U.S. patent application number 11/391750 was filed with the patent office on 2007-10-11 for organizational basket and covering.
Invention is credited to Charles A. Costa, Kristine Costa.
Application Number | 20070235401 11/391750 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38574048 |
Filed Date | 2007-10-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070235401 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Costa; Charles A. ; et
al. |
October 11, 2007 |
Organizational basket and covering
Abstract
A storage organizing system comprises a basket and a pair of
slide rail assemblies. A wrap is engaged about some of the surfaces
of the basket. The wrap includes a plurality of panels each of
which are configured to substantially cover a side of the basket.
One or more of the panels include fixation mechanisms, such as
ties, clips, clasps, buttons, snaps, hooks, hook and loop material,
etc, to affix the wrap to the basket.
Inventors: |
Costa; Charles A.;
(Scottsdale, AZ) ; Costa; Kristine; (Scottsdale,
AZ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
VIDAS, ARRETT & STEINKRAUS, P.A.
SUITE 400, 6640 SHADY OAK ROAD
EDEN PRAIRIE
MN
55344
US
|
Family ID: |
38574048 |
Appl. No.: |
11/391750 |
Filed: |
March 29, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
211/126.15 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47F 3/147 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/126.15 |
International
Class: |
A47F 3/14 20060101
A47F003/14 |
Claims
1. A storage organizing system comprising: at least one basket, the
at least one basket being at least partially constructed of a
plurality of interconnected spaced apart members, the at least one
basket having a front side, a back side, a right side, a left side
and a base; and at least one wrap, the at least one wrap comprised
of a plurality of panels, a first panel having a first fixation
mechanism, and a second panel having a second fixation mechanism,
the first fixation mechanism engaged to one of the members on the
front side of the at least one basket, the second fixation
mechanism engaged to one of the plurality of members of the back
side of the at least one basket, the first panel substantially
covering the front side of the basket, the second panel
substantially covering the back side of the basket.
2. The system of claim 1 further comprising a first slide rail
assembly and a second slide rail assembly, one of the plurality of
members on the right side of the at least one basket being engaged
to the first slide rail assembly, one of the plurality of members
on the left side of the at least one basket being engaged to the
second slide rail assembly.
3. The system of claim 1 wherein the at least one wrap comprises a
base panel, the base panel extending between the first panel and
the second panel, the base panel substantially covering the base of
the at least one basket.
4. The system of claim 3 wherein at least one of the first panel
and second panel define a space, the space extending from the base
panel to an edge of the at least one first panel and second
panel.
5. The system of claim 3 wherein the at least one wrap further
comprises a third panel and a forth panel, the third panel and the
forth panel each being engaged to the base panel, the third panel
having a third fixation mechanism and the fourth panel having a
forth fixation mechanism, the third fixation mechanism engaged to
one of the plurality of members on the right side of the at least
one basket, the fourth fixation mechanism engaged to one of the
plurality of members on the left side of the at least one
basket.
6. The system of claim 1 wherein the at least one of the first
fixation mechanism and the second fixation mechanism is selected
from at least one member of the group consisting of: ties, clips,
clasps, buttons, snaps, hooks, hook and loop material and any
combination thereof.
7. The system of claim 1 wherein the at least one wrap is
constructed at least partially from one or more cloth
materials.
8. The system of claim 1 wherein the at least one wrap is at least
partially constructed from at least one member of the group
consisting of: cotton, wool, silk, satin, nylon, rayon, polyester,
sail cloth, leather, artificial leather, and any combination
thereof.
9. The system of claim 8 wherein the at least one wrap has an
internal surface and an external surface, the internal surface
being immediately adjacent to the at least one basket, the internal
surface comprised of nylon, the external surface comprised of
artificial leather.
10. The system of claim 9 comprising a plurality of wraps, the
external surface of each wrap having indicia, at least one wrap
having indicia different from that of another of the plurality of
wraps.
11. A covering wrap for a multi-sided wire basket comprising: a
first panel, a second panel and a base panel therebetween, the
first panel having a first fixation mechanism, and the second panel
having a second fixation mechanism, the first fixation mechanism
constructed and arranged to engage a wire on a first side of the
basket, the second fixation mechanism constructed and arranged to
engage a wire on a second side of the basket, at least one of the
first panel and second panel defining a space, the space extending
from the base panel to an edge of the at least one first panel and
second panel.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not Applicable
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH
[0002] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 1. Field of the Invention
[0004] This invention relates to organizing a closet or other
storage space with a unique sliding basket system. More
particularly, the present invention is directed to a organizational
system comprising sliding and/or fixed baskets of metal or other
materials; as well as bags, sacks, and/or wraps for use on or with
the baskets to provide at least a partial cover to one or more of
the baskets. While the covers described herein may have a
decorative function, they also act as a protective covering from
scratches and other normal `wear and tear` which an unprotected
basket would otherwise be subjected to. In addition, by providing
the coverings with different colors, indicia, etc. the baskets
which upon which they are mounted can be provided with an easily
ascertainable visual organization system.
[0005] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0006] As indicated above, the present invention is directed to
storage space organization such as organizing closets. There are
presently many products and services offered which claim to provide
a consumer with a closet that is both organized and esthetically
pleasing. Such closet organizer systems often have very specific
partition widths and must be erected with great precision to
provide for proper functioning of the system. As a result, many
organizers require installation by professional designers and/or
installers at significant expense to the consumer. These closet
systems are often made of wood and/or laminate modules which
partition the closet into compartments, with the various
compartments corresponding to different types of items to be
stored. The use of baskets in such systems is known.
[0007] Many existing organizational systems, are constructed not
only for their unique ability to provide improved organization to
closets and other spaces, but to provide a very distinct look and
style to a storage space. In some cases system components are
constructed from decorative materials (chrome finishes, etc.) that
may be damaged by aggressive use. Systems, particularly those
having slidable baskets and/or other moveable storage units, may
often be subjected to significant contact with objects which can
scratch, dent or otherwise impact the look of the system components
an/or their long term performance (e.g. scratches from hangers;
mis-handling by users, particularly young children; impacts with
other components of the organizational system (racks, shelves,
doors, etc.) and/or objects contained therein; etc.)
[0008] Any art referred to and/or described herein is not intended
to constitute an admission that any patent, publication or other
information referred to herein is "prior art" with respect to this
invention. In addition, this section should not be construed to
mean that a search has been made or that no other pertinent
information as defined in 37 C.F.R. .sctn. 1.56(a) exists.
[0009] All US patents and applications and all other published
documents mentioned anywhere in this application are incorporated
herein by reference in their entirety.
[0010] Without limiting the scope of the invention a brief summary
of some of the claimed embodiments of the invention is set forth
below. Additional details of the summarized embodiments of the
invention and/or additional embodiments of the invention may be
found in the Detailed Description of the Invention below.
[0011] A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the
specification is provided as well only for the purposes of
complying with 37 C.F.R. 1.72. The abstract is not intended to be
used for interpreting the scope of the claims.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] As indicated above the present invention is directed to a
system for organizing a storage space which includes at least one
storage basket and a covering for use thereon. Some embodiments of
the invention are directed to a covering device which provides a
protective covering to sliding and/or other types of baskets
commonly used in organizational systems which is functional as well
as esthetically pleasing, and which may be installed without a
great degree of precision required.
[0013] In at least one embodiment the invention is directed to a
cover or wrap, which is constructed and arranged to be mounted
about at least a portion of the exterior surface of a basket. The
wrap may be configured for use with any type of basket and/or
organizational system utilizing baskets and other mechanisms for
organizing storage spaces such as closets, pantries, etc. An
example however, of a basket system suitable for use with the wrap
of the present invention is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,491,173,
the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by
reference.
[0014] In some embodiments the wrap is a single piece or multiple
pieces of material, which is affixed to the basket to cover all or
only some of the surface(s) of the basket upon which it is mounted.
The wrap may be comprised of multiple panels such that each panel
is affixed or otherwise engaged to a corresponding side of the
basket (e.g. bottom panel of wrap engaged to bottom of basket,
front side panel of wrap engaged to front side of basket, etc.). In
order to enhance the fit of the wrap about the sides of the basket,
adjacent panels may define one or more gaps or spaces therebetween.
Gaps allow the wraps to be readily folded over or around protruding
members, corners and/or edges of the basket to allow the adjacent
panels to be properly folded about the respective sides of the
basket for proper coverage.
[0015] The wraps of the present invention may be constructed of any
suitable material for covering a basket. Such materials may be
flexible or rigid with flexible. In at some embodiments the
material is one or more cloth or cloth-like materials such as, but
not limited to natural or artificial cloths, such as cotton, wool,
nylon, rayon, etc; sail cloth; leather (natural or artificial, i.e.
LEATHERELLE.TM., available from Sidelines.RTM. Inc. of Scottsdale,
Ariz.), cloth blends; etc.
[0016] In some embodiments the wrap is comprised of one or more
flexible or rigid panels having one or more engagement mechanisms
for securement to the basket. Some examples of suitable securement
members include but are not limited to, ties, clasps, buttons,
snaps, hooks, hook and loop material (VELCRO.RTM.), etc.
[0017] While the covers described herein may have a decorative
function, they also act as a protective covering from scratches and
other `wear and tear` which an unprotected basket might otherwise
be subjected to. In addition, by providing the coverings with
different colors, indicia, etc. the baskets which upon which they
are mounted can be provided with an easily ascertainable visual
organization system.
[0018] These and other embodiments which characterize the invention
are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and
forming a part hereof. However, for further understanding of the
invention, its advantages and objectives obtained by its use,
reference should be made to the drawings which form a further part
hereof and the accompanying descriptive matter, in which there is
illustrated and described a embodiments of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] A detailed description of the invention is hereafter
described with specific reference being made to the drawings.
[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present
sliding basket system and wrap.
[0021] FIG. 2 is a top down view of an embodiment of the wrap shown
prior to application on to the basket shown in FIG. 1.
[0022] FIG. 3 is a top down view of an embodiment of the wrap shown
prior to application on to the basket shown in FIG. 1.
[0023] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the basket and wrap
illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 shown during application of the
wrap to the basket.
[0024] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the basket and wrap
illustrated in FIG. 4 illustrating the final securement of the wrap
to the basket.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0025] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the invention comprising
an example sliding basket system 10 comprises a pair of slide rail
assemblies 14, upon which a basket 12 is engaged.
[0026] The system 10 also includes a cover or wrap 100 which is
disposed about one or more sides of the basket 12. In the
embodiment shown, the wrap 100 is comprised of three panels: front
panel 102, base panel 104 and rear panel 106, each of which are
sized and arranged to substantially cover the region of the basket
12 about which they are respectively positioned. Thus, as
illustrated in FIG. 1 the front panel 102 substantially covers or
overlaps the front 22 of the basket 12, the base panel 104
substantially covers the bottom or base 24 of the basket 12, and
the rear panel 106 substantially covers the back side 26 of the
basket in the manner shown.
[0027] The wrap 100 having the three panel configuration described
above is further illustrated in FIG. 2. As is shown, each panel of
the wrap 100 intersects at a fold or seam 120. The folds 120
correspond to the position of the edges 30 of the sides of the
basket 12 as is best illustrated in FIG. 4.
[0028] Many baskets are constructed of welded or otherwise affixed
metal members 33, wires or grids, such as for example the basket 12
shown in FIG. 1. Another example of such basket construction is
described more fully in U.S. Pat. No. 6,491,173.
[0029] The wrap 100 is configured for disposition over the external
surface(s) of the basket 12 and is further configured to engage at
least one of the members 33 of the basket 12 with any of a variety
of fixation members 130 such as ties, clips, clasps, buttons,
snaps, hooks, hook and loop material (VELCRO.RTM.). For example, in
the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 the front panel 102 of the
wrap is engaged to a member 33 with buttons or snaps 132 positioned
on the top edge 122 of the panel, which is wrapped around a member
33 and affixed in the manner shown. The wrap 100 is then wrapped
around the base 24 of the basket 12, and the rear panel 106 pulled
upward over the back side 26 of the basket 12, whereupon it is
engaged to a member 33 in a similar manner to the front panel 102
previously described.
[0030] In a preferred embodiment, examples of which are shown in
FIGS. 2 and 3 complementary strips or sections 134 and 136 of hook
and loop material are positioned adjacent to the top edges of a
given panel which is to be engaged to a member 33 in the manner
described. In some embodiments, different securement mechanisms 130
can be utilized on different panels of the wrap 100. In some
embodiments combinations of different securement mechanisms 130 may
be utilized on the same panel.
[0031] In addition to being able to be configured to engage any of
a variety of basket surfaces or members, the wrap 100 may be
configured to be accepted upon any of the variety of sizes and
shapes that baskets are known to be available in.
[0032] For example, as described above, the wrap 100 illustrated in
FIG. 2 comprises three panels 102, 104 and 106. However, it is
noted that basket 12 upon which the wrap 100 is shown engaged to in
FIG. 1 includes at least one support member 32. The support member
32 protrudes externally relative to the surrounding members 33 of
the basket 12. In order to accommodate this aspect of the basket
both the front and rear panels 102 and 106 define a gap or space
140 in which the support member 32 can extend through. Spaces 140
allows the adjacent sections of the front panel 102a and 102b and
rear panel 106a and 106b to be secured to the basket 12 without
creases, warping, etc. By varying to sizes and shapes of the
various panels and through the judicious use of spaces and/or
folds, the wrap 100 may be configured to fit over virtually any
basket.
[0033] Furthermore, while the wrap 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is
configured to substantially cover the front 22, back 26, and bottom
24, of the basket 12 (the regions of the basket 12 which are
frequently contacted), if desired the wrap 100 can be configured to
include a right side panel 108 and left side panel 109, to
substantially cover the right side 28 and left side 29 of the
basket 12 respectively.
[0034] As mentioned above, the wrap 100 may be constructed of any
of a variety of materials. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 for
example, the wrap 100 is of a multi-layer construction having a
leather or LEATHERELLE.TM. (artificial leather) exterior 150 (the
surface furthest away from the basket 12) and a nylon interior 152
(the surface immediately adjacent to the basket 12). Wrap 100 may
be constructed of a single piece of material or multiple pieces
sewn or otherwise secured together. Some examples of suitable
materials from which the wrap may be constructed include but are
not limited to natural or artificial cloths, such as cotton, wool,
silk, satin, nylon, rayon, polyester, etc; sail cloth; leather
(natural or artificial, i.e. LEATHERELLE.TM., etc.), cloth blends;
etc.
[0035] In some embodiments one or more panels of the wrap 100 may
be constructed of comparatively rigid or inflexible materials such
as a plastic, wood, etc. Such panels can be engaged to one another
along folds 120 by any desired mechanism such as by hooks, thread,
string, elastic material, etc.
[0036] In some embodiments of the invention, an example of which is
shown in FIG. 5, the wrap 100 includes on the external surface 150
various colors or indicia 160 which corresponds to a known
organizational scheme or simply identifies the intended contents of
the basket such as in the manner shown. In addition, by providing
an organizational system with wraps of which one or more includes
unique indicia 160 the difficulty of visually identifying the
contents of the basket(s), despite the presence of the wrap, is
eliminated or reduced.
[0037] As indicated above, the wrap shown and described herein are
suitable for use on any of a wide variety of basket configurations
and systems. In at least one preferred embodiment however, basket
12 is of the type shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,491,173,
the entire content of which is incorporated herein by
reference.
[0038] In addition to being directed to the embodiments described
above and claimed below, the present invention is further directed
to embodiments having different combinations of the features
described above and claimed below. As such, the invention is also
directed to other embodiments having any other possible combination
of the dependent features claimed below.
[0039] The above disclosure is intended to be illustrative and not
exhaustive. This description will suggest many variations and
alternatives to one of ordinary skill in this art. The various
elements shown in the individual figures and described above may be
combined or modified for combination as desired. All these
alternatives and variations are intended to be included within the
scope of the claims where the term "comprising" means "including,
but not limited to". Further, the particular features presented in
the dependent claims can be combined with each other in other
manners within the scope of the invention such that the invention
should be recognized as also specifically directed to other
embodiments having any other possible combination of the features
of the dependent claims.
[0040] This completes the description of the preferred and
alternate embodiments of the invention. Those skilled in the art
may recognize other equivalents to the specific embodiment
described herein which equivalents are intended to be encompassed
by the claims attached hereto.
* * * * *