Patent Publication Number: US-2012043332-A1

Title: Multipurpose Storage and Organizing Apparatus

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION DATA 
     The present invention claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 61/404,348, filed on Oct. 4, 2010, and 61/401,792, filed on Aug. 20, 2010, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein in their entireties. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to a multipurpose storage and organizing apparatus. Specifically, the present invention includes a semi-rigid frame that is substantially thin and planar, and an elastic holding strap. The multipurpose storage and organizing apparatus may be mounted to a vertical substrate, such as, but not limited to, an airplane table tray. 
     BACKGROUND 
     It is, of course, generally known for travelers of airplanes, buses, cars or other like vehicles, to travel with items that may be utilized during the travel. For example, airline passengers often find themselves sitting in one position for many hours, with limited resources to occupy the time. Thus, it is typical for travelers to seek to stow, in vehicles, items that may be utilized during the trip, such as food, drink, games, books, electronic devices, makeup, tissue, toys, and other like items. Numerous devices, systems and methods have been tried to temporarily retain such items, but with significant disadvantages. 
     For example, placing an object directly on the front floor of a vehicle is unacceptable because a user of the object may find it difficult to reach the object, especially while wedged into a typical airline seat. Placing the objects on the floor reduces the available foot space, tends to move when the vehicle moves, and may be subjected to dirt, moisture and pathogens that may be present in the vehicle. 
     Moreover, disposing of waste during a long trip may be difficult. For example, waste that may be generated during a flight, such as food wrappers, tissues and other like objects, are typically placed on the floor or in the seat pocket, or otherwise may simply be placed on the seat or the tray table until a flight attendant comes around with a waste receptacle. This may be unsanitary and unsightly. Placing the waste on the floor may cause the waste to spill if kicked, contributing to the spread of pathogens and the like. If in an automobile, drivers and occupants may be tempted to utilize the rear floor of the vehicle, which may impose the same space, aesthetic and sanitary problems for rear seat occupants while further complicating the accessibility problems for front seat occupants. 
     In addition, many travelers travel with bags or other holders for their goods, and in many cases wish to retain documents and other important travel papers in particular locations that may reduce theft or accidental loss of the papers. In many cases, bags may be worn close to the bodies of the travelers, such as on belts or around the necks of the travelers. 
     A need, therefore, exists for a multipurpose storage and organizing apparatus that may be secured, via one or more elastic straps, to a vertically disposed substrate, such as an airline tray table that may be built into an airplane seat back. 
     Further, a need exists for a multipurpose storage and organizing apparatus that provides secure mounting in a location that is convenient to seat occupants. Moreover, a need exists for a multipurpose storage and organizing apparatus that is adaptable to a variety of vehicle interior seating configurations. 
     In addition, a need exists for a multipurpose storage and organizing apparatus that provides a utility receptacle that may be mounted to an airplane table tray that may be easily accessible to the seat occupant. A need further exists for a multipurpose storage and organizing apparatus that is capable of safely and securely holding frequently used objects during a trip, such as food, drink, personal items, and electronics, without impeding retrieval of such items. 
     Still further, a need exists for a multipurpose storage and organizing apparatus that provides an airline utility receptacle that may be easily attached and removed to a vertical substrate, such as an airline passenger tray table. Moreover, a need exists for a multipurpose storage and organizing apparatus that may be used on a variety of vehicles, such as automobiles, trains, airplanes, boats and other like vehicles. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a multipurpose storage and organizing apparatus. Specifically, the present invention includes a semi-rigid frame that is substantially thin and planar, and an elastic holding strap. The multipurpose storage and organizing apparatus may be mounted to a vertical substrate, such as, but not limited to, an airplane table tray. 
     To this end, in an embodiment of the present invention a multipurpose storage and organizing apparatus is provided. The apparatus comprises: a first panel and a second panel, and a fold line between the first panel and the second panel, wherein the apparatus has an open configuration and a closed configuration based on the disposition of the first and second panels in relation to each other; a first pocket disposed in at least one of the first panel and the second panel; and an attaching band connected to the first panel at a first location and the second panel at a second location, wherein the attaching band is disposable around a substrate for holding the apparatus thereon. 
     In an embodiment, the band is elastic. 
     In an embodiment, the first location is on an end of the first panel. 
     In an embodiment, the second location is on an end of the second panel. 
     In an embodiment, the first location is on an end of the first panel, and wherein the second location is on an end of the second panel. 
     In an embodiment, the first panel comprises a first side and a second side, wherein the first pocket is disposed in the second side of the first panel. 
     In an embodiment, the second panel comprises a first side and a second side, wherein a second pocket is disposed in the second side of the second panel. 
     In an embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a transparent window disposed in the first panel. 
     In an embodiment, the apparatus  1  further comprises a connecting element connecting a first end of the first panel to a first end of the second panel to dispose the apparatus in a folded configuration. 
     In an embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a lead connected to the apparatus in a looped configuration. 
     In an embodiment, the band has a length, and further wherein the length of the band is adjustable. 
     In an embodiment, the apparatus further comprising a plurality of pockets disposed in the apparatus, such that access to the plurality of pockets is obtained when the apparatus is disposed in an unfolded configuration. 
     In an embodiment, the apparatus further comprises at least one item disposed within the first pocket. 
     In an embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a substrate, wherein the band is disposed around the substrate, and the apparatus is held on the substrate. 
     In an embodiment, the substrate is an airplane tray table. 
     In an embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a second fold line in the apparatus, wherein the apparatus is folded on both the first fold line and the second fold line when in the closed configuration. 
     In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, a method of using a multipurpose storage and organizing apparatus is provided. The method comprises the steps of: providing an apparatus comprising a first panel and a second panel, and a fold line between the first panel and the second panel, wherein the apparatus has an open configuration and a closed configuration based on the disposition of the first and second panels in relation to each other; a first pocket disposed in at least one of the first panel and the second panel; and an attaching band connected to the first panel at a first location and the second panel at a second location, wherein the attaching band is disposable around a substrate for holding the apparatus thereon; opening the apparatus to form the open configuration; and placing the band around a vertical substrate, thereby disposing the apparatus on the vertical substrate to expose the at least one pocket for holding an item. 
     In an embodiment, the method further comprises the step of placing an item within the first pocket. 
     In an embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a transparent window in the first panel, and further wherein the method comprises the step of placing an item within the transparent window for viewing thereof by an observer. 
     In an embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a looped lead, and further wherein the method comprises the steps of: disposing the apparatus in the closed configuration; and hanging the apparatus around the neck of a user thereof via the looped lead. 
     It is, therefore, an advantage of the present invention to provide a multipurpose storage and organizing apparatus that may be secured, via one or more elastic straps, to a vertically disposed substrate, such as an airline tray table that may be built into an airplane seat back. 
     Further, it is an advantage of the present invention to provide a multipurpose storage and organizing apparatus that provides secure mounting in a location that is convenient to seat occupants. 
     Moreover, it is an advantage of the present invention to provide a multipurpose storage and organizing apparatus that is adaptable to a variety of vehicle interior seating configurations. 
     In addition, it is an advantage of the present invention to provide a multipurpose storage and organizing apparatus that provides a utility receptacle that may be mounted to an airplane table tray that may be easily accessible to the seat occupant. 
     It is a further advantage of the present invention to provide a multipurpose storage and organizing apparatus that is capable of safely and securely holding frequently used objects during a trip, such as food, drink, personal items, and electronics, without impeding retrieval of such items. 
     Still further, it is an advantage of the present invention to provide a multipurpose storage and organizing apparatus that provides an airline utility receptacle that may be easily attached and removed to a vertical substrate, such as an airline passenger tray table. 
     Moreover, it is an advantage of the present invention to provide a multipurpose storage and organizing apparatus that may be used on a variety of vehicles, such as automobiles, trains, airplanes, boats and other like vehicles. 
     Additional features and advantages of the present invention are described in, and will be apparent from, the detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments and from the drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The drawing figures depict one or more implementations in accord with the present concepts, by way of example only, not by way of limitations. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements. 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a planar view of a multipurpose storage and organizing apparatus in an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of a partially open multipurpose storage and organizing apparatus in an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a front end planar view of a multipurpose storage and organizing apparatus disposed on an airplane seat tray table in an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a planar view of a folded multipurpose storage and organizing apparatus showing a see-through window in an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective rear planar view of a multipurpose storage and organizing apparatus in an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a front view of a multipurpose storage and organizing apparatus in an alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates an elevated perspective view of a multipurpose storage and organizing apparatus in an alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a front planar view of a multipurpose storage and organizing apparatus disposed on a glove box in an automobile in an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a front planar view of a multipurpose storage and organizing apparatus disposed on a drawer in an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a front planar view of a multipurpose storage and organizing apparatus disposed on a chair in an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention relates to a multipurpose storage and organizing apparatus. Specifically, the present invention includes a semi-rigid frame that is substantially thin and planar, and an elastic holding strap. The multipurpose storage and organizing apparatus may be mounted to a vertical substrate, such as, but not limited to, an airplane table tray, or other like substrate as disclosed below. 
     Now referring to the figures, wherein like numerals refer to like parts, a multipurpose storage and organizing apparatus  10  is illustrated, as shown in  FIGS. 1-3  in an embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, the apparatus  10  may include a first panel  12  and a second panel  14 , bifurcated by fold line  16  between the first panel  12  and the second panel  14 . The first panel  12  and/or the second panel  14  may be made from a resilient material, such as, for example, plastic and/or fabric. As shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , the first panel  12  and the second panel  14  may have a reinforcing frame  18  running around perimeters of the first panel  12  and the second panel  14  to provide further rigidity and/or strength to the first panel  12  and the second panel  14 . 
     The apparatus  10  may have a connecting element for connecting the apparatus to a vertically disposed substrate, as disclosed below. The connecting element may be a strap, hook, clamp, latch fastening system, or any other like device for holding the apparatus  10  to a substrate. Preferably, the connecting element may be a loop of flexible material, such as a strap, belt, rope, band or other element. Moreover, the loop of material may include a detachable clip for disconnecting the loop of flexible material, or an adjustment element for changing the size of the loop of material. In a most preferred embodiment, the fastening system may be an elastic band  20 . The elastic band  20  may preferably be disposed between an end  22  of the first panel  12  and an end  24  of the second panel  14 , although it may be connected to the apparatus and any location. The elastic band  20  may preferably attach around a vertically disposed substrate, as disclosed in more detail below, to hold the apparatus  10  in an open and unfolded configuration to access a plurality of pockets disposed therein, as disclosed in more detail below. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , an attaching clip  26  may be provided for attaching the apparatus  10  to a securing element. For example, the apparatus  10  may be clipped to a belt, a belt loop, or any other element for attaching the apparatus to the element. Moreover, the apparatus  10 , as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , may include a closing element  28  that may hold the first panel  12  in close proximity to the second panel  14 , to close the apparatus  10  via the fold line  16 . The closing element  28  may include a male clip portion  30  and a female clip portion  32  that may be disposed in engaged relationship to hold the first panel  12  to the second panel  14 , thereby holding the apparatus  10  in the closed configuration. In alternate embodiments, the closing element  28  may be zippers, clips, Velcro™, buttons, latches, ties or other such closing elements. The closing element  28  may also be removably attached to the apparatus  10 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , a first clip  34 , disposed on a first end of the fold line  16 , and a second clip  36 , disposed on a second end of the fold line  16 , may hold a lead  38  that may be utilized by a user to hold the apparatus  10 . Alternatively, the lead may form a loop between the first clip  34  and the second clip  36  that may allow a user to use the lead  38  as a lanyard and dispose the apparatus around the user&#39;s neck for secure holding of the apparatus  10 . The lead  38  may be adjustable to shorten or lengthen the lead, as desired by the user, and/or may be removable as desired. 
     Moreover, as shown in  FIG. 3 , a transparent window  40  may be disposed in the apparatus  10 , such as in the second panel  14 . The transparent window  40  may be utilized to hold information that may be viewable from an observer. For example, a passport may be disposed within a pocket (not shown) in the apparatus allowing the passport to be viewable to an observer. Alternatively, another identification or a photograph may be held within the pocket (not shown) so as to be viewable by an observer. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , the apparatus  10  is illustrated disposed on a tray table  42  fixed to the rear of an airplane seat  44 . The band  20  may stretch over the generally vertically disposed tray table  42  and generally frictionally remain in place. The band  20  may be adjustable to shorten and or lengthen the band  20  to better hold the apparatus  10  in place, such as when disposed on the tray table  42 , or other vertically disposed substrate. 
     A plurality of pockets  46  may be disposed in the apparatus  10 . As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the plurality of pockets  46  may be disposed on a side of the apparatus opposite to the first panel  12  and second panel  14 , as shown in  FIGS. 1-3 . The plurality of pockets  46  may be any size or configuration to hold one or more items  48  therein, such as a cup or can of fluid, used as a drink, pencils, pens, markers, papers, books, pamphlets, glasses, electronic devices, or any other item apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. The apparatus  10  allows the items disposed within the pockets to be accessible to a user when the apparatus  10  is opened and disposed on the vertical substrate, such as the tray table  42 , as illustrated in  FIG. 4 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a rear view of the apparatus  10  showing the first panel  12  and the second panel  14  and the fold line  16 , but in the open configuration with the items  48  contained therein. The apparatus  10  may continue to hold viewable items, such as a passport or other identification, or other like item, within the transparent window  40 . 
       FIGS. 6 and 7  illustrate alternate embodiments of the present invention, illustrating differences in sizing and depth. Specifically,  FIG. 6  illustrates an apparatus  60  that may be relatively shorter in size than the apparatus  10 , illustrated with respect to  FIGS. 1-5 . In addition,  FIG. 7  illustrates an apparatus  70  having a longer size, and an alternate configuration of pockets. Moreover, pockets in the apparatus  70  may have a depth allowing larger and thicker items, such as books, electronic devices or other like items, therein. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates an apparatus  80  disposed on a glove box door  82  within an automobile  84 , in an embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the apparatus  80  may be disposed within the automobile  84 , allowing items useful to occupants of the automobile to be readily accessible. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates an apparatus  90  disposed on a drawer  92 , allowing items useful for a user to be readily accessible. The apparatus  90  may be held in place with an elastic band (not shown) disposed around the front surface of the drawer. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates an apparatus  100  disposed on the back of a chair  102  in an embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus  100  may be held in place with an elastic band  101  disposed around the back of the chair  102 . 
     Of course, it is contemplated that the present invention may be utilized attached to any vertically disposed substrate. Illustrated herein are various embodiments of the invention attached to a plurality of examples, such as an airplane tray table  42 , a glove box door  82 , a drawer  92 , and/or a chair  102 . However, it should be noted that the present invention may also be used in any vehicle, baby stroller, luggage, wheelchair, office anywhere else apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, the present invention may be used on a person or on an animal, either in the closed configuration and disposed on the person via a clip or lead, as described herein, or may be disposed in an open configuration, and attached to the person or animal via the elastic band, such as around the waist of the person or midsection of the animal. 
     Moreover, although only a single fold line  16  is illustrated by the embodiments shown herein, the invention should not be so limited. The present invention also contemplates that there may be two, three or even more fold lines for folding the apparatuses described herein and making even more compact. 
     The present invention may be made from any materials apparent to one or ordinary skill in the art, including plastics, polyester fabrics, leather, nylon, pvc, cotton, silk, ripcord, neoprene, canvas, nonwoven materials, and/or other like materials. Other materials may be incorporated therein, such as decorative items and the like. 
     It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages.