U.S. patent application number 12/561501 was filed with the patent office on 2010-11-04 for hanging shelf system and travel organizer for use in combination with a suitcase.
Invention is credited to Richard C. Malone.
Application Number | 20100276241 12/561501 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43029579 |
Filed Date | 2010-11-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100276241 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Malone; Richard C. |
November 4, 2010 |
HANGING SHELF SYSTEM AND TRAVEL ORGANIZER FOR USE IN COMBINATION
WITH A SUITCASE
Abstract
A hanging shelf system and travel organizer is specifically
adapted for use in combination with a suitcase wherein the shelf
system is adapted to collapse to a size suitable for removable
insertion within the suitcase. The shelf system is configurable
between a vertically expanded configuration when deployed wherein a
plurality of shelves and walls form storage compartments for
receiving clothing and other travel items, and a vertically
compact, stowed configuration wherein the travel shelf apparatus is
compactly configured for insertion into a suitcase for travel. When
the user reaches his/her destination the travel organizer may be
removed from the suitcase and hung in a closet in the vertically
expanded configuration with spaced shelves thereby providing the
traveler with ready access to the packed articles while eliminating
the need to unpack and repack.
Inventors: |
Malone; Richard C.; (Fort
Lauderdale, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MALIN HALEY DIMAGGIO BOWEN & LHOTA, P.A.
1936 S ANDREWS AVENUE
FORT LAUDERDALE
FL
33316
US
|
Family ID: |
43029579 |
Appl. No.: |
12/561501 |
Filed: |
September 17, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61175115 |
May 4, 2009 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
190/9 ; 211/118;
211/85.3 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 5/03 20130101; A47B
61/06 20130101; A45C 13/03 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
190/9 ; 211/85.3;
211/118 |
International
Class: |
A45C 9/00 20060101
A45C009/00; A47B 61/06 20060101 A47B061/06; A47B 61/02 20060101
A47B061/02 |
Claims
1. A hanging shelf system for removable insertion within a
suitcase, said hanging shelf system comprising: a main body
including a rear wall and opposing side walls generally extending
between a top and a bottom; said rear wall and said opposing side
walls formed of flexible material; a plurality of generally
horizontal planar shelves connected to said main body between said
opposing side walls, said plurality of shelves disposed in
vertically spaced relation between the top and bottom of said main
body; a pair of hooks projecting upward from the top of said main
body; said main body being configurable between an expanded
configuration wherein said shelves are disposed in maximum
vertically spaced relation, and a collapsed configuration wherein
said shelves are disposed in minimum vertically space relation.
2. A hanging shelf system according to claim 1, wherein said
flexible material comprises a mesh.
3. A hanging shelf system according to claim 1, wherein said
plurality of horizontal planar shelves includes a bottom shelf
disposed in proximity to the bottom of said main body; a top shelf
disposed in spaced relation and below the top of said main body;
and a middle shelf disposed between said top and bottom
shelves.
4. A hanging shelf system according to claim 1, wherein each of
said pair of hooks is configurable between a deployed configuration
and a stowed configuration.
5. A hanging shelf system according to claim 1, further including a
strap having opposing ends connected to the top of said main body,
with said pair of hooks connected to said strap.
6. A hanging shelf system for removable insertion within a suitcase
opening defined by a length and a width, said hanging shelf system
comprising: a main body having a top and a bottom with a rear wall
and opposing side walls generally extending between the top and
bottom; said rear wall and said opposing side walls formed of
flexible mesh material; a plurality of generally horizontal planar
shelves connected to said main body between said opposing side
walls; said plurality of shelves including a bottom shelf disposed
in proximity to the bottom of said main body, a top shelf disposed
in spaced relation and below the top of said main body, and a
middle shelf disposed between said top and bottom shelves; a strap
having opposing ends with one of said opposing ends connected to
one of said opposing side walls and the other opposing end
connected to the other opposing side wall; a pair of hooks
connected to said strap in spaced relation; said main body being
configurable between an expanded configuration wherein said shelves
are disposed in maximum vertically spaced relation, and a collapsed
configuration wherein said shelves are disposed in minimum
vertically space relation; said main body having length and width
dimensions that are less than the length and width dimensions of
the suitcase, such that said main body may be removably inserted
into the suitcase through the suitcase opening and contained within
the suitcase in the collapsed configuration.
7. A hanging shelf system according to claim 6, further including a
support frame configurable from a stowed configuration to a
deployed configuration wherein said support frame supports said
main body in said expanded configuration.
8. In combination with a suitcase having a length, a width, and a
depth there is provided a hanging shelf system sized for removable
insertion within the suitcase, said hanging shelf system
comprising: a main body having a top and a bottom with a rear wall
and opposing side walls generally extending between the top and
bottom; said rear wall and said opposing side walls formed of
flexible material; a plurality of generally horizontal planar
shelves connected to said main body between said opposing side
walls; said plurality of shelves including a bottom shelf disposed
in proximity to the bottom of said main body, a top shelf disposed
in spaced relation and below the top of said main body, and a
middle shelf disposed in spaced relation between said top and
bottom shelves; a strap having opposing ends with one of said
opposing ends connected to one of said opposing side walls and the
other opposing end connected to the other opposing side wall; a
pair of hooks connected to said strap in spaced relation; said main
body being configurable between an expanded configuration wherein
said shelves are disposed in maximum vertically spaced relation,
and a collapsed configuration wherein said shelves are disposed in
minimum vertically space relation; said main body having length and
width dimensions that are less than the length and width dimensions
of the suitcase, such that said main body may be removably inserted
into the suitcase through the suitcase opening and contained within
the suitcase in the collapsed configuration.
9. A hanging shelf system according to claim 8, wherein said
flexible material comprises a mesh.
10. A hanging shelf system according to claim 8, further including
a support frame configurable from a stowed configuration to a
deployed configuration wherein said support frame supports said
main body in said expanded configuration.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of provisional U.S.
Patent Application Ser. No. 61/175,115, filed on May 4, 2009
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] N/A
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
[0003] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains
material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright
owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of
the patent document or patent disclosure as it appears in the
Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise
reserves all copyrights rights whatsoever.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] 1. Field of the Invention
[0005] The present invention relates to an apparatus for use with a
suitcase, and more particularly to a travel organizer comprising a
hanging shelf system that may be collapsed for transport within a
suitcase and quickly removed and deployed in a hanging
configuration to provide the traveler with access to clothing and
other travel items.
[0006] 2. Description of Related Art
[0007] Luggage refers to various sizes and shapes of containers,
suitcases, and travel bags used to transport personal items during
travel. Historically, luggage was recognized as a large bulky
container such as a trunk or storage locker. As technology advanced
and individuals accelerated the rate of personal travel, such
cumbersome containers were replaced by lighter-weight suitcases and
travel bags. Improvements in suitcase design allowed for ease of
transportability and use. Although several styles of suitcases
exist today, most luggage has been designed for ease of use by the
traveler. Popular models are rectangular-shaped, and provide an
expandable handle and wheels that allow the traveler to roll,
rather than carry, the luggage from one point to another.
Generally, the interior of the suitcase features an empty volume of
space which allows for maximizing the number of articles which may
be stored. As such, the traveler must pack their individual items
prior to the trip and then unpack upon arrival at the destination.
As travelers are increasingly mobile, it is often inconvenient to
pack and unpack at each destination. Accordingly, there exists a
need for suitcase accessory devices designed to assist in the
organization of contents.
[0008] The background art reveals a number of attempts directed to
improving suitcase organization and storage. For example, U.S. Pat.
No. 7,334,669, issued to Barker et al., discloses a rolling luggage
system incorporating an expandable and collapsible shelf-containing
compartment for organization of stored items within the luggage
during travel.
[0009] In addition, the background art reveals a number of
references directed to closet organizers. With respect to closet
organization, prior art reveals many attempts to best utilize
space. Many objects of prior art are directed at hanging shelf
systems and/or hanging closets. For example, U.S. Pat. No.
6,732,659, issued to Poon discloses a hanging shelf system with a
plurality of shelves. U.S. Pat. No. 2,533,333, issued to Kitson,
discloses a collapsible and portable wardrobe featuring shelf and
clothes-storage space, which may be rolled compactly for ease of
transport. The wardrobe itself is portable, and securely latches to
itself to maintain closure during transport. U.S. Pat. No.
2,244,887, issued to Manley, discloses a portable collapsible
shelved cabinet wherein the stored articles are covered to protect
them against outside elements, whereby the device is easily folded
into a compact unit for transport. U.S. Pat. No. 2,440,192, issued
to Cowan, discloses a hanging, dust-proof container for storing
articles, which may be collapsed and transported for travel.
[0010] The references of the background art are primarily designed
to organize items either within suitcase as disclosed by Barker, or
in a hanging shelf system for permanent storage in a closet. The
background art fails, however, to disclose a hangable travel
organizer system designed for removable insertion and transport
within a conventional suitcase. Accordingly, there exists a need
for a travel organization system whereby the organizational element
is easily collapsible for insertion and transport within a
suitcase, and, upon reaching the desired destination, removable and
hangable without requiring removal and replacement of the
contents.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The present invention overcomes the limitations and
disadvantages present in the art by providing a hanging shelf
system travel organizer that is specifically adapted for use in
combination with a suitcase. A travel organizer in accordance with
the present invention comprises a hanging shelf system adapted to
collapse to a size suitable for insertion within an article of
luggage. The shelf system is configurable between a vertically
expanded configuration when deployed wherein a plurality of shelves
are disposed in vertically spaced relation for receiving clothing
and other travel items, and a vertically compact, stowed
configuration wherein the travel shelf apparatus is compactly
configured for insertion into a suitcase for travel. When the user
reaches his/her destination the travel organizer may be removed
from the suitcase and hung in a closet in the vertically expanded
configuration with spaced shelves thereby providing the traveler
with ready access to the packed articles while eliminating the need
to unpack and repack.
[0012] A hanging shelf system in accordance with the present
invention is preferably provided with three storage compartments,
each of which includes a supporting bottom surface configured to
function as shelf. Each shelf preferably includes a lightweight yet
sturdy rigid or semi-rigid horizontally disposed panel to provide
structural support. The remaining structure is comprised of
flexible, preferably mesh, fabric thereby allowing the apparatus to
be selectively configured between a vertically expanded
configuration wherein the shelves are maximally spaced, and a
vertically collapsed configuration wherein the shelves are
minimally spaced. In contrast to prior art, no structural support
is provided. A pair of hooks is provided to allow the
organizational apparatus to be hung from a closet rod. When
suspended from the closet rod the travel organizer automatically
deploys to the vertically extended configuration under the
influence of gravity. By simply unhooking the entire apparatus from
the closet rod, the user can collapse the system into the luggage.
As the sides and rear of the apparatus are formed of flexible
fabric, the apparatus will compact itself into a small volume of
space, i.e., the interior of luggage. Upon arrival at the
destination, the user can open the luggage, and lift the system by
grasping the hooks and hanging in a closet or over a door frame.
Because there is no need to empty the system prior to packing, all
items remain organized in the shelving apparatus and ready for use
in minimal time.
[0013] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to
provide an improved travel organizer specifically designed for use
with luggage.
[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide such
an apparatus which is adaptable for ease of transport in standard
luggage.
[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide such
an apparatus adapted to allow for collapsibility.
[0016] Still another object of the present invention is to provide
such an apparatus adapted to store clothes and other objects
commonly transported in luggage.
[0017] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide
such an apparatus adapted for continued organization of items in
the apparatus upon arrival, where packing and repacking of items is
not required.
[0018] These and other objects are met by the present invention
which will become more apparent from the accompanying drawing and
the following detailed description of the drawings and preferred
embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a travel shelf system
organizer in accordance with the present invention illustrated in
relation to a suitcase;
[0020] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view illustrating the travel
shelf system partially received within the suitcase;
[0021] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view thereof illustrating the
travel shelf system fully received within the suitcase;
[0022] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of an alternate
embodiment travel shelf system having deployable and stowable
support members; and
[0023] FIG. 5 is a front perspetive view thereof illustrating
pivotal movement of the legs to the stowed configuration.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0024] With reference now to the drawings, FIGS. 1-3 depict a
preferred embodiment of the present invention which comprises a
shelf system and travel organizer apparatus, generally referenced
as 10, that is specifically sized and shaped to fit within a
suitcase 11. Suitcase 11 preferably includes an openable top
closure configurable between a closed configuration and an open
configuration. With the top in the open configuration the user is
presented with access to the interior of the suitcase via a top
opening having a length and a width.
[0025] Travel organizer 10 preferably comprises a collapsible shelf
system sized for removable insertion within a suitcase. In a
preferred embodiment, travel organizer 10 comprises an expandable
and collapsible main body 12 having a top 12a and a bottom 12b.
Main body 12 preferably includes three (3) storage surfaces or
shelves, referenced as 14, 16, and 18 connected thereto and
supported thereby. Shelf 14 forms a bottom shelf connected in
proximity to the bottom of main body 12. Shelf 18 forms a top shelf
connected below the top 12a of main body 12. Shelf 16 forms a
middle shelf and is disposed between bottom shelf 14 and top shelf
18. Each shelf preferably includes a lightweight yet sturdy rigid
or semi-rigid horizontally disposed panel to provide structural
support. As used herein, the term "rigid" as applied to describe
shelves 14, 16, and 18, shall mean capable of retaining a generally
planar shape while supporting a modest load of the type associated
with a stack of folded clothing or other travel articles, namely a
load between approximately 1.0 lbs and 10.0 lbs. for embodiments on
the invention intended for general business or recreational travel.
The term "rigid" should not be construed to mean absolutely rigid,
e.g. without a degree of deflection or bending under an applied
load. The present invention, however, may be adapted to handle
greater loads in embodiments intended for the transport of other
goods and/or industrial use. The present invention may further be
configured with shelves that are generally flexible and not
rigid.
[0026] Main body 12 is preferably fabricated from flexible
sheet-like material, such as natural or synthetic fabric, e.g.
cotton, nylon, polyester etc. The fabric may be woven or non-woven,
and may further have water-resistant characteristics for
maintaining the contents dry and/or for keeping wet contents in one
compartment from wetting contents in another compartment. Main body
12 includes opposing side walls, referenced as 20a and 20b, and a
rear wall 22. An important aspect of the invention involves forming
side walls 20a and 20b, and rear wall 22, out of mesh material to
allow the user to visually inspect the contents from the side or
rear of main body 12, while further providing ventilation.
[0027] Main body 12 is configurable between an expanded
configuration wherein shelves 14, 16, and 18, are disposed in
maximally spaced generally parallel relation as illustrated in FIG.
1, and a collapsed configuration wherein shelves 14, 16, and 18,
are disposed in minimally, substantially adjacent relation as
illustrated in FIG. 3. When in the expanded configuration, the
vertical spacing between shelves is preferably approximately 8.0
inches. In addition, side walls 20a and 20b and rear wall 22
preferably project upward from top shelf 18 approximately 6.0
inches when in the expanded configuration so as to contain articles
placed on top shelf 18. As should be apparent, side walls 20a and
20b and rear wall 22 function to support shelves 14, 16, and 18,
while containing clothing and articles disposed thereon. The
dimensions set forth herein in connection with the preferred
embodiment may be altered (e.g. increased and/or decreased) within
the scope of the present invention.
[0028] A pair of hooks 24 are attached to main body 12 along the
top edges of side panels 20a and 20b by straps, 25 as best seen in
FIG. 1. Hooks 24 and straps 25 are preferably configurable between
a retracted configuration for hanging main body 12 from a closet
rod as seen in FIG. 1, to an extended configuration (shown in
phantom) for hanging main body 12 from a more elevated support
structure, such as a door hook or door top edge. Hooks 24 function
in the retracted and extended configurations to allow the main body
12 to be hung from a variety of supporting structures disposed at
various heights upon removal from the suitcase. When packed in a
suitcase, hooks 24 and straps 25 may be tucked into the side (as
shown in FIG. 3) or folded over the top.
[0029] Travel organizer and shelf system 10 is primarily intended
for use as a travel organizer that allows the user to pack travel
articles, such as clothing, therein with the travel organizer
disposed in the expanded configuration and then drop the system
into a suitcase wherein travel organizer 10 is contained during
travel as illustrated in sequence in FIGS. 1-3. In that regard, the
user may pack shelf system 10, while main body 12 is hanging in a
closet (or other support structure) from hooks 24, in the expanded
configuration. When hanging from hooks 24 in the expanded
configuration, main body 12 forms a first compartment bounded at
the bottom by shelf 14, on the sides by side walls 20a and 20b
respectively, at the rear by rear wall 22, and on the top by the
bottom surface of shelf 16. A second compartment is bounded at the
bottom by the top surface of shelf 16 on the sides by side walls
20a and 20b respectively, at the rear by rear wall 22, and on the
top by the bottom surface of shelf 18. Finally, a third open-top
compartment is bounded at the bottom by shelf 18 on opposing sides
by side walls 20a and 20b, and at the rear by rear wall 22, and
provides a surface upon which folded clothing or other items may be
placed. The present invention thus provides a travel organizer that
allows a user to pack by simply placing clothing and the like on
any one of the three shelves while the device hangs in a closet in
an expanded configuration, after which the organizer may be placed
in an article of luggage configured to a compact configuration for
travel. Accordingly, a significant aspect of the present invention
relates to sizing main body 12, and particularly the length and
width dimensions of shelves 14, 16, and 18, to fit within a piece
of luggage, suitcase, or other suitable travel container.
Accordingly, the present invention includes the combination of a
luggage shelf system 10 with a correspondingly sized suitcase. More
particularly, the length and width dimensions of shelves 14, 16,
and 18, are sized to be slightly less than the corresponding length
and width dimensions of the luggage intended for use therewith.
Once the traveler reaches his or her destination the organizer is
simply removed from the luggage and hung in a closet whereby the
shelves vertically expand to allow for access to the packed
items.
[0030] FIGS. 4 and 5 depict an alternate embodiment, shelf system
10, which includes a collapsible support frame including left and
right frame members, referenced as 30a and 30b. Opposing left and
right support frame members 30a and 30b function to allow the
system to be free standing and/or to stand within the body of a
suit case. Support frame members 30a and 30b are each configurable
between a deployed configuration and a stowed configuration as
generally illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. 4 illustrates a
deployed configuration wherein frame members 30a and 30b are
disposed in generally vertically adjacent relation with
corresponding sides 20a and 20b to support main body 12 in the
expanded configuration. At least one strap member 32 is provided
for securing frame member 30 in the deployed configuration. In a
preferred embodiment, strap member 32 includes an end adapted with
hook and loop fastening by mating engagement with fastening element
33. FIG. 4 depicts strap member 32 in art attached configuration,
and FIG. 5 depicts strap member 32 in a detached configuration. In
accordance with a preferred embodiment, each support member 30 is
pivotally connected proximal the upper portion of the corresponding
panel 20 to as to allow for pivotal movement of each support member
as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. As should now be apparent, shelf
system 10 may be supported in a free standing manner by support
frame members 30 as illustrated in FIG. 4, or compacted to the
compact configuration within a suitcase with frame members 30
folded over the top thereof for compact transport within the
suitcase. As should be apparent, the alternate embodiment shelf
system 10 depicted in FIGS. 4 and 5 may also include the hooks 24
and straps 25 as disclosed with the preferred embodiment.
[0031] The instant invention has been shown and described herein in
what is considered to be the most practical and preferred
embodiment. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made
therefrom within the scope of the invention and that obvious
modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art.
* * * * *