Portable Camping Organizer And Method For Organizing Camping Items

Abstract

A portable camping organizer for quickly determining what camping items may be missing from the organizer is disclosed. The organizer has at least first and second different trays. The first tray defines a first compartment for storing a first camping item wherein the first compartment has a shape at least partially conforming to the shape of the first item to indicate to a user that the first item is to be stored in the first compartment. The second tray defines a second compartment for storing a second camping item wherein the second compartment has a shape at least partially conforming to the shape of the second item to indicate to a user that the second item is to be stored in the second compartment. The organizer enables a user to determine whether a first and/or second item is missing from the organizer by observing the shape of an empty first and/or second compartment.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a container and method for organizing items used in camping. More particularly, the container includes trays with individual compartments which are specifically adapted for the organization and storage of camping items.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following background information may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon.

By way of educational background, another aspect of the prior art generally useful to be aware of is that camping is an outdoor recreational activity. The participants, known as campers leave their home and enjoy nature while spending one or several nights outdoors, usually at a campsite. Camping may involve the use of a tent, caravan, motorhome, cabin, a primitive structure, or no shelter at all. Campers often forage, hunt, and fish for their own food during the camping trip using a variety of camping equipment.

Typically, the equipment used in camping varies with the particular type of camping. For instance, in survival camping, the equipment consists of small items which have the purpose of helping the camper in providing food, heat and safety. The equipment used in this type of camping must be lightweight and it is restricted to the mandatory items. Other types of camping such as winter camping involve having specially designed equipment in terms of tents or clothing which is strong or heavy enough to protect the camper's body from the wind and cold.

Often, there are a myriad of items necessary for a longer camping trip. The camper may forget to pack one of these items, and consequently suffer hardships during the camping trip. Sometimes, while packing the camping equipment, the camper has many other activities and plans occurring simultaneously. This may further cause confusion and forgetfulness while packing.

In view of the foregoing, it is clear that traditional techniques for preparing for a camping outing are not perfect and leave room for more optimal approaches.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention is directed to a portable camping organizer for organizing and determining the presence of camping items (i.e. items used for camping) in trays (or drawers) that are received, i.e. stored or positioned, in a portable container. Each tray (or drawer) includes a compartment that is individually adapted for specific organization and storage of a camping item(s). A first tray includes a first compartment that has a shape at least partially conforming to the shape of a first camping item to indicate to a user that the first item is to be received/stored in the first compartment. Similarly, a second tray (different from the first tray) includes a second compartment that has a shape at least partially conforming to the shape of a second camping item to indicate to a user that the second item is to be received/stored in the second compartment. The organizer therefore enables a user to determine whether a first and/or second camping item is missing from the organizer by simply observing the shape of an empty first and/or second compartment. In this manner, the organizer helps ensure that the items are not forgotten before leaving on a camping trip. In some embodiments, at least one of the first and second compartments is defined by a depression formed in its respective tray. The depression is configured to substantially conform to the shape of the item to be received/stored in the compartment.

In a preferred embodiment, the organizer includes a portable container, typically a carrying container such as a tote, which holds the first tray and the second tray in a substantially vertical disposition. Each tray includes uniquely shaped compartments positioned along a generally planar surface of the tray. Each compartment is compatible with, and thereby configured to receive a unique camping item. The item may include a plurality of the same items that stack inside the appropriate compartment. The items may be oriented inside the compartments whereby identification of each item is apparent to a user. Additional indicia, such as color, characters, illumination, and tactile writing systems may be utilized in proximity to the compartment to facilitate identification of each unique item. Each tray returns to the respective container for transport and storage after the desired items have been removed or added. In this manner, a user, i.e. a camper, can more readily check to see if he/she has the appropriate camping equipment before leaving for and upon returning from a camping trip.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the organizer includes a container for storing and transporting a first camping item and a second camping item. The camping items may include small items for use by a camper during an outing including, without limitation, dishes, pots, utensils, scissors, matches, flashlights, pliers, hooks, rope, rain coats, bandages, medicine bottles, seasoning, and mosquito repellant. The container may comprise a durable exterior shell and provide insulation from the elements. In some embodiments, the container may contain a first tray and a second tray. The trays are preferably positioned, one above the other, in a stacked configuration. However, in other embodiments, the trays may slidably engage the container. For example, without limitation, each tray may include two runners designed to engage with corresponding fixed sliding guides integral with a longitudinal sliding surface of the container. In yet another embodiment, the plurality of trays may include magnets for secure positioning inside the container.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the first tray and the second tray comprise a respective first compartment and second compartment. Each compartment is configured to receive a unique camping item in a variety of compartment configurations. For example, a lower first tray may contain four compartments for holding/receiving various pots and pans, while an upper second tray may contain compartments for holding/receiving fishing line, hooks, pliers, and bottles such as a sunscreen bottle. The first compartment and the second compartment may also include padded walls and/or may be fabricated from water-resistant materials. In some embodiments, the compartments may additionally include indicia to help identify the item which the compartment is configured to receive. However, in a preferred embodiment the shape of the compartment itself identifies the item which the compartment is configured to receive. Accordingly, if the compartment is empty the camper will know by simply noticing that the compartment is empty that the item for that compartment is missing and that it needs to be replaced or put back into its designated compartment if the camper wants to take that item on the outing the camper is contemplating.

In a preferred embodiment, the compartment may include a depression that is shaped and dimensioned similarly to the item. The depression may be pressed into a material conducive to conforming to a desired shape, including, without limitation, foam, Styrofoam, thermoplastic resin, and wood. Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will recognize that most outdoor recreational equipment utilizes standard sizes, whereby the depression is often sufficiently sized and dimensioned to securely hold its designated item or item. However, forming a slightly larger depression, i.e. larger than the typical size of the designated item will ensure that most designated items for the particular depression will fit in the depression. In this manner and as indicated previously, the item for the depression is easily identified even if the depression is empty.

In one alternative embodiment, the depression may include a detachable mold operable to be interchangeable with other depressions in the first or second tray. In this manner, the theme of the organizer may be altered, for example, from a typical camping outing to a more specific camping outing such as mountain climbing. Additional indicia that may be helpful in identifying the appropriate item may include, without limitation, color coding, alphanumeric characters, illumination, and tactile writing systems. In some embodiments, each individual compartment may include a closure to help organize and secure the items inside the respective compartment and prevent shifting during transport. The closures may include, without limitation, flaps, adhesives, buttons, zippers, hook and loop fasteners, and clasps.

A first aspect of the present invention provides a portable camping organizer comprising:

a first tray defining a first compartment for receiving/storing a first camping item, wherein the first compartment has a shape at least partially conforming to the shape of the first item to indicate to a user that the first item is to be received/stored in the first compartment, the first compartment shape thereby also indicating to a user that the first item is missing if the first compartment is empty;
a second tray defining a second compartment for receiving/storing a second camping item wherein the second compartment has a shape at least partially conforming to the shape of the second item to indicate to a user that the second item is to be received/stored in the second compartment, the second compartment shape thereby also indicating to a user that the second item is missing if the second compartment is empty, the second item having a different shape than the first item; and
a portable container for receiving the first and second trays.

In a second aspect, the organizer is also efficacious for transporting, storing, and organizing camping items.

In another aspect, the container is substantially rectangular.

In another aspect, the plurality of trays slidably remove from the container.

In another aspect, in operation, the portable camping organizer includes an initial step of unstacking the first and second trays from the container. The trays may be configured to be stacked and lifted up from a top, open portion of the container. However, in other embodiments, the trays may be disposed to slidably release from the container. Any number of trays may be removed from the container. In one embodiment, the next step may include inspecting the first and second trays to determine whether any of their respective first and second compartments are empty. Each tray includes at least one compartment. The compartments may be configured to receive a unique item, which may be inspected visually or through tactile senses. A subsequent step includes observing the shape of an empty first or second compartment to determine whether a said first or a said second item is missing from the compartment. The observation allows a user to identify whether the compartment contains the appropriate item, and allows for efficient identification of whether the item is on the appropriate tray, and finally, the quantity of items available. Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will recognize that other indicia may facilitate the steps of inspecting and observing the trays for camping items. The indicia is preferably positioned in proximity to the first and second compartments. The indicia may include, without limitation, color coding, illumination, alphanumeric characters, and tactile writing systems.

A next step includes replacing the items determined to be missing back into their respective compartments. In some embodiments, a final step comprises restacking the first and second trays back into the container. In one embodiment, similar unique items may be stacked in the same compartment. In this manner, packing for a camping activity may be facilitated. The items may then be secured within their respective compartment with a closure, such as a flap, a button, a zipper, and a clasp. The container may include a carrying strap, a handle and/or wheels for facilitated transport of the at least one item.

One benefit of the container and method of the present invention includes the ability to quickly determine whether items are missing from the camper's equipment.

Another benefit is the organizational aspect of the trays separated from each other inside a container to help restrict contamination between trays.

Another benefit is the water-tight, portable characteristic of the container, which is useful for outdoor camping activities.

These and other advantages of the invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following written specification, claims and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views of the drawings and in which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary camping item organizer of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the first tray of FIG. 1 which additionally illustrates in phantom items to be stored in the first tray;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the second tray of FIG. 1 which additionally illustrates a box to be stored in a compartment of the second tray;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the third tray of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the fourth tray of FIG. 1 which additionally illustrates in phantom items to be stored in the fourth tray;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the third tray of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the fourth tray of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the first tray of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the second tray of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the container and lid of FIG. 1 in isolation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “rear,” “right,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

A portable camping organizer 100 for storing and organizing camping items is shown in FIGS. 1 through 10. The organizer as illustrated is an assembly including: a container 102 for holding a first tray 106a, a second tray 106b, a third tray 106c and a fourth tray 106d stacked inside the container, as illustrated. The container further includes a lid 104 for covering and providing access to the interior of the container. The trays define numerous compartments 108(a-s) that are configured to receive items 112(a-s) which include items typically taken on camping outings such as dishes, pots, utensils, seasonings, scissors, matches, flashlights, pliers, rope, rain coats, bandages, medicine bottles, sunscreen, mosquito repellant, fishing line, hooks and pliers.

As best shown in FIG. 2, first tray 106a defines a first compartment 108a for receiving/storing a first item 112a which as illustrated is a pair of scissors. As will be appreciated, compartment 108a has a shape conforming to the shape, actually the outline or contour, of scissors 112a to indicate to a user that scissors 112a are to be received/stored in compartment 108a. The scissor shape or scissor outline would also indicate to the user that scissors 112a are missing if the compartment is empty.

As further shown in FIG. 2, compartment 108a is also a depression which is formed or pressed into the tray's generally planar surface 113 which depression is shaped and dimensioned to match the shape and size of the pair of scissors 112a. In order to form the depression, a material conducive to conforming to a desired shape is preferably utilized such as foam, Styrofoam, thermoplastic resin and/or wood. In accordance with the present invention, compartment 108a may also be provided with a slightly larger shape to accommodate a pair of scissors larger than scissors 112a, thereby allowing for flexibility for variously sized similar items.

Similarly, second tray 106b defines a plurality of other compartments for receiving various items (not shown) including compartment 108m which receives/stores a second item 112m which as illustrated best in FIG. 3 is a box. As with the compartments of the first tray, the compartment 112m of the second tray has a shape conforming to the shape of the box to indicate to a user that the box is to be received/stored in compartment 108m. As such, the user will be able to quickly recognize that box 112m is missing if compartment 108m is empty. Box 112m as those skilled in the art could be used to store smaller camping items or used to simply hold dirty items such as dirty silverware, utensils etc.

FIG. 4 illustrates third tray 106c which is also provided with a plurality of compartments, each of which is configured to receive a specific item. While the items to be received in third tray 106c are not shown, it will be appreciated that a user/camper having familiarized himself/herself with the items for these compartments will be able to recognize that compartment 108p is round and capable of receiving a round bowl, not shown. Similarly, a user familiar with the items to be stored in the third tray will recognize that each compartment 108q is sized and configured to receive a coffee cup (not shown).

FIG. 5 illustrates fourth tray 106d which is also provided with a plurality of compartments. The two larger compartments 108r, 108s as will be appreciated further include handle sections 109r, 109s which will indicate to the user that the these compartments are for storing/receiving handled pots and pans such as frying pans 112r, 112s and handled pots 112e and 112e. As will be appreciate the larger compartment 108r receives the larger pan and pot 112r and 112r′ while the smaller compartment 108s receives the small pan and pot 112s and 112s′. As indicated, compartments 108r and 108s are deep enough to contain both a frying pan and a handled pot which as illustrated are stacked on top of each other. To prevent the bottom surface of the handle pots from damaging the upper surface of the frying pans, the saucer shaped protectors 114r, 114s may also be provided which are placed between the pan and pot as illustrated. Protectors 114 may be made out of any material providing protection such as a soft plastic material.

As indicated above, each compartment 108 is preferably a depression formed into the tray that is shaped and dimensioned to match the shape each unique item. Each item fits into a respective depression, and a plurality of the same unique items can be stacked into the same depression if it is deep enough. For example, it will be appreciated that compartment 108b of FIG. 2 could receive/store a plurality of knives 112b if compartment 108b is deep enough.

Each tray may also include other indicia such as color coding, alphanumeric characters, and illumination to further facilitate identification of the item it's configured to receive.

In addition, while container 102 of FIG. 1 has a cube-like rectangular shape, it could in accordance with the present invention have almost any shape including a cylindrical shape or pyramid shape. The container may further include a carrying strap, retractable handle and/or wheels for facilitating transport. The container may also have a durable exterior shell and include insulation. Suitable materials from which the container may be fabricated include, without limitation, thermoplastic resin, plastics, polymers, wood, aluminum, and canvas.

Some of the compartments 108 may also include lids or other types of closures (not shown) to prevent shifting or spillage of the items during transport. The closures may include, without limitation, flaps, adhesives, buttons, zippers, hook and loop fasteners, and clasps.

In addition, while the trays of FIG. 1 are stacked upon each other, they may slidably engage the container like a drawer. For example, they could include runners designed to engage with corresponding fixed sliding guides integral or a single tray could include a longitudinal sliding surface which is incorporated into the container. In yet another embodiment, the trays may include magnets for secure positioning inside the container.

Moreover, while the illustrated organizer is configured to removably store camping supplies and outdoor recreational equipment, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the organizer may be configured to hold items for other camping related activities, including, without limitation, fishing, hunting and mountain climbing. Indeed, in an alternative embodiment, a compartment could be made so that it is detachable from its respective tray and operable to interchange with a different compartment. In this manner, the theme of the organizer may be tailored, for example, from a typical camping outing to a more specific activity involving camping such as mountain climbing.

In operation, the portable camping organizer of the present invention helps a user/camper store and organize items and is specifically designed to make it easy for a camper to make sure he/she has all the camping items he/she desires to take on the trip before leaving on the trip. The method preferably includes an initial step of unstacking or removing at least a first tray and a second tray (indeed preferably all the trays) from a container such as that described above. The trays (at least the first and second trays) are then inspected to determine whether any of their respective first and second compartments are empty. The shape or other identifying indicia for each empty compartment is then observed to determine what items are missing and if the user desires to replace the missing item(s) he or she may do so by locating the item and placing it back in its empty compartment. If the missing items are intended to be stacked in a compartment, they may then be replaced by restacking them in the empty compartment. A final step may include restacking or replacing the trays (at least the first and second trays) back into the container.

In view of the foregoing, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention provides a unique container and method for preparing and packing for outings involving camping.

Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalence.

Claims

1. A portable camping organizer comprising:

a first tray defining a first compartment for receiving/storing a first camping item wherein said first compartment has a shape at least partially conforming to the shape of the first item to indicate to a user that the first item is to be received/stored in the first compartment, said first compartment shape thereby also indicating to a user that the first item is missing if said first compartment is empty;

a second tray defining a second compartment for receiving/storing a second camping item wherein said second compartment has a shape at least partially conforming to the shape of the second item to indicate to a user that the second item is to be received/stored in the second compartment, said second compartment shape thereby also indicating to a user that the second item is missing if said second compartment is empty, said second item having a different shape than said first item; and,

a portable container for receiving said first and second trays.

2. The organizer of claim 1 wherein the container includes a lid.

3. The organizer of claim 1 wherein the container includes a handle.

4. The organizer of claim 1, wherein the first and second camping items are selected from the group consisting of pots, frying pans, utensils and scissors.

5. The organizer of claim 1, wherein the first tray and the second tray are disposed to stack on top of each other inside the container.

6. The organizer of claim 1, wherein the first tray and the second tray are separated inside the container to help prevent cross-contamination.

7. The organizer of claim 1, wherein at least one of said first and second compartments is a depression formed in its respective tray which is configured to substantially conform to the shape of the item to be received/stored in the said compartment.

8. The organizer of claim 1, wherein the depression is open so as to enable a user to visualize the presence or absence of an item received/stored in said depression.

9. The organizer of claim 1 further comprising indicia for indicating to a user that the first item is to be received/stored in the first compartment.

10. The organizer of claim 9 wherein the indicia includes color coding such that a color associated with the first compartment matches that of the first item to indicate to a user that the first item is to be received/stored in the first compartment.

11. The organizer of claim 9 wherein the indicia includes a character associated with the first compartment which is configured to identify the first item to indicate to a user that the first item is to be received/stored in the first compartment.

12. The organizer of claim 9 wherein the indicia includes a tactile writing system associated with the first compartment which is configured to identify the first item to indicate to a user that the first item is to be received/stored in the first compartment.

13. The organizer of claim 1, wherein the first compartment is sized to receive/store a first item and a second item stacked upon each other.

14. The organizer of claim 13, wherein the first and second trays are stacked upon each other when received in the container.

15. (canceled)

16. The method of claim 19 wherein the organizer further includes indicia for indicating to a user that an item is to be received/stored in a compartment and wherein the step of observing further includes observing the indicia of the empty compartment to determine what item is missing from the compartment.

17. The method of claim 19 further comprising removing the trays from the container and then putting the trays back into the container after carrying out the steps of inspecting the trays and observing the compartments.

18. (canceled)

19. A method for organizing camping items including cooking utensils with a portable camping organizer having at least first and second trays, the first tray defining a plurality of cooking utensil compartments for receiving/storing different cooking utensils wherein the shape of each compartment at least partially conforms to the shape of a specific utensil to be received/stored in the compartment so as to indicate to a user that the said specific utensil is to be received/stored in the compartment, said compartment shape thereby also indicating to a user that the said specific cooking utensil is missing if said compartment is empty; the second tray defining a plurality of differently shaped compartments for receiving/storing different camping items wherein the shape of each compartment at least partially conforms to the shape of a specific camping item to be received/stored in the compartment so as to indicate to a user that the said specific camping item is to be received/stored in the compartment, said compartment shape thereby also indicating to a user that the said specific camping item is missing if said compartment is empty; and, a portable container for receiving at least said first and second trays; said method comprising the steps of:

inspecting the trays to determine whether any of their compartments are empty;

observing the shape of an empty compartment to determine what camping item/utensil is missing from the empty compartment; and then

replacing the items/utensils determined to be missing back into their respective compartments.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the cooking utensils are selected from the group consisting of forks, spoons, knives, tongs and spatulas.

21. The method of claim 19, wherein the camping items are selected from the group consisting of handled pots, frying pans and scissors.

22. The method of claim 19, wherein the first tray further comprises at least one compartment for a specific camping item wherein the shape of the compartment substantially conforms to the shape of the specific camping item to be received/stored in the compartment so as to indicate to a user that the specific camping item is to be received/stored in the compartment, said compartment shape thereby also indicating to a user that the specific camping item is missing if the compartment is empty.

23. The method of claim 19, wherein the second tray further comprises at least one compartment for a specific cooking utensil wherein the shape of the compartment substantially conforms to the shape of the specific utensil to be received/stored in the compartment so as to indicate to a user that the specific utensil is to be received/stored in the compartment, said compartment shape thereby also indicating to a user that the specific utensil is missing if the compartment is empty.

24. The method of claim 19 wherein one of the cooking utensil compartments is for receiving/storing a knife which is shaped to conform to the blade of the knife.

25. The method of claim 19, wherein one of said first and second trays further comprises a compartment for receiving/storing a box for holding smaller camping items.

26. The method of claim 19, wherein a said cooking utensil compartment is sized to be slightly larger than the specific utensil to be received/stored in the said compartment to accommodate larger sizes of said specific utensil.

27. The method of claim 19, wherein a said camping item compartment is sized to be slightly larger than the specific camping item to be received/stored in the said compartment to accommodate larger sizes of said specific camping item.

28. A method for organizing camping items including cooking utensils with a portable camping organizer having at least first and second trays, the first tray defining a plurality of cooking utensil compartments for receiving/storing different cooking utensils wherein the shape of each compartment at least partially conforms to the shape of a specific utensil to be received/stored in the compartment so as to indicate to a user that the said specific utensil is to be received/stored in the compartment, said compartment shape thereby also indicating to the user that the said specific cooking utensil is missing if said compartment is empty; the second tray defining a plurality of differently shaped compartments for receiving/storing different camping items wherein the shape of each compartment at least partially conforms to the shape of a specific camping item to be received/stored in the compartment so as to indicate to a user that the said specific camping item is to be received/stored in the compartment, said compartment shape thereby also indicating to the user that the said specific camping item is missing if said compartment is empty; and, a portable container for receiving at least said first and second trays and wherein the first and second trays are stacked upon each other when received in the container; said method comprising the steps of:

unstacking the first and second trays from the container;

inspecting the first and second trays to determine whether any of their compartments are empty;

observing the shape of the empty compartment(s) to determine what utensil(s) or camping item(s) are missing from the compartment(s); and then

replacing the utensils/camping items determined to be missing back into their respective compartments; and, then

restacking the first and second trays back into the container.