CLOSET ORGANIZER SYSTEM

Abstract

A closet organizer system is provided. In one embodiment, the closet organizer system includes a closet organizer unit having one or two flexible support members to be detachably secured to a closet rod, and a storage compartment. Other closet organizer units have one flexible support member and a plurality of storage compartments. Another closet organizer unit comprises a extendible hanger rod connected to the closet rod by two support straps. One or both of the support straps may be removed and replaced by another closet organizer unit, whereby various combinations of closet organizer units may be fashioned. In addition, more than one hanger rod unit may be used with one or more other closet organizer units.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/859,255 filed Nov. 16, 2006, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to organizers and, more particularly, to closet organizers having one or more storage compartments.

2. Description of the Related Art

Several forms of flexible organizers are known in the art for storing and organizing items, such as garments and shoes, in a closet. Such flexible organizers generally include a plurality of storage compartments having either vertically or horizontally arranged shelves formed from a flexible material and a coupling means which is configured and adapted to hang the plurality of storage compartments from a closet rod. While these flexible organizers provide users with additional shelving space to store shoes and folded items, such as sweaters, they tend to occupy a considerable amount of hanging space on a closet rod which can be rather limited in most closets. As a result, the use of these flexible storage compartments reduces the available space within a closet for hanging clothes from the closet rod. For individuals requiring as much hanging space as possible for suits, dress shirts, blouses, and dresses, for example, these flexible organizers are not practical.

An improved organizer is discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,719,157 issued to Stoddart et al. An embodiment of the Stoddart organizer includes multiple compartments, a suspension device to attach the organizer to a closet rod, and a hang bar system below the organizer. The Stoddart organizer does have shortcomings. First, the Stoddart organizer requires a separate suspension assembly to attach the organizer to the closet rod. The Stoddart organizer also requires a separate hanging bar support assembly to suspend the hang bar. Both the suspension assembly and the hanging bar assembly are separate assemblies that require connection to the organizer. Second, the Stoddart organizer is not designed to be coupled with additional organizer units. Thus, the Stoddart organizer is not part of an expandable and customizable organizer system.

Accordingly, there is a need for an improved closet organizer including multiple storage compartments and a hanger rod.

BRIEF SUMMARY

According to an aspect of the invention, a closet organizer system is provided for use in a closet having a closet rod. The organizer system includes a plurality of flexible closet organizer system units whose upper ends are detachably connected to the closet rod, and a hanger rod connected between the plurality of flexible closet organizer system units. The hanger rod, which may be adjustable in length, is capable of supporting a plurality of hangers having clothes thereon. Each of the system units may include compartments for storing articles of clothing, and/or clothing accessories, and a first strap for supporting one end of the hanger rod. A second hanger rod may also be provided having one end connected to one of the system units, and the other end connected to either a support strap or another of said system units. The hanger rods may be located below the compartments, or at the approximate midpoint thereof. Grommets are preferably provided in the flexible system units for further supporting the ends of the hanger rods.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a closet organizer system unit for use in a closet having a closet rod, that includes a hanger rod with first and second ends, and a first strap connected between the first end of the hanger rod and the closet rod. A second strap may be connected between the second end of the hanger rod and the closet rod. The hanger rod may be adjustable in length whereby the distance between the first and second straps may be varied. Alternatively, one end of the hanger rod may be mounted in a second closet organizer system unit having a plurality of flexible compartments. Additional closet organizer system units may be added as desired, including hanger rods and/or compartmented storage units, to build any desired closet organizer system. In such a system, the hanger rods are preferably coaxially aligned.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a closet organizer system unit for use in a closet having a closet rod, that includes a first flexible support member detachably secured to the closet rod, a storage unit coupled to the first flexible support member, and means located below the storage unit and formed in the first flexible support member for receiving one end of a first hanger rod. The storage unit is preferably flexible and includes a storage compartment for housing articles of clothing or the like. Alternatively, the storage unit might not be flexible in that it comprises a plurality of horizontally extending rod members for supporting and storing pants or slacks thereon. A second flexible support member may also be detachably secured to the closet rod, and a flexible storage unit having a plurality of compartments may be positioned between the first and second flexible support members. The second flexible support member also may receive one end of a second hanger rod. Finally, each of the first and second flexible support members preferably includes a nylon reinforcing strap extending vertically along the respective sides thereof and a grommet for receiving the ends of the first and second hanger rods.

The foregoing and other aspects will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a closet organizer unit made in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded, perspective view of a closet organizer unit made in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of a closet organizer unit made in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a closet organizer unit made in accordance with a first alternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is an exploded, perspective view of a closet organizer unit made in accordance with a first alternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a closet organizer system made in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 7 is an exploded, perspective view of a closet organizer system made in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a closet organizer unit made in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a closet organizer unit made in accordance with a another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a closet organizer unit made in accordance with a another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a closet organizer unit made in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a closet organizer unit made in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a closet organizer unit made in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a closet organizer unit made in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a closet organizer unit made in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a closet organizer unit made in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a closet organizer unit made in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a closet organizer system made in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a closet organizer system made in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a closet organizer system made in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is an enlarged, exploded perspective view of a hanger rod and flexible support member of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a closet organizer system made in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to the like elements throughout. The embodiments are described below to explain the present invention by referring to the figures.

As used herein, the terms “a”, “an” and “the” may refer to one or more than one of an item. The terms “and” and “or” may be used in the conjunctive or disjunctive and will generally be understood to be equivalent to “and/or”.

Reference is made to FIGS. 1-3 which illustrate a closet organizer system unit 10 for storing and organizing items in a closet made in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The closet organizer system unit 10 is but one of a variety of closet organizer system units that may be used in the present invention, as will become more clear hereinafter. The closet organizer system unit 10 comprises two support members 12 detachably secured to a closet rod 14 in a closet, one or more storage compartments 18 extending between the two support members 12, and a hanger rod 20 extending between the two support members 12 and disposed adjacent to the storage compartments 18 for supporting, storing and organizing a wide variety of items. The storage compartments 18 of the closet organizer 10 may be used to store and organize items, such as folded sweaters, linens, or socks, while suits, dresses, dress shirts, and other items on hangers 22, for example, may be supported and organized on the hanger rod 20 disposed adjacent to the one or more storage compartments 18.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, each of the two support members 12 may include coupling means 24 for detachably securing the support members 12 to the closet rod 14. Each of the coupling means 24 may include a hook member that may be adapted to hook or engage with the closet rod 14 such that the storage compartments 18 hang from beneath the closet rod 14. It should be understood that the coupling means 24 may have any suitable shape or configuration so as to hook or engage with a wide variety of cylindrical and non-cylindrical closet rods. In a variant embodiment, the coupling means 24 may include a hook and loop fastener (not shown), such as Velcro, having straps that overlap one another around the closet rod 14 so as to detachably secure the closet organizer 10 to the closet rod 14.

Still referring to FIGS. 1-3, each of the storage compartments 18 may include a base portion 28, a pair of side portions 30 extending from the base portion 28, and a top portion 32. The side portions 30 of the storage compartment 18 may extend generally parallel to one another and may be integrally formed with the two support members 12. However, it should be understood that the two support numbers 12, base portion 28, and top portion 32 may be separate elements adapted to couple together to form storage compartments 18. The base and top portions 28 and 32 may extend generally parallel to the closet rod 14 and the hanger rod 20. The storage compartments 18 are preferably formed from flexible materials, such as woven and non-woven materials, textiles, and paper products, for example, to permit the easy installation, packaging, or storage of the closet organizer system unit 10. The relatively light weight of such flexible materials also facilitates transport of the closet organizer system units from a store to one's home. Similarly, the two support members 12 can be manufactured from any suitable material capable of releasably securing the closet organizer system unit 10 to the closet rod 14 and supporting the weight of the storage compartments 18, hanger rod 20, and any items stored on the closet organizer system unit 10. For example, the support members 12 may be formed from fabric, nylon, rope, ball chain, or wire materials. The support members 12 preferably include flexible nylon strapping, such as two-inch wide nylon straps 13 that strengthen support members 12 to enable them to support hanger rod 20 and any clothes that may be hung thereon. The support members 12 are also preferably provided with metal grommets 15 at the bottom portions thereof through which hanger rod 20 extends. Grommets 15 provide additional strength and support for hanger rod 20 and any clothes that may be hung thereon. In this embodiment of closet organizer system unit 10, support members 12 further include upper support portion 17 and lower support portion 19 which may be triangularly shaped and which extend integrally upwardly and downwardly, respectively, from side portions 30. Upper support portion 17 includes coupling means 24 extending from the uppermost portion thereof, while lower support portion 19 includes grommet 15 at the lowermost portion thereof through which hanger rod 20 is mounted.

While the storage compartments 18, 118 are shown in FIGS. 1-5 arranged in substantially horizontal rows, it should be understood by a person skilled in the art that the storage compartments 18, 118 may be arranged in any suitable configuration for storing and organizing items in a closet. For example, in FIGS. 6 and 7, two closet organizer system units 210 and 211 are illustrated that form one possible closet organizer system of the present invention. The closet organizer system unit 210 has two support members 212 and storage compartments 218 arranged in a vertical column. Closet organizer system unit 211 comprises a single support member 213 having a plurality of storage or pocket envelopes 236 for storing various items such as jewelry or other small items. As shown, a space is provided between system units 210 and 211 to enable a user to hang their items directly on the closet rod 214.

The storage compartments of a closet organizer system unit may be arranged horizontally and/or vertically, either in a row and column configuration, or in any other appropriate configuration, as will be shown in greater detail hereinafter. The dimensions of the closet organizer system units may vary depending on the configuration. In one embodiment, the organizer system unit may measure 32 inches from the center of the closet rod to the center of the hanger rod, 8 inches wide, and 15 inches deep. In another embodiment, the organizer system unit may measure 23.81 inches from the center of the closet rod to the center of the hanger rod. In yet another embodiment, the organizer system unit may measure 54.12 inches from the center of the closet rod to the center of the hanger rod. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the dimensions may be adjusted depending on a variety of factors, such as manufacturing concerns, closet dimensions, etc. As seen in FIG. 7, the storage compartments 218 may be adapted to receive a storage box 234. As is also apparent from FIGS. 6 and 7, multiple closet organizer system units may be combined as part of an overall closet organizer system. Further, a closet organizer system unit may be used with a second hanger rod or an extended hanger rod having a hanger rod strap to secure an end of the hanger rod to the closet rod, as will be illustrated in greater detail hereinafter.

As clearly shown in FIG. 3, the hanger rod 20 may be adapted to be positioned between two of the support members 12 and generally beneath the one or more storage compartments 18. By this design, a user will be able to realize the storage and organizational advantages of a conventional closet organizer without limiting or sacrificing the hanging space for certain items, such as suits, dresses, and shirts which may be hung from rod 20 using hangers 22. The hanger rod 20 may be manufactured from wood, metal, acrylic, or any suitable durable material capable of bearing the weight of the items hanging directly or indirectly from the hanger rod 20. Moreover, the hanger rod 20 may be either a continuous bar, a telescopic bar, or may comprise several segments which can be assembled when the closet organizer 10 is being installed in a closet. In one embodiment, the hanger rod 20 may be telescoping, i.e., it may include a first tube and a second tube adapted to fit at least partially within the first tube in order to provide a hanger rod of adjustable length. As shown in FIG. 21, the ends of the first and second tubes that form hanger rod 20 may include threaded plugs 21 into which threaded knobs 23 may be inserted during installation of rod 20 onto a closet organizer system unit, or to a support strap. Also shown in FIG. 21 is the hanger rod 20 secured to the lower portion of closet organizer system unit 1400 through a grommet 15. The hanger rod 20 may also be used to suspend an additional row of storage compartments 18.

Referring to FIG. 8, another embodiment of a closet organizer system unit 800 includes three relatively large, vertically stacked storage compartments 818 having coupling means 824 for detachably securing unit 800 to closet rod 814. In this embodiment, and in the embodiments of FIGS. 9-13, the upper support sections 17 described in connection with the embodiments of FIGS. 1-7 have been replaced by coupling means 824 comprising a hook 817 attached to a loop 821 formed in the terminal end of a reinforcing nylon strap 813 that extends along the outer side 825 of unit 800. The storage compartments 818 may hold sweaters, for example, and may also include board inserts to increase rigidity. The outer surfaces 825 of the closet organizer unit 800 may be finished. The lower support portion 819 includes a grommet 815 through which a hanger rod may be mounted.

Referring to FIG. 9, another embodiment of a closet organizer system unit 900 includes six vertically stacked storage compartments 918 that are suitably sized to store sweaters, for example. Unit 900 has coupling means 924, such as hook and loop members, for detachably securing unit 900 to closet rod 914. The storage compartments 918 may include board inserts to increase rigidity. The outer surfaces 925 of the closet organizer unit 900 may be finished and may also include a reinforcing nylon strap 913 along the side thereof. Approximately half way down organizer unit 900 from closet rod 914 is positioned a grommet 915 through which a hanger rod (not shown) may be mounted. It is noted that the vertical position of grommet 915 is preferably horizontally aligned with the vertical position of, for example, grommet 815 of unit 800 in FIG. 8 so as to enable units 800 and 900 to be joined by means of a hanger rod or rods, as will become more clear hereinafter.

Referring to FIG. 10, another embodiment of a closet organizer system unit 1000 includes ten vertically stacked storage compartments 1018 that are suitably sized to store shoes, for example. Unit 1000 has coupling means 1024 for detachably securing unit 1000 to closet rod 1014. The storage compartments 1018 may include board inserts to increase rigidity. The outer surfaces 1025 of the closet organizer unit 1000 may be finished and may also include a reinforcing nylon strap 1013 along the side thereof. Approximately half way down organizer unit 1000 from closet rod 1014 is positioned a grommet 1015 through which a hanger rod (not shown) may be mounted. It is noted that the vertical position of grommet 1015 is preferably horizontally aligned with the vertical position of, for example, grommets 815 and 915 of units 800 and 900 in FIGS. 8 and 9 so as to enable units 800, 900 and/or 1000 to be joined by means of a hanger rod or rods, as will become more clear hereinafter.

Referring to FIG. 11, another embodiment of a closet organizer system unit 1100 includes six vertically stacked storage compartments 1118 having coupling means 1124, for detachably securing unit 1100 to a closet rod. The storage compartments 1118 may hold shoes, for example, and may also include board inserts to increase rigidity. The outer surfaces 1125 of the closet organizer unit 1100 may be finished and may also include a reinforcing nylon strap 1113 along the side thereof. The lower support portion 1119 includes a grommet 1115 through which a hanger rod may be mounted. Grommet 1115 is preferably horizontally aligned with grommets 815, 915 and 1015 of units 800, 900 and 1000 (FIGS. 8, 9, and 10, respectively) so as to enable the respective units to be coupled, in whole or in part, by a suitable hanger rod or rods, as will be illustrated below.

Referring to FIG. 12, another embodiment of a closet organizer system unit 1200 includes four vertically oriented storage compartments 1218 in the form of pockets for storing various small items. Unit 1200 has a single coupling means 1224 for detachably securing unit 1200 to closet rod 1214. The envelope-like storage compartments 1218 may hold socks, for example, and may each include a flap closure 1221. The back surface (not shown) of the closet organizer unit 1200 may include a reinforcing nylon strap (not shown in this view). The lower support portion 1219 includes a grommet 1215 through which a hanger rod may be mounted. Grommet 1215 is preferably horizontally aligned with grommets 815, 915, 1015 and 1115 so as to enable the respective units to be coupled, in whole or in part, by a suitable hanger rod or rods, as will be illustrated below.

Referring to FIG. 13, another embodiment of a closet organizer system unit 1300 includes six vertically oriented storage compartments 1318 in the form of small and large pockets for storing various small items, such as jewelry. Unit 1300 has a single coupling means 1324 for detachably securing unit 1300 to a closet rod. The pocket-like storage compartments 1318 may each include a flap or elastic closure 1321. The front surface of the closet organizer unit 1300 may include a reinforcing nylon strap 1313. The lower support portion 1319 includes a grommet 1315 through which a hanger rod may be mounted. Grommet 1315 is preferably horizontally aligned with grommets 815, 915, 1015, 1115 and 1215 so as to enable the respective units to be coupled, in whole or in part, by a suitable hanger rod or rods, as will be illustrated below.

Referring to FIG. 14, another embodiment of a closet organizer system unit 1400 includes three vertically oriented storage racks 1418 coupled together via coupling means 1427 (e.g., fabric). Each rack 1418 may include 3 horizontal bars 1423 upon which pants, for example, may be hung. Unit 1400 has a single coupling means 1424, such as a hook member, for detachably securing unit 1400 to a closet rod. Unit 1400 also includes a lower support portion 1419 having a grommet 1415 through which a hanger rod may be mounted. Grommet 1415 is preferably horizontally aligned with grommets 815, 915, 1015, 1115, 1215 and 1315 so as to enable the respective units to be coupled, in whole or in part, by a suitable hanger rod or rods, as will be illustrated below.

Referring to FIG. 15, another embodiment of a closet organizer system unit 1500 includes a hanger rod 1520, preferably expandable/telescopic, coupled at both ends thereof to nylon straps 1513. The distal ends of nylon straps 1513 terminate in respective hook members 1524 for detachably mounting unit 1500 to closet rod 1514. Hanger rod 1520 is mounted to the lower ends of nylon straps 1513 using threaded knobs 1523 that connect to threaded plugs (not shown in this view) in the ends of hanger rod 1520 as shown, for example, in FIG. 21. This enables a user to replace one or both straps 1513 with one of other closet organizer system units as may be desired, in order to connect hanger rod 1520 thereto. Since hanger rod 1520 is preferably telescopic and thus can be taken apart into two separate tubes, a user could either remove threaded knobs 1523 and thread rod 1520 through grommets of other closet organizer system units, or could separate the two telescoping tubes of hanger rod 1520 and feed each free end of the separated tubes through respective grommets of other closet organizer system units until the ends of the two tubes are re-telescoped, i.e., reconnected. The length of straps 1513 is chosen so that grommets 815, 915, 1015, 1115, 1215, 1315 and 1415 are coaxial with hanger rod 1520; this enables the respective closet organizer system units to be coupled, in whole or in part, by one or more hanger rods, as will be illustrated below.

The hanger rod 1520 of closet organizer system unit 1500 may be used alone or in conjunction with one or more of the other closet organizer system units of FIGS. 8-14, or with other compatible units according to the present invention. Several examples of such combinations of closet organizer system units are described below in connection with FIGS. 18-20 and 22.

Another example of a closet organizer system would be to use system unit 1500 in combination with system units 900 and 1000 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, respectively. In order not to waste hanging space on hanger rod 1520, after removing straps 1513, one end of rod 1520 would be connected through, for example, grommet 915 in unit 900, while the other end of rod 1520 would be connected through grommet 1015 of unit 1000. In such a system, hanger rod 1520 would be positioned between units 900 and 1000, the latter being to the far left and right, for example, without extending through either unit 900 or 1000. Thus, no hanging space on rod 1520 would be ‘wasted’ by being extended within units 900 or 1000. Clearly, by such an arrangement hanger rod 1520 may be supported by flexible vertical supports of two different closet organizer system units. Many other configurations will suggest themselves to a person of ordinary skill in the art.

Referring to FIG. 16, another embodiment of a closet organizer system unit 1600 includes four relatively large, horizontally and vertically stacked storage compartments 1618 having coupling means 1624, such as hook members, for detachably securing unit 1600 to closet rod 1614. The storage compartments 1618 may hold sweaters, for example, and may also include board inserts to increase rigidity. The outer surfaces 1625 of the closet organizer unit 1600 may be finished and may also include a reinforcing nylon strap 1613 along the side thereof. The lower support portion 1619 includes a grommet 1615 through which a hanger rod 1620 may be mounted. In this embodiment, hanger rod 1620 is non-expandable so that users do not have to reduce their available hanging space when using unit 1600.

Referring to FIG. 17, another embodiment of a closet organizer system unit 1700 includes eight relatively large storage compartments 1718 arranged in a 3-2-3 configuration and having coupling means 1724, such as hook members, for detachably securing unit 1700 to closet rod 1714. The storage compartments 1718 may hold sweaters, for example, and may also include board inserts to increase rigidity. The outer surfaces 1725 of the closet organizer unit 1700 may be finished and may also include a reinforcing nylon strap 1713 along the side thereof. The lower support portion 1719 includes a grommet 1715 through which a hanger rod 1720 may be mounted. In this embodiment, hanger rod 1720 is non-expandable so that users to not have to reduce their available hanging space when using unit 1700.

Referring to FIG. 18, there is illustrated a closet organizer system 1800 of the present invention which utilizes various closet organizer system units that were described above. System 1800 includes unit 800 (see FIG. 8) that is suspended from closet rod 1814 via hooks 824 that extend through loops 821 formed from the end of nylon strap 813. Also included in system 1800 is closet organizer system unit 1500 (FIG. 15) that includes nylon straps 1513 and a hanger rod 1520. Hanger rod 1520 extends from the lower end of one strap 1513, through grommet 815 formed in the lower portion 819, underneath unit 800, through the other grommet (not shown) in the lower portion of the distal side of unit 800, to rod portion 1520′ that is terminated at strap 1513′. In this manner, system 1800 includes hanging space on both sides of unit 800, both above (closet rod 1814) and below unit 800 (hanger rod 1520), as well as directly beneath unit 800. Also note in this embodiment that the lowermost storage compartment 818 includes a drawer 1831 mounted therein.

Referring to FIG. 19, there is illustrated another closet organizer system 1900 of the present invention which includes the same units illustrated in FIG. 18 and adds on unit 1000 (FIG. 10) to the closet organizer system 1800 of FIG. 18. Unit 1000 may have drawers 1931 inserted in the five lowermost compartments 1018 thereof (or in any or none of the compartments as the user may desire). Note that rod 1520 has one nylon strap 1513 removed in favor of having one end of rod 1520 mounted in the opposite side grommet 1015 (not shown) of unit 1000.

Referring to FIG. 20, there is illustrated another closer organizer system 2000 of the present invention which includes closet organizer system units 1000, 800 and 1400. Extending through the lower grommets in units 1000, 800 and 1400 is hanger rod 1520. All units are supported from closet rod 2014.

Referring to FIG. 22, there is illustrated another closer organizer system 2200 that includes, from left to right, unit 1000 (FIG. 10), unit 900 (FIG. 9), and unit 800 (FIG. 8). Also disposed between unit 1000 and 900 are closet organizer system units 2300 and 2400. Unit 2300 is suspended from closet rod 2214, while unit 2300 is suspended from hanger rod 1520. Unit 2300 may comprise, for example, a hamper 2310 having hooks 2320 for suspending hamper 2310 from rod 1520. Unit 2400 may comprise a storage unit for handbags or other large items, and includes two sets of outwardly extending flaps 2410 supported and one end by central support member 2420 and at the other end by straps 2430. The system 2200 also includes two separate hanger rods 1520 and 1520′. The first hanger rod 1520 extends from grommet 1415 of unit 1400, through grommet 1015 of unit 1000, under the hooks 2320 of unit 2300, and terminates on the left side (as viewed in FIG. 22) of unit 900. A grommet (not shown in this view) on the left side of unit 900, in a position coaxial with grommet 915, supports the right-most end of hanger rod 1520. Extending from grommet 915 on the right side of unit 900 (as viewed in FIG. 22) is a second hanger rod 1520′. The latter extends through grommets 815 of unit 800, terminating in the right-most grommet 815 (as viewed in FIG. 22). Thus, in the system 2200, no portion of rods 1520 or 1520′ extends through unit 900. The latter does, however, serve to support the rightmost end of rod 1520 and the leftmost end of rod 1520′.

It may be appreciated from the foregoing that the closet organizer system of the present invention has many advantages. Each of the shelf organizer units (FIGS. 8-11) and pocket organizer units (FIGS. 12-13) and the slack hanger unit (FIG. 14) can be used alone or combined to create a closet system that supports one or two hanger rods or bars (FIG. 15) by threading the latter through the grommets on the nylon straps than run down the sides of each piece (except for the slack hanger unit). The expandable hanger bar (FIG. 15) can be used alone, with its two nylon straps, or one or both straps can be replaced with one of the units to create a more robust organizational system for the closet. As seen above, two hanger rods can also be used to advantage in combination with one or more of the various units.

In the preferred embodiments, all grommets are 32″ from the closet bar when an item is hung. No tools are required to assemble or install the system of the present invention. Further, the system is not a permanent installation and may be easily moved from one home to the next.

Nylon straps are preferred, but cotton or polypro or other flexible, strong material may also be used. Each hanger bar preferably expands from 24″ to 42″ and can be easily adjusted to suit customer needs.

Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made in these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined in the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A closet organizer system for use in a closet having a closet rod, comprising:

(a) a plurality of flexible closet organizer system units whose upper ends are detachably connected to said closet rod; and

(b) a hanger rod connected between said plurality of flexible closet organizer system units, said hanger rod capable of supporting a plurality of hangers having clothes thereon.

2. The closet organizer system according to claim 1, wherein each of said plurality of flexible closet organizer system units includes compartment means for storing articles of clothing and clothing accessories therein, said compartment means being located below said upper ends.

3. The closet organizer system according to claim 1, wherein said hanger rod is adjustable in length.

4. The closet organizer system according to claim 1, wherein hanger rod includes first and second ends, and said flexible closet organizer system units each include a first strap supporting said first end of said hanger rod.

5. The closet organizer system according to claim 1, further comprising a second hanger rod having first and second ends, said first end connected to one of said plurality of flexible closet organizer system units, and a support strap connected between said second end of said second hanger rod and said closet rod.

7. The closet organizer system according to claim 2, wherein said compartment means of one of said plurality of flexible closet organizer system units includes a plurality of compartments each of which are located above said hanger rod.

8. The closet organizer system according to claim 2, wherein said compartment means of one of said plurality of flexible closet organizer system units includes a plurality of compartments, some of said plurality of compartments being located above said hanger rod and some of said plurality of compartments being located below said hanger rod.

9. The closet organizer system according to claim 1, wherein each of said plurality of flexible closet organizer system units includes grommet means for holding said hanger rod therein.

10. A closet organizer system unit for use in a closet having a closet rod, comprising:

(a) a hanger rod having a first end and a second end; and

(b) a first strap connected between said first end of said hanger rod and said closet rod.

11. The closet organizer system unit as set forth in claim 10, further comprising a second strap connected between said second end of said hanger rod and said closet rod.

12. The closet organizer system unit as set forth in claim 10, wherein said first end of said hanger rod includes means for detachably securing said first end to said first strap.

13. The closet organizer system unit as set forth in claim 11, wherein said second end of said hanger rod includes means for detachably securing said second end to said second strap.

14. The closet organizer system unit as set forth in claim 10, wherein said hanger rod is adjustable in length.

15. The closet organizer system unit as set forth in claim 13, wherein said hanger rod is adjustable in length whereby the distance between said first strap and said second strap may be varied.

16. The closet organizer system unit as set forth in claim 10, further comprising a second closet organizer system unit having:

(a) a plurality of flexible compartments for storing items therein;

(b) means located above said plurality of flexible compartments for detachably connecting said second closet organizer system unit to said closet rod; and

(c) means located below at least one of said flexible compartments for detachably connecting said second closet organizer system unit to said second end of said hanger rod.

17. The closet organizer system unit as set forth in claim 16, further comprising a third closet organizer system unit, wherein said third closet organizer system unit is flexible and includes:

(a) a plurality of storage compartments for storing articles therein;

(b) means located above said plurality of storage compartments for detachably connecting said third closet organizer system unit to said closet rod; and

(c) means located below at least one of said plurality of storage compartments for detachably connecting said third closet organizer system unit to said second closet organizer system unit.

18. The closet organizer system unit as set forth in claim 17, wherein said means located below at least one of said plurality of storage compartments for detachably connecting said third closet organizer system unit to said second closet organizer system unit comprises a second hanger rod.

19. The closet organizer system unit as set forth in claim 18, wherein said first and second hanger rods are positioned coaxially.

20. The closet organizer system unit as set forth in claim 16, further comprising a third closet organizer system unit, said third closet organizer system unit being flexible and having:

(a) a plurality of pockets for storing articles therein;

(b) means located above said plurality of pockets for detachably connecting said third closet organizer system unit to said closet rod; and

(c) means located below at least one of said plurality of pockets for detachably connecting said third closet organizer system unit to said second closet organizer system unit.

21. A closet organizer system unit for use in a closet having a closet rod, comprising:

(a) a first flexible support member that is detachably secured to said closet rod;

(b) a storage unit coupled to said first flexible support member; and

(c) means located below said storage unit and formed in said first flexible support member for receiving one end of a first hanger rod.

22. A closet organizer system unit as set forth in claim 21, wherein said storage unit is flexible and comprises a storage compartment for housing articles of clothing and clothing accessories therein.

23. A closet organizer system unit as set forth in claim 21, wherein said storage unit is not flexible and comprises a plurality of horizontally extending rod members for supporting pants thereon.

24. A closet organizer system unit as set forth in claim 21, further comprising:

(a) a second flexible support member that is detachably secured to said closet rod and spaced from said first flexible support member;

(b) wherein said storage unit is flexible and comprises a plurality of storage compartments for housing articles of clothing and clothing accessories therein;

(c) said storage unit having said first and second flexible support members located one on each side of said storage unit; and

(d) means formed in said second flexible support member for receiving one end of a second hanger rod.

25. A closet organizer system unit as set forth in claim 24, wherein each of said first and second flexible support members include a nylon reinforcing strap extending vertically along the respective sides thereof and a grommet for receiving said first and second hanger rods.