Abstract:
A hanging shelf system and travel organizer is specifically adapted for use in combination with a suitcase wherein the shelf system is adapted to collapse to a size suitable for removable insertion within the suitcase. The shelf system is configurable between a vertically expanded configuration when deployed wherein a plurality of shelves and walls form storage compartments for receiving clothing and other travel items, and a vertically compact, stowed configuration wherein the travel shelf apparatus is compactly configured for insertion into a suitcase for travel. When the user reaches his/her destination the travel organizer may be removed from the suitcase and hung in a closet in the vertically expanded configuration with spaced shelves thereby providing the traveler with ready access to the packed articles while eliminating the need to unpack and repack.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of provisional U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/175,115, filed on May 4, 2009 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    N/A 
       COPYRIGHT NOTICE 
       [0003]    A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrights rights whatsoever. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0005]    The present invention relates to an apparatus for use with a suitcase, and more particularly to a travel organizer comprising a hanging shelf system that may be collapsed for transport within a suitcase and quickly removed and deployed in a hanging configuration to provide the traveler with access to clothing and other travel items. 
         [0006]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0007]    Luggage refers to various sizes and shapes of containers, suitcases, and travel bags used to transport personal items during travel. Historically, luggage was recognized as a large bulky container such as a trunk or storage locker. As technology advanced and individuals accelerated the rate of personal travel, such cumbersome containers were replaced by lighter-weight suitcases and travel bags. Improvements in suitcase design allowed for ease of transportability and use. Although several styles of suitcases exist today, most luggage has been designed for ease of use by the traveler. Popular models are rectangular-shaped, and provide an expandable handle and wheels that allow the traveler to roll, rather than carry, the luggage from one point to another. Generally, the interior of the suitcase features an empty volume of space which allows for maximizing the number of articles which may be stored. As such, the traveler must pack their individual items prior to the trip and then unpack upon arrival at the destination. As travelers are increasingly mobile, it is often inconvenient to pack and unpack at each destination. Accordingly, there exists a need for suitcase accessory devices designed to assist in the organization of contents. 
         [0008]    The background art reveals a number of attempts directed to improving suitcase organization and storage. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,334,669, issued to Barker et al., discloses a rolling luggage system incorporating an expandable and collapsible shelf-containing compartment for organization of stored items within the luggage during travel. 
         [0009]    In addition, the background art reveals a number of references directed to closet organizers. With respect to closet organization, prior art reveals many attempts to best utilize space. Many objects of prior art are directed at hanging shelf systems and/or hanging closets. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,732,659, issued to Poon discloses a hanging shelf system with a plurality of shelves. U.S. Pat. No. 2,533,333, issued to Kitson, discloses a collapsible and portable wardrobe featuring shelf and clothes-storage space, which may be rolled compactly for ease of transport. The wardrobe itself is portable, and securely latches to itself to maintain closure during transport. U.S. Pat. No. 2,244,887, issued to Manley, discloses a portable collapsible shelved cabinet wherein the stored articles are covered to protect them against outside elements, whereby the device is easily folded into a compact unit for transport. U.S. Pat. No. 2,440,192, issued to Cowan, discloses a hanging, dust-proof container for storing articles, which may be collapsed and transported for travel. 
         [0010]    The references of the background art are primarily designed to organize items either within suitcase as disclosed by Barker, or in a hanging shelf system for permanent storage in a closet. The background art fails, however, to disclose a hangable travel organizer system designed for removable insertion and transport within a conventional suitcase. Accordingly, there exists a need for a travel organization system whereby the organizational element is easily collapsible for insertion and transport within a suitcase, and, upon reaching the desired destination, removable and hangable without requiring removal and replacement of the contents. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    The present invention overcomes the limitations and disadvantages present in the art by providing a hanging shelf system travel organizer that is specifically adapted for use in combination with a suitcase. A travel organizer in accordance with the present invention comprises a hanging shelf system adapted to collapse to a size suitable for insertion within an article of luggage. The shelf system is configurable between a vertically expanded configuration when deployed wherein a plurality of shelves are disposed in vertically spaced relation for receiving clothing and other travel items, and a vertically compact, stowed configuration wherein the travel shelf apparatus is compactly configured for insertion into a suitcase for travel. When the user reaches his/her destination the travel organizer may be removed from the suitcase and hung in a closet in the vertically expanded configuration with spaced shelves thereby providing the traveler with ready access to the packed articles while eliminating the need to unpack and repack. 
         [0012]    A hanging shelf system in accordance with the present invention is preferably provided with three storage compartments, each of which includes a supporting bottom surface configured to function as shelf. Each shelf preferably includes a lightweight yet sturdy rigid or semi-rigid horizontally disposed panel to provide structural support. The remaining structure is comprised of flexible, preferably mesh, fabric thereby allowing the apparatus to be selectively configured between a vertically expanded configuration wherein the shelves are maximally spaced, and a vertically collapsed configuration wherein the shelves are minimally spaced. In contrast to prior art, no structural support is provided. A pair of hooks is provided to allow the organizational apparatus to be hung from a closet rod. When suspended from the closet rod the travel organizer automatically deploys to the vertically extended configuration under the influence of gravity. By simply unhooking the entire apparatus from the closet rod, the user can collapse the system into the luggage. As the sides and rear of the apparatus are formed of flexible fabric, the apparatus will compact itself into a small volume of space, i.e., the interior of luggage. Upon arrival at the destination, the user can open the luggage, and lift the system by grasping the hooks and hanging in a closet or over a door frame. Because there is no need to empty the system prior to packing, all items remain organized in the shelving apparatus and ready for use in minimal time. 
         [0013]    Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved travel organizer specifically designed for use with luggage. 
         [0014]    Another object of the present invention is to provide such an apparatus which is adaptable for ease of transport in standard luggage. 
         [0015]    Another object of the present invention is to provide such an apparatus adapted to allow for collapsibility. 
         [0016]    Still another object of the present invention is to provide such an apparatus adapted to store clothes and other objects commonly transported in luggage. 
         [0017]    Yet another object of the present invention is to provide such an apparatus adapted for continued organization of items in the apparatus upon arrival, where packing and repacking of items is not required. 
         [0018]    These and other objects are met by the present invention which will become more apparent from the accompanying drawing and the following detailed description of the drawings and preferred embodiments. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0019]      FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a travel shelf system organizer in accordance with the present invention illustrated in relation to a suitcase; 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  is a front perspective view illustrating the travel shelf system partially received within the suitcase; 
           [0021]      FIG. 3  is a front perspective view thereof illustrating the travel shelf system fully received within the suitcase; 
           [0022]      FIG. 4  is a front perspective view of an alternate embodiment travel shelf system having deployable and stowable support members; and 
           [0023]      FIG. 5  is a front perspetive view thereof illustrating pivotal movement of the legs to the stowed configuration. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0024]    With reference now to the drawings,  FIGS. 1-3  depict a preferred embodiment of the present invention which comprises a shelf system and travel organizer apparatus, generally referenced as  10 , that is specifically sized and shaped to fit within a suitcase  11 . Suitcase  11  preferably includes an openable top closure configurable between a closed configuration and an open configuration. With the top in the open configuration the user is presented with access to the interior of the suitcase via a top opening having a length and a width. 
         [0025]    Travel organizer  10  preferably comprises a collapsible shelf system sized for removable insertion within a suitcase. In a preferred embodiment, travel organizer  10  comprises an expandable and collapsible main body  12  having a top  12   a  and a bottom  12   b . Main body  12  preferably includes three (3) storage surfaces or shelves, referenced as  14 ,  16 , and  18  connected thereto and supported thereby. Shelf  14  forms a bottom shelf connected in proximity to the bottom of main body  12 . Shelf  18  forms a top shelf connected below the top  12   a  of main body  12 . Shelf  16  forms a middle shelf and is disposed between bottom shelf  14  and top shelf  18 . Each shelf preferably includes a lightweight yet sturdy rigid or semi-rigid horizontally disposed panel to provide structural support. As used herein, the term “rigid” as applied to describe shelves  14 ,  16 , and  18 , shall mean capable of retaining a generally planar shape while supporting a modest load of the type associated with a stack of folded clothing or other travel articles, namely a load between approximately 1.0 lbs and 10.0 lbs. for embodiments on the invention intended for general business or recreational travel. The term “rigid” should not be construed to mean absolutely rigid, e.g. without a degree of deflection or bending under an applied load. The present invention, however, may be adapted to handle greater loads in embodiments intended for the transport of other goods and/or industrial use. The present invention may further be configured with shelves that are generally flexible and not rigid. 
         [0026]    Main body  12  is preferably fabricated from flexible sheet-like material, such as natural or synthetic fabric, e.g. cotton, nylon, polyester etc. The fabric may be woven or non-woven, and may further have water-resistant characteristics for maintaining the contents dry and/or for keeping wet contents in one compartment from wetting contents in another compartment. Main body  12  includes opposing side walls, referenced as  20   a  and  20   b , and a rear wall  22 . An important aspect of the invention involves forming side walls  20   a  and  20   b , and rear wall  22 , out of mesh material to allow the user to visually inspect the contents from the side or rear of main body  12 , while further providing ventilation. 
         [0027]    Main body  12  is configurable between an expanded configuration wherein shelves  14 ,  16 , and  18 , are disposed in maximally spaced generally parallel relation as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , and a collapsed configuration wherein shelves  14 ,  16 , and  18 , are disposed in minimally, substantially adjacent relation as illustrated in  FIG. 3 . When in the expanded configuration, the vertical spacing between shelves is preferably approximately 8.0 inches. In addition, side walls  20   a  and  20   b  and rear wall  22  preferably project upward from top shelf  18  approximately 6.0 inches when in the expanded configuration so as to contain articles placed on top shelf  18 . As should be apparent, side walls  20   a  and  20   b  and rear wall  22  function to support shelves  14 ,  16 , and  18 , while containing clothing and articles disposed thereon. The dimensions set forth herein in connection with the preferred embodiment may be altered (e.g. increased and/or decreased) within the scope of the present invention. 
         [0028]    A pair of hooks  24  are attached to main body  12  along the top edges of side panels  20   a  and  20   b  by straps,  25  as best seen in  FIG. 1 . Hooks  24  and straps  25  are preferably configurable between a retracted configuration for hanging main body  12  from a closet rod as seen in  FIG. 1 , to an extended configuration (shown in phantom) for hanging main body  12  from a more elevated support structure, such as a door hook or door top edge. Hooks  24  function in the retracted and extended configurations to allow the main body  12  to be hung from a variety of supporting structures disposed at various heights upon removal from the suitcase. When packed in a suitcase, hooks  24  and straps  25  may be tucked into the side (as shown in  FIG. 3 ) or folded over the top. 
         [0029]    Travel organizer and shelf system  10  is primarily intended for use as a travel organizer that allows the user to pack travel articles, such as clothing, therein with the travel organizer disposed in the expanded configuration and then drop the system into a suitcase wherein travel organizer  10  is contained during travel as illustrated in sequence in  FIGS. 1-3 . In that regard, the user may pack shelf system  10 , while main body  12  is hanging in a closet (or other support structure) from hooks  24 , in the expanded configuration. When hanging from hooks  24  in the expanded configuration, main body  12  forms a first compartment bounded at the bottom by shelf  14 , on the sides by side walls  20   a  and  20   b  respectively, at the rear by rear wall  22 , and on the top by the bottom surface of shelf  16 . A second compartment is bounded at the bottom by the top surface of shelf  16  on the sides by side walls  20   a  and  20   b  respectively, at the rear by rear wall  22 , and on the top by the bottom surface of shelf  18 . Finally, a third open-top compartment is bounded at the bottom by shelf  18  on opposing sides by side walls  20   a  and  20   b , and at the rear by rear wall  22 , and provides a surface upon which folded clothing or other items may be placed. The present invention thus provides a travel organizer that allows a user to pack by simply placing clothing and the like on any one of the three shelves while the device hangs in a closet in an expanded configuration, after which the organizer may be placed in an article of luggage configured to a compact configuration for travel. Accordingly, a significant aspect of the present invention relates to sizing main body  12 , and particularly the length and width dimensions of shelves  14 ,  16 , and  18 , to fit within a piece of luggage, suitcase, or other suitable travel container. Accordingly, the present invention includes the combination of a luggage shelf system  10  with a correspondingly sized suitcase. More particularly, the length and width dimensions of shelves  14 ,  16 , and  18 , are sized to be slightly less than the corresponding length and width dimensions of the luggage intended for use therewith. Once the traveler reaches his or her destination the organizer is simply removed from the luggage and hung in a closet whereby the shelves vertically expand to allow for access to the packed items. 
         [0030]      FIGS. 4 and 5  depict an alternate embodiment, shelf system  10 , which includes a collapsible support frame including left and right frame members, referenced as  30   a  and  30   b . Opposing left and right support frame members  30   a  and  30   b  function to allow the system to be free standing and/or to stand within the body of a suit case. Support frame members  30   a  and  30   b  are each configurable between a deployed configuration and a stowed configuration as generally illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5 .  FIG. 4  illustrates a deployed configuration wherein frame members  30   a  and  30   b  are disposed in generally vertically adjacent relation with corresponding sides  20   a  and  20   b  to support main body  12  in the expanded configuration. At least one strap member  32  is provided for securing frame member  30  in the deployed configuration. In a preferred embodiment, strap member  32  includes an end adapted with hook and loop fastening by mating engagement with fastening element  33 .  FIG. 4  depicts strap member  32  in art attached configuration, and  FIG. 5  depicts strap member  32  in a detached configuration. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, each support member  30  is pivotally connected proximal the upper portion of the corresponding panel  20  to as to allow for pivotal movement of each support member as illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . As should now be apparent, shelf system  10  may be supported in a free standing manner by support frame members  30  as illustrated in  FIG. 4 , or compacted to the compact configuration within a suitcase with frame members  30  folded over the top thereof for compact transport within the suitcase. As should be apparent, the alternate embodiment shelf system  10  depicted in  FIGS. 4 and 5  may also include the hooks  24  and straps  25  as disclosed with the preferred embodiment. 
         [0031]    The instant invention has been shown and described herein in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made therefrom within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art.