HANDLE AND SYSTEM FOR ORGANIZATION

Abstract

A handle comprises a transparent handle body that includes a cavity, at least one opening, at least one closure that closes the at least one opening, and an attachment member. An object may be inserted through the at least one opening and contained in the handle body. The at least one opening may comprise of one opening, and the handle body may be cylindrical and further include a closed end located opposite the one opening. In one embodiment, the attachment member attaches directly to a storage unit and may include adhesive or a plurality of holes through which screws may be inserted. In another embodiment, the handle of the present invention may further include a receiving member that engages with the handle body's attachment member. The base of the receiving member attaches directly to a storage unit and may include adhesive or a plurality of holes through which screws may be inserted.

Description

This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 of provisional application Ser. No. 60/983,219, filed Oct. 28, 2007, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to devices for organization. More particularly, the present invention relates to a handle with a container therein and a related system and method for organization.

BACKGROUND

A wide variety of storage systems currently exists in the market-everything from drawers to filing cabinets to shelves or stackable plastic containers. Such storage units often include a number of drawers that may hold items. These drawers are usually stacked vertically or sometimes horizontally or in a cube shape as well, and they may be slid out to access the contents therein.

Many of these storage systems are opaque, made from materials such as metal or wood. Others are made of plastics of various levels of opacity, translucency, or transparency. Some storage units have labels on individual drawers to identify the contents therein.

The storage and organizational systems currently on the market are made of a variety of materials and come in numerous shapes and sizes. Examples of current organizational systems include units with multiple drawers, cabinet and shelf systems, and stackable boxes, drawers, or bins. However, the majority of these storage or organizational systems do not provide a way to identify the contents of the drawer or shelf.

Translucent plastic organizers allow users to identify the organizer's contents; however, when such organizers contain items, they create a cluttered look and it is sometimes difficult to see which items are contained therein. Other “transparent” organizers are simply not transparent enough to adequately see the contents inside. It is therefore not always practical or desirable to use transparent organization systems.

Current organization systems do not provide an effective method of identifying the contents therein. Not only would a method of identifying contents inside of an organization unit allow the user to find certain items, but it would also allow the user to return items to the appropriate container after emptying it. Labels do not offer an adequate solution since such methods may not stay intact, are sometimes difficult to change, easily fall off, or may be difficult to decipher especially for children who do not yet know how to read. Additionally, labels may easily be removed by children. Using pictures to identify the contents of a drawer, cabinet, or other container also does not offer a satisfactory solution as the pictures may fall off, get damaged, or even fade over time. Also, it is inconvenient to have to take pictures and to have them developed or to download them onto a computer to print them.

Organization units utilize handles that are specifically adapted for use with a particular unit as they are often manufactured or molded into the unit itself (e.g., plastic drawer units may include handle structures that are molded into the drawer as part of the drawer); or they utilize handles that cannot hold contents and that are not removable and interchangeable.

Many of the existing handles that are able to hold contents suffer from limitations since many are limited in application. For instance, a number of handles are adapted for aesthetic or decorative functions. Such handles contain decorative elements such as glitter, small flowers, various suspensions, or other aesthetically desirable elements. Other handles may be limited for promotional functions, and such handles are adapted to display or contain only marketing indicia. Furthermore, many of the existing handles that are able to hold items are not universal. Handles are often specially adapted to hold a specific type of object (e.g., there are handles in the art that can only hold dice, paper, cards, labels, or a nameplate); while others handles are designed for use in a specific application or with a particular device. For example, some handles that can hold items therein are limited for use with toothbrushes, makeup brushes, or baggage. Moreover, many existing handles that have the capability to hold contents securely are not releasable, removable, and interchangeable. Once contents are inserted into such handles, the contents cannot easily be removed and/or the handle cannot easily be removed or replaced from its point of attachment.

In the current state of existing art, there are no storage systems in general or handles in particular that provide the user with a container and a system for organizing and identifying the contents therein. Additionally, there are no universal handles that can be used with a variety of units and applications. A handle and system of organization that addresses the above-mentioned drawbacks in the art would certainly be more effective in improving organization. Such a handle and system would reduce frustration and keep users organized, would allow children to identify contents of a container, would teach children organizational skills, and would be useful for a wide range of applications. Other advantages of the present invention will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in light of the ensuing description of the present invention.

The present invention is directed to (1) a handle with a container therein, (2) an organization system that incorporates the handle of the present invention, and (3) a related method of organization. The handle of the present invention is versatile and universal since it can be used with a variety of drawers, containers, cabinets, boxes, bins, or other organization units and related systems; it can also accommodate a variety of items to be contained therein. Therefore, applications of the present invention are broad, as it may be used in almost any context where organization is desired (e.g., the present invention may be used for home use to organize toys, arts and craft objects, kitchen items, toiletries, and make-up items; for garage use to organize tools, gadgets, screws, bolts, and other hardware; for retail displays in hardware stores, candy stores, and yardage stores; for laboratory use; for office use, etc.). The present invention provides an easy solution for organizational issues as children can easily identify contents of a particular storage unit and thereby learn organization skills. Moreover, the handle of the present invention is releasable, removable, and interchangeable, while still being secure enough to remain attached to the unit during use and to securely hold the contents therein (preventing a child from circumventing the security of the handle). Accordingly, the present invention provides a practical and effective method of organization.

SUMMARY

To achieve the foregoing and in accordance with the purposes of the present invention, the present invention is directed to a handle that comprises a transparent handle body that includes a cavity, at least one opening, at least one closure that closes the at least one opening, and an attachment member. One or more objects may be inserted through the at least one opening and into the cavity, and as a result, objects may be contained in the handle body. The at least one opening may be comprised of one opening, and the handle body may be cylindrical and further include a closed end located opposite the one opening. Alternatively, the at least one opening may comprise a first opening at one end of the handle body and a second opening at the other end of the handle body; and the at least one closure may comprise a first closure to close the first opening and a second closure to close the second opening. The handle may be attached to a storage unit via the attachment member. The attachment member may include adhesive or a plurality of holes wherein screws may be inserted in the holes to attach the handle to a storage unit. Also, the attachment member may be resilient to allow attachment of the handle to non-flat surfaces.

In an additional embodiment, the handle of the present invention may further include a receiving member wherein the handle body is attached to the receiving member (instead of attaching directly to a storage unit) by engaging the handle body's attachment member with the receiving member, and the receiving member attaches to a storage unit. The receiving member may include: a base that attaches to the storage unit, a first side and a second side (wherein the first side is parallel to the second side and the first side and the second side are perpendicular to the base), a first flange perpendicular to the first side, a second flange perpendicular to the second side, a blocked end adjacent to the first side and the second side, and a releasable end opposite the blocked end. In such embodiments, the attachment member is inserted through the releasable end and the handle body is held in place by the blocked end, the first flange, and the second flange. The base of the receiving member may include adhesive or a plurality of holes wherein screws may be inserted through the holes to permit attachment of the handle to a storage unit. Also, the base may include a first tab that includes a first hole and a second tab that includes a second hole wherein a first screw may be inserted through the first hole and a second screw may be inserted into the second hole. The handle receiving member and the attachment member may also be resilient to allow attachment of the handle to non-flat surfaces.

The handle of the present invention may be attached to any storage unit (such as a drawer, cabinet, box, bin, baggage, or any other container). In various embodiments of the invention, the handle body may be of any shape such as a rectangular prism, a cylinder or tube-like structure, semi-cylindrical, elliptical, cubical, spherical, dome-like, crescent, triangular in shape, or any suitable combination thereof. The present invention may also comprise a plurality of handle bodies of the same or varying shapes. Additionally, the handle body may entirely be transparent, partially transparent, or include a transparent element such as a window to allow viewing of its contents. The receiving member may be comprised of a track, adhesive, an aperture or any other structure that can receive the complementary attachment member. The closure may be comprised of any suitable structure such as a cap, lid, plug, or door-like structure; and the closure may be attached to the handle body or receiving member (e.g., via a string, wire, or hinge), or may be detached from the other structures of the invention.

In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, one or more handles of the present invention is included as part of an organization system comprised of one or more storage units. In such embodiments, the handle of the present invention is universal and can be attached to the storage system, specifically adapted for use with the storage system, or manufactured or molded as part of the storage system. In another variation, the organization system of the present invention includes at least one transparent compartment for storage wherein the compartment also functions as a handle.

Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a method of organizing that includes the following actions: (a) providing a handle comprised of a cavity, transparent handle body that includes at least one opening, at least one closure that closes the at least one opening, and an attachment member; (b) inserting an item inside the handle body; (c) attaching the handle body to the storage unit wherein the storage unit contains (or will contain) an item representative of the item inserted in the handle body; and (d) viewing the item in the handle body to identify the contents of the storage unit.

The above description sets forth a summary of embodiments of the present invention so that the detailed description that follows may be better understood and contributions of the present invention to the art may be better appreciated. Some of the embodiments of the present invention may not include all of the features or characteristics listed in the above summary. There may be, of course, other features of the invention that will be described below and may form the subject matter of claims. In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in further detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and to the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or as illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

Other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, various features of embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a handle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of the handle shown in FIG. 1 with sample contents therein in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 depicts a transverse cross sectional view of a receiving member and handle body in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 depicts a rear view of the handle body and perspective view of the receiving member shown in FIG. 3 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 depicts the handle body engaging with the receiving member shown in FIG. 4 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 depicts the handle body engaged with the receiving member shown in FIG. 4 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 depicts the handle body engaging with the receiving member shown in FIG. 4 which is attached to a storage unit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 depicts the handle shown in FIG. 4 attached to a storage unit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 depicts an alternate embodiment of a receiving member of a handle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 depicts an alternate embodiment of a receiving member of a handle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 depicts a longitudinal cross sectional view of the handle shown in FIG. 12 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 depicts a handle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 depicts a transverse cross sectional view of a handle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 depicts an alternate embodiment of the handle shown in FIG. 12 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 depicts a rear view of a handle body and receiving member in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 depicts a rear view of the handle body engaging with the receiving member shown in FIG. 15 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 depicts a front view of the handle body engaged with the receiving member shown in FIG. 15 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 depicts a perspective view of a handle in an open position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 depicts a perspective view of a handle in an open position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 depicts a perspective view of the handle shown in FIG. 19 in a closed position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 depicts a perspective view of a handle attached to a storage unit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 depicts a cross-sectional view of the handle shown in FIG. 21 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description of embodiments of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this application. The drawings show, by way of illustration, certain embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

With respect to the method of the present invention, the order in which the actions are presented below is not limited to any particular order and does not necessarily imply that they have to be performed or occur in the order presented. It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the order of these actions can be rearranged and performed in any suitable manner. It further will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that some actions may be omitted, added, and/or modified and still fall within the spirit of the invention.

For ease of reference, the following reference numbers are consistently used in the figures of the present application to depict various components and embodiments of the present invention. It is to be understood, however, that although some components of the present invention are described herein and/or depicted in the drawings, it is not necessary that all components described herein and/or depicted in the drawings need to be incorporated into every embodiment of the invention as some of the components may be omitted in certain embodiments of the present invention.

Reference Numbers

• 100 handle body
• 110 closed end of handle body
• 111 first closed end of handle body
• 112 second closed end of handle body
• 120 open end of handle body
• 130 closure
• 135 closure connection
• 150 opening of handle body
• 160 door of handle body
• 161 first hinge attaching door to handle body
• 162 second hinge attaching door to handle body
• 170 handle member
• 188 transparent portion
• 200 receiving member
• 210 first side
• 220 second side
• 215 first flange
• 225 second flange
• 250 base
• 251 first tab
• 252 second tab
• 255 first hole
• 256 second hole
• 260 locked end of receiving member
• 270 releasable end of receiving member
• 400 attachment member
• 420 connection (of attachment member to handle body)
• 401 first tab
• 402 second tab
• 405 first hole
• 406 second hole
• 500 organization unit (or storage unit)
• 501 first organization unit
• 502 second organization unit
• 503 third organization unit
• 504 fourth organization unit
• 600 organization system (or storage system)
  Handle with Container Therein

The handle of the present invention generally comprises: (a) a transparent handle body that includes a cavity with an opening; (b) an attachment member that attaches the handle body to an organization or storage unit (such as a drawer, cabinet, box, bin, or other container); (c) a closure that closes or covers the handle body's opening, and in some embodiments (d) a receiving member which engages with the attachment member and attaches to the storage unit.

Now referring to certain embodiments of the invention, the handle of the present invention comprises a transparent handle body that includes at least one opening, at least one closure that closes the at least one opening, and an attachment member. One or more objects may be inserted through the at least one opening and contained in the handle body. The at least one opening may be comprised of one opening, and the handle body may be cylindrical and further include a closed end located opposite the one opening. The handle of the present invention may further include a receiving member wherein the handle body is attached to the receiving member (instead of attaching directly to a storage unit) by engaging the handle body's attachment member with the receiving member, and the receiving member attaches to a storage unit. For example, FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a handle that comprises a handle body 100 and receiving member 200. Handle body 100 is transparent and in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 includes a closed end 110 and an open end 120. One or more objects may be inserted through open end 120 and such objects are then visible through transparent handle body 100 as illustrated in FIG. 2 which depicts a toy car contained in the handle of the present invention. Closure 130 seals off open end 120 as shown in FIG. 2 which depicts the handle in the closed position. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-2, closure 130 is comprised of a cap but may be any suitable structure is possible such as a lid, plug, door-like structure; and it may be attached (e.g., via a string, wire, cord, hinge, etc.) to handle body 100 or receiving member 200 or closure 130 may be detached from the components of the invention as shown in FIG. 1

Referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, receiving member 200 includes a base 250 that attaches to s storage unit, a first side 210 and a second side 220, a first flange 215 perpendicular to first side 210, a second flange 220 perpendicular to second side 220, a blocked end 260 adjacent to first side 210 and second side 220, and a releasable end 270 opposite blocked end 260. FIG. 3 depicts a transverse cross sectional view of receiving member 200 and handle body 100. FIG. 3 shows first side 210 parallel to second side 220, and first side 210 and second side 220 are perpendicular to base 250. FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment wherein first side 210 and second side 220 are perpendicular to the longitudinal sides of base 250; however, in other embodiments, first side 210 and second side 220 may be perpendicular to the transverse or lateral sides of base 250, blocked end 260 may be positioned on the lower longitudinal side of base 250 to secure or hold handle body 100 in place and prevent handle body 100 from dropping, and releasable end 270 may be positioned on the upper longitudinal side of base 250. In such embodiments, handle body 100 would be slid onto receiving member 200 by moving handle body 100 down to engage handle body 100 with receiving member 200 instead of sliding handle body 100 from right to left (or from left to right in some variations) onto receiving member 200 as seen in FIGS. 5-7.

FIG. 4 also shows a rear view of handle body 100 which includes a closed end 110, an open end 120, a closure 130, an attachment member 400, and connection 420 that attaches attachment member 400 to handle body 100. Connection 420 may simply be an extension of attachment member 400 or the point where attachment member 400 is joined to handle body 100 (see also FIG. 3). Attachment member 400 is inserted through releasable end 270 and handle body 100 is held in place or enclosed by receiving member 200.

FIG. 5 depicts handle body 100 engaging with the receiving member 200 shown in FIG. 4. Base 250 of receiving member 200 is affixed to a surface of a storage unit. Handle body 100 engages with receiving member 200 by sliding into the channel formed by first flange 215, first side 210, base 250, second side 220, and second flange 225 (see FIGS. 3-4). Handle body 100 is slid into receiving member 200 until handle body 100 reaches blocked end 260. Blocked end 260 may be permanently locked or closed or it may be opened to allow handle body 100 to be inserted at the end where blocked end 260 is located. Additionally, blocked end 260 may cover the entire end or cover only a portion of the end of receiving member 200 so long as it can still hold handle body 100 in place.

FIG. 7 illustrates an alternate front view of handle body 100 engaging with receiving member 200. Handle body 100 is slid onto receiving member 200 which acts like a track. As shown in FIG. 7, handle body 100 is typically engaged with receiving member 200 after receiving member 200 is attached to a storage unit 500. FIG. 6 depicts the handle body 100 engaged with the receiving member 200 shown in FIG. 4. In other embodiments of the invention, releasable end 270 may further include a locking mechanism to further secure handle body 100 within receiving member 200. After attachment member 400 is engaged with receiving member 200, handle body 100 is thereby attached to the organization system 600 (which is comprised of multiple storage units) as illustrated in FIG. 8. Receiving member 200 provides versatility since a user may easily remove and engage different handle bodies on any one given receiving member.

FIGS. 9-10 depicts some alternate versions of receiving member 200. The base of receiving member 200 may include adhesive or a plurality of holes wherein screws may be inserted through the holes to permit attachment of the handle to a storage unit. For instance, FIG. 10 illustrates a version of receiving member 200 wherein base 250 includes a first hole 255 and a second hole 256 through which screws (or plugs, snaps, or any suitable hardware) may be inserted. For versions of the invention in which first hole 255 and second hole 256 are located behind the handle body, countersunk screws may be used to not obstruct the engagement of handle body 100 with receiving member 200. In another example, base 250 may include a first tab 251 that includes a first hole 255 and a second tab 252 that includes a second hole 256 wherein a first screw may be inserted through the first hole and a second screw may be inserted into the second hole. In further embodiments, receiving member 200 and attachment member 400 may also be resilient and made of a rubber or plastic material to allow attachment of the handle to non-flat surfaces. First and second tabs 251 and 252 may be separate structures from base 250 or an extension of base 250. Such tabs may be of any suitable shape and quantity and may also be positioned on the longitudinal sides of base 250 instead of on the lateral sides of base 250 shown in FIG. 9.

FIGS. 11-14 depict an alternate embodiment in which the handle of the present invention does not include a receiving member and instead, the handle body attaches directly to a storage unit. In such embodiments, the handle includes a transparent handle body comprised of a cavity, at least one opening, at least one closure that closes the at least one opening, and an attachment member wherein an object may be inserted through the at least one opening and contained in the handle body and the attachment member attaches the handle to a storage unit. The at least one opening may comprise a first opening and a second opening and the at least one closure comprises a first closure to close the first opening and a second closure to close the second opening. The handle body may be cylindrical and include a first end and a second end, and the first opening is located at the first end and second opening is located at the second end.

Alternatively, the at least one opening may be comprised of just one opening, and the handle body may be cylindrical and further comprise a closed end located opposite the one opening. FIGS. 11-14 depict such embodiments. As seen in FIGS. 12-13, the handle of the present invention is comprised of a transparent handle body 100 which includes a closed end 110, an open end 120, closure 130, attachment member 400, and connection 420 that joins attachment member 400 to handle body 100. FIG. 11 illustrates a longitudinal cross sectional view from the top of handle body 100 and depicts closed end 110, open end 120, attachment member 400, and connection 420 that joins attachment member 400 to handle body 100. Although connection 420 is illustrated as a solid structure, in alternate embodiments, connection 420 may be comprised of multiple pieces. For instance, in one variation, connection 420 may be comprised of two stem like structures that join attachment member 400 to handle body 100.

Attachment member 400 may also be resilient and made of a rubber or plastic material to allow attachment of the handle to non-flat surfaces. Attachment member 400 may include adhesive to allow attachment of handle body 100 to a storage unit. Additionally, attachment member 400 may include a plurality of holes wherein screws may be inserted in the holes to attach the handle to the storage unit. Screws, plugs, snaps, or any suitable hardware may be inserted in the holes. These holes may be positioned at any suitable location on attachment member 400. Furthermore, attachment member 400 may include a plurality of tabs that include holes for screws to be inserted. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, attachment member 400 comprises a first tab 401 that includes a first hole 405 and a second tab 402 that includes a second hole 406 wherein a first screw may be inserted through the first hole and a second screw may be inserted into the second hole. First and second tabs 401 and 402 may be separate structure from attachment member 400 or simply an extension of attachment member 400. Such tabs may be of any suitable shape and quantity and may also be positioned on the longitudinal sides of attachment member 400 instead of the lateral sides of attachment member 400 shown in FIG. 14.

Handle Body

Handle body 100 may be of any suitable shape and dimension and made with any suitable materials. Two important and novel elements of handle body 100 are that (a) it contains a cavity into which items can be placed, and (b) it is at least partially transparent, so that the item or items placed into the cavity may be seen from the outside.

For instances handle body 100 may be comprised of any shape such as a rectangular prism, a cylinder or tube-like structure, semi-cylindrical, elliptical, cubical, spherical, dome-like, crescent, triangular in shape, or any suitable combination thereof. Handle body 100 may also be shaped to resemble any particular object (e.g., animal, cartoon or famous character, football, heart, flower, car, personalized initials, etc.) so long as it is suitable to hold contents therein. Furthermore, handle body 100 may also include grooves, depressions, projections, and/or apertures to secure attachment member 400 or to function as an attachment member 400 whereby receiving member 200 receives handle body 100 directly (without a separate attachment member 400) via complimentary grooves, depressions, projections, and/or apertures.

Handle body 100 may entirely be transparent, partially transparent, or include a transparent element/window to allow viewing of its contents. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-8, the handle body 100 is substantially transparent, meaning that at least the front portion (or portion facing the user) of handle body 100 is comprised of a transparent material (i.e., the whole surface of handle body 100 may be transparent, or only the front portion may be comprised of a transparent material and the rear portion may be comprised of any suitable material).

Handle body 100 is not limited in configuration or positioning wherein it must be pulled horizontally as used with a typical drawer. In alternate embodiments of the invention that involve the use of one or more various containers, boxes, or other types of storage units, handle body 100 may be positioned such that it is pulled vertically (or up) as opposed to horizontally. It may be slid as a switch, depressed, or otherwise used to release a catch, allowing the drawer to open.

Additionally, handle body 100 may be made of any suitable rigid material such as a transparent plastic such as a polycarbonate or clear acrylic so that it stably holds the contents held therein, is able to withstand pressure and force while in use, and is durable enough to prevent easy circumvention. For instance, any rigid or hard plastic, glass, plexiglass, or other suitable compound comprised of any suitable materials known in the art and that are made by a molding process or other processes known to those skilled in the art may be used with the present invention. For example, in embodiments of the invention wherein the handle body includes an opening at each end of the handle body, the handle body component may also be extruded and simply cut to length which would decrease tooling costs and piece part pricing in comparison to standard injection molding processes. In alternate embodiments of the invention wherein a rigid plastic may not be desired or security or durability an objective, handle body 100 may be comprised of a less rigid transparent plastic. In such embodiments, the plastic may be resilient enough to accommodate even a greater variety of items that can be contained therein and may even further secure the contained item from moving while the handle of the present invention is in use.

Handle body 100 is not limited to a particular size or shape (as discussed above). Handle body 100 may be specifically adapted to accommodate to hold certain types of items and therefore handle body 100 may vary greatly in size. Additionally, handle body 100 will necessarily vary in size depending on the size of the drawer or container it is attached to, and the size of the items both the handle and the drawer are meant to contain. Also, handle 100 may be designed and shaped to contour a user's hand. In alternate embodiments, handle body 100 may further include a non-slip element for ease of gripping. Such embodiments that incorporate a non-slip element may be used in contexts where the storage unit is comprised of a heavy material (e.g., wood or metal) and/or contain heavy items. A non-slip element such as a rubber coating may be applied to a surface of handle body 100. The non-slip element (e.g., rubber material) provides sufficient frictional properties that would allow the user to easily grip the handle of the present invention. Although the non-slip element is preferably a rubber material, it will be readily appreciated to those skilled in the art that the non-slip element may be composed of a variety of elements such as any polymer compound exhibiting a relatively high coefficient of friction. The non-slip element has a coefficient of friction that provides sufficient frictional force to allow the user to grip the handle of the present invention. Examples of materials that may be used for the non-slip element may include, but are not limited to, natural rubber, synthetic rubber, latex rubber, plastic material that is tacky, and combinations thereof. Of course, in embodiments of the invention which include a non-slip element, the non-slip element would be positioned onto handle body 100 so that it does not interfere with the handle body's transparency feature and still allow the user to view the contents contained in handle body 100. For example, a non-slip element may be included on the back of the handle (closest to the drawer) for gripping, while allowing the front of handle body 100 to remain transparent.

Opening of Handle Body & Closure

In FIG. 4, handle body 100 is cylindrical and includes an open end 120 as the opening of the handle body. However, in other variations of the invention, the opening of handle body 100 may take other shapes, forms, sizes, and configurations since the opening does not necessarily have to be positioned at one end of handle body 100. For example, in FIG. 18, handle body 100 includes opening 150 which is essentially a longitudinal section of handle body 100. In other embodiments of the invention, opening 150 may be a smaller longitudinal section. FIG. 19 (which is discussed in more detail below) illustrates another example of opening 150. In such embodiments of the invention, opening 150 is also longitudinal or even rectangular in shape wherein the size and shape is adapted for use with the particular receiving member 200 that is used therewith. Additionally, handle body 100 can also easily be designed to have two (or more) open ends with two (or more) removable closure elements. In such embodiments, the handle comprises a transparent handle body that includes at least one opening, at least one closure that closes the at least one opening, and an attachment member. The at least one opening would comprise a first opening at one end of the handle body and a second opening at the other end of the handle body; and the at least one closure may comprise a first closure to close the first opening and a second closure to close the second opening.

Referring again to FIG. 4, in alternate embodiments of the invention, closure 130 may be attached to (or part of) receiving member 200 or attachment member 400; it may be attached to handle body 100 via a cord, string, hinge, etc.; or it may be freestanding and detached from the other structures of the invention.

For embodiments of the invention wherein closure 130 is part of receiving member 200, receiving member 200 includes closure 130 which locks into place after handle body 100 is secured thereon. In such embodiments, any suitable closing mechanisms may be used. For instance, in an alternate version of FIG. 4, closure 130 may comprise a lid-type structure and is attached at or near releasable end 270 of receiving member 200. After attachment member 400 is engaged with receiving member 200, closure 130 is then placed onto open end 120 thereby closing handle body 100.

Closure 130 is not limited to any particular shape, form, size, or configuration. In the version of the invention depicted in FIG. 4, closure 130 is structured as a lid or cap-like structure that simply plugs into open end 120. Also, closure 130 may use any variety of securing mechanism known in the art. For example, closure 130 may be snapped or plugged into place in embodiments wherein closure 130 is comprised of a lid with a lip structure; screwed into place in embodiments where closure 130 is like a lid to a jar or the top (or “plug”) of a thermos (if handle body 100 includes corresponding tread); bolted or fastened into place via screws, snaps, and/or plugs; or secured into place by any other suitable mechanism known in the art. Furthermore, closure 130 may have additional locking structures to further secure it in place onto handle body 100, including secure locking structures that require a key, combination, fingerprint sensor, or some other method to open.

As seen in FIG. 18, in other variations of the invention, closure 130 may be structured as a door-like structure. Door 160 (which is the closure) opens vertically exposing opening 150 of handle body 100. Instead of having an open end 120 (as seen in FIG. 4 and FIG. 12), handle body 100 in FIG. 18 includes a first closed end 111 and a second closed end 112. Opening 150 is located in between first and second closed ends 111 and 112. Door 160 may be attached to handle body 100 via one or more hinges. For instance, as seen in FIG. 18, door 160 is attached to handle body 100 via a first hinge 161 and a second hinge 162. Any suitable hinge structure known in the art (e.g., piano style, acrylic, plastic, pinless, or continuous hinge(s)) may be used to affix door 160 to handle body 100 and to allow the exposure and closing of opening 150. When door 160 is in the closed position (closing off opening 150), door 160 may be locked into place by any suitable locking mechanism known in the art (e.g., snaps and fasteners, magnets, locking levers or members that may hold down door 160 or be inserted through an aperture on door 160, etc.). In other embodiments of the invention, door 160 may be positioned at either of the longitudinal ends of handle body 100 and may open horizontally. In such embodiments, door 160 may be attached to handle body 100 via one or more hinges connected to a lateral side of door 160 and to either longitudinal end of handle body 100.

Attachment Member & Receiving Member

Attachment member 400 may be permanently affixed to handle body 100, molded or manufactured as part of handle body 100, or attachable to handle body 100 by any known method of attachment known in the art (e.g., adhesive, screwed, snapped, etc.). Therefore, connection 420 may include an adhesive, a plug- or snap-type mechanism, a screw-type mechanism, or any other suitable attachment mechanism. Additionally, attachment member 400 may be of any suitable shape, size, structure, and/or configuration so long as it is able to engage with receiving member 200. For instance, attachment member 400 may be inserted into, adhered onto, snapped onto, or screwed into receiving member 200.

Receiving member 200 may be comprised of a track, adhesive, an aperture, or any other structure that can receive corresponding attachment member 400. For example, as seen in FIGS. 4-6, attachment member 400 is comprised of a rectangular prism and may be inserted into receiving member 200 which is comprised of a track adapted to receive attachment member 400. The track as seen in FIG. 4 is formed by base 250; first side 210 and second side 220 perpendicularly joined to base 250; and first flange 215 and second flange 225 connected to first side 210 and second side 220 respectively.

Attachment member 400 is inserted into receiving member 200 through releasable end 270. FIG. 5 depicts handle body 100 being attached to receiving member 200 by inserting attachment member 400 into receiving member 200 and is then secured in place once attachment member 400 reaches locked end 260. After attachment member 400 is engaged with receiving member 200 (as seen in FIG. 6), attachment member 400 may be locked into place by any suitable locking system thereby securing handle body 100 in place. For example, the locking system may include a snapping structure that automatically locks into place via a locking member that is triggered (e.g., a locking member may project from a depressed state) when attachment member 400 is fully engaged with receiving member 200. After attachment member 400 is engaged with receiving member 200, handle body 100 is thereby attached to the organization system 600 as seen in FIG. 8. Yet, in an alternate embodiment of the invention, closure 130 may be attached at or near releasable end 270 of receiving member 200. After attachment member 400 is engaged with receiving member 200, closure 130 is then placed into open end 120 of handle body 100 thereby closing handle body 100 while also locking handle body 100 in place. Closure 130 is easily releasable to allow the user to remove, change, and/or add contents inside handle body 100.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, base 250 is attached to an organization unit via any suitable attachment method as exemplified in FIGS. 9-10. In other embodiments wherein the handle of the present invention is universal, base 250 may include adhesive such that receiving member 200 may easily and conveniently be attached to any organization unit such as a drawer, cabinet, box, or other container (For purposes of description, the terms “organization unit” and “storage unit” may be used interchangeably herein. Both terms convey the same or similar meanings, and neither are intended (especially when certain examples are provided) to limit the scope of the invention in any way. If any examples are given, they are given just to illustrate an embodiment of feature of the invention; and thus, the present invention is therefore not limited in application to any examples provided herein). Yet, in alternate embodiments such as those shown in FIGS. 9-10, receiving member 200 may be snapped onto or screwed into an organization unit. In such embodiments, base 250 may include apertures for a screw, bolt, or similar hardware to be inserted therein.

For embodiments of the invention that use adhesive as a method of attachment, any suitable adhesive known in the art may be used. The adhesive may be included on any suitable surface of any appropriate component of the invention. For instance, for universal embodiments of the invention, base 250 of receiving member 200 may be attached to a storage unit via adhesive on base 250, or base 250 may utilize other adhesive methods such as double-sided sticky tape. Additionally, in embodiments that do not include receiving member 200 and wherein the handle body attaches directly to a storage unit, attachment member 400 may also include adhesive thereon or may also use other adhesive methods such as double-sided sticky tape. Examples of adhesives that may be applied to any suitable surface of the invention include liquid adhesives that comprise epoxy, acrylic, urethane, or any other suitable ingredient known in the art. For embodiments of the invention that utilize adhesive methods such as double-sided sticky tape, a possible example may include 3M™ Mounting Squares (which are double-stick foam squares that can hold up to two pounds). Such adhesive methods offer a lighter-duty adhesive solution for applications for smaller storage units or where the storage unit is comprised of a light material (e.g., plastic) and/or only light items are stored inside the storage unit. For heavier duty applications, 3M™ Acrylic Foam Tapes offer a more secure adhesion method. 3M™ Acrylic Foam Tapes are often used in applications that require an extremely secure method of attachment (e.g., they are used to attach spoilers, body kits, and other similar parts to automobiles, etc.). They allow stress forces of an application to be dissipated throughout the foam core, providing strength; and viscoelastic properties of these tapes allow it to conform to surface irregularities and gaps which may be suitable for storage units with uneven surfaces such as ones comprised of cardboard or wood. Such methods of attachment may be suitable for heavier storage units (i.e., units comprised of heavy wood, metal, etc.) and/or for contexts in which the storage contains heavy items. Of course, any suitable variety of adhesives may be used with the present invention depending on the type of application, the material, weight and strength of the storage unit, and the weight of the items to be contained in the storage unit.

In further embodiments of the invention, attachment member 400 may be manufactured as part of handle body 100. In such embodiments, handle body 100 may include grooves, depressions, projections, and/or apertures to function as an attachment member 400 whereby receiving member 200 receives handle body 100 directly (without a separate attachment member 400) via complimentary grooves, depressions, projections, and/or apertures included on receiving member 200. Additionally, receiving member 200 may be removeably or permanently affixed to an organization unit, or the organization unit itself may be molded or manufactured to include structures such as grooves, depressions, projections, and/or apertures that function as a receiving member to receive the attachment member 400 or the functional equivalent thereof.

In an alternate embodiment of the invention, receiving member 200 may be long enough to accommodate multiple handle bodies. For instance, one embodiment may include one receiving member that can hold a plurality of handle bodies simultaneously, and these handle bodies may easily be removed and rearranged within the receiving member. These handle systems can further be aggregated to create a variety of displays, use children's blocks to spell out a child's name, or indicate that multiple items are stored in a single drawer (with or without internal subdivisions). Such embodiments may be used in store displays or similar applications.

As mentioned above, attachment member 400 and receiving member 200 may be of any suitable shape, size, structure, and/or configuration so long as they are complimentary to one another and therefore able to engage with one another. For example, FIGS. 15-17 depict an alternate embodiment wherein receiving member 200 is shaped like a half-pipe or the letter “C” and is adapted to receive handle body 100 which is cylindrical or pipe-like in shape.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 15-17, closure 130 is essentially comprised of locked end 260 of receiving member 200, and therefore, there is no separate structure for closure 130. As seen in FIGS. 15 and 16, open end 120 of handle body 100 is inserted through releasable end 270 and sealed off via locked end 260 after handle body 100 is fully engaged into receiving member 200. In an alternate embodiment, closed end 110 may be inserted through releasable end 270, but there would need to be a separate closure 130 (to close off open end 120) which may be attached to handle body 100, attached at or near releasable end 270 of receiving member 200, or detached from any other structure of the present invention.

In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 15-17, since base 250 is curved, it may be difficult to use adhesive methods to attach receiving member 200 to a storage unit unless the surface area of base 250 provides sufficient surface area for adhesive attachment and/or includes an adhesive strong enough to adequately adhere to a storage unit.

FIG. 17 illustrates handle body 100 fully engaged within receiving member 200. In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 15-17, there is no separate attachment member 400 as seen in the other embodiments since handle body 100 acts as the attachment member. Locked end 260 of receiving member 200 is shown as a semi-circular structure in FIG. 17 to illustrate the engagement of handle body 100 within receiving member 200. However, in certain variations of this embodiment of the invention, locked end 260 is comprised of a shape (e.g., full circle or oval) that fully seals open end 120 of handle body 100. Once handle body 100 is fully engaged in receiving member 200, there may be a locking mechanism located at or near releasable end 270 that couples or adjoins with closed end 110 of handle body 100 thereby securing handle body 100 in place.

In the embodiment of the invention depicted in FIGS. 19 and 20, receiving member 200 is tubular in shape; and handle body 100 is cylindrical in shape and is enclosed within receiving member 200. Handle body 100 includes a first closed end 111, a second closed end 112, and an opening 150. In one version of the invention, receiving member 200 remains fixed in place while handle body 100 is moveable and can rotate within receiving member 200. Receiving member 200 includes a cavity for items to pass through and aligns with opening 150. FIG. 19 illustrates the handle of the invention in an open position. The user would insert one or more items though the aperture of receiving member 200 and into opening 150 of handle body 100. Once the item(s) are inserted inside handle body 100, the user would then rotate handle body 100 to the closed position as seen in FIG. 20. In the closed position, opening 150 is rotated such that opening 150 is facing a closed surface of receiving member 200 (thereby holding the contents inside handle body 100), and a transparent portion 188 of handle body 100 is exposed to allow the user to see the contents therein. Transparent portion 188 may just be a portion of an entirely transparent handle body 100; or transparent portion 188 may be comprised of a section of handle body 100. In this version of the invention, receiving member 200 may be partially transparent, entirely transparent, or include no transparent features since the transparent portion 100 of handle body 100 allows the user to see inside handle body 100.

In another version of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, receiving member 200 is the rotating member and handle body 100 remains fixed. In the open position (FIG. 19), the user would insert one or more items though the aperture of receiving member 200 and into opening 150 of handle body 100. Once the item(s) are inserted inside handle body 100, the user would then rotate receiving member 200 to the closed position as seen in FIG. 20. Thus, by rotating into the closed position, receiving member 200 also functions as a closure sealing off opening 150 of handle body 100. In the closed position, opening 150 is covered by a closed (and transparent) surface of receiving member 200 (thereby holding the contents inside handle body 100). In such embodiments, transparent portion 188 is located on receiving member 200 and is exposed (after rotating into the closed position) to allow the user to see the contents therein. In such embodiments of the invention, receiving member 200 may be partially transparent and include transparent portion 188. Alternatively, receiving member 200 may be entirely transparent, and transparent portion 188 is only a section thereof which aligns with opening 150 of handle body 100 to allow the user to view the contents of handle body 100.

As exemplified above, attachment member 400 and receiving member 200 may be of any variety of suitable shapes, sizes, and/or configurations. Additionally, in alternate embodiments of the invention, there may be no separate structure as a receiving member and/or attachment member. For example, as discussed in more detail hereinabove, FIGS. 15-17 and FIGS. 19-20 depict a variation of the invention where there is no separate attachment member since handle body 100 acts as an attachment member to inter-engage with receiving member 200. Furthermore, any suitable attachment member 400 and complimentary receiving member 200 may be used with any variety of handle bodies. Thus, the above description is intended to illustrate a few examples of possible structural combinations of the present invention, although other combinations are possible.

Organization System

The present invention is also directed to an organization system (which is also interchangeably referred to as a “storage system” herein) comprised of one or more handles of the present invention as described above. In such embodiments of the invention, the handle of the present invention is included as part of a storage system comprised of one or more organization units (e.g., drawers, containers, boxes, bins, compartments, cabinets, baggage, etc.). In such embodiments, the handle of the present invention may be universal and can be removeably or permanently attached to the storage system, specifically adapted for use with the storage system, or manufactured or molded as part of the storage system.

The organization system of the present invention may include one or more organization units that are not limited to any particular number, size, shape, or configuration. Additionally, the organization of the present invention is not limited for use with any particular handle of the present invention. Any of the above-described handles as well as possible variations thereof may be used with the organization system of the present invention. Furthermore, a combination of different variations of the handle may be used with the organization system of the present invention.

The handle of the present invention (including its receiving member 200 and attachment member (if applicable)) may be attached to the organization unit via any suitable method of attachment known in the art and as described above. Receiving member 200 may be removeably or permanently affixed to an organization unit via any suitable method of attachment. Also, the handle of the present invention may be specially adapted for use with particular organization systems wherein the handle is removeably or permanently attached thereto. Alternatively, the handle of the present invention may be manufactured together with the organization system of the present invention or with existing organization systems currently on the market. In further embodiments of the invention, receiving member 200 may be manufactured or molded as part of organization system 600. In such embodiments, each organization unit may include grooves, depressions, projections, and/or apertures to function as receiving member 200 to receive handle body 100 directly (or by way of a separate attachment member on handle body 100) via complimentary grooves, depressions, projections, and/or apertures included on handle body 100 (or on the attachment member).

As seen in FIGS. 21-22, in an alternate embodiment, the organization system of the present invention may include an organization unit 500 with a handle body 100 which includes a transparent pocket-like cavity, compartment, or sleeve-type structure that is visible on the face of the drawer (or at any other suitable and visible location within the storage unit). Such compartments are specially adapted for or manufactured with certain types of organization systems. Opening 150 of handle body 100 may be located at the top of handle body as seen in FIGS. 21-22; however, in other variations of the invention, opening 150 may be located on the sides of handle body 100. Opening 150 as well as handle body 100 may be able to accommodate larger-sized or odd-shaped items (e.g., coloring books, large writing utensils, rulers, tools, dolls, etc.) that cannot be contained in smaller handle bodies. As seen in FIGS. 21-22, handle body 100 also includes handle member 170 which the user can grab onto when opening, closing, or transporting organization unit 500.

FIG. 22 shows a side view of organization unit 500 and illustrates an example cavity of handle body 100. The cavity of handle body 100 may be of any suitable size or shape to accommodate a variety of items to be held therein. For example, the cavity may be rounded, square, or rectangular. In one embodiment of the invention, the cavity of handle body 100 is the size and shape of an entire front side of organization unit 500. In such embodiments, this entire side would be transparent and would essentially provide a compartment as tall and as wide (although not necessarily as deep) as the side of organization unit 500 to which it is attached.

Also, opening 150 may be located at any suitable location (e.g., on either side) of handle body 100, and in further embodiments, opening 150 may be located on the outside of organization unit 500. Opening 150 may be closed off by any suitable closure (e.g., VELCRO®, magnets, snapping or other similar securing devices, etc.). Handle member 170 may be of any suitable size or shape so long as the user can hold onto it to pull, push, open, unhinge, close, or transport the organization unit. Nonetheless, depending on the organization unit, transparent handle body 100 may be positioned on the front or sides of the organization unit (e.g., drawers, cabinets) or on the top of the organization unit (e.g., boxes, bins, travel organizers that have lids that open upward).

Method of Organizing

The present invention is also directed to a method of organizing. The method of the present invention comprises:

• (a) providing a handle of the present invention; (b) inserting an item inside the handle body; (c) attaching the handle body to the storage unit wherein the storage unit contains (or will contain) an item similar to or represented by the item inserted in the handle body; and (d) viewing the item in the handle body to identify the contents of the storage unit. The handle provided comprises a transparent handle body that includes a cavity, at least one opening, at least one closure that closes the at least one opening, and an attachment member. In certain embodiments, the handle of the present invention may include some or all of the foregoing components, and/or some or all of the foregoing components may vary.

CONCLUSION

The present invention provides a way to identify the contents of a storage unit. For instance, a toy car may be inserted into a handle of the present invention attached to a particular storage unit to indicate that the storage unit contains toy cars. The present invention also allows the user to return items to the appropriate storage unit after emptying it.

The present invention provides an easy solution for organizational issues as children can easily identify contents of a particular container by simply looking at the transparent handle. For instance, if a child is looking for a particular toy, he can easily find it without having to open and search through each storage unit. Also, after a child is done playing with a set of toys, the child can easily return the toys to the designated storage unit by simply visually referring to the transparent handle of the present invention. A quick glance will always remind children where to return and store their toys. As a result, the present invention also teaches organization skills to children.

The handle of the present invention is versatile and universal since it can be used with a variety of drawers, containers, cabinets, boxes, bins, baggage, or other organization/storage units and related systems; and it can accommodate a variety of items to be contained therein. Therefore, applications of the present invention are broad as it may be used in almost any context where organization is desired. Moreover, the handle of the present invention is releasable, removable, and interchangeable, while still being secure enough to remain attached to the unit during use and to securely hold the contents therein. Therefore, the present invention provides a practical and effective method of organization. It is to be understood, however, that although some advantages of the present invention are described herein, it is not necessary that all the advantageous features and/or all the advantages need to be incorporated into every embodiment of the invention.

Although the present invention has been described above in considerable detail with reference to certain versions thereof, other versions are possible. As discussed above, many of the structural components of the invention (e.g., handle body, closure, receiving member, attachment member, etc.) may be of any suitable shape, size, material, and/or configuration; may further include structures not described hereinabove; and may be positioned at alternate suitable locations within the device without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For instance, in alternate embodiments, the handle body may further include one or more dividers therein to hold multiple types of items and to designate that a particular storage unit contains said multiple type of items. In other embodiments, the handle body of the present invention may include one or more additional openings to be used for reward systems or for any other suitable use. Such openings may be used to insert items like coins so that the handle may also function as a bank for reward systems often used with children.

In other possible embodiments of the invention, handle 100 may be a protruding spherical knob, containing an opening 120. Handle 100 may then be snapped into place and sealed by placing it on receiving member 200, which also acts as closure 130. In other words, the act of lining up opening 120 of handle 100 with the similarly-shaped receiving member 200 would simultaneously attach handle 100 to receiving member 200 (and thereby attach handle 100 to the drawer) and would also “stopper” or close opening 120 of handle 100. Of course, the shape of the protruding knob of handle 100, as well as the shape of opening 120 and the corresponding shape of receiving member 200, may also be cubical or any suitable shape. Such embodiments of the invention would retain the numerous advantageous features of the present invention, while also providing a solution in which there is no removable closure 130 that can be lost.

As part of the organizational system embodied in the present invention, the present invention could also be sold with or in conjunction with miniaturized figures, models, or representations of other objects. For example, a handle that goes on a sock drawer could contain one or more small models of white gym socks. Of course, the representations could be manufactured and sold in various forms, shapes, colors, or with various words, graphics, or other indicia. Such an embodiment would contain several advantages, including removing the need to keep one item inside the handle for identification. For example, a user would not need to keep one of his socks in the handle, removing his ability to use one pair of socks. Additionally, this embodiment would allow for a properly-sized (with respect to a person's hand) handle, even when the container is very large and holds large objects that would not fit in a traditionally-sized handle.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, handle 100 may be permanently attached to the drawer (either through receiving member 200, or obviating the need for receiving member 200 entirely). In such embodiments, opening 150 of handle 100 would open directly into the drawer itself. This embodiment could be preferred when the items stored in the drawer are multiple and small, and where the drawer is normally kept more than half full. With opening 150 opening directly into the interior of the drawer, the items inside (such as paper clips) could easily “spill” into handle 100 and therefore be easily visible from the outside. In similar embodiments, handle 100 could be positioned vertically, and reach the entire height of the drawer to which it is attached. In this type of embodiment, handle 100 will not only show the item inside the drawer, it will also serve as a gauge, showing at a glance approximately how many items are inside the drawer, i.e., if the paper clip drawer is full of paper clips, half-full, or if it is nearly empty and needs to be replenished. Such embodiments could also include marks, indentations, or other indicia to show percentages or various gradations (such as “Full, ¾, ½, ¼, and Empty”) between full and empty.

The attached figures depicting various embodiments of the invention are primarily intended to convey the basic principles embodied in the present invention. Thus, the present invention may further include additional structures and features including aesthetically pleasing features such as various finishes, coatings, translucent colors or designate a particular application for which the present invention is being used (e.g., include personal, school, or company name indicia), or may be customized for any variety of users.

Additionally, some of the actions as described in the method hereinabove may be added, omitted, modified, or performed in various sequences. Also, some of the actions identified in the embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes, and as such, some of the actions may be modified, added, or omitted without departing from the scope of the invention.

While the description above refers to particular embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood that many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit thereof. The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

1. A handle comprising

a transparent handle body comprised of a cavity, at least one opening, at least one closure that closes the at least one opening, and an attachment member wherein an object may be inserted through the at least one opening and into the cavity.

2. The handle of claim 1 wherein the at least one opening is comprised of one opening and the handle body is cylindrical and further comprises a closed end located opposite the one opening.

3. The handle of claim 1 wherein the at least one opening comprises a first opening and a second opening and the at least one closure comprises a first closure to close the first opening and a second closure to close the second opening.

4. The handle of claim 3 wherein the handle body is cylindrical and includes a first end and a second end, and the first opening is located at the first end and second opening is located at the second end.

5. The handle of claim 1 wherein the at least one closure is comprised of at least one cap.

6. The handle of claim 1 wherein the attachment member includes adhesive to attach the handle to a storage unit.

7. The handle of claim 1 wherein the attachment member includes a plurality of holes wherein screws may be inserted in the holes to attach the handle to a storage unit.

8. The handle of claim 1 wherein the attachment member is resilient to allow attachment of the handle to non-flat surfaces.

9. The handle of claim 1 further comprising a receiving member wherein the handle body is attached to the receiving member by engaging the attachment member with the receiving member and the receiving member attaches to a storage unit.

10. The handle of claim 9 wherein the receiving member comprises

a base that attaches to the storage unit,

a first side and a second side wherein the first side is parallel to the second side and the first side and the second side are perpendicular to the base,

a first flange perpendicular to the first side,

a second flange perpendicular to the second side,

a blocked end adjacent to the first side and the second side, and

a releasable end opposite the blocked end wherein the attachment member is inserted through the releasable end.

11. The handle of claim 10 wherein the base includes adhesive.

12. The handle of claim 10 wherein the base includes a plurality of holes wherein screws may be inserted through the holes.

13. The handle of claim 10 wherein the base comprises a first tab that includes a first hole and a second tab that includes a second hole wherein a first screw may be inserted through the first hole and a second screw may be inserted into the second hole.

14. The handle of claim 10 wherein the receiving member and the attachment member are resilient to allow attachment of the handle to non-flat surfaces.

15. A handle comprising

a transparent handle body comprised of a cavity, at least one opening, at least one closure that closes the at least one opening, and an attachment member wherein an object may be inserted through the at least one opening and contained in the cavity; and

a receiving member comprised of a base that attaches to a storage unit, a first side and a second side wherein the first side is parallel to the second side and the first side and the second side are perpendicular to the base, a first flange perpendicular to the first side, a second flange perpendicular to the second side, a blocked end adjacent to the first side and the second side, and a releasable end opposite the blocked end wherein the attachment member is inserted through the releasable end.

16. The handle of claim 15 wherein the at least one opening is comprised of one opening and the handle body is cylindrical and further comprises a closed end located opposite the one opening.

17. The handle of claim 15 wherein the base includes adhesive.

18. The handle of claim 15 wherein the base includes a plurality of holes wherein a screw may be inserted in each of the holes.

19. The handle of claim 15 wherein the base comprises a first tab that includes a first hole and a second tab that includes a second hole wherein a first screw may be inserted through the first hole and a second screw may be inserted into the second hole.

20. The handle of claim 15 wherein the receiving member and the attachment member are resilient to allow attachment of the handle to non-flat surfaces.

21. A handle comprising

a transparent handle body comprised of a cavity, at least one opening, at least one closure that closes the at least one opening, and an attachment member wherein an object may be inserted through the at least one opening and contained in the cavity and the attachment member attaches the handle to a storage unit.

22. The handle of claim 21 wherein the at least one opening is comprised of one opening and the handle body is cylindrical and further comprises a closed end located opposite the one opening.

23. The handle of claim 21 wherein the attachment member is resilient to allow attachment of the handle to non-flat surfaces.

24. The handle of claim 21 wherein the attachment member includes adhesive.

25. The handle of claim 21 wherein the attachment member includes a plurality of holes wherein screws may be inserted in the holes to attach the handle to the storage unit.