Patent Publication Number: US-10789862-B2

Title: Tile holder

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a non-provisional patent application which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/634,430 filed on Feb. 23, 2018, with the same title. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to label displays. More specifically, the present invention relates to a tile holder that can be attached to or integrated with a storage device. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Storage devices including shelves, cabinets, doors, jars, storage totes, backpacks and drawers often require their contents to be identified using labels. Such labelling may be required in settings including pantries, clothes closets, bathrooms, offices, laboratories, locker rooms, classrooms, bars, garages, warehouses, and kitchens. 
     Some types of labels known in the art include typed labels and handwritten labels. 
     Handwritten labels are usually hard to read. Furthermore, some handwritten labels are written using temporary ink products, such as dry erase technology, in which case their markings may fade or smudge over time. Other handwritten labels are written using permanent ink technologies, in which case they cannot be reused to label different contents. 
     Creating typed or printed labels requires specialized equipment. Additionally, typed or printed labels are usually permanent and therefore cannot be reused to label different contents. 
     Many types of labels known in the art are designed to simply label items. However, depending on the configuration of these labels, they may hinder the use of the labelled items. Furthermore, these labels may not be legible. 
     From the above, there is therefore a need to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a functional display label that is clearly legible and permanent but can also be reused or interchanged. 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     The present invention provides a tile holder that can be attached to or integrated with a storage device. The tile holder may be made of a rigid material, such as wood or metal, or a semi-flexible material, such as rubber or plastic. 
     In a first aspect, the present invention provides a tile holder comprising: at least one channel, said at least one channel constructed and arranged such that the tile holder is holding and displaying at least one rigid tile; and at least one lip for holding said at least one rigid tile within said channel, each of said at least one lip being adjacent said at least one channel; and wherein said tile holder is for labelling a storage device. 
     In a second aspect, the present invention provides a device for use with rigid tiles, the device comprising: a first end comprising a first channel; a second end comprising a second channel; wherein said first channel and said second channel are sized to accommodate one of: a rigid tile and a tile holder; and said first end is joined to said second end at an angle. 
     In a third aspect, the present invention provides for a tile holder comprising: a face plate comprising: a front side with at least one opening, said at least one opening being for displaying at least one rigid tile and said front side being for keeping said at least one rigid tile within said tile holder; and a frame around an outer perimeter of said front side, said frame being for supporting said at least one rigid tile; wherein said tile holder is for labelling a storage device. 
     In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides for a device for use with a rigid tile holder, wherein said device comprises a channel with a first end and a second end, wherein said first end is closed and said second end is open, wherein said second end is configured to fit over a holder channel of said rigid tile holder. 
     In a fifth aspect, the present invention provides for a tile holder comprising: a back side for coupling to a storage device; at least one channel coupled to said back side, each of said at least one channel comprising: a front side with at least one opening, said at least one opening being for displaying at least one rigid tile and said front side being for keeping said at least one rigid tile within said tile holder; and a frame around an outer perimeter of said front side, said frame being for supporting said at least one rigid tile. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention will now be described by reference to the following figures, in which identical reference numerals refer to identical elements and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a cross sectional view of a tile holder according to a first embodiment of the present invention mounted to the front of a shelf; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the tile holder according to the first embodiment mounted to the front of a shelf; 
         FIG. 3  is a cross sectional view of a tile holder according to a second embodiment of the present invention mounted to the underside of a shelf; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the tile holder according to the second embodiment mounted to the underside of a shelf; 
         FIG. 5  is a cross sectional view of a tile holder according to a third embodiment of the present invention mounted to the front of a shelf; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the tile holder according to the third embodiment mounted to the front of a shelf; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective cross sectional view a cabinet door with an integrated tile holder according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8A  is a side view of a circular tile holder according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8B  is a top view of the circular tile holder according to the fifth embodiment; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective cross sectional view of the circular tile holder according to the fifth embodiment; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective cross sectional view of a device for use with rigid tiles according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective cross sectional view of a device for use with rigid tiles according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 12A  is a perspective view of a tile holder and a spacing block according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 12B  is a perspective view of a tile holder and a spacing block according to another embodiment of the present invention, in a first position; 
         FIG. 12C  is a front view of the tile holder shown in  FIG. 12B  in a first position; 
         FIG. 12D  is an exploded, front perspective view of the tile holder and spacing block shown in  FIG. 12B  in a first position; 
         FIG. 12E  is an exploded, rear perspective view of the tile holder and spacing block shown in  FIG. 12B  in a first position; 
         FIG. 12F  is an exploded, rear perspective view of the tile holder and spacing block shown in  FIG. 12B  in a second position; 
         FIG. 12G  is an exploded, front perspective view of the tile holder and spacing block shown in  FIG. 12B  in a second position; 
         FIG. 12H  is an exploded, front perspective view of the tile holder and spacing block shown in  FIG. 12B  in a first position; 
         FIG. 12I  is an exploded, front perspective view of the tile holder and spacing block shown in  FIG. 12B  in a second position; 
         FIG. 13A  is a cross sectional view of the tile holder and the spacing block according to the eighth embodiment shown in  FIG. 12A ; 
         FIG. 13B  is a cross sectional view of the tile holder and the spacing block along line A-A shown in  FIG. 12C  in a first position; 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of an integrated tile holder according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective cross sectional view of a tile holder according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention mounted to the top of a drawer or cabinet door; 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective cross sectional view of a tile holder according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of a tile holder with an end cap according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of a tile holder mounted to a storage tote according to a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view of a tile holder mounted to a storage tote according to a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 20  is a perspective view of a tile holder according to a fifteenth embodiment of the present invention, mounted on or integrated into the front of a backpack; 
         FIG. 21  is a perspective view of a tile holder according to the fifteenth embodiment, mounted on or integrated into backpack straps; 
         FIG. 22  is a perspective view of an integrated tile holder according to a sixteenth embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 23  is a perspective view of an integrated tile holder according to a seventeenth embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 24  is a perspective view of a tile holder according to an eighteenth embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 25  is a perspective view of a tile holder according to a nineteenth embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 26  is a perspective view of a tile holder according to a twentieth embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 27  is a perspective view of a tile holder according to a twenty-first embodiment of the present invention with a rigid tile; 
         FIG. 28  is another perspective view of a tile holder according to a twenty-first embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 29  is another perspective view of a tile holder according to a twenty-first embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     The figures are not to scale, and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular elements while related elements may have been eliminated to prevent obscuring novel aspects. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides a tile holder for holding rigid tiles. The tile holder can be attached to or integrated into a storage device, such as a shelf, door, jar, storage tote, backpack, cabinet, or drawer. The tile holder may be used in settings where labelling may be required. Such settings may include a pantry, a clothes closet, a locker room, a classroom, a bar, a garage, a bathroom, an office, a laboratory, a warehouse, or a kitchen. The tile holder may hold, for example, tiles with individual letters, numbers, and/or patterns on each tile. 
     The tile holder may be constructed from a rigid material, such as wood, a suitable metal, such as aluminum or stainless steel, or any suitable combination thereof. Similarly, the tile holder may be constructed out of a semi-flexible and/or resilient material, such as thick rubber, a flexible plastic, or any suitable combination thereof. The tile holder may be attached to a storage device using, for example, glue, nails, screws, snap-fit, tension fit, or any other suitable attachment means. 
       FIG. 1  shows a cross sectional view of a tile holder  101  according to the first embodiment, holding a rigid tile  102 . As can be seen, the tile holder  101  has a channel  103 , which is shaped and sized to hold and display at least one rigid tile  102 . The channel  103  is defined by the upper and lower sides with the tile being supported by the lower side. In addition to these, a back wall further supports the tile as the tile partially rests on the back wall. 
     The tile holder  101  has a first lip  104  and a second lip  105  opposite to the first lip  104 . The first  104  and second lips  105  prevent the rigid tile  102  from falling or being knocked out of the channel  103 . 
     The rigid tile  102  may be inserted through one end of the channel  103  or through the space between the first lip  104  and the second lip  105 , if this space is wide or large enough. 
     In the first embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the tile holder  101  is mounted to the front of a shelf  107 . The tile holder  101  may also function as a moulding trim for the shelf  107 . Furthermore, the tile holder  101  may be mounted to the top or the underside of the shelf  107 . In addition to the shelf  107 , the tile holder  101  may be mounted to any suitable storage device or container. 
     In the first embodiment, the sides and wall forming the channel  103  may be partially or fully lined with a material that provides compression or cushioning to the tile. Such a material would assist in keeping the rigid tiles  102  in place. Such a material may line the top and/or bottom sides as well as the back wall. The material would, preferably, be compressible and/or resilient. 
     In the first embodiment, the channel  103  may be sized to prevent the insertion of the rigid tiles  102  from the front opening of the channel  103 . Accordingly, the rigid tiles  102  would be inserted from an open end of the channel  103 . Alternatively, the channel  103  may be sized to allow the rigid tile  102  to be inserted vertically, with the ceiling having enough space to allow the bottom of the rigid tile  102  to fit over the first lip  104 . In another embodiment, the channel  103  may be sized to allow the rigid tile  102  to be inserted sideways (widthwise) and then be rotated into a vertical position. 
     The rigid tile  102  is, preferably, large enough so that the information indicator on the front face (i.e, the letter, number or pattern being displayed) is clearly visible through the space between the first lip  104  and the second lip  105 . 
       FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of the tile holder  101  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 3  shows a cross sectional view of a tile holder  301  according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The tile holder  301  comprises a channel  302  that is shaped and sized to simultaneously hold and display at least one rigid tile  102 . The channel  302  is defined by a bottom side and a back wall. The bottom side supports the bottom of the rigid tile  102  while the back wall supports the back of the rigid tile. As can be seen, the tile holder  301  is suspended underneath the shelf  107  and the shelf  107  forms a top side for the channel. 
     The channel  302  may be formed by a lip  303  to hold the rigid tile  102  inside the channel  302 . 
     The rigid tile  102  may be inserted through an end of the channel  302  or through the space between the shelf  107  and the lip  303 , if this space is large enough. 
       FIG. 4  shows a perspective view of the tile holder  301  illustrated in  FIG. 3 . As can be seen, the rigid tile  102  need not be so large as to completely fill the channel. The rigid tile  102  is, preferably, large enough so that the information indicator on its front face (i.e., the letter, number or pattern being displayed) is clearly visible through the space between the lip  303  and the shelf  107 . 
       FIG. 5  shows a cross sectional view of a tile holder  501  according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The tile holder  501  comprises a channel  502  that is shaped and sized to hold and display at least one rigid tile  102 . The channel  502  is defined by upper and lower sides and a back wall. The rigid tile  102  is supported by the lower side and back wall. 
     Similarly to the first embodiment, the channel  502  comprises a first lip  503  and a second lip  504 , opposite to the first lip  503 . The channel  502  further comprises a void  505  such that part of the tile holder forming the void  505  and the outer edge  509  can act as a hinge. In one embodiment, the part of the tile holder forming the void  505  may be made of a flexible or resilient material, such as rubber or plastic. In another embodiment, the present invention contemplates a living hinge. 
     The tile holder  501  further comprises a second channel  506  that is opposite to the tile-holding channel  502 . The second channel  506  is shaped or sized to receive an edge or lip on any storage device. In a preferred embodiment, the second channel  506  is shaped and sized to receive a front or a ledge of a shelf  107 . The portion of the tile holder  501  forming the second channel  502  may be lined with barbs  507  that provide a better grip on the shelf  107 . 
     The tile holder  501  has an extension  508  that is attached to, but extends away from, the second lip  504 . The second lip  504  is adjacent to the void  505 . As the tile portion forming the void  505  acts as a hinge, the space between the first lip  503  and the second lip  504  can be momentarily increased by exerting pressure or force on the lowermost portion of the extension  508  in a direction towards the shelf  107 . This force or pressure compels the tile portion forming the void  505  to act as a hinge and momentarily increase the space between the first lip  503  and the second lip  504 . Preferably, the void  505  is a circular or substantially circular profile to facilitate an easier operation of the hinge. The circular profile of the void  505  may be reflected by a circular outline of the outer edge  509  of the void  505 . 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the tile holder  501  shown in  FIG. 5 . As can be seen, the void  505  extends along the channel  503  to facilitate the insertion of the rigid tiles  102  into the channel  503 . 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a fourth embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 7  shows a perspective cross sectional view of an integrated tile holder  701  installed as the frame  702  of a door  703 . The door  703  may be for any storage device that uses a door  703 , such as a cabinet, shelf, cupboard or filing cabinet. 
     The integrated tile holder  701  has a frame  702  and a center panel  704  that is inserted into the body of the frame  702 . The frame  702  comprises a groove  705  along the inner perimeter of the frame  702 . The portion of the tile holder  701  forming the groove  705  is sized and shaped to hold an edge of the center panel  704 . 
     In this embodiment, the integrated tile holder  701  is formed partially from the center panel  704  and partially from the frame  702 . In other embodiments, the integrated tile holder  701  may be entirely formed or cut out of the center panel  703 . Alternatively, the integrated tile holder  701  may be entirely formed or cut out of the frame  702  or an additional material. 
     The integrated tile holder  701  comprises a channel  706  that is shaped and sized to receive and display the rigid tiles  102 . In  FIG. 7 , the channel  706  is defined by an upper side comprised of the center panel  704  and a lower side comprised of the frame  702 , with the tile being supported by the lower side. A back wall further supports the tile as the tile partially rests on the back wall. However, a channel  706  may be formed on either side or the top of the door  703 . For example, a channel  706  may be formed along the left side of the door  703  with the channel  706  being defined by a right side comprised of the center panel  704  and a left side comprised of the frame  702 . Accordingly, the bottom rigid tile  102  would be supported by the bottom side and each subsequent rigid tile  102  would stack on top of the rigid tile  102  immediately underneath it. Similarly, a channel  706  may be formed along the top of the door  703  with the channel  706  being defined by an upper side comprised of the frame  702  and a lower side comprised of the center panel  704 , with the tile being supported by the lower side. 
     The channel  706  may be defined further by a first lip  707  and a second lip  708  that are opposite to each other. The first lips  707  and the second lip  708  are for keeping the rigid tiles  102  within the channel  708 . 
       FIG. 8A  shows a side view of a tile holder  801  according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 8A  shows a tile holder  801  that uses multiple channels  802 , with each channel  802  being shaped and sized to simultaneously receive and display at least one rigid tile  102  (see  FIG. 9 ). In one embodiment, the portion of the tile holder  801  forming each channel  802  may be shaped and sized to hold multiple rigid tiles  102  that are stacked on top of one another. 
     The tile holder portion forming the channels  802  each have an open end  803  and a closed end  804 . The closed end  804  keeps the rigid tile  102  within the channel  802 . Each channel  802  may further comprise a first lip  805 , a second lip  806 , and a third lip  807 . The first  805 , the second  806 , and the third lips  807  are for keeping the rigid tiles  102  within the channel  802 . As can be seen, the various lips surround a space through which the letter, number or pattern on the rigid tile  102  can be viewed. The first  805 , the second  806 , and the third lips  807  are present at all sides of the channel  802  except for the same side where the open end  803  is present. Each channel  802 , defined by the open  803  and the closed ends  804  and the first  805 , the second  806 , and the third lips  807 , is cut into a band  808 . 
       FIG. 8B  shows a top view of the fifth embodiment. As shown in  FIG. 8B , the band  808  may be placed to encircle an opening for a storage device, such as a mason jar. The band  808  may completely or partially encircle the storage device opening. The band  808  may further comprise a lip  809 . The lip  809  allows the tile holder  801  to rest on a ledge or rim of a storage device and retain the lid of the storage device. 
     A skilled artisan would understand that, while the tile holder  801  shown in  FIG. 8B  is circular, the tile holder  801  may be formed to the shape of any storage device opening. Many different shapes are contemplated by the present invention. 
       FIG. 9  shows a perspective cross sectional view of the fifth embodiment. The tile holder  801  may be further comprised of integrated female internal threads  810  on the band  808 . The female internal threads  810  may be used to thread the tile holder  801  onto the male external threads of a storage device, such as a mason or ball jar. As such, in addition to lip  809 , the female internal threads  810  help to secure the lid to the storage device. 
     In an alternate embodiment, the band  808  would be provided without the female internal threads  810 . In this embodiment, the band  808  would be made of a flexible material such as rubber or plastic that could be stretched over an existing jar band. 
       FIG. 10  shows a perspective cross sectional view of a device  1001  according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 10  shows the device  1001  fitted over the tile holder  101 . However, the device  1001  may be modified to fit over the tile holder  301  (see  FIG. 3 ) or the tile holder  501  (see  FIG. 5 ). 
     The device  1001  may be used to connect two tile holders  101  together at an angle. In the figure, it can be seen that the tile holder  101  is mounted to a shelf  107 . The device  1001  comprises a first end  1002  and a second end  1003 . The first end  1002  has a first channel  1004  and the second end  1003  has a second channel  1005 . The first  1004  and the second channels  1005  may be formed around the tile holder  101 . 
     The first  1004  and second channels  1005  are formed to fit around and securely form the channel  103  of the tile holder  101 . More specifically, the first  1004  and second channels  1005  may be formed around the first  104  and second lips  105  of the tile holder  101 . Accordingly, a device  1001  that is formed to fit around tile holder  501  would have first  1004  and second channels  1005  that are formed to fit around the extension  508 . 
     In the embodiment shown, the first  1002  and the second ends  1003  are joined at a 90 degree angle. In alternative embodiments, the first  1002  and the second ends  1003  may be joined at any angle. In one example, the first  1002  and the second ends  1003  are joined at 180 degrees, thereby resulting in a coupler that joins two separate tile holders  101 . 
       FIG. 11  shows a device  1101  according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 11  shows a device  1101  that can fit over the tile holder  101 . The device  1101  has a first end  1102  and a second end  1103 . The first end  1102  has a first channel  1104  and the second end  1103  has a second channel  1105 . The first channel  1104  is a larger version of the channel  103  on the tile holder  101 . The portion of the device  1101  forming the first channel  1104  is shaped and sized for receiving the tile holder  101  while also being able to hold and display rigid tiles  102  (see  FIG. 1 ). In an alternative embodiment, either or both of the portions forming first  1104  and the second channels  1105  may be shaped to fit around another tile holder  101 . Thus, the device  1101  may act as a coupler between two tile holders  101 . Alternatively, the device  1101  may act as a tile holder on either the first  1102  or the second end  1103 , while being coupled to a tile holder  101  at the other end. Similarly to the device  1001 , the device  1101  shown in  FIG. 11  may be used with other tile holders according to other embodiments, such as the tile holder  301  or the tile holder  501 . 
       FIG. 12A  shows a tile holder  1201  according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment incorporates the tile holder  1201  in a handle for a storage device (e.g. a drawer, filing cabinet, desk, etc.). In this embodiment, the tile holder  1201  comprises a face plate  1202  with an opening  1203 . The face plate  1202  and the opening  1203  are preferably shaped and sized to simultaneously expose one face of each rigid tile  102  and to keep the rigid tiles  102  within the tile holder  1201 . Specifically, the face plate  1202  forms a channel that operates to prevent the rigid tiles  102  from falling through the opening  1203 . The opening  1203  may be covered with a transparent or a translucent material. Alternatively, the opening  1203  may be uncovered. 
     The tile holder  1201  may use a frame  1204  around the outer perimeter of the face plate  1202 . The frame  1204  may be used to support the rigid tiles  102  and to ensure that the rigid tiles  102  stay within the tile holder  1201 . 
     As noted above, the tile holder  1201  may be mounted to the face of a storage device, such as a drawer, filing cabinet or desk. In one embodiment, the frame  1204  may be thinner than the rigid tiles  102 , such that when the tile holder  1201  is mounted to a storage device, the rigid tiles  102  are securely held between the storage device and the face plate  1202 . 
     The tile holder  1201  may further comprise one or more screw bosses  1205  for mounting the tile holder  1201  to a storage device using a suitable mounting means, such as screws. In the embodiment shown, the tile holder  1201  may be mounted to a storage device using a spacer block  1206 . The spacer block  1206  may use one or more screw holes  1207 . As can be imagined, each screw hole  1207  is aligned with a corresponding screw boss  1205 . 
       FIGS. 12B to 12G  show a tile holder  1301  according to another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the tile holder  1301  comprises a face plate  1302  with an opening  1303 , a frame  1304 , and a reversible spacer block  1306 . 
     The front side of the face plate  1302  and the opening  1303  are preferably shaped and sized to simultaneously expose one face of each rigid tile  102  and to keep the rigid tiles  102  within the tile holder  1301 . Specifically, the face plate  1302  forms one side of a channel that operates to prevent the rigid tiles  102  from falling through the opening  1303 . The opening  1303  may be covered with a transparent or a translucent material. Alternatively, the opening  1303  may be uncovered. 
     The tile holder  1301  has a frame  1304  that is around the outer perimeter of the front side of the face plate  1302 , such that the face plate  1302  and the frame  1304  form a channel. The frame  1304  may be used to further support the rigid tiles  102  and to ensure that the rigid tiles  102  stay within the tile holder  1301 . 
     The reversible spacer block  1306  forms a back side of the channel, to securely hold the rigid tiles  102  in place. The reversible spacer block  1306  has a first face  1308  and a second face  1310 , such that the face plate  1302  and spacer block  1306  can be coupled in a first position (as shown in  FIGS. 12B to 12E ) or a second position (as shown in  FIGS. 12F and 12G . The first position allows the rigid tiles  102  to be held between the reversible spacer block  1306  and the face plate  1302  in a manner where they are visible and can be used as a label. The second position allows the tile holder to be used without any rigid tiles  102 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 12C, 12D, and 12F , the first face  1308  of the reversible spacer block  1306  has individual channels  1312  for receiving at least a portion of a rigid tile  102  and retaining the rigid tile  102  in place. However, the first face  1308  of the spacer block  1306  may have a single channel that receives multiple rigid tiles  102  or multiple channels that receive one or more rigid tiles  102 . The channels  1312  may also serve to space the rigid tiles  102  at a suitable distance from each other. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 12E to 12G , the tile holder  1301  may further comprise one or more screw bosses  1305  for mounting the tile holder  1301  to a storage device using a suitable mounting means, such as screws. The spacer block  1306  may use one or more screw holes  1307 . As can be imagined, each screw hole  1307  is aligned with a corresponding screw boss  1305 . 
       FIGS. 12H and 12I  show the tile holder  1301  in use on a storage device  107 . Specifically,  FIGS. 12H and 12I  show how the tile holder  1301  can be used with a drawer on a storage device  107 . As can be seen, the spacer block  1306  is reversible, such that the spacer block  1306  can be used with rigid tiles  102  ( FIG. 12H ) or without rigid tiles  102  ( FIG. 12I ). 
       FIG. 13A  shows a cross sectional view of the tile holder  1201  illustrated in  FIG. 12A . 
       FIG. 13B  shows a cross-sectional view of the tile holder  1301  taken at lines A-A of  FIG. 12C . As shown in  FIG. 13B , the rigid tile  102  may rest predominantly on the frame  1304 , with a portion of the tile being supported by the channels  1312 . Alternatively, the channels  1312  may be sized and shaped to fit the entire rigid tile  102  or the frame  1304  may be sized and shaped to fit the entire rigid tile  102 . 
       FIG. 14  shows a perspective view of a tile holder  1401  according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. The tile holder  1401  comprises a face plate  1402  with an opening  1403  and a spacer block  1404  with a channel  1405 . When the face plate  1402  is coupled to the spacer block  1404 , the channel  1405  acts as a frame to support the rigid tiles  102 . The tile holder  1401  is similar to the tile holder  1201  shown in  FIGS. 12A to 12G . The principal difference being that the tile holder  1401  of  FIG. 14  has the channel  1405  within the spacer block  1404  for holding the rigid tiles  102 . 
     The face plate  1402  and the channel  1405  are preferably shaped and sized to keep the rigid tiles  102  within the tile holder  1401 . Specifically, the face plate  1402  and the channel  1405  operate together to prevent the rigid tiles  102  from falling through the opening  1403 . The opening  1403  may be covered with a transparent or a translucent material to expose one face of each rigid tile  102 . Alternatively, the opening  1403  may be uncovered. 
     The spacer block  1404  may be securely glued or fastened to the base of a handle of a storage device with suitable attachment means. Alternatively, the spacer block  1404  may be removably attached to the base of a handle, a door, countertop, or shelf of a storage device. 
       FIG. 15  shows a perspective cross sectional view of a tile holder  1501  according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention. Similar to tile holder  101 , the tile holder  1501  comprises a channel  1502  with a first lip  1503  and a second lip  1504 . The tile holder  1501  further comprises a second channel  1505  that is shaped and sized to fit over a door or drawer face  1506 . For example, the tile holder  1501  may fit over the top, bottom or hinge-free side of a cabinet or cupboard door. Alternatively, the tile holder  1501  may fit over the top or bottom front face of a drawer. 
     The channel  1502  may integrate a flexible portion, such as a void  505  and an extension  508  (see  FIG. 5 ), to allow for the insertion of the rigid tiles  102  from the front of the channel  1502 . Furthermore, the portion of the tile holder forming the channel  1502  may be comprised of a flexible material, such as rubber or plastic, to prevent vibration while the drawer or door is opened or closed. 
       FIG. 16  shows a perspective view of a tile holder  1601  according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention. The tile holder  1601  is formed as a handle for a storage device, such as a drawer, cupboard or filing cabinet. The tile holder  1601  is comprised of a handle  1602  and a tile support piece  1603 . Collectively, the handle  1602  and the tile support piece  1603  form a channel that holds the rigid tiles  102 . The rigid tiles  102  are supported and held securely in place by a first groove  1604  (not visible in  FIG. 16 ) on the handle  1602  and a second groove  1605  on the tile support piece  1603 . 
     The tile holder  1601  may have at least one hole  1606  on the handle  1602  to attach the tile support piece  1603  to the handle  1602  with a suitable attachment means. The suitable attachment means is inserted through the storage device, through the holes  1606 , and lastly are threaded through a corresponding second hole  1607  (not visible in  FIG. 16 ) on the tile support piece  1603 . 
       FIG. 17  shows a perspective view of a tile holder  1701  according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 17  shows a tile holder  1701  with an end cap  1702 . The tile holder  1701  comprises a channel  1703 , formed from a bottom side, top side, a first lip  1704  and a second lip  1705 . The tile holder portion forming the channel  1703  is shaped and sized to hold a rigid tile  102  (see  FIG. 1 ). The tile holder  1701  further comprises a second channel  1706  for attaching to a storage device. The tile holder portion forming the second channel  1706  may optionally have barbs  1707  to provide a more secure grip on the storage device. 
     The end cap  1702  comprises an end cap channel  1708  that is closed at one end. The open end of the end cap channel  1708  is shaped and sized to fit over the tile holder  1701 . Alternatively, the end cap  1702  may be used with other embodiments of the present invention, such as the tile holder  101  (see  FIG. 1 ), the tile holder  301  (see  FIG. 3 ), or the tile holder  501  (see  FIG. 5 ). Accordingly, the end cap channel  1708  would be shaped and sized to fit over those embodiments. 
       FIG. 18  shows a perspective view of an integrated tile holder  1801  according to a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention. The integrated tile holder  1801  is integrated in a storage device, such as the storage tote  1802  shown in  FIG. 18 . In an alternate embodiment, the integrated tile  1801  holder may be mounted on the storage device, such as a storage tote  1802 . 
     The integrated tile holder  1801  comprises a channel  1803  and a face plate  1804 . The tile holder portion forming the channel  1803  is bordered by at least one aperture  1805  and the face plate  1804  is bordered by at least one projection  1806 . The apertures  1805  and the projections  1806  are placed to line up with each other when the face plate  1804  is placed within the channel  1803 . One aperture  1805  and one projection  1806  collectively form a snap fit lock. In a preferred embodiment, the aperture  1805  and the projection  1806  may be repeatedly engaged and released without sacrificing the ability of the snap fit lock mechanism to securely join the integrated tile holder  1801  to the storage tote  1802 . 
     The face plate  1804  further comprises an opening  1807 . The face plate  1804  and the tile holder portion forming the channel  1803  are preferably shaped and sized to keep the rigid tiles  102  within the integrated tile holder  1801 . Specifically, the face plate  1804  and the channel  1803  operate together to prevent the rigid tiles  102  from falling through the opening  1807 . The opening  1807  may be covered with a transparent or a translucent material to expose one face of each rigid tile  102 . Alternatively, the opening  1807  may be uncovered. 
     The rigid tiles  102  are placed within the channel  1803  and held securely in place by the face plate  1804 , when the snap fit lock is engaged. In an alternate embodiment, the rigid tiles  102  may be placed within the face plate  1804  and held securely in place by the channel  1803 . 
       FIG. 19  shows a perspective view of a tile holder  1901  according to a fourteenth embodiment. Similarly to  FIG. 18 , the tile holder  1901  is for mounting on a storage device, such as a storage tote  1902 . In a preferred embodiment, the tile holder  1901  if suited for retro-fitting a metal mesh storage tote with the tile holder  1901 . 
     The tile holder  1901  is a face plate that comprises a channel  1903 , an opening  1904  and at least one projection  1905 . The tile holder portion forming the channel  1903  and the opening  1904  are shaped and sized to simultaneously receive and display at least one rigid tile  102 . The channel  1903  is not visible in  FIG. 19 ; however, a skilled artisan would understand that the channel  1903  may be configured in a similar manner to other embodiments. Specifically, the rigid tiles  102  are supported by a lower side of the channel  1903 . The rigid tiles  102  may be further supported by the back wall, which is comprised of the storage tote  1902  when the tile holder  1901  is attached. The opening  1904  may be covered with a transparent or a translucent material to expose one face of each rigid tile  102 . Alternatively, the opening  1904  may be uncovered. 
     The projections  1905  are configured with a lip or step that is made of a flexible material such that the projection  1905  may contract to fit through holes  1906  in the storage device, such as a storage tote  1902 . The holes  1906  may be added to the storage tote  1902  or may already be present in the metal or plastic mesh of the storage tote  1902 . In a preferred embodiment, the projections  1905  may be repeatedly engaged and released without sacrificing the ability of the lock mechanism to securely join the tile holder  1901  to the storage tote  1902 . 
       FIG. 20  shows a perspective view of an integrated tile holder  2001  according to a fifteenth embodiment of the present invention. The integrated tile holder  2001  is for use with a cloth or flexible material based storage device, such as a backpack  2002 . 
     The integrated tile holder  2001  is a flexible frame  2003  that comprises a channel  2004  and an opening  2005 . The portion of the tile holder forming the channel  2004  and the opening  2005  are shaped and sized to simultaneously receive and display at least one rigid tile  102 . The channel  2004  is not visible in  FIG. 20 ; however, a skilled artisan would understand that the channel  2004  may be configured in a similar manner to other embodiments. The tile holder portion forming the channel  2004  may be integrated into the flexible frame  2003  or into the backpack  2002  or other suitable storage device. 
     The flexible frame  2003  may be securely fastened to the backpack  2002  or other suitable storage device on up to three (3) sides of the flexible frame  2003 . The flexible frame  2003  may be fastened using any suitable fastening means, such as glue, stitches, contact cement, tape, etc. At least one side of the flexible frame  2003  (i.e., at least the fourth non-securely attached side plus any of the other three sides) is attached by a reusable fastening means, such as hook and loops (for example, VELCRO™), snaps, buttons, zipper, etc. The rigid tiles  102  are inserted into the channel  2004  through the at least one side of the flexible frame  2003  that is fastened with the reusable fastening means. 
     The flexible frame  2003  may be made of a flexible material, such as rubber or plastic, such that the integrated tile holder  2001  does not impede the movement of the storage device, such as the backpack  2002 . The opening  2005  may be covered with a transparent or translucent material or be uncovered. 
       FIG. 21  shows another perspective view of the integrated tile holder  2001  according to the fifteenth embodiment in another configuration. The integrated tile holder  2001  is shown mounted on the strap of the backpack  2002 . As shown in  FIG. 21 , the rigid tiles  102  are inserted into the integrated tile holder  2001  and are visible through the opening  2005 . 
       FIG. 22  shows a perspective view of an integrated tile holder  2201  according to a sixteenth embodiment of the present invention. The integrated tile holder  2201  is for use with a cloth or flexible material based storage device, such as a cloth bag, backpack, suitcase, purse, laundry basket, etc. The integrated tile holder  2201  is comprised of a flexible frame  2202 , a window  2203  and a slot  2204 . The flexible frame  2202  and the window  2203  are sized and shaped to accept at least one rigid tile  102 . The rigid tiles  102  are supported by the lower side of the frame  2202  and the storage device that the integrated tile holder  2201  is fastened to. 
     The flexible frame  2202  is securely fastened to the storage device on three (3) sides by any suitable fastening means, such as glue, stitches, contact cement, tape, etc. The fourth side of the flexible frame  2202  that is not securely fastened comprises a slot  2204  that is attached to the storage device by a reusable fastening means. Accordingly, the rigid tiles  102  may be inserted into the integrated tile holder  2201  through the slot  2204 . 
     The flexible frame  2202  may be made of any flexible or semi-flexible material such as rubber or plastic. Similarly, the opening  2203  may be made of any flexible and clear material, such as plastic. 
       FIG. 23  shows a perspective view of an integrated tile holder  2301  according to a seventeenth embodiment of the present invention. Similar to  FIGS. 20 to 22 , the integrated tile holder  2301  is for use with a cloth or flexible material based storage device. The integrated tile holder  2301  comprises a channel  2302 , a frame  2303 , a window  2304  and a slot  2305 . The tile holder portion forming the channel  2302  is shaped and sized to hold the rigid tiles  102  that are visible through the window  2304 . The rigid tiles  102  are supported by a lower side and a back side of the channel  2302 . 
     Similar to the integrated tile holder  2201  shown in  FIG. 22 , the frame  2303  is securely fastened to the storage device on three (3) sides by any suitable fastening means. Furthermore, the slot  2305  is attached to the storage device by a reusable fastening means. Accordingly, the rigid tiles  102  are inserted into the integrated tile holder  2301  through the slot  2305 . 
     The tile holder portion forming the channel  2302  and the frame  2303  may be integrated as one part that is molded or thermally formed. Alternatively, the tile holder portion forming the channel  2302  and the frame  2303  may form two separate pieces that are securely fastened to each other with a suitable fastening means. The tile holder portion forming the channel  2302  and the frame  2303  may be made from any material, rigid or flexible, that would support the rigid tiles  102 . 
       FIG. 24  shows a perspective view of an integrated tile holder  2401  according to an eighteenth embodiment of the present invention. Similar to  FIGS. 20 to 23 , the integrated tile holder  2401  is for use with a cloth or flexible material based storage device. The integrated tile holder  2401  comprises a channel  2402 , a flexible frame  2403 , at least one individual window  2404  and a flexible slot  2405 . 
     The channel  2402  runs the entire length of the integrated tile holder  2401 . The tile holder portion forming the channel  2402  is shaped and sized to receive rigid tiles  102  through the slot  2405 . The channel  2402  has a first end, a second end, an upper side and a lower side. The front of the channel  2402  is defined by the individual windows  2404  and the back of the channel  2402  is defined by the flexible frame  2403 . The rigid tiles  102  are supported by the lower side of the channel  2402  and may be further supported by leaning against the flexible frame  2403  or the individual window  2404 . 
     The flexible frame  2403  may be made of any flexible or semi-flexible material. The flexible frame  2403  may be securely or removably fastened to the storage device using any suitable secure fastening means or reusable fastening means, respectively. 
     The individual windows  2404  may be covered with a transparent or translucent material or may be uncovered. The individual windows  2404  are configured such that the letter, number or pattern on the rigid tile  102 , when inserted, is visible. In a preferred embodiment, the individual windows  2404  are configured such that the outer perimeter of each individual window  2404  is smaller than the outer perimeter of the rigid tile  102 . 
     The slot  2405  is configured with a slot tab  2406  to facilitate the insertion and removal of rigid tiles  102 . The slot tab  2406  is made of a flexible material, such as rubber or plastic, to allow the slot tab  2406  to be bend upwards to open the slot  2405  and insert the rigid tile  102 . The flexible material allows the slot tab  2406  to recover back to the original position, as shown in this  FIG. 24 . 
       FIG. 25  shows a perspective view of an integrated tile holder  2501  according to a nineteenth embodiment of the present invention. The integrated tile holder  2501  is similar to the integrated tile holder  2401 , the principle difference being that the integrated tile holder  2501  provides a single channel  2502  for each rigid tile  102 . Each single channel  2502  is defined by a first side, a second side, the flexible frame  2503  as a back side, an individual window  2504  as a front side, a lower side and an individual slot  2505  as an upper side. Each of the individual slots  2505  has an individual slot tab  2506 . Accordingly, the integrated tile holder  2501  allows for the easy insertion and removal of one rigid tile  102  at a time. 
       FIG. 26  shows a perspective view of a flexible tile holder  2601  according to a twentieth embodiment of the present invention. The flexible tile holder  2601  is similar to the integrated tile holder  2501 , in that the flexible tile holder  2601  also provides a single channel for each rigid tile  102 . Each of the plurality of channels is defined by a back side  2602 , the frame  2603 , and a front side with an individual window  2604  (i.e., an opening). One side of the frame  2603  is an individual slot (not shown). Each of the individual slots has an individual slot tab (not shown). Accordingly, the flexible tile holder  2601  allows for the easy insertion and removal of one rigid tile  102  at a time. 
     As can be seen, the tile holder  2601  is fastened to the storage device  107  via fastening means  2610 , such as glue, stitches, contact cement, tape, or any other suitable fastening means. 
       FIGS. 27 and 28  show a front and rear perspective view, respectively, of a flexible tile holder  2701  according to a twenty-first embodiment of the present invention. The flexible tile holder  2701  is similar to the integrated tile holder  2601 , the principle difference being the fastening means  2710 . 
     The flexible tile holder  2701  may be made of flexible material that can be fastened to a fabric, plastic, wood, or metal storage device. 
     Each of the plurality of channels  2702  is defined by a back side  2702 , the frame  2703 , and a front side with an individual window  2704  (i.e., an opening). 
     As can be seen, the fourth side comprises an individual slot  2705  with an individual slot tab  2706 . The slot  2705  is configured with a slot tab  2706  to facilitate the insertion and removal of rigid tiles  102  into channel  2702 . The slot tab  2706  may be made of a flexible material, such as rubber or plastic, to allow the slot tab  2706  to be bend upwards to open the slot  2705  and insert the rigid tile  102 . The flexible material allows the slot tab  2706  to recover back to the original position, as shown in  FIG. 27 . Alternatively, the slot may have a hinged slot tab or other suitable means of opening the slot to insert a rigid tile  102  and closing the slot to retain the rigid tile  102  in the channel  2702 . 
       FIG. 29  shows another perspective view of the flexible tile holder  2701 . 
     A person understanding this invention may now conceive of alternative structures and embodiments or variations of the above, all of which are intended to fall within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims that follow.