U.S. patent application number 12/215846 was filed with the patent office on 2009-12-31 for tubular organizer.
This patent application is currently assigned to Umbra LLC. Invention is credited to Matthew J. Carr.
Application Number | 20090321374 12/215846 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41446140 |
Filed Date | 2009-12-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090321374 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Carr; Matthew J. |
December 31, 2009 |
Tubular organizer
Abstract
An organizer for storing items including at least three
receptacles, each of the three receptacles having an upper section
and a lower base section, each of the base sections having a
non-planar bottom surface such that each of the receptacles is
incapable of standing on its own when resting on a flat surface,
wherein each of the at least three receptacles is fixedly secured
to at least one other of the at least three receptacles, such that
the at least three receptacles function to support one another in a
standing orientation when placed on the flat surface.
Inventors: |
Carr; Matthew J.; (Toronto,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SIMPSON & SIMPSON, PLLC
5555 MAIN STREET
WILLIAMSVILLE
NY
14221-5406
US
|
Assignee: |
Umbra LLC
Buffalo
NY
|
Family ID: |
41446140 |
Appl. No.: |
12/215846 |
Filed: |
June 30, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
211/65 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47K 1/09 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/65 |
International
Class: |
A47B 81/02 20060101
A47B081/02 |
Claims
1. An organizer for storing items, comprising: at least three
receptacles, each of said three receptacles comprising an upper
section and a lower base section, each said base section having a
non-planar bottom surface such that each of said receptacles is
incapable of standing on its own when resting on a flat surface,
wherein each of said at least three receptacles is fixedly secured
to at least one other of said at least three receptacles, such that
said at least three receptacles function to support one another in
a standing orientation when placed on said flat surface.
2. The organizer recited in claim 1 wherein each of said at least
three receptacles is generally tubular in shape and each said upper
section is cylindrical in shape.
3. The organizer recited in claim 2 wherein each of said non-planar
bottom surfaces of each of said lower base sections comprises an
arcuate surface.
4. The organizer recited in claim 2 wherein each of said non-planar
bottom surfaces of each of said lower base sections comprises a
substantially semi-spherical surface.
6. The organizer recited in claim 1 wherein said upper section has
a generally polygonal cross-section.
7. The organizer recited in claim 6 wherein said upper section is
generally rectangular in cross-section.
8. The organizer recited in claim 6 wherein said upper section is
generally hexagonal in cross-section.
9. The organizer recited in claim 6 wherein said upper section is
generally octagonal in cross-section.
10. The organizer recited in claim 1 wherein each of said at least
three receptacles comprises an interior floor.
11. The organizer recited in claim 10 wherein each said floor is
arcuate in shape.
12. The organizer recited in claim 10 wherein each said floor is
semi-spherical in shape.
13. The organizer recited in claim 1 wherein at least two of said
at least three receptacles are of different heights.
14. The organizer recited in claim 2 wherein at least two of said
at least three receptacles are of different diameters.
15. The organizer recited in claim 1 wherein each of said at least
three receptacles is transparent.
16. The organizer recited in claim 1 wherein each of said at least
three receptacles is translucent.
17. The organizer recited in claim 1 wherein each of said at least
three receptacles is opaque.
18. The organizer recited in claim 1 wherein each of said at least
three receptacles is made of plastic.
19. An organizer for storing items, comprising: at least three
receptacles, each of said three receptacles comprising an upper
section and a lower base section, each said base section having a
non-planar bottom surface such that each of said receptacles is
incapable of standing on its own when resting on a flat surface,
wherein each of said at least three receptacles is fixedly secured
to at least one other of said at least three receptacles and to no
other structure, such that said at least three receptacles function
to support one another in a standing orientation when placed on
said flat surface.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to organizers, and
more particularly to organizers comprising a plurality of
individual receptacles secured to one another in such a way as to
form a stable, free-standing structure, whereas no one individual
receptacle would stand freely on its own.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Organizers used to hold various items in a plurality of
separate receptacles are well known in the art. For example,
organizers are often used on desks for holding pens, pencils,
scissors, and the like. Organizers are also found in bathrooms for
the purpose of holding toothbrushes, hairbrushes, toothpaste, and
other items. Such organizers generally include a planar bottom
surface, from which the plurality of receptacles extend
upwardly.
[0003] One problem with these prior organizers is that they tend to
be unhygienic when used in proximity of liquid, for example, on the
counter top next to a sink in a bathroom or kitchen. Since a planar
bottom surface provides little to no space between the organizer
and the underlying surface, moisture is prevented from evaporating,
which leads to its accumulation beneath the organizer. The
combination of trapped moisture and an anaerobic environment
provides many pathogenic microbes ideal conditions for growth.
Consequently, organizers with planar bottom surfaces are generally
unsuitable for use near sinks and the like.
[0004] Another problem with prior organizers is that the growth of
microbes and accumulation of residue can go undetected by the user,
especially when the receptacles are tall, deep, and narrow, as is
generally the case for receptacles arranged to hold toothbrushes.
The problem is exacerbated when the inner surface of a receptacle
comprises corners or crevices, which facilitate such growth and
accumulation.
[0005] Still another problem with prior organizers is that their
receptacles generally have the same dimensions, i.e., height,
width, diameter, etc. This poses a predicament when the user of the
organizer wishes to store items of varying dimensions. For example,
the optimal dimensions for a receptacle arranged to hold a short,
wide item, such as, a makeup brush, would not be optimal for a
receptacle arranged to hold a long, slender item, such as a
toothbrush.
[0006] Thus, there is a longfelt need for an organizer which
minimizes the potential for trapping moisture underneath its bottom
surface, provides a means for detecting and minimizing unhygienic
growth and/or accumulations within its receptacles, and includes
receptacles of various dimensions.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention generally comprises an organizer for
storing items, having at least three receptacles, each of the three
receptacles comprising an upper section and a lower base section,
each base section having a non-planar bottom surface such that each
of the receptacles is incapable of standing on its own when resting
on a flat surface, wherein each of the at least three receptacles
is fixedly secured to at least one other of the at least three
receptacles, such that the at least three receptacles function to
support one another in a standing orientation when placed on the
flat surface.
[0008] The general object of the invention is to provide an
organizer which minimizes the potential for trapping moisture
underneath its bottom surface.
[0009] Another object of the invention is to provide an organizer
with a means for detecting and minimizing unhygienic growth and/or
accumulations within its receptacles.
[0010] A further object of the invention is to provide an organizer
which includes receptacles of various dimensions.
[0011] Still another object of the invention is to provide a useful
yet aesthetically pleasing organizer.
[0012] These and other objects, features and advantages of the
present invention will become readily apparent to those having
ordinary skill in the art upon reading the following detailed
description and claims in view of the several views of the
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The nature and mode of the operation of the present
invention will now be more fully described in the following
detailed description of the invention taken with the accompanying
drawing figures, in which:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a first embodiment of
the present invention organizer shown holding a plurality of
items;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the organizer
alone;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the organizer;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a back elevational view of the organizer;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a right side elevational view of the
organizer;
[0019] FIG. 6 is a left side elevational view of the organizer;
[0020] FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of the organizer;
[0021] FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the organizer;
[0022] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line
9-9 in FIG. 5;
[0023] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of Area 10 shown in FIG. 9;
[0024] FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of Area 11 shown in FIG. 7;
[0025] FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of a second embodiment
of the organizer;
[0026] FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of a third embodiment of
the organizer;
[0027] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a
receptacle of the organizer;
[0028] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the
receptacle;
[0029] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the
receptacle; and,
[0030] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the
receptacle.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0031] At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing
numbers on different drawing views identify identical structural
elements of the invention. While the present invention is described
with respect to what is presently considered to be the preferred
embodiments, it is understood that the invention is not limited to
the disclosed embodiments. The present invention is intended to
cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included
within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
[0032] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms
used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of
ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although
any methods, devices and materials similar to those described
herein can be used in the practice or testing of the invention, the
preferred methods, devices and materials are now described.
[0033] The following description is best understood in view of
FIGS. 1-9. FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a first embodiment
of the present invention organizer, hereinafter referred to as
organizer 10, shown holding a plurality of items. FIG. 2 is a front
perspective view of organizer 10 alone. FIG. 3 is a front
elevational view of organizer 10. FIG. 5 is a right side
elevational view of organizer 10. FIG. 4 is a back elevational view
of organizer 10. FIG. 6 is a left side elevational view of
organizer 10.
[0034] In the embodiment shown in these figures, organizer 10
comprises seven tubular receptacles, namely, receptacles 11, 12,
13, 14, 15, 16, and 18. In FIG. 1, receptacle 11 is shown holding
toothpaste tube, 19, receptacle 14 is shown holding make-up brush
21, receptacle 12 is shown holding razor 20, and receptacle 15 is
shown holding toothbrush 23. Each of the receptacles comprises a
non-planar bottom surface, as illustrated with the rounded bottom
outer surfaces of the receptacles. Preferably, the non-planar
bottom surface of each receptacle is adapted to provide minimal
contact with an underlying surface upon which organizer 10 is
intended to rest, such as a bathroom sink, in order to minimize the
potential for trapping liquid between organizer 10. Such a
non-planar bottom surface renders its respective receptacle
incapable of standing on its own when resting on a flat surface.
Accordingly, organizer 10 comprises at least three receptacles
fixedly secured to at least one other, and arranged to support one
another in a standing orientation when placed on said flat
surface.
[0035] Each of receptacles 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 18 may
include an upper section and a lower base section, namely, upper
sections 11a, 12a, 13a, 14a, 15a, 16a, and 18a, respectively, and
lower base sections 11b, 12b, 13b, 14b, 15b, 16b, and 18b,
respectively. However, it should be appreciated that one or more of
the receptacles may be of integral construction.
[0036] Organizer 10 may comprise any suitable material, for
example, plastic, glass, metal, etc. In a preferred embodiment, as
shown in the figures, each of the receptacles comprises a
substantially transparent material, such as, glass or polyethylene
terephthalate. For the sake of clarity, the figures show only the
general outer contours of the portions of the receptacles that are
obscured by those in the foreground, as illustrated with hatched
lines. A substantially transparent material is preferred, because
it enables a user to detect the presence of unhygienic growth or
accumulation within the receptacle.
[0037] FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of the organizer 10, and FIG. 8
is a top plan view of organizer 10. FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of
Area 11 shown in FIG. 7. As illustrated in these figures, each of
receptacles 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 18 is fixedly secured to at
least one other receptacle by means of at least one connector 30.
Connecter 30 may be any means suitable for fixedly securing one
receptacle to another, but preferably comprises a bridge of rigid
material extending between and fixedly secured to the outer
surfaces of the two receptacles. Alternatively, each receptacle may
be fixedly secured to at least one other receptacle by directly
bonding the outer surfaces of the two receptacles.
[0038] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line
9-9 in FIG. 5. FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of Area 10 shown in FIG.
9. The means for attaching each of upper sections 11a, 12a, 13a,
14a, 15a, 16a, and 18a, to its respective lower base section, 11b,
12b, 13b, 14b, 15b, 16b, or 18b, may be any means suitable in the
art. Preferably, as shown in the figures, such means generally
comprises interlocking flanges. In particular, each upper section
comprises a first flange, each lower base section comprises second
flange complimentary to the first flange, and the first flange is
operatively arranged to interlock with the second flange, such that
the upper section is securely attached to, and supported by, its
respective lower base section. For example, FIG. 10 shows first
flange 11c of upper section 11a in interlockingly engaged with
second flange 11d of lower base section 11b.
[0039] FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of a second embodiment
of the present invention organizer, hereinafter referred to as
organizer 100. Organizer 100 comprises five receptacles, namely,
receptacles 101, 102, 103, 104, and 105. Receptacles 101, 102, 103,
104, and 105 comprise upper sections 101a, 102a, 103a, 104a and
105a, respectively, and lower base sections 101b, 102b, 103b, 104b
(not fully shown), and 105b, respectively. Preferably, receptacles
101, 102, and 103 are substantially tubular and of various heights
and diameters, as shown in this figure.
[0040] FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of a third embodiment of
the present invention organizer, hereinafter referred to as
organizer 150. Organizer 150 comprises three receptacles, namely,
receptacles 151, 152, and 153. Receptacles 151, 152, and 153
comprise upper sections 151a, 152a, and 153a, respectively, and
lower base sections 151b, 152b, and 153b (not fully shown),
respectively. Preferably, receptacles 151, 152, and 153 are
substantially tubular and of various heights and diameters, as
shown in this figure.
[0041] While FIGS. 1-13 show the organizer comprising substantially
cylindrical tubular receptacles, it should be appreciated that the
particular shape of the upper and lower base sections may be
modified without departing from the scope of the invention. For
example, FIG. 14 is a perspective view of second embodiment
receptacle 200 comprising upper section 200a, having a generally
rectangular cross-section, and rounded lower base section 200b.
FIG. 15 a perspective view of third embodiment receptacle 250
comprising upper section 250a, having a generally triangular
cross-section, and three-sided pyramidal lower base section 250b.
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of fourth embodiment receptacle 300
comprising upper section 300a, having a generally hexagonal
cross-section, and six-sided pyramidal lower base section 300b.
Lastly, FIG. 17 is a perspective view of fifth embodiment
receptacle 350 comprising upper section 350a, having a generally
octagonal cross-section, and eight-sided pyramidal lower base
section 350b.
[0042] Thus it is seen that the objects of the invention are
efficiently obtained, although changes and modifications to the
invention should be readily apparent to those having ordinary skill
in the art, which changes would not depart from the spirit and
scope of the invention as claimed.
* * * * *