Multipurpose Storage and Organizing Apparatus

Abstract

A multipurpose storage and organizing apparatus includes a semi-rigid frame that is substantially thin and planar, and a holding strap. The multipurpose storage and organizing apparatus is mountable to a vertical substrate, such as, but not limited to, an airplane table tray, and is useful for holding items for use on trips, and/or for holding waste.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

The present invention claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 61/404,348, filed on Oct. 4, 2010, and 61/401,792, filed on Aug. 20, 2010, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a multipurpose storage and organizing apparatus. Specifically, the present invention includes a semi-rigid frame that is substantially thin and planar, and an elastic holding strap. The multipurpose storage and organizing apparatus may be mounted to a vertical substrate, such as, but not limited to, an airplane table tray.

BACKGROUND

It is, of course, generally known for travelers of airplanes, buses, cars or other like vehicles, to travel with items that may be utilized during the travel. For example, airline passengers often find themselves sitting in one position for many hours, with limited resources to occupy the time. Thus, it is typical for travelers to seek to stow, in vehicles, items that may be utilized during the trip, such as food, drink, games, books, electronic devices, makeup, tissue, toys, and other like items. Numerous devices, systems and methods have been tried to temporarily retain such items, but with significant disadvantages.

For example, placing an object directly on the front floor of a vehicle is unacceptable because a user of the object may find it difficult to reach the object, especially while wedged into a typical airline seat. Placing the objects on the floor reduces the available foot space, tends to move when the vehicle moves, and may be subjected to dirt, moisture and pathogens that may be present in the vehicle.

Moreover, disposing of waste during a long trip may be difficult. For example, waste that may be generated during a flight, such as food wrappers, tissues and other like objects, are typically placed on the floor or in the seat pocket, or otherwise may simply be placed on the seat or the tray table until a flight attendant comes around with a waste receptacle. This may be unsanitary and unsightly. Placing the waste on the floor may cause the waste to spill if kicked, contributing to the spread of pathogens and the like. If in an automobile, drivers and occupants may be tempted to utilize the rear floor of the vehicle, which may impose the same space, aesthetic and sanitary problems for rear seat occupants while further complicating the accessibility problems for front seat occupants.

In addition, many travelers travel with bags or other holders for their goods, and in many cases wish to retain documents and other important travel papers in particular locations that may reduce theft or accidental loss of the papers. In many cases, bags may be worn close to the bodies of the travelers, such as on belts or around the necks of the travelers.

A need, therefore, exists for a multipurpose storage and organizing apparatus that may be secured, via one or more elastic straps, to a vertically disposed substrate, such as an airline tray table that may be built into an airplane seat back.

Further, a need exists for a multipurpose storage and organizing apparatus that provides secure mounting in a location that is convenient to seat occupants. Moreover, a need exists for a multipurpose storage and organizing apparatus that is adaptable to a variety of vehicle interior seating configurations.

In addition, a need exists for a multipurpose storage and organizing apparatus that provides a utility receptacle that may be mounted to an airplane table tray that may be easily accessible to the seat occupant. A need further exists for a multipurpose storage and organizing apparatus that is capable of safely and securely holding frequently used objects during a trip, such as food, drink, personal items, and electronics, without impeding retrieval of such items.

Still further, a need exists for a multipurpose storage and organizing apparatus that provides an airline utility receptacle that may be easily attached and removed to a vertical substrate, such as an airline passenger tray table. Moreover, a need exists for a multipurpose storage and organizing apparatus that may be used on a variety of vehicles, such as automobiles, trains, airplanes, boats and other like vehicles.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a multipurpose storage and organizing apparatus. Specifically, the present invention includes a semi-rigid frame that is substantially thin and planar, and an elastic holding strap. The multipurpose storage and organizing apparatus may be mounted to a vertical substrate, such as, but not limited to, an airplane table tray.

To this end, in an embodiment of the present invention a multipurpose storage and organizing apparatus is provided. The apparatus comprises: a first panel and a second panel, and a fold line between the first panel and the second panel, wherein the apparatus has an open configuration and a closed configuration based on the disposition of the first and second panels in relation to each other; a first pocket disposed in at least one of the first panel and the second panel; and an attaching band connected to the first panel at a first location and the second panel at a second location, wherein the attaching band is disposable around a substrate for holding the apparatus thereon.

In an embodiment, the band is elastic.

In an embodiment, the first location is on an end of the first panel.

In an embodiment, the second location is on an end of the second panel.

In an embodiment, the first location is on an end of the first panel, and wherein the second location is on an end of the second panel.

In an embodiment, the first panel comprises a first side and a second side, wherein the first pocket is disposed in the second side of the first panel.

In an embodiment, the second panel comprises a first side and a second side, wherein a second pocket is disposed in the second side of the second panel.

In an embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a transparent window disposed in the first panel.

In an embodiment, the apparatus 1 further comprises a connecting element connecting a first end of the first panel to a first end of the second panel to dispose the apparatus in a folded configuration.

In an embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a lead connected to the apparatus in a looped configuration.

In an embodiment, the band has a length, and further wherein the length of the band is adjustable.

In an embodiment, the apparatus further comprising a plurality of pockets disposed in the apparatus, such that access to the plurality of pockets is obtained when the apparatus is disposed in an unfolded configuration.

In an embodiment, the apparatus further comprises at least one item disposed within the first pocket.

In an embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a substrate, wherein the band is disposed around the substrate, and the apparatus is held on the substrate.

In an embodiment, the substrate is an airplane tray table.

In an embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a second fold line in the apparatus, wherein the apparatus is folded on both the first fold line and the second fold line when in the closed configuration.

In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, a method of using a multipurpose storage and organizing apparatus is provided. The method comprises the steps of: providing an apparatus comprising a first panel and a second panel, and a fold line between the first panel and the second panel, wherein the apparatus has an open configuration and a closed configuration based on the disposition of the first and second panels in relation to each other; a first pocket disposed in at least one of the first panel and the second panel; and an attaching band connected to the first panel at a first location and the second panel at a second location, wherein the attaching band is disposable around a substrate for holding the apparatus thereon; opening the apparatus to form the open configuration; and placing the band around a vertical substrate, thereby disposing the apparatus on the vertical substrate to expose the at least one pocket for holding an item.

In an embodiment, the method further comprises the step of placing an item within the first pocket.

In an embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a transparent window in the first panel, and further wherein the method comprises the step of placing an item within the transparent window for viewing thereof by an observer.

In an embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a looped lead, and further wherein the method comprises the steps of: disposing the apparatus in the closed configuration; and hanging the apparatus around the neck of a user thereof via the looped lead.

It is, therefore, an advantage of the present invention to provide a multipurpose storage and organizing apparatus that may be secured, via one or more elastic straps, to a vertically disposed substrate, such as an airline tray table that may be built into an airplane seat back.

Further, it is an advantage of the present invention to provide a multipurpose storage and organizing apparatus that provides secure mounting in a location that is convenient to seat occupants.

Moreover, it is an advantage of the present invention to provide a multipurpose storage and organizing apparatus that is adaptable to a variety of vehicle interior seating configurations.

In addition, it is an advantage of the present invention to provide a multipurpose storage and organizing apparatus that provides a utility receptacle that may be mounted to an airplane table tray that may be easily accessible to the seat occupant.

It is a further advantage of the present invention to provide a multipurpose storage and organizing apparatus that is capable of safely and securely holding frequently used objects during a trip, such as food, drink, personal items, and electronics, without impeding retrieval of such items.

Still further, it is an advantage of the present invention to provide a multipurpose storage and organizing apparatus that provides an airline utility receptacle that may be easily attached and removed to a vertical substrate, such as an airline passenger tray table.

Moreover, it is an advantage of the present invention to provide a multipurpose storage and organizing apparatus that may be used on a variety of vehicles, such as automobiles, trains, airplanes, boats and other like vehicles.

Additional features and advantages of the present invention are described in, and will be apparent from, the detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments and from the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawing figures depict one or more implementations in accord with the present concepts, by way of example only, not by way of limitations. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements.

FIG. 1 illustrates a planar view of a multipurpose storage and organizing apparatus in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a partially open multipurpose storage and organizing apparatus in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a front end planar view of a multipurpose storage and organizing apparatus disposed on an airplane seat tray table in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a planar view of a folded multipurpose storage and organizing apparatus showing a see-through window in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective rear planar view of a multipurpose storage and organizing apparatus in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a front view of a multipurpose storage and organizing apparatus in an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates an elevated perspective view of a multipurpose storage and organizing apparatus in an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a front planar view of a multipurpose storage and organizing apparatus disposed on a glove box in an automobile in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates a front planar view of a multipurpose storage and organizing apparatus disposed on a drawer in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates a front planar view of a multipurpose storage and organizing apparatus disposed on a chair in an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention relates to a multipurpose storage and organizing apparatus. Specifically, the present invention includes a semi-rigid frame that is substantially thin and planar, and an elastic holding strap. The multipurpose storage and organizing apparatus may be mounted to a vertical substrate, such as, but not limited to, an airplane table tray, or other like substrate as disclosed below.

Now referring to the figures, wherein like numerals refer to like parts, a multipurpose storage and organizing apparatus 10 is illustrated, as shown in FIGS. 1-3 in an embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, the apparatus 10 may include a first panel 12 and a second panel 14, bifurcated by fold line 16 between the first panel 12 and the second panel 14. The first panel 12 and/or the second panel 14 may be made from a resilient material, such as, for example, plastic and/or fabric. As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the first panel 12 and the second panel 14 may have a reinforcing frame 18 running around perimeters of the first panel 12 and the second panel 14 to provide further rigidity and/or strength to the first panel 12 and the second panel 14.

The apparatus 10 may have a connecting element for connecting the apparatus to a vertically disposed substrate, as disclosed below. The connecting element may be a strap, hook, clamp, latch fastening system, or any other like device for holding the apparatus 10 to a substrate. Preferably, the connecting element may be a loop of flexible material, such as a strap, belt, rope, band or other element. Moreover, the loop of material may include a detachable clip for disconnecting the loop of flexible material, or an adjustment element for changing the size of the loop of material. In a most preferred embodiment, the fastening system may be an elastic band 20. The elastic band 20 may preferably be disposed between an end 22 of the first panel 12 and an end 24 of the second panel 14, although it may be connected to the apparatus and any location. The elastic band 20 may preferably attach around a vertically disposed substrate, as disclosed in more detail below, to hold the apparatus 10 in an open and unfolded configuration to access a plurality of pockets disposed therein, as disclosed in more detail below.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, an attaching clip 26 may be provided for attaching the apparatus 10 to a securing element. For example, the apparatus 10 may be clipped to a belt, a belt loop, or any other element for attaching the apparatus to the element. Moreover, the apparatus 10, as illustrated in FIG. 1, may include a closing element 28 that may hold the first panel 12 in close proximity to the second panel 14, to close the apparatus 10 via the fold line 16. The closing element 28 may include a male clip portion 30 and a female clip portion 32 that may be disposed in engaged relationship to hold the first panel 12 to the second panel 14, thereby holding the apparatus 10 in the closed configuration. In alternate embodiments, the closing element 28 may be zippers, clips, Velcro™, buttons, latches, ties or other such closing elements. The closing element 28 may also be removably attached to the apparatus 10.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, a first clip 34, disposed on a first end of the fold line 16, and a second clip 36, disposed on a second end of the fold line 16, may hold a lead 38 that may be utilized by a user to hold the apparatus 10. Alternatively, the lead may form a loop between the first clip 34 and the second clip 36 that may allow a user to use the lead 38 as a lanyard and dispose the apparatus around the user's neck for secure holding of the apparatus 10. The lead 38 may be adjustable to shorten or lengthen the lead, as desired by the user, and/or may be removable as desired.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 3, a transparent window 40 may be disposed in the apparatus 10, such as in the second panel 14. The transparent window 40 may be utilized to hold information that may be viewable from an observer. For example, a passport may be disposed within a pocket (not shown) in the apparatus allowing the passport to be viewable to an observer. Alternatively, another identification or a photograph may be held within the pocket (not shown) so as to be viewable by an observer.

Referring now to FIG. 4, the apparatus 10 is illustrated disposed on a tray table 42 fixed to the rear of an airplane seat 44. The band 20 may stretch over the generally vertically disposed tray table 42 and generally frictionally remain in place. The band 20 may be adjustable to shorten and or lengthen the band 20 to better hold the apparatus 10 in place, such as when disposed on the tray table 42, or other vertically disposed substrate.

A plurality of pockets 46 may be disposed in the apparatus 10. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the plurality of pockets 46 may be disposed on a side of the apparatus opposite to the first panel 12 and second panel 14, as shown in FIGS. 1-3. The plurality of pockets 46 may be any size or configuration to hold one or more items 48 therein, such as a cup or can of fluid, used as a drink, pencils, pens, markers, papers, books, pamphlets, glasses, electronic devices, or any other item apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. The apparatus 10 allows the items disposed within the pockets to be accessible to a user when the apparatus 10 is opened and disposed on the vertical substrate, such as the tray table 42, as illustrated in FIG. 4.

FIG. 4 illustrates a rear view of the apparatus 10 showing the first panel 12 and the second panel 14 and the fold line 16, but in the open configuration with the items 48 contained therein. The apparatus 10 may continue to hold viewable items, such as a passport or other identification, or other like item, within the transparent window 40.

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate alternate embodiments of the present invention, illustrating differences in sizing and depth. Specifically, FIG. 6 illustrates an apparatus 60 that may be relatively shorter in size than the apparatus 10, illustrated with respect to FIGS. 1-5. In addition, FIG. 7 illustrates an apparatus 70 having a longer size, and an alternate configuration of pockets. Moreover, pockets in the apparatus 70 may have a depth allowing larger and thicker items, such as books, electronic devices or other like items, therein.

FIG. 8 illustrates an apparatus 80 disposed on a glove box door 82 within an automobile 84, in an embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the apparatus 80 may be disposed within the automobile 84, allowing items useful to occupants of the automobile to be readily accessible.

FIG. 9 illustrates an apparatus 90 disposed on a drawer 92, allowing items useful for a user to be readily accessible. The apparatus 90 may be held in place with an elastic band (not shown) disposed around the front surface of the drawer.

FIG. 10 illustrates an apparatus 100 disposed on the back of a chair 102 in an embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus 100 may be held in place with an elastic band 101 disposed around the back of the chair 102.

Of course, it is contemplated that the present invention may be utilized attached to any vertically disposed substrate. Illustrated herein are various embodiments of the invention attached to a plurality of examples, such as an airplane tray table 42, a glove box door 82, a drawer 92, and/or a chair 102. However, it should be noted that the present invention may also be used in any vehicle, baby stroller, luggage, wheelchair, office anywhere else apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, the present invention may be used on a person or on an animal, either in the closed configuration and disposed on the person via a clip or lead, as described herein, or may be disposed in an open configuration, and attached to the person or animal via the elastic band, such as around the waist of the person or midsection of the animal.

Moreover, although only a single fold line 16 is illustrated by the embodiments shown herein, the invention should not be so limited. The present invention also contemplates that there may be two, three or even more fold lines for folding the apparatuses described herein and making even more compact.

The present invention may be made from any materials apparent to one or ordinary skill in the art, including plastics, polyester fabrics, leather, nylon, pvc, cotton, silk, ripcord, neoprene, canvas, nonwoven materials, and/or other like materials. Other materials may be incorporated therein, such as decorative items and the like.

It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages.

Claims

1. A multipurpose storage and organizing apparatus comprising:

a first panel and a second panel, and a fold line between the first panel and the second panel, wherein the apparatus has an open configuration and a closed configuration based on the disposition of the first and second panels in relation to each other;

a first pocket disposed in at least one of the first panel and the second panel; and

an attaching band connected to the first panel at a first location and the second panel at a second location, wherein the attaching band is disposable around a substrate for holding the apparatus thereon.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the band is elastic.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first location is on an end of the first panel.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the second location is on an end of the second panel.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first location is on an end of the first panel, and wherein the second location is on an end of the second panel.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 further wherein the first panel comprises a first side and a second side, wherein the first pocket is disposed in the second side of the first panel.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 further wherein the second panel comprises a first side and a second side, wherein a second pocket is disposed in the second side of the second panel.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising:

a transparent window disposed in the first panel.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising:

a connecting element connecting a first end of the first panel to a first end of the second panel to dispose the apparatus in a folded configuration.

10. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising:

a lead connected to the apparatus in a looped configuration.

11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the band has a length, and further wherein the length of the band is adjustable.

12. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising:

a plurality of pockets disposed in the apparatus, such that access to the plurality of pockets is obtained when the apparatus is disposed in an unfolded configuration.

13. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising:

at least one item disposed within the first pocket.

14. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising:

a substrate, wherein the band is disposed around the substrate, and the apparatus is held on the substrate.

15. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the substrate is an airplane tray table.

16. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising:

a second fold line in the apparatus, wherein the apparatus is folded on both the first fold line and the second fold line when in the closed configuration.

17. A method of using a multipurpose storage and organizing apparatus comprising the steps of:

providing an apparatus comprising a first panel and a second panel, and a fold line between the first panel and the second panel, wherein the apparatus has an open configuration and a closed configuration based on the disposition of the first and second panels in relation to each other; a first pocket disposed in at least one of the first panel and the second panel; and an attaching band connected to the first panel at a first location and the second panel at a second location, wherein the attaching band is disposable around a substrate for holding the apparatus thereon;

opening the apparatus to form the open configuration; and

placing the band around a vertical substrate, thereby disposing the apparatus on the vertical substrate to expose the at least one pocket for holding an item.

18. The method of claim 17 further comprising the step of:

placing an item within the first pocket.

19. The method of claim 17 wherein the apparatus further comprises a transparent window in the first panel, and further wherein the method comprises the step of:

placing an item within the transparent window for viewing thereof by an observer.

20. The method of claim 17 further wherein the apparatus further comprises a looped lead, and further wherein the method comprises the steps of:

disposing the apparatus in the closed configuration; and

hanging the apparatus around the neck of a user thereof via the looped lead.