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:
[0001]     This application is a continuation-in-part of pending U.S. application Ser. No. 10/881,034 filed Jun. 29, 2004. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     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  
       [0003]     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.  
         [0004]     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.  
         [0005]     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.  
         [0006]     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.  
         [0007]     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  
       [0008]     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.  
         [0009]     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.  
         [0010]     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.  
         [0011]     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.  
         [0012]     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.  
         [0013]     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.  
         [0014]     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.  
         [0015]     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.  
         [0016]     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.  
         [0017]     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.  
         [0018]     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.  
         [0019]     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.  
         [0020]     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  
       [0021]     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:  
         [0022]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a fully open shopping caddy system according to the present invention;  
         [0023]      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;  
         [0024]      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;  
         [0025]      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;  
         [0026]      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;  
         [0027]      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;  
         [0028]      FIG. 7  is a is a perspective view showing an additional arrangement of the shopping caddy system of  FIG. 1  in the “W” configuration;  
         [0029]      FIG. 8  is a side view of the shopping caddy of  FIG. 1  in the fully open position;  
         [0030]      FIG. 9  is a side view of the shopping caddy of  FIG. 1  in a partially collapsed position;  
         [0031]      FIG. 10  is a side view of the shopping caddy of  FIG. 1  when the caddy has almost reached the fully collapsed position;  
         [0032]      FIG. 11  is a bottom view of the shopping caddy in the fully open position;  
         [0033]      FIG. 12  is a bottom view of the shopping caddy in the partially collapsed position of  FIG. 7 ;  
         [0034]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the shopping caddy system in a collapsed and secured position; and  
         [0035]      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.  
         [0036]      FIG. 15A  shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the disclosed device and system which provides an insulated center section located between collapsible end compartments with the center compartment adapted for insulated transport of cold beverages or hot as the case may be.  
         [0037]      FIG. 15B  depicts the embodiment of  FIG. 15A  showing the end compartments partially collapsed to provide a stabilization support to the center section.  
         [0038]      FIG. 15C  depicts the device of  15 A and  15 B wherein the end compartments are fully collapsed and lower handles are in a raised position to aid carrying of the device.  
         [0039]      FIG. 15D  shows an optional surface mount component which is adapted for easy engagement with the bottom of any embodiment of the device herein through a top surface hook and loop engagement. A thermal element can provide heat or cold to an overriding caddy during transport.  
         [0040]      FIG. 15E  depicts an optional thermal support surface on which the caddy may be placed to maintain the temperature of the center compartment. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0041]     FIGS.  1  to  15 E 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.  
         [0042]     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 ,  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.  
         [0043]     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.  
         [0044]     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.  
         [0045]     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.  
         [0046]     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® 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.  
         [0047]     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.  
         [0048]     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.  
         [0049]     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.  
         [0050]     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 2W 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 4W long. This long effective base is very resistant to tipping due to its length.  
         [0051]     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.  
         [0052]     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.  
         [0053]     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.  
         [0054]      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.  
         [0055]     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.  
         [0056]     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 .  
         [0057]     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 .  
         [0058]     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.  
         [0059]     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.  
         [0060]     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.  
         [0061]      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.  
         [0062]      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 .  
         [0063]      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.  
         [0064]     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.  
         [0065]     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 .  
         [0066]     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 ).  
         [0067]     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.  
         [0068]     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.  
         [0069]     An additional preferred embodiment of the disclosed device herein is depicted in figure  FIG. 15A  in the form of a cooler caddy  400  having a cooler compartment  402  positioned in between a first end compartment  408  and a second end compartment  410 . The end compartments are positioned on opposite ends of the cooler caddy  400 . The cooler compartment  402  provides great utility for storing items  407  which are sensitive to temperature and may exhibit symptoms of leaking if overheated, sweating and developing exterior condensation in humid conditions and the like. Further, the cooler compartment  402  provides an excellent means to negate temperature extremes which can develop in car such as a parked car in the summer or winter months. As can be surmised by those skilled in the art, since the cooler compartment  402  is insulated, it may also serve as a compartment to maintain the heat of stored items  407  such as for instance, a pizza. However, when employed to hold items  407  to maintain heat, the lining of the cooler department must be formed of fabric adapted to endure the anticipated temperatures.  
         [0070]     The cooler compartment has a lid portion  404  adapted for engagement around portions of its perimeter with the cooler compartment  402  using a means for closing such as a zipper  406  or hook and loop fabric or other closing means suitable to the task. While shown with a fabric hinge along one edge of the lid portion  404  perimeter, which is the preferred mode of this embodiment since it maintains the lid portion  404  in permanent proximity to the cooler compartment  402 , a non-hinged version could also be employed. Under the lid portion  404  the cooler compartment  402  is defined by a plurality of cooler sides  416  and the cooler bottom  417 . The means for closure, in this case the zipper  406  would be employed to engage the loose perimeter edges of the lid portion  404  to a respective aligned cooler side  416 .  
         [0071]     The interior lining of the cooler compartment  402  in the preferred mode, employs insulation materials and any suitable moisture barriers that might be desirable to protect the contents  407  stored in the cooler compartment  402 . Such linings should also be substantially leak proof to maintain melted ice, water, or condensation, inside the cooler compartment  402  during use. A few materials suitable for the lining include one or a combination of PVC or EVA plastics, and/or closed cell insulation which would have the additional benefit of an insulating factor. The lining may also be of a, or include, a thermal reflective material such as silver heat-sealed vinyl fabric which is adapted for the anticipated temperature of the cooler compartment  402  bet it cool or hot. While reinforced vinyl fabric may serve well as the lining, additional resistance from tearing and abrasion may be desirable in which case canvas, nylon, polyester, or other fabrics which are tear and abrasion resistant may be employed with the lining to increase the cooler compartment resistance to those potential hazards.  
         [0072]     As with other embodiments of the device herein, the ability of the cooler caddy  400  to collapse is particularly useful to the user since it allows the device to be expanded for use, or collapsed for storage, or when the entire device is not employed for storage. Further, collapsing the first and second end compartments  408  and  410 , aids in insulating the cooler compartment  402  and forms very strong folded support sidewalls with the bottom handles  524  on the upper side of the device for extra support of potentially heavy loads inside the cooler compartment  402 . The formed support sidewalls, having the bottom handles  524  attached, are effectively three layers thick with the exterior sides  401  and  403 , the interior sides  416 , and part of the bottom  416  rotated to a vertical position. They thus insulate better and provide better support to the user of the load when carrying the device.  
         [0073]     The collapsible nature of the cooler caddy  400  is depicted in the series of  FIGS. 15A-15C . In  FIG. 15A  the cooler caddy  400  is fully extended or in open configuration. As shown in  FIG. 15B  a partial collapse is provided by collapsing first and second end compartments  408  and  410 . This partial collapse still provides lateral support to the cooler sides  416  during use to keep it from tipping or sliding such as in a moving car, but renders the device smaller. Additional stability would be available by stacking something heavy on top of the flattened end panels  401  and  403 . The fully collapsed configuration of the cooler caddy  400  is very similar to that as shown in  FIG. 13 , and a strap  411  is provided as a means to maintain the cooler caddy in that collapsed position through engagement of the distal ends of the strap  411 .  
         [0074]     In the fully deployed mode of the cooler caddy  400  shown in  FIG. 15A , there is seen a first end compartment  408  and a second end compartment  410  both on opposite sides of the cooler compartment  402  of the cooler caddy  400 . Both the first, and second compartments have an area for transport of cargo defined by the depicted plurality of panels. The first compartment  408  is defined by the adjoined surfaces of the first end panel  403 , the two side panels  413 , the bottom panel  412  and one sidewall defined by a cooler side  416 . The second end compartment  410  has a cargo area defined by the second end panel  401 , the bottom panel  412 , two end panels  413 , and the opposite side of the cooler shown as cooler side  418 .  
         [0075]     In  FIG. 15B  there is depicted the result of folding the first end  403  and second end  401  downward to a position adjacent to the bottom panels  412  of the respective two compartments. Rotation of the two ends is provided by a fabric hinge formed along their respective engagements to the bottom panel  412  and form a respective axis of rotation of each of the first end  403  and second end  401  toward the bottom panel  412 . During this rotation, the pliable side panels  413  will fold and collapse to a position contacting the bottom panel  412  and in frictional engagement with the cooler side  416 . During a counter rotation to the vertical position of the end panels, the side panels  413  provide a means to limit the rotation away from the bottom panel  412  and thereby form the two storage compartments. As noted earlier, in the collapsed or folded position of both end compartments, additional support is provided to the cooler compartment  402  when carrying a heavy load therein. The placement of the bottom handles  524 , to be deployed above the top surface of the cooler lid  404 , gives the user both the increased support, and handles to hold onto when carrying the device.  
         [0076]     The end panels  401  and  403  of the cooler caddy  400  are formed to be substantially rigid. This can be accomplished by placing the fabric or material around a rigid interior member during manufacture. The result being that both end panels, when folded to the collapsed position shown in of  15 B, provide a rigid strut extending from either cooler side  416 . This allows for placing weight on top of the folded end panels  401  and  403  which will maintain the caddy  400  in place better since the projecting portion from the sides is rigid and won&#39;t bend or flex as it would with plain fabric.  
         [0077]     As shown in  FIG. 15C , the rigid end panels  401  and  403  also provide a means for a rigid support to the sides  416  of the cooler compartment  402  and means for a rigid communication between the lower handles  524  and the engagement at the bottom of the cooler sides  416  on both sides of the cooler compartment  402 . The resulting rigid sidewalls positioned adjacent to the cooler sides  416  in the collapsed position, will help to maintain the cooler compartment  402  in a fully elevated or enlarged position holding up the lid  404  from two side edges, and, in addition, it will aid by providing a means for protecting the contents of the cooler compartment  402  from side impacts.  
         [0078]     As noted earlier, a strap  411  is affixed to the cooler caddy  400  as a means to maintain it in a collapsed position. The strap  411  is affixed to a securing point  415  one outer surface of either the first end panel  403  or the second end panel  401 . The strap  411  has a length sufficient to encircle the fully collapsed cooler caddy  400  and secure and maintain that collapsed position. Securement is provided by opposite distal ends of the strap  411  having means for engagement to each other in the form of a fastener. In the current preferred mode, hook and loop fabric works especially well, however any fastener that those skilled in the art would employ, such as snaps, buttons, hooks, eyelets, or buckles, are anticipated.  
         [0079]     As shown in  15 C, in the semi-collapsed mode of the cooler caddy  400 , the panel ends  401  and  403  are substantially vertical and positioned adjacent to opposed cooler sides  416 . In this position, the cooler caddy  400  is well supported by the aforementioned rigid nature of the folded panel ends, and easy to carry with the bottom handles  524  having rotated to the top of the device. Total deployment to the collapsed position wherein the strap  411  is employed to maintain the device in a small form for storage or transport, is accomplished by compressing the first end panel  403  toward the second end panel  401  wherein the exterior cooler sides  416  being fabric and supple will tend to bend inward therebetween. Once the first panel end  403  and second panel end  402  are in close proximity with the deformed cooler sides  416  and bottom  512  compressed therebetween, the strap  411  would be cinched around the cooler caddy  400  preferably through the top handles  524  to provide resistance to the strap sliding off.  
         [0080]     Finally, an optional component that may be employed for additional utility and is preferred if the cooler caddy  400  is being employed for food transport and delivery such as a restaurant delivery, or transport to the beach for a picnic, there is provided a planar support surface  424  which is adapted for securement to a car seat with one or a plurality of straps  422  having fastening means on the distal ends of the straps engageable to mating fastening means on the support surface  424  A canvas or vinyl material works well for the support surface  424 .  
         [0081]     The support surface has a top surface which is adapted for removable engagement to the bottom surface  512  of the cooler caddy  400  or the bottom surface of the other embodiments herein. A first fastening means adapted to engage the fasteners  525  on the bottom panel  512  when the cooler caddy  400  is placed thereon, will hold the cooler caddy  400  in position during transport. If hook and loop fabric is employed as the mating fasteners, a simple lifting of the handles  409  or  524  will disengaged the bottom panel  512  from the support surface  420 . However during transport, the caddy  400  will remain engaged which is especially important during high speed cornering or fast stops.  
         [0082]     Further a thermal element  425  may be provided in a pocket or other means of engagement to the support surface  420  and positioned for a registered engagement underneath the cooler compartment  402  when the cooler caddy  400  is engaged to the top surface  424 . Such thermal elements  425  are readily available and plug into the cigarette lighter of conventional vehicles and will radiate heat on one side and cold on the opposite side. Consequently if heat is wanted for communication to the cooler compartment, the thermal element  425  or the entire support surface  424  with a bottom side similar to the top surface  424  can be flipped over to change to heating mode. Alternatively, if the caddy  400  is only hauling heated food or contents, then a resistive thermal element may be employed to impart heat to the caddy  400 .  
         [0083]     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.  
         [0084]     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.