Patent Publication Number: US-2009223971-A1

Title: Organizer for accessory items

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     There are many benefits to being organized. For instance, an organized desk is more aesthetic and makes it easier for a worker to focus on the task at hand. Being organized may also reduce stress as it promotes efficiency and a sense of control. Organization comes in many forms such as time management, organizing documents and computer files to name a few. Of interest in this case, however, is the organization of collections of items, components, and accessories. When items are organized they are easier to find when needed, thus promoting efficiency and reducing frustration. Also, it is easier to determine when items are missing or need replacing if they are stored in an organized fashion. 
     There exist many situations where people engage in activities such as crafts, trades, and hobbies where a multitude of components, accessories, or items are utilized. For example, fishing is an activity requiring various lures, hooks, swivels, sinkers, bobbers, and flies to name just a few. Another example of a situation where multiple components are utilized is the electrical or low voltage trades. An electrician may require various sockets, connectors, conduit components, wall plates, electrical boxes, and fasteners in order to construct an electrical system. 
     There has always been a need to organize and categorize these types of items. In the past, people have used organizer bins and drawer systems to contain items in an organized fashion. For situations where these components need to be transported outdoors or to a worksite, portable boxes with organizing trays have been employed. One example of such a situation is fishing. In this case it is well known to use what is termed a tackle box. A tackle box can be roughly the size of a shoebox and contains various trays with small preconfigured compartments for stowing tackle, such as lures, hooks, swivels, and sinkers. 
     An example of a situation where items need to be transported to a worksite is where an electrician transports components used in the trade to and from various worksites. A tackle box-type organizer is quite suitable for fishing gear; however, it is less conducive to managing larger components such as those needed by an electrician. In the past the electrician might simply combine all of the needed components in a duffel bag for example. Such a practice, however, provides no means of organizing and displaying the various components such that they are readily available for installation. Although existing organizers and tackle boxes are suitable for their intended purpose there are other situations where a more adaptable and convenient means of storing, transporting, organizing, and displaying components is needed. 
     There are many instances where, coincident with the need for an organizer, is the need for a suitable work surface. It is often the case where an electrician is installing an electrical system on a worksite and where a fisherman is outdoors, that there are few flat working surfaces available. Also, in the case of an electrician or other tradesmen the job may cover a large work area in which a portable work surface would be a benefit. As such, there is a need for an improved organizer which also provides an integral portable work surface. 
     SUMMARY 
     An organizer for storing accessories is disclosed. According to one exemplary embodiment the organizer comprises a case which includes a first storage region, a second storage region and a partition panel disposed there between. The first and second storage regions are, respectively, provided with a modular array of first and second compartments. The storage regions are movable with respect to one another between a case closed position and a case open position. The partition panel is selectively movable when the case is open to either prevent access to a selected one of the storage regions or to permit access to each of the storage regions. 
     Preferably, the modular arrays of first and second compartments include a plurality of differently sized compartments to accommodate accessories of differing characteristics. To this end each of the compartments includes a plurality of row partitions provided with slide ways. The dividers are removably disposed in the slide ways between adjacent row partitions. Each of the first and second storage regions includes an associated bottom wall, and these walls are oriented in a common plane when the case is in a fully deployed position (i.e., fully open) such that the partition panel may selectively cover one of the first and second storage regions to provide a working surface. When the first and second storage regions are moved into a partially deployed position, in which they are oriented at an angle with respect to one another, the partition panel may selectively cover the first storage region to prevent spillage of its contents. 
     Preferably, a handle is disposed on the partition panel to allow the case to be conveniently transported. At least one latch releasably secures the partition panel to either or both of the first and second storage regions. Where a plurality of latches are employed, at least a first latch may reasonably secure the partition panel to the first storage region and at least a second latch may releasably of the secure the partition panel to the second storage region. In an alternative construction, a latch mechanism selectively attaches the partition to one of the first and second storage regions while concurrently detaching it from the other region. 
     According to another embodiment, an accessory item organizer comprises first and second compartments which are removably joined between an organizer open position and an organizer closed position. A substantially rigid partition panel is provided with a handle and disposed between the compartment arrays. A latch mechanism selectively attaches the partition panel to one of the first and second arrays while concurrently detaching it from another of the arrays. 
     In yet another embodiment, an accessory item organizer comprises a partition panel having a double-walled construction. The partition panel comprising a first wall panel and a second wall panel that are separable from one another. The first and second wall panels are releasably attached to one another with a latch structure, preferably via a snap-fit engagement. Preferably also, the first and second wall panels are constructed identically. 
     The first and second wall panels are operative, when the organizer is in a fully deployed position, to move away from one another to selectively cover said first and second regions, respectively. The organizer may include first and second pairs of cooperative fastening elements associated with the first and second wall panels and their corresponding storage regions to allow the wall panels to releasably cover the compartments while providing a working surface. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view illustrating an organizer according to a first exemplary embodiment that is shown in a fully deployed (i.e., case open) position; 
         FIG. 2  is a partial perspective view of the organizer shown in  FIG. 1  illustrating the modular assembly of one of its storage regions; 
         FIG. 3  is a top plan view of the organizer shown in  FIG. 1  with compartments configured to accommodate a representative collection of items; 
         FIG. 4  is a bottom plan view of the organizer shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a side view in elevation of the organizer shown in  FIG. 1 , arranged in a stowed (i.e., case closed) configuration; 
         FIG. 6  is a side view in elevation of the organizer shown in  FIG. 1 , arranged in a partially deployed configuration; 
         FIG. 7  is a side view in elevation of the organizer shown in  FIG. 1 , arranged in the fully deployed configuration; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view illustrating an organizer according to a second exemplary embodiment that is shown in a fully deployed configuration; 
         FIG. 9  is a side view in elevation of the organizer shown in  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  is an enlarged perspective view illustrating an organizer according to a third exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 11A  is a perspective view of the organizer shown in  FIG. 10 , arranged with the storage regions released from each other; 
         FIG. 11B  is a perspective view of the organizer shown in  FIG. 10 , arranged with the storage regions released from each other and one of the wall panels opened; 
         FIG. 11C  is a perspective view of the organizer shown in  FIG. 10 , arranged with the storage regions released from each other and both wall panels opened; 
         FIG. 12  is an enlarged partial perspective view of the partition latches shown in  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a partial cross-sectional view of the partition latches shown in  FIG. 12  as taken about line  13 - 13 ; 
         FIG. 14  is partial cross-sectional view of the box latches shown in  FIG. 10  as viewed about line  14 - 14 ; 
         FIG. 15  is partial cross-sectional view of the lid latches shown in  FIG. 10  as viewed about line  15 - 15 ; 
         FIG. 16  is a front view in elevation of the organizer shown in  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 17  is a cross-sectional view of the organizer as viewed about line  17 - 17  as shown in  FIG. 16 ; 
         FIG. 18  is an enlarged cross sectional view of a hinge clip; and 
         FIG. 19  is an enlarged partial perspective view of the hinge clip shown in  FIGS. 17 and 18  attached to one of the storage regions. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
     Provided herein is an accessory item organizer in the form of a case. In preferred embodiments, the organizer includes an integral work surface. The organizer is configurable to accommodate a variety of differently sized and shaped items. The organizer disclosed is a more adaptable and convenient means of storing, transporting, organizing, and displaying items. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a first exemplary embodiment of the accessory item organizer  10  in a fully deployed configuration. Organizer  10  includes a first storage region  20  and a second storage region  30 . Each storage region includes a modular array of compartments. As will be described more fully below, a partition panel  40  is movably disposed between storage regions or compartment arrays  20  and  30 . Compartment arrays  20  and  30  are rotatably attached to partition panel  40  with hinges  70  and  72 . As shown in this embodiment the hinges illustrated are of the type commonly referred to as piano hinges. This arrangement allows each compartment to be accessed independently of the other. 
     Compartment array  20  includes surrounding sidewall  25  and bottom wall or panel  29  (see  FIG. 4 ). Compartment array  20  also includes one or more integrally formed row partitions, such as row partitions  21  and  23 . Partitions  21  and  23  define rows  22 ,  24 , and  26 . Each row partition preferably includes a plurality of slideways  27 . The slideways are sized and adapted to receive removable dividers  50 . As is perhaps best shown in  FIG. 2 , removable dividers  50  may be inserted at various locations along row partitions  21  and  23  in order to create compartments of different sizes, thus providing a modular construction. It should be understood that the configuration shown in  FIG. 1  is merely an example and various combinations of rows and columns are contemplated. Moreover, row partitions  21  and  23  may be oriented perpendicular to the orientation shown in the figures. 
     Second compartment array  30  has a similar construction as compartment array  20  with row partitions  31  and  33  defining rows  32 ,  34 , and  36 . Again, each row partition includes slideways  37  for receiving removable dividers  51 . In this embodiment compartment array  20  is formed of an opaque material, whereas compartment array  30  is formed of a transparent material thereby allowing identification of items stored therein. Alternatively, the entire organizer could either be opaque or transparent. Preferably, the compartment arrays  20  and  30  are formed of a plastic material. However it should be appreciated that the compartment arrays may be formed of any suitable material or combination of materials such as plastic, sheet-metal, and wood. 
       FIG. 3  is a top view illustration of organizer  10  that has been configured to accommodate various sized electrical components. For example, compartment  52  is a large compartment which consists of a single row with no removable dividers  50  installed. Also shown are small component compartments  54  and  56 . Although electrical components are shown here for example, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the compartment arrays may be configured to receive various other items, accessories, or components as desired. 
       FIG. 4  is an illustration showing organizer  10  as viewed from below. Bottom panels  29  and  39  of compartment arrays  20  and  30  respectively include support feet  28  and  38  respectively. Also, support feet may be disposed on the surrounding sidewalls of the two compartments. The support feet support the organizer thereby helping to prevent scratches to the organizer case. This is particularly important where, as is shown in  FIG. 1 , the compartment array is formed of a transparent material. 
     As is shown in  FIG. 5  the organizer takes the form of a case. In this figure the organizer is shown in its fully stowed configuration. Partition panel  40  acts as a lid for compartment arrays  20  and  30 . When in a closed or stowed position latches  82  and  84  secure the compartment arrays to the partition panel  40 . Partition panel  40  also includes a handle  42  providing a convenient means of carrying the organizer  10 . FIG.  6  illustrates the organizer in a partially deployed state. In this case latch  82  has been disengaged allowing partition panel  40  along with second compartment array  30  to rotate away from compartment array  20  about hinge  72 .  FIG. 7  is a side view of the organizer in a fully deployed state. In this case latch  84  has also been released allowing partition panel  40  to rotate away from second compartment array  30  about hinge  74 . In this configuration both sides of the organizer case are accessible. 
       FIGS. 8 and 9  illustrate a second exemplary embodiment of the organizer case. The compartment arrays of organizer  210  are similar to organizer  10  but in this embodiment a single hinge  270  joins the first and second compartment arrays  220  and  230 , respectively. As perhaps best shown in  FIG. 8 , hinge  270  is comprised of a plurality of barrel portions integrally formed into compartment array  220 , compartment array  230  and divider panel  240 . Divider panel  240  includes barrel portions  274 , which are integrally formed with the divider panel  240 . Similarly, compartment array  220  includes barrel portions  276  integrally formed thereon. Likewise, compartment array  230  includes barrel portions  278  which are preferably integrally formed on compartment array  230 . Each of these barrel portions interlock with each other and rotate about hinge pin  272 . As can be seen in  FIGS. 8 and 9  organizer case  210  provides a work surface  245  which is conveniently located next to compartment array  220 . 
     A third exemplary embodiment of the accessory item organizer  310  is introduced in  FIG. 10 . Organizer  310  includes a first storage region  320  and a second storage region  330 . Each storage region includes a modular array of compartments similar to those described above with respect to the first and second embodiments. Organizer  310  includes partition panel  340  disposed between storage regions, or compartment arrays,  320  and  330 . Compartment arrays  320  and  330  are rotatably attached to partition panel  340  with hinges. Referring to  FIGS. 11A-11C  it should be noted that partition panel  340  has a double-walled construction that includes separable wall panels or partition lids  344  and  346 . Each wall panel is associated with a respective compartment array. Accordingly, each compartment array may be selectively accessed as desired. Organizer  310  includes box latches  384 ( 1 ) and  384 ( 2 ). Each partition lid includes a fastener  382 ( 1 ) and  382 ( 2 ) as shown in, for example,  FIG. 11A . The details of the box latches and lid fasteners are described more fully below. 
       FIGS. 11A-11C  illustrate the various configurations that organizer  310  may assume. For instance,  FIG. 11A  illustrates that organizer  310  is configurable such that both wall panels  344  and  346  are closed. As an example, this configuration may be advantageous for providing a work surface comprised of both wall panels  344  and  346 . As shown in  FIG. 11B , each wall panel may be opened as desired. In this case, wall panel  346  is opened, thereby providing access to compartment array  330  while compartment array  320  remains closed. Finally, in  FIG. 11C  both compartment arrays  320  and  330  are open and wall panels  344  and  346  are releasably attached to one another as a single partition  340 . In the fully deployed position shown in  FIG. 11C  the bottom walls of the compartment arrays  320  and  330  are oriented in a common plane. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 12 and 13 , wall panel latch mechanisms  380 ( 1 ) and  380 ( 2 ) are described more fully. It should be appreciated at this point that wall panels  344  in  346  have the same construction such that they may be formed in the same mold yet function as lids for opposite compartment arrays. Similarly, compartment arrays  320  and  330  have the same construction, again, so that they may be formed from a single mold. Wall panel latch mechanisms  380 ( 1 ) and  380 ( 2 ) each include a latch arm or tab  390  which is configured to engage latch pin  392  via a snap-fit engagement. Wall panel latches  380 ( 1 ) and  380 ( 2 ) are useful for releasably attaching wall panels  344  and  346  to each other when both compartments  320  and  330  are open. 
       FIG. 14  illustrates box latch  384 ( 2 ). The box latches  384 ( 1 ) and  384 ( 2 ) are used to secure compartment arrays  320  and  330  to each other in a stowed state. In this case box latch  384 ( 2 ) includes hinge portion  391  and latch portion  393 . Hinge portion  391  rotates about pivot pin  394 ( 2 ) and latch  393  engages latch pin  394 ( 1 ). Compartment  320  and compartment  330  each include a pin  394 , which can function as either a pivot pin or a latch pin as necessary.  FIG. 15  illustrates lid fastener  382 ( 2 ) in some detail. Lid fastener  382 ( 2 ) rotatably engages pivot pin  396 ( 2 ). Fastener  382 ( 2 ) also includes a latch portion  398 ( 2 ), which cooperatively engages an associated container. 
       FIG. 16  is a front view of container  310  illustrating the location of hinge clip  386 ( 1 ). As shown in  FIG. 17 , hinge clip  386 ( 1 ) pivotably attaches compartment array  320  to compartment array  330 . With further reference to  FIGS. 18 and 19  it can be seen that hinge clip  386 ( 1 ) includes hinge recesses  322 ( 1 ) and  322 ( 2 ), which engage hinge pins  325 ( 1 ) and  325 ( 2 ). Hinge pins  325  may be integrally molded, as perhaps best shown in  FIG. 19 , to their respective compartment arrays, in this case compartment array  330 . Also shown in  FIG. 19 , wall panel  346  includes a plurality of hinge recesses  327  that engage hinge pins  328 , which are integrally formed with compartment array  330 . 
     Accordingly, the present invention has been described with some degree of particularity directed to the exemplary embodiments. It should be appreciated, though, that the present invention is defined by the following claims construed in light of the prior art so that modifications or changes may be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the inventive concepts contained herein.