Convertible portable organizer with liner

A convertible storage assembly is disclosed with a body with an interior space. In an embodiment, a removable waterproof liner may divide the space into first and second compartments. With a liner in place, the first compartment is accessible through a first removable barrier and is water-retaining due to the liner: and the second compartment is accessible through a second removable barrier. The size of the second compartment may be changed by deforming a flexible liner, or by changing from a first liner to a second liner of different shape.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is related to U.S. Pat. No. 8,844,756, entitled “PORTABLE CONSUMABLES ORGANIZER,” filed on Sep. 30, 2012, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

In today's world, a person may have many tasks to perform in a single day, each task requiring different items of equipment, food, beverage, or a combination of these. For example, during a single day, a user may need hot and cold food, beverages, and a host of other personal effects. Easily-portable lunch pails and small coolers (e.g., storage carriers) are popular, but can make it difficult to access the items stored within. This may lead to a user not knowing what is stored within. It may further lead to a user having multiple such carriers, each suitable for a specific task, none suitable for all tasks. Thus, there exists a need for a convertible storage assembly that adapts to the user's needs.

SUMMARY

In an embodiment, a convertible storage assembly includes a first compartment. The first compartment may be fitted with a first access (e.g., a top lid), a collapsible and removable shelving unit, a second access door (e.g., a hatch in a side of the compartment) to reach the shelving unit, and a removable liner fitted to line the first compartment. In embodiments, the storage assembly may have a hard shell or a soft shell. In embodiments, the liner configuration may be changeable, either by deforming the liner (e.g., by folding or wrinkling the liner), or by substituting one liner for a second liner with a different configuration.

In an embodiment, a convertible storage assembly may include a shelving unit, a top access, an access hatch located on a side of the assembly toward the center of the assembly, and a waterproof liner. The shelving unit is accessible through the side access hatch, but not the top access when the liner drapes over the shelving unit. The liner, draping over the shelving unit, creates storage spaces on either side of the shelving unit. The storage spaces are accessible through the top access, but not the side access.

In an embodiment, a convertible storage assembly may include a shelving unit, a top access, an access hatch located on an end of the assembly or on a side of the assembly toward an end of the assembly, and a waterproof liner. The shelving unit is accessible through the side access hatch, but not the top access when the liner drapes over the shelving unit. The liner, draping over the shelving unit, creates a space in the remainder of the storage assembly that is water-retentive. The storage space is accessible through the top access, but not the side access.

In an embodiment, a convertible storage assembly may have a second side access hatch to a second shelving unit. The second shelving unit may be configured differently from the first. That is, the second shelving unit may be configured for a particular use (e.g., holding fishing tackle). In an embodiment, the first and second access hatches may be located at opposing ends of the convertible storage assembly. The liner then drapes over both first and second storage assemblies, creating a storage space in between. The storage space is accessible through the top access, but not either side access. In an embodiment, one side access may be toward the end of the assembly, with the second side access located toward the center, such that the first and second shelving units (or first and second stacks of containers, etc.) are adjacent to each other. In the embodiment, the liner draping over both first and second shelving units creates a storage space at the end of the assembly that is not occupied by a shelving unit. The liner makes the first and second shelving units accessible by the first and second accesses, respectively, but not accessible through the top lid.

In an embodiment, a convertible storage assembly includes a first compartment and a second compartment. The first compartment may be fitted with a first access (e.g., a top lid), a collapsible and removable shelving unit, a second access door (e.g., a hatch) to reach a shelving unit (e.g., in a side of the first compartment), and a removable liner fitted to line the first compartment. The second compartment may be adapted to contain a compartmentalized unit. In an embodiment, the second compartment may be separable from the first compartment. In embodiments, the storage assembly may have a hard shell or a soft shell. In embodiments, the first compartment may have a soft shell and second compartment may have a hard shell, or vice versa. In embodiments, the liner configuration may be changeable, either by deforming the liner (e.g., by folding or wrinkling the liner), or by substituting one liner for a second liner with a different configuration.

In an embodiment, a convertible storage assembly may include a first compartment and a compartmentalized unit. The first compartment may be fitted with a first access (e.g., a top lid), a collapsible and removable shelving unit, a second access door (e.g., a hatch in a side of the first compartment) to reach the shelving unit, and a removable liner fitted to line the first compartment. The compartmentalized unit may be separable from the first compartment. In embodiments, the storage assembly may have a hard shell or a soft shell. In embodiments, the first compartment may have a soft shell and the compartmentalized unit may have a hard shell, or vice versa. In embodiments, the liner configuration may be changeable, either by deforming the liner (e.g., by folding or wrinkling the liner), or by substituting one liner for a second liner with a different configuration.

In an embodiment with a first compartment and a second compartment, the first compartment may include a shelving unit, a top access, an access hatch located on a side of the assembly toward the second compartment, and a liner. The shelving unit is accessible through the side access hatch, but not through the top access when the liner drapes over the shelving unit. The liner, draping over the shelving unit, creates a storage space on the side of the shelving unit opposite the second compartment. The storage space is accessible through the top access, but not through the side access.

In an embodiment with a first compartment and a second compartment, the first compartment may include a shelving unit, a top access, an access hatch located on an end of the assembly or on a side of the assembly toward an end of the assembly, and a waterproof liner. The shelving unit is accessible through the side access hatch, but not through the top access when the liner drapes over the shelving unit. The liner, draping over the shelving unit, creates a storage space in the remainder of the storage assembly. The storage space lies between the second compartment and the shelving unit, and accessible through the top access, but not the side access.

In an embodiment, a convertible storage assembly may include a hard shell, removable inner partitions, an upper access lid, and a side-access door. In the embodiment, one or more removable partitions may divide an inner space of the storage assembly into two or more compartments, one of the compartments being accessible through the side-access door. In an embodiment, a shelving unit positioned within the storage assembly is accessible through the side access door. In an embodiment with two partitions dividing the inner space into three compartments, the side-access door provides access to the central compare e t. In an embodiment, compartments are made water-retentive, either by the partitions forming water-tight seals with the inner surface of the storage assembly, or through the user of one or more waterproof liners. In an embodiment, a liner may be fitted to line the interior of the hard-shell storage assembly in the absence of any partition. In an embodiment, the side-mounted access door creates a waterproof seal with the outer shell of the hard-shell storage assembly. In an embodiment with at least one partition dividing the inner space into at least two compartments, the side-access door provides access to a compartment located on an end of the assembly, and a partition creates a watertight seal with the inner surface of the assembly, such that one of the one or more compartments is water-retentive. In an embodiment, the two end compartments are made water-retentive, either by the partitions forming water-tight seals with the inner surface of the storage assembly, or through the user of one or more waterproof liners. In an embodiment, the hard-shell storage assembly includes a second side-access door for providing access to a second shelving unit. The second shelving unit may be a compartmentalized shelving unit.

In embodiments, a liner may be waterproof, making storage spaces lined by the liner water-retentive.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the embodiments will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which like reference designations represent like features throughout the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1a-1care top perspective views illustrating a convertible storage assembly100according to an embodiment. Convertible storage assembly100may also be denoted as a convertible organizer, bag, case, carrier, or other similar designation. InFIG. 1a, convertible storage assembly100includes an outer shell105, a lid110, and a liner115. In the embodiment ofFIG. 1a, outer shell105and lid110are rigid or hard, but in other embodiments the shell and lid may be covered by a soft, cushioning, or insulating material, or may be soft and flexible. In an embodiment, the lid may be rigid, and fashioned to engage a rigid rim of an otherwise soft and flexible shell. Similarly, in an embodiment, the lid may be flexible and fashioned to engage with a rigid rim of a hard-shell case.

Returning toFIG. 1a, outer shell105includes access hatches120,122separated by a shell section124. Lid110and access hatches120,122all provide access to an interior space, shown filled with exemplary contents140, which symbolically depict beverage containers. Hatch120is held closed using a latch126and hatch122is held closed using a latch128. Hatches in general may also be denoted as access panels, doors, flaps, or other types of removable barriers to entry. Outer shell105further includes a shell rim130with hinges132,134attached to a lid rim136. Lid110is held closed by a latch138that releasable engages a latch engage139on outer shell105. In the embodiment, which includes liner115lining the inner surfaces of outer shell105and access hatch120,122, should either of access hatch120or122be opened, liner115would be visible. If liner115were flexible, contents140may then distort the liner without the support of the latch. For this reason, in an embodiment, liner115may be rigid.

InFIG. 1b, liner115has been removed. Convertible storage assembly100is instead equipped with partitions142,144. Partitions142,144may be slid in place within slots (FIG. 2a) formed in the inner surface of outer shell105. The addition of partitions142,144divides the available space into compartments148,150, and152. Compartment152is shown lined with a waterproof liner146and holding canned beverages. Compartment148is shown to be accessible through both lid110and access latch120, such access providing two ways to reach containers154shown stacked within compartment148. Similarly, compartment150is shown to be accessible through both lid110and latch122, such access providing two ways to reach containers154stacked within compartment152. InFIG. 1b, containers154,156are shown to be separate containers stacked one on the other, the stack resting on a floor158of the inner surface of outer shell105. In the embodiment, floor158is a rigid base upon which storage assembly100may be rested.

In some embodiments, shelving units may be inserted into compartments148,150, e.g., to provide more defined spaces for containers, or to provide more protection for items not already in protective containers. Such shelving units are discussed in more detail regardingFIGS. 4-7b. For embodiments using a liner, and particularly a flexible liner, the use of shelving units that provide structure serve to define a space where a container may be inserted without having to push the liner out of the way, as will be discussed.

FIGS. 1a-1c, illustrate aspects of the convertible nature of storage assembly100, by disclosing that a first liner115may line the entire inner surface of outer shell105, and a second liner146may line a smaller space. A second aspect of the convertible nature of storage assembly100is shown by hatches120,122providing access to containers154,156where storage assembly100is fitted with partitions142,144, but not providing access to contents140where storage assembly100is fitted with liner115.

In embodiments, any or all of shell bodies, lids, partitions, partitions, and liners may be constructed to have insulating properties. In addition, embodiments may accept packets intended to affect the temperature of the contents of the storage assembly (e.g., ice bags, or heating units). Such packets may be received by the storage assembly in compartments specifically disposed in the storage assembly for such purposes. For example,FIG. 4illustrates an area on the surface of sidewall418and between edges410and412that is dimensioned to accept a cooling or heating packet.FIG. 4illustrates just one way a storage assembly could accommodate such packets, others are described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,844,756, entitled “Portable Consumables Organizer,” which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIG. 2ais a top perspective view illustrating a convertible storage assembly according to an embodiment. InFIG. 2a, a convertible storage assembly200may include slots210a. . .210dformed within the inner surface of outer shell105for receiving partitions144,146(FIG. 1b). Not shown are similar slots that may be formed in floor158connecting slot210ato210balong floor158. Similarly, slots210cand210dmay be connected by a slot in floor158. In the embodiment, slots210a. . .210dare formed by the addition of slot edges, e.g., slots edges205a. . .205d. A space215includes the entire inner space of convertible storage assembly200. Space215is defined by the inner surfaces of lid110, outer shell105, and hatches120,122(FIG. 1b).FIG. 2bis a top view illustrating a detail ofFIG. 2ain which partition144has been inserted into slots210a,210b, dividing space215into compartment150and compartment152. With the similar addition of partition142(FIG. 1b) space215is divided into compartments148(not shown),150, and152. In an embodiment, the seal between partitions144,142and outer shell105may be made watertight, eliminating the need for liner146. In an embodiment, slots210a. . .210dmay be formed directly in outer shell105without the addition of slot edges205a. . .205d.

InFIG. 2a, convertible storage assembly200illustrates various methods of attaching a liner. One method is to affix hook and loop sections, e.g., section222, which may be Velcro™ sections, about the top edge of rim130, for joining to mating hook and loop sections (e.g., mating hook and loop section325a,FIG. 3a) on a corresponding rim section of a liner (e.g., liner300,FIG. 3a). One such section222is shown, but that is just to illustrate placement. Many such sections about rim130would be preferable. In a modified version of this method of attachment, hook and loop sections, e.g., section220, may be affixed to the inner surface of outer shell105, with mating hook and loop sections (e.g., mating hook and loop section325b,FIG. 3a) on a liner (e.g., liner300,FIG. 3a). In an addition method of attachment, pegs or nubs, e.g., pegs224,226may be provisioned about rim130. Corresponding holes (e.g., holes315a,315b,FIG. 3a) in a liner (e.g., liner300,FIG. 3a) fit over pegs224,226. And, when lid110closes, pegs224,226are received by recesses225,227formed within lid110. Only two such pairs of pegs and recesses are shown, but, as with the hook and loop method, more such pairs would be preferable for their increased ability to retain a liner. And, as with the pegs and recesses, pairs of snaps228,230and corresponding recesses229,231may be provisioned in rim130and lid rim136, respectively, with the liner having a mating snap part (e.g., mating snap part320a,320b,FIG. 3a) for each of snaps228,230. The liner attachment methods discussed with regard toFIGS. 2aand 3amay be used to attach any of the liners discussed in this specification.

FIGS. 3a-3care perspective views illustrating liners for use in convertible storage assemblies according to embodiments. For clarity, inFIGS. 3a-3c, and 9a-14the liners are shown without the associated outer shell. InFIG. 3a, liner300has a liner rim310and hinge cut-outs330a,330b. Liner rim310may be flexible, or rigid. If rigid or formed to positively engage shell rim130, or both rigid and formed to engage shell rim130, liner rim310may reduce the need for hook and loop sections, pegs, or snaps. Liner rim310may engage shell rim130to support the rest of the liner, e.g., by resting on top of shell rim130or being fashioned to positively engage shell rim130. Liner300is shown dimensioned to line the entire inner surface of outer shell105(FIG. 1a) and access hatches120,122. As such, liner300would serve just as liner115. In the embodiment, liner300is flexible such that it may be moved to create space behind hatches120,122, to accommodate, for example, containers154,156(FIG. 1b). In an embodiment, liner300may be waterproof so that the seal between hatches120,122and shell body105need not be waterproof.

FIG. 3billustrates a benefit of an embodiment in which liner300is flexible and waterproof. InFIG. 3bwrinkles335illustrate the movement of liner300to accommodate containers154within the space behind hatch120. The addition of containers154reduces the lined volume to a volume340from the previous volume305(FIG. 3a). A benefit of liner300being flexible is that a user may open hatch120, move liner300away, and insert containers154within. Liner300then deforms or wrinkles to accommodate containers154and still provides a lined volume340elsewhere. Thus, liner300allows the space behind hatch120to be converted from a water-retaining space (space305), which is accessible from above, to a space for other items that are then accessible through hatch120. Though not shown, the utility of hatch122would similarly benefit from the flexibility of liner300.

In an embodiment, liner300may not be waterproof, yet it would still provide the benefit of a separate volume340for things that a user would rather not mix with containers154. For example, containers154might hold food, while the user wishes to use volume340for clothing or shoes.

In an embodiment, liner300may be dimensioned to be able to deform to accommodate containers154and additional containers156and yet have enough material so that the entire volume between containers154,156may be utilized (e.g., space360,FIG. 3c).

FIG. 3cillustrates a liner350that is dimensioned to provide space for containers154,156without having to deform the liner. Liner350includes top sections355,357that are attached to liner rim310. In contrast to wrinkles335of liner300, liner350has relatively flat sections357,359. Top sections355,357prevent access to containers154,156from above. Dimensioned in this way, liner350accommodates containers154,156without liner350needing to be pushed aside by the user to make space for containers154,156. Dimensioned in this way, liner350may also provide more interior space, since space360would not be reduced to accommodate wrinkled liner material335. Since liner350does not have to deform to accommodate containers154,156, liner350may be rigid. Thus, top sections355,357could be rigid, flat sections suitable for use as cutting boards or small tables, or could be fitted with, e.g., cup holders.

Containers154,156may be replaced by other structures for holding or organizing. Other such structures are described with reference toFIGS. 4-7b.FIG. 4illustrates a shelving structure400. In embodiments, compartments of convertible storage assemblies, e.g., compartments148,150, may removably receive a shelving structure400which may be rigid or substantially rigid and as shown in more details inFIG. 4. Structure400and shelves420(FIG. 4) may be formed from any suitable material, including, but not limited to, plastic, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate glycol, corrugate, rubber, aluminum, or other suitable metals that allow for independent accessibility to storage containers (or other items) storable therein.

In an embodiment, the shelving structure400may be, in at least some implementations, defined by a generally vertically-aligned sidewall418, with a cavity402within. Sidewall418may comprise a top406and a bottom edge408, and two side edges, a rear side edge410and a front side edge412; a generally vertically aligned back wall disposed in-between rear side edges of the two side walls418, and an optional bottom wall414disposed in-between the front side edges of the two side walls418.

In an embodiment and as shown, one or more sidewalls may include apertures416extending from an interior surface of side wall418to its exterior surface. The apertures may enable air to pass to and from the rigid structure cavity402. The apertures416may take on any suitable shape. As shown, the apertures in the side walls have substantially round shapes. The back wall includes back wall apertures or slits which have an elongated shape. Back-wall slits (not shown) enable the engagement of shelves420with the structure's back wall.

In an embodiment, and as shown inFIG. 4, side wall418rear and front edges410and412include extensions422and424, which may extend perpendicularly (with respect to the surface of the sidewalls) from the front and back edges of the side walls. The extensions422and424may create recesses for removably receiving temperature modification material, e.g., ice packets. In the embodiment shown, the side wall extension on the back edge of a side wall is formed integral with the back wall, or in other words, the width of the back wall is sufficiently dimensioned as to extend beyond the width of a shelf420within the structure. As can be appreciated, the packets disposable within the recesses between extensions422,424may be a single packet or a plurality of individual separate packets. The packets may be vertically or horizontally aligned and or stacked in the recesses.

In the implementation ofFIG. 4, an inside surface of the shelving structure400, may comprise a plurality of guiding tracks426which may be integrally formed with the inside surface of a side wall and configured for receiving at least one shelf420. Guiding tracks426may be disposed on both the side walls with a guiding track on one side wall substantially extending parallel to a matching guiding track on the opposite side wall, thus forming a paired set of guide tracks. As shown, apertures416formed in the side walls may be grouped in rows extending from the front to the back end of a side wall, and the rows may be vertically spaced apart from each other. In the embodiment shown, the guiding tracks may be formed between the rows of side wall apertures. The shelves may be formed from any suitable material, including, but not limited to, hard plastic, EVA, aluminum, and/or other rigid materials.

The shelving structure400may be further provided with an optional top wall disposed opposite an optional bottom wall414and extending between two side walls. A top wall may be integral with the structure or be removably disposable thereon. When removably disposable, the top wall may be removably securable to the structure by any suitable means, including snap and fit. In an embodiment in which a top tray is a removable top tray, the top wall may facilitate easy access to interior cavity402of the shelving structure400from above.

The shelving structure400, in the embodiment shown inFIG. 4, includes a top tray428disposed on the top wall. The top wall and the tray428may be integrally formed with one another or alternatively, the tray may be removably disposable on the top wall. As shown, the top wall and the top tray428may be integrally formed with one another as well as being integrally formed with the shelving structure400.

As shown inFIG. 4, a tray cover430is disposed on the top surface of the top tray. The tray cover430is secured to the top tray by suitable mechanisms such as hinges432which are disposed at the back wall and form a secure enclosure for housing various items (e.g., nutritional supplements, personal effects) in the top tray by way of a snap-fit design. The tray cover at the front, as shown inFIG. 4, includes a thumb-grip434for easy snapping off and on of the tray cover from the tray itself. Alternatively the tray cover may be secured to the top tray by way of a snap-fit or any other suitable means, without the thumb-grip.

Shelves420may be designed to be removably slide-able in the guiding tracks426within the interior cavity402of the structure. Shelves, once disposed in the cavity402, may be removably and slide-ably engaged on two sides to the two side walls of the structure and extend to the back wall. The shelf includes a horizontal surface, which is bound by four edges: two side edges, a back edge, and a front edge. The width of the shelf may extend between the two side edges and may be of sufficient dimensions so as to slide-ably engage the guiding tracks426, which are formed in the interior surface of the shelving structure400. Shelf420at a back edge may include one or more tabs, each tab including on either side (top or bottom surface of the shelf) a notch which engages with slits that are formed in the back wall of the structure. Shelves420may be reversible such that the user does not have to be concerned with which side has to face up or down as the shelf is slid into the guiding tracks. Of course, as can be appreciated, this reversibility in design is optional.

In operation, the notches in the tabs, once engaged with the slits, provide a stop so as to minimize unwanted sliding of the shelves out of the structure. In an embodiment, the front edge of a shelf includes a lip on either side of the tray's front edge. In operation, the lips engage with stop apertures426formed in the side wall extensions422of the shelving structure400. The stop apertures are designed so as to be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the guiding tracks, and to aid in the securing of the shelves once a shelf has been slid inside the structure cavity. In operation, once the shelf has slid all the way through to the end of the back wall and has engaged therewith (e.g., by way of the tabs), the engagement of the lips with the stop apertures further secures the shelf in the structure. In an embodiment, the stop apertures may be formed integral with the side walls (e.g., without the need to be present in the extension).

One or more shelves may be modularly disposable in the inner cavity of structure400so as to accommodate the number and the height of a given container154(e.g., food container). By way of example, when a given shelving structure400has the capacity to receive five different shelves (and containers thereon), the user may choose not to use all the trays so as to place a taller container in the structure.

The shelves420are shaped and designed to hold thereon containers, such as containers154,156. The containers can be of any suitable design and material. By way of example, such containers may be formed from material that can withstand being exposed to a range of temperatures as a result of being exposed to oven, stove, microwave, refrigerator, freezer, ambient, and the like. The containers may simply be placed on the trays and may be stored at room temperature (depending on the food item requirements) or may be pre-heated or pre-chilled. If the user wishes to maintain the temperature of the contents of the containers at a desired temperature, packets may be disposed adjacent to the containers to help maintain the desired temperature and minimize heat loss or gain.

The storage assemblies100,200,800,1500,1600,1700,1800may be configured for transportability by any suitable means, including, but not limited to, one or more top handles, shoulder straps, harness shoulder straps for being worn on the user's back, and pull out handles secured to the back of the assembly for being pulled by the user. The storage assemblies may further include one or more wheels for ease of transportation when the assembly is being pulled by the user. As can be appreciated, the handle may be placed on the side, as opposed, or in addition to the back of the assembly, for easy of navigation in different pathways having different widths (e.g., airplane aisle).

Now referring toFIG. 5, the storage assembly may include a rigid structure500formed from a plurality of shelves502, and configured to receive a top enclosable top tray504disposable on the top surface structure. As shown, the structure500is disposable into a compartment, e.g., compartment148,150either from above through a top opening or from the front through, e.g., access doors120,122. The plurality of the shelves may be permanently or removably affixable to one another.

The structure500, as shown, includes a plurality of stackable shelves502. One or more stackable shelves502, has top and bottom surfaces, and a front506, a rear508, and two side edges. The shelf has a main rectangular surface510which is narrower in its center region512and wider toward the front and back edges by way of shelf-edge portions or extension514which are integrally formed with the rest of the shelf, forming an overall “capital I” shaped shelf surface. The extensions at their side edges include a rigid projection (or “leg”)516disposed in a substantially perpendicular arrangement to the surface of the shelf. In operation, the shelves can be stacked upon each other and spaced apart from one another by a distance equal to the height of the rigid leg. The shelves may comprise the same or different heights as determined by the height of the rigid legs. In use, the user may stack different shelves having legs of different dimensions in order to accommodate different type of containers in the storage assembly. As shown inFIG. 5, top tray504is removably disposable on the top surface of the upper most shelf. In an embodiment, the legs may be removably attachable to another shelf, such that a given shelf may receive legs of the same or different lengths. In this configuration, a consumer may purchase a set number of shelves with a plurality of legs of varying lengths.

In another embodiment shown inFIG. 6a, a structure600is shown having a series of stackable shelves602. The distance (height)604between the various shelves is adjustable. One or more bellowed-legs606connect a lower surface614of an upper shelf leg610to an upper surface612of a shelf which is disposed immediately below the upper shelf. The distance between the various shelves is adjustable as bellowed-legs are pulled up or pushed down to lengthen or shorten their height, thus adjusting the distance between two vertically adjacent shelves. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 6b, a bottom620of a bellowed-leg includes a tab616for removably being inserted into a groove618(snap and fit), thus removably securing the upper and lower shelves with one another.

In an embodiment, the bellowed leg of an upper shelf may be permanently attached to an upper surface of an immediately lower shelf. In this configuration, the distance between the various shelves is still adjustable by moving the bellowed legs up or down (e.g., stretching or compressing the legs).

In the embodiment shown, the structure600has five shelves. In an embodiment, a shelf may have its legs compressed so that, effectively, there is no usable space between it and the next lower shelf. This allows for greater separation between other adjacent shelves to allow for containers of various heights. The adjustable distances between the various shelves enable the user to place containers of various heights on the various shelves.

Now referring toFIG. 7, a shelving structure700is shown including a plurality of shelves703. The shelves are connected to one another by way of flexible strips706formed from flexible material such as fabric. The upper shelf709further includes an attachment strip712. An inner surface715of a compartment, e.g., compartments148,150(seeFIG. 1b) of a storage assembly, e.g., organizer100(seeFIG. 1b) may be equipped with fastener718, such as Velcro™ design, snap and fit, or buttons (as shown), or the like which can removably engage a corresponding Velcro™ surface, snap and fit, or button721on flexible strip706. In this embodiment, the flexible strips allow for structure700to collapse and expand. The flexible strips allow for compact storage of the shelving structure if needed. In use, the flexibility of the fabric allows for containers of different height to be placed on the various shelves. The maximum height of the shelving structure in expanded configuration, as shown inFIG. 7b, is substantially equal to the sum of the length of the various strips in their expanded state. More than one shelving structure may be used with one another in a single storage assembly.

In an embodiment, attachment strips712may be removably attached near or on rim130(FIGS. 1a-2b) such that shelving structure700lies below a liner300(FIGS. 3a-3b), yet, because structure is hanging from attachment strips712, shelving structure700maintains space between shelves703in which suitably-size containers may be inserted. In the embodiment, when it is not desired to carry containers within shelving unit700, attachment strips712may be unattached, allowing structure700to collapse below liner300, and providing more space for liner300(this is similar to liner300space increasing from space340(FIG. 3b) to space305(FIG. 3a) with the removal of containers154).

FIGS. 4-7billustrate several structures that may be removably positioned within compartments of a convertible storage assembly. These and others are further described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,844,756, entitled “Portable Consumables Organizer,” which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIG. 8ais a top perspective view illustrating a convertible storage assembly according to an embodiment. In a convertible storage assembly800, an apparent difference between storage assembly800and storage assemblies100,200is that in storage assembly800a single access hatch815is in the center of an interior space835, whereas previously two access hatches120,122were positioned on either side of a central body section124. InFIG. 8a, storage assembly800includes a lid810with notches821,823for cooperating with latches820,822to retain lid810against outer shell805. Outer shell805is equipped with a single access hatch815which slides into place within hatch slots825,830. In the embodiment shown, when lid810is held shut by latches820,822, access hatch815is also retained in place by lid810. In an embodiment, slots825,830may be moved forward (out from under lid810) so that lid810does not close on top of hatch815.

FIG. 8bis a top perspective view illustrating the convertible storage assembly ofFIG. 8a. InFIG. 8b, access hatch815has been removed to reveal hatch slots825,830(shown in more detail inFIGS. 8cand 8d). Partition slots842,844,846, and852have been formed in the interior surface of outer shell805. Slots842,844,846, and852are dimensioned to accept a partition (not shown) as discussed with reference toFIGS. 2aand 2b. With partitions in place in slots842,844,846, and852, interior space835is divided into three compartments associated with sections843,845, and847of the inner surface of outer shell805. With a partition in place within slots844,846, the partition would rest on the floor at line850, dividing the floor into sections855,860.

In an embodiment, a slot may be formed into the floor along line855. In an embodiment, partitions in slots842,844,846, and852form watertight seals with outer body805such that sections843and847are water-retaining. In an embodiment, hatch815forms a watertight seal with outer shell805such that water may be retained within inner space835.

FIGS. 9a-9bare perspective views illustrating liners for use in convertible storage assemblies according to one or more embodiments. For example, in the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 8b, the partitions may not form a watertight seal at line850. Hatch815may also not form a watertight seal. Thus, waterproof liner300may be employed as discussed earlier to convert one or more of spaces843,845,847into a water-retaining space.FIG. 9aillustrates liner300converting inner space847into a water-retaining space902(not shown is a partition). Space902would be accessible when lid810is not fast against shell rim848. However, spaces843,845and containers154within them would be accessible through via hatch815, but not via lid810. Because liner300is dimensioned to line the entire inner surface of outer shell805, putting containers154in space845causes wrinkles904to form from all the material displaced from spaces843,845.

InFIG. 9b, liner300has been dimensioned so that even when liner300must provide room for objects within space845, liner300has enough extra material to fully line spaces843,847, creating spaces902,906. Thus, wrinkles908are created by liner300when it is dimensioned to provide for this contingency.

FIG. 10is a perspective view illustrating a liner for use in convertible storage assemblies according to embodiments. InFIG. 10, liner1000is provided with a rim1004and a notch1006to accommodate a hinge. Liner1000is dimensioned for lining a smaller space than liner300. For example, liner1000may line a single compartment847of convertible storage space800. Using liner1000to line space847would allow a user to have a water-retaining compartment within liner1000and accessible via lid810. Such an arrangement would leave spaces843,845also accessible via lid810, and space845also accessible via hatch815. Liner1000may also be used to line the space behind hatch122(FIGS. 1a-1c). Should liner1000be rigid, it could line such spaces without support from a partition. In an embodiment, a single liner1000would be dimensioned to fit and line three equally dimensioned spaces within a convertible storage assembly.

FIG. 11is a perspective view illustrating a liner for use in convertible storage assemblies according to embodiments. InFIG. 11a liner1100is dimensioned to line two of the three spaces in outer shell105(FIGS. 1a-2b) creating an interior space1102. Access to containers154may be had via hatch120. A top section1106covers containers154. In an embodiment, top section1106may be flexible enough to fold up and allow access to containers154. For example, rim1104may be attached to a shell rim using sections of hook and loop material and to access containers154, top section1106may be lifted away from the rim, causing the hook and loop closure material to separate and allow access.

FIG. 12is a perspective view illustrating a liner for use in convertible storage assemblies according to embodiments. InFIG. 12a liner1200is dimensioned to line one of the three spaces in outer shell805(FIGS. 8a-8b) creating an interior space1202. Access to containers154and space843may be had via hatch815. A top section1206covers containers154and space843. In an embodiment, top section1106may be flexible enough to fold up and allow access to containers154and space843. For example, rim1204may be attached to a shell rim using sections of hook and loop material and to access containers154, top section1206may be lifted away from the rim, causing the hook and loop closure material to separate and allow access.

FIG. 13is a perspective view illustrating a liner for use in convertible storage assemblies according to embodiments. InFIG. 13a liner1300is dimensioned to line two of the three spaces in outer shell805(FIGS. 8a-8b) creating interior spaces1302,1304. Access to center space845may be had via hatch815. A top section1308covers space845.

FIG. 14is a perspective view illustrating a liner for use in convertible storage assemblies according to embodiments. InFIG. 14, liner1400includes a rigid rim1402for attaching to a shell rim, e.g., shell rim130(FIG. 2a) or shell rim848(FIG. 8b). Rigid rim1402may be dimensioned to fit over the shell rim. For example, liner rim1402could have a concave lower side that is dimensioned to receive, or snap onto, a shell rim. Thus, liner body1404could hang from liner rim1402. In an embodiment, liner body1404may be dimensioned so that it does not extend completely to the floor of an outer shell. Thus, for example, a liner may create an upper layer of a storage space accessible via, e.g., shell lid110(FIG. 1a-2b), and below that liner may exist a lower space accessible through, e.g., hatches120,122.

FIG. 15is a top perspective view illustrating a convertible storage assembly according to an embodiment. InFIG. 15, a softshell convertible storage assembly1500includes a soft outer shell1505with a flexible liner1515attached using a zipper1540. A flexible lid1510is attached to outer shell1505using a flexible hinge1532, e.g., lid1510may be partly attached using a zipper half1538on lid rim1536, where zipper half1538engages zipper half1539on outer shell1505(the engaged zipper area is obscured by shell rim1530). In the embodiment, hatch1520is closed using zipper halves1526,1527and hatch1522is closed using zipper1528. An outer shell section1524separates hatches1520,1522. In the embodiment, hatch1520is open to reveal liner1515. In the embodiment, to store contents behind hatch1520, liner1515may be moved or deformed to provide space behind hatch1520. Thus, flexible liner1515provides for the space behind hatch1520to range from essentially nothing (e.g., should liner1515be filled) to, potentially, the available space within storage assembly1500.

FIG. 16is a top perspective view illustrating a convertible storage assembly according to an embodiment. InFIG. 16, a convertible storage assembly1600includes a hatch1620on a first face of an outer shell1624and a hatch1622on a second face of outer shell1624. Hatches1620,1622are held closed using latches1626,1628, respectively. As can be surmised by wrinkles335in liner300, something beneath liner300is causing wrinkles335by occupying space behind hatch1620. Such contents may include, for example, containers154, shelving structures400,500,600, or700, or a partition142.

FIG. 17is a top perspective view illustrating a convertible storage assembly according to an embodiment. In a convertible storage assembly1700, an apparent difference between storage assembly1700and storage assembly800is that in storage assembly1700what was once space845is now occupied by a compartmentalized unit1740. As with storage assembly800, storage assembly1700includes a single access hatch1715providing access to the center of an interior space1735, a lid1710with notches1721,1723for cooperating with latches1720,1722to retain lid1710against outer shell1705. Outer shell1705is equipped with a single access hatch1715which slides into place within hatch slots1725,1730. In the embodiment shown, when lid1710is held shut by latches1720,1722, access hatch1715is also retained in place by lid1710. In an embodiment, slots1725,1730may be moved forward (out from under lid1710) so that lid1710does not close on top of hatch1715. In the embodiment, compartmentalized unit1740includes a plurality of central compartments1742a,1742b, . . . ,1742n, a first plurality of corner compartments1743a,1743b, . . . ,1743n, and a second plurality of corner compartments1744a,1744b, . . . ,1744n. The number and size of such compartments may be arbitrarily selected. Small compartments may be more suitable for certain activities, e.g., fly fishing, where lures may be extremely small and better kept separate. In contrast, deep sea fishing seemingly requires bigger lures and gear. Then again, compartmentalized unit1740may be used to hold food and supplies for eating. Accordingly, various sizes and configurations may be desired in compartmentalized unit1740. In the embodiment, compartmentalized unit1740is sandwiched between lid1710and the floor at one end of convertible storage unit1700. In an embodiment, a bin may be fashioned at the top of compartmentalized unit1740that is accessed by opening lid1710. In an embodiment, the dimensions of lid1710are modified so that lid1710does not close on top of compartmentalized unit1740. In this embodiment, compartmentalized unit1740may then have additional compartments on top, which, since they are no longer covered by lid1710, are continuously accessible.

FIG. 18is a top perspective view illustrating a convertible storage assembly according to an embodiment. In a convertible storage assembly1800, an apparent difference between storage assembly1800and storage assembly1700is that storage assembly1800has a soft shell attached to a compartmentalized unit1840. Storage assembly1800includes a single access hatch1815providing access to, e.g., containers1845within an interior space1835beneath a wrinkled liner1827. Storage assembly1800includes a lid1810with zipper half1821for mating with zipper half1822in soft outer shell1805. Outer shell1805is equipped with a single zippered hatch1815which is closed using a zipper1820. In the embodiment, compartmentalized unit1840includes a plurality of central compartments1842a,1842b, . . . ,1842n, a first plurality of corner compartments1843a,1843b, . . . ,1843n, and a second plurality of corner compartments1844a,1844b, . . . ,1844n. The number and size of such compartments may be arbitrarily configured. Small compartments may be more suitable for certain activities, e.g., fly fishing, where lures may be extremely small and better kept separate. In contrast, deep sea fishing seemingly requires bigger lures and gear. Then again, compartmentalized unit1840may be used to hold food and supplies for eating. Accordingly, various sizes and configurations may be desired in compartmentalized unit1840. In the embodiment, a bin may be fashioned at the top of compartmentalized unit1840, or compartmentalized unit1840may have additional compartments.

As a result, in an embodiment, compartmentalized unit1840may, itself, be removed and a different compartmentalized unit substituted in its place within convertible storage assembly1800. The substitute compartmentalized unit may be chosen for different features, such as having differently sized compartments. In the embodiment, compartmentalized unit1840may be removably attached to the soft shell portion of outer shell1805so that, if desired, a different compartmentalized unit could be substituted. For example, compartmentalized unit1840may be attached to outer shell1805using one or more of hook and loop closures, straps, snaps, and zippers. Similarly, the compartmentalized unit1740(FIG. 17) may be removably attached to the remainder of shell body1705so that one compartmentalized unit with preferable features may be substituted for another with less preferable features.

All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims.