Hanging tool organizer

Abstract

A fabric hanging tool organizer formed of a lengthwise extended backing structure formed of a flexible material bounded by an edging of substantially non-stretchable material and having a single device suspender. A plurality of suspension elements are attached to the backing structure in spaced apart positions along a lengthwise extent thereof. The suspension elements include a plurality of hangers and a plurality pockets.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to hanging tool organizer devices, and in particular to fabric hanging tool organizer devices having a plurality of vertically arrayed pockets.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Hand tool storage trays and racks adapted to be hung up to a wall are generally well-known. However, useful hand tools are typically formed at least in part of heavy metals and dense synthetics such that known hanging storage devices are rigidly formed of plastic, wood or metal to avoid collapsing under the supported weight. Two examples are U.S. Pat. No. 5,730,303 “Hand Tool Rack” by Chow, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,743,416 “Tool Rack” by Yemini. Other hanging storage trays and racks for hand tool are sometimes made of lighter, less rigid materials and fabrics, but require combination with some external structure to support loads normally too heavy for the lightweight materials. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,773,535 “Portable Tool Case” by Cook generally teaches a portable tool case having two canvas panels hingedly attached together with each panel having a plurality tool holding pockets that must be supported along its entire length by being draped over a sawhorse, railing, etc., with a panel hanging on each side of the sawhorse for support. In another example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,450,337 “Ladder Pouch” by Campagna, et al. generally teaches a flexible tool pouch that is hung over one rung of a ladder for support and wraps around a next lower rung with a pair of belts that tie around the legs of the ladder frame for additional support. U.S. Pat. No. 5,174,447 “Implement Retainer” by Fleming generally teaches a flexible tool carrier having interior and exterior cylinders that are draped on both interior and exterior side walls of a cylindrical container, i.e., over the lip of a bucket, to support the weight of the tools.

Another example of hanging storage trays and racks formed of lighter, less rigid materials and fabrics that require combination with some external structure to support loads is taught by the inventors of the present invention in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/477,325 “Storage Bin Organizer,” filed on Jun. 28, 2006, which is incorporated herein by reference and generally teaches a fabric storage bin organizer formed with interconnected flexible inner and outer walls, a flexible floor and pockets formed on the interior surface of the inner wall with a flexible belt that interconnects the outer walls. The inner and outer walls are draped over the lip of a storage bin for support and the belt straps the outer walls around the outside of the storage bin.

Other hanging storage devices of lighter, less rigid materials and fabrics are also known for supporting heavy objects. However, these more flexible devices also require additional structure to avoid collapsing under the load. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,220,436 “Book Organizer” by Chung generally teaches a book organizer having a plurality of individual cloth bags stitched in series to a cloth panel reinforced with a flat metal sheet and a reinforced edge around its border with its hanging hole reinforced with a metal ring.

Yet other hanging storage trays and racks made of lighter, flexible materials and fabrics are adapted to hold lighter objects, such as clothing or shoes, but such flexible materials and fabrics still require additional structure to avoid collapsing even under these lighter loads. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,947,987 “Ready Access Hang-Up Storage And Retrieval Device For Articles Of Wear” by Keenan generally teaches it is known to use a conventional clothes hanger to suspend and support a fabric panel of horizontal pockets formed of large loops of fabric for storing articles of wear, such as sweaters, skirts, shorts, hosiery, shoes and the like, which are difficult, or impossible, to hang directly on a conventional hanger. U.S. Pat. No. 5,533,534 “Towel Shower Organizer” by Cariello, et al. generally teaches a shower accessory formed of a manufactured fabric bath towel having reinforcing strips along its top and bottom edges and a plurality of reinforced button holes laid out along the top reinforcing strip through which shower curtain rings are inserted to hang the device. In another example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,467,613 “Pocket Assembly For Multiple Shoe Rack Bag” by Felsenthal generally teaches a fabric multiple shoe rack bag that must be suspended by multiple hooks which extend through a plurality of holes in a top panel of textile fabric to avoid collapsing.

Thus, all known hanging storage trays and racks, especially those for heavy loads such as hand tools or books, require some support to avoid collapsing. Such known hanging devices are usually rigidly formed of plastic, wood or metal to avoid collapsing under the supported weight. If formed of a flexible material, known hanging storage trays and racks require additional reinforcement along its top hanging edge, either built-in or supplied externally, to avoid collapsing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes the limitations of the prior art of requiring hanging storage trays and racks to include either built-in or externally supplied reinforcement along its top hanging edge to avoid collapsing by providing a novel fabric hanging tool organizer structured to hang lengthwise on a vertical wall surface, the lengthwise extended fabric structure having a variety of fabric pockets and hangers spaced there along for storing a variety of household tools of various sizes and shapes. The lengthwise structure is bounded by a substantially non-stretchable fabric edging and mounted by a metal eyelet at its upper end. The pockets are similarly bounded by the substantially non-stretchable fabric edging, and the hangers are formed of the same material.

According to one aspect of the invention, a method is provided for storing tools employing the novel fabric hanging tool organizer illustrated and described herein.

Other aspects of the invention are detailed herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will become more readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a relatively narrow configuration of a novel fabric hanging tool organizer;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing another example of a novel fabric hanging tool organizer that is slightly wider than the relatively narrow configuration illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates one alternative reinforcement ring for reinforcing a device suspender aperture for suspending the novel fabric hanging tool organizer;

FIG. 4 illustrates another alternative reinforcement ring for reinforcing the device suspender aperture for suspending the novel fabric hanging tool organizer;

FIG. 5 is an exemplary cross-section of the novel fabric hanging tool organizers depicting one aspect of the construction thereof;

FIG. 6 is another exemplary cross-section of the novel fabric hanging tool organizers depicting another aspect of the construction thereof, including a blow-up of an end connection portion;

FIG. 7 is another exemplary cross-section of the novel fabric hanging tool organizers depicting another aspect of the construction thereof;

FIG. 8 is another exemplary cross-section of the novel fabric hanging tool organizers depicting another aspect of the construction thereof;

FIG. 9 is another exemplary cross-section of the novel fabric hanging tool organizers depicting another aspect of the construction thereof;

FIG. 10 is another exemplary cross-section of the novel fabric hanging tool organizers depicting still another aspect of the construction thereof;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating different methods of using the novel fabric hanging tool organizer; and

FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of another configuration of the novel fabric tool organizer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In the Figures, like numerals indicate like elements.

FIG. 1 illustrates a novel fabric hanging tool organizer 10 by example and without limitation as being formed of a single long and relatively narrow continuous substantially flexible fabric backing strip 12 structured to hang lengthwise on a vertical wall surface. The tool organizer 10 is suspended by means of a single device suspender 14 attached adjacent to a top end 16 of the elongated fabric strip 12. By example and without limitation, the single suspender 14 is a metal eyelet swaged into the fabric strip 12. A combination of fabric hangers 18, 20, 22, 24 and pockets 26, 28, 30 are arranged in spaced apart fashion along the length of the fabric strip 12 from the top end 16 to a bottom end 32. As illustrated here, the fabric hangers 18, 20, 22, 24 and pockets 26, 28, 30 are oriented substantially crosswise the fabric backing strip 12, however, they are optionally oriented at an angle thereto. The fabric hangers 18, 20, 22, 24 and pockets 26, 28, 30 are structured for storing a variety of household tools of various sizes and shapes, and the spaced apart configuration is determined by the nature of the items to be stored. The lengthwise fabric strip 12 is bounded by a flexible yet substantially non-stretchable fabric edging 34 stitched along substantially its entire peripheral border 36. The peripheral border strip 34 is preferably a single continuous strip, but may be overlapping and inter-stitched portions to form a substantially continuous strip. The peripheral border of substantially non-stretchable fabric edging 34 effectively prevents collapse of the substantially flexible fabric strip 12 under anticipated heavy loads carried in the fabric hangers 18, 20, 22, 24 and pockets 26, 28, 30. The pockets 26, 28, 30 are similarly substantially entirely bounded by the substantially non-stretchable fabric edging 34 with a first strip 34a, 34b, 34c attached along a respective lip 27, 29, 31 of each, and another strip 34d, 34e, 34f sealing a respective bottom edge closure 33, 35, 37 of each. The hangers 18, 20, 22, 24 are formed of the same substantially non-stretchable fabric edging 34, which is strong and stiff enough to support the anticipated heavy loads.

FIG. 2 illustrates another configuration of a novel fabric hanging tool organizer 10a by example and without limitation as being formed of a long fabric backing strip 12a structured to hang lengthwise on a vertical wall surface and being suspended by means of the single suspender 14 attached adjacent to a top end 16a of the elongated fabric strip 12a. Here, the strip 12a is slightly wider than the fabric strip 12 illustrated in FIG. 1. Accordingly, the strip 12a accommodates wider fabric hangers 18, 20, 22, 24 and pockets 26, 28, 30. For example, in FIG. 1, the slightly narrower strip 12 accommodates, for example, three small hanger loops 18a, 18b, 18c of the fabric hanger 18, one wide hanger loop 20a of the fabric hanger 20, two medium hanger loops 22a, 22b of the fabric hanger 22, and just the one hanger loop 24a of the fabric hanger 24. In contrast, in FIG. 2, the slightly wider fabric strip 12a accommodates one more loop 18d of the fabric hanger 18, a third medium loop 22c of the fabric hanger 22, and a second wide loop 20b of the fabric hanger 20. Also, the slightly wider fabric strip 12a permits each of the pockets 26, 28 to be split into double pockets 26a, 26b and 28a, 28b, in contrast to the single pockets accommodated by the slightly narrower strip 12 illustrated in FIG. 1. By example and without limitation, the alternative tool organizer 10a still includes just the one loop 24a of the fabric hanger 24. The hangers 18, 20, 22, 24 are all formed of the same substantially non-stretchable fabric edging 34, and the pockets 26a, 26b, 28a, 28b, and 30 are all bounded by the same material. Also, the lengthwise fabric strip 12a is bounded by the substantially non-stretchable fabric edging 34 stitched along its peripheral border 36a. The peripheral border strip 34 is again preferably a continuous strip, but may be broken at the top edge 16 in the vicinity of the device suspender 14. The alternative tool organizer 10a is suspended by means of the same or a similar single device suspender 14 attached adjacent to a top end 16a of the elongated fabric strip 12a.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the fabric strips 12 and 12a being generally rectangular each have a respective gently tapered portion 38 and 38a extending from approximately the topmost hangers 18 toward the top edge 16, 16a and the single suspender 14, which is approximately centered along a longitudinal axis 40, 40a of the respective fabric strips 12, 12a. The peripheral border of substantially non-stretchable fabric edging 34 follows the gently tapered portions 38, 38a and effectively prevent collapse of the flexible fabric strips 12, 12a even in this area.

As further illustrated here, the fabric hangers 18, 20, 22, 24 and pockets 26, 28, 30 are oriented substantially crosswise the fabric backing strips 12, 12a, i.e., substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 40, 40a of the respective fabric strips 12, 12a. However, one or more of the fabric hangers 18, 20, 22, 24 and pockets 26, 28, 30 are optionally oriented at an angle to the longitudinal axis 40, 40a of the respective fabric strips 12, 12a, as illustrated and discussed herein.

FIGS. 1 and 2 also illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the single device suspender 14. As illustrated here by example and without limitation, the single device suspender 14 is an aperture formed through the tapered portions 38, 38a of the respective fabric strips 12, 12a and reinforced to spread the expected load over the tapered portions 38, 38a and protect the basic fabric of the strips 12, 12a. Here, for example, each device suspender 14 is reinforced with a rigid reinforcement ring 42, such as an eyelet, grommet, or plastic or metal ring sized to match the aperture and tightly swaged or sewn to the surrounding fabric. The reinforcement ring 42 illustrated here is one reinforcement configuration contemplated. Other reinforcement configurations are also contemplated and may be included without deviating from the scope and intent of the present invention. For example, FIGS. 3 and 4 both illustrate alternative embodiments of the reinforcement ring 42.

FIG. 3 illustrates one alternative embodiment of the reinforcement ring 42 wherein the device suspender aperture 14 is reinforced with a portion 44 of the peripheral border of substantially non-stretchable fabric edging 34 in combination with a backup strip 46 of the same edging fabric sewn into the fabric edging 34. The device suspender aperture 14 is thus completely bounded by the reinforcing substantially non-stretchable edging fabric, which effectively supports the respective fabric strips 12, 12a under the anticipated heavy loads. The reinforcement portion 44 of the peripheral border of substantially non-stretchable fabric edging 34 is substantially centered on the longitudinal axis 40, 40a of the respective fabric strips 12, 12a.

FIG. 4 illustrates another alternative embodiment of the reinforcement ring 42 wherein the device suspender aperture 14 is reinforced with a continuous loop 48 of the peripheral border of substantially non-stretchable fabric edging 34. Here, the fabric edging 34 is twisted into the loop 4 and an overlapping portion 50 is attached to itself by means of glue or stitching 52 using appropriate thread or otherwise. Thus, the device suspender aperture 14 is completely bounded by the reinforcing substantially non-stretchable edging fabric, which effectively supports the respective fabric strips 12, 12a under the anticipated heavy loads. Furthermore, the loop 48 is substantially centered on the longitudinal axis 40, 40a of the respective fabric strips 12, 12a.

FIG. 5 is an exemplary cross-section of either one of the novel fabric hanging tool organizers 10 or 10a. The fabric backing strips 12, 12a are preferably cut from a durable, substantially non-stretch fabric that is weather resistant for outdoor use, such as a heavy duty, sturdy woven cloth, denier polyester fabric, canvas or leather material. For example, one such material is manufactured under the brand name Sunbrella® by Glen Ravan, Incorporated of Glen Raven, N.C. The fabric construction of the tool organizers 10, 10a allows either to be collapsed for storage in a relatively small space when not in use. The fabric construction also allows the tool organizers 10, 10a to be rolled or folded with tools installed in the hangers 18, 20, 22, 24 and pockets 26, 28, 30. According to one embodiment of the novel fabric hanging tool organizers 10, 10a, the fabric strips 12, 12a are formed of a single ply of the flexible durable, and substantially non-stretchable fabric.

The fabric edging 34 is a substantially continuous single unitary piece of the substantially non-stretchable fabric edging material sewn, glued or otherwise permanently joined to the peripheral borders 36, 36a of the fabric strips 12, 12a to form there around a substantially continuous band of the substantially non-stretchable fabric. The fabric edging 34 is, for example, folded around the peripheral borders 36, 36a of the fabric strips 12, 12a and attached, for example, by means of the glue or stitching 52 using appropriate thread such that opposite front and back flaps 54, 56 of the fabric edging 34 are sewn or otherwise attached to respective opposite front and back faces 12f, 12b of the fabric strips 12, 12a.

By example and without limitation, the fabric edging 34 is formed of a flexible yet substantially non-stretchable nylon, polyester, plastic, leather or fabric binding tape of a type generally commercially available.

FIG. 6 is an exemplary cross-section of one of the hangers 18 of either one of the novel fabric hanging tool organizers 10 or 10a, including a blow-up of an end connection 6a. The hangers 18 are preferably each formed of long, narrow substantially continuous single unitary strips 58 of similar or the same substantially non-stretchable plastic, leather or fabric used to form the fabric edging 34. Opposite ends 60, 62 of each strip are tucked under the front flap 54 of the fabric 34 edging the peripheral borders 36, 36a of the fabric strips 12, 12a. The glue or stitching 52 that attach opposite front and back flaps 54, 56 of the fabric edging 34 to respective opposite front and back faces 12f, 12b of the fabric strips 12, 12a also secure the ends 60, 62 of each strip 58. Optionally, the ends 60, 62 of each strip 58 are wrapped around the peripheral borders 36, 36a of the fabric strips 12, 12a and sewn or otherwise attached under the back flap 56 of the fabric edging 34 as well.

Glue or stitching 64 or other attachment means is applied between the fabric strips 12, 12a and the strips 58 at intervals along the strips 58 to form small loops 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d of the fabric hanger 18.

FIG. 7 is an exemplary cross-section of one of the other fabric hangers 20, 22 and 24 of either one of the novel fabric hanging tool organizers 10 or 10a. The other fabric hangers 20, 22 and 24 are formed similarly to the fabric hangers 18 using additional strips 58 of the same substantially non-stretchable plastic, leather or fabric used to form the fabric edging 34. Appropriate gluing or stitching 64 or other attachment means is applied between the fabric strips 12, 12a and the strips 58 at intervals along the strips 58 to form the one or two wide loops 20a, 20b of the fabric hanger 20, the two or three medium loops 22a, 22b, 22c of the fabric hanger 22, and the one loop 24a of the fabric hanger 24. One or more folds 66 formed in the strips 58 cause the resultant loops 20a, 20b, 22a, 22b, 22c, and 24a to be wider than the loops 18a-d of the fabric hanger 18 for receiving larger items.

FIG. 8 is an exemplary cross-section of one of the pockets 26, 28, 30 of either one of the novel fabric hanging tool organizers 10 or 10a. Each of the pockets 26, 28, 30 is formed of a flexible panel 68 attached adjacent to the front face 12f of the fabric strips 12, 12a. The flexible panel 68 are preferably cut from the same or similar durable and weather resistant fabric as the fabric strips 12, 12a

One or more folds 70 formed in the flexible panel 68 increase the included pocket space 72. Peripheral portions 74 of the flexible panel 68 are tucked under the front flap 54 of the fabric 34 edging the peripheral borders 36, 36a of the fabric strips 12, 12a. The glue or stitching 52 that attach opposite front and back flaps 54, 56 of the fabric edging 34 to respective opposite front and back faces 12f, 12b of the fabric strips 12, 12a also secure the peripheral portions 74 of each flexible panel 68. Optionally, the peripheral portions 74 of each flexible panel 68 are wrapped around the peripheral borders 36, 36a of the fabric strips 12, 12a and sewn or otherwise attached under the back flap 56 of the fabric edging 34 as well as illustrated and discussed herein regarding the fabric hangers 18.

As illustrated and discussed herein above, the pockets 26, 28, 30 are substantially entirely bounded by the substantially non-stretchable fabric edging 34 with the first strip 34a, 34b, 34c attached along a respective lip 27, 29, 31 of each, and another strip 34d, 34e, 34f sealing a respective bottom edge closure 33, 35, 37 of each.

FIG. 9 is an exemplary cross-section of one of the pockets 26, 28 that is split into respective double pockets 26a, 26b and 28a, 28b, as illustrated and discussed herein, to form additional smaller included pocket spaces 72a, 72b. Accordingly, glue or stitching 76 or other attachment means is applied between the fabric strips 12, 12a and the flexible panel 68 at one or more intervening divider portions 78 to form smaller double pockets 26a, 26b or 28a, 28b of the respective pockets 26, 28.

FIG. 10 is another exemplary cross-section of one of the pockets 26, 28 that is split into respective double pockets 26a, 26b or 28a, 28b, as illustrated and discussed herein. Here, a reinforcement strip 80 is applied adjacent to the one or more intervening divider portions 78 between the respective double pockets 26a, 26b or 28a, 28b. Glue or stitching 82 or other attachment means is applied one or more places through the flexible panel 68 at the between the fabric strips 12, 12a and the reinforcement strip 80.

FIG. 11 illustrates different methods of using the novel fabric hanging tool organizers 10 or 10a. By example and without limitation, the fabric tool organizers 10,10a are suspended by the device suspender aperture 14 on a prong 84 such as a relatively rigid peg (left) or hook (right) through the single device suspender 14 to hang substantially vertically, for example, on a vertical wall surface in a residential kitchen or laundry room. However, the prong 84 is optionally a rope or wire looped through the device suspender aperture 14. Also, the novel fabric tool organizers 10,10a is optionally used on vertical wall surfaces elsewhere without departing from the scope and intent of the invention. The novel fabric tool organizers 10, 10a are used to store useful hand tools in an easily accessible position for ready use. Useful hand tools formed at least in part of heavy metals and dense synthetics such that they would certainly collapse known flexible hanging storage devices except for either or both reinforcing stiffeners and/or multiple attachment points along their top edges to spread the load over the device's width.

However, the sturdy and substantially non-stretch fabric of the fabric backing strips 12, 12a in combination with their relatively narrow width and boundary of substantially non-stretchable fabric edging 34 stitched along their respective entire peripheral borders 36, 36a permit the novel fabric tool organizers 10,10a to be suspended by the single device suspender 14. The utilization of flexible yet substantially non-stretchable nylon, polyester or other binding tape in forming the hangers 18, 20, 22, 24 permits the individual loops 18a-d, 20a-c, 22a-b, and 24a to support individual heavy hand tools without collapsing or even significant sagging. The utilization of sturdy and substantially non-stretch fabric in forming the pockets 26, 28, 30 as well as substantially entirely bounded each with the substantially non-stretchable fabric edging 34 permits the individual pockets 26, 28, 30 to also support individual heavy hand tools without collapsing or even significant sagging.

Here, by example and without limitation, the row of individual small loops 18a-d of the topmost hangers 18 are utilized to receive and store smaller narrow items A, B such as screw drivers each having a respective relatively elongated neck portion A1, B1 sized to fit into one of the small loops 18a-d and a respective handle or other larger portion A2, B2 sized to catch on the small loops 18a-d and prevent slipping there through. The row of individual medium loops 20a-c of the middle hangers 20 are utilized to receive and store medium items C, D such as pliers or wire snippers each having a respective relatively short nose portion C1, D1 sized to fit into one of the medium loops 20a-c and a respective handle or other larger portion C2, D2 sized to catch on the medium loops 20a-c and prevent slipping there through. Furthermore, the medium loops 20a-c are spaced a relatively large distance below the small loops 18a-d of the hanger 18 sufficient to avoid interference between the respective handle or other larger portion C2, D2 during storing and retrieval of the medium items C, D expected to be stored therein and the relatively long respective neck portion A1, B1 of the smaller narrow items A, B stored in the hangers 18.

The row of individual larger loops 22a-b of the bottommost hangers 22 are utilized to receive and store larger items E, F such as scissors and utility knife each having a respective relatively elongated nose portion E1, F1 sized to fit into one of the larger loops 22a-b and a respective handle or other larger portion E2, F2 sized to catch on the larger loops 22a-b and prevent slipping there through. Furthermore, the larger loops 22a-b are spaced sufficiently below the medium loops 20a-c of the hangers 20 to avoid interference between the respective handle or other larger portion E2, F2 of the larger items E, F and the respective neck portion C1, D1 of the medium items C, D stored in the hangers 20 during storing and retrieval of the medium items E, F.

The bottommost hangers 22 are positioned about one half as far below the middle hangers 20 as the middle hangers 20 are spaced below the topmost hangers 18. This lesser spacing is selected because the middle hangers 20 are expected to store items with nose portions C1, D1 shorter than the neck portions A1, B1 of the smaller narrow items A, B stored there above in the hangers 18.

The single-loop hanger 24 is positioned in the middle between the three upper rows of individual loops 18a-d, 20a-c, 22a-b formed by respective top, middle and bottommost hangers 18, 20, 22 and the top, middle and bottommost pockets 26, 28, 30. The single loop 24a of the hanger 24 is utilized to receive and store a single long-handled item G such as a ball or claw hammer (shown) having a large and heavy head portion G1 sized to fit into the single loop 24a and a respective relatively elongated handle portion G2 sized to catch on the single loop 24a and prevent slipping there through. Furthermore, the single loop 24a is spaced sufficiently below the larger loops 22a-b of the hangers 22 to avoid interference between the respective nose or other portion head portion G1 of the long-handled item G and the respective nose portion E1, F1 of the larger items E, F stored in the hanger 22 during storing and retrieval of the long-handled item G.

The single-loop hanger 24 is positioned about the same distance below the bottommost hangers 22 as the bottommost hangers 22 are positioned below the middle hangers 20. This lesser spacing is selected because the bottommost hangers 22 are expected to store items with nose portions E1, F1 shorter than the neck portions A1, B1 of the smaller narrow items A, B stored there above in the hangers 18, while the head portion G1 of the long-handled item G is expected to be relatively short by comparison.

The small single or double pockets 26a, 26b of the topmost pockets 26 are utilized to receive and store smaller bulk items M, N such as tape measures and pens/pencils each too bulky to be securely received in one of the fabric hangers 18, 20, 22 and 24 but sized small enough to fit into one of the small single or double pockets 26a, 26b. The strip 34d sealing the pocket's bottom edge closure 33 effectively prevents the bulk items M, N slipping there through. Furthermore, the small single or double pockets 26a, 26b are spaced sufficiently below the hanger 24 to avoid interference between the respective smaller bulk items M, N and the handle or other larger portion G2 of the long-handled item G stored in the hanger 24 during storing and retrieval of the smaller bulk items M, N. By example and without limitation, the lip opening 27 of the small single or double pockets 26a, 26b are spaced as much as twice as far or more below the hanger 24 as the hanger 24 is spaced below the hanger 22.

The medium single or double pockets 28a, 28b of the middle pockets 28 are utilized to receive and store medium items P, R such as small scales, levels or an assortment of fasteners each too bulky or inappropriately shaped to be securely received in one of the fabric hangers 18, 20, 22 and 24 but sized appropriately enough to fit into one of the small single or double pockets 28a, 28b. The strip 34e sealing the pocket's bottom edge closure 35 effectively prevents the medium items P, R slipping there through. Furthermore, the medium single or double pockets 28a, 28b are spaced sufficiently below the small topmost pockets 26 to avoid interference between the respective medium items P, R and utilization of the topmost pockets 26 during storing and retrieval of the medium items P, R.

The bottommost large single pocket 30 is utilized to receive and store larger and heavier bulk items S such as staplers and small chests of wrenches or socket sets each again too bulky to be securely received in one of the fabric hangers 18, 20, 22 and 24 and too large for the smaller and medium pockets 26, 28 but still sized small enough to fit into one large single pocket 30. The strip 34f sealing the pocket's bottom edge closure 37 effectively prevents the large, heavy bulk items S slipping there through. Furthermore, the bottommost large single pocket 30 is spaced sufficiently below the middle pockets 28 to avoid interference between the large, heavy bulk items S and utilization of the middle pockets 28 during storing and retrieval of the large, heavy bulk items S.

Furthermore, as discussed herein, edging the respective lip 27, 29, 31 of each of the pockets 26, 28, 30 with the first strip 34a, 34b, 34c of the substantially non-stretchable fabric edging 34 protects the respective lips 27, 29, 31 from wear and tear normally expected when inserting and retrieving sharp, heavy, bulk items such as hand tools from the pockets 26, 28, 30. The substantially non-stretchable edging strips 34a, 34b, 34c also resist sagging of the respective pocket lip 27, 29, 31 thereof. The flexible yet substantially non-stretchable material of the fabric strips 12, 12a and panels 68 help the pockets 26, 28, 30 to resist stretching under the expected heavy loads of hand tools stored therein.

In practice, the fabric hangers 18, 20, 22 and 24 may be utilized to store other items than those described, while the pockets 26, 28, 30 also may be utilized to store other than the described items, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, described utilization may be of the respective fabric hangers 18, 20, 22, 24 and pockets 26, 28, 30 also may be redistributed without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention such that, for example, the hammer or other long-handled item G normally stored in the hanger 24 may be stored by its heavy head portion G1 in one of the pockets 26, 28, 30 with its handle or other larger portion G2 protruding therefrom beyond the respective lip 27, 29, 31 thereof

FIG. 12 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of the novel fabric tool organizers 10,10a wherein one or more of the fabric hangers 18, 20, 22, 24 (hanger 18 shown) is optionally oriented at an angle to the respective flexible fabric backing strip 12, 12a. Accordingly, the hanger loops 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d (if present) of the fabric hanger 18 are likewise angularly oriented relative to the respective backing strip 12, 12a. This angular orientation decreases the space crosswise the longitudinal axis 40, 40a of the respective fabric strips 12, 12a required for the fabric hangers 18, 20, 22, 24, which permits additional hanger loops 18d or 18e (if loop 18d is present) to be fit onto the respective fabric strips 12, 12a.

Here, an attachment means such as glue or stitching 86 is optionally applied between the fabric backing strips 12, 12a and the hanger 18 adjacent to the one or both end hanger loops 18a and 18d or 18e (if loop 18d is present) for securing the hanger 18 to the front face 12f of the backing strip 12, 12a.

Similarly, one or more of the fabric pockets 26, 28, 30 (pocket 26 shown) is optionally oriented at an angle to the respective flexible fabric backing strip 12, 12a. Accordingly, the respective lip portion 27, 29, 31 of each pockets 26, 28, 30 is similarly angularly oriented relative to the respective backing strip 12, 12a. Additional strips 34g, 34h are attached as by gluing or sewing (shown) to close side portions 88, 90 of each pockets 26, 28, 30 and secure the pockets 26, 28, 30 to the backing strip 12, 12a. Opposite ends of each strip are tucked under the front flap 54 of the fabric 34 edging the peripheral borders 36, 36a of the fabric strips 12, 12a, as illustrated and discussed herein.

While preferred and additional alternative embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the inventor makes the following claims.

Claims

1. A fabric hanging tool organizer device structured to hang lengthwise on a vertical wall surface, the organizer device comprising:

a lengthwise extended backing structure formed of a substantially flexible material substantially bounded by an edging of substantially non-stretchable fabric material;

a plurality of suspension elements attached adjacent to a first face of the backing structure in spaced apart positions along a lengthwise extent thereof, the suspension elements comprising a plurality of hangers and a plurality pockets, wherein: each of the hangers further comprises a strip of substantially non-stretchable fabric material secured across the first face of the backing structure and each being formed in an array of one or more individual fabric loops each, and each of the pockets further comprises a panel of substantially flexible material secured adjacent to the first face of the backing structure and having a closed bottom portion and spaced apart opposing side portions thereof secured to the first face of the backing structure and a bounded open top portion thereof; and

a single device suspender adjacent to a first end portion of the lengthwise extended backing structure.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein the closed bottom portion of one or more of the pockets is further secured between the first face of the backing structure and a strip of the substantially non-stretchable fabric material.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein the spaced apart opposing side portions of one or more of the pockets are further secured between the first face of the backing structure and the edging of substantially non-stretchable fabric material.

4. The device of claim 3 wherein one or more of the pockets further comprises a divider portion between the opposing side portions thereof and extending between the closed bottom and open top portions thereof, the divider portion being at least partially secured adjacent to the first face of the backing structure.

5. The device of claim 1 wherein the open top portion of one or more of the pockets is further bounded by a strip of substantially non-stretchable fabric material.

6. The device of claim 5 wherein the strip of substantially non-stretchable fabric material bounding the open top portion of one or more of the pockets is further secured between the first face of the backing structure and the edging of substantially non-stretchable fabric material.

7. The device of claim 1 wherein the open top portion of one or more of the pockets is further oriented substantially crosswise of lengthwise extent of the first face of the backing structure.

8. The device of claim 1 wherein the strip of substantially non-stretchable fabric material of one or more of the plurality of hangers is further oriented substantially crosswise of lengthwise extent of the first face of the backing structure.

9. The device of claim 1 wherein the backing structure further comprises a single ply of the substantially flexible material.

10. The device of claim 1 wherein the substantially flexible material of the backing structure further comprises a substantially non-stretchable fabric.

11. The device of claim 1 wherein the single device suspender further comprises a reinforced aperture through the backing structure.

12. A fabric hanging tool organizer device structured to hang lengthwise on a vertical wall surface, the organizer device comprising:

a lengthwise extended flexible and substantially non-stretchable fabric backing structure having a peripheral edge portion thereof being substantially bounded by an edging of substantially non-stretchable fabric material, and exactly one device suspender adjacent to a top portion thereof; and

a vertical array of suspension elements attached to a first face of the backing structure in vertically spaced apart positions along a lengthwise extent thereof, the suspension elements comprising a first vertically spaced grouping of a plurality of hangers and a second vertically spaced grouping of a plurality pockets, wherein: each of the hangers further comprises a strip of substantially non-stretchable fabric material oriented substantially crosswise the lengthwise extent of the backing structure and having spaced apart opposing end portions thereof secured between the first face of the backing structure and the edging of substantially non-stretchable fabric material substantially bounding the backing structure with each of the hangers being formed in an array of one or more individual fabric loops each secured to the first face of the backing structure, and each of the pockets further comprises a panel of substantially flexible material having a closed bottom portion thereof secured between the first face of the backing structure and a strip of the substantially non-stretchable fabric material, a open top lip portion thereof bounded by an edging of the substantially non-stretchable fabric material, and spaced apart opposing side portions thereof secured between the first face of the backing structure and the edging of substantially non-stretchable fabric material substantially bounding the backing structure.

13. The device of claim 12 wherein the peripheral edge portion of the first surface of the fabric backing structure is further substantially bounded by the edging of substantially non-stretchable fabric material, and an opposing second surface of the backing structure opposite from the first surface thereof is additionally bounded by the edging of substantially non-stretchable fabric material.

14. The device of claim 13 wherein the edging of substantially non-stretchable fabric material substantially bounding the second surface of the backing structure is further integral with the edging of substantially non-stretchable fabric material substantially bounding the first surface thereof.

15. The device of claim 13 wherein the backing structure further comprises a single ply of the flexible and substantially non-stretchable fabric.

16. The device of claim 13 wherein the single device suspender further comprises an aperture formed through the top portion of the backing structure and a reinforcement ring coupled thereto.

17. A method for storing tools, the method comprising:

a) suspending a lengthwise extended tool organizer device hanging substantially vertically relative to the a substantially vertical hanging surface by means of a single suspender element, the substantially vertically suspended lengthwise extended organizer device comprising: i) a lengthwise extended backing structure formed of a substantially flexible material substantially bounded by an edging of substantially non-stretchable fabric material and having the single suspender element positioned adjacent to an upper end portion thereof, and ii) a plurality of suspension elements attached adjacent to a front face of the backing structure opposite from the substantially vertical hanging surface and arranged in spaced apart positions along a lengthwise extent thereof, the suspension elements comprising a plurality of hangers each formed of a strip of substantially non-stretchable fabric material secured across the front face of the backing structure and each being formed in an array of one or more individual fabric loops, and a plurality pockets each formed of a panel of substantially flexible material secured adjacent to the front face of the backing structure and having a closed bottom portion and spaced apart opposing side portions thereof secured to the first face of the backing structure and a bounded open top lip portion thereof;

b) into each of a plurality of the one or more individual fabric loops of a first one of the plurality of hangers, inserting a tool having a relatively elongated neck portion sized to be received there through and a relatively enlarged handle portion sized to interfere therewith;

c) into at least one of the one or more individual fabric loops of a second one of the plurality of hangers, inserting a tool having a relatively foreshortened nose portion sized to be received there through and a relatively enlarged handle portion sized to interfere therewith; and

d) into at least one of the plurality pockets, inserting through the open top lip portion thereof a tool substantially devoid of one of: a portion sized to be received through one of the one or more individual fabric loops of one of the plurality of hangers, and a relatively enlarged handle portion sized to interfere therewith.

18. The method of claim 17 wherein suspending a lengthwise extended tool organizer device hanging substantially vertically relative to the a substantially vertical hanging surface by means of a single suspender element further comprises suspending the organizer device by a relatively rigid prong projected through an aperture formed through the upper end portion of the backing structure and a reinforcement ring coupled thereto.

19. The method of claim 17 further comprising into a third one of the plurality of hangers having a single one of the individual fabric, inserting a hammer having a relatively elongated handle portion sized to be received there through and a relatively enlarged and foreshortened head portion sized to interfere therewith.

20. The method of claim 17 wherein into at least one of the plurality pockets, inserting through the open top lip portion thereof a tool further comprises:

inserting the tool between the front face of the backing structure and a reinforcing strip of substantially non-stretchable fabric edging material whereof the open top lip portion thereof is bounded; and

containing the tool by means of the closed bottom portion with an other reinforcing strip of substantially non-stretchable fabric material whereof the closed bottom portion is secured against the front face of the backing structure.