US20130220956A1

US20130220956A1 - Hanging organizer

Info

Publication number: US20130220956A1
Application number: US13/408,962
Authority: US
Inventors: Matthew J. Carr; Sung Wook Park
Original assignee: Umbra LLC
Current assignee: Umbra LLC
Priority date: 2012-02-29
Filing date: 2012-02-29
Publication date: 2013-08-29
Also published as: CA2774520A1

Abstract

A hanging organizer comprising a body having a front surface and a back surface, where the front surface comprises a plurality of pockets and the back surface comprises a plurality loops, a hook, and a rod, where the hook is secured to the rod, and the body is secured to the rod such that the body is operatively arranged to be suspended from the rod. Each of the plurality of loops has a first end and a second end, where the first end is fixedly secured to the back surface and the second end is removably secured to the first end.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention broadly relates to organizers and, more particularly, to a hanging organizer having a plurality of pockets and a plurality of loops for storing accessories, such as jewelry, belts, ties, scarves, etc.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Hanging organizers are well known devices or articles of manufacture, which provide a user with an aesthetically pleasing means for holding and displaying items like accessories, such as belts, ties, scarves, etc., as well as jewelry, such as necklaces, earrings, bracelets, watches, rings, etc. Generally, a hanging organizer comprises at least one “hook” and a “body” suspended from the hook, where the hook is operatively arranged to hang the organizer from an object such as a closet rod, a door, etc., and the body is operatively arranged to hold separate and display a plurality of items.
One problem with prior hanging organizers is that the type of items that can be stored are limited by the arrangement of the storing means. Prior hanging organizers lack a combination of a variety of storing means to accommodate items of different sizes. For example, some prior organizers only include pockets for holding smaller items such as jewelry, while others only include means for hanging larger items such as purses, belts, etc. This lack of various types of storing means limits the range of items that can be stored in prior hanging organizers.
Another problem with prior hanging organizers is that they are typically one-sided and if there is a second side, it can be difficult to access when the organizer is hung on an object. Yet another problem with prior hanging organizers is that they are linear in shape, and thus, not aesthetically pleasing.
Thus, there is a long-felt need for a hanging organizer with a variety of storing means for holding objects of different sizes and shapes. There is also a long-felt need for a hanging organizer having at least two sides that are easily accessible. There is also a long-felt need for a hanging organizer that is less linear with softer lines, making it more aesthetically pleasing.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention broadly comprises a hanging organizer having a body, a plurality of pockets, a plurality of loops, a hook, and a rod. In a preferred embodiment, the body has a front surface and a back surface. Each of said plurality of pockets is secured to the front surface and each of the plurality of loops is secured to the back surface. The hook is preferably C-shaped and rotatably secured to the rod. The body is secured to the rod such that the body is operatively arranged to be suspended from the rod.
In a preferred embodiment, each of said plurality of loops has a first end and a second end. The first end is fixedly secured to the back surface and the second end is removably secured to the first end via hook and loop fasteners. Preferably, the body comprises 28 pockets and 19 loops. Each of the plurality of pockets is made of transparent plastic material. However, it should be appreciated that each pocket can be made of any suitable material. The body is made of an opaque polyester. However, it should be appreciated that the body can be made of any suitable material.
It is a general object of the present invention to provide a hanging organizer, having both a plurality of pockets and a plurality of loops to store items of different shapes and sizes.
It is also a general object of the present invention to provide a hanging organizer, having a front surface, a back surface, and a hook rotatably secured to a rod, such that the body can be rotated to easily access the items stored on the front surface or the back surface.
It is also a general object of the present invention to provide a hanging organizer with a curved perimeter that is more aesthetically pleasing.
These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciable from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention and from the accompanying drawings and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The nature and mode of 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:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the present invention hanging organizer having a front surface and a plurality of pockets, shown with items held within four of the pockets;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the present invention hanging organizer having a back surface and a plurality of loops, shown with items held on four of the loops;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of Area 3 shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4A is a perspective view, showing a loop in a closed position;

FIG. 4B is a perspective view, showing a loop in an open position;

FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of the hanging organizer;

FIG. 6 is a rear elevational view of the hanging organizer; and,

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the hanging organizer taken generally along line 7-7 of FIG. 5 and FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers on different drawing views identify identical, or functionally similar, structural elements of the invention.
While the present invention is described with respect to what is presently considered to be the preferred aspects, it is to be understood that the invention as claimed is not limited to the disclosed aspects.
Furthermore, it is understood that this invention is not limited to the particular methodology, materials and modifications described and, as such, may, of course, vary. It is also understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, which is limited only by the appended claims.
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 pertains. It should be appreciated that the term “substantially” is synonymous with terms such as “nearly”, “very nearly”, “about”, “approximately”, “around”, “bordering on”, “close to”, “essentially”, “in the neighborhood of”, “in the vicinity of”, etc., and such terms may be used interchangeably as appearing in the specification and claims. Although any methods, devices or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the invention, the preferred methods, devices, and materials are now described.
Adverting now to the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates the preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the present invention hanging organizer, hereinafter referred to as organizer 10. Generally, organizer 10 comprises rod 11, hook 12, body 17, plurality of pockets 20, and plurality of loops 40 (shown in FIG. 2).
Body 17 comprises front surface 13 and back surface 17 (shown in FIG. 2). Each pocket of plurality of pockets 20 is fixedly secured to front surface 13. FIG. 1 depicts several pockets of plurality of pockets 20 holding various items. For instance, pocket 14 b is shown holding watch 90, pocket 18 c is shown holding earrings 91 a, 91 b, pocket 19 c is shown holding bracelets 93 a, 93 b, and pocket 21 b is shown holding necklace 92.
In a preferred embodiment, hook 12 is substantially vertically disposed and centrally arranged atop rod 11. Additionally, hook 12 is rotatable about rod 11 such that body 17 can be rotated 360 degrees. Hook 12 is preferably C-shaped and adapted to hang from any type of support means, such as a closet rod, door, etc. However, it should be appreciated that the hook may be any suitable size and shape necessary to hang the organizer from a particular object and is not limited to the C-shaped depicted.
Body 17 further comprises first edge 35, second edge 38, top edge 25, and bottom edge 36. First edge 35 is substantially perpendicular, and fixedly secured, to top edge 25 and bottom edge 36 at opposite ends. Top edge 25 is substantially perpendicular, and fixedly secured, to first edge 35 and second edge 38 at opposite ends. Second edge 38 is substantially perpendicular, and fixedly secured, to top edge 25 and bottom edge 36 at opposite ends. Bottom edge 36 is substantially perpendicular, and fixedly secured, to first edge 35 and second edge 38 at opposite ends. The four edges form a substantially rectangular shaped perimeter. However, first edge 35 and second edge 38 curve outwardly from top edge 25 and then curve inwardly towards bottom edge 36, such that the length of top edge 25 is greater than the length of bottom edge 36, forming a tee-shaped silhouette. It should be appreciated that the organizer can be any suitable size and shape, such as tee-shaped, dress-shaped, etc., and is not limited to the particular silhouette depicted.
Top edge 25 is preferably concave and comprises cylindrical extensions, 24 a, 24 b disposed on opposite ends of top edge 25. One end of rod 11 is passed through and fixedly secured to cylindrical extension 24 a. The opposite end of rod 11 is passed through and fixedly secured to cylindrical extension 24 b. Cylindrical extensions 24 a, 24 b allow body 17 to be suspended from rod 11.
In a preferred embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 7, plurality of pockets 20 includes seven (7) rows of pockets. Each adjacent row is separated from the next row by a seam. Each pocket further comprises a pocket top. Each pocket top along with the body form each pocket opening. Specifically, the first row of pockets 14 a, 14 b, 14 c, 14 d are formed by pocket top 26 and seam 71. Pocket top 26 along with body 17 form the opening and seam 71 forms the closed base of pockets 14 a, 14 b, 14 c, 14 d. The second row of pockets 15 a, 15 b, 15 c, 15 d are formed by pocket top 28 and seam 72. Pocket top 28 along with body 17 form the opening and seam 72 forms the closed base of pockets 15 a, 15 b, 15 c, 15 d. The third row of pockets 16 a, 16 b, 16 c, 16 d are formed by pocket top 29 and seam 73. Pocket top 29 along with body 17 form the opening and seam 73 forms the closed base of pockets 16 a, 16 b, 16 c, 16 d. The fourth row of pockets 18 a, 18 b, 18 c, 18 d are formed by pocket top 31 and seam 74. Pocket top 31 along with body 17 form the opening and seam 74 forms the closed base of pockets 18 a, 18 b, 18 c, 18 d. The fifth row of pockets 19 a, 19 b, 19 c, 19 d are formed by pocket top 32 and seam 75. Pocket top 32 along with body 17 form the opening and seam 75 forms the closed base of pockets 19 a, 19 b, 19 c, 19 d. The sixth row of pockets 21 a, 21 b, 21 c, 21 d are formed by pocket top 33 and seam 76. Pocket top 33 along with body 17 form the opening and seam 76 forms the closed base of pockets 21 a, 21 b, 21 c, 21 d. Finally, the seventh row of pockets 22 a, 22 b, 22 c, 22 d are formed by pocket top 34 and bottom edge 36. Pocket top 34 along with body 17 form the opening and bottom edge 36 forms the closed base of pockets 22 a, 22 b, 22 c, 22 d. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 1 each adjacent pocket in the same row is divided by stitching.
Preferably, the front surface includes twenty-eight (28) pockets. It should be appreciated that the pockets shown in the figures are merely exemplary embodiments of the plurality of pockets of the present invention, which may, in alternative embodiment, include different numbers of pockets, having different shapes and sizes.
FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of organizer 10, shown holding items on several different loops. For instance, loop 41 b is shown holding necklace 94, loop 42 d is shown holding pendant 95, loop 44 a is shown holding scarf 96, and loop 44 c is shown holding purse 98.
In a preferred embodiment, plurality of loops 40 includes five (5) rows of loops aligned linearly. Each adjacent row is separated from the next row by a space. The number of loops varies by row and differs as the curvature body increases or decreases. Specifically, the first row of loops includes loops 41 a, 41 b, 41 c, 41 d, 41 e. The second row of loops includes loops 42 a, 42 b, 42 c, 42 d. The third row of loops includes loops 43 a, 43 b, 43 c. The fourth row of loops includes loops 44 a, 44 b, 44 c, 44 d. The fifth row of loops includes loops 45 a, 45 b, 45 c, 45 d, 45 e. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 2 each adjacent loop in the same row is separated by a space. Preferably, the back surface includes nineteen (19) loops. It should be appreciated that the loops shown in the figures are merely exemplary embodiments of the plurality of loops of the present invention, which may, in alternative embodiment, include different numbers of loops, having different shapes and sizes.
FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of Area 3 shown in FIG. 1, depicting pocket 18 b. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the curved lines illustrate the transparency of pocket 18 b. However, it should be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, the pockets may be transparent, translucent, opaque, etc., depending on the type of material used.
FIG. 4A is a perspective view, showing loop 41 a in a closed position. In a preferred embodiment, each loop includes a hook and loop fastener. In particular, loop 41 a includes hook end 51 a and loop end 61 a. When pressed together by user's hand 100, hook end 51 a and loop end 61 a, form a loop, from which a user can hang various items as shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 4B is a perspective view, showing loop 41 b in an open position. When loop 41 b is in the open position, a user can insert items to be hung in-between hook end 51 a and loop end 61 a, and then, a user can press the two ends together to form a closed loop.
FIGS. 5 and 6 are front and rear elevational views of organizer 10, respectively. Rod 11 comprises side rod members 23 a, 23 c, and central rod member 23 b. Hook 12 is rotatably secured, and substantially perpendicular, to central rod member 23 b. Side rod members 23 a, 23 c, extend outwardly and slightly downwardly from opposite ends of central rod member 23 b and continue through cylindrical extensions 24 a, 24 b, respectively, to fixedly secured rod 11 to body 17.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the hanging organizer taken generally along line 7-7 of FIG. 5 and FIG. 6. In a preferred embodiment, the depth of body 17 is narrow at 0.2 cm. The narrow depth provides for easy storage in an area where there may be limited space. It should be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, the depth may vary depending on the size and shape of the body.
In a preferred embodiment, the present invention organizer is made of several different materials. Each pocket is made of a transparent plastic material. The body is made of an opaque polyester material. The hook and rod are made of a metal material. However, it should be appreciated that any of the elements of the organizer may be made of a variety of suitable materials, such as metal, plastic, fabric, etc.
Thus, it is seen that the objects of the present invention are efficiently obtained, although modifications and changes to the invention should be readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art, which modifications are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. It also is understood that the foregoing description is illustrative of the present invention and should not be considered as limiting. Therefore, other embodiments of the present invention are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A hanging organizer comprising:

a body having a front surface facing a first direction and a back surface facing a second direction, opposite the first direction;

a plurality of rows of pockets, wherein:

each pocket in said plurality of rows of pockets is secured to said front surface with a respective seam;

each row of pockets extends along a third direction, orthogonal to the first direction, across the front surface;

said each pocket in the plurality of rows of pockets is formed by a respective pocket top forming a respective opening with respect to the front surface and the respective seam forming a bottom of said each pocket; and,

in a first row of pockets from the plurality of rows of pockets, a respective pocket top for each pocket in the first row overlaps, in the first direction, a respective seam for a respective pocket in a second row of pockets from the plurality of rows of pockets;

a plurality of loops, wherein each of said plurality of loops is secured to said back surface;

a hook; and,

a rod, wherein said hook is secured to said rod, and said body is secured to said rod such that said body is operatively arranged to be suspended from said rod.

2. The hanging organizer of claim 1, wherein each of said plurality of loops has a first end and a second end, wherein said first end is fixedly secured to said back surface and said second end is removably secured to said first end.

3. The hanging organizer of claim 2, wherein said second end is removably secured to said first end via hook and loop fasteners.

4. The hanging organizer of claim 1, wherein said hook is rotatably secured to said rod.

5. The hanging organizer of claim 4, wherein said hook is C-shaped.

6. The hanging organizer of claim 1, wherein said body comprises at least 28 pockets.

7. The hanging organizer of claim 1, wherein said body comprises at least 19 loops.

8. The hanging organizer of claim 1, wherein each of said plurality of pockets is transparent.

9. The hanging organizer of claim 1, wherein each of said plurality of pockets is made of plastic.

10. The hanging organizer of claim 1, wherein said body is opaque.

11. The hanging organizer of claim 1, wherein said body is made of polyester.

12. The hanging organizer of claim 1, wherein said body is in the shape of an article of clothing.

13. A hanging organizer comprising:

a plurality of rows of pockets, wherein:

a plurality of loops, wherein each of said plurality of loops is secured to said back surface, each of said plurality of loops having a first end and a second end, wherein said first end is fixedly secured to said back surface and said second end is removably secured to said first end;

a C-shaped hook; and,

a rod, wherein said hook is rotatably secured to said rod, and said body is fixedly secured to said rod such that said body is operatively arranged to be suspended from said rod.

14. The hanging organizer of claim 13, wherein said second end is removably secured to said first end via hook and loop fasteners.

15. The hanging organizer of claim 13, wherein said body comprises at least 28 pockets.

16. The hanging organizer of claim 13, wherein said body comprises at least 19 loops.

17. The hanging organizer of claim 13, wherein said plurality of pockets is transparent.

18. The hanging organizer of claim 13, wherein said plurality of pockets is made of plastic.

19. The hanging organizer of claim 13, wherein said body is opaque.

20. The hanging organizer of claim 13, wherein said body is made of polyester.