Visual organization and display apparatus and system

Abstract

An organization system includes a first holder. The first holder including a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion. A second holder is removably connected to the first connecting portion or the second connecting portion of the first holder. A removable slide hanger is rotatably connected to the first holder or the second holder.

Description

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The embodiments relate to visual organization and display apparatus and systems, and more particularly to visualized and expandable organization and display systems.

2. Description of the Related Art

Filing systems that exist today typically include filing cabinets, where files are placed out of site; filing compartments, where files are placed within a compartment, out of sight; or placed on filing stands, where folders can easily be misplaced, hidden, fall (emptying contents), etc. As folders/files increase in size, multiple files that are associated must be moved at the same time or placed together in a filing cabinet, shelf or compartment. It is easy for these files to get separated.

The existing organization systems, such as filing systems, rely on tags or alphabetical identification. A problem with these organization systems is if something is placed in a wrong compartment, file or folder, it can take quite some time to find the item as the items are hidden from view.

SUMMARY

One embodiment of an organization system includes a first holder. The first holder includes a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion. A second holder is removably connected to the first connecting portion or the second connecting portion of the first holder. A removable slide hanger is rotatably connected to the first holder or the second holder.

Another embodiment includes a first storage device having at least one storage compartment, an upper connecting device includes through-holes, coupling pins, a first locking portion and a second locking portion. A lower connecting device includes through-holes.

Yet another embodiment includes a system including holders. Each of the holders is adapted to removably connect to at least one other holder. Each holder includes a first connecting device and a second connecting device. A hanger device is removably connected to a first connecting device of at least one of the holders. At least one of the holders connects its second coupling device to a first coupling device of another holder or connects its first coupling device to a first coupling device of another holder.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded view of an embodiment of an organization system.

FIG. 2 illustrates a back view of a first connecting device of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of a first connecting device of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of a first connecting device of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5A illustrates a front view of a second connecting device of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5B illustrates a back view of a second connecting device of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6A illustrates a perspective view of a holder device of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6B illustrates a front view of an expanded holder device of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of a system.

FIG. 8A illustrates a front view of two holder devices of a system of an embodiment.

FIG. 8B illustrates a side view of two holder devices of a system of an embodiment.

FIG. 9A illustrates a hanger of an embodiment.

FIG. 9B illustrates a hanger connecting portion of an embodiment.

FIG. 10 illustrates two organization holders rotatably coupled to a hanging rod.

FIG. 11 illustrates multiple holder devices coupled to one another horizontally.

FIG. 12A illustrates a side view of multiple holder devices coupled to one another horizontally.

FIG. 12B illustrates a perspective view of multiple holder devices coupled to one another horizontally.

FIG. 13 illustrates a handle device of an embodiment.

FIG. 14 illustrates a color-coded insert of an embodiment.

FIG. 15 illustrates an embodiment of a portable organization system.

FIG. 16 illustrates an embodiment of a rotational organization system.

FIG. 17 illustrates an embodiment of a rotatable organization system.

FIG. 18 illustrates an embodiment of a wall mounted organization system.

FIG. 19 illustrates an embodiment of a desk mounted organization system.

FIG. 20A illustrates an embodiment of a portable organization rack.

FIG. 20B illustrates a top portion of an embodiment of a portable organization rack.

FIG. 20C illustrates a partially folded lower portion of an embodiment of a portable organization rack.

FIG. 20D illustrates a folded lower portion of an embodiment of a portable organization rack.

FIG. 21 illustrates two holders connected together with a note insert portion attached to the upper holder of an embodiment.

FIG. 22 illustrates different embodiments of holder devices.

FIG. 23 illustrates an organizational system with multiple holders attached to one another and illustrating slidablility and rotatability.

FIG. 24A illustrates a front view of an embodiment of an organizational display system.

FIG. 24B illustrates the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 24A with a front panel opened.

FIG. 24C illustrates a side view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 24A.

FIG. 24D illustrates a side view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 24A with a front panel opened.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention generally relates to visual organization/display systems. Referring to the figures, exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described. The exemplary embodiments are provided to illustrate the invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of visual organization system 100. Visual organization system 100 includes first holder 110. In one embodiment first holder 110 includes first connecting portion 120 and second connecting portion 130. A second holder 110 (see FIGS. 11, 12A, 12B15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 2122 and 23) can be removably connected to either first connecting portion 120 or second connecting portion 130 of first holder 110. In one embodiment removable slide hanger 905 (see FIG. 9A) is rotatably connected to either first holder 110 or second holder 110.

In one embodiment first holder 110 and second holder 110 each includes at least one changeable color coded insert 140 and note insert 160. In on embodiment, color coded insert is used to display stowed object information, such as a product description, product benefits, sale price, etc.

In one embodiment first holder 110 and second holder 110 are each made of a clear material so that objects stored/displayed within the first holder 110 and/or the second holder 110 can be displayed or seen. In one embodiment, the clear material is plastic, vinyl, plexi glass, strong cellophane, etc. In another embodiment, the clear material is expandable. In one embodiment first holder 110 includes a folding portion that is removably connected to a body portion. In one embodiment, a snap type connector is used to connect the flap portion to the body portion. In another embodiment, a clasp connector is used. Is should be noted that other embodiments can implement other known connecting means to connect the flap portion to the body portion.

In one embodiment, changeable color coded insert(s) 140 allows a user to code holders (e.g., first holder 110) for different purposes. For example, different colors can be for different types of projects, different priorities, different prices, different objects, etc.

FIG. 2 illustrates a rear view of first connecting portion 120. In one embodiment, first connecting portion 120 includes a plurality of coupling pins 210 (shown in FIG. 2 as projecting into the page). In one embodiment, first connecting portion 120 includes four (4) coupling pins 210. In other embodiments, other number of coupling 210 pins can be implemented (e.g., two (2), six (6), eight (8), etc.). In one embodiment first connecting portion 120 includes through-opening 220. In another embodiment, groove 230 allows a complimentary fit for another connecting portion (e.g., another connecting portion 120) having fitment portion 325 (see FIG. 3). In one embodiment, first connecting portion 120 is made of a plastic, a polymer, etc.

FIG. 3 illustrates a top side view of first connecting portion 120. In one embodiment first connecting portion 120 includes at least two snap couplers 310. Snap couplers 310 hold other first connecting portions 120 or second connecting portions 130 on coupling pins 210. FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of first connecting portion 120. As illustrated snap couplers 310 snap over coupling pins 210 and hold in place based on friction. First connecting portion 120 includes a plurality of through-holes 320. In one embodiment, four (4) through-holes 320 are included in first connecting portion 120. It should be noted that other number of through-holes 320 can be implemented in other embodiments, such as two (2), six (6), etc.

FIG. 5A illustrates a rear view of second connecting portion 130. FIG. 5B illustrates a front view of second connecting portion 130. As illustrated, second coupling portion 130 includes through-holes 510. In one embodiment through-holes 510 connect first connecting portion 120 by inserting connecting pins 210 through through-holes 510. Extension 515 is complimentary to groove 230 and holds first connecting portion 120 in alignment with second connecting portion 130.

FIG. 6A illustrates holder 110 in a closed configuration. As illustrated, holder 110 is a collapsible/expandable holder. FIG. 6B illustrates holder 110 in an unfolded configuration. As illustrated, holder 110 includes upper portion 620 (i.e., a first holding portion). In one embodiment, upper portion 620 includes an inner compartment (e.g., a pocket) for filing paper or other items. Lower portion 630 (i.e., a second holding portion) folds away from upper portion 620. In one embodiment lower portion 630 includes an inner compartment (e.g., a pocket) for filing papers or other items. Holding couplers 640 couple to upper portion 620. Overlap portion 610 connects to the front of lower portion 630, which closes first holder 110. In one embodiment, first holder 110 is closed by an adhesive. In another embodiment, first holder 110 is closed by hook and loop fasteners. In one embodiment, first holder is made of a clear material and at least one changeable color coded insert 140 is removably inserted into view area 150. In one embodiment upper portion 620 is contiguous with lower portion 630.

FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of visual organization system 100 with its elements connected together. As illustrated when first holder 110 is empty or contains few paper or thin articles, first holder 110 is substantially flat.

FIG. 8A illustrates two visual organization systems 100 a distance from one another before becoming connected. As illustrated through-holes 320 of first connecting portion 120 are set to couple with through-holes 510 of second connecting portion 130. FIG. 8B illustrates a side view of two visual organization systems 100 a distance from one another before becoming connected.

FIG. 9A illustrates a removable slide hanger 905 including curved hanger portion 910, back portion 915 and swivel portion 920. In one embodiment swivel portion 920 removably couples to first connecting portion 120. In one embodiment curved hanger portion 910 and back portion 915 slidably and removably couple to holding rod 1030 (see FIG. 10).

FIG. 9B illustrates hanger bracket 930. Hanger bracket 9300 includes swivel connector 925. Hanger bracket 930 connects to first connecting portion 120. Swivel connector 925 snap locks swivel 920 of hanger 905. Swivel 920 allows hanger 905 to rotate 360 degrees while holding visual organization system 100.

FIG. 10 illustrates two visual organization systems 100 each connected to hangers 905, which are connected to hanger brackets 930. As illustrated visual organization holder 100 hangs from rod 1030 and can rotate 360 degrees in relation to hanger 905. When visual organization systems 100 are angled at 90 degrees in relation to hanger 905, visual organization systems 100 can be stored compactly against one another. When visual organization systems 100 are rotated to be parallel with rod 1030, the contents of visual organization system 100 can be seen as first holder 110 is clear and the contents are easily accessible.

FIG. 11 illustrates multiple visual organization systems 100 horizontally connecting to one another in sequence. As illustrated, first connecting portions 120 of multiple visual organization systems 100 connect to one another through through-holes 210 and connecting pins 215. In one embodiment multiple visual organization systems 100 horizontally connect to one another in back to back order on one side of the first connecting portion 120 and oppositely on the other side.

FIG. 12A illustrates handle 1210 in position to connect to one first connecting portion 120 of multiple organization systems 100 that are horizontally connected to one another. FIG. 12B illustrates handle 1210 in connected to one first connecting portion 120 of multiple organization systems 100 that are horizontally connected to one another. As illustrated handle 1210 includes snap connector 1215, which snaps over connecting pins 215.

FIG. 13 illustrates handle 1210. As illustrated handle 1210 includes grip portion 1330, snap pins 1320 and snap connector 1215. In one embodiment handle 1210 is made of plastic, polymer, fiber, nylon, etc.

FIG. 14 illustrates visual organization system 100 with a plurality of changeable color coded inserts 140 partly inserted into view area 150. In one embodiment, each color coded insert includes an indicator tag 1410 that vary in location based on color. As indicated multiple types of colors for color coded inserts 140 can be used as desired.

FIG. 15 illustrates an embodiment of a portable organization system 1500 on a rack 1510 having wheels 1530. Portable organization system 1500 includes base supports 1520, rod 1030 and folding rods 1540. Portable organization system 1500 includes a plurality of visual organization systems 100 connected to one another and hanging from rod 1030 and folding rods 1540. In one embodiment folding rods 1540 can rotate 90 degrees (in two directions) or more. In another embodiment, folding rods 1540 are removably coupled to portable organization system 1500. Visual organization systems 100 rotate 360 degrees on portable organization system 1500. Wheels 1530 allow portable organization system 1500 to be moved to different locations for ease in portability.

FIG. 16 illustrates a rotational organization system 1600. Rotational organization system 1600 includes circular rod 1610 holding a plurality of visual organization systems connected to one another (each having holder 110) and hanging from circular rod 1610 by removable slide hanger 905. In one embodiment, not only can each visual organization system slide and rotate on removable slide hanger 905, but rotational organization system 1600 can rotate 360 degrees.

FIG. 17 illustrates arm rotational organization system 1700. Arm rotational organization system 1700 includes swing arm 1710 that can rotate 360 degrees. Arm rotational organization system 1700 includes rod 1030 that can hold a plurality of visual organization systems 100 that hang from rod 1030 with removable slide hanger 905. Swing arm 1710 allows a plurality of visual organization systems 100 to be rotated towards or away from a person seated at a workstation for ease in organization and for space saving.

FIG. 18 illustrates wall extension rod 1810 perpendicularly connected to wall 1805. Removable slide hanger 905 connects to a visual organization system 100 that is connected to a plurality of other visual organization systems 100 where each include holder 110. In one embodiment a plurality of wall extension rods 1810 can be connected to wall 1805 to form aisles. Wall extension rod 1810 is linear.

FIG. 19 illustrates stationary counter/workstation system 1900. Stationary counter/workstation system 1900 includes stationary rod 1910 holding a plurality of visual organization systems 100 each including holder 110. The visual organization systems 100 are connected to stationary rod 1910 by removable slide hanger 905. In one embodiment stationary counter/workstation system 1900 saves space and organizes articles in an efficient manner.

FIG. 20A illustrates folding rack 2000. Folding rack 2000 includes folding braces 2010, removable rod 2020, base support 2040 and wheels 2030. In one embodiment, folding rack 2000 is made of a metal, a metal alloy, a composite material, such as carbon fiber, etc. In one embodiment folding braces 2010 rotates on an axle between a set of wheels. In this embodiment folding braces 2010 can fold down 90 degrees to become parallel with base support 2040. In one embodiment removable rod 2020 is removable from the top of folding braces 2010. In this embodiment, coupling ends on removable rod 2020 fit within an end of folding braces 2010. In another embodiment coupling ends on removable rod 2020 fit over an end of folding braces 2010.

FIG. 20B illustrates removable rod 2020. As illustrated, removable rod 2020 includes coupling ends 2050 that connect removable rod 2020 to folding braces 2010.

FIG. 20C illustrates folding rack 2000 without removable rod 2020. As illustrated folding braces 2010 include ends 2060 that connect with removable rod 2020. Rotational axle 2070 disposed between a set of wheels 2030 is illustrated rotated from a vertical position.

FIG. 20D illustrates folding rack 2000 in a completely folded state. In one embodiment folding rack 2020 allows easy storage for a folding rack 2020 that is suited to hold a plurality of visual organization systems 100 that are connected to removable rack 2020 by removable slide hangers 905.

FIG. 21 illustrates a pair of visual organization systems 100 each having holder 110. The top visual organization system 100 includes identifier bracket 2110. In one embodiment identifier bracket 2110 is connected to a visual organization system 100 in the same or similar manner as other visual organization systems 100. In this embodiment identifier bracket 2110 does not have its own holder 110. In one embodiment identifier bracket 2110 includes first connector 120 and second connector 130.

FIG. 22 illustrates a multitude of different configurations of visual organization systems. As illustrated visual organization systems 100 are shown with holder 110. Visual organization systems 2200 include longer and narrower holders than holder 110. Visual organization systems 2300 include wider and longer holders than holders 110.

Visual organization systems 2400 include a plurality of compact disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), etc. pockets within its holders. Visual organization system 2500 includes holders each including a pair of holders. It should be noted that other embodiments can include other configurations of holders included in a visual organization system.

FIG. 24A illustrates a front view of an embodiment of an organizational display system. In this embodiment, holder 2600 includes a fold-down portion (i.e., front panel) 2610. In one embodiment holder 2600 can hold and display objects. In this embodiment, holder 2600 is made of a clear, see-through material, such as clear vinyl, clear foldable plastic, plexi glass, etc. In one embodiment, fold-down portion 2610 snaps to the body of holder 2600 in a closed position. In another embodiment, hook and loop connectors are used to hold fold-down portion 2610 in a closed position. In yet another embodiment, snap locks are used to hold fold-down portion in a closed position. In one embodiment, a plurality of holders 2600 can be removably connected with the different handle, rack/bar (vertical/horizontal), etc., embodiments.

In one embodiment, holders 2600 can be attached to one another and carried by a handle, such as handle 1210. In one embodiment, in a retail or similar environment, items for resale/sale, etc. can be organized/displayed in holder 2600 and purchaser or worker can hold one or more holders 2600 by a handle, such as handle 2600. In this embodiment, the additional time to bag/box an item, cost of permanent shelving, cost of bags/boxes is eliminated. In another embodiment, the novelty of having a purchased item being displayed as a purchaser walks in a shopping area can induce other purchasers to buy similar items.

In one embodiment, different sides of holder 2600 can be colored or remain clear as desired for a visual effect. In one embodiment, a rear wall is colored or attached with a mirror type of material to enhance visual display. IN another embodiment, different colored sidewalls assist in organizing a plurality of holders 2600 when attached to a rack and rotated. For example, a first color can identify a size/price of a clothing item, where a second color identifies another sized/priced clothing item. In other embodiments, the different color schemes can identify other determinant factors, e.g., age of items, type, sale/non sale items, etc.

FIG. 24B illustrates the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 24A with fold-down portion 2610 in an open position. As illustrated, holder 2600 includes gripping portion 2630 to open and close fold-down portion 2610.

FIG. 24C illustrates a side view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 24A. As illustrated, holder 2600 includes first connecting portion 120 and second connecting portion 130.

FIG. 24D illustrates a side view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 24A with fold-down portion 2610 opened. In one embodiment, holder 2600 has a square or rectangular shape. In other embodiment, holder 2600 includes other shapes, such as semi-circular, circular, other polygonal shapes, etc. In one embodiment, holder 2600 is sized as required to hold/display cups, hats, ornaments, glassware, silverware, sports items (e.g., sports balls), clothing, linens, food items (e.g., boxed/canned), books, magazines, newspapers, electronics, visual/audio media, vehicle components/accessories, etc.

Different embodiments of visual organization systems relieve clutter; offer a visual system for organization offices, desks, workstations, counters, etc.; provide a place for interim files; speeds up decision making of where to drop active/interim files due to visualization of contents/objects; speeds up sorting and grouping as a global visual view of the contents in the holder(s); speeds up file retrieval of active documents with visual cues; decreases training time of a filing/organization system; assists with multitasking by providing a visual organization/display system; and provides a visual organization strategy to improve worker efficiency, reduces office space requirements, and reduces time top find items.

Reference in the specification to “an embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “some embodiments,” or “other embodiments” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments is included in at least some embodiments, but not necessarily all embodiments. The various appearances of “an embodiment,” “one embodiment,” or “some embodiments” are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiments. If the specification states a component, feature, structure, or characteristic “may”, “might”, or “could” be included, that particular component, feature, structure, or characteristic is not required to be included. If the specification or claim refers to “a” or “an” element, that does not mean there is only one of the element. If the specification or claims refer to “an additional” element, that does not preclude there being more than one of the additional element.

While certain exemplary embodiments have been described and shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments are merely illustrative of and not restrictive on the broad invention, and that this invention not be limited to the specific constructions and arrangements shown and described, since various other modifications may occur to those ordinarily skilled in the art.

Claims

1. An system comprising:

a first holder, the first holder including a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion;

a second holder removably coupled to one of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion of the first holder; and

a removable slide hanger rotatably coupled to one of the first holder and the second holder.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the second holder is one of horizontally stackable and vertically stackable to the first holder.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the first connecting portion is removably coupled with a first connecting portion of the second holder.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the second connecting portion is removably coupled with a first connecting portion of the second holder.

5. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

a removable handle, the removable handle removably coupled to a handle opening of the first connecting portion.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the first holder includes a first holding portion and a second holding portion, the second holding portion contiguous with the first holding portion, wherein the second holding portion is foldable.

7. The system of claim 1, the removable slide hanger including a hanger portion, a back portion and a swivel portion, the swivel portion is removably coupled to the first connecting portion, and the hanger portion and the back portion are slidably and removably coupled to a holding rod.

8. The system of claim 7, the holding rod is one of coupled to a portable rack and coupled to a stationary rack.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the stationary rack is one of a circular rack, a linear rack, and a linear rack including a rotatable arm.

10. The system of claim of claim 6, wherein the first holding portion includes a plurality of pockets.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the first holder and the second holder each includes one of a changeable color coded insert, a note insert, and a changeable color coded insert and a note insert.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the first holder and the second holder each includes a gripping portion.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein the first holder is made of see-through material and operates to contain and display objects.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein the second holder is made of see-through material and operates to contain and display objects.

15. A visual organization apparatus comprising:

a first storage device including at least one storage compartment;

an upper connecting device including a plurality of through-holes, a plurality of coupling pins, and a first locking portion and a second locking portion; and

a lower connecting device including a plurality of through-holes.

16. The visual organization apparatus of claim 15, further comprising:

a handle device removably coupled to the upper connecting device.

17. The visual organization apparatus of claim 15, further comprising:

a swivel hanger device removably coupled to a hanging rod and the upper connecting device.

18. The visual organization apparatus of claim 15, further comprising a second storage device including an upper connecting device and a lower connecting device, wherein the upper connecting device of the second storage device is removably coupled to one of the upper connecting device of the first storage device and the lower connecting device of the first storage device.

19. The visual organization apparatus of claim 18, wherein the lower connecting device of the second storage device is removably coupled to an upper connecting device of a third storage device.

20. The visual organization apparatus of claim 19, wherein the upper connecting device of the second storage device is removably coupled to an upper connecting device of the third storage device.

21. The visual organization apparatus of claim 15, wherein a coded insert is removably coupled to a pocket portion of the first storage device

22. The visual organization apparatus of claim 13, wherein the first storage device and the second storage device are each made of see-through material and operate to contain and display objects.

23. The visual organization apparatus of claim 18, wherein the first storage device and the second storage device each include a gripping portion.

24. A system comprising:

a plurality of holders, each of the plurality of holders adapted to removably couple to at least one other holder, each holder of the plurality of holders includes a first connecting device and a second connecting device; and

a hanger device is removably coupled to a first connecting device of at least one of the plurality of holders,

wherein at least one of the plurality of holders is to one of couple its second coupling device to a first coupling device of another holder and couple its first coupling device to a first coupling device of another holder.

25. The system of claim 24, further comprising:

a removable handle, the removable handle is removably coupled to a handle opening of the first connecting portion at least one of the plurality of holders.

26. The system of claim 25, wherein at least another holder is coupled to the at least one holder.

27. The system of claim 24, the hanger device including a curved hanger portion and a swivel portion, the swivel portion is removably coupled to the first connecting portion of at least one of the plurality of holders, and the hanger portion is slidably and removably coupled to a holding rod.

28. The system of claim 27, wherein the holding rod is one of coupled to a portable rack and coupled to a stationary rack.

29. The system of claim 28, wherein the plurality of holders are each made of a clear material.

30. The system of claim 24, wherein the plurality of holders each include a gripping portion and a fold-down portion.