Vertically-Oriented Clothes Organizer and Method of Use Thereof

Abstract

A vertically-aligned organizer comprising a backpanel a plurality of bellowed sectionalized compartments; and a coupling mechanism adapted to removably couple the plurality of sectionalized compartments to the backpanel. The backpanel of one embodiment is comprised of (i) a front surface adapted to align in a generally vertical direction, (ii) a top edge, (iii) at least one bore, and (iv) a generally flexible material. A method of organizing articles using a vertically-aligned organizer of may comprise placing the backpanel front surface in a generally vertical position, coupling the backpanel to one of a wall, a door, and a frame, coupling the plurality of bellowed sectionalized compartments to the backpanel front surface, and placing articles within the plurality of bellowed sectionalized compartments.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention generally relates to vertically-aligned organizers.

BACKGROUND

Although hanging compartmentalized vertical organizers are known in the art, prior art vertical organizers are deficient in many respects. For example, prior art vertical organizers are only adapted to hang from a hook or any other similarly-adapted hanging instrument and therefore require a location in a house or other area to hang the organizer. Furthermore, prior art vertical organizers are not able to be set up without drilling or otherwise positioning a hanging device into a household item such as a door or wall. Many of these prior art systems are not adapted for use as a vertical organizer for garments—nor may they be used with a stand-alone frame instead of a household item.

Prior art vertical organizers are also deficient because prior art organizer compartments are not adapted for use a travel bag. If the user attempts to travel with the items within the prior art vertical organizers, the items are likely to fall out of the organizer during travel. Furthermore, the compartment and organizer is difficult to carry.

Further deficiencies in prior art vertical organizers include the lack of vertical garment organizers which allow air circulation over the garments. Current organizers have compartments which comprise continuous sidewalls, covers or dividers. The continuous sidewalls, covers, or dividers are not porous and are not adapted to allow air to flow through and around the garments. Therefore, in the prior art organizers, wet items may not dry appropriately if placed within the organizer and if many items are placed in the individual prior art compartments, without proper air circulation, the items may become moldy or have an unpleasant odor.

Further deficiencies in prior art vertical garment organizers include the lack of appropriately identifying the different types of items placed within the compartments. There is also a lack of vertical garment organizer compartments having shapes adapted to make the organizer more appealing to certain segments of the population such as, but not limited to, children.

SUMMARY OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of one vertically-oriented garment organizer coupled to a door, the vertically-oriented garment organizer having a compartment comprising mesh sidewalls, covers, and a lid coupled to a backpanel and hook-loop fasteners adapted to operatively couple to a second compartment also coupled to the backpanel according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the vertical garment organizer of FIG. 1 couple to a hanger for hanging in a closet according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of one vertically-oriented garment holder frame and transparent backpanel according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of one vertically-oriented garment holder comprising three compartments and a frame according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 5A through 5D are front isometric views of compartments having shapes adapted for children according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is an isometric rear view of a travel compartment having hook-loop fasteners coupled to the rear surface and adapted to couple to a backpanel according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is an isometric top view of a compartment with bellowed, mesh sidewalls and mesh covers and transparent inner walls according to one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In one embodiment of a vertical organizer, the organizer may be adapted for use as a vertical garment organizer. A vertical garment organizer may be comprised of a backpanel wherein one or more compartments are coupled to the backpanel such that the compartments are vertically sequentially arranged. For example, the backpanel may be comprised of a long and thin, yet relatively wide, flexible polymeric or non-polymeric material, and may have at least one bore proximal one or more backpanel edges. The bore or bores may be used to couple the backpanel to a wall, door, or another vertically-oriented area through a hanging instrument such as, but not limited to, a hook. Other hanging instruments are contemplated such as, but not limited to, nails may be used. The backpanel may be a thin section of material about 6 feet in length and 3 feet in width.

One backpanel may have a front side. On one backpanel front side may be a coupling mechanism such as, but not limited to, one of a hook and a loop material. Additionally, the one or more compartments may have a rear side comprising the other of the hook and loop material wherein backpanel front side and the compartment rear side may be adapted to operatively couple to one another. Other mechanisms adapted to couple the compartments to the backpanel are also contemplated and one coupling mechanism may be adapted to quickly couple and uncouple the compartments to the backpanel. In one embodiment, a compartment may have about a 9 inch depth, with about a 15 inch width and about a 15 inch length.

One garment compartment may be a sectionalized compartment. One sectionalized compartment may have three sections, each adapted to receive garments. The compartments may have sections aligned along a compartment's depth, although widthwisely or lengthwisely sectioned compartments are also contemplated. One compartment may also be comprised of at least one sidewall, a front cover, and back cover. The sidewall covers, or dividers may surround a cavity and may be comprised of a porous material adapted to allow air to flow over the contents of the compartments in one embodiment (i.e., garments in one embodiment are allowed to “breathe”, thereby helping wet garments to dry).

Sidewalls, covers, or dividers in one embodiment may also be comprised of a mesh material such as cotton or another type of fabric such as, but not limited to a synthetic material—for example, polyester or even polyethylene. The divider walls between the sections in the compartments, the sidewalls, and the covers may also be comprised of non-porous transparent polymeric material. All materials may be flexible in nature. One embodiment may be comprised of compressible bellowed compartments which may be similar to an “accordion shape”.

Further unique aspects of one vertical garment organizer comprise an embodiment having a vertical organizer frame. One vertical organizer frame may be adapted to be a standalone frame, thereby overcoming the prior art deficiency where the vertical organizers must be hung or otherwise attach themselves to a household item in order to position themselves vertically.

One vertical garment organizer may also be used as a traveling device. With one such device, a user of a vertical garment organizer may detach one or more portions of the organizer for use as a day or overnight travel bag. Therefore, one embodiment may overcome the prior art deficiency where a user may be required to remove items from the organizer and place the items into a separate travel bag if the user wishes to travel with the items.

One such travel organizer may have compartments which may have an internal frame. Additionally, traveling compartments may be comprised of a clasping device adapted to secure a lid to the compartment cavity opening, substantially closing the compartment cavity. The compartment may also be comprised of a handle. Like other compartments, traveling compartments may be adapted to secure to a backpanel and may couple to a backpanel through a zipper. A vertical garment organizer may also be adapted to provide a user with the ability to further organize garments into color-coded or shape oriented compartments, helping to identify the types of garments within each compartment. For example, some organizer compartments may be colored pink or blue or may have the shape of a football or a heart or flower.

Terminology:

The terms and phrases as indicated in quotation marks (“ ”) in this section are intended to have the meaning ascribed to them in this Terminology section applied to them throughout this document, including in the claims, unless clearly indicated otherwise in context. Further, as applicable, the stated definitions are to apply, regardless of the word or phrase's case, tense or any singular or plural variations of the defined word or phrase.

The term “or” as used in this specification and the appended claims is not meant to be exclusive rather the term is inclusive meaning “either or both”.

References in the specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “a preferred embodiment”, “an alternative embodiment”, “a variation”, “one variation”, and similar phrases mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least an embodiment of the invention. The appearances of phrases like “in one embodiment”, “in an embodiment”, or “in a variation” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all meant to refer to the same embodiment or variation.

The term “couple”, “coupled”, “coupling”, or any variation thereof, as used in this specification and the appended claims refers to either an indirect or direct connection between the identified elements, components or objects. Often the manner of the coupling will be related specifically to the manner in which the two coupled elements interact. Specifically, this term may be used to define tow elements joined by a bolted fastener, a latch, a hook, or any other reasonably readily removable fastening device.

The term “integrate” or “integrated” as used in this specification and the appended claims refers to a blending, uniting, or incorporation of the identified elements, components or objects into a unified whole.

Directional and/or relationary terms such as, but not limited to, left, right, nadir, apex, top, bottom, vertical, horizontal, back, front and lateral are relative to each other and are dependent on the specific orientation of a applicable element or article, and are used accordingly to aid in the description of the various embodiments and are not necessarily intended to be construed as limiting.

As applicable, the terms “about” or “generally” as used herein unless otherwise indicated means a margin of ±20%. Also, as applicable, the term “substantially” as used herein unless otherwise indicated means a margin of ±10%. It is to be appreciated that not all uses of the above terms are quantifiable such that the referenced ranges can be applied.

One Embodiment of a Vertical Organizer

As best shown in FIGS. 1 through 6, one vertical organizer 10 may comprise a backpanel 12, one or more compartments 14, and a coupling mechanism 16 adapted to removably couple the one or more compartments to the backpanel. The coupling mechanism may be comprised of a hook and loop material wherein a coupling mechanism first portion may be coupled to a backpanel front side, as best shown in FIG. 1, and a coupling mechanism second portion may couple to a compartment back side, as best shown in FIG. 5, or vice versa. One coupling mechanism first portion may be a loop material and one second portion may be a hook material. Other coupling mechanisms such as, but not limited to, snaps, buttons, and other similar fasteners are also contemplated.

One backpanel 12 may be comprised of a thin, generally flexible material having a front surface 18 with a top edge 22 and at least one bore 20, as best shown in FIG. 3. One backpanel may be comprised of a polymeric material. A backpanel may also be comprised of a woven material such as, but not limited to, cotton fabric. Unlike the compartment material described below, the backpanel may not be comprised of a mesh, porous, or transparent material.

As best shown in FIG. 1, the front surface 18 of the backpanel 12 in one embodiment may be adapted to align in a general vertical direction. One backpanel may align vertically through the at least one bore 20 being adapted to receive a hanging instrument—with the backpanel hanging from the hanging instrument. For example, in one embodiment, through the bore may be placed a hanging instrument such as, but not limited to, a hook. Or as best shown in FIG. 3, the backpanel may be comprised of a plurality of bores adapted to receive nails. Furthermore, as best shown in FIG. 1, an embodiment's backpanel may be comprised of an internal frame 31 along the top edge. The frame may be a single bar internally coupled to the top edge wherein the bar is adapted to keep the backpanel side edges 24 from folding towards a backpanel centerline 26.

In one embodiment, the at least one bore 20 may be a plurality of bores. As best shown in FIG. 3, the bores may be adapted to couple the backpanel 12 to a standalone frame 33. The backpanel may be coupled to the frame through a coupling instrument such as, but not limited to, a nail. Other coupling instruments known in the art are also contemplated. Additionally, the bores and coupling instrument may be adapted to couple the backpanel to a vertical portion of a home such as, but not limited too, a wall or a door, instead of the standalone frame. The bores may be positioned proximal the edges or the corners of one backpanel.

The compartments 14 in one embodiment may be adapted to expand. For example, one embodiment may be comprised of one or more bellowed compartments, as best shown in FIG. 6. In one bellowed compartment, the mesh sidewalls 30 are the bellowed portion of the compartment. The bellowed sidewalls may expand along a compartment thickness 35, as best shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, but may also allow the compartment to expand along a compartment's length 37 or height 39. One generally fully expanded depth 35 may be about 9 inches. One bellowed compartment may allow a user to place an increased amount of garments within the compartment as the compartment will continue to expand as more garments are placed within the compartment.

As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, in addition to mesh sidewalls 30, one compartment may be comprised a mesh front side 32, a mesh back side 34, and a mesh lid 36. The front and back sides may also be referred to as a front and back cover, respectively. Non-mesh sidewalls, lids, and front and back sides are also contemplated. The compartment may also be a sectionalized compartment. For example, as best shown in FIG. 6, one compartment may have 3 sections. Section dividers 38 may separate the sections and may be comprised of a transparent polymeric material. Section dividers may also be called section walls.

The mesh or other porous material may be adapted to allow air to enter the compartment. The front side and the back side may also be referred to as the front cover and the back cover. Air is often needed when storing clothes or other items that may be wet, in order to properly dry the items. Wet items or tightly packed items, as well as other items in other areas, may create a moldy, dank, and altogether unpleasant odor. Airflow helps diminish this odor.

One backpanel 12 may be comprised of one of a hanging organizer backpanel, a vertically coupling organizer, and a frame organizer. A hanging organizer backpanel may be adapted to hang vertically through the at least one bore 20 being adapted to receive a hanging instrument 40, as best shown in FIG. 1. One hanging instrument may be a hook. A vertically coupling organizer may be adapted to couple to a household item. For example, one household item may be a wall or a door. With a frame organizer, the backpanel may be adapted to couple to a stand-alone frame.

Bellowed, unbellowed, sectionalized, and unsectionalized compartments 14 of one embodiment may comprise a cavity 42, as best shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. The cavity may be comprised of a cavity opening. The one or more sidewalls 30 may surround at least a portion of the cavity. Furthermore, the cavity may be further surrounded by at least a portion of the front cover 32, the back cover 34, and the lid 36. The lid may be adapted to cover the cavity opening when the lid is closed. One lid may be closed by a clasping device having a plurality of teeth such as, but not limited to, a zipper 43. One zipper may couple a lid outer edge 44 to a top edge 45 of a sidewall or front cover. The lid outer edge may also be referred to as the lid distal edge. A cavity may even be comprised of at least one divider adapted to separate the cavity into a plurality of sections wherein, the one or more dividers may even be transparent to allow persons to view the garments or other items in the compartments. Alternatively, the sidewalls or cover or lids may be transparent.

As best shown in FIG. 5, a compartment 14 may be comprised of a handle 46. One handle may be comprised of a strap. The handle may be included in a travel version of one embodiment. In such a version, the compartment may still be adapted to removably couple to the backpanel through a coupling mechanism 16. In such a travel embodiment, the one or more compartments may be used as a travel bag upon uncoupling the compartment from the backpanel. One compartment adapted as a travel bag may also be comprised of an internal frame 47. The internal frame may be comprised of a polymeric material in one embodiment and may be sewn into the material or may simply be coupled to the material on the inside of the compartment such as internal to the cavity 42. Another travel version may be adapted to couple to an interior luggage compartment. For example, a user may detach the compartment from the backpanel and fit the compartment into a separate piece of luggage.

The material of one travel or even a non-travel compartment may be comprised of thickness adapted to travel well—without ripping or tearing or wearing out after only a few uses. For example, one embodiment may have a compartment with a denier of about 420. A type of material which may be used in one embodiment is Cordura®, manufactured by Invista™ of Wichita, Kans. Some Cordura® compartments may have a denier fiber count greater than 420 such as 500 or even 1000 denier fibers. Some compartments in a travel version may have different sizes such that the compartment may be adapted for use as different types of travel bags. For example, one compartment may have a smaller size and may have a liner such that the bag may be adapted to travel with bathroom toiletries, or a compartment may be adapted to receive and carry men's suits.

As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, one version of a vertical organizer 10 may be comprised of a stand-alone frame 33. The standalone frame is adapted to allow the backpanel 12 to couple to the frame. With such a stand alone frame, an embodiment may be set up as a vertical garment organizer in a home without the need to couple the backpanel to a wall, door or other suitable household location.

Furthermore, the compartments 14 of one vertical garment organizer may be adapted to have a certain color or may resemble a specific shape or object. For example, as best shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the compartments may be adapted to resemble a heart-shape or a football, respectively. Or, one compartment may be yellow or may be red or blue or any other suitable color. Each color, shape or object may represent a compartment that is adapted to receive certain types of objects or shapes. For example, a red compartment may be adapted to receive boys shoes, whereas a yellow compartment may be a sectionalized compartment adapted to receive girls sweaters.

One Method of Organizing Vertically:

As best shown in FIGS. 1 through 6, one method of organizing comprises using a organizer 10 having a plurality of compartments 14 coupled to a backpanel 12. The backpanel may have a front surface 18 wherein one method may include placing a backpanel front surface in a generally vertical position. Another method may include coupling the backpanel to one of a household item, a hanging instrument, and a frame 33. For example, the backpanel may have one or more bores and the one or more bores may be adapted to receive a hanging instrument such as, but not limited to, a hook, which the organizer may hang from. The one or more bores may also be adapted to receive a nail in order to couple the backpanel to a household item such as, but not limited to, a door, a wall, or any other household item adapted to allow the backpanel to hang vertically. The backpanel may also be adapted to couple to a stand-alone frame. For example, one embodiment may be comprised of a vertical garment hanger having a frame which may allow the backpanel to hang appropriately without the use of a household item or a hanging instrument.

In one method, the compartments 14 may be bellowed compartments adapted to expand upon receiving articles. Furthermore, some of the compartments may be comprised of sections. The sections may be separated by transparent dividers. The compartments may couple to the backpanel 12 through the use of a coupling mechanism. One coupling mechanism may be hook and loop material wherein the backpanel of a compartment may be coupled to the hook portion which may align with the loop portion coupled to the front side of the backpanel.

Further methods may include placing garments within the compartments 14. To do so, in one method, a clasping mechanism may be uncoupled, enabling a lid to open and reveal a compartment cavity. When the cavity is open, one method may allow garment to be placed within the cavity in separate sections. The lid clasping mechanism may then be recoupled, keeping the compartment shut. A further method step may include removing the compartment from the backpanel 12 prior to placing the garments within the backpanel, then replacing the compartment on the backpanel after placing the garments within the compartment.

Further methods may include placing garments within a compartment which comprises a flexible material and a compartment frame. One compartment frame may be an internal frame—that is, the frame may be located on the inside of the compartment. The internal frame compartment may be comprised of a lid and the lid may have a coupling mechanism such as, but not limited to, a zipper.

One method may also be comprised of a step of allowing air to enter the compartment. This may be done by having a compartment which is comprised of a porous material. Through this porous material, air may enter the compartment cavity. Furthermore, if the outer compartment material is porous enough, the articles placed within the compartment may be seen from the outside. Additionally, if the dividers that separate the sections are transparent, the articles within the section may be able to be seen through the dividers. In a method of organizing wherein the method is comprised of using a compartment adapted for use as a travel bag, the method may be comprised of steps such as grabbing a sectionalized compartment handle and using the handle to carry the compartment.

Alternative Embodiments

The embodiments of the vertically-oriented organizer and methods of use as illustrated in the accompanying figures and described above are merely exemplary and are not meant to limit the scope of the invention. It is to be appreciated that numerous variations to the invention have been contemplated as would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A vertically-aligned organizer comprising,

a backpanel comprising, a front surface adapted to align in a generally vertical direction, a top edge, at least one bore, a generally flexible material;

a plurality of bellowed sectionalized compartments adapted to expand in a generally horizontal direction; and

a coupling mechanism adapted to removably couple the plurality of sectionalized compartments to the backpanel.

2. The vertically-aligned organizer of claim 1 wherein,

the at least one bore is adapted to receive a hanging instrument;

the backpanel is adapted to hang from the hanging instrument and comprises an internal frame along the top edge;

the plurality of bellowed sectionalized compartments comprise, transparent section walls, a generally flexible porous material adapted to allow air to enter the compartment; and

the coupling mechanism is comprised of hook and loop material.

3. The vertical organizer of claim 1 wherein, the backpanel further comprises, one of a hanging organizer adapted to receive a hanging instrument, a vertical coupling organizer adapted to couple to a household item, and a frame organizer adapted to couple to a stand-alone frame.

4. The vertical organizer of claim 1, the plurality of bellowed sectionalized compartments comprising,

a sectionalized cavity comprising, a cavity comprising at least one opening, one or more sidewalls surrounding at least a portion of the cavity, the sidewalls comprising a generally flexible porous material adapted to allow air to enter the compartment, a front cover comprising a generally flexible porous material adapted to allow air to enter the compartment, a back cover comprising, a generally flexible porous material adapted to allow air to enter the compartment, a lid adapted to substantially cover the cavity opening; a clasping device adapted to couple a lid distal edge proximal a front cover; and

one or more transparent dividers.

5. The vertical organizer of claim 1 wherein,

the coupling mechanism comprises a first portion, the first portion adapted to couple to, a coupling mechanism second portion, the bellowed sectionalized compartments; and further comprising,

a handle;

an internal frame;

a material adapted for use as a travel bag; and

a clasping device comprising a plurality of teeth.

6. The vertical organizer of claim 1 further comprising,

a standalone frame; and wherein,

the plurality of sectionalized compartments comprise one of, color-coded compartments, shape-coded compartments and kid-oriented compartments; and

the at least one bore is a plurality of bores adapted to receive a hanging instrument.

7. A method of organizing articles using the vertically-aligned organizer of claim 1 comprising,

placing the backpanel front surface in a generally vertical position;

coupling the backpanel to one of a wall, a door, and a frame;

coupling the plurality of bellowed sectionalized compartments to the backpanel front surface; and

placing articles within the plurality of bellowed sectionalized compartments.

8. The method of claim 7 further including,

uncoupling at least one sectionalized compartment from the backpanel front surface;

using the sectionalized compartment as a travel bag.

9. A method of organizing comprising,

placing a backpanel front surface in a generally vertical position;

coupling the backpanel to one of a household item, a hanging instrument, and a frame;

using a coupling mechanism to couple a plurality of bellowed sectionalized compartments to the backpanel;

placing garments within the plurality of bellowed sectionalized compartments.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein, coupling the backpanel to one of a household item, a hanging instrument, and a frame comprises one of,

tacking the backpanel to one of a wall and a door,

placing the backpanel through a hook; and

coupling the backpanel to a stand-alone frame.

11. The method of claim 9 wherein, placing garments within the plurality of bellowed sectionalized compartments comprises,

removing one or more sectionalized compartments from the backpanel;

opening the one or more sectionalized compartments; and

replacing the one or more sectionalized compartments on the backpanel.

12. The method of claim 11 wherein,

placing garments within the plurality of bellowed sectionalized compartments includes generally surrounding the garments with a compartment frame; and

opening the one or more sectionalized compartments includes, one of unfolding and unzipping the one or more sectionalized compartments.

13. The method of claim 9 further including,

allowing air to enter the one or more sectionalized compartments through a porous compartment skin;

viewing garments through at least one transparent divider; and

closing a lid.

14. The method of claim 11 further including,

zipping the one or more sectionalized compartments closed;

grabbing a sectionalized compartment handle;

using the handle to carry the compartment.

15. The method of claim 9 wherein, placing garments within the plurality of bellowed sectionalized compartments comprised expanding the compartments.

16. A vertical organizing system comprising,

a standalone frame;

a plurality of sectionalized compartments adapted to operatively couple to the standalone frame.

17. The system of claim 16, further comprising,

a backpanel; and

a coupling mechanism adapted to couple the backpanel to the plurality of sectionalized compartments.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein,

the backpanel comprises a flexible backpanel about 3 feet in width and about 6 feet in length, the backpanel comprising one of cotton and a cotton blend; and

the coupling mechanism comprising snaps.

19. The system of claim 16 wherein,

the frame comprises 4 legs and an upper crossbar; and

the compartments comprise compartment adapted for use a travel bags.

20. The system of claim 19 wherein,

the frame legs are about 6 feet in length and the upper crossbar is about 3 feet in length; and

the travel bags are comprised of different sizes wherein, one bag comprises a cavity having a volume less than 1 cubic foot, one bag comprises a cavity having a volume less than 2 cubic feet, and one bag comprises a cavity having a volume less than 3 cubic feet.