Abstract:
A portable organizer system, comprising a base, a column coupled to the base, a plurality of receivers coupled to the column, wherein each receiver in the plurality of receivers includes a back element adapted to couple to the column and having a lower edge, and an angled planar element sharing the lower edge of the back element.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/197,405, filed on Aug. 3, 2011, entitled “PORTABLE ORGANIZER” the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to a storage unit and, more particularly, to a storage unit comprising an array of receivers such as bins and a stand removably supporting the array of bin. 
       BACKGROUND INFORMATION 
       [0003]    Many people have multiple projects “in process” at the same time with associated stacks for each project. Filing these stacks in a filing cabinet tends to put them out of mind. Additionally, most people desire the convenience of easy and ready access to in-process project stacks. Consequently, they keep the stacks for their in-process projects on the desktop in loose stacks, or in open-top stackable boxes like “in baskets”, or nearby in transportable carrying cases (oftentimes having handles). When a project is completed, many people file the associated stack in a filing cabinet, or throw all or part of it away. 
         [0004]    Many people in home offices and workers in business offices have a limited amount of desk space and/or occasionally desire that their in-process project stacks be transportable so they can quickly and easily move their workspace to another area, and/or clear the look of clutter by moving their work out of sight, into a closet or other inconspicuous area. 
         [0005]    The approaches bulleted above for handling in-process stacks conflict with limitations and desires:
       Loose stacks occupy often all-too-limited desk space, tend to look cluttered, and are not easily transported.   Stackable boxes like “in-baskets” occupy limited desk space and are not easily transported.       
 
         [0008]    Although carrying cases tend to be easily transportable, such cases when closed fail to provide easy and ready access to their contents or can occupy space and add to the impression of clutter when the top is left open. 
         [0009]    A need therefore exists for a free-standing, transportable storage unit that also provides easy and ready access to papers (and other supplies for various arts and crafts) that may be contained therein. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0010]    A portable organizer system, comprising a base, a column coupled to the base, a plurality of receivers coupled to the column, wherein each receiver in the plurality of receivers includes a back element adapted to couple to the column and having a lower edge, and an angled planar element sharing the lower edge of the back element. Other alternative embodiments and optional features are described within. However, the claims define the scope of the invention(s) described. 
         [0011]    These and other features, and advantages, will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is important to note the drawings are not intended to represent the only aspect of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    For a more complete understanding of the present invention and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following Detailed Description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a stand supporting the embodiment of an array of removable bins; 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the embodiment of a stand shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a front view of the embodiment of a stand shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a side view of the embodiment of a stand shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a top view of the embodiment of a stand shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is a front view of the embodiment of a stand shown in  FIG. 1  supporting the embodiment of an array of removable bins; 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is a side view of the embodiment of a stand shown in  FIG. 1  supporting an embodiment of an array of removable bins; 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is a close-up perspective view of the rear portion of an example of one bin of the embodiment of an array of removable bins; 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  is a top view of the embodiment of a stand shown in  FIG. 1  supporting the embodiment of an array of removable bins; 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the embodiment of a stand shown in  FIG. 1  showing a handle in a folded-down position; 
           [0023]      FIG. 11A  and  FIG. 11B  are views of an underside of the embodiment of an organizer shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 12A  and  FIG. 12B  are cross-sectional views of the embodiment of an organizer shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the stand; 
           [0026]      FIG. 14  is a front view of the alternate embodiment of the stand shown in  FIG. 13 ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a pair of angled mounting brackets for use with the stand shown in  FIGS. 13-14 ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 16  is a front view of the stand shown in  FIGS. 13-14  with pairs of angled mounting brackets mounted thereon; 
           [0029]      FIG. 17  is a side view of the stand shown in  FIGS. 13-14  with pairs of angled mounting brackets supporting additional containers; 
           [0030]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of the stand shown in  FIGS. 13-14  with pairs of angled mounting brackets mounted thereon; 
           [0031]      FIG. 19  is a perspective view of the stand shown in  FIG. 18  supporting boxes of different sizes; and 
           [0032]      FIGS. 20A and 20B  are front views of an embodiment of the stand showing an alternate arrangement of extendable wheels; and 
           [0033]      FIG. 21  is a front view of an adjustable embodiment of the stand; 
           [0034]      FIG. 22  is a perspective view of an adjustable mounting bracket according to an aspect of the invention; 
           [0035]      FIG. 23  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a stand according to another aspect of the invention; and 
           [0036]      FIG. 24  is a perspective view of the stand of  FIG. 23 , with storage boxes. 
           [0037]      FIG. 25  is a front view of one embodiment with non-removable receivers. 
           [0038]      FIG. 26  is a side view of the embodiment of  FIG. 25 . 
           [0039]      FIG. 27  is a perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 25 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0040]    In the following discussion, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention may be practiced without such specific details. In other instances, well-known elements have been illustrated in simplified form in order not to obscure the present invention in unnecessary detail. 
         [0041]    Turning now to  FIG. 1 , an array of bins  10  comprises a stand  100  configured for holding one or more removable bins  200 . In an embodiment, the stand  100  comprises one or more vertical supports  106  configured for coupling with the bins  200  (and brackets  300  shown in  FIG. 15 ) in a manner to be described hereinafter. 
         [0042]    Turning now to  FIGS. 2-5 , an embodiment of the stand  100  comprises a frame  104  supported by a base  102 , and having a handle  114  coupled to the top of frame  104 . The frame  104  comprises a first vertical support member  106 A and a second vertical support member  106 B, each vertical support  106 A, B being an elongated member having a number of slots  108  formed therein for supporting one or more removable bins  200 . While much of the description is in the context of bins  200 , other receivers or holders such as shelves and trays may also be employed. The term receivers as used here is intended to be generic to trays, shelves and bins. 
         [0043]    The slots  108  may be a single column of rectangular apertures formed in surfaces of each of vertical support members  106 A and  106 B, and may be spaced apart vertically at regular intervals. Alternatively, as is shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14 , a double-column of slots  108  may be provided in the surfaces of vertical support members  106 C and  106 D, wherein the slots  108  may be configured as side-by-side pairs of slots arranged one above the other. The horizontal spacing of side-by-side pairs of slots  108  preferably conforms to spacing of corresponding, double-hook mounting features of bins  200  or other mounting brackets  300 , shown in  FIG. 15 . The vertical spacing of slots  108  preferably conforms to the vertical spacing of corresponding mounting hooks  124  of bins  200 A-E. Although hooks  124  and slots  108  are used as connector mechanisms to secure and remove the bins  200 A-E to and from the stand  100 , it will be appreciated that other releasable fastening connectors may be used in the alternative, such as posts, Velcro strips, releasable clamps, and the like. 
         [0044]    The frame  104  further comprises an upper horizontal support member  110  and a lower horizontal support member  112 . The lower horizontal support member  112  may be coupled at one end thereof to a lower end of first vertical support member  106 A, and may be coupled at an opposite end thereof to a lower end of second vertical support member  106 B. The upper horizontal support member  110  may be coupled at one end thereof to an upper end of first vertical support member  106 A, and may be coupled at an opposite end thereof to an upper end of second vertical support member  1068 . The support members  106 A,  106 B,  110 , and  112  may be secured together by any suitable means such as, for example, by welding or brazing the support members together where their surfaces meet, or by mechanical fasteners such as, for example, with rivets, screws, bolts, nuts and the like. The support members  106 A,  106 B,  110 , and  112  form the generally rectangular frame  104  for supporting removable bins  200 . 
         [0045]    The frame  104  may further comprise structurally reinforcing tension wires  122 A and  122 B for maintaining an orthogonal relationship between adjacent support members  106 A,  106 B,  110 , and  112 . In an embodiment, tension wire  122 A may be secured to the frame  104  at its upper left-hand corner and at its lower right-hand corner, while tension wire  122 B may be secured to the frame  104  at its upper right-hand corner and at its lower left-hand corner. Tension wires  122 A and  122 B may be secured to the frame  104  by any suitable mechanical fastening means such as, for example, by looping each end of the wire through an “eye” bolt secured to one of the support members  106 A,  106 B,  110 , and  112  and clamped with a suitable wire clamp. In an embodiment, each tension wire  122 A and  122 B may incorporate a turnbuckle  123 A or  123 B for adjusting the tension on the wire in a well-known manner. Alternatively, the frame  104  may be provided with stiffening brackets in its corners to reinforce the frame against collapsing. As another alternative, the frame  104  may incorporate a flat, rectangular plate extending to and secured between support members  106 A,  106 B,  110  and  112  to maintain the rectangular configuration of the frame  104 . 
         [0046]    In an embodiment, the handle  114  may be coupled to frame  104  at the upper horizontal support member  110 . The handle  114  may be provided with a pivotable coupling  115  having a vertical extension  117 . The vertical extension  117  may be securely affixed to the upper horizontal support member  110  by any suitable means such as, for example, by welding or brazing the vertical extension  117  to the upper horizontal support member  110  where their surfaces meet, or by mechanical fasteners such as, for example, with rivets, screws, or bolts and nuts. The pivotable coupling  115  may be formed integrally with the vertical extension  117 , or the pivotable coupling  115  may be formed separately and securely affixed to the vertical extension  117  by any suitable means such as, for example, by welding or brazing, by use of mechanical fasteners and the like. The handle  114  may be coupled to the pivotable coupling  115  by any suitable means that provides for the handle  114  pivoting between an upright, or vertical position and a horizontal position, as shown in  FIG. 4 , for example. In an embodiment, the pivotable coupling  115  may comprise internal friction members  119  ( FIG. 3 ) engaging the handle  114  such that the handle  114  remains in a given orientation, whether it be vertical, horizontal, or in an intermediate position, until the handle  114  is moved by hand. In other embodiments, the pivotable coupling  115  may comprise internal stops for retaining the handle  114  in at least a vertical position or a horizontal position. When placed in a horizontal position, the handle may be used to temporarily support the contents of one or more of the bins  200 . 
         [0047]    The base  102  of the stand  100  is preferably not wider than a “standard-sized” bin  200  to conserve space. The base  102  can be made of any material of sufficient strength to support the assembly on an underlying surface, and may be configured as a solid article as shown, for example, in  FIG. 13 , or may be configured as a collapsible tripod with folding legs or other configuration that will support the assembly. The stand  100  may, in some embodiments, further incorporate a swivel  116  between the base  102  and the frame  104  to be able to rotate the frame  104  with respect to the base  102 . The frame  104  may be coupled to the base  102  at swivel  116  by any suitable means such as, for example, by welding or brazing the frame  104  to the swivel  116  where their surfaces meet, or by mechanical fasteners such as, for example, rivets, screws, bolts and nuts and the like. Otherwise, the frame  104  may be statically coupled to the base by any suitable mechanical means. 
         [0048]    The base  102  may, in some embodiments, further include wheels  118  coupled to the base  102 , under and within the perimeter of the base  102 . The wheels  118  may be casters mounted to extendable and retractable slide mechanisms  120  operable to extend the casters beyond the supporting perimeter of the hollow base and also operable to retract the casters under and within the perimeter of the base  102 . The retractable slide mechanisms  120  may be secured to the base  102  by mechanical fasteners such as, for example, machine screws. Alternatively, the retractable slide mechanisms  120  may be inserted into receptacles formed in the underside of the base  120  and secured to the base  120  by resilient clips. The casters are shown fully extended in  FIG. 1 , are shown partially extended in  FIG. 2 , and are shown fully retracted in  FIGS. 3-5 . 
         [0049]    The spacing between the two vertical supports  106 A,  106 B can be selected depending upon the application of the array of bins  10  and the size of the bins  200 . Generally, the spacing between the vertical supports  106 A,  106 B can be chosen to exclude the use of the supports with bins having different widths, such as bins manufactured or sold by a different manufacturer or retailer. For example, the vertical supports  106 A,  106 B of the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3  do not extend beyond the perimeter of the base, whereas the vertical supports of the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 13-14  may be positioned beyond the perimeter of the base. 
         [0050]    Turning now to  FIGS. 6-7 , an embodiment of the array of bins  10  shows the stand  100  supporting a number of removable bins  200 . The bins  200  can be made of any suitable material, for example, a sturdy wire mesh supported by a wire frame. The bins  200  are generally rectangular but inclined upward from the rear to the front, open in the front and closed on at least the two sides, the bottom, and the rear portions. The bins  200  may also be enclosed on the top. Note that the terms “top”, “bottom”, “front”, “rear”, and “side” pertain to the bins  200  when mounted to the stand  100 , as shown in  FIGS. 6-7 . When not mounted to the stand  100 , the bins  200  are preferably configured so they will stand upright with the rear surface  202  (see  FIG. 8 ) resting on a tabletop or other convenient surface. When mounted to the stand  100 , the bins attach to the vertical supports  106 A,  106 B utilizing hooks  124  or hook-like features formed into the rear portion of each bin. The hooks fit into slots  108  formed in the vertical supports  106 A,  106 B, as can also be seen in  FIG. 1 . The handle  114  in  FIG. 7  is shown in a vertical position, with the horizontal position indicated by dashed lines. As shown in  FIG. 7 , the bins  200  may be provided with hand holes  210  formed as apertures in the sides of the bins  200 . The hand holes  210  may be used to grasp one of the bins  200  when mounting the bin  200  to the stand  100 , or when removing the bin  200  from the stand  100 . 
         [0051]    Turning now to  FIG. 6 , an embodiment of the array of bins  10  shows different size bins  200  supported by the stand  100 . Some of bins, such as bin  200 E, may be wider from side-to-side than other bins, such as “standard-sized” bin  200 A. Other bins, such as bin  200 B, may more narrow from top-to-bottom than other bins, such as bin  200 A. As shown in  FIG. 7 , some bins, such as bin  200 B, may be shallower from front-to-rear than other bins, such as bin  200 A. Any of the bins  200  may optionally be provided with a lower lip  126  extending from side to side across the front opening of the bin, and rising to a predetermined height H. The predetermined height H may be a standard, fixed height, such as ¾ inch. The predetermined height H may also be a relative proportion of the height of the opening of the bin  200 , such as 25 percent of the height of the opening. The lower lip  126  may be provided to help retain the contents of the bin  200 . 
         [0052]    Turning now to  FIG. 7 , an embodiment of the array of bins  10  shows bins  200  coupled to the stand  100  on one side of the stand  100  and on an opposite side of the stand  100 . The bins  200  may be indented in their rear portions to partially enclose the hook-like features  124 , as shown for example in  FIG. 8 . 
         [0053]    Turning now to  FIG. 8 , a bin  200  may have a rear surface  202  extending from side-to-side across the rear of the bin  200 . The rear surface  202  may generally be flat, but preferably includes a first indented portion  204 A and a second indented portion  204 B. The first and second indented portions  204 A and  204 B have a width, a depth, and a cross-section profile generally matching a width and cross-section profile of vertical supports  106 A,  106 B of stand  100 , but wherein the depth of the first and second indented portions  204 A and  204 B is not more than half the depth of the vertical supports  106 A,  106 B of stand  100 . Hooks  124  are provided within first and second indented portions  204 A and  204 B for mating with slots  108  provided in the vertical supports  106 A,  106 B of stand  100 . When coupled to the stand  100 , the bins  200  may fit back-to-back. 
         [0054]    Referring back now to  FIG. 1 , bin  200 D is shown supported by stand  100 . Bin  200 D has a width from side to side, a height from top to bottom, and a depth from front to rear. Below bin  200 D, bin  200 E is shown supported by stand  100 . Bin  200 E has a width that is wider than the width of bin  200 D, while the height and depth of bin  200 E are substantially the same as the height and depth of bin  200 D. Above bin  200 D, bin  200 C is shown supported by stand  100 . Bin  200 C has a height that is shorter than the height of bin  200 D, while the width and depth of bin  200 C are substantially the same as the width and depth of bin  200 D. The bins  200  may be provided in different sizes, as shown in  FIG. 1 , for example, to accommodate different sized materials, as long as the mounting provisions at the rear of the bins  200  mate with corresponding provisions of the stand  100 . 
         [0055]    With reference now to  FIG. 1 , it can be seen that bin  200 A mounts to the stand  100  using hook connectors  124  to secure the bin  200 A to the vertical supports  106 A,  106 B. It can further be seen that hooks  124  of the bins  200  couple to the vertical supports  106 A,  106 B at slots  108  provided in the vertical supports  106 A,  106 B of stand  100 . It can also be seen from bin  200 C, for example, that the indented portions  204 A,  204 B fit around and partially enclose the vertical supports  106 A,  106 B. Provision of hook fasteners  124  within the indented portions  204 A,  204 B at the rear of each bin  200  permit the bins  200  to preferably fit together “back-to-back” with their respective rear surfaces  202  adjacent each other. 
         [0056]    Turning now to  FIG. 9 , the array of bins  10  is shown in a top view, in which the stand  100  supports bin  200 A on one side of the stand  100 , and supports bin  200 F on an opposite side of the stand  100 . Base  102 , represented by dashed lines, is obscured from view by the bins  200 A,  200 F. Handle  114  is shown above the bins  200 A,  200 F, in an intermediate position between a vertical position and horizontal position. Bin  200 A is shown mounted to stand  100  such that its indented portion  204 A is coupled to vertical support  106 B, and the indented portion  204 B of bin  200 A is coupled to vertical support  106 A. Bin  200 F is shown mounted to stand  100  such that its indented portion  204 A is coupled to vertical support  106 A, and the indented portion  204 B of bin  200 F is coupled to vertical support  106 B. The indented portions  204  of each of bins  200 A and  200 F each partially enclose or surround the respective vertical supports  106 A,  106 B to which the bins are mounted. Consequently, the rear surface  202 A of bin  200 A is positioned adjacent the rear surface  202 F of bin  200 F in “back-to-back” fashion. 
         [0057]    With reference now to  FIG. 8 , the rear surface  202  need not be indented as shown, but may instead be flat with hook connectors  124  extending rearward from the flat surface  202 . However, incorporating indented portions  204 , in which hook fasteners  204  are mounted, advantageously provides a substantially flat rear surface  202  thereby allowing the rear surface of each bin to rest on a tabletop, for example, without the hook connectors  124  being damaged or marring the surface of the tabletop. It will also be apparent that hooks could alternatively be secured to the vertical supports  106 A,  106 B by suitable means, and mating slots positioned on the rear surface of the bins  200 , to secure the bins to the vertical supports  106 A,  106 B. 
         [0058]    Turning now to  FIG. 10 , the handle  114  of stand  100  is shown pivoted to a folded, horizontal position, so that any of the bins  200  and contents of the bins  200 , such as papers or crafting materials, may be placed temporarily on the handle  114 . The handle  114  is preferably flattened on each side to provide an even surface for temporary support. 
         [0059]    As described above, an embodiment of the array of bins  10  may provide the following features. The stand  100  may provide openings or slots  108  arranged vertically so the location of the bins  200  may be adjusted to a desired height. The attachable bins  200 , or mounting brackets  300  described hereinafter, may be angled upwardly to accessibly hold contents therein. The attachable bins  200  may be open-ended and outward facing for easy access to the contents therein. The attachable bins  200  may be provided in a variety of dimensions depending upon such things as whether any papers to be contained therein are letter sized or legal sized, the thickness of a stack of papers from the top to the bottom of the stack, or the size of scrap booking supplies or other materials to be contained therein. The handle  114  may be used to provide portability so that a home user can quickly move the array of bins  10  into a closet and obtain the look of a tidy study, or an office user can quickly move the array of bins  10  to a less-conspicuous area or storage space to obtain a tidier looking office, or a user can easily work in another room of the house, if a home user, or another office area, if an office user. 
         [0060]    Extendable and retractable slide mechanisms  120  supporting wheels  118  have been shown in extended positions. In an embodiment, a spring-loaded mechanism can be provided within the base for causing the wheels or casters to extend when desired. For example, the spring-loaded mechanism can be configured to release and extend the casters in response to a user pressing down on the stand. In an embodiment, the spring-loaded mechanism can be provided with a further mechanism for retracting the casters and retaining the extendable casters within the perimeter of the base. For example, a lever can be provided to retract the casters, compress the spring, and latch the spring-loaded mechanism for later release. In another embodiment, a spring-loaded mechanism may be configured to extend retractable wheels or casters downwardly in response to a user pressing down on the base  102  at one or more locations on the base. In an embodiment, spring-release actuators, or buttons, may be provided to release the springs and permit the wheels or casters to extend. An exemplary spring-loaded mechanism is described below with reference to  FIGS. 11A-12B . 
         [0061]    Turning now to  FIG. 11A , the base  102  is shown from below, wherein retractable slide mechanisms  120  support wheels  118 . Slide mechanisms  120  may comprise a fixed portion  121  and a sliding portion  123  ( FIG. 12A ), slideably coupled together using a dovetail and slot configuration similar to that found in a typical drawer slide. Slide mechanisms  120  may further comprise mounting flanges  127  formed in the fixed portion  121 , and may be secured to the underside of base  120  using screws or other mechanical fasteners  129 , each passing through an aperture provided in the mounting flange  127  and securing to the underside of base  102 . Each retractable slide mechanism  120  may be coupled to a compressible spring  130  or other resilient member disposed between an inboard end of the retractable slide mechanism  120  and a central hub  132 . The action of the compressed spring  130  urges the retractable slide mechanism  120  outwards away from the central hub  132 . Each retractable slide mechanism  120  may further be coupled to at least one latch  134 , each latch  134  having a first end  136  and a second end  138 . The first end  136  of latch  134  may couple to the retractable slide mechanism  120  to restrain the mechanism from sliding. The latch  134  may be pivotably mounted to the underside of the base  102  and secured to base  102  using suitable mechanical fasteners. An actuator  140  may be provided to release one or more of the latches  134  and may, for example, be coupled to a linkage  142  and be configured to move towards the central hub  132  upon actuation, thereby coming into contact with and pressing upon the second end  138  of the latches  134 . Upon actuation, the latches  134  pivot about their central mounting provisions, and release the retractable slide mechanisms  120  by disengaging the first end  136  of each latch  134  from the retractable slide mechanisms  120 . The action of springs  130  cause the retractable slide mechanisms  120  to extend wheels  118  beyond the perimeter of base  102  upon actuation of the actuator  140 . 
         [0062]    Turning now to  FIG. 11B , actuator  140  is shown moved towards central hub  132 , pressing upon the second ends  138  of latches  134  such that first ends  136  of latches  134  disengaged retractable slide mechanisms  120 . With the latches  134  pivoted to their released positions, springs  130  urge the retractable slide mechanisms  120  outwards away from the central hub  132  and thereby extend wheels  118  beyond the perimeter of base  102 . 
         [0063]    Turning now to  FIG. 12A , the base  102  is shown in cross section, illustrating a spring-loaded mechanism within the base  102 . Swivel  116  can be provided with a depressible member  144  disposed through the middle of swivel  116  and mechanically coupled to the second horizontal support  112 . The depressible member  144  is configured to be pressed down into the base  102  by pressure applied to the handle  114  ( FIG. 10 ) or otherwise applied evenly to the frame  104  ( FIG. 10 ). A linkage  142  may comprise at least one wire coupled at a first end thereof to the depressible member  144 , wherein the wire may be routed over one or more pulleys or bearing surfaces, and coupled at a second end thereof to the actuator  140  as shown in  FIGS. 11A ,  11 B. As shown in  FIG. 12B , pressing down on the depressible member  144  applies tension to the wires, causing the actuators  140  to be drawn towards the central hub  132 , thereby coming into contact with and pressing upon the second end  138  of the latches  134  and releasing the retractable slide mechanisms  120  as described above. 
         [0064]    Alternatively, as shown in  FIGS. 20A-20B , the slide mechanisms  120  can be mounted at an angle, inclined upward towards the center of base  102  and inclined downward toward the perimeter of base  102  so that, with modifications to the base  102 , the base  102  can sit directly upon an underlying surface when the slide mechanisms are retracted. When latches  134  are pivoted to their released positions in this alternate arrangement, springs  130  can urge the slide mechanisms  120  outwards and downwards to extend wheels  118  into contact with the underlying surface and raise the base  102  up from the underlying surface. 
         [0065]    Turning now to  FIGS. 13-14 , an alternative embodiment stand  100 ′ comprises a base  102 ′ and a frame  104 ′, in which the frame  104 ′ comprises vertical support members  106 C and  106 D, each vertical support member  106 C and  106 D having slots  108  configured as side-by-side pairs of slots arranged one above the other. The horizontal spacing of side-by-side pairs of slots  108  preferably conforms to spacing of corresponding double-hook mounting features, which may be provided on certain alternative variants of the bins  200 , or which may be provided on other mounting brackets for supporting various containers upon stand  100 ′. 
         [0066]    Turning now to  FIG. 15 , a mounting bracket  300  comprises a vertical portion  302  supporting two pairs of hook connectors  304 , a horizontal portion  306 , and an angled portion  308 . The hook connectors  304  are preferably configured as two side-by-side pairs of hooks arranged one above the other, in which the horizontal and vertical spacing of the hooks  304  conform to the spacing of the slots  108  formed in vertical support members  106 C and  106 D ( FIGS. 13-14 ). Extending from vertical portion  302 , the horizontal portion  306  supports a corner  310  of angled portion  308 . Mounting brackets  300  may be made with angled portion  308  set at different, fixed angles, and/or adjustable angles, and are interchangeable with mounting brackets  300  made at different angles. The angled portion  308  is preferably configured to support one end of a container, such as a typical cardboard bankers&#39; box or other similar container, on a supporting surface  312 . Mounting brackets  300  are preferably provided as pairs of mirror-image brackets  300 A,  300 B. Each bracket of the pair, bracket  300 A and bracket  300 B, may have a flange  314  rising up from one edge of a supporting surface  312 . As shown in  FIG. 15 , mounting bracket  300 A may be a “left-handed” bracket and mounting bracket  300 B may be a “right-handed” bracket. The pair of mirror-image mounting brackets  300 A and  300 B may be mounted to the stand  100 ′ with left-handed bracket  300 B mounted to vertical support member  106 C and right-handed bracket  300 A mounted to vertical support member  106 D, as shown in  FIG. 16 . 
         [0067]    Turning now to  FIG. 17 , mounting brackets  300  may be mounted to the frame  104 ′ of stand  100 ′ to support additional containers such as a typical cardboard or plastic box  350 , or a typical cardboard or plastic banker&#39;s box  360 . The box  350 , or banker&#39;s box  360 , preferably rests in a pair of brackets  300 A,  300 B such that corner edges of what would normally be the bottom and the rear of the box  350 , or  360 , lie in the angled portion of bracket  300 . In such an orientation, the contents of the box  350 , or  360 , are readily accessible through an opening in the front and top of the box  350 , or  360 . 
         [0068]    Turning now to  FIG. 18 , right-handed mounting brackets  300 A can be mounted to frame  104 ′ at vertical support  106 D, along the right-hand side of the frame  104 ′ and left-handed mounting brackets  300 B can be mounted to frame  104 ′ at vertical support  106 C, along the left-hand side of the frame  104 ′. Mounting brackets  300  can be mounted anywhere along the frame  104 ′ as desired to provide adequate clearance for boxes  350 ,  360 , and bins  200 . Mounting brackets  300  are shown mounted on one side of frame  104 ′, and may also be mounted on an opposite side of the frame  104 ′, as shown in  FIG. 17 . Turning now to  FIG. 19 , a banker&#39;s box  350  rests in a first pair of mounting brackets  301  installed upon frame  104 ′ of the stand  100 ′. A banker&#39;s box  360  rests in a second pair of mounting brackets  302  installed upon frame  104 ′ of the stand  100 ′. Note that mounting brackets  301 A,  302 A are hidden behind boxes  350  and  360  in the view of  FIG. 19 . 
         [0069]    Turning now to  FIG. 21 , an alternative embodiment stand  100 ″ comprises a base  102 ″ and a frame  104 ″, in which the frame  104 ″ comprises vertical support members  106 E and  106 F, and horizontal support members  110 ″ and  112 ″. Each vertical support member  106 E and  106 F may have slots  108  configured as side-by-side pairs of slots arranged one above the other. Alternatively, the vertical supports  106 E and  106 F may have slots  108  configured as a single column of individual slots  108  arranged one above the other. More particularly, however, the vertical supports  106 E and  106 F are configured to slide along the horizontal support members  110 ″ and  112 ″ so that the width W of the stand  100 ″ can be adjusted. In an embodiment, a central support rod  128  may be coupled to the base  102 ″ at the center of the base  102 ″, and may optionally be pivotably coupled to the base  102 ″ at swivel  116 . The lower horizontal support member  112 ″ may be coupled to the stand  102 ″ and secured by installation of the central support rod  128 , which may be coupled to the base  102 ″ by any suitable coupling means, such as by use of threaded couplings. The upper horizontal support member  110 ″ may be coupled to the central support rod  128  at a top end thereof, and secured to the central support rod by installation of the vertical extension  117 , which may be coupled to the top end of central support rod  128  by any suitable coupling means, such as by use of threaded couplings. Horizontal support members  110 ″ and  112 ″ may be rigid bars having either a rectangular cross-section, a circular cross-section, or some other suitably shaped cross-section. 
         [0070]    The vertical supports  106 E and  106 F may each have an upper horizontal channel member  131  and a lower horizontal channel member  133  affixed to the top and bottom ends, respectively, of each vertical support  106 E and  106 F. Horizontal channel members  131  and  133  may be rigid, hollow channels having either a rectangular cross-section, a circular cross-section, or some other suitably shaped cross-section, and may be permanently affixed to the vertical support members  106 E and  106 F by welding, brazing, or other suitable means. Preferably, the cross-sectional configuration of the horizontal channel members  131  and  133  match the cross-sectional configuration of horizontal support members  110 ″ and  112 ″, such that the horizontal channel members  131  and  133  may slide over the ends of horizontal support members  110 ″ and  112 ″. In operation, the vertical supports  106 E and  106 F may slide from side-to-side to adjust the width of the frame  104 ″ for receiving bins or boxes of differing widths. 
         [0071]    Turning now to  FIG. 22 , an adjustable mounting bracket  320  may have a vertical portion  302 ′ supporting two pairs of hooks  304 ′, a horizontal portion  306 ′, and an angled portion  308 ′. The hooks  304 ′ are preferably configured as two side-by-side pairs of hooks arranged one above the other, in which the horizontal and vertical spacing of the hooks  304 ′ conform to the spacing of the slots  108  formed in vertical support members  106 C and  106 D ( FIGS. 13-14 ). Extending from vertical portion  302 ′, the horizontal portion  306 ′ supports a corner  310 ′ of angled portion  308 ′. A horizontal bracket support member  322  may be affixed to angled portion  308 ′ for supporting one or more box support brackets  324 A and  324 B. Each box support bracket  324 A and  324 B may have a flange  314 ′ rising up from one edge of a supporting surface  312 ′. As shown in  FIG. 22 , box support bracket  324 A may be a “left-handed” support bracket, and box support bracket  324 B may be a “right-handed” support bracket. Each box support bracket  324 A and  324 B may be supported on bracket support member  322  via a channel formed in a rear portion  326  of supporting surface  312 ′. The adjustable mounting bracket  320  may be mounted to stand  100 ′, or stand  100 ″, and the box support brackets  324 A and  324 B adjusted along horizontal bracket support member  322  for receiving a banker&#39;s box or a magazine box or other box having a particular width. 
         [0072]    Turning now to  FIG. 23 , and according to another aspect of the invention, a stand  400  may have a base  402  and a vertical support  404 , the vertical support  404  being an elongated member having a number of rectangular apertures or slots  408  formed therein for supporting one or more removable mounting brackets  320 . The slots  408  may be a single or double column of apertures formed in surfaces of vertical support  404 , and may be spaced apart vertically at regular intervals. A handle  406  may be provided at the top of the vertical support  404 . A first mounting bracket  320 A may be mounted near the top of vertical support  404 . A second mounting bracket  320 B may be mounted below the first mounting bracket  320 A on the vertical support  404 . Third, fourth, and fifth mounting brackets  320 C,  320 D and  320 E, respectively, may be mounted below the second mounting bracket  320 B on the vertical support  404 . Mounting brackets  320 A- 320 E may be adjustable in certain embodiments, in which first mounting bracket  320 A may be adjusted to its minimum width, fifth mounting bracket  320 E may be adjusted to its full width, and fourth mounting bracket  320 D may be adjusted to an intermediate width. The stand  400  supports one or more removable mounting brackets, some of which may be adjustable in width, for supporting one or more storage boxes configured as magazine boxes, banker&#39;s boxes, or some other similar type of storage box. 
         [0073]    Turning now to  FIG. 24 , stand  400  is shown supporting, for example, a magazine box  420  supported by mounting bracket  320 C, a banker&#39;s box  422  supported by mounting bracket  320 E, and another storage box  424  supported by mounting bracket  320 D. It will be appreciated that mounting brackets  320  may be arranged upon stand  400  in any desired configuration, and that adjustable mounting brackets  320  may be adjusted as desired for holding storage boxes of different sizes. 
         [0074]    Finally turning to  FIGS. 25 ,  26  and  27 , they show a base support  500 , a receiver support  510 , fixed location receivers  512 ,  514 ,  516 ,  518 ,  520  and  522  attached to receiver support  510 , with each receiver projecting upwardly and outwardly terminating to define an opening  524  for storage of files or the like. At the top of receiver support  510  is handle  528 . 
         [0075]    Having thus described the present invention by reference to certain of its embodiments, it is noted that the embodiments disclosed are illustrative rather than limiting in nature and that a wide range of variations, modifications, changes, and substitutions are contemplated in the foregoing disclosure and, in some instances, some features of the present invention may be employed without a corresponding use of the other features. Many such variations and modifications may be considered desirable by those skilled in the art based upon a review of the foregoing description of preferred embodiments. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the invention. 
         [0076]    The abstract of the disclosure is provided for the sole reason of complying with the rules requiring an abstract, which will allow a searcher to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure of any patent issued from this disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 
         [0077]    Any advantages and benefits described may not apply to all embodiments of the invention. When the word “means” is recited in a claim element, Applicant intends for the claim element to fall under 35 USC 112, paragraph 6. Often a label of one or more words precedes the word “means”. The word or words preceding the word “means” is a label intended to ease referencing of claims elements and is not intended to convey a structural limitation. Such means-plus-function claims are intended to cover not only the structures described herein for performing the function and their structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures. For example, although a nail and a screw have different structures, they are equivalent structures since they both perform the function of fastening. Claims that do not use the word means are not intended to fall under 35 USC 112, paragraph 6. 
         [0078]    The foregoing description of the embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many combinations, modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. For instance, in certain embodiments, each of the above described components and features may be individually or sequentially combined with other components or features and still be within the scope of the present invention. Undescribed embodiments which have interchanged components are still within the scope of the present invention. It is intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by the claims.