VEHICLE BOX ORGANIZER

The invention provides a vehicle box organizer system. The system includes a removable organizing bag including a handle. The organizing bag has a length sized to fit within a width of a vehicle box.

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Description
BACKGROUND

1. Field

The embodiments relate to vehicle storage boxes, and in particular to an apparatus, method and system for removable vehicle storage box organizers.

2. Description of the Related Art

Vehicle storage boxes are used by many tradesmen, business owners and homeowners for various tasks. Many times a person using a vehicle box, such as a pickup truck box, stores tools and accessories in the box. Since the box is attached to the bed of the vehicle, even though the box may be enclosed, the tools and accessories, et al., may move around inside the box. This leads to disorganization of the items in the box, possible damage, possible spillage of items, such as paint, etc. With the movement of the articles inside a vehicle box due to the motion of the vehicle, time is often wasted by a user trying to locate specific items, especially small items (e.g., nails, screws, small hand tools, etc.

SUMMARY

One embodiment of the invention includes a vehicle box organizer system. The system includes a removable organizing bag including a handle. The organizing bag has a length sized to fit within a width of a vehicle box. The length reduces movement of the organizing bag upon motion of the vehicle box.

Another embodiment of the invention comprises a vehicle box organizer bag kit. The kit comprising at least two organizing bags. Each organizing bag includes: a handle; a first connector device; and a second connector device. The first connector device is configured for removably coupling to a vehicle box or removably coupling to the second connector device.

Yet another embodiment of the invention comprises a method of organizing a vehicle box. The method includes providing a vehicle box organizer system including: a plurality of removable organizing bags each including a handle, a first connector and a second connector. A third connector is attached to a vehicle box. Each of the plurality of organizing bags is placed in the vehicle box. A first connector is connected to the third connector. A second connector is connected to the first connector.

Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, which, when taken in conjunction with the drawings, illustrate by way of example the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the Figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a side perspective view of a vehicle box organizer system according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a front perspective view of a vehicle box organizer system according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of a vehicle box organizer system according to one embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of a process for organizing a vehicle box according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is made for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention and is not meant to limit the inventive concepts claimed herein. Further, particular features described herein can be used in combination with other described features in each of the various possible combinations and permutations. Unless otherwise specifically defined herein, all terms are to be given their broadest possible interpretation including meanings implied from the specification as well as meanings understood by those skilled in the art and/or as defined in dictionaries, treatises, etc.

The description may disclose several preferred embodiments of vehicle storage box organizers, as well as operation and/or component parts thereof. While the following description will be described in terms of vehicle storage box organizers and devices for clarity and to place the invention in context, it should be kept in mind that the teachings herein may have broad application to all types of systems, devices and applications.

One embodiment of the invention provides a vehicle box organizer system. The system includes a plurality of organizing bags each including a handle. Each of the organizing bags has a length sized to fit within a width of a vehicle box. The length reduces movement of each of the plurality of organizing bags upon motion of the vehicle box.

FIG. 1 illustrates a vehicle box organizer 100 for a vehicle (e.g., a truck, a boat, a service vehicle, emergency service vehicles, etc.) storage container or box, such as a vehicle box 120 with lid 150, according to one embodiment of the invention. Vehicle box organizer 100 includes one or more organizer bags 110 including a handle 115. As illustrated, the organizer bag(s) 110 is removably placed/coupled to an inner portion of the vehicle box 120. In one embodiment of the invention, the vehicle box 120 may vary in size. In one example, width of the vehicle box 120 may range from 16 inches-24 inches, preferably between 16 inches-18 inches; and the length of the vehicle box 120 may range from 40 inches-60 inches, preferably between 40 inches-48 inches across. It should be noted that the organizer bags 110 may be customized and fit according to necessity and desire of the user, and based on the width and length of the vehicle box 120.

In one embodiment of the invention, the organizer bag 110 has a length slightly less than the interior width portion of the vehicle box 120 so that the organizer bag 110 does not move or slide in the vehicle box 120 when a vehicle with the vehicle box 120 is in motion.

In other embodiments, the organizer bag 110 has a length at particular portions that are the same or greater than the width of the interior portion of the vehicle box 120. In one embodiment of the invention, a first wall 111 is angled between a lower portion 113 and an upper portion 112, and a second wall 114 is angled between a lower portion 116 and an upper portion 115. In one example, the upper portion 112 of the first wall 111 and the upper portion 115 of the second wall 114 flex inward away from the walls of the inner portion of the vehicle box 120 to form a snug fit when the organizer bag 110 is placed in the interior of the vehicle box 120. In this example, the first wall 111 and the second wall 114 may become parallel to one another when the organizer bag 110 is placed in the vehicle box 120.

In another embodiment of the invention, the organizer bag 110 includes a first moveable portion 117 coupled to the first wall 111 and a second movable portion 118 coupled to the second wall 114. In one example, the first movable portion 117 and the second moveable portion 118 angle in toward the respective associated inner side of the vehicle box 120. As the organizer bag 110 is placed into the vehicle box 120, the first moveable portion 117 and the second moveable portion 118 are flexed which causes a force on the respective inner sides of the vehicle box 120. In one example, the first moveable portion 117 and the second moveable portion 118 act as a spring-like mechanism placing force between the first wall 111 and its associated inner vehicle box wall portion and the second wall 114 and its associated inner vehicle box wall portion. This force generated by the potential energy created by the flexed first moveable portion 117 and the second moveable portion 118 maintains the placement of the organizer bag 110 when placed within the vehicle box 120.

In one embodiment of the intention, the vehicle organizer bag 120 has an open top portion to allow ease of placement and retrieval of accessories, tools, supplies, etc. into and out of the vehicle organizer bag 120. In another embodiment, multiple organizer bags 110 may be placed in the vehicle organizer box 120. In this embodiment of the invention, the vehicle organizer bags 110 have a width when summed equals or is slightly less than the length of the vehicle box 120.

In one embodiment of the invention, the handle 115 may comprise one or more handle portions. In one example, two handle portions comprise a handle 115. In another example, other handle designs may be used for the organizer bags 110. In another embodiment of the invention, the vehicle bag 110 does not include a handle 115, instead includes a gripping portion formed on the organizing bag 110. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the handle 115 is removable from the organizing bag 110. In one embodiment of the invention, a through-hole in the organizer bag 110 is used to attach a rod that may be used as a handle. It should be noted that any other equivalent or type of handle means or means for carrying the organizer bag 110 may be employed.

FIG. 2 illustrates a front perspective view of a vehicle box organizer 200 according to one embodiment of the invention. In one example, Vehicle box organizer 200 includes one or more organizer bags 210 including a handle 115. As illustrated, the organizer bag(s) 210 is removably placed/coupled to an inner portion of the vehicle box 120. It should be noted that the organizer bags 210 may be customized and fit according to necessity and desire of the user, and based on the width and length of the vehicle box 120.

In one embodiment of the invention, the organizer bag 210 has a length 226 less than the interior width portion 225 of the vehicle box 120. In one embodiment of the invention, a connector device 221 is attached to the vehicle box 120. In one example, the connector device 221 includes a rod device 240. In one example, the rod device 240 includes a curved portion 241. In one embodiment of the invention, the rod device 240 is press fit between the inner opposing sides of the vehicle box 120. In other embodiments of the invention, the rod device may be coupled or removably coupled to the vehicle box 120 with other known means, such as fitted on its ends with clamps that attach to the vehicle box 120, attached via through holes and connectors (e.g., bolts, screws, fasteners, etc.). In other embodiments of the invention, the connector device 221 may comprise an attachment device (e.g., a clamp, a fastener, etc.) and coupling portion (e.g., a D-ring, a loop, a socket device, etc.).

In one embodiment of the invention the organizer bag 210 includes a first connector device 220 and a second connector device 222. In one example, the first connector 220 may comprise a removable clipping device attached with material to the organizer bag 210. The second connector 222 may include a D-ring, a loop, etc. connected to the opposite side of the organizer bag 210. In one example, the first connector device 220 may attach to the connector device 221 to prevent the organizer bag 210 from sliding across the vehicle box 120 when a vehicle attached with the vehicle box 120 is in motion. In one example, the connector device 220 coupled to the connector device 221 may have some movement if coupled to a device, such as rod device 240 when subjected to forces from motion of the vehicle box 120.

In another example, when more than one organizer bag 210 are placed in the vehicle box 120, the connector device 220 of a first organizer bag 210 may be connected to the connector device 221, and the connector device 220 of another organizer bag 210 may be connected to a connector device 22 of the first organizer bag 210. In this example, multiple organizer bags 210 may be connected to one another and the vehicle box 120 to form a connected chain that limits movement of the organizer bags 210 when subjected to motion from the vehicle organizer box 120.

In one embodiment of the intention, the vehicle organizer bag 220 has closed top portion to prevent accessories, tools, supplies, etc. placed into the organizer bag 210 from movement out of an organizer bag 220 during motion of the vehicle box 120. Multiple organizer bags 210 may be placed in the vehicle box 120. In this embodiment of the invention, the vehicle organizer bags 210 have a width when summed equals or is slightly less than the length of the vehicle box 120. In another example, the vehicle bags 220 may be placed in a vehicle box 120 that includes other types of vehicle box organizers, such as al the embodiments included in co-pending application Ser. No. ______ titled VEHICLE BOX ORGANIZER, and co-pending application Ser. No. ______ titled VEHICLE BOX LID ORGANIZER, which are both hereby incorporated by reference. In this example, the organizer bags 220 and additional vehicle box organizers prevent items that would typically be placed in the vehicle box 120 from becoming entangled, lost, displaced, spilled, etc.

FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of the vehicle box organizer 200. As illustrated in this example, the two organizer bags 210 are removably connected together between the connector device 220 and the connector device 222, where the organizer bag 210 shown to the left has its connector device 220 connected to connector device 221. And the organizer 210 bag shown to the right does not have another organizer bag 210 connected to its connector device 222. It should be noted that another connector device similar to connector device 220 may be attached to the opposing side similarly as connector device 221 for further stability of the organizer bags 210 during motion of the vehicle box 120.

In another example, other handle designs may be used for the organizer bags 210. In another embodiment of the invention, the vehicle bag 210 does not include a handle 115, instead includes a gripping portion formed on the organizing bag 210. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the handle 115 is removable from the organizing bag 210. In one embodiment of the invention, a through-hole in the organizer bag 210 is used to attach a rod that may be used as a handle. It should be noted that any other equivalent or type of handle means or means for carrying the organizer bag 210 may be employed.

In one example, the vehicle box organizer 100/200 elements are made of a nylon material and/or a canvas material. In another example, the organizer bags 110 and 210 may include elements made of hardened plastic, polymer materials, etc. In some embodiments of the invention, the connector devices 220, 221, and 222 are made of a metal, metal alloy, hardened plastic, or other appropriate material to prevent motion of the organizer bags 210 without damage caused to the connector devices 220, 221 and 222.

FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of a process 400 for organizing a vehicle box according to one embodiment of the invention. In block 410, one or more vehicle box organizer bags for a vehicle box is/are provided, such as vehicle box organizer 100 or 200, for a vehicle box. In block 420 the organizer bag(s) provided in block 410 is/are placed into a vehicle box, such as vehicle box 120. In block 430, a connecting device (e.g., connector device 221) is attached to the vehicle box. In block 440 a connector device (e.g., connector device 220) of the at least one organizer bag is connected to the connecting device connected to the vehicle box. In one embodiment where more than one organizer bags are placed into the vehicle box organizer, connector devices of each bag (e.g., a connector device 220 and a connector device 222) are connected to one another.

In block 450, an assortment of objects, such as tools, accessories, supplies, hardware, etc., are placed into the organizer bags of the vehicle box organizer. In these embodiments of the invention, the organizer bags placed into the vehicle box 120 have limited movement when subjected to motion of a vehicle box 120. Additionally, the organizer bags, such as organizer bags 110 and 210, are easily removable from the vehicle box so a user can take items, organized to their desire, out of the vehicle box and replace the items altogether in the organizer bag. This assists users that would otherwise have to locate desired items, and remove and replace them one at a time.

In the description above, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. For example, well-known equivalent components and elements may be substituted in place of those described herein, and similarly, well-known equivalent techniques may be substituted in place of the particular techniques disclosed. In other instances, well-known structures and techniques have not been shown in detail to avoid obscuring the understanding of this description.

Reference in the specification to “an embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “some embodiments,” or “other embodiments” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments is included in at least some embodiments, but not necessarily all embodiments. The various appearances of “an embodiment,” “one embodiment,” or “some embodiments” are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiments. If the specification states a component, feature, structure, or characteristic “may”, “might”, or “could” be included, that particular component, feature, structure, or characteristic is not required to be included. If the specification or claim refers to “a” or “an” element, that does not mean there is only one of the element. If the specification or claims refer to “an additional” element, that does not preclude there being more than one of the additional element.

While certain exemplary embodiments have been described and shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments are merely illustrative of and not restrictive on the broad invention, and that this invention not be limited to the specific constructions and arrangements shown and described, since various other modifications may occur to those ordinarily skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A vehicle box organizer system comprising:

at least one removable organizing bag including a handle;
wherein the organizing bag has a length sized to fit within a width of a vehicle box, wherein the length reduces movement of each of the organizing bag upon motion of the vehicle box.

2. The vehicle box organizer system of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of organizing bags further comprising:

a first connector device; and
a second connector device,
wherein the first connector device is configured for coupling to the vehicle box or the second connector device.

3. The vehicle box organizer system of claim 2, wherein the first connector device comprises a clip device.

4. The vehicle box organizer system of claim 3, wherein the second connector comprises a D-ring device.

5. The vehicle box organizer system of claim 2, further comprising:

a third connector device coupled to the vehicle box.

6. The vehicle box organizer system of claim 5, wherein the third connector removably coupled to the first connector.

7. The vehicle box organizer system of claim 2, wherein the first connector and the second connector are hook and loop connectors.

8. The vehicle box organizer system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of organizing bags have a same size width.

9. The vehicle box organizer system of claim 6, wherein the plurality of organizing bags are configured for placement in the vehicle box side by side.

10. The vehicle box organizer system of claim 9, wherein the first connector, the second connector and the third connector reduce movement of the plurality of organizing bags in the vehicle box.

11. The vehicle box organizer of claim 1, wherein the organizing bag further includes a first wall and a second wall, each wall including a moveable portion that press fits the organizer bag into the vehicle box.

12. A vehicle box organizer bag kit comprising: wherein the first connector device is configured for removably coupling to a vehicle box or removably coupling to the second connector device.

at least two removable organizing bags each including: a handle; a first connector device; and a second connector device,

13. The vehicle box organizer bag kit of claim 12, wherein the at least two organizing bags have a length sized to fit within a width of the vehicle box.

14. The vehicle box organizer bag kit of claim 13, wherein the at least two organizing bags have an upper portion that are closeable.

15. The vehicle box organizer bag kit of claim 13, wherein the at least two organizing bags have an open ended upper portion.

16. The vehicle box organizer bag kit of claim 13, wherein the at least two organizing bags have a same area placement size.

17. The vehicle box organizer kit of claim 16, wherein the at least two organizing bags are configured for placement in the vehicle box side by side.

18. The vehicle box organizer kit of claim 17, wherein the at least two organizing bags have a length less than a width of an inner portion of the vehicle box, wherein the length reduces movement of each of the at least two organizing bags upon motion of the vehicle box.

19. A method of organizing a vehicle box comprising:

providing a vehicle box organizer system including: a plurality of removable organizing bags each including a handle,
a first connector and a second connector;
attaching a third connector to a vehicle box;
placing the plurality of organizing bags in the vehicle box;
connecting a first connector to the third connector; and
connecting a second connector to the first connector.

20. The method of claim 18, further comprising:

placing an assortment of objects into the plurality of organizing bags.
Patent History
Publication number: 20120187130
Type: Application
Filed: Jan 25, 2011
Publication Date: Jul 26, 2012
Inventor: Matthew D. Noble (Los Angeles, CA)
Application Number: 13/012,875
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: Compartmented Container (220/500)
International Classification: B65D 25/04 (20060101);