Collapsible cargo organizer
An organizer for holding and organizing cargo comprises a case and a collapsible wall. The case comprises two hinged case components that are adapted to contain the collapsible wall. The collapsible wall comprises at least two end walls and at least one side wall. Each side wall can include two or more side wall panels that can be pivotally joined together. The collapsible wall is configurable into a generally rectangular-in-plan-view open configuration, or a generally flat, collapsed configuration. Together, the case and the collapsible wall form an open-top bin for holding cargo. One or more restraining poles can be used to assist in securing cargo. The collapsible wall can be set to the collapsed configuration and stored in the case along with the pole(s). The case can then be placed in the closed position, whereupon the organizer is contained within the closed case, facilitating storage and transport thereof.
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/381,393, entitled “Collapsible Cargo Organizer” and filed on May 3, 2006, which is specifically incorporated herein by reference for all that it discloses and teaches.
TECHNICAL FIELDThis invention relates generally to the field of vehicle cargo organizers and in particular to a collapsible vehicle cargo organizer.
BACKGROUNDWhen transporting cargo, such as groceries, sporting equipment, or the like in a vehicle, cargo holders and organizers can keep such items from tipping over and generally keep the cargo from rolling around during transit or otherwise becoming unorganized. Some vehicles include built-in organizers. However, such built-in organizers can not be relocated within the vehicle, nor can they be moved between vehicles, removed from the vehicle, etc. Thus, there is a need for a vehicle cargo organizer that is compact, easy to setup, and can be relocated quickly.
In its simplest form, a standard crate may be used as a cargo organizer. However, a non-collapsible crate is difficult to store since it does not collapse into a convenient configuration when not in use. Further, standard crates, such as milk crates for example, are not easily configured to accommodate cargo of varying sizes as the need arises. For example, a two liter bottle of soda will roll around inside a milk crate as a vehicle maneuvers. Furthermore, standard crates do not adequately contain messy cargo such as muddy shoes, dirty sports equipment, or leaking liquids.
Yet, even collapsible crates, such as that taught in U.S. Pat. No. 6,386,365 to Tan on May 14, 2002, are not necessarily easy to transport and store in their collapsed configurations, nor are they designed to be able to hold and contain liquids and other messy cargo. Such collapsible crate devices make no provision for easily carrying the device when collapsed. Further, such devices also have the drawback that they do not accommodate or adapt to cargo of varying sizes.
Other collapsible cargo organizers, such as those taught in U.S. Pat. No. 6,623,059 to Gehring et al. on Sep. 23, 2003; US Patent Application 2003/0062233 to Sharples on Apr. 3, 2003; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,938,807 to Victor on Sep. 6, 2005; have similar drawbacks. For example, no provision is made to easily retain cargo items of varying sizes in such items. Further, such devices do not collapse down into an extremely compact case that is easy to transport. Still further, such devices are not well designed for stability in a moving vehicle, for example.
Clearly, then, there is a need for a cargo organizer that is extremely easy to set-up and knock-down. Such a needed device should allow the user to securely transport cargo items of varying sizes, and should be stable within a moving vehicle. A user should be able to quickly and easily remove the cargo organizer and relocate it to another vehicle, a garage, house, etc. Further, such a needed device should be relatively strong and yet inexpensive to manufacture. The present invention accomplishes these objectives.
SUMMARYEmbodiments of the present invention described and claimed herein address the foregoing limitations and problems by providing a collapsible cargo organizer. The organizer is designed to hold and organize cargo, such as filled grocery bags, store-bought products, swimming accessories, sports gear, automotive accessories, etc.
In one embodiment, a collapsible cargo organizer comprises a case and a collapsible wall component. In the organizer's collapsed configuration, the case holds the collapsed collapsible wall component. The case comprises two case components, each of which includes a base that has a plurality of upwardly extending side edges that form a relatively short bulwark wall at the periphery of each base. Together, each bulwark wall and base form an open-top, three dimensional shape; in a preferred embodiment, the shape is a rectangular box. Each bulwark wall comprises a number of short walls; in a preferred embodiment, there are four: a hinge short wall, a first end short wall, an outside short wall, and a second end short wall.
The hinge short walls of the case components are designed to attach to each other. The means of attaching the case components can include a mutually-cooperating hinge attached to the tops of both hinge short walls. When the case components are in their closed position, a latching means can be utilized to securely close the organizer in its collapsed configuration. When fully opened, wherein one case component is rotated substantially 180 degrees about the hinge, or other attachment means, the case forms a two-part base that can support the extended collapsible wall component
The organizer further includes a collapsible wall component that comprises at least two end walls and two side walls. Each wall is generally rectangular in shape and includes an upper edge, a lower edge, a left edge, a right edge, an inside surface, and an outside surface. Each wall can be attached on its left edge to the wall on its left and on its right edge to the wall on its right. Thus, when the collapsible wall extension means is fully extended, the walls form a closed geometrical figure when viewed from above in a top plan view. All the inside surfaces of the walls form the inside of the geometrical figure while the outside surfaces of the walls form the outside of the geometrical figure.
In the preferred four-wall configuration, the resulting geometrical figure that is formed is a rectangle. In such a configuration, when examined from inside the rectangle, the left edge of the first end wall abuts the right edge of the first side wall; the left edge of the first side wall abuts the right edge of the second end wall; the left edge of the second end wall abuts the right edge of the second side wall; and the left edge of the second side wall abuts the right edge of the first end wall.
In one embodiment, the collapsible wall component can be configured as follows. A portion of the collapsible wall component is contained within each case component. In regards to the first case component, the lower edge of the first end wall is rotatably attached to the first outside short wall such that the first end wall can be stowed inside the first case component, or it can be rotated up substantially ninety degrees to stand perpendicular to the base. In regards to the second case component, the lower edge of the second end wall is rotatably attached to the second outside short wall such that the second end wall can be stowed inside the second case component, or it can be rotated up substantially ninety degrees to stand approximately perpendicular to the base. In order to extend the collapsible wall, both end walls are rotated up so that they stand substantially perpendicular to the two-part base. The first side wall is rotatably attached to the first end wall such that, with the first end wall in its perpendicular orientation, the first side wall can be swung out substantially ninety degrees to extend between the first end wall and the second end wall. The second side wall is rotatably attached to the second end wall such that, with the second end wall in its perpendicular orientation, the second side wall can be swung out substantially ninety degrees to extend between the second end wall and the first end wall. The four walls (i.e., the two end walls and two side walls) thus form a rectangle when viewed from the top plan view. Together with the two-part base, the extended collapsible wall component forms an open-topped cargo organizer.
The present invention provides many benefits over the prior art. The collapsible cargo organizer is extremely easy to set-up and knock-down. The present invention allows the user to securely transport cargo items of varying sizes, and is stable within a moving vehicle. Because of the bulwark wall, each case component is substantially waterproof and can properly contain liquids and other messy cargos. Furthermore, the present device provides for easy transport and storage while in a collapsed configuration, and is relatively inexpensive to manufacture.
The aforementioned and other features and objects of the present invention and the manner of attaining them will become more apparent and the invention itself will be best understood by reference to the following descriptions of a preferred embodiment and other embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
In one embodiment, a collapsible cargo organizer comprises a case and a collapsible wall component. The organizer can be in a collapsed configuration or in a fully assembled configuration. In the collapsed configuration, the case is closed around the collapsed collapsible wall component; while in the assembled configuration, the case is laid open to form a substantially flat base with the wall component fully extended in place above the base to form the cargo organizer's side walls.
The first case component 120 can be shaped as a low, rectangular box having a base 121 that has four downwardly extending side edges: a first end short wall 122, an outside short wall 123, a second end short wall 124, and a hinge short wall 125 (the second end short wall 124 and hinge short wall 125 are not explicitly shown in
In the embodiment shown in
The hinge short walls 125 and 135 of the case components 120 and 130 are designed to attach to each other. The means of attaching the case components 120 and 130 can include a mutually-cooperating hinge attached to the tops of both hinge short walls 125 and 135. When the case components 120 and 130 are in their closed position, a latching means 150 and 156 can be utilized to keep the organizer 100 securely closed in its collapsed configuration. When fully opened, wherein the first case component 120 is rotated substantially 180 degrees about the hinge (see
In other embodiments, the number of side edges 122, 123, 124, 125, 132, 133, 134, and 135 can vary as can the geometric shape of the bases 121 and 131. For example, triangular shaped bases 121 and 131 are contemplated. Such bases 121 and 131 would only require 3 side edges per base. Other configurations are possible. Furthermore, the shapes and relative dimensions of the various components can vary from those depicted in
Also shown in
In the embodiment illustrated in
Given the side view of
The first case component 220 is attached to the second case component 230 in
The first case component 320 is illustrated in
As illustrated in
Also shown in
The exemplary embodiment illustrated in
Turning now to the second case component 330, the lower edge of the second end wall 366 is rotatably attached to the second case component 330 such that the second end wall 366 can be stowed inside the second case component 330, or it can be rotated up substantially ninety degrees to stand generally perpendicular to the second case component 330. In the embodiment shown in
In order to extend the collapsible wall 360, both end walls 362 and 366 are rotated up so that they stand substantially perpendicular to the base components 321 and 331. The final steps necessary for extending the collapsible wall 360 are described in the detailed description of
The first case component 420 is illustrated in
As illustrated in
Also shown in
The exemplary embodiment illustrated in
In order to fully extend the collapsible wall 460, both end walls 462 and 466 are rotated up into the upright configuration shown in
In one embodiment, any simple rotation means known in the art can be utilized to mount the first side wall 464 to the first end wall 462. For example, the first side wall 464 can be attached to the first end wall 462 using a plurality of clips attached to the first end wall 462 that grip the wire frame (or some other grip points) of the first side wall 464 and allow it to rotate. In other embodiments, other mounting means are contemplated including removably mounting the first side wall 464 such that it can be completely removed from contact with the first end wall 462. In yet another embodiment the first side wall 464 is attached to the first end wall 462 by a hinge.
In one embodiment, any simple rotation means known in the art can be utilized to mount the second side wall 468 to the second end wall 466. For example, the second side wall 468 can be attached to the second end wall 466 using a plurality of clips attached to the second end wall 466 that grip the wire frame (or other grip points) of the second side wall 468 and allow it to rotate. In other embodiments, other mounting means are contemplated including removably mounting the second side wall 468 such that it can be completely removed from contact with the second end wall 466. In yet another embodiment the second side wall 468 is attached to the second end wall 466 by a hinge.
Once both side walls 464 and 468 are fully extending they can clip to the opposite end walls 466 and 462, respectively. In one embodiment, simple clips are attached to the end walls 466 and 462 that can receive the side walls 464 and 468 and can removably hold the side walls 464 and 468 in position relative to the end walls 466 and 462. In another embodiment, catches can be disposed on the end walls 462 and 466 or on the side walls 464 and 468 to grasp and hold the walls 462, 464, 466, and 468 together. In yet other embodiments, other methods of securing the distal ends of the side walls 464 and 468 to the end walls 466 and 462, respectively, are contemplated.
In an alternate embodiment, each side wall 464 and 468 can include two or more side wall panels that are pivotally joined together such that the panels can fold or expand as needed. Furthermore, each side wall 464 and 468 can further include a case hinge cut-out for receiving the hinge 215 therethrough. In yet another embodiment, no hinge cut-out is necessary as the side walls 464 and 468 can extend above the hinge 215 as shown in
In order to help further strengthen the organizer 400 in its open configuration, lockable bolts can be added to the short end walls 422 and 432 as well as 424 and 434. The bolts can extend between the two wall sets and provide rigidity. Furthermore, additional collapsible wall 460 clips can be added inside the bulwark walls to grasp and hold the collapsible wall 460 when it is fully extended. In yet another embodiment, an internal slot could be built into the bulwark walls to accept the extended collapsible wall 460.
The organizer 500 in the open position forms a substantially water-tight tray for holding cargo 590. To further secure the cargo 590, the organizer 500 preferably includes a plurality of relocatable restraining poles 580 and 586. Each pole 580 and 586 is sized to fit between and be frictionally and/or mechanically retained by either the two side walls 564 and 568 or the two end walls 562 and 566. Each pole 580 and 586 can include a clip similar to those discussed above which is attached to the pole and can clip to any of the walls 562, 564, 566, and 568. The clips can be generally “C” shaped and can grip the wire frame or other grip points on the walls 562, 564, 566, and 568. Furthermore, the top edge of the walls 562, 564, 566, and 568 could have a rubber-like strip extending along the edge in order to better retain snap-on clips. In other embodiments, the clips at the ends of the poles can be configured differently.
In one embodiment, the two side walls 564 and 568 do not extend as high as the two end walls 562 and 566 such that two poles 580 and 586 can be installed so that they cross each other without interference. As such, each pole 580 and 586 may be engaged between opposing walls 562 and 566 or 564 and 568 to strengthen the organizer 500 when in its open position. Alternatively, both poles 580 and 586 can be installed between the same pair of walls 562 and 566 or 564 and 568. In yet another embodiment, one of the poles 580 has extended clips that allow the pole to pass under the other pole 586 when both are used in conjunction on neighboring walls 562, 564, 566, and 568, all of which are of the same height. When the organizer 500 is closed, the poles 580 and 586 can be placed within the organizer 500 for storage purposes.
In an alternate embodiment of the invention, each pole 580 and 586 incorporates a piece of hook material on each end and various pieces of corresponding loop material are located on the inside surfaces of the walls 562, 564, 566 and 568 for receiving the hook-material on the ends of the poles 580 and 586, thereby securing the poles 580 and 586 in set positions. In yet other embodiments, other pole receiving means can be used to secure the restraining poles 580 and 586 to the walls 562, 564, 566, and 568.
Each wall 562, 564, 566 and 568 may further include at least one bag handle hook (not shown) for retaining the handle of at least one grocery bag therein to keep the bag closed during transit. These hooks may be attached by hook and loop material or by any other suitable retaining means. In another embodiment, various straps of hook and look material may be used in place of, or in addition to, bag handle hooks.
The above specification, examples and data provide a description of the structure and use of exemplary embodiments of the described articles of manufacture and methods. Many embodiments can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Claims
1. A collapsible cargo organizer, comprising:
- a case comprising a plurality of case components, each case component including a base having a plurality of upwardly extending short walls at a periphery thereof forming a bulwark wall;
- each bulwark wall comprising at least a first end short wall, a hinge short wall, and an outside short wall;
- each hinge short wall including a mutually-cooperating hinge means;
- the case including at least one latch means;
- the case configurable into an open position in which the bases of each case component are generally coplanar, and a closed position in which one case component is rotated about the hinge means substantially 180 degrees until the bulwark walls of each case component are brought substantially into mutual contact;
- a collapsible wall component comprising at least two end walls and at least one side wall, each wall including an upper edge, a lower edge, a left edge, a right edge, an inside surface, and an outside surface and wherein the at least one side wall can be swung out from one of the end walls by a second hinge means configured along the right edge of the end wall and the left edge of the side wall;
- the collapsible wall component configurable into a generally square-in-plan-view open configuration and a generally flat, collapsed configuration;
- whereby with the collapsible wall component in the open configuration and positioned such that the lower edges of each wall thereof are in close proximity to the bulwark wall of each case component, the case in the open position, the organizer forms an open bin for holding cargo and the case forms a water-tight tray, and with the collapsible wall component in the collapsed configuration and stored in the case, the case in the closed position, the organizer is contained within the closed case.
2. The organizer of claim 1 wherein the case includes a handle projecting from an outer surface of the bulwark walls thereof.
3. The organizer of claim 1 wherein the latch means includes a lever and a catch, such that the catch is frictionally retained by the lever when the case is in the closed position, the lever being manually actuated to release the catch to allow opening of the case.
4. The organizer of claim 1 wherein each case component is structurally similar such that each case component may be formed using the same mold.
5. The organizer of claim 1 further including at least one restraining pole having two ends, the pole sized to fit between and be frictionally retained by the walls of the collapsible wall component.
6. The organizer of claim 2 further including at least one restraining pole having two ends, the pole sized to fit between and be frictionally retained by the walls of the collapsible wall component.
7. The organizer of claim 5 wherein the end of each pole further includes a clip for receiving and being retained by the upper edges of each wall of the collapsible wall component, whereby each pole may be engaged between upper edges of opposing walls to strengthen the organizer when the case and collapsible wall component are in the open configuration.
8. The organizer of claim 5 wherein the inside surface of each wall of the collapsible wall component includes a plurality of pole receiving means, each pole receiving means for receiving one end of the pole.
9. The organizer of claim 6 wherein the inside surface of each wall of the collapsible wall component includes a plurality of pole receiving means, each pole receiving means for receiving one end of the pole.
10. A collapsible cargo organizer, comprising:
- a case comprising a plurality of case components, each case component including a base having a plurality of upwardly extending short walls at a periphery thereof forming a bulwark wall;
- each bulwark wall comprising at least a first end short wall, a hinge short wall, and an outside short wall;
- each hinge short wall including a mutually-cooperating hinge means;
- the case including at least one latch means;
- the case configurable into an open position in which the bases of each case component are generally coplanar, and a closed position in which one case component is rotated about the hinge means substantially 180 degrees until the bulwark walls of each case component are brought substantially into mutual contact;
- a collapsible wall component comprising at least a first and second end wall and at least a first and second side wall, each wall including an upper edge, a lower edge, a left edge, a right edge, an inside surface, and an outside surface and wherein the first side wall can be swung out from the first end wall by a second hinge means configured along the right edge of the first end wall and the left edge of the first side wall and wherein the second side wall can be swung out from the second end wall by a third hinge means configured along the right edge of the second end wall and the left edge of the second side wall;
- the right edge of the second side wall is capable of being removably attached to the left edge of the first end wall via a first plurality of clips and the right edge of the first side wall is capable of being removably attached to the left edge of the second end wall via a second plurality of clips;
- the collapsible wall component configurable into a generally square-in-plan-view open configuration and a generally flat, collapsed configuration;
- whereby with the collapsible wall component in the open configuration and positioned such that the lower edges of each wall thereof are in close proximity to the bulwark wall of each case component, the case in the open position, the organizer forms an open bin for holding cargo and the case forms a water-tight tray, and with the collapsible wall component in the collapsed configuration and stored in the case, the case in the closed position, the organizer is contained within the closed case.
11. The organizer of claim 10 wherein the case includes a handle projecting from an outer surface of the bulwark walls thereof.
12. The organizer of claim 10 wherein the latch means includes a lever and a catch, such that the catch is frictionally retained by the lever when the case is in the closed position, the lever being manually actuated to release the catch to allow opening of the case.
13. The organizer of claim 10 wherein each case component is structurally similar such that each case component may be formed using the same mold.
14. The organizer of claim 10 further including at least one restraining pole having two ends, the pole sized to fit between and be frictionally retained by the walls of the collapsible wall component.
15. The organizer of claim 11 further including at least one restraining pole having two ends, the pole sized to fit between and be frictionally retained by the walls of the collapsible wall component.
16. The organizer of claim 14 wherein the end of each pole further includes a clip for receiving and being retained by the upper edges of each wall of the collapsible wall component, whereby each pole may be engaged between upper edges of opposing walls to strengthen the organizer when the case and collapsible wall component are in the open configuration.
17. The organizer of claim 14 wherein the inside surface of each wall of the collapsible wall component includes a plurality of pole receiving means, each pole receiving means for receiving one end of the pole.
18. The organizer of claim 15 wherein the inside surface of each wall of the collapsible wall component includes a plurality of pole receiving means, each pole receiving means for receiving one end of the pole.
Type: Application
Filed: Feb 24, 2010
Publication Date: Jul 8, 2010
Inventor: Thai Vo Truong (Highlands Ranch, CO)
Application Number: 12/660,304