall, or the like. The
rear edges of the two vertical support members 24, when the
equipment holding device 10 is in use, rest upon a vertical
surface. The upper inner edges 38 of the bat receiving area 12 are
tapered such that the knob of a bat may rest without sliding. The
two support members 34 are shown located at the right angles formed
one between the left hook 30 and the center support member 36 and
one between the right hook 32 and the center support member 36.
[0043] Referring now to FIG. 3, a side planar view of the equipment
holding device 10 is shown. The equipment holding device 10 is
illustrated with a base 20, vertical support 24, strap support 26,
side support 28, and right hook, 32.
[0044] Referring now to FIG. 4, a top planar view of the equipment
holding device 10 is shown. The equipment holding device 10 is
shown with two vertical supports 24, a strap support 26, two side
supports 28, the center support area 36, two support members 34, a
bat receiving area 12 with tapered edges 38, a left hook 30, and
right hook, 32.
[0045] Referring now to FIG. 5, a front planar view of the
equipment holding device 10 is shown. The equipment holding device
10 is shown with two vertical supports 24, a rear panel 22, a strap
support 26, a strap receiving area 14, a base, 20, a bat receiving
area 12 with tapered edges 38, a left hook 30, and right hook,
32.
[0046] Referring now to FIG. 6, a rear planar view of the equipment
holding device 10 is shown. The equipment holding device 10 is
shown with two vertical supports 24, a rear panel 22, a strap
support 26, a strap receiving area 14, a base, 20, two side
supports 28, a left hook 30, and right hook, 32.
[0047] Referring now to FIG. 7, a bottom planar view of the
equipment holding device 10 is shown. The equipment holding device
10 is illustrated with a base 20. The base 20 is flat, making for
easy placement on a flat surface when in storage or otherwise not
in use holding equipment. Furthermore, the flat base 20 provides
structural support to the other components of the equipment holding
device 10.
[0048] Referring now to FIG. 8, a front perspective view of the
equipment holding device 10 is shown. The equipment holding device
10 is illustrated in use with a strap 40 and a clasp hook 42. The
strap 40 feeds securely into the strap receiving area 14 and under
the strap support 26.
[0049] Various means of connection may be fed through the strap
receiving area 14. For example a strap 40 may be used. The strap
may be nylon or the like. The strap, or like material, may be of
varying lengths, widths, and thicknesses so long as it feeds
through the strap receiving area 14. The strap 40 or other means of
connection that feeds through the strap receiving area 14 in one
embodiment includes hook-and-loop fasteners to secure portions or
the strap 40 to itself after it has been fed through a chain-link
fence or the like. Where a strap 40 is used to feed through the
strap receiving area 14, the opposite end of the strap in one
embodiment attaches to a clasp hook 42. The clasp hook 42 allows
for releasably attaching the equipment holding device 10 and the
items it holds to a chain-link fence or the like. The clasp hook 42
may be plastic or metal and be of varying sizes. Other hooking,
clipping, or attaching devices may be used instead of a clasp hook
42.
[0050] Referring now to FIG. 9, a front perspective view of the
equipment holding device 10 is shown. In addition to showing all of
the features illustrated in FIG. 1, FIG. 9 illustrates the
equipment holding device 10 in use with a strap 40 and a clasp hook
42. The clasp hook 42 is shown securely fastened and clipped to a
chain-length fence, commonly found in and around dugouts in a
sports field. The equipment holding device 10 is illustrated in use
with a bat 50 hanging in the bat receiving area 12 and a helmet 52
placed upon the right hook 32. The equipment holding device 10 in
various embodiments is used to holding sporting equipment such as,
but not limited to, caps, mitts, gloves, a ball, a bat, helmets, a
water bottle, and the like.
[0051] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a
softball or baseball player takes an equipment holding device 10 to
the ball park. The equipment holding device 10 is releasably
attached to a chain-link fence in a dugout. The clasp hook 42,
which connects to the strap 40 and equipment holding device 10, is
used to clip to a wire in a chain-link fence, as shown in FIG. 8.
The equipment holding device 10 secure and able to hold equipment
and keep the dugout area and playing field free from equipment
strewn about. The player may then attached a bat 50, helmet 52,
cap, ball, or the like to the personal, individual, and portable
equipment holding device 10, as shown in FIG. 9. Thus, the player's
gear is kept orderly, safe, and available.
[0052] Although the present invention has been illustrated and
described with reference to preferred embodiments and examples
thereof, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in
the art that other embodiments and examples may perform similar
functions and/or achieve similar results. All such equivalent
embodiments and examples are within the spirit and scope of the
invention and are intended to be covered by the following
claims.
* * * * *
References