TREA

VEHICLE BOX ORGANIZER

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Information

  • Patent Application
  • 20120187134
  • Publication Number
    20120187134
  • Date Filed
    January 25, 2011
    13 years ago
  • Date Published
    July 26, 2012
    12 years ago
Information
Abstract
The invention provides a truck box organizer assembly removably connected to a truck box. The truck box organizer includes many storage pockets. The truck box organizer is connected to the truck box via fastening elements.
Description
BACKGROUND

1. Field


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


2. Description of the Related Art


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


SUMMARY

One embodiment of the invention includes a vehicle box organizer. The vehicle box organizer including a first wall having a plurality of pockets coupled to an inner portion of the first wall. A plurality of fastening elements are coupled to an exterior portion of the first wall. The first wall is configured for coupling to a first inner wall of a vehicle box.


Another embodiment of the invention comprises a system including a truck box organizer assembly that is removably coupled to a truck box. The truck box organizer includes a plurality of storage pockets. The truck box organizer is coupled to the truck box via a plurality of fastening elements.


Yet another embodiment of the invention comprises a method of organizing a vehicle box. The method includes obtaining a vehicle box organizer including a first organizer wall coupled with a plurality of storage pockets and a plurality of fastening elements coupled to an exterior of the vehicle box organizer. A plurality of fastening elements are attached to an interior of the vehicle box. The vehicle box organizer is inserted into the vehicle box. The plurality of fastening elements coupled to the vehicle box organizer are connected to associated fastening elements coupled to the interior of the vehicle box. An assortment of objects are placed into the plurality of storage pockets.


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





BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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



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



FIG. 2 illustrates a front perspective view of a vehicle box organizer including a divider according to another embodiment of the invention;



FIG. 3 illustrates a front perspective exploded view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2;



FIG. 4 illustrates a front perspective view of a vehicle box organizer according to another embodiment of the invention;



FIG. 5 illustrates a front perspective view of a vehicle box organizer according to still another embodiment of the invention;



FIG. 6 illustrates a front perspective view of a vehicle box organizer according to yet another embodiment of the invention;



FIG. 7 illustrates a block diagram of a process for organizing a vehicle box according to an embodiment of the invention.





DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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


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


One embodiment of the invention provides a vehicle box organizer. The vehicle box organizer including a first wall having a plurality of pockets coupled to an inner portion of the first wall. A plurality of fastening elements are coupled to an exterior portion of the first wall. The first wall is configured for coupling to a first inner wall of a vehicle box. One example provides organization for tools and accessories for the interior of a vehicle box, such as a truck box.



FIG. 1 illustrates a vehicle box organizer 100 for a vehicle (e.g., a truck, a boat, a service vehicle, emergency service vehicles, etc.) storage container or box, such as a vehicle box 140, according to one embodiment of the invention. Vehicle box organizer 100 includes a first organizer wall 110, a second organizer wall 120, a third organizer wall 121 and a fourth organizer wall 122. In one example, the second wall 120 of vehicle box organizer 100 includes a plurality of pockets 125. In one embodiment of the invention, the second wall 120 includes larger pockets 126, which are larger than pockets 125. In one example, the pockets 125 and pockets 126 may be sized in a variety of shapes and sizes in order to accommodate various tools, workmen accessories, hardware, vehicle fluids (e.g., motor oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, etc. It should be noted that pockets 125 and pockets 126, may also be sized the same in one embodiment of the invention.


In one embodiment of the invention, the third organizer wall 121, the fourth organizer wall 111, or both the third organizer wall 121 and the fourth organizer wall 122 may include a plurality of pockets 127, which may be the same or varying sizes from one another. In one embodiment of the invention, the pockets 125, 126 and 127 are formed from additional material with stitching separating each adjacent pocket from one another.


In one embodiment of the invention, fastener elements 130 are coupled to the exterior portion of the organizer walls 110, 120, 121 and 122. In one example, the fastener elements 130 are hook and loop type fasteners that couple with oppositely placed hook and loop fasteners 130 coupled to the interior portion of a vehicle box 140 in order to fasten the vehicle box organizer 100 to the vehicle box 140. In another example, the fastener elements may be other type of fasteners, such as over the wall fasteners or hooks, magnetic fasteners, adhesives, hook and loop tape, hardware (e.g., screws, bolts, snaps, etc.), etc.


In one example, the vehicle box organizer 100 elements are made of a nylon material and/or a canvas material. In another example, the vehicle box organizer may be made of hardened plastic, polymer materials, etc.


In one embodiment of the invention, the vehicle box 140 may vary in size. In one example, the left and right sides of the vehicle box 140 may range from 16 inches-24 inches, preferably between 16 inches-18 inches; and the front and rear sides of the vehicle box 140 may range from 40 inches-60 inches, preferably between 40 inches-48 inches across. It should be noted that the vehicle box organizers may be customized and fit according to necessity and desire of the user by means of expansion/contraction by the addition or subtraction of smaller sections of a vehicle box organizer (not shown).


In one embodiment of the invention, the first organizer wall 110 and the second organizer wall 120 include tubes/channels 150 that are sized to hold associated divider arms 220 coupled with an organizer divider 210 (see FIG. 2).



FIG. 2 illustrates the vehicle box organizer 200 shown disposed within a vehicle box 140. As illustrated, an organizer divider 210 may have its divider arms 220 inserted into various opposite tubes/channels 150 on organizer walls 110 and 120 in order to compartmentalize the vehicle box 140 as desired. In one example, the organizer arms 220 provide stabilization and sturdiness to the organizer divider 210. In one example, the divider arms 220 are disposed within a formed tube or channel that surrounds a holding portion, which traverses the organizer divider so that the organizer divider 210 becomes semi-rigid.


In one example, the organizer divider 210 includes a plurality of pockets, either on one side or both sides of the organizer divider 210. In one embodiment of the invention the organizer divider 210 is made of a nylon material and/or a canvas material. In another example, the organizer divider 210 may be made of hardened plastic, polymer materials, etc. In one embodiment of the invention, the divider arms 220 are made of a metal, a metal alloy, hardened plastic, etc.


In one embodiment of the invention, the vehicle box organizer 100/200 includes reinforcement coupling portions around the perimeter and corner or joining portions between the organizer walls. In one example, the reinforcement coupling portions are made of a material, such as canvas, synthetic leather, leather, nylon, metal or metal alloy, etc. In one example, the reinforcement coupling portions are connected to the organizer walls by stitching. In other examples, the reinforcement coupling portions are attached through other fastening means, such as rivets, screws, nuts/bolts, heat welding, adhesives, etc.


In one embodiment of the invention, the vehicle box organizer 100/200 forms an organizer skirt that surrounds an interior of a vehicle box 140. In this embodiment of the invention, the formed skirt is coupled to the interior walls of the vehicle box 140 and the bottom of the vehicle box 140 is used to place items in the vehicle box 140.



FIG. 3 illustrates the vehicle box organizer 200 shown in an exploded view. In one embodiment of the invention, the organizer walls 110. 120, 121 and 122 are coupled with a base or floor portion 310. In this embodiment of the invention, the vehicle box organizer 200 is inserted into the vehicle box 140 as a single unit, where the base 310 provides protection and a frictional flooring for items placed in the vehicle box 140. In one embodiment of the invention, the base 310 is made of a similar material as the other elements of the vehicle box organizer 100/200. In one example, the base 310 includes ridges or bumps (not shown) in order to provide additional friction to prevent sliding and movement of items placed in the organizer box 140. In another example, the base 310 is made of a thick hardened plastic, a rubber based material, a canvas or nylon material, which may be reinforced with a hardened plastic, foam or rubber based material to provide protection to the vehicle box 140 when heavy items are tossed into the vehicle box 140 (e.g., protection from denting, scratching, etc.).



FIG. 4 illustrates a vehicle box organizer 410 for a vehicle box system 400 according to another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment of the invention, vehicle box organizer 410 includes organizer wall 420 and organizer wall 430. In one embodiment of the invention, the organizer walls 420 and 430 include a plurality of pockets 440. In one embodiment of the invention, the pockets 440 are similar to pockets 125, 126 and 127. In one example, the vehicle box organizer 410 may be coupled to any corners of the vehicle box 140 to provide additional organization and storage for items placed in the vehicle box 140. In one example, the vehicle box organizer 410 is coupled to the vehicle box 140 via fastening elements 130 (not shown in FIG. 4).



FIG. 5 illustrates a vehicle box organizer 510 for a vehicle box system 500 according to another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment of the invention, vehicle box organizer 510 includes organizer wall 520. In one embodiment of the invention, the organizer wall 520 includes a plurality of pockets. In one embodiment of the invention, the pockets of organizer wall 520 are similar to pockets 125, 126 and 127. In one example, the vehicle box organizer 510 may be coupled to a front or rear interior wall of the vehicle box 140 to provide additional organization and storage for items placed in the vehicle box 140. In one example, the vehicle box organizer 510 is coupled to the vehicle box 140 via fastening elements 130 (not shown in FIG. 5).



FIG. 6 illustrates a vehicle box organizer 610 for a vehicle box system 600 according to another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment of the invention, vehicle box organizer 610 includes organizer wall 620, organizer wall 630 and organizer wall 640. In one embodiment of the invention, the organizer walls 620, 630 and 640 include a plurality of pockets 650. In one embodiment of the invention, the pockets 650 are similar to pockets 125, 126 and 127. In one example, the vehicle box organizer 610 may be coupled to the left or right side of the vehicle box 140 to provide additional organization and storage for items placed in the vehicle box 140. In one example, the vehicle box organizer 610 is coupled to the vehicle box 140 via fastening elements 130.


It should be noted that while FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 each show a portion of a vehicle box 140 including a single vehicle box organizer (e.g., vehicle box organizer, 400, 500 and 600), other embodiments may include any combination of vehicle box organizers 400, 500 and 600. Additionally, different elements of the various embodiments may be combined to form other embodiments that may or may not be explicitly described.



FIG. 7 illustrates a block diagram of a process 700 for organizing a truck box according to one embodiment of the invention. In block 710, a truck box organizer is provided, such as vehicle box organizer, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, and combinations of vehicle box organizers 400, 500 and 600, for a truck box, for example, vehicle box 140. In block 720, fastening elements, such as fastening elements 130, are attached to an interior of a truck box. In block 730, the truck box organizer provided in block 710 is inserted into a truck box, such as vehicle box 140. In block 740, the fastening elements are connected to associated fastening elements (e.g., fastening elements 130) coupled to the interior of the truck box. In one example, process 700 may also include placing an assortment of objects, such as tools, accessories, hardware, etc., into the plurality of storage pockets of the truck box organizer. In another example, process 700 further includes dividing the truck box into at least two portions by inserting coupling arms of an organizer divider, such as organizer divider 210, into channels formed (e.g., channels 150) on the first organizer wall and the second organizer wall (e.g., organizer wall 110 and 120).


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


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


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

Claims
  • 1. An vehicle box organizer comprising: a first wall including a plurality of pockets coupled to an inner portion of the first wall; anda plurality of fastening elements coupled to an exterior portion of the first wall,wherein the first wall is configured for coupling to a first inner wall of a vehicle box.
  • 2. The vehicle box organizer of claim 1, further comprising a second wall including one or more pockets, the second wall coupled perpendicularly to the first wall.
  • 3. The vehicle box organizer of claim 2, further comprising: a plurality of fastening elements coupled to an exterior portion of the second wall, wherein the second wall is configured for coupling to a second inner wall of the vehicle box.
  • 4. The vehicle box organizer of claim 3, further comprising a third wall perpendicularly coupled to the second wall.
  • 5. The vehicle box organizer of claim 4, further comprising: a plurality of fastening elements coupled to an exterior portion of the third wall, wherein the third wall is configured for coupling to a third inner wall of the truck box.
  • 6. The vehicle box organizer of claim 5, further comprising: a fourth wall perpendicularly coupled to the first wall and the third wall.
  • 7. The vehicle box organizer of claim 6, further comprising: a plurality of fastening elements coupled to an exterior portion of the fourth wall, wherein the fourth wall is configured for coupling to a fourth inner wall of the vehicle box.
  • 8. The vehicle organizer of claim 7, wherein the first wall, the second wall, the third wall and the fourth wall are contiguous and form a vehicle box organizer skirt.
  • 9. The vehicle box organizer of claim 8, further comprising: one or more divider inserts coupled to the inner portion of the first wall and an inner portion of the third wall.
  • 10. The vehicle box organizer of claim 9, further comprising a divider including divider coupling elements configured for insertion into a divider insert coupled to the first wall and a divider insert coupled to the third wall.
  • 11. The vehicle box organizer of claim 10, wherein the divider further includes a plurality of pockets.
  • 12. The vehicle organizer of claim 11, further comprising a base coupled to the vehicle box organizer skirt.
  • 13. The vehicle box organizer of claim 8, wherein the skirt has a height less than or equal to the height of an inner wall height of a vehicle box.
  • 14. The vehicle box organizer of claim 1, wherein the plurality of pockets of the first wall comprise pockets of one or more different sizes.
  • 15. The vehicle box organizer of claim 7, wherein the plurality of fastening elements coupled to the exterior portions of the first wall, the second wall, the third wall and the fourth wall are configured for coupling to associated vehicle box fastening elements coupled to the interior walls of the vehicle box.
  • 16. The vehicle box organizer of claim 1, wherein the vehicle box organizer is removably coupled to the vehicle box.
  • 17. The vehicle box organizer of claim 3, wherein the vehicle box organizer is removably coupled to the vehicle box.
  • 18. The vehicle box organizer of claim 5, wherein the vehicle box organizer is removably coupled to the vehicle box.
  • 19. The vehicle box organizer of claim 8, wherein the vehicle box organizer is removably coupled to the vehicle box.
  • 20. The vehicle box organizer of claim 12, wherein the vehicle box organizer is removably coupled to the vehicle box.
  • 21. The vehicle organizer of claim 8, wherein the fastening elements are hook and loop fasteners.
  • 22. The vehicle organizer of claim 15, wherein the fastening elements coupled to the inner walls of the vehicle box are attached with adhesive.
  • 23. A system comprising: a truck box organizer assembly removably coupled to a truck box;the truck box organizer including a plurality of storage pockets, wherein the truck box organizer is coupled to the truck box via a plurality of fastening elements.
  • 24. The system of claim 23, wherein the truck box organizer assembly comprises one or more organizing walls including the plurality of storage pockets.
  • 25. The system of claim 23, wherein the truck box organizer assembly comprises a front organizer wall, a rear organizer wall, a first side organizer wall, and a second organizer wall.
  • 26. The system of claim 25, further comprising an organizer divider including a pair of coupling arms configured for coupling within channels formed in the front organizer wall and the rear organizer wall.
  • 27. A method of organizing a vehicle box comprising: providing a vehicle box organizer including a first organizer wall coupled with a plurality of storage pockets and a plurality of fastening elements coupled to an exterior of the vehicle box organizer;attaching a plurality of fastening elements to an interior of the vehicle box:inserting the vehicle box organizer into the vehicle box;connecting the plurality of fastening elements coupled to the vehicle box organizer to associated fastening elements coupled to the interior of the vehicle box; andplacing an assortment of objects into the plurality of storage pockets.
  • 28. The method of claim 27, wherein the vehicle box organizer includes a second organizer wall.
  • 29. The method of claim 27, further comprising: dividing the vehicle box into at least two portions by inserting coupling arms of an organizer divider into channels formed on the first organizer wall and the second organizer wall.