Article organizer system

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An article organizer providing a plurality of hanger elements coupled to one or more hanger supports each rotatably coupled to a corresponding one or more members one of which mounts in fixed relation to a support surface.

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Description
I. BACKGROUND

Generally, an article organizer for organizing a plurality of articles. Specifically, a plurality of hanger elements coupled to one or more hanger supports each rotatably coupled to a corresponding one or more support members one of such members mounted in fixed relation to a support surface.

Various conventional article organizers exist to which articles such as earrings, bracelets, necklaces, rings or the like can be attached for storage or display. However, certain substantial problems remain unresolved with respect to these conventional article organizers.

One substantial problem with conventional article organizers may be that surfaces which engage the article (also referred to as “hanger elements”) to be organized may not be suitable for organizing certain types of articles. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,390,099 and 5,848,710 each describe rotatable tubular ring members that would not be practical for organizing a plurality of articles in the form of substantially planar sheet materials such as cutting templates or cutting guides such as those used for cutting materials for the production of quilts. Even in the case of the '710 patent the radial spokes do not provide any manner for organizing material cutting templates of substantially planar configuration such that the edge of such cutting templates can face radially outward.

Another substantial problem with conventional article organizers can be the lack of removeably coupled hanger elements. Fixedly coupled hanger elements do not allow for adjustment of the space between article hanger elements to accommodate for a wide variety of articles to be organized on the same article organizer whether in the same or different periods of time.

Another substantial problem with conventional article organizers can be that the hanger supports from which the hanger elements extend do not rotate or the members to which the hanger support couples do not rotate. Accordingly, a user of the article organizer must travel about the article organizer in order to place or remove articles on the hanger elements.

Another substantial problem with conventional article organizers can be a lack of multiple tiers of hanger supports which allow multiple tiers of hanger elements on which to organize articles. Another aspect of this problem can be that those conventional article organizers which provide multiple tiers do not allow adjustment of the number or distance between multiple tiers.

Another substantial problem with conventional article organizers can be the lack of a mount which allows the article organizer to be fixed to a variety of support surfaces such as the ceilings and walls of the interior of a building. Accordingly, conventional article organizers are supported by a floor or the elevated surface of a table, desk, display case, or the like. Locating an article organizer on the floor or on a desk or table surface reduces the open area on the table, desk or display case and introduces an object that must be traveled around in using the remaining open space of the top of the table or desk.

Another substantial problem with convention article organizers can be that components of the article organizer do not disassemble and reassemble to allow the article organizer to be mounted to a floor in a first utility and a ceiling or wall in a second utility. As an example, conventional article organizers cannot be disassembled and reassembled to operate in the inverted configuration.

The inventive article organizer and inventive methods of using the inventive article organizer address each of the foregoing problems associated with conventional devices and methods of organizing articles.

II. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, a broad object of the invention can be to provide an article organizer configured to provide a plurality of hanger elements coupled to one or more hanger supports each rotatably coupled to a corresponding one or more support members to provide a plurality of tiers of hanger elements with a first end of one support member mounted in fixed relation to a support surface.

Another broad object of the invention can be to provide an article organizer configured to provide hanger elements which removably couple to one or more hanger supports rotatably coupled to a corresponding one or more support members.

Another broad object of the invention can be to provide hanger elements configured to provide a first portion which removably couples into a hanger support and a second portion configured to correspondingly engage a part of the circumferential edge of the hanger support which provides the advantage of limiting rotation of the hanger about the first portion and transmits the load of articles engaged with the hanger element to the circumferential edge of the hanger support and in part away from the first portion of the hanger element.

Another broad object of the invention can be to provide an article organizer which mounts to the ceiling or wall of the inside of a building to avoid placement on the top of a desk, table or display case or disassembles and reassembles to provide a floor supported utility and to provide a ceiling or wall supported utility.

Naturally, further objects of the invention are disclosed throughout other areas of the specification, drawings, photographs, and claims.

III. A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 a perspective view of a particular embodiment of the inventive article organizer having a first tier of hanger elements and a second tier of hanger elements each tier coupled to a rotatable hanger support.

FIG. 2 is top view of a particular embodiment of the inventive article organizer.

FIG. 3 is side view of a particular embodiment of the inventive article organizer.

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of a particular embodiment of the inventive article organizer.

FIG. 5 is a cross section view 5-5 of the particular embodiment of the inventive article organizer shown in FIG. 1 and further including an additional tier of hanger supports.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the hanger support of the particular embodiment of the inventive article organizer shown in FIGS. 2-5.

FIG. 7 is a top view of the hanger support of the particular embodiment of the inventive article organizer shown in FIGS. 2-5.

FIG. 8 is a side view of the hanger support of the particular embodiment of the inventive article organizer shown in FIG. 1 having two hub elements.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of one of the plurality of hanger elements having terminal covers which can be used with the particular embodiments of the inventive article organizer shown in FIGS. 1-5.

FIG. 10 is a top view of one of the plurality of hanger elements without terminal covers which can be used with the particular embodiments of the inventive article organizer shown in FIGS. 1-5.

FIG. 11 is an end view of one of the plurality of hanger elements without terminal covers which can be used with the particular embodiments of the inventive article organizer shown in FIGS. 1-5.

FIG. 12 is a side view of one of the plurality of hanger elements without terminal covers which can be used with the particular embodiments of the inventive article organizer shown in FIGS. 1-5.

FIG. 13 is an end view of one of the plurality of hanger elements without terminal covers which can be used with the particular embodiments of the inventive article organizer shown in FIGS. 1-5.

FIG. 14 is a bottom view of one of the plurality of hanger elements without terminal covers which can be used with the particular embodiments of the inventive article organizer shown in FIGS. 1-5.

IV. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Generally, an article organizer for organizing one or more articles. Specifically, a plurality of hanger elements coupled to one or more hanger supports each rotatably coupled to a corresponding one or more support members one of such members mounted in fixed relation to a support surface.

Referring first to FIGS. 1-6, embodiments of the inventive article organizer (1) can include a first support member (2) having a length (3) disposed between a first end (4) and a second end (5). The first support member (2) while shown in the figures as having a generally circular configuration in cross section (see for example FIG. 2) is not so limited and the first member (2) (or any additional support members) can have a cross sectional configuration which is generally square, rectangular, oval, triangle, or the like. The length (3) of the first support member (2) disposed between the first end (4) and the second end (5) can be any useful length (3) depending upon the application. For example, as to those embodiments which mount to a ceiling of a building the first support member (2) can have greater length (3) than of those embodiments which mount to the floor of a building or to the top of a table. Additionally, while the first support member (2) shown in FIG. 1 has a generally linear configuration, the invention is not so limited, and certain embodiments of the inventive article organizer (1) can provide a member having curvature over the entire length (3) or a part of the length (3) or include angles or curves useful in locating the second end (5) at a particular location. For example, embodiments of the article organizer (1) which mount to a wall of a building the first support member can have a configuration which allows the first end (4) to mount to the wall while locating the longitudinal axis proximate the second end (5) of the first support member (2) in substantially perpendicular relationship with the floor which adjoins the wall.

Accordingly, the inventive article organizer (1) will further include an article organizer mount (6) (see for example FIG. 1 which shows a generic mount) having a configuration which provides a first mount surface (7) which allows fixed engagement of said article organizer (1) to a support surface (8). The support surface (8) as non-limiting examples can be the ceiling or the wall of a building; however the invention is not so limited, and the article organizer mount (6) can be configured to provide a first mount surface (7) which can be configured to mounted to any manner of support surface (8). The article organizer mount (6) can further provide a second mount surface (9) configured to fixedly or removably couple to the first end (4) of the first support member (2). Fixed or removable engagement of the first mount surface (7) of the article organizer mount (6) to a support surface (8) can be achieved by the use of mechanical fasteners such as screws, bolts, or nails; adhesives; welds; strap material, or the like. Similarly, fixed or removable engagement of the second mount surface (9) of the article organizer mount (6) with the first end (4) of the first support member (2) can be achieved by use of similar attachment means.

Again referring primarily to FIGS. 1-6, embodiments of the inventive article organizer (1) can further include a first hanger support (10) rotatably coupled to the second end (5) of said first support member (2). Certain embodiments of the first hanger support (10) can be configured to provide a disk element (11) having a thickness (12) disposed between a first side (13) and a second side (14) and which can be generally circular defining a circumferential edge (15). While the particular embodiments of the inventive article organizer (1) shown in FIGS. 1-6 each include first hanger support (10) having a disk element (11), the invention is not so limited, and the first hanger support (10) (as well as any additional hanger supports) can provide any of a numerous and varied range of first hanger support (10) configurations such as a square, a rectangle, a triangle, an oval, or the like having a thickness (12) and defining a perimeter edge (16).

The first hanger support (10) (as well as any additional hanger supports) can be rotatably coupled to the second end (5) of the first support member (2) by a rotation assembly (17). The rotation assembly (17) can take any constructional form which as to a particular configuration of first hanger support (10) allows the first hanger support (10) to rotate in relation to the second end (5) of the first support member (2). As a first non-limiting example, the second end (5) of the first support member (2) can further include a spirally threaded bore which rotatingly receives a mechanical fastener having a mateable spiral thread. The mechanical fastener can pass through a central bore which communicates with the opposed first side (13) and second side (14) of the disk element (11) and can be rotatingly received in the spirally threaded bore of the second end (5) of the first support member (2). The disk element (11) can rotate in relation to the second member end (5) about the mechanical fastener.

As a second non-limiting example, and referring now primarily to FIG. 6, a particular embodiment of the first hanger support (10) and rotation assembly (17) can include a hub element (21) coupled to the disk element (11). The disk element (11) can radially extend from the hub element (21) terminating in the circumferential edge (15). The hub element (21) can be further configured to couple with the rotation assembly (17) to allow rotation of the disk element (11). Again referring to the non-limiting example of FIG. 6, the rotation assembly (17) can be configured to provide a roller element bearing (22) (also referred to as the “first roller element bearing”) coupled proximate the second end (5) of the first support member (2). The roller element bearing (22) can provide an inside race (23) which defines a bearing bore (24) into which the hub element (21) can insert (or sufficiently forcibly urged) to establish a fixed relation of said disk element (11) to the second end (5) of the first support member (2). As to certain embodiments of the invention, the second end (5) of the first support member (2) can provide a hollow interior (25) having internal side walls (26) configured to engage an outside race (27) of the roller element bearing (22) which allows the roller element bearing (22) (also referred to as the “first roller element bearing”) to be forcibly urged to locate within the hollow interior (25) of the second end (5) of the first support member (2) with the bearing bore (24) located to receive the hub element (21) of the first hanger support (10).

Now referring primarily to FIGS. 1-6 and 7, as to particular embodiments of the invention, the disk element (11) of the first hanger support (10) can have a first side (13) and a second side (14) disposed in opposed relation. A plurality of hanger bores (28) (also referred to as “a first plurality of hanger bores”) can communicate between the first side (13) and said second side (14) of the disk element (11). Each of the plurality of hanger bores (28) can be located a distance radially outward (29) from a central axis (30) of the hub element (21) and can be spaced a distance apart (31) around the central axis (30) of the hub element (21). While the non-limiting example of FIG. 7, shows the plurality of hanger bores (28) of substantially the same internal diameter (32) and substantially equidistantly spaced apart (31) about the central axis (30) of the hub element (21) and substantially equidistantly located radially outward (29) from the central axis (29) of the hub element (21), the invention is not so limited, and the plurality of hanger bores (28) as to certain embodiments may include a plurality of hanger bores (28) which are of unequal internal diameter (32) and may be spaced unequally about the central axis (30) of the hub element (21) or an unequal distance radially outward (29) from the central axis (30) of the hub element (21).

Now referring primarily to FIGS. 9-14, embodiments of the invention can further include a plurality of hanger elements (33) (also referred to as “a first plurality of hanger elements”) each configured to removably couple with the first hanger support (10). Each of the plurality of hanger elements (33) can have a first hanger portion (34) configured to removably insert into a corresponding one of the plurality of hanger bores (28) of the disk element (11) of said first hanger support (10). As a non-limiting example, the first hanger portion (34) can be generally circular in cross section having an external diameter in the range of about one-eighth inch and one-quarter inch and a first portion length (35) in a range of about one-eighth inch and about five-eighths inch (or about the thickness (12) of the disk element (11)). The first hanger portion (34) can further be configured to rotate within the corresponding one of the plurality of hanger bores (28).

Additionally, each of the plurality of hanger elements (28) can have a second hanger portion (36) connected to the first hanger portion (34). The second hanger portion (36) can be configured such that upon insertion of the first hanger portion (34) into a corresponding one of the plurality of hanger bores (28) the second hanger portion (36) locates against the circumferential edge (15) of the disk element (11) to limit travel of the first hanger portion (35) both axially and rotationally with respect to the corresponding one of the plurality of hanger bores (28). A non-limiting example, the second hanger portion (36) can be generally circular in cross section having an external diameter in the range of about one-eighth inch and one-quarter inch and a second hanger portion length (40) in a range of about five-eighths inch (or about the thickness (12) of the disk element (11)) and about two inches.

Additionally, each of the plurality of hanger elements (33) can have a third hanger portion (37) connected to the second hanger portion (36) which upon insertion of the first hanger portion (35) in the corresponding one of said plurality of hanger bores (28) extends outwardly in relation to the disk element (11) of said first hanger support (10). The third hanger portion (37) while shown in the figures as being a substantially linear member can take any manner of configuration suitable for engaging a part of an article (38) to be organized. A non-limiting example the third hanger portion (37) can be generally circular in cross section having an external diameter in the range of about one-eighth inch and one-quarter inch and a third hanger portion length (41) in a range of about one and one-half inches and about four inches.

The manner of engaging the article (38) with respect to the third hanger portion (37) can typically take the form of hanging the article (38) on the third hanger portion (37) by insertion of a part of the third hanger portion (37) through an article opening (39) or aperture of the article (38), as shown for example in FIG. 1; however, the third hanger portion (37) is not so limited, and the third hanger portion (37) can further include article engagement elements (42) configured to clasp, grip, hold or otherwise engage an article (38) to secure it to the corresponding one of the plurality of hanger elements (33).

Additionally, each of the plurality of hanger elements (33) can have a fourth hanger portion (43) connected to the third hanger portion (41) configured to resist travel of the article (38) engaged with the third hanger portion (37). As one non-limiting example as shown in FIGS. 9-14, the fourth hanger portion (43) can take the constructional form of a linear member connected at an upward angle to the terminal of the outwardly extending third hanger portion (37).

Additionally, each of the plurality of hanger elements (33) can have a fifth hanger portion (44) connected to said third hanger portion (37) in substantially perpendicular horizontal relation, said fifth hanger portion (44) configured to removably accept an article (38). The advantage conferred by the fifth hanger portion can be that generally planar articles (38) such as rulers, cutting templates or the like can be received by the fifth hanger portion (44) to position the edge of the rulers, cutting templates or the like radially outward as shown for example in FIG. 1.

Now referring primarily to FIG. 9, embodiments of the plurality of hanger elements (33) can further comprise a first terminal cover (45) which can be coupled about a part of the first hanger portion terminal end (46) of the first hanger portion (34). The first hanger portion (34) of each one of the plurality of hanger elements (33) having the first terminal cover (45) engaged can insert into the corresponding one of said plurality of hanger bores (28). The first terminal cover (45) as to the non-limiting example shown in FIG. 9 can take the form of a closed end tube or sleeve (or can be an open ended tube or sleeve) which can be forcibly urged over the first hanger portion terminal end (46) of the first hanger portion (34). The terminal first cover (45) can have an external configuration which increases resistance to axial or rotational travel of the first hanger portion (34) in relation to the corresponding one of the plurality of hanger bores (28). The terminal first cover (45) can be molded or fabricated from a wide variety of plastics, metals, or the like. Again referring primarily to FIG. 9, embodiments of the plurality of hanger elements (33) can further comprise a second terminal cover (47) or more which couple to the third hanger portion terminal end (48) of the third hanger portion (37) (or a terminal end of the fourth hanger portion (43) or fifth hanger portion (44)) of one or more of the plurality of hanger elements (33).

Now referring primarily to FIGS. 1, 5 and 6, certain embodiments of the inventive article organizer (1) can provide a configuration where a first hub element (21) couples to the first side (13) of the disk element (11), and further provides a second hub element (49) coupled to the second side (14) of the disk element (11). The first hub element (21) and the second hub element (49) can be located in relation to the disk element (11) to allow rotation of each of the first hub element (21) and the second hub element (49) about a common central axis (30). A second support member (50) having a first end (51) and a second end (52) can be configured as above described for the first support member (2) and can further include a second rotation assembly (53) coupled to the first end (51) of the second support member (50). The second support member (50) can be rotatably coupled to the second hub element (49) of said first hanger support element (10) by the second rotation assembly (53) coupled to the first end (51) of the second support member (50). As to certain embodiments of the inventive article organizer (1), the second rotation assembly (53) can be configured as a second roller element bearing (54) coupled to the first end (51) of the second support member (50) as above described with respect to the first roller element bearing (22) and the second end (5) of the first support member (2). The second hub element (49) can be inserted or forcibly urged to locate within the bore (55) of the inner race (56) of the second roller element bearing (54).

Now referring primarily to FIGS. 1, 5 and 6, the inventive article organizer (1) can further include a third rotation assembly (57) coupled to the second end (52) of the second support member (50) which as to certain embodiments can include a third roller element bearing (58) coupled within the hollow interior (59) of the second support member (50), as above described for the first roller element bearing (22) and the second roller element bearing (54). A second hanger support (60) which can be configured as above described for the first hanger support (10) and with respect to certain embodiments providing a second disk element (61) having a first hub element (62) can be rotatably coupled to the second end (52) of the second member (50) by the third rotation assembly (57). The second hanger support (60) can further provide a second plurality of hanger bores (63) and each of the second plurality of hanger bores (63) can correspondingly receive a first hanger portion (34) of a corresponding second plurality of hanger elements (64). The second plurality of hanger bores (63) can be located and configured as above described for the first plurality of hanger bores (28). The second plurality of hanger elements (64) can each further include the second hanger portion (36), third hanger portion (37), fourth hanger portion (43) and fifth hanger portion (44) and can further include the first terminal cover (45), each of which can be configured or function as above described.

Now referring primarily to FIGS. 1 and 6, the inventive article organizer (1) can further include a third support member (65) (or additional members) having a length (66) disposed between a first end (67) and a second end (68) each of which can further include a corresponding rotation assembly (69) as above described which can be correspondingly coupled to the second hanger support (60) and to a third hanger support (70) which can further provide a third plurality of hanger bores (71) configured as above described each of which can removably couple one of a corresponding third plurality of hanger elements (72) by a first hanger portion (34) and each of the second hanger portion (36), third hanger portion (37), fourth hanger portion (43) and fifth hanger portion (44) and can further include the first terminal cover (45), each of which can be configured or function as above described.

Now referring primarily to FIG. 1, an inventive method of using the inventive article organizer (1) can include the step of mounting a first support member (2) to a support surface (8) proximate the first end (4). For the purposes of this invention the term “mounting” means fixedly engaging an article organizer mount (6) coupled to the second end (5) of the first support member (2) to a support surface (8) (non-limiting examples above described). In another step, the inventive method can further include rotating a first hanger support (10) rotatably coupled to the first end (4) of the first support member (2) through a part of one rotation, one rotation, or more than one rotation about a central axis (30). In another step, the inventive method can further include removably coupling at least one of a plurality of hanger elements (33) in a corresponding one of a plurality of hanger bores (28) of the first hanger support (10). In another step, the inventive method can further include rotating a second support member (50) coupled by a first end (51) to said first hanger support (10). In another step, the inventive method can further include rotating a second hanger support (60) rotatably coupled to a second end (52) of the second support member (50). In another step, the inventive method can further include coupling at least one of a second plurality of hanger elements (64) in a corresponding one of a plurality of hanger bores (63) of the second hanger support (60). In another step, the inventive method can further include rotating a third support member (65) rotatably coupled by a first end (67) to the second hanger support (60). In another step, the inventive method can further include rotating a third hanger support (70) rotatably coupled to a second end (65) of the third support member (65). In another step, the inventive method can further include coupling at least one of a third plurality of hanger elements (72) in a corresponding one of a plurality of hanger bores (71) of the third hanger support (70). As to the step(s) of removably coupling at least one of a first plurality of hanger elements (33) (or second plurality of hanger elements (64) or third plurality of hanger elements (72)) to the first hanger support (10) (or second hanger support (60) or third hanger support (70)) in a corresponding one of a first plurality of hanger support bores (63) (or second plurality of hanger support bores (71) or third plurality hanger support bores (71)), the step(s) can include inserting a first hanger portion (34) of at least one of the first plurality of hanger elements (33) (or second plurality of hanger elements (64) or third plurality of hanger elements (72)) in a corresponding one of a first plurality of hanger bores ( ) (or second plurality of hanger bores (63) or third plurality of hanger support bores (71)) which communicate between a first side (13) and a second side (14) of a first disk element (11) (or second disk element (61) or third disk element (62)) of the corresponding one of the first hanger support (10) (or second hanger support (60) or third hanger support (70)); and engaging a second hanger portion (36) of the at least one of the first plurality of hanger elements (33) (or second plurality of hanger elements (64) or third plurality of hanger elements (72)) against a circumferential edge (15) said first disk element (11) (or second disk element (61) or third disk element (73)). In another step, the inventive method can further include sufficient forcibly urging of the at least one of the first plurality of hanger elements (33) (or second plurality of hanger elements (64) or third plurality of hanger elements (72)) to overcome engaged resistance of a terminal cover coupled about the first hanger portion (34) with the engaged one of the plurality of hanger bores (28)(63)(71) to achieve insertion of the first hanger portion (34) of at least one of pluralities of hanger elements (33)(64)(72) in one of the plurality of hanger bores (28)(63)(71). In another step, the inventive method can further include sufficient forcibly urging to overcome engaged resistance of a first terminal cover (45) coupled about the first hanger portion (34) with one of the plurality of hanger bores (28)(63)(71) to generate rotation of said at least one of the pluralities of hanger elements (33)(64)(72) in one of the pluralities of hanger bores (28)(63)(71).

As can be easily understood from the foregoing, the basic concepts of the present invention including the best mode may be embodied in a variety of ways. The invention involves numerous and varied embodiments of an article organizer and methods of making and using such article organizer.

As such, the particular embodiments or elements of the invention disclosed by the description or shown in the figures or tables accompanying this application are not intended to be limiting, but rather exemplary of the numerous and varied embodiments generically encompassed by the invention or equivalents encompassed with respect to any particular element thereof. In addition, the specific description of a single embodiment or element of the invention may not explicitly describe all embodiments or elements possible; many alternatives are implicitly disclosed by the description and figures.

It should be understood that each element of an apparatus or each step of a method may be described by an apparatus term or method term. Such terms can be substituted where desired to make explicit the implicitly broad coverage to which this invention is entitled. As but one example, it should be understood that all steps of a method may be disclosed as an action, a means for taking that action, or as an element which causes that action. Similarly, each element of an apparatus may be disclosed as the physical element or the action which that physical element facilitates. As but one example, the disclosure of an “article organizer” should be understood to encompass disclosure of the act of “organizing articles”—whether explicitly discussed or not—and, conversely, were there effectively disclosure of the act of “organizing articles”, such a disclosure should be understood to encompass disclosure of an “article organizer” and even a “means for organizing an article.” Such alternative terms for each element or step are to be understood to be explicitly included in the description.

In addition, as to each term used it should be understood that unless its utilization in this application is inconsistent with such interpretation, common dictionary definitions should be understood to included in the description for each term as contained in the Random House Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, second edition, each definition hereby incorporated by reference.

Thus, the applicant(s) should be understood to claim at least: i) each of the article organizers disclosed and described, ii) the related methods disclosed and described, iii) similar, equivalent, and even implicit variations of each of these devices and methods, iv) those alternative embodiments which accomplish each of the functions shown, disclosed, or described, v) those alternative designs and methods which accomplish each of the functions shown as are implicit to accomplish that which is disclosed and described, vi) each feature, component, and step shown as separate and independent inventions, vii) the applications enhanced by the various systems or components disclosed, viii) the resulting products produced by such systems or components, ix) methods and apparatuses substantially as described hereinbefore and with reference to any of the accompanying examples, x) the various combinations and permutations of each of the previous elements disclosed.

The background section of this patent application provides a statement of the field of endeavor to which the invention pertains. This section may also incorporate or contain paraphrasing of certain United States patents, patent applications, publications, or subject matter of the claimed invention useful in relating information, problems, or concerns about the state of technology to which the invention is drawn toward. It is not intended that any United States patent, patent application, publication, statement or other information cited or incorporated herein be interpreted, construed or deemed to be admitted as prior art with respect to the invention.

The claims set forth in this specification, if any, are hereby incorporated by reference as part of this description of the invention, and the applicant expressly reserves the right to use all of or a portion of such incorporated content of such claims as additional description to support any of or all of the claims or any element or component thereof, and the applicant further expressly reserves the right to move any portion of or all of the incorporated content of such claims or any element or component thereof from the description into the claims or vice-versa as necessary to define the matter for which protection is sought by this application or by any subsequent application or continuation, division, or continuation-in-part application thereof, or to obtain any benefit of, reduction in fees pursuant to, or to comply with the patent laws, rules, or regulations of any country or treaty, and such content incorporated by reference shall survive during the entire pendency of this application including any subsequent continuation, division, or continuation-in-part application thereof or any reissue or extension thereon.

The claims set forth below are intended to describe the metes and bounds of a limited number of the preferred embodiments of the invention and are not to be construed as the broadest embodiment of the invention or a complete listing of embodiments of the invention that may be claimed. The applicant does not waive any right to develop further claims based upon the description set forth above as a part of any continuation, division, or continuation-in-part, or similar application.

Claims

1. An article organizer, comprising:

a) a first support member having a length disposed between a first end and a second end, said first end;
b) a first hanger support rotatably coupled to said second end of said first member; and
c) a plurality of hangers each configured to removably couple with said first hanger support.

2. The article organizer of claim 1, wherein said first support member further comprises a rotation assembly coupled to said second end, and wherein said first hanger support comprises a hub element coupled to a disk element which radially extends from said hub element, said hub element configured to couple with said rotation assembly to allow rotation of said disk element.

3. The article organizer of claim 2, wherein said rotation assembly comprises a roller element bearing coupled to said first support member proximate said second end and having an inside race which defines a bore into which said hub element inserts to establish fixed relation of said disk to said first support member.

4. The article organizer of claim 3, wherein said disk element of said first hanger support has a first side and a second side disposed in opposed relation and further comprises a plurality of hanger bores which communicate between said first side and said second side of said disk element, each of said plurality of hanger bores located a distance radially outward from a central axis of said hub and spaced a distance apart around said central axis.

5. The article organizer of claim 4, wherein each of said plurality of hanger elements has first hanger portion configured to removably insert into a corresponding one of said plurality of hanger bores of said disk element of said first hanger support.

6. The article organizer of claim 5, wherein said first hanger portion has a configuration which rotates within said corresponding one of said plurality of hanger bores.

7. The article organizer of claim 6, wherein said disk element of said first hanger support has a circumferential edge, and wherein each of said plurality of hanger elements has a second hanger portion connected to said first hanger portion which upon insertion of said first hanger portion into said corresponding one of said plurality of hanger bores of said disk element locates said second hanger portion against said circumferential edge of said disk element.

8. The article organizer of claim 7, wherein each one of said plurality of hanger elements has a third portion connected to said second hanger portion which upon insertion of said first hanger portion in said corresponding one of said plurality of hanger bores extends radially outward in relation to said central axis of said hub element of said first hanger support.

9. The article organizer of claim 8, wherein each one of said plurality of hanger elements has a fourth hanger portion connected to said third hanger portion, said fourth hanger portion configured to resist travel of an article slidely engaged with said third portion of said one of said plurality of hanger elements.

10. The article organizer of claim 9, further comprising a terminal cover coupled about said first hanger portion which inserts into said corresponding one of said plurality of hanger bores.

11. The article organizer of claim 10, wherein said terminal cover coupled about said first hanger portion has a configuration which increases resistance to travel of said first hanger portion in relation to said corresponding one of said plurality of hanger bores.

12. The article organizer of claim 11, where resistance to travel of said first hanger portion in relation to said corresponding one of said plurality of hanger bores comprises resistance to axial removable insertion of said first hanger portion in said corresponding one of said plurality of hanger bores.

13. The article organizer of claim 12, where resistance to travel of said first hanger portion in relation to said corresponding one of said plurality of hanger bores comprises resistance to rotation of said hanger portion in said corresponding one of said plurality of hanger bores.

14. The article organizer of claim 13, wherein each one of said plurality of hanger elements has a fifth hanger portion connected to said third hanger portion in substantially perpendicular horizontal relation, said fifth hanger portion configured to removably accept said article.

15. The article organizer of claim 14, wherein said a first hub element couples to said first side of said disk element, and further comprising a second hub element coupled to said second side of said disk element, wherein each of said first hub element and said second hub element have a configuration which allows rotation about said central axis.

16. The article organizer of claim 15, further comprising a second support member having a first end and a second end, said first end of said second member rotatably coupled to said second hub of said first hanger support element.

17. The article organizer of claim 16, further comprising a second hanger support having a first hub element coupled to the first side of a second disk element, said second hanger support rotatably coupled to said second end of said second support member by insertion of said first hub element into the bore of a second roller element bearing coupled to said second end of said second support member.

18. The article organizer of claim 17, wherein said second hanger support further comprises a second hub element coupled to said second surface of said second disk element, and a third support member having a first end and a second end, said first end of said third support member rotatably coupled to said second hub element of said second disk element.

19. The article organizer of claim 18, further comprising a third hanger support having a first hub element coupled to the first side of a third disk element, said third hanger support rotatably coupled to said second end of said third support member by insertion of said first hub element into the bore of a third roller element bearing coupled to said second end of said third member.

20. The article organizer of claim 19, wherein said second disk element of said second hanger support and said third disk element of said third hanger support each have a first side and a second side disposed in opposed relation and each further comprises a plurality of hanger bores which communicate between said first side and said second side of said disk element, each of said plurality of hanger bores located a distance radially outward from a central axis of said hub and spaced a distance apart around said central axis, each of said plurality of hanger bores configured to receive said corresponding plurality of said first hanger portions.

21. The article organizer of claim 20, wherein said article organizer mount has a configuration which allows fixed engagement of said article organizer to a ceiling of a building.

22-53. (canceled)

Patent History
Publication number: 20110089127
Type: Application
Filed: Oct 16, 2009
Publication Date: Apr 21, 2011
Applicant:
Inventors: Janna Lee Thomas (Loveland, CO), Paul Roger Thomas (Loveland, CO)
Application Number: 12/589,057
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: Rotatable (211/163); Elements (211/183)
International Classification: A47F 5/02 (20060101); A47F 5/00 (20060101);