Abstract:
An organizer for holding and organizing cargo comprises a case and a collapsible wall. The case comprises two hinged case components that are adapted to contain the collapsible wall. The collapsible wall comprises at least two end walls and at least one side wall. Each side wall can include two or more side wall panels that can be pivotally joined together. The collapsible wall is configurable into a generally rectangular-in-plan-view open configuration, or a generally flat, collapsed configuration. Together, the case and the collapsible wall form an open-top bin for holding cargo. One or more restraining poles can be used to assist in securing cargo. The collapsible wall can be set to the collapsed configuration and stored in the case along with the pole(s). The case can then be placed in the closed position, whereupon the organizer is contained within the closed case, facilitating storage and transport thereof.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/381,393, entitled “Collapsible Cargo Organizer” and filed on May 3, 2006, which is specifically incorporated herein by reference for all that it discloses and teaches. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    This invention relates generally to the field of vehicle cargo organizers and in particular to a collapsible vehicle cargo organizer. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    When transporting cargo, such as groceries, sporting equipment, or the like in a vehicle, cargo holders and organizers can keep such items from tipping over and generally keep the cargo from rolling around during transit or otherwise becoming unorganized. Some vehicles include built-in organizers. However, such built-in organizers can not be relocated within the vehicle, nor can they be moved between vehicles, removed from the vehicle, etc. Thus, there is a need for a vehicle cargo organizer that is compact, easy to setup, and can be relocated quickly. 
         [0004]    In its simplest form, a standard crate may be used as a cargo organizer. However, a non-collapsible crate is difficult to store since it does not collapse into a convenient configuration when not in use. Further, standard crates, such as milk crates for example, are not easily configured to accommodate cargo of varying sizes as the need arises. For example, a two liter bottle of soda will roll around inside a milk crate as a vehicle maneuvers. Furthermore, standard crates do not adequately contain messy cargo such as muddy shoes, dirty sports equipment, or leaking liquids. 
         [0005]    Yet, even collapsible crates, such as that taught in U.S. Pat. No. 6,386,365 to Tan on May 14, 2002, are not necessarily easy to transport and store in their collapsed configurations, nor are they designed to be able to hold and contain liquids and other messy cargo. Such collapsible crate devices make no provision for easily carrying the device when collapsed. Further, such devices also have the drawback that they do not accommodate or adapt to cargo of varying sizes. 
         [0006]    Other collapsible cargo organizers, such as those taught in U.S. Pat. No. 6,623,059 to Gehring et al. on Sep. 23, 2003; US Patent Application 2003/0062233 to Sharples on Apr. 3, 2003; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,938,807 to Victor on Sep. 6, 2005; have similar drawbacks. For example, no provision is made to easily retain cargo items of varying sizes in such items. Further, such devices do not collapse down into an extremely compact case that is easy to transport. Still further, such devices are not well designed for stability in a moving vehicle, for example. 
         [0007]    Clearly, then, there is a need for a cargo organizer that is extremely easy to set-up and knock-down. Such a needed device should allow the user to securely transport cargo items of varying sizes, and should be stable within a moving vehicle. A user should be able to quickly and easily remove the cargo organizer and relocate it to another vehicle, a garage, house, etc. Further, such a needed device should be relatively strong and yet inexpensive to manufacture. The present invention accomplishes these objectives. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0008]    Embodiments of the present invention described and claimed herein address the foregoing limitations and problems by providing a collapsible cargo organizer. The organizer is designed to hold and organize cargo, such as filled grocery bags, store-bought products, swimming accessories, sports gear, automotive accessories, etc. 
         [0009]    In one embodiment, a collapsible cargo organizer comprises a case and a collapsible wall component. In the organizer&#39;s collapsed configuration, the case holds the collapsed collapsible wall component. The case comprises two case components, each of which includes a base that has a plurality of upwardly extending side edges that form a relatively short bulwark wall at the periphery of each base. Together, each bulwark wall and base form an open-top, three dimensional shape; in a preferred embodiment, the shape is a rectangular box. Each bulwark wall comprises a number of short walls; in a preferred embodiment, there are four: a hinge short wall, a first end short wall, an outside short wall, and a second end short wall. 
         [0010]    The hinge short walls of the case components are designed to attach to each other. The means of attaching the case components can include a mutually-cooperating hinge attached to the tops of both hinge short walls. When the case components are in their closed position, a latching means can be utilized to securely close the organizer in its collapsed configuration. When fully opened, wherein one case component is rotated substantially 180 degrees about the hinge, or other attachment means, the case forms a two-part base that can support the extended collapsible wall component 
         [0011]    The organizer further includes a collapsible wall component that comprises at least two end walls and two side walls. Each wall is generally rectangular in shape and includes an upper edge, a lower edge, a left edge, a right edge, an inside surface, and an outside surface. Each wall can be attached on its left edge to the wall on its left and on its right edge to the wall on its right. Thus, when the collapsible wall extension means is fully extended, the walls form a closed geometrical figure when viewed from above in a top plan view. All the inside surfaces of the walls form the inside of the geometrical figure while the outside surfaces of the walls form the outside of the geometrical figure. 
         [0012]    In the preferred four-wall configuration, the resulting geometrical figure that is formed is a rectangle. In such a configuration, when examined from inside the rectangle, the left edge of the first end wall abuts the right edge of the first side wall; the left edge of the first side wall abuts the right edge of the second end wall; the left edge of the second end wall abuts the right edge of the second side wall; and the left edge of the second side wall abuts the right edge of the first end wall. 
         [0013]    In one embodiment, the collapsible wall component can be configured as follows. A portion of the collapsible wall component is contained within each case component. In regards to the first case component, the lower edge of the first end wall is rotatably attached to the first outside short wall such that the first end wall can be stowed inside the first case component, or it can be rotated up substantially ninety degrees to stand perpendicular to the base. In regards to the second case component, the lower edge of the second end wall is rotatably attached to the second outside short wall such that the second end wall can be stowed inside the second case component, or it can be rotated up substantially ninety degrees to stand approximately perpendicular to the base. In order to extend the collapsible wall, both end walls are rotated up so that they stand substantially perpendicular to the two-part base. The first side wall is rotatably attached to the first end wall such that, with the first end wall in its perpendicular orientation, the first side wall can be swung out substantially ninety degrees to extend between the first end wall and the second end wall. The second side wall is rotatably attached to the second end wall such that, with the second end wall in its perpendicular orientation, the second side wall can be swung out substantially ninety degrees to extend between the second end wall and the first end wall. The four walls (i.e., the two end walls and two side walls) thus form a rectangle when viewed from the top plan view. Together with the two-part base, the extended collapsible wall component forms an open-topped cargo organizer. 
         [0014]    The present invention provides many benefits over the prior art. The collapsible cargo organizer is extremely easy to set-up and knock-down. The present invention allows the user to securely transport cargo items of varying sizes, and is stable within a moving vehicle. Because of the bulwark wall, each case component is substantially waterproof and can properly contain liquids and other messy cargos. Furthermore, the present device provides for easy transport and storage while in a collapsed configuration, and is relatively inexpensive to manufacture. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]    The aforementioned and other features and objects of the present invention and the manner of attaining them will become more apparent and the invention itself will be best understood by reference to the following descriptions of a preferred embodiment and other embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0016]      FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a collapsible cargo organizer, showing a case forming a substantially sealed enclosure in a closed position; 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  illustrates a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a collapsible cargo organizer, showing a case in an open position but with the collapsible wall stored within the case. 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a collapsible cargo organizer, showing a case in an open position with the collapsible wall partially extended; 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a collapsible cargo organizer, showing a case in an open position with the collapsible wall mostly extended; and 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a collapsible cargo organizer, showing a fully extended collapsible wall containing cargo that is further restrained through the use of a plurality of relocatable poles. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0021]    In one embodiment, a collapsible cargo organizer comprises a case and a collapsible wall component. The organizer can be in a collapsed configuration or in a fully assembled configuration. In the collapsed configuration, the case is closed around the collapsed collapsible wall component; while in the assembled configuration, the case is laid open to form a substantially flat base with the wall component fully extended in place above the base to form the cargo organizer&#39;s side walls. 
         [0022]      FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a collapsible cargo organizer  100 , showing a case  110  forming a substantially sealed enclosure in a closed position. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the case  110  has a first case component  120  and a second case component  130 . Also shown in  FIG. 1  is a handle  140  a first latch  150  and a second latch  156 . The case  110  and other components shown in  FIG. 1  can be made from a molded, rigid plastic. In other embodiments, other construction materials are contemplated. 
         [0023]    The first case component  120  can be shaped as a low, rectangular box having a base  121  that has four downwardly extending side edges: a first end short wall  122 , an outside short wall  123 , a second end short wall  124 , and a hinge short wall  125  (the second end short wall  124  and hinge short wall  125  are not explicitly shown in  FIG. 1 , but the second end short wall  124  is similar to the first end short wall  122  and the hinge short wall  125  is similar to the outside short wall  123 ; see  FIG. 3 , items  324  and  325 ). The short walls  122 ,  123 ,  124 , and  125  form a relatively short bulwark wall at the periphery of the base  121 . Together, the bulwark wall and base  121  form an open-top, three dimensional shape; in a preferred embodiment, the shape is a rectangular box. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the rectangular box is oriented upside down and forms the first case component  120 . 
         [0024]    In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the second case component  130  is shaped to be quite similar to the first case component  120 , such that the two case components  120  and  130  can be considered as similar halves to the case. In other embodiments, the case components  120  and  130  can vary enough to no longer be able to be considered as two similar case halves. As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the second case component  130  can be shaped as a low, rectangular box having a second base  131  (not explicitly shown in  FIG. 1 ; see  FIG. 3 , item  331 ) that has four upwardly extending side edges: a first end short wall  132 , an outside short wall  133 , a second end short wall  134 , and a hinge short wall  135  (the second end short wall  134  and hinge short wall  135  are not explicitly shown in  FIG. 1 , but the second end short wall  134  is similar to the first end short wall  132  and the hinge short wall  135  is similar to the outside short wall  133 ; see  FIG. 3 , items  334  and  335 ). The short walls  132 ,  133 ,  134 , and  135  form a relatively short bulwark wall at the periphery of the base  131 . Together, the bulwark wall and base  131  form an open-top, three dimensional shape; in a preferred embodiment, the shape is a rectangular box. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the rectangular box forms the second case component  130 . 
         [0025]    The hinge short walls  125  and  135  of the case components  120  and  130  are designed to attach to each other. The means of attaching the case components  120  and  130  can include a mutually-cooperating hinge attached to the tops of both hinge short walls  125  and  135 . When the case components  120  and  130  are in their closed position, a latching means  150  and  156  can be utilized to keep the organizer  100  securely closed in its collapsed configuration. When fully opened, wherein the first case component  120  is rotated substantially 180 degrees about the hinge (see  FIG. 2 , item  215 ), or other attachment means, the case forms a two-part base that can support the extended collapsible wall component (see  FIG. 2 ). 
         [0026]    In other embodiments, the number of side edges  122 ,  123 ,  124 ,  125 ,  132 ,  133 ,  134 , and  135  can vary as can the geometric shape of the bases  121  and  131 . For example, triangular shaped bases  121  and  131  are contemplated. Such bases  121  and  131  would only require 3 side edges per base. Other configurations are possible. Furthermore, the shapes and relative dimensions of the various components can vary from those depicted in  FIG. 1  without departing from the scope of the invention. 
         [0027]    Also shown in  FIG. 1  is a handle  140 . The handle  140  can be used to grasp and move the organizer  100 . Furthermore, tie-downs can be attached to the handle  140  to further secure the organizer  100  to a vehicle. 
         [0028]      FIG. 1  illustrates a first latch  150  and a second latch  156 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , each case component  120  and  130  includes a latch means  150  and  156 , each having mutually cooperating components. The latch means  150  and  156  may comprise any acceptable means of latching and unlatching the case  110 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , each of the latch means  150  and  156  comprises a lever and a catch, such that the catch on the second case component  130  is frictionally retained by the lever on the first case component  120 . As such, each lever can be manually actuated to release the corresponding catch to allow opening of the case  110 . In another embodiment, the latch means  150  and  156  are draw latches. In yet other embodiments, the latch means  150  and  156  are disposed in different locations; for example, on the first end short walls and the second end short walls. 
         [0029]      FIG. 2  illustrates a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a collapsible cargo organizer  200 , showing a case  210  in an open position but with the collapsible wall stored within the case  210 . A first case component  220  and a second case component  230  are shown as are first end short walls  222  and  232 . 
         [0030]    In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the handle  240  is split such that a portion of the handle  240  is attached to the outside short wall (see  FIG. 1 , item  123 ) of the first case component  220  and the remaining portion of the handle  240  is attached to the outside short wall (see  FIG. 1 , item  133 ) of the second case component  230 . In other embodiments, the handle  240  can be configured in other ways; for example, the entire handle  240  could be offset and attached to only one of the case components  220  and  230 . 
         [0031]    Given the side view of  FIG. 2 , only one of the latch means (see  FIG. 1 , item  150 ) is illustrated. And because the case  210  is open, the two components of the latch means, the lever  252  and the catch  254 , are not engaged with one another. As discussed above, in other embodiments, other latch means are contemplated. 
         [0032]    The first case component  220  is attached to the second case component  230  in  FIG. 2  by a mutually-cooperating hinge  215 . Hinge support blocks  217  keep the opened case components  220  and  230  at approximately one hundred and eighty degrees relative to each other. The hinge  215  allows the case components  220  and  230  to rotate relative to each other such that the case can be placed in a closed configuration with the first case component  220  resting generally on top of the second case component  230 ; and, by rotating the first case component  220  one hundred and eighty degrees about the hinge  215 , the case  210  is placed in an open configuration with the case components  220  and  230  positioned as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0033]      FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a collapsible cargo organizer  300 , showing a case  310  in an open configuration with a collapsible wall  360  partially extended. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , the case  310  has a first case component  320  and a second case component  330 . Also shown in  FIG. 3  is a handle  340 , a first latch means  352  and  354  and a second latch means  356  and  358 . 
         [0034]    The first case component  320  is illustrated in  FIG. 3  as a low, rectangular box having a base  321  that has four upwardly extending side edges: a first end short wall  322 , an outside short wall  323 , a second end short wall  324 , and a hinge short wall  325  (the hinge short wall  325  is not explicitly shown in  FIG. 3 , but the hinge short wall  325  is similar to the outside short wall  323 ). The base  321  is shown having a grid pattern on its inside surface. The grid helps to strengthen the base  321  as well as providing a gripping surface for cargo placed thereon. In other embodiments, the grid differs or is not used. The short walls  322 ,  323 ,  324 , and  325  form a relatively short bulwark wall at the periphery of the base  321 . Together, the bulwark wall and base  321  form an open-top, three dimensional shape; in a preferred embodiment, the shape is a rectangular box. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the rectangular box forms the first case component  320 . 
         [0035]    As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the second case component  330  can be shaped as a low, rectangular box having a second base  331  that has four upwardly extending side edges: a first end short wall  332 , an outside short wall  333 , a second end short wall  334 , and a hinge short wall  335 . The base  331  is shown having a grid pattern on its inside surface. The grid helps to strengthen the base  331  as well as providing a gripping surface for cargo placed thereon. In other embodiments, the grid differs or is not used. The short walls  332 ,  333 ,  334 , and  335  form a relatively short bulwark wall at the periphery of the base  331 . Together, the bulwark wall and base  331  form an open-top, three dimensional shape; in a preferred embodiment, the shape is a rectangular box. 
         [0036]    Also shown in  FIG. 3  is a handle  340 . The handle  340  can be used to grasp and move the organizer  300 . Furthermore, tie-downs can be attached to the handle  340  to further secure the organizer  300  to a vehicle. 
         [0037]      FIG. 3  illustrates a first latch means  352  and  354  and a second latch means  356  and  358 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , each case component  320  and  330  includes a latch means  352 ,  354 ,  356 , and  358 . 
         [0038]    The exemplary embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 3  is shown with the collapsible wall  360  only partly extended. As such, only the end walls  362  and  366  are visible in  FIG. 3 . Beginning with the first case component  320 , the lower edge of the first end wall  362  can be rotatably attached to the first case component  320  such that the first end wall  362  can be stowed inside the first case component  320 , or it can be rotated up substantially ninety degrees to stand generally perpendicular to the first case component  320 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , a simple rotation means can be utilized to mount the first end wall  362  to the first case component  320 , although it is not depicted. In another embodiment, the first end wall  362  is attached to the first case component  320  using a plurality of clips attached to the short outside wall  323  that grip the wire frame of the first end wall  362  and allow it to rotate. In yet another embodiment, the first end wall  362  is rotatably attached to the short end walls  322  and  324  of the first case component  320  using a mounting hole in each of the short end walls  322  and  324  and pins extending from each bottom corner of the first end wall  362  that rest within the mounting holes and allow the first end wall  362  to rotate up and down. Also, the pins could extend from the short end walls  322  and  324  and they could engage holes in the first end wall  362 . In other embodiments, other mounting means are contemplated including removably mounting the first end wall  362  such that it can be completely removed from contact with the first case component  320 . 
         [0039]    Turning now to the second case component  330 , the lower edge of the second end wall  366  is rotatably attached to the second case component  330  such that the second end wall  366  can be stowed inside the second case component  330 , or it can be rotated up substantially ninety degrees to stand generally perpendicular to the second case component  330 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , a simple rotation means can be utilized to mount the second end wall  366  to the second case component  330 , although it is not depicted. In another embodiment, the second end wall  366  can be attached to the second case component  330  using a plurality of clips attached to the short outside wall  333  that grip the wire frame of the second end wall  366  and allow it to rotate. In yet another embodiment, the second end wall  366  is rotatably attached to the short end walls  332  and  334  of the second case component  330  using a mounting hole in each of the short end walls  332  and  334  and pins extending from each bottom corner of the second end wall  366  that rest within the mounting holes and allow the second end wall  366  to rotate up and down. Also, the pins could extend out from the short end walls  332  and  334  and could engage holes in the second end wall  366 . In other embodiments, other mounting means are contemplated including removably mounting the second end wall  366  such that it can be completely removed from contact with the second case component  330 . 
         [0040]    In order to extend the collapsible wall  360 , both end walls  362  and  366  are rotated up so that they stand substantially perpendicular to the base components  321  and  331 . The final steps necessary for extending the collapsible wall  360  are described in the detailed description of  FIG. 4 . The end walls  362  and  366  can be made of rigid plastic, metal, wire frame covered with fabric, or any other suitable material. 
         [0041]      FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a collapsible cargo organizer  400 , showing the case components  420  and  430  in an open position with the collapsible wall  460  partially extended. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 , the case  410  has a first case component  420  and a second case component  430 . Also shown in  FIG. 4  is a handle  440 , a first latch means  454  and a second latch means  458 . 
         [0042]    The first case component  420  is illustrated in  FIG. 4  as a low, rectangular box having a base  421  that has four upwardly extending side edges: a first end short wall  422 , an outside short wall  423 , a second end short wall  424 , and a hinge short wall  425  (the hinge short wall  425  is not explicitly shown in  FIG. 4 , but the hinge short wall  425  is similar to the outside short wall  423 ). 
         [0043]    As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the second case component  430  can be shaped as a low, rectangular box having a second base  431  that has four upwardly extending side edges: a first end short wall  432 , an outside short wall  433 , a second end short wall  434 , and a hinge short wall  435 . 
         [0044]    Also shown in  FIG. 4  is a handle  340 . The handle  340  can be used to grasp and move the organizer  400 . A component of a first latch  454  and a component of a second latch  458  are illustrated in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0045]    The exemplary embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 4  is shown with the collapsible wall  460  only partly extended. The end walls  462  and  466  are visible in their upright, extended configuration while the side walls  464  and  468  are visible in their partially extended configuration. 
         [0046]    In order to fully extend the collapsible wall  460 , both end walls  462  and  466  are rotated up into the upright configuration shown in  FIG. 4  so that they stand substantially perpendicular to the case  410 . The first side wall  464  is rotatably attached to the first end wall  462  such that, with the first end wall  460  in its upright orientation, the first side wall  464  can be swung out substantially ninety degrees to extend between the first end wall  462  and the second end wall  466 . In an alternate embodiment, the first side wall  464  is disposed on the other side of the first end wall  462  while in the stored position, such that it must be swung out two hundred and seventy degrees to extend between the first end wall  462  and the second end wall  466 . The second side wall  468  is rotatably attached to the second end wall  466  such that, with the second end wall  466  in its upright orientation, the second side wall  468  can be swung out substantially ninety degrees to extend between the second end wall  466  and the first end wall  462 . In an alternate embodiment, the second side wall  466  is disposed on the other side of the second end wall  466  while in the stored position, such that it must be swung out two hundred and seventy degrees to extend between the second end wall  466  and the first end wall  462 . The four walls  462 ,  464 ,  466 , and  468  thus form a rectangle when viewed from the top plan view. Together with the two-part base  421  and  431 , the extended collapsible wall component  460  forms an open-topped cargo organizer  400 . As with the end walls  462  and  466 , the side walls  464  and  468  can be made of rigid plastic, metal, wire frame covered with fabric, or any other suitable material. 
         [0047]    In one embodiment, any simple rotation means known in the art can be utilized to mount the first side wall  464  to the first end wall  462 . For example, the first side wall  464  can be attached to the first end wall  462  using a plurality of clips attached to the first end wall  462  that grip the wire frame (or some other grip points) of the first side wall  464  and allow it to rotate. In other embodiments, other mounting means are contemplated including removably mounting the first side wall  464  such that it can be completely removed from contact with the first end wall  462 . In yet another embodiment the first side wall  464  is attached to the first end wall  462  by a hinge. 
         [0048]    In one embodiment, any simple rotation means known in the art can be utilized to mount the second side wall  468  to the second end wall  466 . For example, the second side wall  468  can be attached to the second end wall  466  using a plurality of clips attached to the second end wall  466  that grip the wire frame (or other grip points) of the second side wall  468  and allow it to rotate. In other embodiments, other mounting means are contemplated including removably mounting the second side wall  468  such that it can be completely removed from contact with the second end wall  466 . In yet another embodiment the second side wall  468  is attached to the second end wall  466  by a hinge. 
         [0049]    Once both side walls  464  and  468  are fully extending they can clip to the opposite end walls  466  and  462 , respectively. In one embodiment, simple clips are attached to the end walls  466  and  462  that can receive the side walls  464  and  468  and can removably hold the side walls  464  and  468  in position relative to the end walls  466  and  462 . In another embodiment, catches can be disposed on the end walls  462  and  466  or on the side walls  464  and  468  to grasp and hold the walls  462 ,  464 ,  466 , and  468  together. In yet other embodiments, other methods of securing the distal ends of the side walls  464  and  468  to the end walls  466  and  462 , respectively, are contemplated. 
         [0050]    In an alternate embodiment, each side wall  464  and  468  can include two or more side wall panels that are pivotally joined together such that the panels can fold or expand as needed. Furthermore, each side wall  464  and  468  can further include a case hinge cut-out for receiving the hinge  215  therethrough. In yet another embodiment, no hinge cut-out is necessary as the side walls  464  and  468  can extend above the hinge  215  as shown in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0051]    In order to help further strengthen the organizer  400  in its open configuration, lockable bolts can be added to the short end walls  422  and  432  as well as  424  and  434 . The bolts can extend between the two wall sets and provide rigidity. Furthermore, additional collapsible wall  460  clips can be added inside the bulwark walls to grasp and hold the collapsible wall  460  when it is fully extended. In yet another embodiment, an internal slot could be built into the bulwark walls to accept the extended collapsible wall  460 . 
         [0052]      FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a collapsible cargo organizer  500 , showing a fully extended collapsible wall  560  containing cargo  590  that is further restrained through the use of a plurality of relocatable restraining poles  580  and  586 . 
         [0053]    The organizer  500  in the open position forms a substantially water-tight tray for holding cargo  590 . To further secure the cargo  590 , the organizer  500  preferably includes a plurality of relocatable restraining poles  580  and  586 . Each pole  580  and  586  is sized to fit between and be frictionally and/or mechanically retained by either the two side walls  564  and  568  or the two end walls  562  and  566 . Each pole  580  and  586  can include a clip similar to those discussed above which is attached to the pole and can clip to any of the walls  562 ,  564 ,  566 , and  568 . The clips can be generally “C” shaped and can grip the wire frame or other grip points on the walls  562 ,  564 ,  566 , and  568 . Furthermore, the top edge of the walls  562 ,  564 ,  566 , and  568  could have a rubber-like strip extending along the edge in order to better retain snap-on clips. In other embodiments, the clips at the ends of the poles can be configured differently. 
         [0054]    In one embodiment, the two side walls  564  and  568  do not extend as high as the two end walls  562  and  566  such that two poles  580  and  586  can be installed so that they cross each other without interference. As such, each pole  580  and  586  may be engaged between opposing walls  562  and  566  or  564  and  568  to strengthen the organizer  500  when in its open position. Alternatively, both poles  580  and  586  can be installed between the same pair of walls  562  and  566  or  564  and  568 . In yet another embodiment, one of the poles  580  has extended clips that allow the pole to pass under the other pole  586  when both are used in conjunction on neighboring walls  562 ,  564 ,  566 , and  568 , all of which are of the same height. When the organizer  500  is closed, the poles  580  and  586  can be placed within the organizer  500  for storage purposes. 
         [0055]    In an alternate embodiment of the invention, each pole  580  and  586  incorporates a piece of hook material on each end and various pieces of corresponding loop material are located on the inside surfaces of the walls  562 ,  564 ,  566  and  568  for receiving the hook-material on the ends of the poles  580  and  586 , thereby securing the poles  580  and  586  in set positions. In yet other embodiments, other pole receiving means can be used to secure the restraining poles  580  and  586  to the walls  562 ,  564 ,  566 , and  568 . 
         [0056]    Each wall  562 ,  564 ,  566  and  568  may further include at least one bag handle hook (not shown) for retaining the handle of at least one grocery bag therein to keep the bag closed during transit. These hooks may be attached by hook and loop material or by any other suitable retaining means. In another embodiment, various straps of hook and look material may be used in place of, or in addition to, bag handle hooks. 
         [0057]      FIG. 6  illustrates a close-up, perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a collapsible cargo organizer  600 , showing one corner  669  of a fully extended collapsible wall and highlighting a plurality of clips  670 . As discussed above, the clips  670  can serve a number of uses including removably attaching an end wall  662  to a side wall  668 , attaching an end wall  662  to a case component  621 , etc. In one embodiment, the clips  670  are simple “C” shaped metal components that flex open to receive the wire frame of a wall and then snap closed around the frame. In other embodiments, other types of clips  670  can be used. 
         [0058]    The above specification, examples and data provide a description of the structure and use of exemplary embodiments of the described articles of manufacture and methods. Many embodiments can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.