Patent Publication Number: US-11026508-B1

Title: Customizable desk organizer

Description:
CROSS-SECTION TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This nonprovisional application is a continuation of and claims priority to provisional application No. 62/896,960, entitled “CUSTOMIZABLE DESK ORGANIZER,” filed Sep. 6, 2019 by the same inventor. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates, generally, to desktop organizers. More specifically, it relates to modular desktop organizers. 
     2. Brief Description of the Prior Art 
     Hundreds of millions of people around the world spend a substantial portion of their day sitting behind a desk, table, or even standing behind a workbench performing various tasks. For example, a person in a typical office environment would be required to use and interact with several office supplies, some of which are small and easily lost, such as binder and paper clips. These office supplies are easily misplaced, increasing the frustration and inefficiency of the work being performed and associated costs. Further, as time passes, the once clean and organized desk gets bombarded with clutter with no practical or efficient way to organize the clutter. 
     It is desirable for workers and users of desks, tables, benches, and the like to be able to work as efficiently and smoothly as possible. This means that the supplies needed to perform any given task should be organized and accessible so that the supplies are ready to be used at a moment&#39;s notice. In response to this need, various companies have developed a wide range of organizers, which have unsuccessfully attempted to solve this problem. 
     Previous attempts, such as the UGMONK GATHER, include an elongated base having a plurality of grooves disposed within the base. Pegs located in the bottom of and extending outward from a container are designed to be received within the grooves cut into the base. However, this design has a number of drawbacks in which, first and foremost, is the slidable grid system. While the sliding grid system allows for some limited customizability, it also provides for a less stable and productive product. Small movement or shifts when removing and placing items within the containers can easily cause the containers to shift and slide out of an alignment set by the user-thus requiring constant readjustment. Further, if the organizational system were to be accidentally knocked over, the pegs of each of the containers would fall out of the grooves, requiring a user to reposition each of the individual containers along with the misplaced office supplies. 
     Further, the pegs protruding from the bottom of the containers can break easily. Because the pegs protrude and do not sit flush with the container, the likelihood that one or more of the pegs would be damaged is increased. If such breakage were to occur, the entire container would be rendered non-functional for its intended purpose. Additionally, repeated removal and placement of the container, or even the routine pressure and stress associated with the normal use of the container, subjects the pegs to increased stress, which can weaken the pegs and eventually cause the pegs to break. 
     Accordingly, what is needed is a modular desktop organizer that allows for secure and reliable attachment of receptacles onto a base. However, in view of the art considered as a whole at the time the present invention was made, it was not obvious to those of ordinary skill in the field of this invention how the shortcomings of the prior art could be overcome. 
     The present invention may address one or more of the problems and deficiencies of the prior art discussed above. However, it is contemplated that the invention may prove useful in addressing other problems and deficiencies in a number of technical areas. Therefore, the claimed invention should not necessarily be construed as limited to addressing any of the particular problems or deficiencies discussed herein. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The long-standing but heretofore unfulfilled need for a modular desk organizer that allows customization of receptacles when securely attached to a base is now met by a new, useful, and nonobvious invention. 
     The novel structure includes a modular desktop organizer that comprises a base having a top surface configured to support a plurality of receptacles. A plurality of magnets is disposed within the base and reside within a first plane. Each of the magnets of the plurality of magnets is equidistantly spaced apart and positioned proximal to the top surface. 
     A first receptacle having a first shape and a first set of sockets disposed within the first receptacle residing within a second plane is provided to interact with a base magnetically. At least two complementary magnets, ferromagnetic, or paramagnetic materials, are disposed within the first set of sockets respectfully. When the first receptacle is brought into proximity of the base, at least two of the plurality of magnets of the base are magnetically coupled to the at least two complementary magnets of the first receptacle, thereby securing the first receptacle to the base. The distance between the at least two complementary magnets of the first receptacle is equal to the distance between two magnets within the base, such that when the first receptacle is magnetically coupled to the base, the horizontal and lateral movements of the first receptacle with respect to the base is restricted. 
     A second receptacle having a first shape that is different than a second shape and the second set of sockets disposed within the second receptacle residing within a third plane. In an embodiment, the second receptacle may be the same size and shape as the first receptacle. At least two complementary magnets are disposed within the second set of sockets, such that when the second receptacle is brought into proximity of the base, at least two of the plurality of magnets of the base are magnetically coupled to the at least two complementary magnets of the second receptacle, thereby securing the second receptacle to the base. The distance between the at least two complementary magnets of the second receptacle is equal to the distance between two magnets within the base, such that when the second receptacle is magnetically coupled to the base, the horizontal and lateral movements of the second receptacle with respect to the base is restricted. 
     In an embodiment, the alignment of the at least two complementary magnets of each of the first and the second receptacles when positioned over the plurality of magnets of the base allows for the biasing of each of the first and the second receptacle into a correct position with respect to the base. 
     In yet another embodiment, the second receptacle further includes a first portion residing parallel to the first plane when the second receptacle is secured to the base. A second portion extends away from the first portion toward a terminal end. A third portion extends away from each of the first and the second portions. Angle α is formed by the intersection of the first portion and the second portion, while angle β is formed between the third portion and the first portion. A retention mechanism is disposed at the terminal end of the third portion and is configured to prevent an object disposed on a ledge formed by the third portion, the second portion, and the retention mechanism from unintentionally being disposed away from the second receptacle. 
     The location of the first and the second receptacle is interchangeable when the first and the second receptacles are coupled to the base allowing for various configurations of the modular desktop organizer. 
     These and other important objects, advantages, and features of the invention will become clear as this disclosure proceeds. 
     The invention accordingly comprises the features of construction, combination of elements, and arrangement of parts that will be exemplified in the disclosure set forth hereinafter and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a fuller understanding of the invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the desk organizer depicting a plurality of receptacles coupled to a base. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the base. 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of the base showing the magnets disposed within the body and positioned proximal to the top surface. 
         FIG. 4  depicts a side view of the modular desktop organizer depicting a receptacle coupled to the base. 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a receptacle. 
         FIG. 6  is a top view of an embodiment of the receptacle shown in  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a receptacle having a cutout portion. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an embodiment of an easel shaped receptacle. 
         FIG. 9  is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the ease shaped receptacle depicted in  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 10  is a side view of an embodiment of an easel shaped receptacle. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part thereof, and within which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments by which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized, and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. 
     As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-8 , the modular desktop organizer  5  (hereinafter “organizer”) comprises base  10  and receptacle  12 . Base  10  and receptacle  12  may be made from any material that a person of ordinary skill in the art would use to provide structural support, rigidity, and reliability including, but not limited to: acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), epoxy resins, rubber, latex, polyvinylchloride (PVC), vinyl chloride, thermoplastics, ceramic, glass, granite, marble, metal, metal alloys, textiles, or other suitable materials. In an embodiment, base  10  and receptacle  12  may each be monolithically formed and/or manufactured through injection molding, 3D printing, metal casting, carving, or other suitable manufacturing methods known in the art. 
     As depicted in  FIGS. 2-4 , base  10  has a substantially elongated shape having a flat top surface  14  and a flat bottom surface  16  with base body  18  extending therebetween. Base  20  may have other geometrical shapes where top surface  14  and bottom surface  16  may be formed in the shape of squares, triangles, ovals, polygons, or other geometrical shapes. Top surface  14  defines a plurality of base sockets  20 , adjacent base sockets  20  are equidistantly spaced apart from one another. Each base socket  20  is sized to receive and retain base magnet  22 . Preferably, base magnets  22  sit flush with top surface  14 , however, in an embodiment, each base magnet  22  may be positioned proximal to top surface  14  and may be disposed within base body  18 , such that base magnets  22  are concealed within base body  18  and are not accessible and/or visible through top surface  14 . 
     One or more receptacles  12  are configured to magnetically couple to base  10 . In an embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 5-7 , receptacle  12  may be secured to base  10  using fasteners, magnets, screws, nails, clips, adhesive, or other suitable material or structure that is configured to secure receptacle  12  to base  10 . 
     As depicted in  FIGS. 5-9 , receptacle  12  includes receptacle body  26  configured retain objects within cavity  28 , or objects may reside on ledge  29 . In an embodiment, cavity  28  may include partitions  30  to provide further organization. Partitions  30  may extend the entire length of body  26  with cavity  28  or may partially extend therein. For example, in an office setting, receptacle  12  may be configured to hold note pads, cell phone, paper clips, binder clips, paper, pencil, pens, or any other supplies routinely used in an office setting. In a workbench setting, such as a home garage, receptacle  12  may be configured to hold nuts, bolts, screws, washers, nails, screwdrivers, rachets, batteries, or any other objects typically found in a workbench setting. When organizer  5  includes two or more receptacles  12  positioned on the same body  10 , a user increases the number and variety of objects that organizer  5  is configured to hold. 
     Receptacle body  26  includes one or more receptacle sockets  25  disposed within bottom portion  27  of receptacle body  26 . Each receptacle socket  25  is configured to receive receptacle magnet  23 . In an embodiment, receptacle magnet  23  and/or base magnet  22  may be formed of neodymium iron boron, samarium cobalt, alnico, ferrite, steel, stainless steel, iron, or any other object known in the art to produce or be attracted to a magnetic field. In an embodiment, receptacle magnet  23  or base magnet  22  may be any mineral, element, or material that is at least partially formed from at least one ferromagnetic or paramagnetic material and has magnetic properties. In an embodiment, receptacle magnet  23  and/or base magnet  22  has a gauss value between 50 and 1500 gauss, such that receptacle  12  is not easily knocked off base  10  when it is magnetically secured thereto, while not being so strong that a human would be unable to decouple receptacle  12  from base  10 . 
     Receptacle magnet  23  may protrude from bottom portion  27  of receptacle body  26  or may sit flush. In embodiments including two or more receptacle sockets  25 , the adjacent receptacle magnets  23  are equidistantly spaced apart from one another and positioned in the same or substantially the same configuration and spacing as base magnets  22  of base  10 , thereby allowing for magnetic coupling when receptacle magnets  23  of receptacle  12  are brought into proximity with base magnets  22  of base  10 . In an embodiment, receptacle body  26  includes two sets of lateral walls  29  in an orthogonal relationship with one another. The first set includes first receptacle wall  29   a  opposite second receptacle wall  29   b , and the second set includes third receptacle wall  29   c  opposite fourth receptacle wall  29   d.    
     The complementary spacing and configuration of base magnets  22  of base  10  and receptacle magnets  23  of receptacle  24  facilitate proper alignment of receptacle  12  with respect to base  10 . When receptacle magnets  23  of receptacle  12  are magnetically coupled with base magnets  22  of base  10 , the magnetic forces urge the receptacle  12  into proper alignment with base  10 . In an embodiment, base magnets  22  of base  10  and receptacle magnets  23  of receptacle  12  may be secured within their respective sockets  20 ,  25  by press-fitting, adhesive, or other methods known in the art to secure base magnets  22  within base sockets  20  and receptacle magnets  23  within receptacle sockets  25 . 
     In an embodiment, receptacles  12  may be arranged in several configurations by replacing, swapping, and/or removing receptacles  12  from base  10 , and then recoupling receptacles  12  to base  10  in a different configuration. These new configurations may be based on user preferences and needs at the time. In an embodiment, base  10  may be coupled to a single receptacle  12  or base  10  may be coupled to a plurality of receptacles  12 . As depicted in  FIG. 7 , an embodiment of receptacle  12  is shown having cutout  32  designed to provide easy access to an object residing within receptacle  12 . Cut out  32  allows for ease of removal by providing access to a portion of the object within receptacle  12  by the user, thereby facilitating the removal of the object. 
     An embodiment of receptacle  12  is depicted in  FIGS. 8-10 . In such an embodiment receptacle  12  is configured to receive a cell phone, book, paper, or the like using support channel  29 , such as an easel-type element, slot, or ledge. Receptacle  12  is formed, having first portion  34  residing within plane  42 , while second  36  portion and third  38  portion are bent out of plane  42  at corresponding angles α and β, respectively. As shown in  FIG. 10 , angle α is less than angle β and formed between first portion  34  and second portion  36 . Angle β is greater than angle α and formed between first portion  34  and third portion  38 . When receptacle  12  is positioned adjacent to top surface  16  of base  10 , first portion  34  is parallel with top surface  16  of base  10 . Second portion  36  is configured to provide support to object residing within support channel  29  and extends away from the first portion  34  at a predetermined distance. Third portion  38  extends away from both first portion  34  and second portion  36  and forms the bottom portion of ledge  29  for receiving an object. Disposed at the terminal end of third portion  38  is retention mechanism  40 . Retention mechanism  40  at least partially extends the entire distance of the terminal end of the third portion  38  and is configured to prevent the object from sliding out of channel  29  and off of third portion  38 . 
     The advantages set forth above, and those made apparent from the foregoing description, are efficiently attained. Since certain changes may be made in the above construction without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matters contained in the foregoing description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. 
     It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention that, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.