Abstract:
A caddy device for carrying and organizing articles being transported in a vehicle. The caddy is user-configurable to one or multiple individual compartments for optimizing their dimensions for carrying, holding and organizing articles such as filled shopping bags or food and drinks. Employing multiple dividers the device may be deployed to numerous different positions to adjust the compartment size. An optional cooler bag for transport of cold items is also engagable within the compartments.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     This application is a continuation-in-part of pending U.S. application Ser. No. 10/881,034 filed Jun. 29, 2004. The present invention relates to a caddy and organizer system and pertains more particularly to arrangements for improved collapsibility, positionability, and engagement of shopping caddies, shopping bags, beverage containers and various other items to be organized. 
     
    
     DISCUSSION OF PRIOR ART  
       [0002]     Groceries are typically bagged at the checkout counter in a plastic bag or a collapsible paper bag. The paper and plastic bags are generally considered to be disposable items. Alternatively, reusable canvas bags are sometimes used to transport groceries. Any of the various types of grocery bags are conventionally transported from the store in a cargo area of a motor vehicle, such as the trunk of a car or anywhere on the floor of a vehicle such as a van, a minivan, or a sports utility vehicle. In addition to groceries, other items are frequently transported in vehicles, such as picnic items, sports equipment, nursery plants and beverage containers.  
         [0003]     However, it has been conventionally recognized that bags can tip, shift and spill. In response to this problem, holders (or caddies) have been used to secure grocery bags and other transported items in motor vehicles. However, possibly due in part to the expense and/or cumbersomeness of conventional shopping caddies, these devices have not been widely used.  
         [0004]     U.S. Pat. No. 4,226,348 to Dottor et al. discloses a grocery bag holder with a rigid bottom mat member. The upstanding sides of the grocery bag holder disclosed in this patent can be folded down or collapsed down to lie flat along the bottom mat. However, the bottom mat itself is not collapsible.  
         [0005]     The public&#39;s ever-increasing reliance on transportation by private motor vehicle requires more and more people to be in their motor vehicles for greater periods of time. Commuting times are increasing, as well as activities and responsibilities of family members. Associated personal items, such as food, beverages, cosmetics, entertainment equipment, and paper often become disorganized and scattered about the vehicle, especially when it is in motion. Vehicle accidents often occur when a driver becomes distracted while attempting to fetch one of these items from the floor of the vehicle, especially in vans of any size.  
         [0006]     Several vehicle organizer systems are known. In general, they contain one or more compartments for containing particular items. Some systems are collapsible. However, their versatility is usually limited in one or more different ways.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0007]     The present invention relates to improved designs for shopping caddies and organizers for various articles in moving vehicles. At least some embodiments of the present invention provide a shopping caddy system which is more adjustable, lighter in weight, more easily portable, and less expensive than conventional shopping caddy systems. The organizer system of the present invention can be adapted to a variety of configurations for holding articles of various sizes, and is collapsible for storage and transport. The system is adaptable to a variety of uses, for example, vehicle, home, and recreational uses.  
         [0008]     In some embodiments of the present invention, upstanding, somewhat rigid end panels can be rotated or folded downward against an intermediate divider or the bottom panel of the organizer. This gives the bottom of the caddy additional rigidity and a larger effective base when a compartment formed between the end panel and the intermediate divider is empty of bags.  
         [0009]     In some embodiments of the present invention, the caddy can be collapsed so that its end panels and intermediate dividers form a compact stack, having a relatively small “footprint” corresponding to the length and width of the end panels. This is an advantage over collapsible caddies with rigid bottom panels because the “footprint” for these caddies in the collapsed position would correspond to the length and width of the rigid and relatively large bottom panel. On the other hand, the end-to-end collapsible embodiments of the present invention work especially well in conjunction with the rigid downward-folding end panels described above.  
         [0010]     According to a first aspect of the invention, a device is provided for organizing or holding shopping articles in an upright position. The device includes a rigid first end panel, a rigid second end panel, a rigid first divider panel, a rigid second divider panel, and a rigid center divider panel positioned between the first divider and second divider panels and approximately parallel thereto. Although many preferred embodiments of “rigid” panels will be capable of some degree of elastic deformation as will be discussed in detail below, they are to be distinguished from pliable fabric, such as nylon or other fabric, which is not herein considered to be rigid.  
         [0011]     A pliable base is connected to at least side edges of the first and second end panels, the first and second divider panels, and the center divider panel. The base is structured to constrain the first end panel, the second end panel, the first divider panel, the second divider panel and the center divider panel relative to each other so that the distance between the panels is substantially the same.  
         [0012]     The base also includes a first panel between the first end panel and the first divider panel, a second panel between the first divider panel and the center divider panel, a third panel between the center divider panel and the second divider panel, and a fourth panel between the second divider panel and the second end panel. The base is further structured to be selectively collapsible between a closed position with the first end panel, the second end panel, the first divider panel, the second divider panel and the center divider panel in close face-to-face proximity with each other, and an open position with the first end panel, the second end panel, the first divider panel, the second divider panel and the center divider panel being spaced apart. The first end panel is moveable between a first angular orientation substantially parallel to the first divider panel and a second angular orientation inclined substantially perpendicular to the first divider panel.  
         [0013]     For example, the first end panel will generally be placed in the first orientation when the caddy is to receive a grocery bag or other articles between the substantially parallel and spaced apart first end panel and the first divider panel.  
         [0014]     On the other hand, the base will generally be in the second orientation when the caddy is not going to hold a grocery bag in the compartment between the first end panel and the first divider panel. In the second angular orientation, the inclined rigid first panel can help prevent the caddy from tipping over by providing added support to the first divider panel and/or by providing a longer effective base for the caddy. In preferred embodiments, the first end panel will be put in the second angular orientation by being rotated 90 degrees so that it is lying along the bottom plane of the caddy.  
         [0015]     Additional positioning of the device is contemplated. For example, in additional embodiments, the center divider panel is composed of two rigid panels arranged substantially parallel to one another such that each of the two panels is movable between a first angular orientation substantially parallel to the first and second divider panels and a second angular orientation inclined substantially perpendicular to the first and second divider panels. When placed in the second angular orientation, an enlarged compartment in the device is formed, suitable for containing a cooler bag, for example.  
         [0016]     In additional embodiments, the first divider panel and second divider panel are movable between a first angular orientation substantially parallel to the center divider panel and a second angular orientation inclined substantially perpendicular to the center divider panel. When placed in this position, the device forms a “W” shape, as viewed from a side. This positioning provides for additional storage and holding capability of different sizes and types of articles.  
         [0017]     According to a second aspect of the present invention, a device is provided for organizing or holding shopping articles in an upright position. The device includes a first end panel having a first side edge, a second side edge and a bottom edge, a second end panel having a first side edge, a second side edge and a bottom edge, a center divider panel having two substantially parallel divider members, each having a first side edge, a second side edge and a bottom edge, and a pliable base.  
         [0018]     The pliable base defines two side panels and a bottom panel connected to at least one side edge of the end panels and center divider panel and structured to constrain the first end panel, the second end panel, and the center divider panel to each other so that the first divider panel is located substantially between the first end panel and the second end panel, with the base being collapsible between an open position with the first end panel, the second end panel and the center divider panel being spaced apart and substantially parallel to each other, and a closed position with the first end panel, the second end panel and the center divider panel being in a close substantially face-to-face adjacency or engagement and substantially parallel to each other.  
         [0019]     As used herein, “spaced apart” means spaced away from each other so that a reasonably-sized grocery bag can fit in between successive panels. As used herein, “in close proximity” means either contiguous or at least close enough together so that a reasonably-sized grocery bag cannot fit between successive panels. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0020]     The nature, goals, and advantages of the invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art after considering the following detailed description when read in connection with the accompanying drawing, illustrating by way of examples the principles of the invention, in which like reference numerals identify like elements throughout, wherein:  
         [0021]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a fully open shopping caddy system according to the present invention;  
         [0022]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view showing an additional arrangement of the shopping caddy system of  FIG. 1  with the center divider panels rotated to be inclined relative to the divider panels;  
         [0023]      FIG. 3  is a is a perspective view showing an additional arrangement of the shopping caddy system of  FIG. 1  with both end panels rotated to be inclined relative to the divider panels;  
         [0024]      FIG. 4  is a is a perspective view showing an additional arrangement of the shopping caddy system of  FIG. 1  with both end panels rotated to be inclined relative to the divider panels and with the center divider panels rotated to be inclined relative to the divider panels;  
         [0025]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view showing an additional arrangement of the shopping caddy system of  FIG. 4  with both end panels in a raised position;  
         [0026]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view showing an additional arrangement of the shopping caddy system of  FIG. 3  with both end panels in a raised position;  
         [0027]      FIG. 7  is a is a perspective view showing an additional arrangement of the shopping caddy system of  FIG. 1  in the “W” configuration;  
         [0028]      FIG. 8  is a side view of the shopping caddy of  FIG. 1  in the fully open position;  
         [0029]      FIG. 9  is a side view of the shopping caddy of  FIG. 1  in a partially collapsed position;  
         [0030]      FIG. 10  is a side view of the shopping caddy of  FIG. 1  when the caddy has almost reached the fully collapsed position;  
         [0031]      FIG. 11  is a bottom view of the shopping caddy in the fully open position;  
         [0032]      FIG. 12  is a bottom view of the shopping caddy in the partially collapsed position of  FIG. 7 ;  
         [0033]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the shopping caddy system in a collapsed and secured position; and  
         [0034]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the shopping caddy system of  FIG. 1  with both end panels rotated to be inclined relative to the divider panels and a shopping bag partially placed in one of the center compartments.  
         [0035]      FIG. 15A  shows a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of the disclosed caddy device and system which is configurable from one to three compartments and is adapted to receive a removable thermally insulated cooler section.  
         [0036]      FIG. 15B  depicts the embodiment of  FIG. 15A  showing a two compartment configuration with one compartment sized to accommodate insertion of the insulated section.  
         [0037]      FIG. 15C  depicts the device of  FIG. 15A  wherein first and second dividers have been positioned to form one large unit.  
         [0038]      FIG. 15D  shows the device of  FIG. 15A  wherein one end compartment has been secured to a divider thereby configuring the device to a two compartment configuration.  
         [0039]      FIG. 15E  depicts a second single compartment configuration substantially a third the size of the configuration of  FIG. 15B .  
         [0040]      FIG. 15F  is a perspective view of the bottom of the device showing means for fastening and pads.  
         [0041]      FIG. 15G  depicts a surface mount component which may be optionally employed to provide for easy engagement with the bottom of the device shown in  FIG. 15F  or other embodiments of the device described and shown herein and which can optionally provide a thermal element to communicate cold or heat to an overiding caddy during transport.  
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0042]     FIGS.  1  to  15 G show a shopping caddy and organizer system  50  in accordance with the invention, including a shopping caddy  100  and a shopping bag  200 . Caddy  100  holds the bags upright, for example, in the trunk of a car or on the floor of a van. Although this preferred embodiment caddy  100  is not fixed in the vehicle, shopping bag  200  will generally be restrained from sliding around or tipping when it is constrained through caddy  100  as compared with such a bag placed separately in a car. While the caddy system is particularly adapted for holding shopping articles, it may have many other uses such as shipping and storage of other articles.  
         [0043]     As explained below in more detail, this preferred caddy  100  is advantageous because it collapses in the end-to-end direction, thereby allowing the collapsed caddy  100  to have a smaller length and width footprint than it would if collapsed in a side-to-side direction or top-to-bottom direction, which other configurations would typically result in the bottom panel being non-foldable. Also, end panels  110  and  114  can be rotated inwardly toward intermediate divider panels  112  to lie flat against the bottom panel  120  of the caddy. This feature can be used to provide a longer and more rigid base for the caddy when one or both endmost compartments are not filled with and supported by shopping bags. This is especially important because bottom panel  120  is pliable to allow for the end-to-end caddy collapsing action mentioned earlier in this paragraph.  
         [0044]     As shown in  FIG. 1 , caddy  100  includes first end panel  110 , two intermediate divider panels  112 , center divider panels  115 , second end panel  114 , a first side panel  116 , a second side panel  118 , and a bottom panel  120 . The panels  110 ,  112 ,  114 ,  115 ,  116 ,  118 , and  120  define four rectangular compartments  102 ,  104 ,  106 ,  108 . It is contemplated herein that by designing caddies with more or fewer intermediate divider panels  112 , different numbers of compartments may be obtained. In addition, the compartments could be square shaped as well. While the compartments are shown as each being the same size as the others, that is not a requirement of the invention.  
         [0045]     Side panels  116 ,  118  and bottom panel  120  are preferably made of pliable nylon fabric. End panels  110 ,  114  and intermediate divider panels  112  and center divider panel  115  are formed as somewhat rigid boards (preferably made of plastic, rubber or hardboard-like condensed cardboard, or the like) encased in a suitable pliable sheet such as nylon. The “somewhat” rigid boards are preferably more flexible and elastic than a cardboard box or the wire mesh of a typical shopping cart, but much more rigid than cloth. The desired balance of rigidity and flexibility would be something like that provided by the sole of a light duty shoe. This intermediate degree of rigidity provides good support for bags in caddy  100 , while allowing plenty of give to prevent breakage of the panels. As used herein, the word “rigid” will be used to generically denote the preferable intermediate degree of rigidity described above, as well as higher degrees of rigidity.  
         [0046]     The nylon casing of the rigid boards of panels  110 ,  112 ,  114 , and  115  allows the panels to be sewn to the nylon side and bottom panels  116 ,  118 ,  120  and provides the caddy with an attractive, uniform color and texture. Of course, materials other than nylon could be employed for the fabric casings. It is not essential to the invention that there be any fabric casing, but it is part of the preferred embodiment.  
         [0047]     As seen in  FIG. 11 , caddy  100  further includes a strap  122  with first a hook and loop fastening means such as that sold under the trademark Velcro.RTM. End  126  and end  124  can be secured together, for example. A portion of strap  122  is sewn to bottom panel  120  to hold it in place. The strap is long enough to hold caddy  100  in a collapsed and stacked state (see  FIG. 11 ). Because of the end-to-end collapsing action of the caddy, the stack held by strap  122  also has a small footprint. Due to the careful dimensioning of the caddy in the stacked state it is nearly flush along its edges. This makes for a compact, attractive stack which is easy to carry during shopping excursions. Because caddy system  50  forms such a nice stack, strap  122  is a very useful adjunct of the preferred caddy system  50 , but it is not an essential element of the invention.  
         [0048]     Because the ends  124 ,  126  are formed with complementary Velcro portions, they are detachably attachable so that the length of the loop circumscribed by strap  122  can be varied depending on the height of the stack, which in turn depends upon whether the user chooses to secure bags, for example, in addition to the stack. Of course, other adjustable attachably detachable structures could be used, such as buttons, snaps, magnets, tieable cords, and so on.  
         [0049]     At least some conventional caddies are made to be mounted to a car trunk. In these conventional caddies, the mounted caddy prevents tipping or translation of the caddy and its bags. In a preferred embodiment, no means are provided to mount caddy  100  to a floor or surface, so the manner in which unmounted caddy  100  prevents motion and tipping of the grocery bags will be described in some detail. However, as seen in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , caddy  100  alternatively has non-skid feet  121 , which aid in keeping the device fixed and upright, especially in a moving vehicle. However, in other embodiments of the invention, it is contemplated that the caddy is mounted or secured to a vehicle. For example, the caddy could be mounted to the floor of the trunk, or it could be integrated with the rear portion of the back seat of the vehicle.  
         [0050]     First, with respect to tipping, when a bag is used without the caddy, its weight is distributed over a fairly small width W (see  FIG. 1 ). Further, the center of gravity of a loaded bag is likely to not be close to the bottom of the bag. When forces tend to rotate the bag about its bottom edge, tending to thereby tilt up the base of the bag about one of its bottom edges, the countervailing weight of the bag will act only along a fairly short moment arm W and will only produce a limited moment to resist this tipping.  
         [0051]     On the other hand, when a bag is constrained by caddy  100  in compartment  104  or  106 , for example, to act as a unit, the weight of the bag acts along longer moment arm  2 W so that the weight of the bag produces a much greater moment to resist the tipping forces. Similarly, if all four compartments  102 ,  104 ,  106 ,  108  are filled with bags, the unit has a base which is 4 W long. This long effective base is very resistant to tipping due to its length.  
         [0052]     Second, with respect to sliding or translation of the bags, the constraint provided by caddy  100  effectively prevents such translation of either the bags or the caddy itself. This is because the combined weight of bags result in greater static frictional forces that must be overcome before caddy  100  will move along the surface upon which it rests. It is also noted that some limited degree of translation of the caddy, for example, within the trunk of a moving car, will generally not cause damage to or tumbling of the groceries.  
         [0053]     While the preferred caddy does not have mounting structures, it is noted that caddy  100  could be modified to include mounting structures. As stated above, in a preferred embodiment herein, caddy  100  has anti-skid pads  121  ( FIGS. 11 and 12 ) on bottom  120  to further prevent movement during transport.  
         [0054]     As mentioned above, caddy  100  collapses in the end-to-end direction. This is shown in detail in  FIGS. 9, 10 ,  11 , and  12 .  FIG. 8  shows caddy  100  in a fully open position with panels  110 ,  112 ,  114 , and  115  being spaced apart to form compartments  102 ,  104 ,  106 ,  108 .  FIG. 9  shows caddy  100  in a partially closed position with first end panel  110  moved in direction C toward the opposite second end panel  114 . Pliable fabric side panels  116 ,  118  fold inwardly to allow this collapsing motion.  
         [0055]      FIG. 10  shows a further partially collapsed position, with first end panel  110  and each of intermediate divider panels  112  and center divider panel  115  moved in direction C toward close proximity with each other and with second end panel  114 .  FIG. 13  shows the caddy in the collapsed position with panels  110 ,  112 ,  114 , and  115  being in such close proximity that they actually come into contact with each other to form a very compact stack. Alternatively, the panels may be brought into close proximity without quite touching each other.  
         [0056]     This end-to-end collapsing brings out one of the powerful advantages of the present invention, which is the balance between sturdiness, support and collapsibility of caddy  100 . More specifically, side panels  116 ,  118  and bottom panel  120  are large in size. However, these large panels are made of pliable material such as nylon fabric so that they fold up and do not significantly increase the size of the caddy in the collapsed position. Materials other than nylon could be used, as could heavier materials such as canvas. On the other hand, rigid, parallel panels  110 ,  112 ,  114 , and  115  provide good support for bags and allow the caddy to hold its shape when open and empty. Therefore, the end-to-end collapsing feature of caddy  100  allows several somewhat conflicting design objectives to be simultaneously accommodated.  
         [0057]     As shown in  FIGS. 3, 4  and  14 , another feature of caddy  100  is the folding down action of end panels  110  and  114 . First end panel  110  can be rotated in direction R 1  down and inward relative to intermediate divider panels  112 . As shown in  FIGS. 3, 4  and  14 , first end panel  110  has been rotated all the way down into a position lying along bottom panel  120 , so that first end panel  110  is substantially perpendicular to intermediate divider panels  112 . Second end panel  114  can also be rotated in direction R 2  down and inward relative to intermediate divider panels  112 .  
         [0058]     In the preferred caddy  100 , the end panels can be rotated because they are sewn to pliable bottom panel  120  along their axis of rotation, and because pliable side panels  116 ,  118  collapse and fold to allow the rotational motion. It is noted that such rotational motion could be provided for in other ways, such as by a hinge and other hardware, which would allow rotational movement between the end panels and the side and bottom panels of caddy  100 .  
         [0059]     First end panel can be snugly folded all the way down because height H 2  ( FIG. 13 ) of first end panel  110  is approximately equal to width W of compartment  102 . By approximately matching these dimensions, first panel  110  can be held in the folded down orientation by holding a portion of the bottom panel in tension between the seam joining intermediate divider panel  112  to bottom panel  120  and the seam joining first end panel  110  to bottom panel  120 . This tension detachably engages first end panel  110  in the folded down position so that it does not pop back up, for example, under the influence of small mechanical shocks.  
         [0060]     When the first compartment  102  is not holding a bag, first end panel  110  is preferably rotated all the way down to lie flat against bottom panel  120  in order to keep the effective width of the base of the caddy in its longer condition and thereby to help prevent tipping in the counter-R 1  direction (see  FIG. 14 ). Similarly, second end panel  114  can be folded down to maintain the effective width of the base longer and thereby prevent tipping in the counter-R 2  direction. In this way, tipping can be minimized even when caddy  100  holds only one or two bags.  
         [0061]     Although end panels  110 ,  114  of preferred caddy  100  can be folded to lie down against bottom panel  120 , the end panels could be alternatively dimensioned relative to the width of the compartments  102 ,  108  so that they can be only partially rotated downward before physical interference with divider panels  112  blocks further rotation. In this alternative embodiment, the end panels would act as sort of a flying buttress, both supporting intermediate divider panels in the upright position while also helping to prevent tipping of the entire caddy by increasing the effective length of the base.  
         [0062]      FIG. 5  shows an alternate arrangement of the embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 4 . As shown in place in  FIG. 4 , end panel  114 , in conjunction with the portion of bottom panel  120  that it covers, can be folded upward relative to intermediate panel  112 . Side panels  116  and  118  are tucked inward during the folding up process so that they are placed neatly between end panel  114  and intermediate panel  112 . Then using Velcro strap  107 , the end panel is secured in close relation to intermediate panel  112 . For the other end, end panel  110  is positioned similarly. This arrangement then produces and open box configuration with a flat bottom portion and double-thickness ends. Handles  101  are used for transporting the open box. The embodiment of  FIG. 5  is particularly useful for larger items that would not otherwise fit within one compartment and also which are relatively heavy and require lifting with handles for convenience.  
         [0063]      FIG. 6  shows an alternate arrangement of the embodiment of the invention according to  FIG. 5 . In this arrangement, as compared to the arrangement of  FIG. 5 , center divider panels  115  have been raised to the upright position, thereby forming two compartments. These dividers can be secured together with straps  107 .  
         [0064]      FIG. 7  shows an alternate position of the present invention, suitable for placement on a car seat, or between seats in a van, for example. This configuration is generally referred to herein as the “W” shape, because from the side, it forms the shape of the letter “W.” The W shape is achieved by first folding end panels  110  and  114  inward relative to divider panels  112 . As described above, end panels  110  and  114  will be inclined to be substantially perpendicular to divider panels  112 . Next, divider panels  112  are also folded down to be inclined substantially perpendicular to center divider panel  115 . The first divider panel and second divider panel are movable between a first angular orientation substantially parallel to the center divider panel and a second angular orientation inclined substantially perpendicular to the center divider panel.  
         [0065]     Folding down the divider panels causes the end panels to rotate upward, with handle  101  moving to the top of the device. Divider panels  112  are held in the downward position primarily by an interference fit with the side panels and the center divider panel. In addition, hook and loop engagement means  103  and  105  ensure that the divider panels stay in position.  
         [0066]     Also as shown in  FIG. 7 , a water bottle, for example, may be placed in mesh pocket  128 , and will be retained within the perimeter of the device. This is particularly advantageous for securing the bottle. In case the bottle becomes unrestrained by the mesh, it will still be held within the confines of the device. In addition, various other personal items, such as a pen or a file folder may be placed between center divider panels  115 .  
         [0067]     Center divider panel  115  is preferably composed of two substantially rigid panel members, arranged parallel and hinged at the bottom of the device. As shown in  FIG. 4 , hook and loop fastening means  113  secures the center divider panels in the upright position. However, by disengaging this fastening means, the center divider panels can be rotated downward in the S 1  and S 2  directions ( FIG. 3 ) to the bottom of the device to be substantially parallel thereto. Tabs  107  located on a top edge of the center divider panels aid in the S 1  and S 2  rotations. Further hoop and loop fastening means  105  on panel  112  and  103  on bottom panel  120  engage with each other, thereby securing panels  112  to the bottom. This feature is particularly advantageous in holding the W configuration shown in  FIG. 7 . This thereby forms an enlarged compartment, suitable for larger items, such as container  300  ( FIG. 4 ).  
         [0068]     In further embodiments of the invention, another container, such as a cooler bag, may be provided and sized for engagement in the enlarged compartment formed by folding down the center divider panels. Alternatively, other containers having other sizes and shapes may be provided to be retained in any of the compartments of the organizer. As shown in  FIG. 4 , cooler bag  300  is approximately square in shape and is sized to engage snugly within the enlarged center compartment. Handles  304  allow for convenient placement and removal of the cooler bag from the enlarged compartment. Although not shown in the drawing, it is also contemplated herein that the cooler bag may have a zippered or otherwise closeable cover, may be substantially waterproof, and may be constructed of material that reduces the transmission of heat or cold, thereby keeping items therein either cold or hot, depending on the particular application. Cooler bag  300  may also have Velcro patches  302  on one or more exterior surfaces thereof, suitably arranged for engagement with complementary Velcro patches on the divider panels.  
         [0069]     In additional embodiments of the invention, the device includes a first end panel having a first side edge, a second side edge and a bottom edge, a second end panel having a first side edge, a second side edge and a bottom edge, a center divider panel having two substantially parallel divider members, each having a first side edge, a second side edge and a bottom edge, and a pliable base. A pliable base is also provided. It will be appreciated that in this embodiment, the first and second divider panels  112  found in previous embodiments, are not present. Also, any type of fasteners, such as clips, clamps, staples, or the like, could be used in place of the hook and loop fasteners shown and described.  
         [0070]     A particularly preferred mode of the device herein is shown as an alternate compartment embodiment  500  in FIGS.  15 A-F. As shown in  FIG. 15A , this embodiment is easily adjustable to a wide variety of configuration by the user having from one to three individual compartments. This alternate compartment embodiment  500  is also adapted for engagement of a thermally insulating cooler unit  518  making it especially useful for transport of cold or hot food.  
         [0071]     Featured in this alternate compartment embodiment  500  of the invention herein is a first divider  501  and second divider  507  which are rotatable along their engagement to the bottom  512  in two directions to provide a means to define an array of compartment sizes and shapes by simply folding the dividers to different positions. As shown in  FIG. 15A , there is a configuration of a preferred embodiment of the alterative compartment embodiment  500  which comprises a first compartment  506 , a center or second compartment  508  and a third compartment  510 . The size and number of these compartments are determined by the positioning of the first divider  501  and second divider  507 , which both communicate between a pair of sidewalls  513 . The three compartment configuration is determined by the vertical positioning of the first and second dividers  501  and  507  a distance from each other and from a first end  502  and second end  504  respectively.  
         [0072]     The dividers are rotatable in their engagement to the bottom panel  512  and may be held in the substantially vertical position in a removable engagement by divider fastening means  503  which as depicted is hook and loop fabric on both the dividers, and the side panels  513 . The hook and loop fabric on the side panels  513  is positioned to contact and engage the opposite hook and loop fabric on an edge of the dividers and hold them substantially perpendicular to the bottom panel  512  when so engaged. Each of the formed compartments  506 ,  508 , and  510  is thus accessible from a top aperture and defined by the dividers and ends rising from a bottom panel  512 . The formed compartments in this fashion are generally rectangular in dimension and will easily receive and restrain cargo through their respective top apertures opposite the bottom panel  512 . As those skilled in the art will no doubt realize, the compartments can be made larger or smaller depending on the positioning of the dividers and length of the sidewalls  513  and ends  502  and  504  and all such changes or adaptations for size are considered within the scope of this invention.  
         [0073]     As seen in all the FIGS.  15 A-D, a plurality of handles  511  are provided to aid in the lifting and transport of the compartment embodiment  500 . A first pair of handles  511  are engaged along the first end  502  and second end  504  and can be employed by a user to carry the compartment embodiment  500  when deployed. A second pair of handles  524 , as shown in  FIG. 15F , are engaged to the bottom panel  512  adjacent to the ends  502  and  504  and provide great utility when the device is reconfigured. The two end panels  502  and  504  are in the preferred mode, substantially rigid in nature having an internal stiffener.  
         [0074]     Also depicted in  FIG. 15A  is a preferred mode with a pocket  509  of a mesh fabric located in the second compartment  508  along an inside face of the side panel  513 . Of course those skilled in the art will realize that a plurality of pockets  509  may be employed or the depicted pocket  509  may be placed in other locations and such are anticipated in the scope of this invention. Thus one or a plurality of pockets  509  when included provides sub-compartments to the individual compartments and using mesh allows a visual identification of the contents.  
         [0075]     In  FIGS. 15A and 15F  there is also depicted a strap  514  which is engaged at one point to the bottom surface  512 . This strap  514  has means for fastening the ends of the strap together which as pictured is hook and loop fabric with one type engageable to the other on opposite ends of the strap  514 . Of course other means to engage the strap ends can be employed such as snaps, buttons, hooks or clips.  
         [0076]     An especially preferred mode of this mode of the invention is depicted in  FIG. 15B . The device is shown in a two compartment configuration with one compartment larger than the other to accommodate cargo of larger dimension. However, as shown, a cooler unit  518  component adapted in size for engagement into one of the two compartments is engageable to provide transport of cold items. This configuration is achieved by rotating the first divider  501  to a position adjacent to and parallel to the bottom panel  512 . This forms one compartment larger than the other and of a size to accommodate the cooler unit  518  which is dimensioned for engagement in the formed compartment. Of course either of the first or second dividers may be rotated to the horizontal position to achieve this configuration.  
         [0077]     The versatility of this mode of the device is shown in a single compartment configuration  519  depicted in  FIG. 15C . This configuration yields one very large compartment and is achieved by rotating both the first and second dividers  501  and  507 , to horizontal positions adjacent to the bottom panel  512 . The dividers  501  and  507  are rotated away from each other normally to their horizontal positions. In this formation, a means for support of both ends of this alternate compartment embodiment  500  is provided since both the dividers  501  and  507  and the now perpendicular ends  502  and  504 , are substantially rigid.  
         [0078]     In  FIG. 15D  there is shown another two-compartment mode of the device which is achieved by collapsing the third compartment  510  shown in  FIG. 15A . To achieve this compact format the second end  504  is laterally translated to a position adjacent to the second divider  507  and maintained there by the securing means  521  shown as a strap which as noted has hook or loop fabric on it with the other of the hook or loop fabric on a mounting position. Another manner to achieve this compact mode is to rotate both end panels  502  and  504  toward the center of the device to a horizontal position and then rotate the bottom panel  512  portions under the end panels to a vertical position. Securement in this manner of compaction is provided by the securing means engaging a cooperating fastener  525  on the bottom panel  512  shown in  FIG. 15F .  
         [0079]     As shown by the direction arrows in  FIGS. 15C and 15E , the first end  502  and the second end  504  have two modes for reconfiguration with this stiff walled construction. In one configuration mode the ends may be translated along the horizontal arrow of direction to a position adjacent to the first divider  501  and the second divider  507  and secured in that position by the end securing means  521  which in this case is a strap of hook and loop fabric engaged over the top edge as shown in  FIG. 15E . In a second reconfiguration mode, the first end  502  and second end  504  may be rotated along their attachment to the bottom panel  512  to a configuration similar to that of  FIG. 4 . In this configuration the top edges of both the first end  502  and second end  504  (opposite their attachment to the bottom panel) are positioned proximate to the bottom edges of the first divider  501  and second divider  507 . Much like the configuration of  FIG. 4 , the stiff flattened first end  502  and second end  504  being rotated adjacent and parallel to the bottom panel  512 , provide a lateral support to the center compartment formed in between the first and second dividers.  
         [0080]     Using the provided double mode of reconfiguration of the first and second ends  502  and  504 , should a two compartment container be desirable, then one end would be laterally translated adjacent to a divider such as depicted in  FIG. 15D , where the second end  504  is positioned parallel to and adjacent to the second divider  507  and secured in that position by the end securing means  521  of a strap and mount of hook and loop fabric.  
         [0081]     Or, much like  FIG. 6  of the device herein, both the first end  502  and the second end  504  may be rotated in their engagement along the bottom panel  512  to a horizontal position adjacent to the bottom panel  512 . Then, the bottom panel  512  underneath the stiff first and second ends, is then rotated such that the handles  524 , will be positioned adjacent to the top edge of the dividers  501  and  507 , and the first end  502  and second end  504  respectively are parallel to the first divider  501  and second divider  507  respectively. This will leave one cavity for carrying material within and the bottom handles  524  adjacent to the top edge of the reconfigured device for the user to employ in carrying it.  
         [0082]     In  FIG. 15E , a compacted mode and single compartment configuration  522  of the caddy device, is achieved by lateral translation of both the first end  502  and second end  504  to a position adjacent to the first divider  501  and second divider  507 . Once adjacent, the securing means  521  is employed by engaging the two cooperating fastening components such as the noted hook fabric and loop fabric in two positions.  
         [0083]     Finally, in  FIG. 15F , there is depicted a bottom perspective view of this alternative compartment embodiment  500  of the disclosed device. The strap  514  is shown engaged to the bottom panel  512  at a securing location  516 . Also shown are the bottom handles  524  which relocate to the top of the device when either of the two ends are rotated the 180 degrees to compact a compartment. The bottom handles, in addition to relocating to the top of the device, also provide a means for hand engagement by the user to the bottom panel  512  which may be preferable when carrying a heavy load. Skid pads  523  are also shown and provide a means for gripping the support surface on which the device might rest.  
         [0084]     The handles  511  and  524  provide a further important function to the device when it is traveling in a vehicle. The aperture between each handle provides a means for engagement of a car seat belt (not shown) as a means to secure the device to its support surface and prevent it from moving during hard turns or acceleration or stops. Additionally, securement through both handles  511  and  524  on either or both sides provides a double engagement to the support surface which may be preferable with a heavy load.  
         [0085]     The Multi-Positionable Caddy and Organizer System device, shown in the drawings and described in detail herein, consists of arrangements of elements of particular construction, and configuration for illustrating preferred embodiments of structure and method of operation of the present invention. It is to be understood, however, that elements of different construction and configuration and different steps and process procedures and other arrangements thereof, other than those illustrated and described, may be employed for providing the apparatus herein and still be within the scope of this invention.  
         [0086]     As such, while the present invention has been described herein with reference to particular embodiments thereof, a wide latitude of modifications, various changes and substitutions are intended in the foregoing disclosure, and it will be appreciated that in some instance some features of the invention could be employed without a corresponding use of other features without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. All such changes, alternations and modifications as would occur to those skilled in the art are considered to be within the scope of this invention as broadly defined in the appended claims.