Patent Application
20130313387
The present invention relates generally to organizers that are customizable according to the preference of a user, and more particularly, customizable organizer assemblies, wherein a user may removeably attach various accessories using one or more accessory mount assemblies that may removeably engage with a customizable fixture assembly and/or other furniture and fixtures such as tables, countertops, and refrigerators.
For decades, people have created various storage products and organizational accessories to assist themselves in organizing their lives. Examples of such products include hangers for hanging articles of clothing, shelves for holding books, and electronic devices, such as personal digital assistance devices. Additionally, magnetic surfaces such as refrigerator doors have been used to hold photographs, notes, and reminders, and containers have been used to store various small items. Furthermore, drawers, cabinet, other compartments have been commonly utilized to loosely store a variety of objects.
Current storage and organizational products, however, have numerous deficiencies. For example, most storage and organizational products fail to provide the user with the versatility in customizing the organizer product according to the needs or preferences of a particular user and are generally not movable (e.g., users cannot simply take organizational accessories out from a kitchen platform and use those same accessories on a refrigerator, hanger bars in a closet, or shelving in a garage). Additionally, most desks and hutches lack fastening mechanisms to attach various small items in need of a storage or organization. Wall surfaces and closet doors generally do not include, or cannot be easily converted into, a magnetic surface to hold notes, reminders, and metallic/non-metallic tools. Furniture items generally do not include fastening mechanisms for incorporating electronic devices such as thermometers, calculators, and hygrometers, and most shelves generally do not include hanger bars to hang hooked items. There has been no fixture assembly that allows the organization of both magnetic and non-magnetic items while, at the same time, being functionally and aesthetically customizable.
To address these concerns, some companies have manufactured wall mounting structures to hold some of these household and commercial items. Wall mounts with built-in hooks, for example, may be securely attached to various wall surfaces to hook or hold various components such as kitchen utensils, retail displays, and construction tools. The user generally affixes the wall mount with bolts and screws and typically secures small items to the wall mount using the hook or other fastening device. Thus, these devices perform one single task and cannot organize items both magnetically and non-magnetically.
These mounting structures, however, lack versatility and generally result with damage to the surface. Such mounting structures, for instance, are usually permanently affixed to the surface, which generally results with damage due to hole drilling of the screws or other fasteners. Thus, once an organizer such as a conventional hook rack is screw mounted onto a wall, a user must justify the wall damage and allocation of space for its intended organizational task. As such, it would be preferable to a have an organizer that can handle various tasks or customize itself aesthetically, such that the user does not have to uninstall and reinstall new organizers. This would assist the user in saving a lot of effort and time while, at the same time, provide convenience to the user.
Additionally, these mounting structures are generally restricted to certain flat surface areas such as walls and ceilings and are often limited to holding small, light items due to their low weight carrying capacity characteristics. Specifically, the weight carrying capacity of these conventional products is generally very low due to their design. Accessories from these conventional products are usually flat and generally lack a second structural feature such as a “hood” that prevents magnetic devices from sliding. Without a hood, magnetic fasteners of most conventional products typically become strained when large items are hung. Thus, when a large product is hung on the hooks of these conventional products, the magnetic fasteners of these products slide off, as they are only capable of holding very light products. Rather than holding small items such as keys and rubber bands by conventional products, it would be preferable to have an organizer that utilizes a hood structure to assist the user in hanging items ten times larger than conventional products or items that are more than five pounds. A hood structure on these devices would preferably stop any sliding and would usually distribute the weight from any magnetic fasteners when large items are hung on the accessories. This would help satisfy various tasks such as holding large display signs on retail shelves at department stores; hang heavy bags, wheeled trollies, and bicycles along the cargo rails of semi-trucks; and hang large items along the edges of fridges and fridge doors. Preferably, the organizer will not require the use of a large magnet, but rather, a small portion of the magnets used by conventional products.
Moreover, most conventional organizers lack non-magnetic fasteners such as adhesive fasteners that possess a large carrying capacity and the ability to attach onto a non-metallic edge or ledge. Specifically, if magnets are utilized on the back of an organizer, those organizers must interact with a metallic surface in order to attach itself onto that surface. This, in turn, usually limits the use of that organizer for certain surfaces such as a wooden or plastic table, countertop, or shelf. Thus, it would be preferable to utilize adhesive fasteners, such that a user can utilize any surface as a dock for an accessory mount assembly and secure various accessories in a few seconds.
Finally, extra effort and labor is usually required when the user desires to replace these mounting structures. For example, in order to change the function of current organizational products, current products require the user to unscrew and reinstall screw fasteners in order to change the wall mounts completely. This is very time-consuming, and usually requires the user to purchase new mounting products and fasteners. As such, it would be preferable to have an organizer that allows a user to change a function in a few seconds. Otherwise, users would typically purchase additional products to accommodate these deficiencies.
Therefore, there is a need for an improved organizer that is versatile, customizable according to the needs of each user, and adaptable to various environments. Preferably, the organizer includes accessory mount assemblies that may removeably attach to a fixture assembly or various surfaces (e.g., edges, ledges, and extension frames) and preferably has a large carrying capacity that would be capable of holding large, heavy items (e.g., racks, caddies, spice racks, bicycles, travel bags, backpacks, chainsaws, roller trollies, etc. . . . ). Additionally, these accessory mount assemblies would preferably include fastening mechanisms that provides both magnetic and nonmagnetic organization of products and would allow a user to simply replace the accessory mount assemblies effortlessly in one to two seconds when changing their functions. Furthermore, utilizing multiple units of the organizer and accessory mount assembly in a single dwelling would typically allow the user to maximize the organizer's full potential (e.g., accessories from a kitchen may be used in a garage, closet, and vice versa). The accessory mount assembly of the customizable organizer would preferably be versatile, powerful, cost effective to manufacture, easy to install, and possess a large weight carry capacity characteristic.
To minimize the limitations in the cited references, and to minimize other limitations that will become apparent upon reading and understanding the present specification, the present invention discloses a new and useful customizable organizer assembly.
One embodiment of the present invention is a customizable organizer assembly, comprising: a fixture assembly; and one or more accessory mount assemblies; wherein said fixture assembly comprises of a fixture housing and one or more first fasteners; wherein said one or more accessory mount assemblies comprise: an accessory mount housing, an accessory, a hood, and one or more second fasteners; wherein said fixture assembly is configured to attach onto a surface; wherein said accessory performs at least one organizational function; wherein said hood is an upper portion of said each of said one or more accessory mount assemblies; and wherein said one or more first fasteners are configured to matingly engage with said one or more second fasteners to allow said one or more accessory mount assemblies to removeably attach to said fixture assembly. The fixture assembly may further comprise of a faceplate; wherein said faceplate may beattached to said fixture housing; wherein said faceplate may include at least one of said one or more first fasteners; wherein said at least one of said one or more first fasteners of said faceplate may be configured to contact said one or more second fasteners of said one or more accessory mount assemblies, such that said one or more accessory mount assemblies removeably attach to said fixture assembly. The fixture housing may comprise of a hood receiver; wherein said hood receiver may be an upper portion of said fixture assembly; and wherein said one or more accessory mount assemblies may matingly engage with said fixture assembly, such that said one or more first fasteners matingly engage with one or more second fasteners and said hood receiver supports said hood. The fixture housing may comprise of a hood receiver and a base receiver; wherein said hood receiver may be an upper portion of said fixture assembly; wherein said base receiver may be a lower portion of said fixture assembly; wherein each of said one or more accessory mount assemblies may be comprised of a base; wherein said base may be a lower portion of said each of said one or more accessory mount assemblies; and wherein said one or more accessory mount assemblies may removeably engage with said fixture assembly, such that said hood matingly engages with said hood receiver and said base matingly engages with said base receiver, such that said fixture assembly supports said one or more accessory mount assemblies. The base receiver of said fixture housing may be a snug-fit base receiver; wherein said one or more accessory mount assemblies may be one or more snug-fit accessory mount assemblies, such that said base of said one or more accessory mount assemblies is a snug-fit base; and wherein said one or more snug-fit accessory mount assemblies may removeably and matingly engage with said fixture assembly, such that said snug-fit base engages with said snug-fit base receiver. The hood receiver of said fixture assembly may be a trench-hood receiver; wherein said hood of said one or more accessory mount assemblies may be a trench-hood; and wherein said trench-hood may be configured to matingly engage with said trench-hood receiver, such that said fixture assembly substantially secures said one or more accessory mount assemblies. The hood receiver of said fixture assembly may be a curved-hood receiver; wherein said hood of said one or more accessory mount assemblies may be a curved-hood; and wherein said curved-hood may be configured to matingly engage with said curved-hood receiver, such that said fixture assembly supports with reduced slippage said one or more accessory mount assemblies. The customizable organizer assembly may comprise of a bin assembly; wherein said fixture assembly may comprises of a bin receiver; and wherein said bin assembly may removeably engage with said bin receiver of said fixture assembly. The customizable organizer assembly may further comprise a cover assembly; wherein said cover assembly may comprise of a hood and a base; wherein said fixture assembly may comprises of a cover receiver and base receiver; wherein said hood of said cover assembly may removeably engages with said cover receiver of said fixture assembly; and wherein said base of said cover assembly may removeably engage with said base receiver of said fixture assembly. The customizable organizer assembly may further comprise of one or more extensions; wherein a first end of said one or more extensions may be attached to said surface; and wherein a second end of said one or more extensions may be attached to said fixture assembly, such that said fixture assembly is secured to and extended from said surface. The customizable organizer assembly may further comprise of one or more extension mounting brackets and one or more extensions; wherein said one or more extension mounting brackets may be attached to said surface; wherein a first end of said one or more extensions may be attached to said one or more extension mounting brackets; and wherein a second end of said one or more extensions may be attached to said fixture assembly, such that said fixture assembly is secured to and extended from said surface. The said one or more extensions may be selected from the group consisting of: a hanger; a bar; and an L-shaped bracket. The one or more accessory mount assemblies may be one or more bracket-shaped accessory mount assemblies. The one or more accessory mount assemblies may be one or more L-shaped accessory mount assemblies.
Another embodiment of the present invention is a customizable organizer assembly, comprising: one or more accessory mount assemblies; wherein said one or more accessory mount assemblies comprise of: at least one accessory mount housing; at least one hood; one or more second fasteners; and at least one accessory; wherein said one or more second fasteners is configured to removeably attach to one or more surfaces, such that said one or more accessory mount assemblies removeably attach to said one or more surfaces; wherein said at least one hood is configured to contact a second surface, such that said at least one hood supports said one or more accessory mount assemblies; and wherein said at least one accessory performs at least one organizational function and holds and stores one or more items. The one or more second fasteners may be one or more magnets; wherein said one or more surfaces may be one or more metal surfaces, such that said one or more accessory mount assemblies removeably attach to said one or more surfaces. The one or more second fasteners may be one or more metals; wherein said one or more surfaces may include at least one magnet, such that said one or more accessory mount assemblies removeably attach to said one or more surfaces. The one or more second fasteners may be one or more adhesive fasteners; wherein said one or more surfaces may include at least one of said one or more adhesive fasteners attached to said one or more surfaces, such that said one or more accessory mount assemblies removeably attach to said one or more surfaces. The one or more second fasteners may be permanently attached to said one accessory mount housing. The one or more second fasteners may be detachable from said one accessory mount housing. The at least one accessory may be permanently attached to said one accessory mount housing. The at least one accessory may be detachable from said one accessory mount housing. The one or more accessory mount assemblies may further comprise of one or more upper finger grips; wherein said one or more upper finger grips may be located at an upper portion of said one or more accessory mount assemblies; and wherein said one or more upper grips may be configured to assist a user to dismount said one or more accessory mount assemblies from said one or more surfaces. The one or more accessory mount assemblies may further comprise of one or more lower finger grips; wherein said one or more lower finger grips may be located at a lower portion of said one or more accessory mount assemblies; and wherein said one or more lower grips may be configured to assist a user to dismount said one or more accessory mount assemblies from said one or more surfaces. The one or more surfaces may be edges of one or more utility carts, such that said one or more accessory mount assemblies removeably attach to said one or more utility carts; and wherein said organizational function may be to hold and store one or more items. The one or more surfaces may be one or more magnetic knife holders and one or more magnetic tool holders, such that said one or more accessory mount assemblies removeably attach to said one or more magnetic knife holders and one or more magnetic tool holders. The one or more surfaces may be edges of one or more retail display equipment of a store such that said one or more accessory mount assemblies may removeably attach to said one or more retail display equipment of said store; wherein said one or more retail display equipment may be selected from the group consisting of: a shelf; a refrigerator; a standing sign; and a store rack; wherein said at least one accessory may be selected from the group consisting of: a hook; a hanger; a rack; a display; a sign holder; a sign; a tray; a shelf; and wherein said organizational function of said one or more accessory mount assemblies may be selected from the group consisting of: organizing one or more items; displaying one or more prices; displaying one or more advertisements; displaying one or more promotions; and displaying one or more products. The one or more surfaces may be edges of one or more storage shelves, such that said one or more accessory mount assemblies removeably attach to said one or more storage shelves; and wherein said one or more storage shelves in combination with said one or more accessory mount assemblies may become said customizable organizer assembly to hold and store one or more items and to organize said one or more items. The one or more surfaces may be edges of one or more metal beams and one or more metal frames of a semi-truck, such that said one or more accessory mount assemblies removeably attach to said one or more metal beams and one or more metal frames of a semi-truck; and wherein said organizational function may be to hold and store one or more items hang one or more items. The one or more surfaces may be one or more edges of an assembly line workspace in a factory, such that said one or more accessory mount assemblies removeably attach to said one or more edges of said assembly line workspace in said factory; and wherein said organizational function may be to hold and store one or more items. The one or more surfaces may be one or more walls of a cubicle of an office building, such that said one or more accessory mount assemblies removeably attach to said one or more walls of said cubicle of said office building; and wherein said organizational function may be to hold and store one or more items. The one or more surfaces may be one or more filing cabinets, such that said one or more accessory mount assemblies removeably attach to said one or more filing cabinets; and wherein said organizational function may be to hold and store one or more items. The one or more surfaces may be one or more workspaces of a tooling shop, such that said one or more accessory mount assemblies removeably attach to said one or more workspaces of said tooling shop using said one or more second fasteners; and wherein said organizational function may be to hold and store one or more items.
Another embodiment of the present invention is a customizable organizer assembly, comprising: a fixture assembly; and one or more accessory mount assemblies; wherein the fixture assembly comprises of a fixture housing, a faceplate, a hood receiver; and one or more first fasteners; wherein the faceplate is attached to the fixture housing; wherein the hood receiver is an upper portion of the fixture assembly; wherein the faceplate includes at least one of the one or more first fasteners; wherein the fixture housing is configured to attach onto a surface; wherein each of the one or more accessory mount assemblies comprises of: an accessory mount housing, a hood, an accessory, and one or more second fasteners; wherein the hood is an upper portion of the each of the one or more accessory mount assemblies; wherein the accessory removeably attaches to the accessory mount housing; wherein the accessory performs an organizational function; wherein the one or more second fasteners are positioned at a rear portion of the accessory mount housing; and wherein the one or more accessory mount assemblies removeably engages with the fixture assembly, such that the hood matingly engages the hood receiver and the one or more second fasteners matingly engage with the one or more first fasteners. The faceplate may be configured to include one or more texts and one or more graphics. The fixture housing may comprise of a base receiver; wherein the one or more accessory mount assemblies may comprise of a base; wherein the base receiver may be a lower portion of the fixture assembly; wherein the base may be a lower portion of the one or more accessory mount assemblies; and wherein the one or more accessory mount assemblies may removeably engage with the fixture assembly, such that the base may matingly engage with the base receiver, such that the fixture assembly may support the one or more accessory mount assemblies. The base receiver of the fixture housing may be a snug-fit base receiver; wherein the one or more accessory mount assemblies may be one or more snug-fit accessory mount assemblies, such that the base of the one or more accessory mount assemblies may be a snug-fit base; and wherein the one or more snug-fit accessory mount assemblies may removeably and matingly engage with the fixture assembly, such that the snug-fit base may engage with the snug-fit base receiver. The customizable organizer assembly hood receiver of the fixture assembly may be a trench-hood receiver; wherein the hood of the one or more accessory mount assemblies may be a trench-hood; and wherein the trench-hood may be configured to matingly engage with the trench-hood receiver, such that the fixture assembly may substantially secure the one or more accessory mount assemblies. The hood receiver of the fixture assembly may be a curved-hood receiver; wherein the hood of the accessory mount assemblies may be a curved-hood; and wherein the curved-hood may be configured to matingly engage with the curved-hood receiver, such that the fixture assembly may support with reduced slippage the one or more accessory mount assemblies. The customizable organizer assembly may further comprise a bin assembly; wherein the bin assembly may comprises of a bin receiver, one or more second fasteners, and one or more third fasteners; wherein the bin assembly may removeably engage with the bin receiver of the fixture assembly and the one or more second fasteners of the bin assembly may matingly engage with the one or more first fasteners of the fixture assembly, such that the one or more third fasteners of the bin assembly may be exposed and configured for attaching the one or more second fasteners of the one or more accessory mount assemblies to the bin assembly. The customizable organizer assembly may further comprise a cover assembly; wherein the cover assembly may comprises of a hood, a base, a hood receiver, and a base receiver; wherein the fixture assembly may comprises of a cover receiver and base receiver; wherein the hood of the cover assembly may removeably and matingly engage with the cover receiver the fixture assembly; wherein the base of the cover assembly may removeably and matingly engage with the base receiver of the fixture assembly; wherein the hood receiver of the cover assembly may be configured to matingly engage with the hood of the one or more accessory mount assemblies; and wherein the base receiver of the cover assembly may be configured to matingly engage with a base of the one or more accessory mount assemblies. The customizable organizer assembly may further comprise one or more extensions; wherein a first end of the one or more extensions may be attached to the surface; and wherein a second end of the one or more extensions may be attached to the fixture assembly, such that the fixture assembly may be secured to and extended from the surface. The customizable organizer assembly may further comprise one or more extension mounting brackets; wherein the one or more extension mounting brackets may be attached to the surface; wherein a first end of the one or more extensions may be attached to the one or more extension mounting brackets; and wherein a second end of the one or more extensions may be attached to the fixture assembly, such that the fixture assembly may be secured to and extended from the surface. The one or more extensions may be selected from the group consisting of: a hanger; a bar; and an L-shaped bracket. The one or more accessory mount assemblies may further comprise of an upper grip and lower grip; and wherein the upper grip and the lower grip may be configured to assist the user to dismount the one or more accessory mount assemblies. The one or more accessory mount assemblies may be utilized with one or more detachable accessory assemblies. The one or more accessory mount assemblies may be bracket-shaped accessory mount assemblies. The one or more accessory mount assemblies may be one or more L-shaped accessory mount assemblies.
Another embodiment of the present invention is a customizable organizer assembly, comprising: one or more accessory mount assemblies; wherein the one or more accessory mount assemblies comprise: an accessory mount housing, one or more fasteners, and an accessory; wherein the one or more accessory mount assemblies are configured to removeably attach onto a surface by the one or more fasteners; and wherein the accessory performs at least one organizational function.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an organizer assembly that is customizable and readily adaptable to a wide variety of different applications without structural modification.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an accessory mount assembly that is a “versatile organizer” in that the accessory mount assembly is capable of hanging more than five pounds without using a giant magnet (e.g., a magnet with the size of two thumbs put together). The accessory mount assembly will preferably have a high weight carrying to carry much more weight in order to serve numerous tasks, and do real work rather than hanging small items such as keys and rubber bands. The present invention will preferably function as sign holders for retail shelves at department stores; hang big heavy bags, wheeled trollies, and bicycles along semi-trucks cargo rails; removeably hang medium sized spice racks in kitchens, big point-of-sale display racks in retail stores on their shelves; and hang large items along the edges of their fridges and fridge doors. Preferably, the present invention utilizes magnets that are approximately one-tenth of the magnets used by conventional organizational products and are preferably configured to have a weight carrying-capacity that is at least ten times greater than conventional organizational products.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a customizable organizer assembly that utilizes adhesives to attach a receiving member (e.g., magnet or hook and loop fastener such as Velcro®) to edges or ledges. Specifically, if magnets for organizers are attached to the back of the accessory mount assemblies, those accessory mount assemblies must then interact with a metallic surface in order to attach itself thereon. This generally limits magnetic hooks interactions if a table, countertop, or shelf is wooden or plastic. By attaching a receiving member (ex. magnet or hook and loop fastener such as Velcro®) along the edge or ledge of an object using adhesives, that edge or ledge is preferably ready to accept the accessory mount assembly. This installation generally does not require screw fasteners, and can be completed in less than ten seconds. Preferably, the adhesive fasteners of the accessory mount assembly is easy to peel and easy to stick. This edge or ledge would preferably be able to removeably attach an accessory mount assembly, and users may easily peel off the receiving member when they want to change locations.
It is another object of the present invention to transform any surface into a receiver for the accessory mount assembly to dock onto, no matter if the surface is made of wood or plastic.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an organizer assembly that utilizes a variety of fastening devices when customizing according to the user's preferences.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a universal organizer that is versatile, powerful, cost-effective to manufacture, and effortlessly easy to use.
It is an object of the present invention to overcome the limitations of the prior art.
Other features and advantages are inherent in the customizable organizer assembly claimed and disclosed will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description and its accompanying drawings.
The drawings are of illustrative embodiments. They do not illustrate all embodiments. Other embodiments may be used in addition or instead. Details which may be apparent or unnecessary may be omitted to save space or for more effective illustration. Some embodiments may be practiced with additional components or steps and/or without all of the components or steps which are illustrated. When the same numeral appears in different drawings, it refers to the same or like components or steps.
In the following detailed description of various embodiments of the invention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various aspects of one or more embodiments of the invention. However, one or more embodiments of the invention may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and/or components have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of embodiments of the invention.
While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the screen shot figures, and the detailed descriptions thereof, are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. Also, the reference or non-reference to a particular embodiment of the invention shall not be interpreted to limit the scope of the invention.
In the following description, certain terminology is used to describe certain features of one or more embodiments of the invention. For instance, the terms “fastener”, “fastening mechanism”, “first fastener”, “second fastener”, “third fastener”, “cover fastener”, and “utility member” generally refer to any device that mechanically joins or affixes two or more objects together including, without limitation, magnets, metals, metallic plates, adhesives, adhesive strips, ultrasonic welding, adhesive strips, fastener strips, hook and loop fasteners, threaded fasteners such as screws and bolts, rivets, clamps, clips, button fasteners, Velcro®, Velcro® strips, Velcro®-like strips, and the like. Preferably, the first fastener is used on the fixture assembly, but may be utilized with other components of the customizer organizer assembly, such that the first fastener may interact with either a second fastener or third fastener. Preferably, the second fastener is utilized on the accessory mount assembly, but may also be used on other components of the customizer organizer assembly (e.g., bin assembly and cover assembly), such that the second fastener may interact with either a first fastener or third fastener. Preferably, the third fasteners are located on the bin assembly for the accessory mount assembly or bin assembly for the fixture assembly but may be used on other components, such that the third fastener may interact with either the first fastener or second fastener. As such, the fastener may be utilized in the following objects or components, without limitation, fixture assemblies, accessory mount assemblies, including at least bracket-shaped accessory mount assemblies and L-shaped accessory mount assemblies, faceplates, bin receiver, bin assembly, cover receiver, cover assembly, extensions, including at least hangers, bars, L-shaped brackets), and the like.
The terms “button fastener”, “button member”, and “button receiver” preferably refer to one or more fasteners that comprise of at least one compressible button and at least one hole or slot that mate or engages with that compressible button. Specifically, a user typically presses the button of a first object and preferably slides the button into the hole or slot of a second object. The button then generally springs back into its original position, such that the button becomes preferably trapped or secured in the designated hole or slot. As a result, the button preferably attaches or secures the first object to the second object and preferably restricts or prohibits any movement from both objects. To release the first object from the second object, the user preferably compresses the button and slides the button out from their respective hole or slot.
The term “spring” generally refers to any elastic device, such as a coil of wire, that regains its original shape after being compressed or extended and is preferably used for the button fasteners.
The terms “fastener slot” and “utility slots” preferably refer to any space or slot that may be used to house or secure one or more fasteners including, without limitation, first fasteners, second fasteners, third fasteners, cover fasteners, threaded fasteners (including, but not limited to, screws, bolts, and threaded screw holes), button fasteners, magnets, metals, metallic plates, adhesives, adhesive fasteners, fastener strips, hook and loop fasteners, rivets, clamps, Velcro®, Velcro® strips, Velcro®-like strips, and clips. A fastener slot may be included inside or outside of an object or component (including, but not limited to, fixture assemblies, accessory mount assemblies such as bracket-shaped accessory mount assemblies and L-shaped accessory mount assemblies, bin receiver, bin assembly, cover receiver, cover assembly, extensions such as hangers, bars, L-shaped brackets, and the like). The fasteners may also be generally secured within the fastener slot by some mechanism (including, but not limited to, screws/bolts/fasteners, glue, cement, button fasteners, etc.).
The terms “accessory” and “accessory member” generally refer to any device that performs a specialized or organizational task including, without limitation, hooks, hanger bars, racks, shelves, containers, bags, boxes, pouches, receivers, magnets, timers, displays, sign holders, signs, electronic devices (including but not limited to, timers, clocks, thermometers, pH readers, electronic displays, and hygrometers), and the like.
The term “item” generally refers to an individual article or unit used for the customizable organizer assembly including, without limitation, wires; wrenches; ropes; rags; cloths; bags; trollies; bicycles; ropes; helmets; racks; organizers; clothing; scarves; laptop bags; backpacks; paper files; office supplies; tapes; lunchboxes; belts; keys; scissors; rulers; pencils; umbrellas; and the like. The term “tool” generally refers to any device used to perform or facilitate manual or mechanical work, including without limitation, wrenches; wires; nuts; bolts; screws; tapes; helmets; gloves and the like.
The terms “assembly line workspace” and “assembly line” generally refer to an arrangement of machines, equipment, and workspace in which one or more products being assembled passes consecutively from operation to operation until completed, including without limitation machines, machinery, conveyors, conveyor belts, furniture, metal furniture (e.g., metal desks, metal tables, etc. . . . ), and the like.
The present invention is preferably a customizable organizer assembly that allows a user to organize accessories in a home or workspace by mounting or attaching various accessory mount assemblies to a fixture assembly or other object. For example, the customizable organizer assembly may function as a clothing rack by mounting and securing the fixture assembly on a wall and attaching an accessory mounting assembly with hooks to the mounted fixture assembly to hang clothing. Once the clothing rack is no longer needed, the user may reorganize the customizable organizer assembly by simply detaching the accessory mount assembly from the fixture assembly and reattaching another embodiment of the accessory mount assembly for a different purpose. Each accessory mount assembly may include an accessory that functions as a different tool such as a hook, hanger, container, timer, thermometer, or weather display that the user may use within his or her workspace or living space.
As discussed above, the first fastener 110 is preferably any device that mechanically or magnetically joins or affixes two or more objects together. The first fastener 110 preferably comprises, in combination with the fixture assembly 100, a first contact surface 101, which is preferably one or more surfaces that contacts with the accessory mount assembly 200. The first fastener 110 may include, without limitation, magnets, metals, metallic plates, adhesives, fastener strips, hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro®, threaded fasteners (including, but not limited to, screws and bolts, threaded holes), rivets, clamps, clips, and the like. Preferably, the first fasteners 110 and second fastener 210 are male and female fasteners, such that the first fastener 110 removeably mates or engages with the second fastener 210. Each fixture assembly 100 may contain one or more first fasteners 110, and may contain any combination of first fasteners 110 (including magnets, metallic plates, adhesive members, and the like).
The accessory mount assembly 200 is preferably any device that is configured to fasten onto the fixture assembly 100 or other objects (including, but not limited to, tables, workbenches, countertops, machines, shelves, stands, etc. . . . ) and preferably includes an accessory mount housing 205; second fastener 210; accessory 213; hood 220; and a second contact surface 201. The accessory mount assembly 200 may also further comprise of a base 265. As discussed above, the accessory 213 is preferably a device or object configured to perform a specialized task and may include, without limitation, hooks, hanger bars, shelves, racks, containers, trays, bags, boxes, magnets, timers, displays, sign holders, signs, electronic devices, and the like. The second faster 210, also as discussed above, is preferably any device that mechanically joins or affixes two or more objects together including, without limitation, magnets, metals, metallic plates, adhesives, adhesive strips, button fasteners, fastener strips, snap lock strips, hook and loop fasteners, Velcro®, Velcro®-like fastener strips, threaded fasteners such as screws and bolts, rivets, clamps, and clips.
The accessory mount assembly 200 may be relatively short (e.g., lengthwise) so as to have a single accessory 213 on it such as a hook, or the accessory mount assembly 200 may be relatively long (e.g., horizontal or vertical) so as to have a plurality of accessories on it. Additionally, the accessory mount assembly 200 may vary in length, height, and shape, and each accessory mount assembly 200 may contain a single accessory 213 or multiple accessories. Furthermore, the accessory 213 may be permanently attached to the accessory mount assembly 200 or may be removable or detachable from the accessory mount assembly 200.
Each accessory mount assembly 200 generally includes a hood 220, which preferably mates with the hood receiver 120 of the fixture assembly 100, and may include a base 265, which preferably mates with the base receiver 130 of the fixture assembly 100. Additionally, each accessory mount assembly 200 may have a second contact surface that preferably contacts or interacts with the first contact surface 101, such that the first fastener 110 of the fixture assembly 100 matingly engages with the second fastener 210 of the accessory mount assembly 200. Furthermore, the weight load of the accessory mount assembly 200 is also preferably shifted from the first and second fasteners to the hood 220 and hood receiver 120 instead. In various embodiments of the customizable organizer assembly 50, the hood 220 may configured as a trench-hood 910 or curved-hood 1005. The base 265 may also be configured in various embodiments such as a snug-fit base 805, and the fixture assembly may have a snug-fit base receiver 140 (shown in
The fixture assembly 100 generally functions as a dock for mounting one or more accessory mount assemblies, each of which preferably has a different accessory 213 for performing a different task. Specifically, an accessory mount assembly 200 may attach to and secure onto the fixture assembly 100 when the first contact surface 101 of the fixture assembly 100 interacts with the second contact surface 201 of the accessory mount assembly 200.
Each fixture assembly 100 may contain a combination of first fasteners 110 for attaching and securing the accessory mount assembly 200 and may contain additional fasteners to attach the fixture assembly 100 directly to a surface or object. Additionally, extensions 300 may also be used to attach the fixture assembly 100 to a surface or other object.
First Contact Surface—
As discussed above, the first contact surface 101 is preferably one or more regions of the fixture assembly 100 comprising of a group of components or fasteners that are preferably configured to matingly engage with the second contact surface 201 of the accessory mount assembly 200. The first contact surface 101 is also preferably configured to allow the accessory mount assembly 200 to easily detach from the fixture assembly 100. In other words, the fixture assembly 100 and accessory mount assembly 200 may be firmly attached to each other, but, as preferred may be easily separated (and reattached) by the user. The first contact surface 101 is generally not a specific component or member of the fixture assembly 100 (although it can be) but rather, it is preferably a representation of one or more components of the fixture assembly 100 (e.g., first fasteners 110).
Examples of such components that generally comprise the first contact surface 101 may include, without limitation: a first fastener 110, bin assembly 500 (shown in
Fixture Housing—
The fixture housing 105 is preferably the main chassis or housing of the fixture assembly 100 and preferably houses, contains, and/or comprises all of the components associated with the fixture assembly 100.
Faceplate
The faceplate 115 is generally one or more pieces of metal, magnets, or portion of the fixture assembly 100 used to interact with the second contact surface 201 of the accessory mount assembly 200. The faceplate 115 may solely include magnets or may be constructed with metallic materials alone. For example, in a preferred embodiment, when utilizing the faceplate 115 constructed with magnetic fasteners, an accessory mount assembly 200 with metal surfaces alone is preferably configured to dock onto or attach to the faceplate 115 of the fixture assembly 100. Thus, due to the magnetic properties of the faceplate 115 in that embodiment, the faceplate 115 may function as a first fastener 110. It should be understood, however, that if the fixture assembly 100 lacks any magnets, the fixture assembly 100 may interact with the accessory mount assembly 200 that utilizes magnets, by utilizing a faceplate 115 with a metallic surface.
Furthermore, the faceplate 115 may comprise dual fastening combinations between a fixture assembly 100 and accessory mount assembly 200 (e.g., both the fixture assembly 100 and accessory mount assembly 200 utilize magnetic and metallic first fasteners 110). Specifically, a fixture assembly 100 having both magnetic and metallic first fasteners 110 may interact with an accessory mount assembly 200 utilizing both magnetic and metallic second fasteners 210. The magnetic first fasteners 110 of the fixture assembly 100 preferably interact with the metallic second fasteners 210 of the accessory mount assembly 200 while, at the same time, the magnetic second fasteners 210 of the accessory mount assembly 200 preferably interact with the metallic first fasteners 110 of the fixture assembly 100. Thus, dual fastening combinations preferably increase the carrying capacity performance of the accessory mount assembly 200.
Finally, in another embodiment, the faceplate 115 may serve as an artistic canvas of the fixture assembly 100. For example, the metallic faceplate 115 may include graphics, texts, engravings, and other artistic renderings that will provide a personality and artistic presence to each fixture assembly 100. Alternatively, the faceplate 115 may also be used as a marketing tool, to brand and commercialize different business logos, trademark texts, and licensed characters.
Hood Receiver
The upper or top portion of the fixture assembly 100, which is referred to as the hood receiver 120, preferably interacts with the upper portion of accessory mount assembly 200 or hood 220. The hood receiver 120 may have a variety of shapes (including, but not limited to, flat, round, trench, triangular, male, female.), and the shape and size of that hood receiver 120 preferably complements the shape and size of the hood 220 of the accessory mount assembly 200 to increase or maximize the carrying capacity of the accessory mount assembly 200. Furthermore, each fixture assembly 100 may have multiple hood receivers without deviating from the scope of the invention.
Trench-hood Receiver—
Curved-Hood Receiver—
Base Receiver—
The lower portion of the fixture assembly 100, 102, 103, preferably referred to as the base receiver 130, preferably interacts with a base 265 or lower portion of a accessory mount assembly 200, which is shown in
Another benefit of having a base receiver 130 is to prevent damage to a wall or surface that a fixture assembly 100, 102, 103 is secured on or attach to. If no base receiver 130 exists on the fixture assembly 100, an accessory mount assembly 200 with a base 265 may damage the wall or surface that the fixture assembly 100 is secured on. Thus, the base receiver 130 of the fixture assembly 100, 102, 103 generally protects the wall or surface that the fixture assembly 100, 102, 103 is attached to.
Snug-Fit Base Receiver—
The lower portion or surface of the fixture assembly 104 that runs along the bottom portion of the fixture assembly 104 also referred to as the “snug-fit base receiver” 140 preferably interacts with the snug-fit base 805 of the snug-fit accessory mount assembly 800 (as shown in
Bin Receiver—
The bin receiver 133 is preferably any slot, indentation, channel, or space within the fixture housing 105 that secures the bin assembly 500 into or onto the fixture assembly 106. The bin assembly 500 is generally attached within or along the bin receiver 133 by any fastening mechanism and may be permanently or temporarily secured from the fixture assembly 106. The bin receiver 133 may be configured in various shapes and sizes (including, but not limited to, round, square, rectangular, triangular), and the shape and size of the bin receiver 133 preferably complements the shape and size of the bin assembly 500 in order to optimize their securing mechanisms. Each fixture assembly 100, 102, 103, 104, 106 may have one or more bin receivers, and each bin receiver 133 may be used as slots for the first fasteners 110 of the fixture assembly 106.
Regarding the various fastening mechanisms, both the bin receiver 133 and bin assembly 500 may attach or fasten to one another by the use of screws/bolts and button fasteners. Specifically, a screw/bolt and threaded hole may be used to secure the bin assembly 500 to the bin receiver 133. Alternatively, button fasteners may also be used to secure the bin assembly 500 to the bin receiver 133. Once the bin assembly 500 and fixture assembly 106 are secured together, via screw/bolt fasteners and/or button fasteners, another embodiment of the fixture assembly 106 is preferably formed.
When utilizing the bin assembly 500, the fixture assembly 100 may have many various fastener combinations. For example, a bin assembly 500 may have third fasteners 510 on a front surface and second fasteners on a rear surface. The second fasteners of the bin assembly 500 may engage with the first fasteners of the fixture assembly 106, and the third fasteners 510 of the bin assembly 500 may be exposed on the fixture assembly 106, functioning as the first contact surface 101 of the fixture assembly 106. Alternatively, the third fasteners 510 of the bin assembly 500 may engage with the first fasteners of the fixture assembly 106, such that the second fasteners of the bin assembly 500 are exposed as the first contact surface 101 of the fixture assembly 106. For example, assuming that one embodiment of the bin assembly 500 contains magnets as first fasteners, and a metal faceplate as second fasteners, a user may choose magnets or the metal faceplate as the exposed surface when the bin assembly 500 is attached to the fixture assembly 106. Thus, a single bin assembly 500 may provide the first contact surface 101 with multiple functions. A user may utilize a single bin assembly 500 with magnetic fasteners or convert the bin assembly 500 to non-magnetic fasteners.
Furthermore, a single bin assembly 500 containing two or more different fasteners on a single surface may provide the user with multiple options when customizing the customizable organizer assembly 50. Also, a bin assembly 500 with a surface having either an appealing surface design and fastening mechanism may provide the user with customizable aesthetic and functional features by simply re-attaching various faceplates of the bin assembly 500 to the fixture assembly 100.
Bin Housing—
The bin housing 505 is preferably the housing or main chassis of the bin assembly 500 and preferably houses the components associated with the bin assembly 500. As shown in
Faceplate—
The faceplate 515 is preferably one or more metallic regions located on the bin assembly 500 that allows magnets to dock onto or attach to the fixture assembly 106. The faceplate 515 may also serve as an artistic canvas of the fixture assembly 100, such that the faceplate 515 may include customizable graphics, texts, engravings and other artistic renderings that reflect the artistic preference of the user. Alternatively, the faceplate 515 may also be used as a marketing tool by branding different business logos, trademark, and licensed characters.
Fastener Slot—
The fastener slot 555 is preferably any space or slot located in the bin housing 505, which allows the third fasteners 510 to be positioned within that space. Each bin assembly 500 may have one or more fastener slots 555.
Cover Receiver—
The fixture housing 105 may include a cover receiver, which is preferably one or more contact surfaces of the fixture housing 105 that contacts or interacts with a cover assembly 400. Specifically, the cover receiver of the fixture housing 105 preferably allows various cover assemblies to be secured onto the same fixture housing 105. The user may alternate and change one cover assembly 400 with another based upon characteristics, functionalities, aesthetics, and performance (i.e., weight carrying capacity).
Regarding the various securing mechanisms, the cover receiver and cover assembly 400 may utilize various fastening mechanisms, including without limitation: (1) screws/bolts and threaded holes, or (2) button fasteners. Once the cover assembly 400 is attached or fastened onto the cover receiver, the two objects (i.e., cover assembly 400 and fixture housing 105) are preferably secured together.
Cover—
The cover 405 is preferably the main chassis or housing of the cover assembly 400, and preferably houses all of the components associated with the cover assembly 405.
Faceplate—
The faceplate 430 is preferably one or more metallic plates that is part of or secured onto the cover assembly 400, such that, when the cover assembly 400 is connected to the fixture assembly 100, 102, 103, 104, 106, 107 magnets may dock onto or attach to the fixture housing 105. Alternatively, like the faceplate 115 of the fixture housing 105, the faceplate 430 of the cover assembly 400 may also serve as an artistic canvas by including customizable graphics, texts, engravings, and other artistic renderings according to the preferences of a user. The faceplate 430 may also be used as a marketing tool by branding and commercializing different business logos, trademark, and licensed characters.
Hood Receiver—
Like the hood receiver 120 of the fixture assembly 100, the upper portion of the cover assembly 400 also referred to as the hood receiver 415 preferably mates or engages with the hood 220 of the accessory mount assembly 200. In particular, the hood receiver 415 of the cover assembly 400 preferably rests above, or matingly engages, with the hood receiver 120 of the fixture assembly 100, 102, 103, 104, 106, 107 and generally increases the carrying capacity of each accessory mount assembly 200 when the accessory mount assembly 200 is attached to the fixture assembly 100, 102, 103, 104, 106, 107. The hood receiver 415 of the cover assembly 400 may be configured in various shapes (e.g., round, flat, triangular) to optimize the interactions between the hood receiver 120 of the fixture assembly 100, 102, 103, 104, 106, 107 and the hood 220 of the accessory mount assembly 200.
Base Receiver—
When the cover assembly 400 is attached and secured onto the fixture assembly 100, 102, 103, 104, 106, 107, the lower portion of the cover assembly 400 also referred to as the base receiver 420 may engage with the base 265, 630 of an accessory mount assembly 200 (e.g., bracket-shaped accessory mount assembly 600). The base receiver 420 may have various shapes (e.g., round, rectangular, square, triangular) that preferably requires the user to shift the accessory mount assembly 200 at a particular pivot point when mounting or dismounting. For instance, if the distance between the point of rotation and pivot point on the accessory mount assembly 200 increases, less force is required and a larger momentum would result when mounting/dismounting the accessory mount assembly 200.
Snug-Fit Base Receiver—
When the cover assembly 400 is attached and secured onto the fixture assembly 100, 102, 103, 104, 106, 107, another embodiment of the cover assembly 400 may have a lower portion or surface as a “snug-fit base receiver”, which preferably contacts with the snug-fit base 805 or lower portion of a snug-fit accessory mount assembly 800. The contact between the snug-fit base receiver and snug-fit base 805 preferably eliminates any up-down, latitudinal motion of the snug-fit accessory mount assembly 800, thereby firmly securing the snug-fit accessory mount assembly 800 to the fixture assembly 104. As a result, the carrying capacity of the snug-fit accessory mount assembly 800 is improved, thereby minimizing the amount of fasteners needed in both the fixture assembly 104 and accessory mount assembly 200.
An extension 300 is preferably any device that is configured to secure the fixture assembly 100, 102, 103, 104, 106, 107, 108 to a particular surface and extend that fixture assembly 100, 102, 103, 104, 106, 107, 108 from that surface. Examples of such extensions include: hangers (shown in
Second Contact Surface—
The second contact surface 201 is preferably one or more regions of the accessory mount assembly 200 comprising of a group of components or fasteners that interact with the fasteners belonging to the fixture assembly 100, 102, 103, 104, 106, 107, 108, bin assembly 500, or cover assembly 400. The second contact surface 201 is also preferably configured to allow the accessory mount assembly 200 to easily detach from the fixture assembly 100, 102, 103, 104, 106, 107, 108 or other object. In other words, the fixture assembly 100, 102, 103, 104, 106, 107, 108 and accessory mount assembly 200 may firmly attached to each other, but may be easily separated and reattached by the user. The second contact surface 201 is generally not a specific component or member of the accessory mount assembly 200, but rather, is preferably a representation of one or more components (e.g., second fasteners) of the accessory mount assembly 200. The second contact surface 201 of the accessory mount assembly 200 may also be configured in various sizes and shapes.
Generally, the second contact surface 201 of each accessory mount assembly 200 interacts with the first contact surface 101 of the fixture assembly 100, 102, 103, 104, 106, 107, 108 such that the accessory mount assembly 200 may easily and securely attached to the fixture assembly 100, 102, 103, 104, 106, 107, 108. The weight load of the accessory mount assembly 200 is also preferably shifted from the first and second fasteners to the hood 220 and hood receiver 120.
Each accessory mount assembly 200 may contain multiple accessories, and an accessory mount assembly 200 may be constructed in any size and shape. For example, the accessory mount assembly 200 may be large enough to have a plurality of accessories (e.g., an accessory 213 may be a hook or an entire rack of hooks). Furthermore, multiple accessory mount assemblies may mount onto or attach to a single fixture assembly 100, 102, 103, 104, 106, 107, 108, resulting with a variety of combinations and functionalities.
Each accessory mount assembly 200 may have an accessory 213 built-in, or removeably attached to the accessory mount assembly 200 through fasteners or connectors, including, but not limited to, screws, holes, bolts, button fasteners, magnets, adhesives, hook and loop fasteners, plastic snap lock strips, and fastening strips. This generally provides the user with the ability to choose his or her desired application (i.e., specific accessory), while, at the same time, be able to select their favorite tools, design, carrying capacity, and cost of each accessory mount assembly 200. The accessory mount assembly 200 may also utilize second fasteners 210 such that the accessory mount assembly 200 may firmly and securely attach to a fixture assembly 100, 102, 103, 104, 106, 107, 108 or other object (including, but not limited to, table, a countertop, a shelf, a railing, etc. . . . ). Also, the weight load of the accessory mount assembly 200 is also preferably shifted from the first and second fasteners to the hood 220 and hood receiver 120.
Regarding the use of fastening strips (e.g., plastic snap-lock strips similar to hook and loop fasteners or Velcro®), an accessory mount assembly 200 may be mounted to any object via fastening strips. For example, fastening strip generally has adhesive material on a first side and fastening members on a second side (including, but not limited to, hook and loop, snap buttons, locking studs, magnets, and the like). The adhesive side of one fastening strip is generally attached to a surface of an object (including, but not limited to, desk, a table, a shelf, a countertop, a utility cart) while the adhesive side of another fastening strip is then secured onto the rear side of an accessory mount assembly 200 or hood 220. This allows the accessory mount assembly 200 to fasten onto the designated object through the use of fastening strips. Thus, a user is preferably able to convert any object, surface, or piece of furniture into a dockable device for mounting his or her accessory mount assembly 200 quickly and effortless.
Accessory Mount Housing—
The accessory mount housing 205 is preferably the main chassis of the accessory mount assembly 200 and preferably houses the components associated with the accessory mount assembly 200.
Rear Side—
The rear or back portion of the accessory mount assembly 200 also referred to as the “rear side” 215 is preferably the surface that utilizes second fasteners 210 (including, but not limited to, magnets, metallic plates, adhesives, adhesive fasteners, hook and loop fasteners, Velcro®, etc. . . . ) to mate and engage with the first fasteners 110, which are preferably comprised of first contact surface 101, of the fixture assembly 100, 102, 103, 104, 106, 107, 108. This interaction generally allows the accessory mount assembly 200 to easily and securely mount onto the fixture assembly 100, 102, 103, 104, 106, 107, 108 and also effortlessly dismount or detach from the fixture assembly 100, 102, 103, 104, 106, 107, 108.
Hood—
The upper portion of the accessory mount assembly 200 or hood 220 preferably interacts or engages with the hood receiver 120 of the fixture assembly 100, 102, 103, 104, 106, 107, 108. Preferably, the hood 220 prevents the accessory mount assembly 200 from sliding off the fixture assembly 100 during use, and preferably increases the carrying capacity of the accessory mount assembly 200. An accessory mount assembly 200 may have one or more hoods, and each hood 220 may be configured in various shapes and sizes (including, but not limited to, round, flat, square, rectangular, triangular, etc.). For example, an accessory mount assembly may utilize various hoods such as a trench-hood 910 and curved-hood 1005. Preferably, in order to increase the load capacity, the shape of the hood 220 of the accessory mount assembly 200 should complement the shape of the hood receiver 120 of the fixture assembly 100, 102, 103, 104, 106, 107, 108. The hood 220 may also include one or more holes or protrusions that function as an upper finger-grip for the accessory mount assembly 200, such that a user may slide his or her fingers into the holes or protrusions of the hood 220 to assist him or her in dismounting or detaching that accessory mount assembly 200. Also, the weight load of the accessory mount assembly 200 is also preferably shifted from the first and second fasteners to the hood 220 and hood receiver 120.
Base—
The accessory mount assembly 200 may include a lower portion also referred to as the base 265. The base 265 is generally included in only a bracket-shaped accessory mount assembly 600 (e.g., snug-fit accessory mount assembly 800). The base 265 preferably interacts or contacts with the base receiver 130 of the fixture assembly 100, 102, 103, 104, 106, 107, 108 and preferably allows a user to easily dismount or detach the accessory mount assembly 200 from the fixture assembly 100, 102, 103, 104, 106, 107, 108. The interaction between the base 265 and base receiver 130 generally shifts the pivot point of the accessory mount assembly 200 when dismounting from a fixture assembly 100, 102, 103, 104, 106, 107, 108. The base 265 may be configured in various shapes and sizes and preferably complements the shape and size of the base receiver 130 of the fixture assembly 100, 102, 103, 104, 106, 107, 108.
Accessory—
As discussed above, the accessory 213 is generally any object or device used for a specific function or task. The accessory 213 may be part of the accessory mount assembly 200 as a single object—i.e., the accessory 213 is not detachable from the accessory mount assembly 200—, or the accessory 213 may be removeably attachable to accessory mount assembly 200 via fasteners (including, but not limited to, screw/bolts, button fasteners, adhesives, magnets, and hook and loop fasteners) and other attachment methods. The accessory mount assembly 200 may also include other components such as an upper finger grip and lower finger grip.
Upper Finger Grip—
The upper finger grip 266 is preferably a portion of the accessory mount assembly 200 generally located near the hood that assists the user to mount or dismount the accessory mount assembly 200 with his or her fingers. The upper finger grip 266 may consist of one or more protrusions or one or more holes of various shapes and sizes, and each accessory mount assembly 200 may have one or more upper finger grips.
Lower Finger Grip—
The lower finger grip 267 is preferably a portion of the accessory mount assembly 200 that is generally located near the base 265 of the accessory mount assembly 200 and preferably assists the user to mount or dismount the accessory mount assembly 200 with his or her fingers. The lower finger grip 267 may consist of one or more protrusions or one or more holes of various shapes and sizes, and each accessory mount assembly 200 may have one or more lower finger grips.
The accessory mount assembly 200 may either be a bracket-shaped accessory mount assembly 600 or an L-shaped accessory mount assembly 700.
The L-shaped accessory mount assembly 700 may attach to the fixture assembly 100, 102, 103, 104, 106, 107, 108 or any object, including without limitation, tables, countertops, microwaves, machines, bars, beams, vehicles, railings, fences, utility carts, magnetic knife holders, magnetic tool holders, retail display equipment for retail stores, point of sale retail furniture (e.g., shelves, refrigerators, standing signs, racks), storage shelves, metallic beams in semi-trucks, assembly lines in factories and manufacturing plants, small office walls of cubicle workspaces, filing cabinets, storage shelves in mechanic and tooling shops, and other objects with a substantially horizontal surface. For example, if an edge/ledge of an object is metallic, then an L-shaped accessory mount assembly 700 utilizing magnetic fasteners may easily and securely mount/attach itself onto that edge/ledge. Alternatively, if an edge/ledge of an object is utilizing material other than metals (including, but not limited to, wood, plastic, or composites), then an L-shaped accessory mount assembly 700 utilizing adhesive fasteners may easily and securely mount onto or attach to that edge/ledge. Once attached, the L-shaped accessory mount assembly 700 will preferably function just as well as if it were mounted onto a fixture assembly 100, 102, 103, 104, 106, 107, 108. The L-shaped accessory mount assembly 700 may also be used for marketing such as retail display equipment for point-of-sale or may be used for other functions as well (including, but not limited to, organizing items via racks, hooks, containers, shelves, trays, sign holders, price display, and the like).
The snug-fit base 805 may be configured in various sizes and shapes, and a single snug-fit accessory mount assembly 800 may utilize multiple snug-fit bases. The snug-fit base 805 and snug-fit base receiver 140 preferably complement each other in size and shape to optimize the fastening mechanism between the snug-fit accessory mount assembly 800 and fixture assembly 104.
The bin assembly 1100 may be secured into the bin assembly receiver 1133 via fasteners (e.g., button fasteners, as shown in
Bin Housing—
The bin housing 1105 is preferably the chassis or housing of the bin assembly 1100 and preferably encases or houses the third fasteners 1110 (i.e., the second contact surface 201), which are configured to interact with the first fasteners 110 (i.e., the first contact surface 101) of the fixture assembly 100, 102, 103, 104, 106, 107, 108. The third fasteners 1110 may be secured within the bin housing 1105 or secured onto the outside of the bin housing 1105.
Third Fasteners—
As discussed above, the third fasteners 1110 of the bin assembly 1100 preferably interact with the first fasteners 110 (i.e., first contact surface 101) of the fixture assembly 100, 102, 103, 104, 106, 107, 108. The third fasteners 1110 of the bin assembly 1100 may be constructed with magnets, metal plates, hook and loop fasteners, Velcro®, adhesives, and the like and may be constructed in various sizes and shapes. Each bin assembly 1100 may have one or more third fasteners 1110.
The detachable accessory assembly 1200 may include: a detachable housing 1205, rear side 1215; and accessory 1213. The detachable housing 1205 is preferably the main chassis of the detachable accessory assembly 1200 and generally houses or encases the components associated with the detachable accessory assembly 1200. The rear side 1215 is preferably the backside or rear portion of the detachable accessory assembly 1200. The accessory 1213 of the detachable accessory assembly 1200 is preferably any device that performs a specialized or organizational task of the accessory mount assembly 200. The detachable accessory assembly 1200 may generally utilizes any type of fastener or connector, including, but not limited to, screws/bolts, button fasteners, magnets/metallic plates, and the like, to fasten or attach itself to the accessory mount assembly 200.
The following are examples are various applications of the invention in order to help provide a thorough understanding of various aspects of one or more embodiments of the invention. While multiple applications and embodiments are disclosed, the invention is capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the following examples are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.
Unless otherwise stated, all measurements, values, ratings, positions, magnitudes, sizes, locations, and other specifications which are set forth in this specification, including in the claims which follow, are approximate, not exact. They are intended to have a reasonable range which is consistent with the functions to which they relate and with what is customary in the art to which they pertain.
The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the above detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the detailed description is to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. Also, although not explicitly recited, one or more embodiments of the invention may be practiced in combination or conjunction with one another. Furthermore, the reference or non-reference to a particular embodiment of the invention shall not be interpreted to limit the scope the invention. It is intended that the scope of the invention not be limited by this detailed description, but by the claims and the equivalents to the claims that are appended hereto.
Except as stated immediately above, nothing which has been stated or illustrated is intended or should be interpreted to cause a dedication of any component, step, feature, object, benefit, advantage, or equivalent to the public, regardless of whether it is or is not recited in the claims.
This application takes priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/652,126, filed on May 25, 2012, titled “Universal Organizer/Storage/Personalization/Workspace Assistance/Accessories Mounting Device”, by inventor Long Ly, the contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by this reference as though set forth in their entirety, and to which priority is claimed. Priority is also claimed from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/769,638, filed on Feb. 26, 2013, titled “Fully Customizable—Universal Organizer Assembly”, by inventor Long Ly, the contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by this reference as though set forth in their entirety, and to which priority is claimed.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61652126 | May 2012 | US | |
| 61769638 | Feb 2013 | US |
