Universal object retention system and method of use
An object retention system is adapted for retaining any one of a plurality of objects of different size and shape. The object retention system comprises a substantially thin, semi-rigid substrate and having a strap assembly including a plurality of straps overlaying the substrate and arranged in first and second sets oriented and angled in relation to one another. The first and second sets are woven together such as in a non-uniform or random pattern to form a plurality of strap overlaps. Each one of the straps may further be securable to the substrate with at least two anchor points. Strap sections are defined between each adjacent pair of strap overlaps and/or between adjacent pairs of anchor points to allow for insertion of at least one of the objects of multiple size and shape between the strap and substrate.
(Not Applicable)
STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT(Not Applicable)
BACKGROUNDThe present invention relates generally to storage devices and, more particularly, to a uniquely configured and highly adaptable object retention system for organizing, storing and carrying a wide variety of objects and/or personal articles of different size and shape wherein the objects are easily insertable into and removable from the object retention system.
Included in the prior art are a wide variety of storage devices such as storage bags which are specifically adapted for containing and transporting various objects and accessories as may be required by a user as they go about their daily activities or during travel. For example, backpacks are commonly used by students to carry books and other materials and supplies to and from home as well as between classes. Backpacks typically include at least one relatively large interior compartment into which may be inserted relatively large and heavy items such as text books, note books, laptop computers and other bulky items. In addition, backpacks typically include several smaller compartments, pockets, slots and other enclosures for storing relatively small articles such as pens, pencils, erasers and various other items such as crayons, scissors, and glue for younger students, and various electronic gadgets such as cell phones, portable music players, memory sticks and other devices for older students.
For art students, the size and shape of the materials required for different classes presents additional problems in storing and carrying such supplies and materials to and from class. For example, some art students are required to carry oversized drawing paper, canvases and/or cardboard tubes for carrying drawings or renderings. In addition, art school supplies can include various graphic design tools including rulers, straight edges, various templates as well as supply boxes for storing and carrying paints, charcoal and other materials. Due to the wide variety of sizes of materials and supplies used by art students, the carrying of such items is especially cumbersome making transportation difficult, especially in an urban setting where art students may commute to and from classes using public transportation.
The need to carry a wide variety of personal effects and accessories of different sizes in their daily activity and during travel is also a challenge for women. Prior art carrying devices for women typically include a variety of different configurations of purses and handbags which typically include various compartments for storing cosmetics, accessories and other items which are generally small in size but which may be numerous in quantity. Other items commonly carried by many women may include writing utensils, note paper, tissue paper and sunglasses as well as many of the above-mentioned electronic gadgets such as cell phones and portable music players.
As mentioned above, many prior art storage devices or storage bags typically include a variety of compartments, slots, and pockets of generally fixed shape and size and which may also be fitted with various closure mechanisms including zippers, snaps, closure flaps, and Velcro™ (i.e., hook and loop fastener) in order to retain the above-mentioned objects in their respective compartments.
However, the above-mentioned storage devices such as backpacks and handbags possess certain deficiencies which detract from their overall utility. For example, most prior art storage devices are provided with a limited number of compartments, pockets or slots which can only hold certain size objects. Furthermore, the total quantity of compartments, slots or pockets typically included with prior art storage bags is many times less than the total number of items that an individual must carry.
For example, as mentioned above, many women carry a wide variety of cosmetic items as they go about their daily activities. Such cosmetic items can include lipstick, eye shadow, blush as well as various brushes and makeup applicators. Unfortunately, the total number of cosmetic items carried by women is typically greater than the number of individual compartments which are provided in many purses, handbags and travel bags. As a result, many women simply place the above-mentioned cosmetic items in a mixed array at the bottom of the purse or handbag making identification and retrieval of a specific item difficult.
Likewise, for individuals who carry conventional backpacks, the total number of items carried during the day or during travel typically exceeds the limited number of pockets or slots which are available in the backpack. Furthermore, the pockets, slots and other enclosures included with most carrying devices (e.g., purses, backpacks, handbags) are of a predetermined size such that only those items that happen to fit the particular size and shape of the pocket or slot can be carried in an organized manner. The remaining items that do not fit into one of the separate enclosures must be stored in an unorganized fashion as loose items in one of the larger compartments of the carrying bag making later retrieval of a particular item inconvenient.
As can be seen, there exists a need in the art for a system for organizing and storing a large quantity and a wide variety of objects of different size and shape in an easily accessible and easily retrievable manner. In addition, there exists a need in the art for a system which allows for convenient storage and access to objects typically carried by a user during daily activities and/or during travel. Finally, there exists a need in the art for a storage device such as a storage bag into which an organization system may be readily incorporated and wherein the organization and storage system is produceable in an economic manner.
BRIEF SUMMARYThe above-mentioned drawbacks and needs associated with prior art storage devices is specifically addressed and alleviated by an object retention system as disclosed herein which is specifically adapted for retaining a large number of objects of varying size and shape. In its broadest sense, the object retention system comprises a uniquely configured strap assembly formed of a plurality of stretchable straps. The strap assembly may be mounted to a substrate such that the strap system overlays the substrate. The substrate is preferably formed as a relatively thin, stiff and/or semi-rigid member and may be provided as a planar member. The strap assembly comprises at least a first and a second set of straps although any quantity of strap sets may be provided. The straps are arranged in angled orientation relative to one another on the substrate in order to provide a plurality of object retention configurations.
The straps are preferably formed as elastomeric, elongate webbing or stretchable, elastic members which are preferably fabricated of woven elastic material such as polyester, polypropylene, cotton, nylon or any other suitable materials or combinations of material. Each of the straps is preferably formed as a contiguous, one-piece element but may alternatively be constructed as a series of strap portions connected end-to-end. Additionally, the straps in at least one of the first and second sets are provided in at least two different widths in order to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the object retention system as well as to provide additional retention strength for heavier objects or objects of greater size and/or bulk.
Each one of the straps is configured to retain objects that are inserted between the strap and the substrate by biasing the object, or a portion thereof, against the substrate when the strap is in the stretched state. The substrate provides sufficient resistance to bending under the stretching force (i.e., tension load) of the stretched strap such that a sufficient biasing force is applied to the object. In its stretched state, the strap applies a compressive force against the object such that the object is captured between the strap and the substrate and thereby retained by the object retention system unless manually removed such as by pulling the object out of the strap assembly. After removal of the object, the strap then returns to its unstretched or semi-stretched state wherein the strap preferably overlays the substrate and/or other straps in substantially abutting contact therewith.
As was mentioned above, the straps of the first and second sets are preferably arranged in angled orientation relative to one another and are preferably oriented substantially perpendicularly relative to one another. Each the straps in each set are also preferably, but optionally, oriented substantially parallel to one another. In addition, the straps in each set are preferably, but optionally, arranged in non-spaced relation to one another such that at least one of an adjacent pair of parallel straps in each set are disposed in substantially abutting contact with another along the strap lengths.
The straps in the first and second sets are preferably woven together in a non-uniform or random criss-crossing pattern although the sets may be woven in a uniform or repeating one-dimensional crisscrossing pattern along each strap length and/or in a two-dimensional criss-crossing pattern that is repeated throughout the strap assembly. The woven arrangement of the first and second strap results in a plurality of strap overlaps formed by the criss-crossing straps. If the first and second sets are woven together in a non-uniform or random pattern, strap sections of varying length are formed in the strap assembly to allow for insertion and retention of objects of varying size and in various orientations.
Although the object retention system preferably includes a substrate, in an alternative embodiment, the substrate may be omitted and each strap may instead be secured to a surface or structure upon which the strap assembly is overlayed. Regardless of the configuration, the straps are securable to the substrate or surface by anchor points. The anchor points may be disposed at opposed ends of each strap as well as at intermediate locations (i.e., intermediate anchor points) along the length of each strap. The location of intermediate anchor points along the strap lengths results in the formation of strap sections of different length throughout the strap assembly such that objects of varying size and shape may be conveniently secured in various orientations.
The straps may be secured at their opposed ends (i.e., at end anchor points) by sewing or stitching the straps to the substrate. The stitching may be formed as a continuous or non-interrupted seam which, in one embodiment, extends around a perimeter of the substrate. Alternatively, the straps may be secured to the substrate using any suitable mechanical fastening means including snaps, rivets, buttons, hooks, Velcro™ (i.e., hook and loop fastener), as well as by chemical or adhesive bonding of the straps to the substrate at the intermediate and/or end anchor points.
The object retention system may be integrated into an existing structure including any movable or fixed structure, object, device, article including any worn articles such as articles of clothing and any objects such as any carryable objects, tools, implements, or in any application where storage of objects is desired. In addition, the object retention system may be releasably mounted to or integrated into anything where storage or transportability of objects is desired including any storage device. The storage device may be configured as a storage bag or carrying bag which may be provided in any number of configurations including, but not limited to, suitcases, handbags, purses, backpacks, brief cases, duffle bags, carrying bags and other storage and carrying devices. Additionally, the object retention system may be incorporated into any structure as an integrated element of the structure or as a standalone element which is permanently or releasably attachable to the structure.
These and other features and advantages of the various embodiments disclosed herein will be better understood with respect to the following description and drawings, in which like numbers refer to like parts throughout, and in which:
With reference now to the drawings wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating preferred embodiments of the present invention and not for purposes of limiting the same, shown in
In its broadest sense, the object retention system 10 comprises a strap assembly 14 including a system of stretchable straps 20 arranged in a lattice or grid. The strap assembly may optionally include a substrate over which the strap assembly may be overlayed. Alternatively, the strap system may be releasably or permanently affixed or mounted to any structure or frame. Each one of the straps 20 is configured to retain an object(s) 12 that is inserted between the strap 20 and the substrate 36 by biasing the object 12, or a portion thereof, against the substrate 36 when the strap 20 is in the stretched state. In this manner, the object 12 is held or captured between the stretched strap 20 and the substrate 36 until the object 12 is manually pulled out from between the strap(s) 20 and the substrate 36.
The substrate 36 is preferably configured as a rigid or semi-rigid member in order to provide resistance to bending under the stretching force (i.e., tension load) of the stretched strap 20 such that a sufficient biasing force is applied to the object 12. In its stretched state, the strap 20 applies the biasing or compressive force to the object 12 such that the object 12 is captured between the strap 20 and the substrate 36. After removal of the object 12, the strap 20 then returns to its unstretched or semi-stretched state wherein the strap 20 preferably overlays the substrate 36 and/or other straps 20 in substantially abutting contact therewith.
The object retention system 10 may be provided as a standalone component or as an integrated element of a larger structure or device. For example, the object retention system 10 may be integrated into various configurations of storage devices including various carrying or storage bags 44 as shown in
In one aspect of the invention, the strap assembly 14 of the object retention system 10 is arranged to provide multiple strap sections 34 of varying length along each strap 20. The formation of multiple strap sections 34 along each strap 20 is a result of the weaving of the first and second sets 16, 18 of straps 20 such that various objects 12 or articles of different size and shape may be easily inserted into and retained within the object retention system 10. Advantageously, the multiple strap sections 34 of differing length also facilitates the storage of various objects 12 in a personalized and organized manner for easy identification and retrieval at a later time.
With reference to
The storage bag 44 shown in
For example, as shown in
In a further embodiment shown in
Referring back to
The thickness of the substrate 36 may be selected depending upon the particular size and application of the object retention system 10. Ideally, the substrate 36 thickness and stiffness of the member is sufficient to resist excessive bowing or bending under the tension load in the straps 20 when objects 12 are inserted between the strap sections 34 and the substrate 36. In addition, the substrate 36 is preferably configured to resist being under the influence of a slight tension load in the strap 20 in a semi-stretched state such as when the straps 20 overlay the substrate 36 and other straps 20 when no objects 12 are inserted thereinto. The semi-stretched state of the straps 20 may facilitate a smooth or planar overlay of the straps 20 against the substrate 36 for aesthetic appeal and to allow retention of relatively thin objects.
In a further embodiment illustrated in
For the storage bag 44 illustrated in
In any of the configurations described herein, it should be noted that the substrate 36 may be altogether omitted from the object retention system 10 such that the object retention system 10 comprises the strap assembly 14 which may be mounted to a suitable structure. For example, in one embodiment, the object retention system 10 may be mounted to a perimeter 38 frame (not shown) which is sized and configured to allows the securing of the strap assembly 14 thereto. Alternatively, the object retention system 10 may be mounted to a separate existing structure or to a portion of a structure or article either by removable means or by permanent installation or attachment thereto such as to various locations within the passenger compartment 68 shown in
Regardless of whether or not the substrate 36 is included with the object retention system 10, the straps 20 of the strap assembly 14 are preferably provided as elastomeric elements which are preferably fabricated of woven material such as nylon or elastic webbing. Furthermore, the straps 20 of the strap assembly 14 are preferably continuous or one-piece elements although the strap 20 assemblies may be provided as a series of strap 20 portions connected end-to-end.
As can be seen in
Regarding the individual sets 16, 18, the straps 20 in any one set are preferably disposed in parallel arrangement to one another. Furthermore, the straps 20 in any one set are preferably disposed in non-spaced relationship to one another such that at least one of the first and second sets 16, 18 includes at least one parallel pair of straps 20 which are disposed in substantially non-spaced (i.e., substantially contacting) relation to one another along adjacent strap 20 edges of the pair. For such an embodiment wherein all straps 20 in any of the sets are disposed in non-spaced relation to one another, the strap assembly 14 essentially covers the entirety of the substrate 36 to which the strap assembly 14 is secured.
Each one of the elastic straps 20 defines an unstretched state and a stretched state wherein straps 20 are configured to be stretchable along the strap 20 length into the stretched state. The straps 20 in at least one of the first and second sets 16, 18 are preferably of substantially equivalent strap 20 length in the unstretched state. As mentioned above, each one of the straps 20 preferably comprises a continuous element which extends across a corresponding length and/or width of the substrate 36 with all of the straps 20 in any one set having substantially equivalent strap 20 lengths. In this regard, the substrate 36 is preferably configured to span a strap 20 length of the longest one of the straps 20 in any one of the first and second sets 16, 18 when the strap 20 is in the unstretched state.
In addition, the straps 20 in the strap assembly 14 are preferably provided in at least two different strap 20 widths. For example, as shown in
As shown in
Referring more particularly to
Referring to
Referring more particularly to
As was mentioned above, the location of intermediate anchor points 28 may be at various spacings along any given strap 20. Furthermore, the location of the intermediate anchor points 28 is either in a random pattern or spacing within the strap assembly 14, or at a uniform pattern which may be repeated throughout the strap assembly 14. However, the intermediate anchor points 28 may be altogether omitted from the strap assembly 14 such that each strap 20 is secured only at its opposed ends (i.e., at the end anchor points 30).
In an arrangement which omits any intermediate anchor points 28, the strap sections 34 are defined by adjacent pairs of strap overlaps 22 along any given strap 20, as can also be seen in
Referring to
For example, in
In the embodiment illustrated in
In addition, it is also contemplated that the object retention system 10 is not limited to installation on an inner wall 64 of the storage bag 44 as illustrated in
Referring briefly to
Likewise, an outer layer 56 may be provided over portions of the padding layer 58 that are not covered by the strap assembly 14. It should be recognized that the above-described cross sectional configuration to which the object retention system 10 may be incorporated is exemplary in nature and is not to be construed as limiting alternative configurations. It should also be pointed out that the object retention system 10 may be provided as a standalone system which may be removably or releasably fastened to any suitable structure, or, alternatively, the object retention system 10 may be integrated into a structure such as that which is illustrated in the storage bag 44 of
In the embodiment illustrated in
Alternatively, as shown in
However, the features formed in the substrate 36 may also be configured to be resistant to flexing of the substrate 36 in an opposite direction such as in an outwardly bowing direction such the substrate 36 or portion thereof assumes a convex shape. By forming the features (e.g., scoring 80) such that the substrate 36 has a higher degree of flexibility in one direction as compared to a reverse direction, the straps 20 of the strap assembly 14 are capable of applying a compressive force to whatever object 12 is inserted between the straps 20 and the substrate 36 while still providing flexibility to the substrate 36 in the opposite direction for unrestricted movement of the wearer and to increase comfort.
Additional modifications and improvements of the present invention may also be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, various configurations of the straps 20 are contemplated wherein the straps 20 may be fabricated of any suitable material, whether woven or non-woven, and may be provided in a variety of widths for each strap set. In addition, the first and second sets 16, 18 may be arranged in any angled orientation relative to one another as well as relative to the structure to which the object retention system 10 is mounted. As such, the particular combination of parts described and illustrated herein is intended to represent only certain embodiments of the present invention and is not intended to serve as limitations for alternative devices that are within the spirit and scope of the invention.
Claims
1. An object retention system adapted for retaining any one of a plurality of objects of different size, the object retention system comprising:
- a substrate; and
- a strap assembly including a plurality of straps overlaying the substrate, each one of the straps defining an unstretched state and being stretchable along a length of the strap into a stretched state, the straps being arranged in at least first and second sets oriented in angled relation to one another and woven together, each strap being securable to the substrate by at least two anchor points spaced along a strap length at a spacing interval defining a strap section, the straps having different spacing intervals to provide different length strap sections for retention of objects of different size between the straps and the substrate;
- wherein the straps are configured to bias the objects against the substrate when the straps are in the stretched state such that the objects are retained between the straps and the substrate.
2. The object retention system of claim 1 wherein the straps in at least one of the first and second sets are provided in at least two different strap widths.
3. The object retention system of claim 1 wherein the straps in at least one of the first and second sets are disposed in substantially parallel relation to one another.
4. The object retention system of claim 1 wherein at least one of the first and second sets includes at least one parallel pair of straps disposed in substantially non-spaced relation to one another along adjacent strap edges of the pair.
5. The object retention system of claim 1 wherein the straps in the first set are oriented in substantially perpendicular relation to the straps in the second set.
6. The object retention system of claim 1 wherein the straps in at least one of the first and second sets having substantially equivalent strap lengths in the unstretched state.
7. The object retention system of claim 1 wherein each strap has opposing ends, at least one of the anchor points being located at one of the opposing ends.
8. An object retention system adapted for retaining any one of a plurality of objects of different size, the object retention system comprising:
- a strap assembly mountable against a surface and including a plurality of straps, each one of the straps defining an unstretched state and being stretchable along a length of the strap into a stretched state, the straps being arranged in first and second sets oriented in angled relation to one another and being woven together in a manner to form a plurality of strap overlaps defining strap sections of different length for retaining objects of different size;
- wherein the straps are configured such that objects inserted between the straps and the surface are biased against the surface when the straps are in the stretched state.
9. The object retention system of claim 8 further comprising: wherein:
- a substrate;
- the strap assembly overlays the substrate;
- each one of the straps being securable to the substrate with at least two anchor points along the strap length;
- a strap section being defined between adjacent pairs of anchor points.
10. The object retention system of claim 8 wherein the straps in at least one of the first and second sets are provided in at least two different strap widths.
11. The object retention system of claim 8 wherein the straps in at least one of the first and second sets are disposed in substantially parallel relation to one another.
12. The object retention system of claim 8 wherein at least one of the first and second sets includes at least one parallel pair of straps disposed in substantially non-spaced relation to one another along adjacent strap edges of the pair.
13. The object retention system of claim 8 wherein the straps in the first set are oriented in substantially perpendicular relation to the straps in the second set.
14. The object retention system of claim 8 wherein the straps in at least one of the first and second sets having substantially equivalent strap lengths in the unstretched state.
15. The object retention system of claim 8 wherein each strap has opposing ends, at least one of the anchor points being located at one of the opposing ends.
16. A storage device, comprising:
- an object retention system adapted for retaining any one of a plurality of objects of different size, the object retention system including: a substrate; and a strap system including a plurality of straps, each one of the straps defining an unstretched state and being stretchable along a length of the strap into a stretched state, the straps being arranged in first and second sets oriented in angled relation to one another and woven together in a manner to form a plurality of strap overlaps defining strap sections of different length, each one of the straps being securable to the substrate with at least two anchor points spaced along a strap length, the straps having different spacing intervals defining strap sections of different length;
- wherein: the straps sections defined by the strap overlaps and the adjacent pairs of anchor points allowing for retention of objects of different size between the straps and the substrate; the straps being configured such that objects inserted between the straps and the substrate are biased against the substrate when the straps are in the stretched state.
17. The storage device of claim 16 further comprising:
- a storage bag;
- wherein: the object retention system is disposed on at least a portion of one of an interior and exterior of the storage bag; the storage bag being provided in at least one of the following configurations: backpack, suitcase, handbag, purse, briefcase, duffel bag, armband, carrying bag.
18. The storage device of claim 16 wherein the object retention system is integrated into at least one of the following: article of clothing, motor vehicle interior, school binder, book cover, wall organization system.
19. The object retention system of claim 16 wherein the straps in at least one of the first and second sets are disposed in substantially parallel relation to one another.
20. The object retention system of claim 16 wherein at least one of the first and second sets includes at least one parallel pair of straps disposed in substantially non-spaced relation to one another along adjacent strap edges of the pair.
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 10, 2007
Publication Date: Feb 12, 2009
Inventor: Dario Cesar Antonioni (Santa Monica, CA)
Application Number: 11/891,508
International Classification: A45F 3/14 (20060101);