Abstract:
The present invention describes a piece of furniture and a method of using and making the same according to certain embodiments of the invention may include an organizing structure having a housing with an open front portion, a movable false interior wall capable of fastening at least a single electrical line and a tray at the uppermost portion wherein said electrical line is accessible.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority to U.S. application Ser. No. 11/775,620, filed Jul. 10, 2007. This application is related to Disclosure Document No. 606049, filed Sep. 14, 2006, and entitled “Doggie Tree or/and Canine Valet.” The disclosures of the above referenced application and disclosure document are incorporated by reference in their entireties herein. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates in general to a valet in the nature of a piece of furniture and a method of using and making the same. More particularly, the invention relates to an organizing structure and method of using the structure to house various pet and personal items in a readily accessible and aesthetically pleasing manner the structure also contains a docking station for connecting various electronic devices to an electrical power source. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Furniture pieces are often used to make items easily accessible yet out of sight. Valets are also used for organizational purposes to sort, and store items preventing clutter. In many residences space is often limited making storage valuable therefore organizers should be configured for the most efficient use possible. It is also desirable to have several options for storing and organizing items in a storage unit. 
         [0004]    Pet owners living in smaller houses or apartments face many challenges with respect to storing various pet items in an aesthetically pleasing fashion. Pet owners that do not have access to a private yard are required to frequently exercise and walk their pets. For example, dog owners need ready access to leashes, towels, toys, dog waste bags, allowing for easy retrieval when quickly leaving the home. Generally, these various pet items do not complement the ambiance of the home. 
         [0005]    Even individuals that do not own pets require several important personal items every time they leave their residence such as, keys, cell phone, glasses, work ID badge, umbrella, wallet or purse. These items require a secure, quick, compact, storage location with easy access. Often times an individual leaves their residence running through a laundry list of items in their head to make sure they have gathered all the items needed, wallet, work badge, phone, keys, mail, and so on. If all these items are neatly organized and accessible in the same location this daunting task will become moot. 
         [0006]    Over time furniture modifications to conceal a variety of items have been the subject of many U.S. patents. For example, some modifications include a drape or cloth to conceal various items making the items easily accessible. However, none of the modifications offer a useful solution for storing and organizing daily articles that are necessary when an individual leaves their residence. 
         [0007]    It is therefore a principle object of the present invention to provide an improved organizing and storage valet for conveniently housing everyday pet and personal necessities. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    The disadvantages and shortcomings of previous storage units are eliminated or substantially alleviated by the present invention, which provides such a storage valet permitting compact orderly storage of pet necessities and personal articles. The valet combines the function of an organizer storing personal items as well as a docking and charging station for electronic devices. 
         [0009]    Another aspect of the present invention is an organizational tool for everyday personal items. 
         [0010]    In still another aspect of the present invention is a docking and charging station for compact electrical devices. 
         [0011]    In yet another aspect of the present invention, the valet may be modified with decorative and functional enhancements such as doors, bars, hooks and the like. 
         [0012]    Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Methods and materials are described herein for use of the present invention; other suitable methods and materials known in the art can also be used. The materials and methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting. All publications, patent applications, patents and other references mentioned herein, are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions will control. 
         [0013]    These, and other, embodiments of the invention will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following description, while indicating various embodiments of the invention and numerous specific details thereof, is given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many substitutions, modifications, additions and/or rearrangements may be made within the scope of the invention without departing from the spirit thereof, and the invention includes all such substitutions, modifications, additions and/or rearrangements. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]    The following drawings form part of the present specification and are included to further demonstrate certain aspects of the present invention. The invention may be better understood by reference to one or more of these drawings in combination with the detailed description of specific embodiments presented herein. 
           [0015]      FIG. 1  is a left side vertical cross sectional view of a valet, which is constructed according to an embodiment of the present invention and which is illustrated with certain of its drawers and shelves shown for illustration purposes; 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the valet of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  is a left side vertical cross sectional pictorial view of the valet of  FIG. 1 , as viewed from beneath the valet looking upwards; 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  is a left side vertical cross sectional pictorial view of the valet of  FIG. 1 , as viewed from above the valet looking downwards; 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  is a top plan view of the valet of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 6  is left side vertical cross sectional view of the valet of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 7  is a front plan view of the valet of  FIG. 1 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0022]    It will be readily understood that the components of the embodiments as generally described and illustrated in the drawings herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of the embodiments of the system, components and method of the present invention, as represented in the drawings, is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, as claimed, but is merely representative of the embodiments of the invention. 
         [0023]    A piece of furniture and a method of using it according to certain embodiments of the invention may include a valet having a housing with an open front portion, a false interior rear wall defining an electrical line routing space, and an electronic device supporting top tray for communicating with the electrical line routing space. 
         [0024]    According to certain embodiments of the invention the electrical line routing space of the valet may further comprise at least one electrical line to provide power to at least one electronic device resting on the top tray of the valet. The at least one electrical line may be an extension cord. The extension cord may split one power source into at least two power sources. 
         [0025]    The at least one electrical line may be fastened to the valet, such as to the housing or the false interior rear wall, by way of at least one fastening device. The at least one fastening device may include but is not limited to a cable management clip, a hook, Velcro®, double sided tape, glue, or a combination thereof. 
         [0026]    The at least one electronic device resting on the top tray of the valet may include an electric cable that may extend through an opening in the top tray into the electrical line routing space to connect to the at least one electrical line. The opening in the top tray may further include a cable management grommet for the extension of at least one electrical cable. 
         [0027]    According to another embodiment of the invention, the valet may further comprise at least one support, wherein the at least one support may be at least one storage shelf, a drawer, or a combination thereof. 
         [0028]    The at least one storage shelf may include a lower storage shelf and at least one upper storage shelf. The lower storage shelf may rest upon a rear wood support block and a front wood support block, and may be bent downwards at the front of the shelf to conceal the front wood support block when the valet is viewed from the front. 
         [0029]    The downward bend in the storage shelf also allows for easy cleaning when for example shoes are placed on the shelf. The at least one upper storage shelf may be fastened to the housing by way of at least one fastening device, such as a bracket, a screw, a nail, a wood biscuit, a wood dowel, glue, or a combination thereof. The at least one upper storage shelf may be used to store various personal or pet items, and may be bent upwards at the front of the shelf for containment of these various items. For example, if a ball were placed on this shelf it would not roll off. 
         [0030]    The drawer may be comprised of a front drawer panel, a rear drawer panel, two side drawer panels, a bottom drawer panel, and a pair of drawer slides. The drawer may further comprise a decorative drawer front. The pair of drawer slides may be fastened to the side drawer panels and the valet housing. The drawer may further include a dispenser, wherein the dispenser may be a removable L shaped dispenser, comprised of a vertical panel, a horizontal panel, and an opening within the horizontal panel, and wherein the dispenser may be used to dispense dog waste bags, tissues, disposable gloves, or a combination thereof. 
         [0031]    According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the valet may further comprise a tray base, wherein the tray base may be fastened to the false interior rear wall by way of at least one fastening device, such as a bracket, a screw, a nail, a wood biscuit, a wood dowel, glue, or a combination thereof. 
         [0032]    In further embodiments, the top tray may rest upon the tray base, and may be securely or removably fastened to the tray base by way of at least one fastening device, such as a magnet, Velcro®, glue, double sided tape, a screw, a nail, or a combination thereof. Additionally, the top tray may be upholstered with a material, such as fabric, vinyl, leather, suede and the like. 
         [0033]    According to other embodiments of the invention, the valet may be comprised of laminated wood, stained wood, plastic, stainless steel, or fiberglass. The valet may be U- or V-shaped throughout its axial height. 
         [0034]    According to another embodiment of the invention, the false interior rear wall is moveable. In a preferred embodiment the false interior wall is movable in a vertical direction. An individual may raise the wall to a suitable height to facilitate the exchange of devices to the electrical unit. This advantageous feature avoids moving the piece of furniture to reach a power source each time a device needs to be inserted or removed. 
         [0035]    Variations in the illustrated valet itself may still be within the spirit of the invention. One such variation is a valet with doors. Therefore, another embodiment of the invention is, the valet may contain doors, which may be used to cover the open front. 
         [0036]    Referring now to the figures,  FIGS. 1-4  and  6 - 7  each show a valet  10  with a rear support block  12  and a front support block  14  at its base. Attached to the bottom of support blocks  12  and  14  are furniture glides  16 . A lower shelf  18  may be attached to the tops of support blocks  12  and  14  using wood glue, brackets, screws, nails, wood dowels, wood biscuits, or a combination thereof. The lower shelf  18  may have a downward bent front  19 . The downward bent front  19  of lower shelf  18  may conceal the front support block  14  when the valet  10  is viewed from the front. 
         [0037]    The support blocks  12  and  14 , along with the lower shelf  18 , may be surrounded by the open front valet housing  20 . The housing  20  may be comprised of laminated wood and it may be U- or V-shaped throughout its axial height. 
         [0038]    The valet may further contain at least one upper shelf  22 . The at least one upper shelf  22  may be fastened to the valet housing  20  by way of brackets  24 , or any other suitable fastening means, such as, a screw, a nail, a wood biscuit, a wood dowel, glue, or any combination thereof. The at least one upper shelf  22  may be used to hold various pet related items, and may have an upward bent front  25  to aid in the containment of these various pet related items. 
         [0039]    The valet may further contain at least one drawer  26 , wherein the drawer is comprised of a front drawer panel  30 , a rear drawer panel  32 , two side drawer panels  34 , and a bottom drawer panel  36 . The at least one drawer  26  may also include a decorative drawer front  38 . The at least one drawer  26  may be attached to the valet by drawer slides  39  which are secured to the side drawer panels  34  and the housing  20 . 
         [0040]    A false interior rear wall  40  may be included in the valet  10 , and may be inserted vertically between the back of the shelves  18  and  22  and drawer  26  and the inside of the housing  20 , so that it rests upon the rear wood support block  12 . 
         [0041]    A tray base  42  may be attached to the housing  20 , by an attachment means, such as brackets, screws, nails, wood biscuits, wood dowels, glue, or a combination thereof (not shown). 
         [0042]    A top tray  46  may rest upon the top of the tray base  42 . The top tray  46  may be fixedly or removably attached to the tray base  42  by a removable attachment means, such as magnets  48 , or other attachment means, such as Velcro, glue, double sided tape, screws, nails, or a combination thereof (not shown). The top tray may be upholstered with a material, such as fabric, vinyl, leather, or suede (not shown). 
         [0043]      FIGS. 1 , and  5  depict an opening  50  in the top tray, which may optionally contain a cable management grommet  52 . The opening  50  and cable management grommet  52  both allow for the passage of cords from various electronic devices resting on the top tray  46  through the opening  50  and cable management grommet  52  and into the electrical line routing space  54 , which is located between the back of the false interior rear wall  40  and the inside surface of the housing  20 . 
         [0044]    Once within the electrical line routing space  54 , the electronic device cords may be connected to an extension cord  56 , shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Extension cord  56  may contain an outlet plug  58  for receiving electrical power, a wire cable  60  for transferring electrical power, a splitter box  62  for splitting the power from one cable to two or more sets of outlet cables  64  having outlets  65  for providing power. The outlet cables  64  may be attached to the valet  10 , such as, for example, to the false interior rear wall  40  or the housing  20 , by cable management clips  66 . 
         [0045]    As shown in  FIGS. 2 ,  5 , and  7 , the valet  10  may include a leash hook  68  and a towel bar  70 . In a preferred embodiment the hooks are securely attached to the valet but movable so that they may lie flush against a sidewall of the valet when not in use. 
         [0046]      FIG. 2  shows an exploded view of the valet  10 . This exploded view also depicts the optionally included dispenser  72 , which may be comprised of a vertical panel  74  and a horizontal panel  76 , attached so as to create an L-shape. This arrangement creates a storage space  78  within the dispenser for retaining items such as dog waste bags, tissues, or disposable gloves. These items stored within the dispenser may be retrieved via an opening in the horizontal panel  80 . 
         [0047]    While particular embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed, it is to be understood that various different embodiments are possible and are contemplated within the true spirit and scope of the appended claims. There is no intention, therefore, of limitations to the exact abstract or disclosure herein presented. 
       Materials and Methods 
       [0048]    Methods and materials are described herein. However, methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be also used to obtain variations of the present invention. The materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting 
       Incorporation by Reference 
       [0049]    Throughout this application, various publications, patents, and/or patent applications are referenced in order to more fully describe the state of the art to which this invention pertains. The disclosures of these publications, patents, and/or patent applications are herein incorporated by reference in their entireties, and for the subject matter for which they are specifically referenced in the same or a prior sentence, to the same extent as if each independent publication, patent, and/or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. 
         [0050]    Other Embodiments 
         [0051]    It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.