STORAGE ORGANIZER

Abstract

A storage organizer for not only jewelry and other fashion accessories for both men and women, but also useful for storing and displaying greeting cards, photos, wedding memorabilia and more in a neat compact space. The “shoulders” and hook of the present invention support a cross-bar which extends horizontally between the bottom of the hanger's shoulders, and which support a ladder-like arrangement in which two descending strips of fabric, front and back, descend from either side of the ends of the hanger's cross-bar. These descending fabric strips, are fitted at intervals with form-fitting, sewn and padded fabric tubes which run side to side; and these tubes are designed to receive adjustable-length curtain rods to give them rigidity. Several of the “rungs” are equipped with holders designed to safely and securely hold pins, brooches, rings, greeting cards, or family photos.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is related to and claims priority from prior provisional application Ser. No. 62/481,091, filed Apr. 3, 2017 which application is incorporated herein by reference.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 37 CFR 1.71(d).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention(s). It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art, or material, to the presently described or claimed inventions, or that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of storage organizers and more specifically relates to an improved storage organizer used to hold, display and organize a variety of items such as jewelry, scarves, belts, ties, greeting cards, photos and more.

2. DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

Jewelry, scarves, belts, ties, other fashion accessories and memorabilia are typically stored in a box or in a drawer. In fact, a “jewelry box” typifies the state of the art in products to designed to hold, store, and organize jewelry and other fashion accessories and memorabilia. As a result, the stored articles may become tangled, and items may be difficult to locate. Additionally, these storage methods make it difficult for the user to evaluate their options when selecting or itemizing articles. The prior jewelry and accessory holders are unable to accommodate all different types of jewelry, accessories or other memorabilia and they are unable to display the stored articles in such a manner so that the user can see everything.

One solution has been to create compartmentalized containers into which the various articles are stored. It is not unusual to find that these storage containers for both men and women are designed to be placed on a dresser or counter top and are typically box-like structures with lids and internal individual compartments. Being able to clearly view several items at one time is important, so that the user does not overlook an item in the collection, and so that the different accessories may be coordinated depending upon the outfit worn, or the user's preference on that day.

The fact is that most of these containers or holders require the user to dig through the container for rings, or the container for earrings, or the container for necklaces, or the container for scarves to find the one item that is desired. In many cases, it is not so important to find one item as to be given the opportunity to choose among many items to find the one that is most appropriate for the attire being worn.

Various attempts have been made to solve the above-mentioned problems such as those found in U.S. Pat. and Pub. Nos. 4966287 to Rory S. Snyder; U.S. Patent No. 20150068993 to Lizhi Ye; and U.S. Pat. No. 8,727,110 to Donna Walsh. This prior art is representative of jewelry organization systems. None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the invention as claimed.

Ideally, a storage organizer should provide the user with a clear view of all the items organized and contained within the organizer and, yet would operate reliably and be manufactured at a modest expense. Thus, a need exists for a reliable and improved storage organizer to avoid the above-mentioned problems.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known storage container art, the present invention provides a novel and improved storage organizer. The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail is to provide a user-friendly storage organizer for not only jewelry and other fashion accessories for both men and women, but a storage organizer useful for storing and displaying greeting cards, photos, wedding memorabilia and more in a neat compact space.

The improved storage organizer is a multi-use, elegant storage organizer used to hold, display and organize a variety of items. One name envisioned for the present invention is Omni Hang to denote that the present device can organize and display such a wide variety of articles. The invention has adjustable and removable rungs and which are interchangeable and can securely hold and showcase jewelry, scarves, belts, ties, greeting cards, photos, wedding memorabilia, and more, in a neat, compact space.

The “shoulders” and hook of the present invention are those of a premium quality coat hanger, with a swivel-mounted, rubber-tipped metal hook and a substantial pair of “shoulders” in molded thermoplastic or wood. The cross-bar or pants-rod, which extends horizontally between the bottom of the hanger's shoulders, support a ladder-like arrangement in which two descending strips of fabric, front and back, descend from either side of the ends of the hanger's cross-bar.

The material of the descending fabric strips and cross-tube “rungs” are a premium, smooth satin, which gives the present invention a highly finished elegant appearance. These descending fabric strips, like the side-rails of a ladder, are fitted at intervals with form-fitting, sewn and padded fabric tubes which run side to side; and these tubes (suggesting the rungs of a ladder) are designed to receive adjustable-length curtain rods to give them rigidity. Several of the “rungs” are equipped with a row of miniature clothespins designed to safely and securely hold pins, brooches, rings, greeting cards, or family photos.

Other clasps or hook-equipped “rungs” would hold articles such as belts, dress-ties, and scarves. One or more of the “rungs” is padded thickly with Memoryfoam™, and is designed to hold bracelets, watches and necklaces, which slip over or wrap around it. This descending fabric “ladder” is approximately 50 inches in length, but is adjustable. Additional storage means, such as the easily attached zippered pouch, is available to store larger items safely and discreetly.

Also, a personal sign attachment is available which can be customized, and is interchangeable for any special occasion by attaching letters from the Velcro™ kit. Further, a clear zip sided garment bag is offered to keep the articles dust free, while protecting them from catching on the fabric of adjacent garments hung near the unit. And, a large netting accessory which can hold a multitude of earrings, necklaces and pins is also available.

Displayed on a wall or hung in a closet (or even a window in the plant storing embodiment), this space-saving, clutter eliminating, multi-level lighted hanger will illuminate jewelry or other articles in dazzling light, and by providing multiple visual levels, will make finding the perfect accessory or other article a quick and simple matter.

The invention is available in various colors and fabrics, to match any decor. It would be produced in three different widths: Small (10 inches wide); Medium (15 inches wide); and Large (20 inches wide). An optional, illuminated version of the invention could be produced by adding a small strip of tiny, battery-operated LED lights along the perimeter of the unit. This will not only allow the user to showcase their jewelry in dazzling lights, but will also help to bring out the natural beauty and sparkle in each piece.

The LED strips can be powered by rechargeable batteries which can be recharged using a micro USB cord. Easily portable, the invention presents itself as a piece of art that can be proudly displayed in any room, with the ambient lighting enhancing the beauty of one's jewelry and creating a warm, relaxing atmosphere in any room. The invention would display, in one easily viewed location, a wealth of individual articles, from jewelry to scarves and belts. Rather than moving back and forth between closet and jewelry box, a user could do their comparing, mixing, and matching where these items and the clothes with which they will be worn—are used.

Offering plenty of space for small items, other articles will also be on full display, organized and untangled, and kept dust-free and protected. Use of the present invention would clearly save users time, trouble, and space, while offering an elegant and dazzling display.

In another embodiment, the connector members can be used to hang plants from and/or a flat panel member could be added to one of the plurality of elongated tubular cross-members to hold potted plant members. The plant hanging embodiment could be hung in a window so that plants could get natural light or alternately, the plant hanging embodiment could be hung in a closet and lighting could be provided for the plants.

The present invention holds significant improvements and serves as a storage organizer for a plethora of articles. For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and method(s) of use for the present invention, an improved storage organizer, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view illustrating an improved storage organizer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view illustrating the cross bars and connector members with a separate mounting arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2B is an exploded view illustrating the cross bars and connector members with a separate mounting arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the zippered pouches and LED strips according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the improved storage organizer used for men's clothing according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the improved storage organizer used for cards and photographs according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating the improved storage organizer holding jewelry according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1

FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating the improved storage organizer holding plants according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1

The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention relate to an organizer and more particularly to an improved storage organizer 1.

Referring to the drawings by numerals of reference attention is drawn to FIGS. 1-6. FIG. 1 shows an improved storage organizer 1 comprising a main hanger 2 and a pair of shoulder members 3a and 3b respectively. The pair of shoulder members 3a and 3b are connected at adjacent ends forming a center point 2a. The main hanger 2 further comprises a hook member 4 which is pivotally connected to the pair of shoulder members 3a and 3b at the center point 2a and is adapted to releasably hook onto a cross bar within a closet. The main hanger 2 also comprises a cross bar 5 connected between end portions of the pair of shoulder members 3a and 3b. The main hanger 2 takes the form of a conventional clothing hanger but of a more durable construction.

From a first end of the cross bar 5 hangs a first elongated hanging strip 6a and from a second end of the cross bar 5 hangs a second elongated hanging strip 6b. The first and second elongated hanging strips 6a and 6b are formed from a flexible material. The improved storage organizer 1 also includes a plurality of elongated tubular cross-members 7, each including at least one connector member 8 as seen in FIG. 2, attached thereto which are adapted to releasably hold various items. The elongated tubular cross-members 7 are typically formed of a strip of fabric folded over and hemmed and are slid over the cross-bars 9. The connector members 8 are attached to the elongated tubular cross-members 7. Suspended from the main hanger 2 are a plurality of cross-bars 9 each of which are adapted to be placed within respective elongated tubular cross-members 7. Each of the cross-bars 9 are conventional adjustable curtain rods wherein the length of each cross-bar 9 may be easily adjusted. Each of the cross-bars 9 are adapted to be removably attached at opposite ends thereof to respective first and second elongated hanging strips 6a and 6b in spaced relation to one another. The embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-7 are generally formed from a flexible material but certain elements can also be formed of a more rigid material to suit the need of the user.

The general connector members 8 are generally, but not limited to a list comprising a pouch 8p, a tie holder 8t, a clip 8c, a general holder 8h, and earring or necklace holder 8e, a hook 8k and a connector strip 8s. The connector members are a means for holding the various pieces of jewelry, scarves, ties etc. The connector members 8 are attached to the strip of fabric material forming the tubular cross-members 7. The connector members 8 are attached to the tubular cross-members 7 by a conventional means such as sewing or gluing or any suitable means. The pouch 8p, as best seen in FIG. 3 includes a zipper 8z which allows access to the interior volume of the pouch 8p so that items stored may be retrieved. The clip 8c is best seen in FIG. 5 holding greeting cards. The hook 8k is best seen in FIG. 6. The connector strip 8s can be seen in FIGS. 2 and 6. The earring or necklace holder 8e is in the form of a small card and is best seen in FIG. 2. The connector members may be disposed one upon the other. For example, 8h or 8k may be disposed on 8s. 8s is typically a strip with holes therein. The connector members 8 are normally formed of a flexible material such as fabric or plastic.

Each of the plurality of cross-bars 9 in each instance are formed of two telescoping members 9a and 9b to provide adjustability to its length. Each cross-bar 9 is removably attached at opposite ends thereof to respective first and second elongated hanging strips 6a and 6b by hook and loop material 10 such as Velcro™.

The improved storage organizer 1 further comprises a first elongated connector strip 11a which has a length substantially equal to the length of the first elongated hanging strip 6a and which overlays it and includes one of hook and loop material 10 thereon. The first elongated handing strip 6a includes the other one of hook and loop material 10 and is adapted to releasably connect with the first elongated connector strip 11a such that one end of each of the plurality of cross bars 9 can be trapped therebetween at a chosen location as can be clearly seen in FIGS. 1, 3, 4, 5 and 6.

Likewise, the improved storage organizer 1 includes a second elongated connector strip 11b which has a length substantially equal to the length of the second elongated hanging strip 6b and which overlays it and includes one of hook and loop material 10 thereon. The second elongated hanging strip 6b includes the other one of hook and loop material 10 and is adapted to releasably connect with the second elongated connector strip 11b such that the other end of each of the plurality of cross bars 9 can be trapped therebetween at a chosen location as can be clearly seen in FIGS. 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6.

Referring to the detail insert of FIG. 2, an additional mounting element 10m may be used in conjunction with the hanging strips 6a and 6b and the connector strips 11a and 11b. Mounting element 10m includes an elongated aperture 10a to receive the cross bars 9 and includes hook and loop material 10 such that the mounting element 10m can be used with the hanging strips 6a and 6b and the connector strips 11a and 11b to hold the cross bars 9 and allow them to be moved up or down the length of the improved storage organizer 1. In operation, the mounting elements 10m are attached to the hanging strips 6a and 6b and are either wrapped around the cross-bars 9 or the cross-bars 9 are slid into the elongated aperture 10a. The connector strips 11a and 11b are then placed over the hanging strips 6a and 6b and are secured to both the mounting elements 10m and the hanging strips 6a and 6b to hold the cross bars 9 in place.

The improved storage organizer 1 further comprises a flexible cover member 12 as best seen in FIG. 1. The cover member 12 is typically of a plastic see-through material which protects the items stored therein from dust or moisture. Alternately, the cover member 12 could be formed form an opaque material to conceal the articles stored thereon if desired. The cover member 12 further includes a zipper member 13 on its front portion to allow access to the plurality of elongated tubular cross-members 7 to allow placement and removal of the stored items. An aperture 14 is located through the top portion of the cover member 12 which allows the hook 4 of the main hanger 2 to pass through. The cover member 12 therefore is adapted to cover and protect a substantial portion of the improved storage organizer 1 and items removably held thereon.

FIG. 5 shows the improved storage organizer 1 wherein greeting cards or photographs and other memorabilia are suspended by clips 8c. The improved storage organizer 1 can be hung in a closet or hung on a wall as the user desires. The flexible cover member 12 may or may not be used in this embodiment as desired by the user. It is the flexibility of this storage and organizer invention which makes it so useful and desirable.

FIG. 6 is generally shown as a jewelry holder and organizer. One of the plurality of cross-members 7 is formed as a cushioned cylinder 7c. Watches and bracelets can be held by wrapping them around cushioned cylinder 7c. 8s in this case is a segmented hanging strip from which any variety of known jewelry holders may be suspended. The general holders 8h are made of up of little pockets which can hold bracelets, sunglasses, bow-ties etc.

The first and second elongated hanging strips 6a and 6b, the first and second elongated connector strips 11a and 11b and the plurality of elongated tubular cross-members 7 may be formed of satin or some other flexible fabric material and at least one of the elongated tubular cross-members 7c may be formed as larger diameter cushioned tubular member.

The improved storage organizer 1 further comprises at least one elongated strip of light emitting diodes (LED) 15 connected via electrical wiring 16 as can be seen in FIG. 3 and FIG. 6. This LED light 15 could be used with any of the embodiments and is powered by an external electrical source such as a rechargeable battery 17.

Other holding elements such as a vertically hanging bracelet holder or a vertically oriented ring stand or a Velcro™ sleeve necklace holder in the form of a booklet may also be employed with the improved storage organizer 1.

FIG. 7 shows a slightly different arrangement from which plants may be placed or suspended in a variety of ways. Such an arrangement could be used in a window wherein the storage organizer 1 is supported by a curtain rod. Alternately, the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 could be used in an interior of a building and may be provided with additional lighting for the plants. The connector members 8 arrangement can be used to hang plants from and/or a flat panel member could be added to one or more of the plurality of elongated tubular cross-members 7 to hold potted plant members. The plurality of cross-bars 9 would continue to provide horizontal support.

A tray 18 to hold plants can be suspended from the plurality of cross-bars 9 by hooks or any conventional means. A set of plant hanger hooks 19 can be attached to the side of the tray 18. A plate 20 is suspended from these plant hanger hooks 19. A conical housing 22 holds a plant and straps 21 with plant hanger hooks 19 at each end are used to suspend the conical housing 22 from the plate 20.

Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other kit contents or arrangements such as, for example, including more or less components, customized parts, different color combinations, parts may be sold separately, etc., may be sufficient.

The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.

Claims

1. An improved storage organizer comprising:

a main hanger including: a pair of shoulder members; wherein said pair of shoulder members are connected at adjacent ends thereof forming a center point; a hook member; wherein said hook member is connected to said pair of shoulder members at said center point and is adapted to releasably hook onto a cross bar within a closet; and a cross bar; wherein said cross bar is connected between end portions of respective said pair of shoulder members;

a first elongated hanging strip; wherein said first elongated hanging strip extends downwardly from a first end of said cross bar;

a second elongated hanging strip; wherein said second elongated hanging strip extends downwardly from a second end of said cross bar opposite from said first end;

a plurality of elongated tubular cross-members, each including: at least one connector member attached thereto adapted to releasably hold items thereto;

a plurality of cross-bars; wherein each of said plurality of cross-bars are adapted to be placed within respective said plurality of elongated tubular cross-members; and wherein each of said plurality of cross-bars are adapted to be removably attached at opposite ends thereof to respective said first and second elongated hanging strips in spaced relation to one another.

2. The improved storage organizer of claim 1, wherein said hook member is pivotally connected to said pair of shoulder members.

3. The improved storage organizer of claim 1, wherein said first and second elongated hanging strips are formed from a flexible material.

4. The improved storage organizer of claim 3, wherein said plurality of elongated tubular cross-members are formed from a flexible material.

5. The improved storage organizer of claim 1, wherein said at least one connector member is chosen from a list of connector members consisting of clip, a hook, a pouch, and a connector strip.

6. The improved storage organizer of claim 5, wherein said pouch includes a zipper member adapted to allow access to an interior volume therein for releasably holding items therein.

7. The improved storage organizer of claim 5, wherein said connector strip includes a plurality of holder members thereon adapted to releasably hold jewelry items thereto.

8. The improved storage organizer of claim 1, wherein each of said plurality of cross-bars are formed from two telescoping rod members, such that a length thereof can be adjusted.

9. The improved storage organizer of claim 1, wherein each of said plurality of cross-bars are adapted to be removably attached at opposite ends thereof to respective said first and second elongated hanging strips via hook and loop material.

10. The improved storage organizer of claim 1, further comprising:

a first elongated connector strip; wherein said first elongated connector strip has a length substantially equal to the length of said first elongated hanging strip and includes one of hook and loop material thereon;

wherein said first elongated hanging strip includes the other of said hook and loop material thereon adapted to releasably connect with said one of said hook and loop material upon said first elongated connector strip, such that said first elongated connector strip is adapted to releasably connect with said first elongated hanging strip, and such that said one end of each of said plurality of cross-bars can be trapped therebetween at a chosen location; and

a second elongated connector strip; wherein said second elongated connector strip has a length substantially equal to the length of said second elongated hanging strip and includes one of hook and loop material thereon;

wherein said second elongated hanging strip includes the other of said hook and loop material thereon adapted to releasably connect with said one of said hook and loop material upon said second elongated connector strip, such that said second elongated connector strip is adapted to releasably connect with said second elongated hanging strip, and such that said opposite end of each of said plurality of cross-bars can be trapped therebetween at a chosen location.

11. The improved storage organizer of claim 1, further comprising a flexible cover member including:

a zipper member; wherein said zipper member is located on a front portion thereof and adapted to allow access to said plurality of elongated tubular cross-members to thereby place upon or remove items therefrom; and

an aperture; wherein said aperture is located through a top portion thereof and adapted to allow said hook member of said main hanger to pass therethrough;

wherein said flexible cover member is adapted to removably cover and protect a substantial portion of said improved storage organizer and items removably held thereto.

12. The improved storage organizer of claim 1, wherein at least one of said plurality of elongated tubular cross-members is formed as a cushioned cylinder adapted to removably retain watches and bracelets thereon.

13. The improved storage organizer of claim 1, wherein each of said at least one connector member are attached to respective said plurality of elongated tubular cross-members via hook and loop material, such that each said at least one connector member are removably attached at chosen positions along a length of each respective said plurality of elongated tubular cross-members.

14. The improved storage organizer of claim 4, wherein said first and second elongated hanging strips and said plurality of elongated tubular cross-members are formed from satin.

15. The improved storage organizer of claim 1, wherein at least one of said plurality of elongated tubular cross-members is formed from a flexible fabric material; and wherein at least one of said plurality of elongated tubular cross-members is formed from a rigid tubular member.

16. The improved storage organizer of claim 1, wherein at least one of said plurality of elongated tubular cross-members is formed from satin; and wherein at least one of said plurality of elongated tubular cross-members is formed from a cushioned tubular member.

17. The improved storage organizer of claim 1, further comprising:

at least one elongated strip of light emitting diodes; wherein said at least one elongated strip of light emitting diodes are connected to one another via electrical wiring; and wherein said at least one elongated strip of light emitting diodes are adapted to be connected to respective said first and second elongated hanging strips; and

a power source; wherein said power source is electrically connected to said at least one elongated strip of light emitting diodes via electrical wiring.

18. The improved storage organizer of claim 17, wherein said power source is formed as an electrical wire adapted to be connected to an external power source.

19. The improved storage organizer of claim 17, wherein said power source is formed as a rechargeable battery member.