Abstract:
An article organizer for storing, organizing, and displaying jewelry and similar articles, comprising a shaft and a plurality of storage units mounted around the shaft, which storage units may be individually rotatable. Each storage unit may be a display assembly, a shelf, or a tray assembly. Each display assembly comprises a display hub and one or more spokes that extend from the hub. Necklaces, bracelets, chains and other elongated jewelry may be suspended from the spokes so as to display these jewelry items and prevent them from becoming entangled or knotted. To further reduce the tendency for two pieces of jewelry to become entangled, a spoke may have periodic, random, or other non-monotonic upward and downward bends. A tray assembly comprises one or more levels, with the top level comprising a tray or drawers, and each remaining level comprising drawers.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to organizers and displays for jewelry and similar articles. More particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus for storing, organizing, and displaying jewelry and the like. Although the invention is ideally suited for use with jewelry, it may also be used to store, organize, and/or display other similar objects such as watches, ties, keys, kitchen implements, etc. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention may be used in the home or a similar setting to provide an improved method and apparatus for storing, organizing, and displaying articles. Necklaces, bracelets, chains, and other elongated articles may be suspended from the spokes of the rotatable tiers to prevent these articles from tangling or becoming knotted. Other articles such as rings, pins, pendants, earrings, watches, and the like, that are not easily suspended, or that the user prefers not to store and display in such a manner, may be stored in a compartment or drawer of a lower level tier. Thus, the present invention stores, organizes, and displays multiple types of articles of varying sizes in one easily accessible and space saving location. 
   The following references, which are discussed below, were found to relate to the field of article storage and display: Hayes U.S. Pat. No. 4,121,720 (“Hayes”), Trautlein et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,390,099 (“Trautlein”), Nava U.S. Pat. No. 4,936,466 (“Nava”), Shih U.S. Pat. No. 5,168,985 (“Shih”), Moss U.S. Pat. No. 5,692,601 (“Moss”), Pomper U.S. Pat. No. 5,848,710 (“Pomper”), and Idelberger U.S. Pat. No. 6,095,346 (“Idelberger”). 
   Hayes discusses an apparatus for displaying jewelry that includes a plurality of vertically spaced and horizontally disposed display rings retained in a concentric orientation by a center support rod and a plurality of connecting members extending between adjacent rings. At least one of the rings has a plurality of outwardly protruding fingers adapted to support ring-type jewelry while other of the display rings include hook means for supporting bracelets, necklaces and the like and openings therethrough for receiving earrings. 
   Trautlein discusses a display stand for holding jewelry or similar articles including a circular display member having one or more separations through which articles may be slid to position the articles on the display member. Sleeves are mounted slidably on and arced identically to the display member such that the sleeve slides between an open and closed position with respect to the separations. A user may slide the sleeve between locked and unlocked positions with respect to the separation such that articles suspended on the separation may not be removed when the sleeve is closed, but may be removed when the sleeve is open. 
   Nava discusses a holder for jewelry items and watches that includes illumination and an upwardly mounted support member for storing and displaying these items. A base with a flat surface is provided for both structural integrity and to house the batteries and/or wires that provide the electrical energy to the holder&#39;s illuminating device. A horizontal support member includes bends to allow watches or other similar items to be positioned thereon. Also, a hook member is rigidly mounted to the underside of the horizontal member such that other jewelry items can be suspended from it. Furthermore, one or more frustoconical members are rigidly mounted to the vertical support members for holding rings and other similar items. 
   Shih discusses a jewel box including, inter alia, a base, an enclosure, a hanger, and a cover. The hanger and cover are affixed to a telescopic tube such that removing the cover from a corresponding aperture in the enclosure in an upward motion with respect to the base causes jewelry suspended on the hanger to be removed from the enclosure for access by the user. When the cover is replaced in the enclosure aperture, jewelry suspended on the hanger re-enters the enclosure and is protected from environmental particles such as dirt, moisture, etc. 
   Moss discusses a storage container for elongated pieces of jewelry. The storage container includes a base having a cover and rigid jewelry support rods attached to the upwardly facing surface of the base. The cover may be removed from the base to display jewelry hanging on the support rods. Moreover, the cover may be rotated with respect to the base, and a closeable opening in the cover allows access to elongated pieces of jewelry stored on the distal ends of the jewelry support rods without removing the cover from the base. 
   Pomper discusses a merchandise display stand having a vertical post assembly mounted on a horizontal base, spokes mounted on the upper end of the vertical post assembly upon which merchandise may be hung, and a separate continuous ring. The spokes and the ring move relative to each other between a first position in which the ring abuts with the ends of the spokes such that merchandise may not be freely removed from the spokes and a second position in which space exists between the ring and one or more of the spokes such that the merchandise may be freely removed from the spoke. 
   Idelberger discusses a combination display and donning facilitator for use with a bracelet having interlocking ends. The combination includes a base that rests on a horizontal surface, a post that extends upwardly from the base, and an arm that extends across the post parallel to the base. The arm includes an alligator clip that releasably grasps an end of a bracelet to facilitate donning of the bracelet. After the bracelet is donned on the user, it may be released from the alligator clip. 
   As illustrated above, the prior art is completely devoid of methods and apparatus for organizing, storing, and displaying articles that include one or more stationary or rotatable tiers for both suspending and storing articles within one or more compartments or drawers. 
   In addition, the prior art does not contain methods and apparatus for organizing, storing, and displaying articles that includes one or more stationary or rotatable tiers for both suspending and storing articles within one or more compartments or drawers, wherein the tiers have vertically adjustable heights. 
   Further, the prior art fails to disclose methods and apparatus for organizing, storing, and displaying articles that includes spokes having a plurality of bends that prevent articles stored on the spoke from sliding toward and entangling with adjacent articles. 
   Moreover, the prior art fails to disclose methods and apparatus for organizing, storing, and displaying articles that includes drawers configured to minimize the outer diameter, or the width and length, of the storage device. 
   Thus, in light of the prior art discussed herein, there is a clear need for a method and apparatus for storing, organizing and displaying articles that combines all of the aforementioned features to allow multiple types of articles to be stored and displayed in one easily accessible and space saving location. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for storing, organizing, and displaying articles such as jewelry in a space saving manner. Also, the present invention allows a user to choose different methods of storage for different types of articles. The present invention is further designed to prevent elongated jewelry from becoming entangled or knotted, and to provide different types of storage to accommodate different types of articles. Furthermore, the present invention provides ease of access and display to facilitate selection and retrieval of stored articles. 
   The present invention comprises a shaft and one or more stationary or individually rotatable tiers coupled to the shaft at varying vertical heights. Each tier intended for suspension of articles comprises a hub and one or more spokes that extend radially from the hub. A proximal end of each spoke is attached to the hub, and the height at which the hub is coupled to the shaft is adjustable by the user. Necklaces, bracelets, chains, and other elongated articles may be suspended from the spokes to display the articles and store them in a manner that prevents them from becoming entangled or knotted. Optionally, to minimize the tendency for two adjacent articles to slide into one another and become entangled, one or more of the spokes may be shaped in a jagged configuration to provide a plurality of periodic, random, or otherwise alternating upward and downward bends. In addition, the distal ends of the spokes may be bent upwards to reduce the tendency for jewelry to slide off the distal end of the spokes during movement of the article organizer. 
   Each tier having compartments or drawers includes one or more vertically stacked levels supported by a platform. The top level may include trays, drawers, or some combination of the two. Each tray may comprise one or more compartments, and the individual compartments may either be open to the environment or may have a lid. The lower levels of the tray assembly (i.e., all levels other than the top level) comprise drawers. A drawer may be hinged to the frame of the tray assembly such that the drawer may be completely removed from the inside of the frame yet remain supported. Alternatively, a drawer may slide in and out of the frame of the tray assembly. By rotating the tray assembly around the shaft and/or by swinging the drawer on the hinge, the drawer may be placed in various positions to facilitate access to the drawer&#39;s contents. Furthermore, the article organizer may be supported by horizontal, lateral, or overhead surfaces. 
   Unlike the present invention as summarized above, traditional approaches to storing, organizing and displaying jewelry have created many problems including inefficient use of space, a tendency for jewelry to be entangled or knotted, an inability to effectively store the full panoply of jewelry types owned by most jewelry users, and a lack of convenient access for locating, selecting and storing jewelry. 
   One object of the present invention is to provide an improved method and apparatus for storing, organizing and displaying jewelry articles. Another object of this invention is to provide a method and apparatus for storing, organizing and displaying jewelry so as to keep necklaces, bracelets and other elongated jewelry from tangling and becoming knotted, while at the same time storing other types of jewelry such as rings, pins, pendants, earrings, watches and the like. It is also an object of this invention to provide a method and apparatus for storing, organizing and displaying jewelry that is convenient and easy to use. Furthermore, it is an object of this invention to provide a method and apparatus for storing, organizing and displaying jewelry in one easily accessible and space saving location. Moreover, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for storing, organizing and displaying jewelry that is simple in construction, aesthetically appealing and relatively inexpensive to manufacture. 
   Other objects, features, and characteristics of the present invention, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the related elements of the structure, and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     A further understanding of the present invention can be obtained by reference to a preferred embodiment set forth in the illustrations of the accompanying drawings. Although the illustrated embodiment is merely exemplary of systems for carrying out the present invention, both the organization and method of operation of the invention, in general, together with further objectives and advantages thereof, may be more easily understood by reference to the drawings and the following description. The drawings are not intended to limit the scope of this invention, which is set forth with particularity in the claims as appended or as subsequently amended, but merely to clarify and exemplify the invention. 
     For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is now made to the following drawings in which: 
       FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of the article organizer in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention including, inter alia, a base, shaft, and three tiers. 
       FIG. 1B  is a perspective view of the top two tiers of the article organizer in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention in which one half of each of the top two tiers consists entirely of straight spokes and the remaining half of each of the two tiers consists entirely of jagged spokes. 
       FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of the article organizer shown in  FIG. 1A  in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention with the lowest tier removed to provide an unobstructed view of the base. 
       FIG. 2B  is an exploded view of the brace and the threaded end of the shaft of the article organizer shown in  FIG. 1A  in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the article organizer shown in  FIG. 1A  in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention with the base and compartments removed to provide an unobstructed view of the lower tier platform. 
       FIG. 4A  is a perspective view of the article organizer shown in  FIG. 1A  in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention with all three tiers removed to provide an unobstructed view of the shaft including shaft bores and stops. 
       FIG. 4B  is an exploded view of a bore and a stop of the article organizer shown in  FIG. 1A  in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 5  is an exploded view of a threaded connector and portions of two shaft segments in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention in which threaded connectors replace the shaft bores and stops. 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a tier of the article organizer in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention including, inter alia, multiple drawers attached via respective hinges and having indents to facilitate opening and closing of the respective drawer. 
       FIG. 7  is a top plan view of the tier shown in  FIG. 6  in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention illustrating upper compartments and lower drawers. One of the upper compartments is illustrated with a ring insert, and one of the lower drawers is illustrated in an open position. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   As required, a detailed illustrative embodiment of the present invention is disclosed herein. However, techniques, systems and operating structures in accordance with the present invention may be embodied in a wide variety of forms and modes, some of which may be quite different from those in the disclosed embodiment. Consequently, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely representative, yet in that regard, they are deemed to afford the best embodiment for purposes of disclosure and to provide a basis for the claims herein, which define the scope of the present invention. The following presents a detailed description of the preferred embodiment (as well as some alternative embodiments) of the present invention. 
   Referring first to  FIG. 1A , depicted is article organizer  110  in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Article organizer  110  includes, inter alia, base  112 , shaft  114 , lower, middle, and upper tiers  116 ,  118 , and  120 , respectively. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, shaft  114  is cylindrical and, when shaft  114  is in an upright position, has threaded shaft end  212  at its lower end and handle  122  at its upper end. Shaft  114  is coupled to base  112  by threading threaded shaft end  212  ( FIG. 2B ) into brace  210  ( FIGS. 2A ,  2 B), as discussed in greater detail below with respect to  FIGS. 2A and 2B . Shaft  114  extends vertically through central apertures of lower, middle, and upper tiers  116 ,  118 , and  120 , respectively. At is upper end, shaft  114  is curved to form handle  122 . Although shaft  114  of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is a single, primarily straight segment, other configurations are possible. For example, shaft  114  could branch such that each branch passes through one or more tiers (e.g., lower tier  116 , middle tier  118 , and upper tier  120 ). In this embodiment, the tiers are not vertically aligned. 
   The upper end of shaft  114  is curved such that handle  122  is formed. Handle  122  is circular having gap  124  at the point where the upper end of shaft  114  would intersect with a lower portion of shaft  114  if a complete circle were formed. Gap  124  allows article organizer  110  to be suspended by one or more suspension mechanisms (e.g., rope, clip, hook, etc.) by simply sliding gap  124  over the suspension mechanism. Alternatively, handle  122  may be used to facilitate transport of article organizer  110 . In alternate embodiments, shaft  114  is not curved at its upper end. Rather, an independent handle mechanism is attached to the upper end of shaft  114 . Or, in yet another alternate embodiment, handle  122  is simply omitted. 
   Still referring to  FIG. 1A , in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, upper tier  120  includes upper tier hub  126 , a plurality of straight upper tier spokes  128  alternating with a plurality of jagged upper tier spokes  130 , and a single upper tier concentric member  132 . The term “spoke” as used herein is defined as any element upon which an article may be hung and is not limited to those elements resembling a spoke of a wheel or that radiate from a central hub. Although the latter definition may be applied to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, alternate embodiments are envisioned in which the “spokes” are not radially configured. For example, the spokes may be configured to form a square or rectangle. 
   Upper tier hub  126  includes upper tier hub upper section  134  and upper tier hub lower section  136 . Upper tier hub upper section  134  is a relatively flat disc containing a centrally located aperture  138  through which shaft  114  passes. The proximal ends of each of straight and jagged upper tier spokes  128  and  130 , respectively, are affixed to upwardly facing surface  140  of upper tier hub upper section  134  such that they extend from upper tier hub  126  in a radial direction perpendicular to shaft  114 . Upper tier hub upper section  134  is affixed to the upwardly facing surface of upper tier hub lower section  136 , the latter of which is cylindrical and has an axial bore through its center that aligns with aperture  138  of upper tier hub upper section  134  such that shaft  114  is able to pass completely through upper tier hub  126 . 
   Although in the preferred embodiment of the present invention straight and jagged upper tier spokes  128  and  130 , respectively, extend perpendicularly to shaft  114 , alternate embodiments are envisioned in which they are attached at an angle other than 90 degrees. Moreover, although straight upper tier spokes  128  are primarily straight (i.e., with the exception of straight and jagged upper tier spoke distal ends  144  and  146 , respectively), they may also be created with an alternative design. For example, straight upper tier spokes  128  may be arced, wavy, spiral, sawtooth, sinusoidal, etc. for decorative or other reasons. Finally, albeit upper tier hub  126  of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is round, alternate shapes may be used without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, it may be shaped as a polygon, such as a square or octagon. 
   Furthermore, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, upper tier hub  126  is fitted around shaft  114  such that upper tier  120  sits atop stop  412  ( FIGS. 4A ,  4 B) and freely rotates about shaft  114 . Although upper tier  120  rotates with respect to shaft  114  in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, alternate embodiments are envisioned in which upper tier  120  is stationary with respect to shaft  114 . 
   Straight and jagged upper tier spokes  128  and  130 , respectively, allow articles, preferably elongated articles such as necklaces, bracelets, watches, etc. to be suspended to provide organization and display of these articles in a manner that prevents the articles from becoming knotted, damaged, or entangled with adjacent articles. Additionally, the display features of article organizer  110  allow organized articles to be easily located and retrieved. To accommodate this use, the preferred embodiment of the present invention includes straight and jagged upper tier spoke distal ends  144  and  146 , respectively, which are bent upwardly perpendicular to the respective straight or jagged upper tier spoke  128  or  130 , respectively, to allow articles to be organized and stored throughout their entire length while preventing articles stored toward straight and jagged upper tier spoke distal ends  144  and  146 , respectively, from inadvertently sliding off them during movement of article organizer  110 . 
   Similarly, jagged upper tier spoke  130  is designed to further minimize the sliding of a stored or organized article along jagged upper tier spoke  130  during movement of article organizer  110 . Sliding of stored or organized articles is undesirable due to the proclivity of these articles, especially necklaces, bracelets, and the like, to become entwined or tangled when stored adjacent to each other. Therefore, jagged upper tier spoke  130  is curved into upward and downward bends such that monotonic valleys are created into which articles may be placed for suspension on jagged upper tier spoke  130 . The upward bends on either side of each valley impede movement of an article along the length of jagged upper tier spoke  130 . 
   Although  FIG. 1A  depicts alternating jagged upper tier spokes  130  and straight upper tier spokes  128 , article organizer  110  may be created with any combination and/or quantity of jagged and straight upper tier spokes  130  and  128 , respectively, without departing from the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, although jagged upper tier spoke  130  of the preferred embodiment of the present invention contains monotonic valleys, alternate embodiments are envisioned containing periodic or random, non-monotonic valleys. Similarly, although jagged upper tier spoke  130  of the preferred embodiment of the present invention contains arced valleys, alternate embodiments are envisioned in which non-arced valleys perform the same function as the arced valleys. For example, the valleys could be square and formed from sawtooth bends. 
   Upper tier concentric member  132  is mounted beneath and affixed individually to each of straight and jagged upper tier spokes  128  and  130 , respectively, at their respective midpoints to provide structural support and rigidity and to increase the weight-bearing capacity of the proximal ends of the straight and jagged upper tier spokes  128  and  130 , respectively. Although upper tier concentric member  132  is provided primarily for structural support for upper tier  120 , it also provides an additional element upon which articles may be hung. 
   Although upper tier concentric member  132  is included in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, alternate embodiments of the present invention exist in which upper tier concentric member  132  is not included (i.e., upper tier  120  includes only upper tier hub  126  and some combination of straight upper tier spokes  128  and jagged upper tier spokes  130 ) or wherein a plurality of upper tier concentric members  132  are included to provide greater strength, additional elements upon which articles may be hung, aesthetic appeal, etc. 
   Similar to upper tier  120 , middle tier  118  includes middle tier hub  148 , a plurality of alternating straight middle tier spokes  150  and jagged middle tier spokes  142 , and a single middle tier concentric member  152 . In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, middle tier hub  148  is identical to upper tier hub  126 , and is configured as described above with respect to upper tier hub  126 . Also, straight and jagged middle tier spokes  150  and  142 , respectively, and middle tier concentric member  152  are identical to straight and jagged upper tier spokes  128  and  130 , respectively, and upper tier concentric member  132  with one exception: the length of straight and jagged middle tier spokes  150  and  142 , respectively, and the diameter of middle tier concentric member  152  are less than the respective components of upper tier  120 . This spatial relationship is designed intentionally to allow shorter articles to be hung on middle tier  118  in close proximity to shaft  114 , and to allow longer articles to be hung on upper tier  120  at a farther distance from shaft  114  such that the longer articles suspended from upper tier  120  hang around the perimeter of middle tier  118  and, therefore, do not touch or tangle with other article handing on middle tier  118  when article organizer  110  is in an upright position. 
   The configuration of middle tier  118  has not been discussed in detail because it is identical to upper tier  120 . However, it should be noted that all of the alternate embodiments discussed herein with respect to upper tier  120  also apply to the respective elements of middle tier  118 . 
   In accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention, middle tier  118  has a larger diameter than upper tier  120 . In this alternate embodiment, article organizer  110  will typically have a longer shaft  114 , thereby increasing the overall height of article organizer  110 , to allow longer articles to be hung from upper tier  120  such that the articles do not hang around the perimeter of middle tier  118 . In other words, upper tier  120  is located at a higher level on a longer shaft  114  to allow longer articles to be hung on upper tier  120  without the bottom of such articles reaching the point at which middle tier  118  is affixed to shaft  114 . In this embodiment, shorter articles are hung on middle tier  118  and may be accessed without moving articles hanging from upper tier  120  about the perimeter of the lower articles. In yet another alternate embodiment, middle tier  118  is located at a height higher than upper tier  120  on vertical shaft  114 . 
   Lower tier  116  comprises platform  154 , compartments  156 , and lower tier hub  158 , wherein compartments  156  sit atop and are individually affixed to platform  154 , which rests upon lower tier hub  158 , as discussed in greater detail below with respect to  FIG. 3 . 
   Compartments  156  of the preferred embodiment of the present invention are square and situated in an equidistant manner around the perimeter of platform  154 . Each compartment  156  has a dedicated cover  160  foldably attached to compartment  156 , as depicted in  FIG. 1A . The size of compartment  156  varies, however, in the preferred embodiment, each compartment  156  is three inches wide, three inches long, and 1.5 inches high. 
   Cover  160 , in its closed position, prevents dust and other contaminants from entering compartment  156 , thereby keeping the contents of compartment  156  clean and dust-free. Furthermore, cover  160  provides privacy with respect to the contents of compartment  156 . Although cover  160  is foldably connected to its respective compartment  156 , alternate embodiments are envisioned in which cover  160  is connected to its respective compartment  156  via one or more hinges, bindings, etc. 
   Furthermore, in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the face of each compartment  156  contains holder  162  into which labels may be inserted to identify characteristics of the box (e.g., contents, user, etc.). However, alternate embodiments are envisioned in which compartments  156  do not have holders  162 , or only a portion of compartments  156  included holders  162 . 
   The individual components of lower tier  116 , middle tier  118  and upper tier  120 , as well as shaft  114 , may be manufactured using any one of a variety of commercially available materials known in the art including, but not limited to, metal, wood, and plastic. 
   Although article organizer  110  is illustrated with three tiers (i.e., lower tier  116 , middle tier  118 , and upper tier  120 ), alternate embodiments of the present invention are envisioned having a single tier, equal diameter middle and upper tiers  118  and  120 , respectively, a greater quantity of tiers wherein the tiers have identical or varying diameters, and/or tiers having varying compositions. More specifically, each of the additional tiers would be affixed to shaft  114  in the same manner described herein for the original lower tier  116 , middle tier  118 , or upper tier  120 , however, the additional tier(s) would be affixed to shaft  114  at varying vertical heights. The height of shaft  114  can also be increased to accommodate a larger quantity of tiers. Furthermore, as described above with respect to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, each of these elements may be attached to shaft  114  in a stationary or rotatable manner. 
   Turning now to  FIG. 1B , depicted is an alternate embodiment for upper and middle tiers  120  and  118 , respectively. In this alternate embodiment, one half of upper tier  120  consists entirely of straight upper tier spokes  128  and the remaining half of upper tier  120  consists entirely of jagged upper tier spokes  130  (i.e., straight and jagged upper tier spokes  128  and  130 , respectively, do not alternate). Similarly, one half of middle tier  118  consists entirely of straight middle tier spokes  150  and the remaining half of middle tier  118  consists entirely of jagged middle tier spokes  142  (i.e., straight and jagged middle tier spokes  150  and  142 , respectively, do not alternate). 
   Referring next to  FIG. 2A , in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, depicted is an unobstructed view of base  112  and brace  210 , the latter of which is affixed to the center of base  112  using screws, bolts, or any other appropriate attachment means known in the art. However, alternate embodiments are envisioned in which base  112  attaches to shaft  114  via a swivel to allow both base  112  and shaft  114  to pivot freely. 
   Preferably, base  112  is manufactured of a heavy wood, such as oak. However, other types of sturdy and heavy materials (e.g., steel, titanium, plastic, etc.) are also suitable. Base  112  is designed to be heavy with respect to the other components of article organizer  110  ( FIG. 1A ) primarily to provide stability, although greater durability and strength are also achieved. 
   Furthermore, incorporating a circular base  112  having a larger diameter than any of the tiers affixed to shaft  114  (i.e., lower tier  116  ( FIG. 1A ), middle tier  118 , and upper tier  120 ) increases the stability of article organizer  110  ( FIG. 1A ). The design of base  112  is intended to prevent article organizer  110  ( FIG. 1A ) from tipping over during normal use. Although base  112  is circular, alternate embodiments may include a non-circular base  112 . For example, base  112  may also be square, or may be equipped with legs. 
   As depicted in greater detail in  FIG. 2B , brace  210  of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is threaded on its upper end to allow threaded shaft end  212  to be threaded into brace  210 . The threading of these components allows a user to connect and disconnect base  112  ( FIG. 2A ) via brace  210  at will, thereby, allowing the user to add or remove tiers to article organizer  110  ( FIG. 1A ) on an as needed basis. That is, to increase the quantity of tiers, a user simply removes shaft  114  from brace  210  and inserts shaft  114  through each additional tier. One stop  412  ( FIG. 4 ) per tier is then inserted in the shaft bore  410  ( FIG. 4 ) below the desired height of the additional tier. The tier is then rested atop stop  412  ( FIG. 4 ). Similarly, tiers may be removed by unthreading shaft  114  from brace  210 , removing the stop  412  ( FIG. 4 ) associated with the tier to be removed from its shaft bore  410  ( FIG. 4 ), and simply sliding the tier to be removed until it no longer surrounds shaft  114 . In addition, the method of adding and removing tiers discussed above can be combined to rearrange the positions of tiers already mounted on shaft  114 . 
   Referring back to  FIG. 2A , although the preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a base  112  and brace  210 , alternate embodiments are envisioned in which threaded shaft end  212  threads directly into base  112  in either a rotatable or stationary manner, and brace  210  is not required. Moreover, base  112  and shaft  114  could be formed as a single unitized piece. In this scenario, handle  122  could be removed to allow additional tiers to be added to shaft  114  over the top of shaft  114 . Finally, base  112  could be omitted entirely, using handle  122  to affix or suspended article organizer  110  ( FIG. 1A ) from an overhead or lateral surface. 
   Turning now to  FIG. 3 , platform  154  includes lower tier hub  158 , outer platform concentric member  310 , inner platform concentric member  312 , and a plurality of platform spokes  314 . For ease of manufacturing, lower tier hub  158  is identical to upper tier hub  126  and middle tier hub  148 . Similar to straight and jagged upper tier spokes  128  and  130 , respectively, the proximal ends of each of platform spokes  314  are affixed to upwardly facing surface  316  of lower tier hub  158  such that each of platform spokes  314  emanates from lower tier hub  158  in a radial direction perpendicular to shaft  114 . 
   Furthermore, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, lower tier hub  158  is fitted around shaft  114  such that lower tier hub  158 , and consequently all of lower tier  116  ( FIG. 1A ), sits atop lower tier stop  318  and freely rotates about shaft  114 . Although in the preferred embodiment of the present invention lower tier  116  ( FIG. 1A ) rotates with respect to shaft  114 , alternate embodiments are envisioned in which lower tier  116  ( FIG. 1A ) is stationary with respect to shaft  114 . 
   Outer and inner platform concentric members  310  and  312 , respectively, are mounted above and affixed individually to each of platform spokes  314  as illustrated in  FIG. 3 . More specifically, outer platform concentric member  310  is affixed at the distal ends of each of platform spokes  314 , and inner platform concentric member  312  is affixed to each platform spoke  314  at a distance approximately one-third of the length of platform spoke  314  from its distal end. Outer and inner platform concentric members  310  and  312 , respectively, provide structural support and rigidity, and increase the weight-bearing capacity of platform  154 . Although outer and inner platform concentric members  310  and  312 , respectively, are provided primarily for structural support for platform  154 , they also provide additional elements upon which articles may be placed. 
   Compartments  156  ( FIG. 1A ) sit atop and are individually attached to platform  154 . More specifically, each compartment  156  ( FIG. 1A ) sits upon and is affixed to a respective platform spoke  314 , as well as both outer and inner platform concentric members  310  and  312 , respectively. The front of each compartment  156  ( FIG. 1A ) protrudes beyond the perimeter of outer platform concentric member  310  to accommodate larger compartments  156  ( FIG. 1A ). Platform  154  and its associated compartments  156  ( FIG. 1A ) rotate freely with respect to stand  114 . 
   It should be noted that alternative shapes, configurations, and constructions of platform  154  are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, in lieu of outer and inner platform concentric members  310  and  312 , respectively, and platform spokes  314 , platform  154  may be constructed of a solid piece containing a central aperture through which shaft  114  may pass. Moreover, the platform  154  may be a polygon (e.g., a square, octagon, etc.) rather than a circle. Finally, article organizer  110  ( FIG. 1A ) could be adapted to include zero or more than one lower tier  116  ( FIG. 1A ). 
   Referring now to  FIG. 4A , shown is a plurality of shaft bores  410  penetrating approximately three-quarters through shaft  114  and located at regular intervals along the length of shaft  114 . Also, depicted in detail in  FIG. 4B , are stops  412  including threaded shank  414  and head  416 . 
   Referring back to  FIG. 4A , shaft bores  410  in shaft  114  are sized to receive threaded shanks  414  ( FIG. 4B ) of stops  412 . In contrast, head  416  ( FIG. 4B ) of stop  412  is too large to fit into shaft bore  410 . Moreover, head  416  ( FIG. 4B ) is sized to allow lower tier hub  158  ( FIG. 1A ), middle tier hub  148  ( FIG. 1A ), or upper tier hub  126  ( FIG. 1A ) to rest upon it when threaded shank  414  ( FIG. 4B ) of stop  412  is threaded into shaft bore  410 . Head  416  ( FIG. 4B ) provides an obstruction of such size that the central aperture of lower tier hub  158  ( FIG. 3 ), middle tier hub  148  ( FIG. 1A ), and upper tier hub  126  ( FIG. 1A ) is too small to pass over stop  412  when it is affixed to shaft  114  via shaft bore  410 . Each of three stops  412  threads into one of the shaft bores  410  to provide a support upon which its respective tier (i.e., lower tier  116  ( FIG. 1A ), middle tier  118  ( FIG. 1A ), or upper tier  120  ( FIG. 1A )) will rest. 
   The threaded design of shaft bores  410  and stops  412  allows a user of article organizer  110  ( FIG. 1A ) to determine the height of each of the tiers by threading the tier&#39;s respective stop  412  into the shaft bore  410  located closest to the desired height of the tier. Furthermore, the threaded design allows the height of each level to be changed at any time, thereby accommodating varying uses of article organizer  110  ( FIG. 1A ) or storage of varying types of articles. Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention includes shaft bores  410  that penetrate three-fourths through shaft  114 , alternate embodiments are envisioned wherein shaft bores  410  penetrate completely through shaft  114  allowing stop  412  to protrude from two sides of shaft  114 . Or, alternatively, an alternate embodiment includes two or more shaft bores  410  penetrating multiple sides of shaft  114  at the same vertical height to allow a corresponding number of stops  412  to be placed around the perimeter of shaft  114  to provide multiple points of support for the respective tier. In yet another embodiment, shaft bore  410  and stop  412  are not threaded. Rather, stop  412  is simply inserted into shaft bore  410  via application of pressure. 
     FIG. 5  shows an alternate embodiment for supporting each of lower, middle, and upper tiers  116 ,  118 , and  120 , respectively ( FIG. 1A ). In this alternate embodiment, stops  412  ( FIGS. 4A ,  4 B) and shaft bores  410  ( FIGS. 4A ,  4 B) are not used. Rather, shaft  114  is created from multiple shaft segments  510  coupled to each other via threaded connector  512 . In this embodiment, connector  512  is a cylinder having bores  514  in its upper and low ends, as depicted in  FIG. 5 , such that a threaded end of shaft segment  510  may be threaded into one of the upper or lower bores  514  of connector  512 . Bores  514  are positioned within connector  512  such that when the ends of adjacent shaft segments  510  have been received in each of the two bores  514  of connector  512 , the central axes of the two adjacent shaft segments  510  align to form a single, straight cylindrical shaft. 
   Moreover, connector  512  is sized to allow lower tier hub  158  ( FIG. 1A ), middle tier hub  148  ( FIG. 1A ), or upper tier hub  126  ( FIG. 1A ) to rest upon its upper end, yet providing an obstruction of such size that the central aperture of lower tier hub  158  ( FIG. 1A ), middle tier hub  148  ( FIG. 1A ), and upper tier hub  126  ( FIG. 1A ) is too small to pass over connector  512 . Each of three connectors  512  connects adjacent shaft segments  510  and provides a support upon which its respective tier (i.e., lower tier  116 , middle tier  118 , or upper tier  120 ) will rest. 
   Adjacent shaft segments  510  have varying lengths such that a user may select an appropriate length to position connector  512  at the desired height above either base  112  ( FIG. 1A ) or another connector  512 . For example, when choosing a first shaft segment  510  to be threaded into brace  210  ( FIGS. 2A ,  2 B) and connected on its upper end to connector  512  that will support lower tier  116 , a user shall make a decision regarding the desired height of lower tier  116  with respect to brace  210  ( FIGS. 2A ,  2 B). Thereafter, a user shall choose a shaft segment  510  having a length equal to or closest to the desired height of lower tier  116  above brace  210  ( FIGS. 2A ,  2 B). Similarly, when choosing a second shaft segment  510  and connector  512  for supporting middle tier  118 , a user shall determine the desired height of middle tier  118  with respect to the connector  512  that supports lower tier  116 . Thereafter, a user shall choose a shaft segment  510  having a length equal to the desired height of middle tier  118  with respect to lower tier  116 . The vertical heights of all additional tiers are determined in a similar manner. In this manner, article organizer  110  ( FIG. 1A ) may be configured as desired by the user (i.e., quantity of tiers, height of tiers, specific combination of varying types of tiers, etc.). 
   Referring now to  FIG. 6 , depicted is an alternate embodiment for any of the tiers (e.g., upper tier  120 , middle tier  118 , or lower tier  116 ) discussed above. For this alternate embodiment, alternate tier  610  includes two vertically stacked units, namely upper and lower units  612  and  614 , respectively. However, additional embodiments are envisioned in which alternate tier  610  includes more than two vertically stacked units. Upper unit  612  is affixed to lower unit  614  in a stationary manner such that rotation of either upper or lower unit  612  or  614 , respectively, rotates both units. However, other embodiments are envisioned in which upper unit  612  couples to lower unit  614  such that each of the upper and lower units  612  and  614 , respectively, rotates independently. 
   Upper and lower units  612  and  614 , respectively, attach to shaft  114  via alternate tier hub  616 . For ease of manufacturing, alternate tier hub  616  is identical to upper, middle, and lower tier hubs  126 ,  148 , and  158 , respectively ( FIG. 1A ). Similar to lower, middle, and upper tiers  116 ,  118 , and  120 , respectively, upper and lower units  612  and  614 , respectively, include a central aperture. The central portion of downwardly facing surface  618  of lower unit  614  is affixed to the upwardly facing surface of alternate tier hub  616  such that the central aperture of alternate tier hub  616  aligns with the central apertures of upper and lower units  612  and  614 , respectively, to create alternate tier aperture  710  ( FIG. 7 ). Shaft  114  may then pass through alternate tier aperture  710  ( FIG. 7 ) in the same manner that shaft  114  passes through aperture  138  ( FIG. 1A ) as discussed above with respect to  FIG. 1A . Furthermore, alternate tier  610  is coupled to shaft  114  by sitting atop alternate tier stop  620 , which is inserted into one of shaft bores  410  ( FIGS. 4A ,  4 B). Consequently, alternate tier  610  rotates freely about shaft  114 . 
   Lower unit  614  includes a plurality of drawers  712  ( FIG. 7 ), as discussed in greater detail below with respect to  FIG. 7 . Each drawer  712  ( FIG. 7 ) includes a respective indent  622  and hinge  624 . One outside corner of drawer  712  ( FIG. 7 ) is attached via hinge  624  to the frame of lower unit  614  such that each drawer  712  ( FIG. 7 ) may be rotated about hinge  624  until it is completely external to lower unit  614 , thereby allowing a user to easily view, remove, or insert articles to drawer  712  ( FIG. 7 ). Drawer face  626  includes indent  622  to facilitate rotation of drawer  712  ( FIG. 7 ) with respect to hinge  624  allowing drawer  712  ( FIG. 7 ) to be opened and closed with respect to lower unit  614 . In place of indent  622 , a knob may be affixed to drawer face  626  to perform the same function as indent  622 . Drawer  712  further includes holder  628  that accepts a label that may be used to identify drawer  712 . 
   Although drawer  712  ( FIG. 7 ) is attached to the frame of lower unit  614  via hinge  624 , other methods of inserting and removing drawer  712  ( FIG. 7 ) from lower unit  614  are possible. For example, a sliding mechanism could be affixed to the downwardly facing side of drawer  712  ( FIG. 7 ) and a track could be affixed to the upwardly facing side of the floor of lower unit  614  such that drawer  712  ( FIG. 7 ) slides along the track during insertion or removal of drawer  712  ( FIG. 7 ) with respect to lower unit  614 . 
   Referring next to  FIG. 7 , upper unit  612  ( FIG. 6 ) includes alternate compartments  714  that are formed by interior walls  716  of upper unit  612  ( FIG. 6 ). Each alternate compartment  714  has a solid bottom. One or more of alternate compartments  714  may contain ring holder  718 , which may be removably inserted into any one of alternate compartments  714  by a user. Alternatively, ring holder  718  may be attached in a stationary manner to the floor of alternate compartment  714 . Each alternate compartment  714  may have an entirely open upwardly facing surface. Or, one or more individual alternate compartments  714 , or groups of alternate compartments  714 , may be equipped with lids to protect alternate compartment  714  from dirt, moisture, and other environmental contaminants. 
   Although the alternate embodiment has been described with one upper unit  612  ( FIG. 6 ) and one lower unit  614  ( FIG. 6 ), other embodiments exist with varying quantities of upper and lower units  612  and  614 , respectively, (FIG.  6 )(e.g., zero upper units  612  ( FIG. 6 ), zero lower units  614  ( FIG. 6 ), a plurality of lower units  614  ( FIG. 6 ) with none or one upper unit  612  ( FIG. 6 ), etc.). 
   While the present invention has been described with reference to one or more preferred embodiments, which embodiments have been set forth in considerable detail for the purposes of making a complete disclosure of the invention, such embodiments are merely exemplary and are not intended to be limiting or represent an exhaustive enumeration of all aspects of the invention. The scope of the invention, therefore, shall be defined solely by the following claims. Further, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that numerous changes may be made in such details without departing from the spirit and the principles of the invention.