The present invention is directed to a modular desk top organizer. In particular, the invention is directed to a modular desk top organizer in which components can be arranged in a number of different configurations.
Desk top organizers are known which provide one or more compartments which can hold various kinds of desk top supplies. However, known desk organizers are often unsightly and liable to topple when filled with items. In addition, currently available desk or table top organizers, which often have a fixed arrangement of compartments in which to store items, are cumbersome and do not efficiently utilize space. The lack of modularity and the lack of ability to customize the desk top organizer to accommodate the needs of the user renders known desk top organizers ineffective or inefficient for many uses.
It would, therefore, be beneficial to provide a desk top organizer which is configured to efficiency and which can be personized. In particular, it would be beneficial to provide a desk top organizer which has modular components which can be added or removed from a base or platform, to allow the desk top organizer to be customized according to the needs of the current user.
The invention relates to a method, system and apparatus to organize and personalize a tabletop workspace to achieve a universal mode for efficiency through modular component arrangements and accessories. The invention maybe used in all business, office or home environments.
The current invention relates to a customizable desk organizer designed to hold all of the essentials and eliminate the clutter. It acts as a central home base for the most used items so that they are always within reach. Most organizers are rigid and cannot adapt to the desired use, but the present invention is completely flexible and can be configured in hundreds of different ways.
An embodiment is directed to a desk or table top organizer having a platform and an upper component. The platform include an upper surface and an oppositely facing lower surface. The upper surface has a plurality of grooves extending in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the platform. The spacing between the grooves is consistent and equal, with the spacing between adjacent grooves equal to a distance A. The upper component is positioned on the platform. The upper component has a plurality of legs which extends from a bottom surface of the upper component. A first pair of legs of the plurality of legs is spaced apart by a distance B. A second pair of legs of the plurality of legs is spaced apart by a distance C. The distance B is a multiple of the distance A and the distance C is a multiple of the distance A, allowing the upper component to be positioned in various positions and orientations on the platform.
An embodiment is directed to a desk or table top organizer having a platform, an upper component and a lower component. The platform has an upper surface and an oppositely facing lower surface. The upper surface has a plurality of grooves extending in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the platform. The lower surface has a plurality of slots extending in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the platform. The upper component is positioned on the platform. The upper component has a plurality of legs which extend from a bottom surface of the upper component. The plurality of legs are positioned in the grooves of the upper surface to maintain the upper component on the platform. The lower component is positioned on the platform. The lower component has a plurality of hanging clips positioned in the slots of the lower surface to maintain the lower component on the platform.
An embodiment is directed to a desk or table top organizer having a platform, and upper component and an extension component. The platform has an upper surface and an oppositely facing lower surface. The upper surface has a plurality of grooves extending in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the platform. The lower surface has a plurality of slots extending in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the platform. The upper component is positioned on the platform. The upper component has a plurality of legs which extend from a bottom surface of the upper component. The plurality of legs are positioned in the grooves of the upper surface to maintain the upper component on the platform. One or more platform magnets are positioned on one or more walls of the platform. The extension component has one or more component magnets positioned on one or more walls of the extension component. The one or more component magnets are configured to magnetically cooperate with the one or more platform magnets of the platform and have sufficient strength to releasably maintain the extension component in place relative to the platform, thereby preventing the unwanted movement of the extension component relative to the platform.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following more detailed description of the preferred embodiment, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.
The description of illustrative embodiments according to principles of the present invention is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. In the description of embodiments of the invention disclosed herein, any reference to direction or orientation is merely intended for convenience of description and is not intended in any way to limit the scope of the present invention. Relative terms such as “lower,” “upper,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “above,” “below,” “up,” “down,” “top” and “bottom” as well as derivative thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description only and do not require that the apparatus be constructed or operated in a particular orientation unless explicitly indicated as such. Terms such as “attached,” “affixed,” “connected,” “coupled,” “interconnected,” and similar refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise.
Moreover, the features and benefits of the invention are illustrated by reference to the preferred embodiments. Accordingly, the invention expressly should not be limited to such embodiments illustrating some possible non-limiting combination of features that may exist alone or in other combinations of features, the scope of the invention being defined by the claims appended hereto.
Referring to
As a best shown in
Grooves or slots 30 are provided in the platform 20 and extend from the upper surface 22 toward the lower surface 24. In the embodiment shown, the grooves or slots 30 extend from proximate one end wall 28 to approximate the other end wall 28. However, in other embodiments the grooves or slots 30 may extend through the end walls 28.
In the illustrative embodiment shown, four grooves or slots 30 extend across the width of the platform 20. However, other numbers of grooves or slots 30 may be used without departing from the scope of the invention. The spacing A between each pair of grooves or slots 30 is consistent and equal.
As best shown in
The platform 20 may be made from, but are not limited to, solid wood, metal or plastic. The platform 20 may also have nonslip feet (not shown), such as, but not limited to, rubber feet, to prevent sliding of the platform 20 on a surface.
Referring to
As best shown in
As shown, the pins or legs 42 are separate pieces which are inserted into openings 46 in the bottom surface 44. The pins or legs 42 may be retained in the openings 46 by an interference fit, by an adhesive, or other known methods of retention. In alternate embodiments, the pins or legs 42 may be integrally molded with the bottom surface 44.
The pins or legs 42 have a generally cylindrical configuration with a relatively consistent diameter C. However, other configurations of the pins or legs 42 may be used. For example, the pins or legs 42 may be tapered so that the diameter of the pins or legs 42 is larger proximate the bottom surface 44 and smaller proximate free ends 48 of the pins or legs 42 which are spaced from the bottom surface.
Pins or legs 42a are spaced from pins or legs 42b by a distance D. For this component 40, the distance D is equal to three times the spacing A. Pins or legs 42c are spaced from pins or legs 42d by distance D. As the spacing A is consistent between grooves or slots 30, the spacing of the pins or legs 42a, 42b and 42c, 42d allows the components 40 to be positioned across four grooves or slots 30.
Pins or legs 42a are spaced from pins or legs 42c by a distance D. Pins or legs 42c are spaced from pins or legs 42d by distance D. As the spacing A is consistent between grooves or slots 30, the spacing of the pins or legs 42a, 42c and 42b, 42d allows the components 40 to be positioned across four grooves or slots 30.
As the component 40 has a square configuration, the component 40 can be rotated to fit on the platform 20 is different orientations. In addition, the component 40 can be moved and positioned anywhere in the direction of the the longitudinal axis of the platform 40.
When properly positioned, the pins or legs 42 of the component 40 are inserted into respective grooves or slots 30 of the platform, as shown in
Component 50 has pins or legs 52 which extend from a bottom surface 54. In the embodiment shown the pins or legs 52 extend from each respective corner of the bottom surface 54. However, in other embodiments, the pins or legs 52 may be positioned in other locations on the bottom surface 54.
As the pins or legs 52 are similar or identical to the pins or legs 42, the above description is incorporated and will not be repeated.
Pins or legs 52a are spaced from pins or legs 52b by a distance E. For this component 50, the distance E is equal to three times the spacing A. Pins or legs 52c are spaced from pins or legs 52d by distance E. As the spacing A is consistent between grooves or slots 30, the spacing of the pins or legs 52a, 52b and 52c, 52d allows the components 50 to be positioned across four grooves or slots 30.
Pins or legs 52a are spaced from pins or legs 52c by a distance F. Pins or legs 52c are spaced from pins or legs 52d by distance F. For this component 50, the distance F is equal to the spacing A. As the spacing A is consistent between grooves or slots 30, the spacing of the pins or legs 52a, 52c and 52b, 52d allows the components 50 to be positioned across two grooves or slots 30.
As the component 40 has a rectangular configuration, the component 50 can be rotated to fit on the platform 20 is different orientations. In addition, the component 50 can be moved and positioned anywhere in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the platform 50. As the pins or legs 52 have a frictional or interference fit with the grooves or slots 30, as described above, the component 50 is maintained on the platform 20, eliminating the unwanted movement of the component 50.
While components 40 and 50 are described above, the components can be any number of devices (as illustrated in
The components may be made of materials which allow for the appropriate structural support, such as, but not limited to injection molded material. In various embodiments, the components may have a smooth surface and/or may be colored.
This allows the modular desk or table top organizer 10 to organize everything into one place. As various components can be positioned on the platform 20, the modular desk or table top organizer 10 can be configured according to the needs of the user,and reconfigured based on the changing needs of the user.
The platform 20 also includes platform magnets 70. The magnets 70 may be positioned on one or more side walls 26 and/or one or more end walls 28 of the platform 20. The positioning of the magnets 70 may vary, but in the embodiment shown, the magnets on the end walls 28 are positioned in the center thereof. The magnets 70 on the side walls 26 are spaced periodically along the length.
The magnets 70 may be used to removably attached two or more platforms 20 together to form a larger platform on which numerous and/or larger components can be positioned. The magnets 70 may also be used to attached additional components to the platform 20.
The magnets 70 are inset into the one or more side walls 26 and/or one or more end walls 28 of the platform 20, such that the outwardly facing magnetic surfaces 72 are essentially flush with the respective side walls 26 or end walls 28. The magnets 70 are configured to have sufficient strength to releasably maintain an extension component or additional platform 20 in place, thereby preventing the unwanted movement of the extension component or additional platform.
Referring to
The extension component 80 has component magnets 82 be positioned on one or more side walls 84 and/or one or more end walls 86 of the extension component 80. The positioning of the magnets 82 may vary, but in the embodiment shown, the magnets 82 are positioned in the center of the side walls 84 or end walls 86.
The magnets 82 are inset into the one or more side walls 84 and/or one or more end walls 86, such that the outwardly facing magnetic surfaces 88 are essentially flush with the respective side walls 84 or end walls 86. The magnets 82 are configured to magnetically cooperate with respective magnets 70 of the platform 20 and have sufficient strength to releasably maintain the extension component 80 in place relative to the platform 20, thereby preventing the unwanted movement of the extension component 80 relative to the platform 20.
Referring to
The extension component 90 has magnets 92 be positioned on one or more side walls 94 and/or one or more end walls 96 of the extension component 90. The positioning of the magnets 92 may vary, but in the embodiment shown, the magnets 92 are positioned in the center of the side walls 94 or end walls 96.
The magnets 92 are inset into the one or more side walls 94 and/or one or more end walls 96, such that the outwardly facing magnetic surfaces 98 are essentially flush with the respective side walls 94 or end walls 96. The magnets 92 are configured to magnetically cooperate with respective magnets 70 of the platform 20 and have sufficient strength to releasably maintain the extension component 90 in place relative to the platform 20, thereby preventing the unwanted movement of the extension component 90 relative to the platform 20.
The extension components are not limited to the two extension components described above. Addition extension components may include power stations, reading lights, or any other component or device which is found at a work station.
Referring to
The platform 120 has a top or upper surface 122 and an oppositely facing bottom or lower surface 124. Side walls 126 extend between the upper surface 122 and the lower surface 124. End walls 128 extend between the upper surface 120, the lower surface 124 and the sidewalls 126. The platform 120 may be made from, but are not limited to, solid wood, metal or plastic.
Grooves or slots 130 are provided in the platform 120 and extend from the upper surface 122 toward the lower surface 124. In the embodiment shown, the grooves or slots 130 extend from one end wall 128 to the other end wall 128. However, in other embodiments the grooves or slots 130 may proximate to the end walls 128.
In the illustrative embodiment shown, nine grooves or slots 130 extend across the width of the platform 120. However, other numbers of grooves or slots 130 may be used without departing from the scope of the invention. The spacing A between each pair of grooves or slots 130 is consistent and equal. As best shown in
The illustrative components described above with respect to platform 20 may be used with platform 120. As the function and operation of the components which cooperate with the top surface 122 of the platform 120 are the same as the components which cooperate with the top surface 22 of the platform 20 will not be repeated.
Grooves or slots 140 are provided in the platform 120 and extend from the lower surface 124 toward the upper surface 122. In the embodiment shown, the grooves or slots 140 extend from one end wall 128 to the other end wall 128 in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the platform 120.
In the illustrative embodiment shown, two grooves or slots 140 extend across the width of the platform 120. However, other numbers of grooves or slots 140 may be used without departing from the scope of the invention. As best shown in
Referring to
The lower component 150 has side walls 152 which extend from a bottom surface 154 of the lower component 150. Attachment members 156 extend from the side walls 152. In the embodiment shown, the attachment members 156 extend from one side wall 152 toward the other side wall 152. The attachment members 156 are also positioned essentially parallel to the bottom surface 154. The attachment members have latching notches 158 provided at ends thereof.
Referring to
In operation, the hanging clips 160 are mounted on the attachment members 156 of the component 150. In this position, the side surfaces 163 of the hanging clips 160 engage the attachment members 156. The stabilization arms 168 are positioned on top of and below the attachment members 156 to provide proper support to the component 150. The hanging clips 160 are maintained in position on the attachment members 156 by the cooperation and engagement of the latching projections 166 of the latching arms 164 with latching notches 158 of the attachment members 156.
With the hanging clips 160 properly secured to the component 150, the groove engagement members 170 are inserted into the slots 140 of the platform 120 are moved or slide to the proper position. The cooperation of the shoulders 176 of the groove engagement members 170 and the shoulders 146 of the slots 140 retain the components 150 is position relative to the platform 120
As best shown in
While the embodiment shown in
The invention, as illustrated in the illustrative embodiments shown, relates to a method, system and apparatus to organize and personalize a desk or table top workspace to achieve a universal mode for efficiency through modular component arrangements. The invention may be used in all business, office or home environments. The organizer is a hub for customization and increased productivity, which is configured to hold all of the essentials and eliminate clutter. Each of the components is designed on a grid and can be rotated or moved along the base or platform. The organizer consolidates everything into one organized space.
While the invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the accompanying claims. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention may be used with many modifications of structure, arrangement, proportions, sizes, materials and components and otherwise used in the practice of the invention, which are particularly adapted to specific environments and operative requirements without departing from the principles of the present invention. The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being defined by the appended claims, and not limited to the foregoing description or embodiments.
Number | Date | Country | |
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62658922 | Apr 2018 | US |