Hand-held organizer

Abstract

A hand-held organizer for holding at least one of a card, a writing instrument, and a notepad includes a first panel portion and a second panel portion. The first panel portion is secured to the second panel portion along three of its perimeter edges to form a first pocket between one side of the first panel portion and one side of the second panel portion. The first side of the first panel portion is also adapted to hold both ends of a card and/or a notepad.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority depending from U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/377,543, filed May 3, 2002, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to an organizer and, more particularly, to a handheld organizer that can hold one or more accessories, such as a note pad, a pen, cards, such as business cards, identification cards, debit/credit cards, or the like.

[0003] Currently organizers or planners are designed to contain a wide variety of organizational tools, including daily, weekly, or monthly calendars, notepads, address/phone books, expense records, pockets (including closable pockets) for storing receipts, and slots or pockets for storing cards, such as credit cards, business cards, and other miscellaneous cards or the like. As a result, current organizer designs are bulky and are relatively heavy compared to traditional wallets, which have heretofore simply provided storage for cards and typically paper money.

[0004] While it may be beneficial to store your desk in your organizer, there are some situations where these bulky organizers are unwieldy and may pose a distraction. For example, when meeting clients at a restaurant or a cocktail lounge there is often too little space to work with an organizer.

[0005] Consequently, there is a need for a hand-held organizer that provides ample storage for at least a notepad and, more preferably, for additional accessories, such as a writing instrument, money, cards, including credit/debit bank cards, identification cards, business cards, photos or the like.

SUMMARY

[0006] Accordingly, the present invention provides an organizer which is compact and yet provides ample storage space for at least a notepad and, more preferably, for additional accessories, such as a writing instrument, money, cards, including credit/debit/bank cards, identification cards, business cards, photos or the like.

[0007] In one form of the invention, a hand-held organizer includes first and second panel portions and a hinge portion, which connects the two panel portions. The first panel portion is movable from a generally parallel closed position with the inner surface of the first panel portion facing the inner surface of the second panel portion to a fully open position wherein the outer surface of the first panel portion faces the outer surface of the second panel portion. The second panel portion is preferably adapted to receive a notepad, which includes a backing member and a plurality of writing sheets mounted to the backing member. The first panel portion further includes a pocket for receiving one or more writing sheets of the notepad.

[0008] In one aspect, the second panel portion includes a pocket for receiving the backing member of the notepad. In another aspect, the pocket of the first panel portion includes an opening which is spaced a greater distance from the hinge portion than the opening of the pocket of the second panel portion to ease insertion of the one or more writing sheet or sheets into the pocket of the first panel portion.

[0009] In other aspects, each of the first and second panel portions comprise plastic panel portions. Preferably, at least one of the plastic panel portions includes a reinforcing member for stiffening the respective panel portion. Alternately, the panel portions may comprise leather panel portions.

[0010] According to yet another aspect, at least one of the first and second panel portions includes a pocket at its respective outer surface. Preferably, both the first and second panel portion includes a pocket at their respective outer surfaces to provide additional storage space.

[0011] In a further aspect, the hand-held organizer includes a writing instrument holder. For example, the writing instrument holder may comprise a loop of material, which is attached or formed with either the hinge portion, the first panel portion, or the second panel portion.

[0012] According to yet another aspect, the hand-held organizer further includes a clip, which is mounted to either the hinge portion, the first panel portion, or the second panel portion.

[0013] In another form of the invention, a hand-held organizer for holding a notepad and at least one accessory includes first and second generally rectangular sheets of material, which are co-joined at their respective perimeter edges by a perimeter seam. The sheets form a panel with a medial portion that forms a hinge whereby a first portion of the panel is foldable about the hinge to fold over a second portion of the panel. The second portion of the panel includes a first pocket at its inner surface for receiving a backing member of the notepad. The first portion has a second pocket for receiving one or more sheets from the notepad and has an opening which is spaced a greater distance from the hinge than the opening of the first pocket to thereby ease insertion of the sheet or sheets of the notepad into the second pocket.

[0014] In one aspect, the second portion includes a pocket at its exterior surface for storing at least one accessory. In a further aspect, the first portion also includes a pocket at its exterior surface for storing at least one accessory.

[0015] In other aspects, the first portion includes a third pocket for receiving at least one accessory, wherein at least a portion of the third pocket comprises a transparent material whereby an article positioned in the third pocket is at least partially visible through the third pocket.

[0016] According to yet another aspect, the medial portion of the panel includes at least one transverse seam, with the hinge defined at the transverse seam.

[0017] According to yet another form of the invention, a hand-held organizer for holding at least one of a notepad, card, and a writing instrument includes a first panel portion and a second panel portion secured to the first panel portion along three of its perimeter edges to form a first pocket between a second side of the first panel portion and a third side of the second panel portion. The first side of the first panel portion is adapted to hold both ends of a card and/or a notepad.

[0018] In one aspect, the fourth side of the second panel portion includes a second pocket, with the second pocket including an opening spaced a distance from a perimeter edge of the second panel portion. For example, the second pocket may be sized for holding a writing instrument.

[0019] In another embodiment, the fourth side of the second panel portion includes a third pocket, which includes an opening spaced from a perimeter edge of the second panel portion. Preferably, the opening of the third pocket is generally aligned with the opening of the second pocket. According to a further aspect, the organizer includes a flap that is secured to either the first panel portion or the second panel portion for closing the opening of the third pocket.

[0020] In another aspect, at least a portion of each of the panel portions comprises leather.

[0021] In preferred aspects, the organizer additionally included a third panel portion that is secured to the first panel portion at three of the perimeter edges of the third panel portion to thereby define a pocket between the first side of the first panel portion and an inner side of the third panel portion. The third panel portion preferably adapts the first panel portion to hold the ends of a card and/or for a notepad or other flat articles.

[0022] In further aspects, the third panel portion includes spaced apart pockets for holding the ends of a card and/or a notepad.

[0023] In yet other aspects, the first pocket has an opening, with the opening of the second pocket being orthogonal to the opening of the first pocket.

[0024] In yet another form of the invention, a hand-held organizer for holding at least one of a card, a writing instrument, and a notepad includes first and second sheets of material co-joined at least at their respective perimeter edges by a perimeter seam. The sheets form a panel having a medial portion, which forms a hinge whereby a first panel portion of the panel is foldable about the hinge to fold over a second panel portion of the panel. The inner surface of the first panel portion faces the inner surface of the second panel portion when the first panel portion is folded over the second panel portion. In addition, the inner surface of one of the second panel portion and the first panel portion includes a pair of spaced apart pockets for receiving the ends of one of a notepad and a card. Further, the inner surface of one of the second panel portion and the first panel portion includes an opening spaced from the hinge for forming a storage pocket. Similarly, the exterior surface of one of the first panel portion and the second panel portion has a second storage pocket for holding an accessory therein, with the opening of the second storage pocket extending generally orthogonal to the hinge.

[0025] In further aspects, the inner surface of the second portion includes the pair of spaced apart pockets for receiving the ends of a notepad and/or a card or the like. For example, the exterior of the first panel portion may include the second storage pocket for holding an accessory therein.

[0026] In other aspects, the exterior portion of one of the panel portions includes a third storage pocket for holding an accessory therein. Preferably, the third storage pocket includes an opening spaced from a perimeter edge of the respective panel portion. Optionally, the exterior portion of one of the panel portions includes a fourth storage pocket for holding an accessory therein. Similarly, the fourth storage pocket includes an opening spaced from a perimeter edge of the respective panel portion. In preferred form, the opening of the third storage pocket and the opening of the fourth storage pocket are generally aligned.

[0027] It can be appreciated from the foregoing that the organizer of the present invention provides a compact organizer that can hold one or more accessories and, further, provide a writing surface that is easy to access. The organizer of the present invention may be commensurate in size with of a conventional wallet so that it may be placed in purses, hip pockets, or coat pockets. Given the compact nature of the organizer, the organizer can be quickly retrieved from its storage location and similarly, closed and returned to its storage place without much effort.

[0028] These and other objects, advantages, purposes, and features of the invention will become more apparent from the study of the following description taken in conjunction with the drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hand-held organizer of the present invention;

[0030] FIG. 1A is a side elevation view of the organizer of FIG. 1 illustrating the organizer in a closed or stored configuration;

[0031] FIG. 1B is a similar view to FIG. 1A illustrating the organizer in an open configuration;

[0032] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the inside of the hand-held organizer of FIG. 1 with the organizer opened;

[0033] FIG. 3 is a plan view of another embodiment of inside of the hand-held organizer of FIG. 1;

[0034] FIG. 3A is a side elevation view of the writing instrument of FIG. 3;

[0035] FIG. 4 is a plan view of yet another embodiment of the inside of the hand-held organizer of FIG. 1;

[0036] FIG. 4A is a cross-section view taken along line IVA-IVA of FIG. 4;

[0037] FIG. 5 is a plan view of a fourth embodiment of the inside of the hand-held organizer of FIG. 1;

[0038] FIG. 6 is a plan view of another embodiment of the outside of the hand-held accessory of the present invention;

[0039] FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of a hand-held accessory of the present invention;

[0040] FIG. 8 is a side back perspective view of the hand-held accessory of FIG. 7;

[0041] FIG. 9 is a front elevation view of the hand-held accessory of FIG. 7;

[0042] FIG. 10 is a back elevation view of the hand-held accessory of FIG. 7;

[0043] FIG. 11 is a front elevation view of the hand-held accessory to FIG. 7 illustrating the hand-held accessory with the front flap in a closed position;

[0044] FIG. 12 is a second rear perspective view of the hand-held accessory of FIG. 7;

[0045] FIG. 13 is a left side elevation view of the hand-held accessory of FIG. 7 rotated with a rear side facing upward;

[0046] FIG. 14 is a right side elevation view of the hand-held accessory of FIG. 7 with the hand-held accessory rotated with its rear side facing upward;

[0047] FIG. 15 is a bottom end view of the hand-held accessory of FIG. 7;

[0048] FIG. 16 is a top end elevation view of the hand-held accessory of FIG. 7;

[0049] FIG. 17 is a front perspective view of another hand-held accessory of the present invention illustrating the hand-held accessory in an unfolded configuration;

[0050] FIG. 18 is a front elevation view of the hand-held accessory of FIG. 17 with the hand-held accessory in an unfolded configuration;

[0051] FIG. 19 is a similar view to FIG. 17 with the hand-held accessory in a partially folded configuration;

[0052] FIG. 20 is a respective view of the hand-held accessory of FIG. 19 illustrating the interior side of the hand-held accessory of FIG. 19;

[0053] FIG. 21 is a side bottom perspective view of the hand-held accessory illustrating FIG. 20 with the hand-held accessory in an unfolded configuration;

[0054] FIG. 22 is a side perspective view of the hand-held accessory of FIG. 18;

[0055] FIG. 23 is a side elevation view of the hand-held accessory of FIG. 17 with the hand-held accessory in a partially folded configuration;

[0056] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the hand-held accessory of FIG. 18 illustrating the hand-held accessory in a folded configuration;

[0057] FIG. 25 is an elevation view of the hand-held accessory of FIG. 18 in a unfolded configuration;

[0058] FIG. 26 is a similar view to FIG. 25 illustrating the reverse side of the handheld accessory of FIG. 25;

[0059] FIG. 27 is a top plan view of the hand-held accessory of FIG. 25; and

[0060] FIG. 28 is a bottom plan elevation view of the hand-held accessory of FIG. 25.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0061] Referring to FIG. 1, the numeral 10 generally designates a hand-held accessory or organizer of the present invention. Hand-held organizer 10 is particularly suitable for holding a notepad (24) and other accessories, such as a pen or writing instrument, cards, such as business cards, bank cards, credit cards, debit cards, identification cards, such as a driver's license, or the like. Furthermore, the hand-held organizer of the present invention may be used to hold paper money. As will be more fully described below, the organizer of the present invention is more compact and light weight than a conventional organizer and is commensurate in size to a wallet and yet provides storage space and a writing surface.

[0062] As best seen in FIG. 1, hand-held accessory 10 comprises a foldable panel 11 that forms a first panel portion 12 and a second panel portion 14 that are joined by a hinge portion 16. As will be more fully described below, panel 11 may be formed from plastic, including vinyl or the like, leather, or fabric, such as a woven material, including for example canvas, or the like. When folded, panel portions 12 and 14 are generally parallel (FIG. 1A) to each other (with inner surface 14a of panel portion 14 facing inner surface 12a of panel portion 12) and spaced by hinge portion 16 and any accessories stored between the respective panel portions. Hinge portion 16 permits the panel portions to be moved between a closed position, such as illustrate in FIG. 1A, and one or more open positions, such as illustrated in FIG. 1B, including a fully open position in which the outer surface 14b of panel portion 14 faces outer surface 12b of panel portion 12 and with panel portion 14 generally parallel to panel portion 12, which provide access to the accessories supported or housed in organizer 10.

[0063] Referring to FIG. 2, panel portions 12 and 14 include on their respective inner surfaces 12a and 14a one or more pockets 18, 20, and 22. Pocket 20 is preferably sized to hold a card, such as a credit/debit card, identification card, or a business card or the like. Furthermore, pocket 20 is optionally a “secret” pocket in that it may be hidden from view, for example, by notepad 24. Depending on the width (W) of panel portions 12 and 14, the width of pocket 20 may extend only across a portion of width W or may extend across the full width (W) of panel portion 14. Pocket 22 is positioned adjacent hinge portion 16 and, optionally, extends across the full width W of pocket 14 and is sized to receive through pocket opening 22a, for example, the back member of a notepad 24 or the like. Pocket opening 22a is preferably spaced from the center line 16a of hinge portion 16 a distance A so that when panel portion 12 is folded to its closed position over panel portion 14, the height of hinge portion 16 will accommodate the height of the pad supported by pocket 22.

[0064] Pocket opening 18a of pocket 18 is similarly spaced from hinge portion 16 a distance B, which is preferably greater than distance A to facilitate the insertion of the individual sheets of notepad 24 into pocket 18 for storage.

[0065] Optionally and preferably, panel portion 12 includes a second pocket 30 also for receiving cards, such as credit cards, bank cards, debit cards, business cards, identification cards, and, further, photos. In the illustrated embodiment, pocket 30 includes a panel 31, which is secured to panel portion 12 along three sides by a seam 31a and, further, which includes a clear plastic portion 32 that permits the card or photo positioned in pocket 30 to be visible without removing the item from pocket 30. Clear portion 32 preferably comprises a sheet of clear plastic material that is secured to panel 31 behind an opening 31b formed in panel 31. For example, the plastic sheet may be glued, welded or stitched to panel 31, as would be understood by those skilled in the art. In the illustrated embodiment, pocket 30 includes an opening 30a which is generally parallel to opening 18a of pocket 18; however, it can be appreciated that opening 30a may be located along the side, such as along edge 12b of panel portion 12.

[0066] In order to reinforce or stiffen panel portion 14, panel portion 14 may include incorporated therein a reinforcing insert 34, such as a board including cardboard or a plastic board, which may be encased in panel portion 14 between outer surface 14b and an inner surface 14a of panel portion 14. For example, when organizer 10 is formed from a plastic, panel 11 may be formed from a pair of generally rectangular plastic sheets that are welded along their perimeter edges, with reinforcing insert 34 inserted between the respective plastic sheets. Optionally and preferably, reinforcing insert 34 is held in panel portion 14 by a transverse seam 36, which may form a part of hinge portion 16. Alternately, where hand-held organizer 10 is formed from a leather or fabric material, the respective outer surfaces and inner surfaces of the panel 11 may be sewn together with reinforcing insert 34 held in panel 11 by a stitched seam.

[0067] Hinge portion 16 is formed from a plurality of laterally extending seams 36 and 40, which form therebetween elongate pockets or ribs 42 which together stiffen panel 11 across width W but permit bending of panel portion 12 or panel portion 14 about centerline axis 16a or of accessory 10. As best seen in FIG. 1B, hinge portion 16 generally retains its shape so that when panel portion 12 is moved to its open position and, more particularly, to a fully opened position, hinge portion 16 retains a generally arcuate profile and retains panel portion 12 in its generally arcuate path from its closed or stored position to its open positions. In this manner, when a person wishes to take a note on notepad 24, the user may simply flip panel portion 12 behind panel portion 14 and hold both panel portions, which remain substantially parallel when moved to their fully open positions, with a single hand freeing up the other hand for writing on pad 24 with a writing instrument.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 3, hand-held organizer 110, which is of similar construction to hand-held organizer 10, includes a panel 111, which forms first and second panel portions 112 and 114, and a mounting surface 148 for a writing instrument 150. Reference is made to the first embodiment for further details of panel 111 and the various pockets formed in panel portions 112 and 114. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, mounting surface 148 is provided by a seam 140 and, preferably, a centrally located seam 141a of hinged portion 116. Referring to FIG. 3A, writing instrument 150 includes an elongate cylindrical body 152 and a clip 154, which is formed or provided on end 152a of elongate body 152. Preferably, body 152 comprises a plastic body, with clip 154 integrally formed with body 152. Clip 154 slides onto mounting surface 148 between adjacent ribs 142, which provide at least limited lateral restraint of writing instrument 150 in hinge portion 116. Alternately, writing instrument 150 or its clip 154 may be inserted into a pocket formed in organizer 110, for example in one of the panel portions 112 or 114, either adjacent notepad 124 along a side 124a or end 124b of the notepad. Preferably, writing instrument 150 is positioned in space unoccupied by notepad 124 to retain the compact nature of the organizer 110.

[0069] Referring to FIG. 4, hand-held organizer 210 is also of similar construction to organizers 10 and 110 and includes a first panel portion 212 and a second panel portion 214. Similar to the previous embodiments, panel portions 212 and 214 are formed from a panel 211 which folds about its medial portion 215. In the illustrated embodiment, medial portion 215 forms a hinge portion 216 and, further, provides a mounting surface for a clip 217. Referring to FIG. 4A, clip 217 includes a base 217a and an upper arm 217b, which together form a spring clip for holding paper, such as paper money, note papers or the like. Preferably, base 217a is inserted into medial portion 215 between an inside facing surface 215a and an outside facing surface 215b, which may comprise sheets of plastic, leather, or fabric, or the like that are assembled by seams, such as by welding, stitching, or the like, as described briefly above and in more detail below.

[0070] Organizer 210 further includes a writing instrument holder 219, which in the illustrated embodiment, is formed from a loop of a material, for example from the material forming organizer 210. Optionally, holder 219 is secured to organizer 210 and is attached to panel portion 214 by a seam, such as formed by stitching, welding, or the like. Preferably, writing instrument holder 219 locates the writing instrument in medial portion 215 so that together with clip 217, writing instrument 250 and clip 217 provide increased stiffness laterally across medial portion 215 but facilitate the bending of panel portion 212 about medial portion 215 at central axis 216a.

[0071] Referring to FIG. 5, the numeral 310 generally designates yet another embodiment of the hand-held organizer of the present invention. Hand-held organizer 310 comprises foldable panel 311 that forms a first panel portion 312 and a second panel portion 314 that are connected by a medial portion 315, which forms a hinge or hinge portion 216 so that panel portion 312 may be folded over or under panel portion 314, similar to the previous embodiments.

[0072] Panel portion 314 includes a pocket 322, which includes an opening 322a, for receiving a back member of a notepad or the like. Similar to the previous embodiments, panel portions 312 also includes a pocket 318, which is spaced from pocket 322, for receiving the sheets of the notepad through opening 318a. Preferably, opening 318a is spaced further from hinge portion 315 than opening 322a to facilitate insertion of the respective sheets of the notepad into pocket 318, as described in reference to the first embodiment.

[0073] In the illustrated embodiment, panel portion 312 includes a clip 317, which is positioned at the inner surface 312a of panel 312. Referring to FIG. 5A, clip 317 includes a base 317a and an arm 317b, which together form a spring. Base 317a is preferably inserted into an opening provided in inner surface 312a of panel 312. As noted in reference to the previous embodiments, panel 311 is preferably assembled by securing together two or more sheets of material, such as plastic, leather, or fabric, which have their respective edge perimeters joined by a seam 310a. Similarly, pockets 318 and 322 are preferably formed by another sheet of material, such as plastic, leather, fabric, or the like, which are similarly secured to the first and second sheets forming panel 311 by seams 310a or by separate seams. In this manner, when base 317a is inserted into the opening, the base may be positioned between the inner and outer layers of the material forming panel 311 or may be positioned between the sheets forming pocket 318 and panel 312. Optionally, the first and second sheets, which form panel 311, may include transverse seams 312c and 314c to increase the stiffness of the respective panel portions 312 and 314 and optionally to hold in panel portions reinforcing inserts noted below.

[0074] In addition, similar to panel portion 314, panel portion 312 may include a reinforcing insert 323, which is located between the respective first and second sheets which form panel 311 and held in panel portion 312 by seam 312c and seam 310a. For example, reinforcing insert 323 may comprise a cardboard insert or may comprise a plastic insert, which increases the stiffness of panel portion 312 to provide additional support to clip 317.

[0075] Similar to the previous embodiment, organizer 310 preferably includes a writing instrument holder 319, which is formed by a loop of material, such as the material forming panel 311. Preferably, writing instrument holder 319 locates the writing instrument 350 at or near the central axis 310a of organizer 310 to provide increased stiffness to medial portion 315 at panel 311 to facilitate the bending of panel portion 312 about central axis 310a. As noted in reference to the previous embodiment, holder 319 is preferably secured to panel 311 and may be secured thereto by a seam, such as transverse seam 314c.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 6, the numeral 410 designates yet another embodiment of the organizer of the present invention. Organizer 410 is of similar construction to the previous embodiments and may include any combination of pockets described in the previous embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, organizer 410 includes one or more pockets 460 and 462 at its outer surfaces 412a and 414a for holding accessories, such as business cards, credit or debit cards, or other miscellaneous cards. Similar to the inside pockets of the previous embodiments, pockets 460 and 462 are formed from sheets of material, such as the material forming the organizer, that are secured to the respective panel portions 412 and 414 by seam 410a. Similar to the previous embodiments, seam 410a preferably co-joins the respective first and second sheets of material that form panel 411. In the illustrated embodiment, the openings 460a and 462a of pockets 460 and 462 extend laterally across the width of organizer and, preferably, are facing each other. In this way when organizer 410 is closed, the openings of pockets 460 and 462 will be facing in the same direction.

[0077] It can be appreciated that each panel portion 412, 414 may include two, three, or four sheets of material in order to form the respective panel portions and pockets. However, depending on the material that forms the respective organizer, one or more of these sheets may be eliminated. For example, when forming the organizer from a leather material, a single sheet may used to form the respective panels with the additional sheets secured thereto to form the inner or outer pockets. Therefore, for example, for a leather organizer, a single large sheet of leather with one or more smaller sheets of leather may be sewn together to form the respective organizer.

[0078] Hand-held organizers 10, 110, 210, 310, and 410 are preferably assembled by joining two generally rectangular sheets of approximately equal size together by a perimeter seam, such as by stitching, welding, gluing or the like. As noted in reference to the first and second embodiments, the respective hinge portions may be formed by a plurality of spaced lateral seams that extend across the medial portion of the co-joined sheets to thereby form the first and second panel portions. In addition, one or more panel portions may include positioned between their respective sheets a reinforcing member, such as a cardboard insert, with one of the transverse seams that form the hinge portion enclosing the reinforcing member in the respective panel portion. In the third and fourth embodiments, the respective reinforcing insert member is secured in the respective panel by a transverse seam, such as seam 314c described in reference to FIG. 4. The respective pockets of the various hand-held organizers are formed by third, fourth, or fifth sheets of material which are similarly co-joined with the respective first and second sheets by the perimeter seals which co-join the first and second sheets. However, it should be understood that a separate seam may be formed to secure the additional sheets (that form the pockets) to the respective panel portions. However, for ease of fabrication, it is preferred that the seams that form the pockets are formed with the same seams that co-join the first and second sheets of material that form the panel.

[0079] Referring to FIGS. 7-16, the numeral 510 generally designates yet another embodiment of the hand-held organizer of the present invention. Similar to the previous embodiments, hand-held organizer 510 is particularly suitable for holding accessories, such as a writing instrument, including a pen or a pencil; cards, such as business cards, credit cards or the like; money, including coins; receipts; and other generally flat or small articles. In addition, hand-held organizer 510 may be used to store or hold a notepad. As will be more fully described below, organizer 510 is more compact and lightweight than a conventional wallet/organizer and is generally commensurate in size to a wallet but provides greater storage space and utility.

[0080] As best understood from FIGS. 7, 11, and 12, hand-held organizer 510 is formed from at least two panel portions 512 and 514, which are joined at their respective perimeters on three edges 512a, 514a, 512b, 514b, 512c, and 514c. In this manner, one side or edge of each of the panel portions are not joined so that panels 512 and 514 define therebetween an accessible pocket 515 that extends into accessory/organizer 510 and, optionally, extends into organizer 510 the full height of the organizer, which is particularly suitable for storing money, cards or the like therein. Preferably, edges 512a, 514a, 512b, 514b, 512c, and 514c are co-joined, for example by stitching 516 (or welding in the case of a plastic organizer). In addition, upper edge 514d of panel 514 is preferably curved or arcuate to ease access to the money, cards, or the like contained in pocket 515. Panel portions 512 and 514 may be formed from sheets, for example, including leather, plastic, or fabric sheets or the like. Furthermore, the respective panel portions may comprise sheets formed a combination of materials, such as leather and fabric, plastic and fabric, or leather and plastic or the like.

[0081] In addition to pocket 515, accessory 510 preferably includes a plurality of additional pockets. For example, optionally and preferably, accessory 510 includes second and third pockets 517 and 519 provided or formed on panel portion 514. For example, pockets 517 and 519 may be formed by an additional panel portion 520, which is also connected to panel portion 514 by stitching 516 about its respective edges 520a, 520b, and 520c and, further, at an intermediate point 522, which separates panel portion 520 into sections that form two compartments to form pockets 517 and 519, as would be understood by those skilled in the art. For example, pocket 517 may be sized to hold a writing instrument, such as a pen, pencil or the like.

[0082] In addition, optionally secured to panel portion 514 is a flap 524, also formed from a panel that is secured to upper edge of panel portion 514 and extends over pocket 519. Optionally and preferably flap 524 is secured to panel portion 520 in a closed position over pocket 519 by a fastener 540, for example, Velcro, a snap, or other suitable fastening means. Alternately, flap 524 may be secured to panel portion 512 to close or at least partially close the opening to pocket 515 as well. In this manner, pocket 519 (or pocket 515) may be used to form a secure pocket for holding small loose items, such as coins, receipts, a spare key, or other generally flat and/or small items.

[0083] Referring to FIGS. 8, 10, and 12, accessory 510 further includes a pocket 526 on panel 512. Similarly, pocket 526 may extend across the full width of organizer 510. In this manner, accessory 510 includes pockets on both of its sides. Pocket 526 is similarly formed from a panel portion 528 that is secured to panel portion 512 and in turn to panel portion 514 by stitching 516 that extends along its edges 528b, 528c, and 528d leaving edge 528a unconnected from panel portion 512 to form pocket 526. In addition, edge 528a of panel 528 may be similarly arcuate or curved to facilitate removal of money, cards, or the like that are placed in pocket 526.

[0084] To facilitate storage of a note pad or business cards, panel portion 528 includes a pair of truncated frame panel portions 530 and 532, which are secured to panel portion 528 on opposed sides of panel portion 528 and form frame pockets 534 and 536. In the illustrated embodiment, panel portions 530 and 532 are secured to panel portion 528 at their side edges 532c, 532a, 530c, and 530a and optionally at their respective outer edges 530d and 532b. In this manner, panel portions 530 and 532 can be formed either closed frame pockets or, where secured only at their ends, straps. Additionally, when using straps one end of the strap may be releasably secured to the panel portion 528 with a fastener, for example, a snap, Velcro pad, or the like. Furthermore, when secured, edges 530c, 530d, 532c, and 532b are secured to panel portion 528 by stitching 516. However, edges 530b and 528d are unattached to panel 528 to form frame pockets 534 and 536 for receiving the edges of a flat article, such as note cards, business cards, credit cads, ID cards, or the like to thereby secure the respective accessory on the outside of panel portion 528 for quick retrieval or quick note taking.

[0085] In addition, when card shaped articles, such as credit cards, ID cards, or the like, are placed in pocket 515 and/or pocket 526, panel 528 may provide a substantially rigid working surface, for example, for jotting notes so that a user can take notes while simply holding the organizer in the palm of their hand. Optionally, panel 528 may be reinforced by a card enclosed or in otherwise incorporated into the sheet or sheets forming panel 528. In addition, by holding, for example, business cards at their outer edges, panel portions 530 and 532 protect the edges of the business cards.

[0086] Referring to FIGS. 17-30, the numeral 610 generally designates yet another embodiment of the hand-held accessory of the present invention. Hand-held accessory 610 is of similar construction to hand-held accessories 10, 110, 210, 310, and 410 in that hand-held accessory 610 comprises a foldable panel 611 that is formed from panel portions 612 and 614. When folded (as shown in FIG. 24) panel portions 612 and 614 are generally parallel. Furthermore, foldable panel 611 is similarly formed from a pair of sheets 616 and 618, such as sheets of leather, plastic, or fabric, or the like, which may be secured together by stitching, welding, or the like.

[0087] In the illustrated embodiment, panel portion 614 incorporates pockets 615, 617, and 619 similar to pockets 515, 517, and 519 of the previous embodiment. Furthermore, panel portion 614 may include a flap or cover 624 similar to cover 524. Pockets 615, 617, and 619 are preferably formed in a similar manner to the pockets of the previous embodiment and are formed by overlaying panel portions, formed from sheets of material, and are secured at their respective perimeter portions to form their respective pockets.

[0088] Optionally, inner surface of panel portion 614 may be similarly provided with additional pockets, such as pockets 626, 634, and 636 similar to pockets 526, 534, and 536, respectively, of the previous embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, panel portion 612 has a generally planar or smooth contiguous outer surface 612a but optionally may include a pocket 635 on its inner surface, which is formed from a panel portion 637. Panel portion 637 may incorporate a plastic portion, such as plastic panel portion 637a to form a pocket in which the contents in the pocket may be viewed through the panel. For example, pocket 635 may be particularly suitable for storing a driver's license or photos or the like.

[0089] In addition, panel portions 612 and 614 may include at their respective inner sides fasteners 640, such as snaps, Velcro pads, or the like, for securing panel portions 614 and 612 together. In addition, similar to the previous embodiment, flap 624 may include a fastener 624a, such as a snap or a Velcro strip or the like.

[0090] Referring to FIGS. 22 and 25, hand held organizer 610 may include a seam 650 formed therein for forming a hinge better facilitate panel portion 612 and 614 bending about the middle portion of panel 611. Seam 650 may be formed from stitching or may be formed from a plurality of rows of stitching that may incorporate stiffening elements, such as described in reference to the first and previous embodiments.

[0091] It should be understood that in reference to the several embodiments shown and described in the present application that further modifications may be made. For example, in the hand-held organizer 610, additional pockets may be provided on panel portion 612 on its exterior facing side and, further, one or more pockets may be eliminated on panel portion 614. In addition, flap 624 may be eliminated. Alternately, additional flaps may be added to any of the pockets in each of the embodiments to provide a closed pocket, which may provide better retention of the articles placed in the respective pocket.

[0092] It can be appreciated from the foregoing that the hand-held accessories provide a plurality of compartments for conveniently holding cards, such as IDs, credit cards, business cards, receipts, cash and, further, a writing instrument, such as a pen. In addition, one or more compartments may be used to protect the edges of the business cards and also to act as a writing surface for a notepad.

[0093] In addition, as previously noted, the organizers of the present invention are preferably, though not necessarily commensurate in size with a conventional wallet and has, for example, a width ranging from 2 inches to 5 inches, more preferably, 2.5 inches to 4.5 inches and, most preferably, in a range of 3 inches to 4 inches. The overall height of the organizer (when the folding version is closed) is preferably in a range of 3 inches to 7 inches, more preferably, 3.5 inches to 6 inches and, most preferably in a range of 4 to 5 inches. However, it can be appreciated that the organizer can be increased or decreased in size as needed—though it is preferable that the organizer is small enough to fit into most standard purses and most standard coat or trouser pockets.

[0094] While several forms of the invention have been shown and described, it should be understood that further modifications to the hand-held organizer of the present invention are contemplated. For example, a closure mechanism, such as a strap, may be mounted to the respective panel portions. Furthermore, the organizer may be formed or assembled from c combination of materials. For example, the outer sheet which forms the respective panels may be formed from leather, while the inner sheet which forms the inner surface of the respective panels may be formed from another material, such as fabric or plastic. Moreover, while the respective panels are described as being formed from two sheets of materials, in some situations, such as when using leather, a single sheet may be used. In addition, while only two forms of a clip are shown and described, other forms of clips may be incorporated into the respective hand-held organizers of the present inventions.

Claims

1. A hand-held organizer for holding at least one of a notepad, a card, and a writing instrument, said hand-held organizer comprising:

a first panel portion having a first side and a second side;

a second panel portion having a third side and a fourth side, each of said panel portions having perimeter edges;

said first panel portion secured to said second panel portion along three of said perimeter edges to form a first pocket between said second side of said first panel portion and said third side of said second panel portion; and

said first side of said first panel portion being adapted to hold both ends of one of a card and a notepad.

2. The hand-held organizer according to claim 1, wherein said fourth side of said second panel portion includes a second pocket, said second pocket of said second panel portion includes an opening spaced a distance from a perimeter edge of said second panel portion.

3. The hand-held organizer according to claim 2, wherein said second pocket is sized for holding a writing instrument.

4. The hand-held organizer according to claim 2, wherein said fourth side of said second panel portion includes a third pocket, and said third pocket of said second panel portion includes an opening spaced a distance from a perimeter edge of said second panel portion.

5. The hand-held organizer according to claim 4, wherein said opening of said third pocket is generally aligned with said opening of said second pocket.

6. The hand-held organizer according to claim 4, further comprising a flap secured to one of said first panel portion and said second panel portion for closing said opening of said third pocket.

7. The hand-held organizer according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of each of said panel portions comprises leather.

8. The hand-held organizer according to claim 1, further comprising a third panel portion having perimeter edges and being secured to said first panel at three of said perimeter edges of said third panel portion to thereby define a pocket between said first side of said first panel portion and an inner side of said third panel portion.

9. The hand-held organizer according to claim 8, wherein said third panel portion adapts said first panel portion to hold the ends of said one of a card and a notepad.

10. The hand-held organizer according to claim 9, wherein said third panel portion includes spaced apart pockets for holding the ends of said one of a card and a notepad.

11. The hand-held organizer according to claim 8, wherein said first pocket has an opening, and said second pocket has an opening orthogonal to said opening of said first pocket.

12. A hand-held organizer for holding at least one of a card, a writing instrument, and a notepad, the notepad having a backing member and a plurality of sheets mounted to the backing member, said hand-held organizer comprising:

first and second sheets of material co-joined at least at their respective perimeter edges by a perimeter seam, said sheets forming a panel having a medial portion, said medial portion forming a hinge whereby a first panel portion of said panel is foldable about said hinge to fold over a second panel portion of said panel, said first panel portion of said panel having an inner surface and an outer surface, said second panel portion of said panel having an inner surface and an outer surface, said inner surface of said first panel portion facing said inner surface of said second panel portion when said first panel portion is folded over said second panel portion, said inner surface of one of said second panel portion and said first panel portion including a pair of spaced apart pockets for receiving the ends of one of a notepad and a card and including an opening spaced from said hinge for forming a storage pocket, and said exterior of one of said first panel portion and said second panel portion having a second storage pocket for holding an accessory therein and having an opening extending generally orthogonal to said hinge.

13. The hand-held organizer according to claim 12, wherein said inner surface of said second portion includes said pair of spaced apart pockets for receiving the ends of one of a notepad and a card.

14. The hand-held organizer according to claim 13, wherein said exterior of said first panel portion includes said second storage pocket for holding an accessory therein.

15. The hand-held organizer according to claim 12, wherein said exterior portion of one of said first panel portion and said second panel portion includes a third storage pocket for holding an accessory therein.

16. The hand-held organizer according to claim 15, wherein said third storage pocket includes an opening spaced from a perimeter edge of said one of said first panel portion and said second panel portion.

17. The hand-held organizer according to claim 16, wherein said exterior portion of one of said first panel portion and said second panel portion includes a fourth storage pocket for holding an accessory therein.

18. The hand-held organizer according to claim 17, wherein said fourth storage pocket includes an opening spaced from a perimeter edge of said one of said first panel portion and said second panel portion.

19. The hand-held organizer according to claim 18, wherein said opening of said third storage pocket and said opening of said fourth storage pocket are generally aligned.

20. The hand-held organizer according to claim 15, wherein said third storage pocket is sized for holding a writing instrument.

21. The hand-held organizer according to claim 16, wherein said exterior portion of said first panel portion includes said third storage pocket and said fourth storage pocket.