U.S. patent application number 13/424645 was filed with the patent office on 2013-09-26 for item organizer to hold writing instruments and other items.
The applicant listed for this patent is Alicia Klein. Invention is credited to Alicia Klein.
Application Number | 20130248470 13/424645 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49210794 |
Filed Date | 2013-09-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130248470 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Klein; Alicia |
September 26, 2013 |
Item Organizer to Hold Writing Instruments and Other Items
Abstract
An item organizer includes at least two sleeves, preferably
constructed of a flexible material and joined at a central hub or
axis. The sleeves are attached to the central hub at a central
location. In one preferred embodiment, the item organizer includes
three sleeves. In other preferred embodiments, two, four, five, or
even more sleeves may be connected to the central hub. The sleeves
may be permanently or reversibly attached to the central hub. The
item organizer includes a single attachment location for the
sleeves.
Inventors: |
Klein; Alicia; (Walnut
Creek, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Klein; Alicia |
Walnut Creek |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49210794 |
Appl. No.: |
13/424645 |
Filed: |
March 20, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
211/65 ;
211/60.1; 211/69.5; 211/70.3; 211/70.7 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 11/34 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/65 ;
211/60.1; 211/69.5; 211/70.3; 211/70.7 |
International
Class: |
A47B 81/00 20060101
A47B081/00 |
Claims
1. An item organizer comprising at least three hollow sleeves,
wherein each sleeve is substantially longer than it is wide and can
reversibly secure an item that is substantially longer than it is
wide, each sleeve extending radially from and longitudinally along
a common central axis.
2. The item organizer of claim 1, wherein the sleeves have a
substantially cylindrical flattened shape.
3. The item organizer of claim 1, wherein the sleeves comprise a
flexible material.
4. The item organizer of claim 1, wherein the sleeves are
permanently connected around the central axis.
5. The item organizer of claim 1, wherein the sleeves are
reversibly attached around the central axis.
6. The item organizer of claim 5, wherein each sleeve comprises a
rod on an exterior of the sleeve, wherein the rod slides into a
channel on a central hub surrounding the central axis to reversibly
attach the sleeve to the central hub.
7. The item organizer of claim 1, wherein the items to be held
comprise at least one writing instrument comprising a clip and
wherein at least one of the sleeves comprises a first side and a
second side and at least one cutaway on a first side of at least
one end of the sleeve such that the clip on the writing instrument
clips to a cutaway end of the sleeve.
8. The item organizer of claim 1, wherein the items to be held are
selected from the group consisting of writing instruments; cigars;
makeup brushes; paint brushes; and silverware settings.
9. The item organizer of claim 1, wherein at least one of the
sleeves includes a flap on at least one end of the sleeve to cover
the end.
10. The item organizer of claim 1, wherein at least one of the
sleeves is divided into at least two compartments.
11. The item organizer of claim 1, further comprising a central hub
that forms the central axis.
12. The item organizer of claim 11, wherein each of the sleeves is
permanently attached to the central hub.
13. The item organizer of claim 1, wherein the sleeves are
permanently connected to each other by stitching the sleeves to
each other around the central axis.
14. An item organizer comprising at least three hollow sleeves for
holding an item that is substantially longer than it is wide,
wherein the sleeves are organized circumferentially around a common
central axis, wherein the central axis comprises a central hub and
the sleeves are permanently attached to the central hub.
15. The item organizer of claim 14, wherein the items to be held
comprise at least one writing instrument comprising a clip and
wherein at least one of the sleeves comprises a first side and a
second side and at least one cutaway on a first side of at least
one end of the sleeve such that the clip on the writing instrument
clips to a cutaway end of the sleeve.
16. The item organizer of claim 14, wherein the items to be held
are selected from the group consisting of writing instruments
cigars; makeup brushes; paint brushes; and silverware settings.
17. The item organizer of claim 14, wherein at least one of the
sleeves includes a flap on at least one end of the sleeve to cover
the end.
18. An item organizer comprising at least three hollow sleeves for
holding an item that is substantially longer than it is wide and a
central hub that forms a common central axis, wherein the sleeves
extend radially from and longitudinally along the common central
axis.
19. The item organizer of claim 18, wherein the sleeves are
permanently attached to the central hub.
20. The item organizer of claim 18, wherein the sleeves are
permanently connected to each other by stitching the sleeves to
each other around the central axis.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The invention pertains to the field of organizers. More
particularly, the invention pertains to item organizers to hold
long, thin items such as writing instruments.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] When individuals are in transit, or have reached a leisure
or business trip destination, they often need easy access to
writing instruments. In the prior art, pens and pencils may be
placed in a small bag during travel. Some purses or briefcases
include strapped slots that are fixed to a flat area of the
interior of the bag to hold pens and pencils.
[0005] Single or double pen tubes or channels are known. Other flat
multi pen holders have channels that are created by rows of
stitching that create the channels. In other prior art, free
standing pen holders may include multiple slots fixed to a flat
material which can be rolled together.
[0006] In all of the prior art, the tubes or channels are not
connected to each other, being held in place by a back plate or
base.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] An item organizer, for example a travel organizer, includes
a plurality of sleeves, preferably constructed of a flexible
material and extending radially from and longitudinally along a
common central axis. The sleeves are attached around the central
axis. In some embodiments, the sleeves are attached to each other
around the central axis. In other embodiments, the sleeves are
attached to each other or to a central hub that forms the central
axis. In one preferred embodiment, the item organizer includes
three sleeves. In other preferred embodiments, two, four, five, or
even more sleeves may extend from the central hub. The sleeves may
be permanently or reversibly attached around the central axis. The
item organizer includes a central attachment location for the
sleeves.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1a shows an item organizer with three sleeves attached
to each other around a common central axis in an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0009] FIG. 1b shows a cross-sectional top down view of the item
organizer of FIG. 1.
[0010] FIG. 1c shows a cross-sectional top down view of the item
organizer of FIG. 1a, with an item in two of the sleeves.
[0011] FIG. 2a shows an item organizer with two sleeves attached to
each other at a central location in an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0012] FIG. 2b shows a cross-sectional top down view of the item
organizer of FIG. 2a.
[0013] FIG. 2c shows a cross-sectional top down view of the item
organizer of FIG. 2a, with an item in one sleeve.
[0014] FIG. 3a shows an item organizer with four sleeves attached
around a central hub that forms a common central axis in an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 3b shows a cross-sectional top down view of the item
organizer of FIG. 3a.
[0016] FIG. 3c shows a cross-sectional top down view of the item
organizer of FIG. 3a, with an item in two sleeves.
[0017] FIG. 4a shows an item organizer with five sleeves attached
to each other around a common central axis in an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0018] FIG. 4b shows a cross-sectional top down view of the item
organizer of FIG. 4a.
[0019] FIG. 4c shows a cross-sectional top down view of the item
organizer of FIG. 4a, with an item in two sleeves.
[0020] FIG. 5a shows an item organizer with twelve sleeves attached
around a central hub that forms a common central axis in an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 5b shows a cross-sectional top down view of the item
organizer of FIG. 5a.
[0022] FIG. 5c shows a cross-sectional top down view of the item
organizer of FIG. 5a, with an item in three sleeves.
[0023] FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional top down view of a single
sleeve attached to a central hub in an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0024] FIG. 7a shows a central hub base for three sleeves in
another embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 7b shows a top down view of the central hub base in the
embodiment of FIG. 7a.
[0026] FIG. 7c shows a top down view of three sleeves attached to
the central hub base of FIG. 7a.
[0027] FIG. 8a shows a central hub base for two sleeves in another
embodiment of the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 8b shows a top down view of two empty sleeves attached
to the central hub base in the embodiment of FIG. 8a.
[0029] FIG. 8c shows a top down view of two expanded sleeves
attached to the central hub base of FIG. 8a.
[0030] FIG. 9a shows a central hub base for four sleeves in another
embodiment of the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 9b shows a top down view of four empty sleeves attached
to the central hub base in the embodiment of FIG. 9a.
[0032] FIG. 9c shows a top down view of four expanded sleeves
attached to the central hub base of FIG. 9a.
[0033] FIG. 10a shows a central hub base for five sleeves in
another embodiment of the present invention.
[0034] FIG. 10b shows a top down view of five empty sleeves
attached to the central hub base in the embodiment of FIG. 10a.
[0035] FIG. 10c shows a top down view of five expanded sleeves
attached to the central hub base of FIG. 10a.
[0036] FIG. 11a shows a central hub base for twelve sleeves in
another embodiment of the present invention.
[0037] FIG. 11b shows a top down view of twelve empty sleeves
attached to the central hub base in the embodiment of FIG. 11a.
[0038] FIG. 11c shows a top down view of twelve expanded sleeves
attached to the central hub base of FIG. 11a.
[0039] FIG. 12 shows a single sleeve that fits into the central hub
base of FIGS. 7a through 11c.
[0040] FIG. 13 shows a cross-sectional top down view of a single
sleeve attached to a central hub in an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0041] FIG. 14a shows a first side of a sleeve that is open on both
ends.
[0042] FIG. 14b shows a second side of the sleeve of FIG. 14a.
[0043] FIG. 15a shows the open position of another embodiment for a
sleeve with a flap in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0044] FIG. 15b shows the top and bottom of the sleeve of FIG. 15a
in a closed position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0045] An item organizer includes at least two sleeves (for
example, channels or tubes), preferably constructed of a flexible
material and joined around a central hub or axis. The sleeves are
attached around a common central axis. The sleeves are arranged
around the central axis circumferentially. In one preferred
embodiment, the item organizer includes three sleeves. In other
preferred embodiments, two, four, five, or even more sleeves may be
connected to each other or to a central hub. The item organizer
preferably includes a single attachment position for the sleeves.
In some preferred embodiment, the organizer may be used while
traveling.
[0046] The sleeves provide organization for several items, for
example writing instruments, when carrying them all at the same
time. The item organizer creates an organized bundle of items, such
as writing instruments.
[0047] In one preferred embodiment, the sleeves are permanently
attached to the central hub or axis. In these embodiments, the
sleeves and the hub can be permanently attached by stitching.
Alternatively, they may be permanently connected using
adhesives.
[0048] In one embodiment, the axis may be a central connection
point between the multiple sleeves, and the sleeves are stitched or
otherwise permanently attached to each other by connecting the
sides (or the front edges in embodiments with two or three sleeves)
of the sleeves together around a central axis. In embodiments where
the sleeves connect directly to each other, the diameter of the
central hub or space forming the central axis does not grow
substantially as the number of sleeves increases. In another
embodiment, the central hub includes additional material to which
each of the sleeves is permanently attached. In embodiments where
the sleeves are connected to a central hub forming the central
axis, the diameter of the central hub increases as the number of
sleeves increases.
[0049] In preferred embodiments, the sleeves are made of a flexible
material, for example leather or fabric. The sleeves preferably
have a substantially flattened cylindrical shape, like a football
or a flower petal. In embodiments with a central hub, the central
hub is preferably made of a flexible material, for example leather
or fabric. In some preferred embodiments, the sleeves and the hub
are made of the same flexible material.
[0050] In other embodiments, the sleeves and/or the central hub are
made of a less flexible material, such as deformable plastic, and
the components are attached by an adhesive. Alternatively, in these
embodiments, the item organizer could be manufactured from a mold
in a single piece.
[0051] In other embodiments, the sleeves are reversibly attached to
the central hub. In these embodiments, the sleeves connect to the
central hub by mating portions of the sleeves to a corresponding
portion of the central hub.
[0052] Each of the sleeves is shaped and sized to hold a long,
relatively thin, preferably substantially cylindrical item. Each
sleeve is biased towards a closed position to hold the item. The
user preferably applies pressure to the sides of the sleeves to
open the sleeves for release of the item or for placement of the
item in the sleeves.
[0053] Some items that could be held in the organizer include, but
are not limited to, writing instruments (for example, pens,
pencils, markers, and highlighters), tools, cigars, makeup brushes,
paint brushes, and silverware settings. In embodiments with
silverware settings, the tubes could include special tarnish felt
in its interior to reduce the chances of tarnish on the pieces of
silverware. Each of the sleeves isolates each of the items being
held from the others while keeping all of the items (for example,
pens) together in a neat bundle.
[0054] In some embodiments, the sleeves have different heights
and/or widths. In other embodiments, the sleeves have the same
heights and widths. The sleeves can hold items that are shorter in
length than the length of the sleeves. The sleeves can also hold
items that are longer in length than the sleeves, and protrude from
the sleeves when held in place by the sleeves.
[0055] In some embodiments, one or more of the sleeves include a
flap, cover or lid that can be open or closed. In the closed
position, the flap, cover or lid provides extra security for
retaining the item in the organizer. In other embodiments, both
ends of at least one of the sleeves are open.
[0056] FIGS 1a through 1c show an item organizer 1 with three
sleeves 2 attached around a central axis 5. The sleeves 2 are
permanently attached around the central axis 5. Each sleeve 2
includes a first side 7 and a second side 8. In some embodiments, a
central hub 4 forms the central axis 5, and the sleeves 2 are
attached to the central hub 4. Examples of a central hub 4 are
shown in FIGS. 3 and 5. In other embodiments, the sleeves 2 are
attached directly to each other and surround a space that forms the
central axis 5. In still other embodiments, the sleeves 2 are
attached to each other and surround the central hub 4. FIG. 1b
shows empty sleeves, while FIG. 1c shows two of the sleeves 2
holding an item 6, such as a pen. The sleeves 2 preferably expand
to hold the items 6 in place. As shown in these figures, the
sleeves 2 are preferably spaced evenly and extend radially outward
from the central axis.
[0057] FIGS. 2a through 2c show an item organizer 10 with two
sleeves 2 attached at a central axis 5. Each sleeve 2 includes a
first side 7 and a second side 8. The sleeves 2 are permanently
attached around the central axis 5. In some embodiments, a central
hub 4 forms the central axis 5, and the sleeves 2 are attached to
the central hub 4. Examples of a central hub 4 are shown in FIGS. 3
and 5. In other embodiments, the sleeves 2 are attached directly to
each other and the location where they are attached forms the
central axis 5. In still other embodiments, the sleeves 2 are
attached to each other and surround the central hub 4. FIG. 2b
shows empty sleeves, while FIG. 2c shows a sleeve 2 holding an item
6, such as a pen. The sleeves expand to hold the items in place. As
shown in these figures, the sleeves are preferably spaced evenly
around and extend radially outward from the central axis 5.
[0058] FIGS. 3a through 3c show an item organizer 20 with four
sleeves 2 attached around a central axis 5. Each sleeve 2 includes
a first side 7 and a second side 8. The sleeves 2 are permanently
attached around the central axis 5. In some embodiments, a central
hub 4 forms the central axis 5, and the sleeves 2 are attached to
the central hub 4. In other embodiments, the sleeves 2 are attached
directly to each other and surround a space that forms the central
axis 5. Some examples of these embodiments are shown in FIGS. 1, 2,
and 4. In still other embodiments, the sleeves 2 are attached to
each other and surround the central hub 4. FIG. 3b shows empty
sleeves, while FIG. 3c shows two sleeves 2 holding an item 6, such
as a pen. The sleeves expand to hold the items in place. As shown
in these figures, the sleeves are preferably spaced evenly around
and extend radially outward from the central axis 5.
[0059] FIGS. 4a through 4c show an item organizer 30 with five
sleeves 2 attached at a central axis 5. Each sleeve 2 includes a
first side 7 and a second side 8. The sleeves 2 are permanently
attached around the central axis 5. In some embodiments, a central
hub 4 forms the central axis 5, and the sleeves are attached to the
central hub 4. Examples of a central hub 4 are shown in FIGS. 3 and
5. In other embodiments, the sleeves 2 are attached to each other
and surround a space that forms the central axis 5. In still other
embodiments, the sleeves 2 are attached to each other and surround
the central hub 4. FIG. 4b shows empty sleeves, while FIG. 4c shows
two sleeves 2 holding an item 6, such as a pen. The sleeves expand
to hold the items in place. As shown in these figures, the sleeves
are preferably spaced evenly around and extend radially outward
from the central axis 5.
[0060] FIGS. 5a through 5c show an item organizer 40 with twelve
sleeves 2 attached around a central axis 5. Each sleeve 2 includes
a first side 7 and a second side 8. The sleeves 2 are permanently
attached around the central axis 5. In some embodiments, a central
hub 4 forms the central axis 5, and the sleeves are attached to the
central hub 4. In other embodiments, the sleeves 2 are attached to
each other and surround a space that forms the central axis 5. Some
examples of these embodiments are shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4. In
still other embodiments, the sleeves 2 are attached to each other
and surround the central hub 4. FIG. 5b shows empty sleeves, while
FIG. 5c shows three sleeves 2 holding an item 6, such as a pen. The
sleeves expand to hold the items in place. As shown in these
figures, the sleeves are preferably spaced evenly around and extend
radially outward from the central axis 5.
[0061] Note that, while each of FIGS. 1c, 2c, 3c, 4c, and 5c show
certain sleeves filled with an item, the organizers are designed so
that any number of sleeves may be filled or empty at any given
time. The user can choose to put any number of items into
individual sleeves, up to the maximum number of sleeves on that
particular organizer.
[0062] Also note that, while FIGS. 1b, 2b, 3b, 4b, and 5b show
adjacent empty sleeves not touching each other, these figures are
schematic only. The sides of adjacent sleeves may touch (and be
permanently attached to each other where they touch) even while all
the sleeves are empty and not expanded.
[0063] Although FIGS. 1a-5c show a certain numbers of sleeves 2
(two, three, four five, and twelve, respectively) permanently
attached around a central axis 5, FIG. 6 shows that any number of
sleeves 2 can be permanently attached around the central axis 5.
There may be any number of sleeves 2, depending on the embodiment.
The diameter of the optional central hub 4 or the space forming the
central axis 5 may increase as the number of sleeves increases. The
diameter of the hub 4 or the space forming the central axis 5
depends on the size and number of the sleeves circumferentially
spaced around the central axis 5. Also, the angles of space
available for each sleeve is equal to 360/n degrees, where n is the
number of sleeves.
[0064] The sleeves 2 in FIGS. 1a through 6 are permanently attached
around a central axis 5. The sleeves 2 may be attached in any
manner, including, but not limited to, stitching the sleeves 2 to
each other or a central hub 4 or gluing the sleeves 2 to each other
or to the central hub 4. In preferred embodiments, the sleeves 2
and/or the central hub 4 are made of a flexible material. Some
examples for the flexible material include, but are not limited to,
fabric or leather. In other embodiments, the central hub 4 and/or
the sleeves 2 may be made of a deformable plastic. In some
embodiments, the item organizer may be manufactured in a single
piece, for example by using a mold that includes the sleeves
attached to each other or to a central hub.
[0065] FIGS. 7a through 7c show an item organizer 70 with three
sleeves 102 reversibly attached to a central hub 104. The central
hub 104 includes three channels 108. The channels 108 are each
shaped to fit a rod 112 on each of the sleeves 102 (see FIG. 12).
The sleeves 102 each have a first side 109 and a second side 111.
The sleeves 102 can be placed in the channels 108, and are easily
removable from the channels 108. FIG. 7c shows the sleeves 102
connected to each corresponding channel 108 with a rod 112. The
channels 108 of the central hub 104 are circumferentially organized
around a central axis 105. This figure also shows an item 106, such
as a pen, inside one of the sleeves 102. The channels 108 and the
corresponding sleeves 102 (when connected to the hub 104 through
the channels 108) are preferably spaced evenly around and extend
radially outward from the central hub 104.
[0066] FIGS. 8a through 8c show an item organizer 80 with two
sleeves 102 reversibly attached to a central hub 104. The central
hub 104 includes two channels 108 shaped to fit a rod 112 on each
of the sleeves 102 (see FIG. 12). The sleeves 102 each have a first
side 109 and a second side 111. The sleeves 102 can be placed in
the channels 108, and are easily removable from the channels. FIG.
8c shows the sleeves 102 connected to each corresponding channel
108 with a rod 112. The channels 108 of the central hub 104 are
organized around a central axis 105. This figure also shows an item
106, such as a pen, inside one sleeve 102. The channels 108 and the
corresponding sleeves 102 (when connected to the hub 104 through
the channels 108) are preferably spaced evenly around and extend
radially outward from the central hub 104.
[0067] FIGS. 9a through 9c show an item organizer 90 with four
sleeves 102 reversibly attached to a central hub 104. The central
hub 104 includes four channels 108 shaped to fit a rod 112 on each
of the sleeves 102 (see FIG. 12). The sleeves 102 each have a first
side 109 and a second side 111. The sleeves 102 can be placed in
the channels 108, and are easily removable from the channels. FIG.
9c shows the sleeves 102 connected to each corresponding channel
108 with a rod 112. The channels 108 of the central hub 104 are
circumferentially organized around a central axis 105. This figure
also shows items 106, such as pens, inside two sleeves 102. The
channels 108 and the corresponding sleeves 102 (when connected to
the hub 104 through the channels 108) are preferably spaced evenly
around and extend radially outward from the central hub 104.
[0068] FIGS. 10a through 10c show an item organizer 100 with five
sleeves 102 reversibly attached to a central hub 104. The central
hub 104 includes five channels 108 shaped to fit a rod 112 on each
of the sleeves 102 (see FIG. 12). The sleeves 102 each have a first
side 109 and a second side 111. The sleeves 102 can be placed in
the channels 108, and are easily removable from the channels. FIG.
10c shows the sleeves 102 connected to each corresponding channel
108 with a rod 112. The channels 108 of the central hub 104 are
organized circumferentially around a central axis 105. This figure
also shows items 106, such as pens, inside two sleeves 102. The
channels 108 and the corresponding sleeves 102 (when connected to
the hub 104 through the channels 108) are preferably spaced evenly
around and extend radially outward from the central hub 104.
[0069] FIGS. 11a through 11c show an item organizer 110 with twelve
sleeves 102 reversibly attached to a central hub 104. The central
hub 104 includes twelve channels 108 shaped to fit a rod 112 on
each of the sleeves 102 (see FIG. 12). The sleeves 102 each have a
first side 109 and a second side 111. The sleeves 102 can be placed
in the channels 108, and are easily removable from the channels.
FIG. 9c shows the sleeves 102 connected to each corresponding
channel 108 with a rod 112. The channels 108 of the central hub 104
are circumferentially organized around a central axis 105. This
figure also shows items 106, such as pens, inside three sleeves
102. The channels 108 and the corresponding sleeves 102 (when
connected to the hub 104 through the channels 108) are preferably
spaced evenly around and extend radially outward from the central
hub 104.
[0070] FIG. 12 shows a schematic of a single sleeve 102 that can be
attached to any of the hubs shown in FIGS. 7-11. The sleeve 102
includes a main sleeve portion 103 and a rod 112 that is
permanently attached to the sleeve 102. The rod 112 slips into the
corresponding channel 108 in the central hub 104 to reversibly
attach the sleeve 102 to the central hub 104.
[0071] Note that, while each of the central hubs shown in FIGS. 7a
through 11c have a certain number of spaces into which you can
place sleeves, the hub does not need to be completely filled with
sleeves at any given time. The user can choose to put in any number
of sleeves into the hub, up to the maximum number that fits into
the hub.
[0072] In some embodiments, the channels 108 connect to each other
and form around a central hollow space, with no material in between
the channels 108. In embodiments with only two sleeves, the
channels 108 may connect directly to each other, without a hollow
space or a central hub 104. In other embodiments, the channels 108
surround a solid center of the central hub 104.
[0073] In some embodiments, the channels 108 are all the same
length. In other embodiments, the lengths of the channels 108 vary.
In embodiments with a solid central hub 104 to which the channels
108 are each connected, the central hub 104 may be the same length
as one or more of the channels 108, or the central hub 104 may be a
different length than the channels 108.
[0074] Although the figures show certain numbers of sleeves (two,
three, four five, and twelve) removably attached to the central
hub, there may be any number of sleeves, depending on the
embodiment. FIG. 13 shows that any number of sleeves 102 may be
attached to the central hub 104. The diameter of the core grows as
the number of sleeves 102 increases. The diameter of the hub
depends on the size and number of the channels circumferentially
spaced along the hub. Also, the angle of space available for each
of the sleeves is equal to 360/n degrees, where n is the number of
sleeves 102. The channels 108 are circumferentially spaced around
the central axis 105.
[0075] The sleeves 102 in FIGS. 7a through 13 are reversibly
attached to the central hub 104 at a central axis 105. In preferred
embodiments, the sleeves 102 and/or the central hub 104 are made of
a flexible material. Some examples for the flexible material
include, but are not limited to, fabric or leather. In other
embodiments, the central hub 104 and/or the sleeves 102 may be made
of a deformable plastic. In still other embodiments, the sleeve may
be made of both a deformable plastic and a flexible material, for
example the rod is made of plastic and the sleeve sides are made of
a flexible material. In other embodiments, the central hub and the
rod are made of a rigid plastic, and the rest of the sleeve is made
of a flexible material or a deformable plastic. In some
embodiments, the central hub 104 is manufactured in a single piece,
for example by using a mold including all of the channels 108 of
the central hub 104.
[0076] While a channel 108 and a rod 112 are shown in FIGS. 7a
through 13, in other embodiments, the sleeves 102 are removable
from the central hub 104 in other ways. For example, in one
alternative embodiment, the central hub 104 is hollow, and each of
the sleeves 102 includes a clip or other protruding portion that
can be inserted into the hollow portion of the central hub 104 for
removably fastening the sleeve to the hub 104 at the central hollow
axis 105.
[0077] In another alternative embodiment, the exterior of the
central hub 104 includes a fastener, such as snaps, buttons, hook
and loop fasteners, zippers, or hook and eye and the sleeves 102
each include a corresponding fastener material that attaches the
sleeves 102 to the central hub 104. In another embodiment, magnets
on the sleeves 102 and central hub 104 are used to reversibly
fasten the sleeves 102 to the hub 104.
[0078] In yet another alternative embodiment, the central hub 104
includes spoke-like protrusions and the sleeves 102 include pocket
portions that the spoke-like protrusions fit in to fasten the
sleeves 102 to the spokes.
[0079] FIGS. 14 and 15 show embodiments for the sleeves 2, 102. Any
of the item organizers described herein could incorporate any
combination of these sleeves 2, 102 in combination with the central
hub 4, 104. For example, FIG. 1a shows a sleeve 2 with open ends
107. FIG. 1a also shows a sleeve 2 with a closed end 207. The
sleeve 102 shown in FIG. 12 could also have either of these types
of ends.
[0080] FIGS. 14a and 14b show the sleeves 2, 102 open at both ends
107. FIG. 14a shows a first side 7, 109 of the sleeve 2, 102 and
FIG. 14b shows a second side 8, 111 of the sleeve 2, 102. In some
embodiments, when an item is placed in the 2, 102 sleeve, it is
held in place because the sleeve 2, 102 is made of a flexible
material and sized to snugly fit the item in place.
[0081] FIGS. 14a and 14b show another embodiment, where the sleeve
2, 102 includes a cutaway 301 on both ends, such that the end of
one side of the sleeve 2, 102 is lower than the end of the other
side of the sleeve 2, 102. This permits items with a clip 302 (see
FIG. 1a) to attach to the sleeve 2, 102 using the cutaway 301.
While a cutaway 301 is shown in both ends in FIGS. 14a and 14b, in
other embodiments, a cutaway 301 could be located on only one end
of the sleeve 2.
[0082] As an example of an embodiment with a cutaway 301, FIG. 1a
shows an item 6, such as a pen or other writing instrument, held in
place in the sleeve 2 by securing the clip 302 over the cutaway 301
on the exterior of the sleeve 2. The rest of the item 6 is on the
inside of the sleeve 2. This design for the sleeves 2, 102
effectively holds the item 6, 106 in place inside the sleeve 2,
102. In preferred embodiments with a cutaway 301, the cutaway 301
is sized such that the items 6 being held are flush with or below
the top of the sleeves 2, 102 when placed in the sleeves 2,
102.
[0083] In other embodiments, items 6, 106, with clips 302 can be
held in place in the same manner as discussed above in sleeves 2,
102 without cutaways 301. In these embodiments, the clip portion
302 of the item 6 is outside the sleeve and the rest of the item 6
is inside the sleeve 2. Since there is no cutaway 301 in these
embodiments, the item 6 may extend above the top of the sleeve 2,
102 when it is secured in the sleeve 2, 102.
[0084] In one preferred embodiment using the sleeves 2, 102 in
FIGS. 14a and 14b, the sleeve 2, 102 has an approximately 1'' width
(W) and an approximately 6'' height (H).
[0085] FIGS. 15a and 15b show a sleeve 2, 102 with a flap or cover
201 that extends over the open ends 207 to cover the open ends 207
to better secure an item in place. The flaps 201 can also be closed
when a particular sleeve is not being used. For example, FIG. 1a
shows a sleeve 2 with one end 207 secured by a flap 201 and a
fastener 209. FIG. 15a shows the sleeve 2, 102 in an open position.
FIG. 15b shows the sleeve 2, 102 in a closed position, with both
flaps 201 extended over the open end 207 and fastened with a
fastener 209.
[0086] FIGS. 15a and 15b show that the flaps 201 on each end 207
are located on opposite sides 7, 8 or 109, 111 of the sleeve 2,
102, and therefore close on opposite sides 7, 8 or 109, 111 of the
sleeves from each other. In other embodiments, the flap 201 for
both ends 207 could be located on the same side 7 or 109 of the
sleeve 2, 102, and close on the same side 8 or 111 of the sleeve 2,
102.
[0087] In one preferred embodiment using the sleeves 2, 102 in
FIGS. 15a and 15b, the sleeve 2, 102 has an approximately 1'' width
(W) and an approximately 6'' height (H). The flap 201, when
extended, measures approximately 1.75'' (F). The extension over the
open end is approximately 0.5'' (E).
[0088] Although FIGS. 15a and 15b show a flap top 201 on both ends
207, in other embodiments, the flap 201 could be located on just
one of the ends 207 (see FIG. 1a). In addition, while FIGS. 15a and
15b show a snap 209 fastening the flap top 201 when in the closed
position, other fasteners 209, such as buttons, zippers, hook and
loop fasteners, hook and eye fasteners, or magnets could
alternatively be used. In alternative embodiments, one or both of
the flaps 201 do not include fasteners 209.
[0089] Although FIGS. 14 and 15 show open ends, in other
embodiments, one of the ends 207 of any of the sleeves 2, 102 could
be permanently closed, creating a bottom for the sleeve, resulting
in a pocket for the item being placed in the sleeve 2, 102.
[0090] In some embodiments, one or more of the sleeves has two or
more compartments, so multiple items can be held in the same
sleeve. The compartments in the sleeves may all be the same size,
or may differ in size. FIG. 5a shows a sleeve 2 with two
compartments 402 and 502 divided by a dividing wall 403. FIG. 10c
shows a sleeve 102 with three compartments 602, 702, and 802. The
compartments 602, 702, and 802 are separated from each other by
dividing walls 603. Note that, while these figures separate the
sleeves horizontally (perpendicular to the outer walls of the
sleeves) across the sleeves, in other embodiments, the compartments
could be formed longitudinally (parallel to the outer walls). In
still other embodiments, the compartments could be formed in an
asymmetrical pattern.
[0091] Accordingly, it is to be understood that the embodiments of
the invention herein described are merely illustrative of the
application of the principles of the invention. Reference herein to
details of the illustrated embodiments is not intended to limit the
scope of the claims, which themselves recite those features
regarded as essential to the invention.
* * * * *