Vertically-Oriented Organizing Container

BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

Field of the Present Invention

The present invention relates generally to storage solutions for furniture drawers and, in particular, to storage solutions that involve customizable containers for furniture drawers.

Background

Vanity drawers have always been a source of frustration when it comes to organization. Vanity drawers tend to be relatively deep, and they are commonly used to store toiletries and bath-related items such as razors, hair accessories, make-up, lipsticks, cotton balls, swabs, toothbrushes/toothpaste, floss, hair brushes/combs, nail polish, and the like. With so many small items to be packed into one space, storage solutions are often utilized to bring order to an otherwise cluttered drawer.

Organizing trays for vanity drawers are one such solution. The tray is generally shallow and open at the top, with one or more fixed compartments for storing various items. However, because the tray typically occupies the space at the very bottom of the drawer, most trays are ill-suited to contain and organize the clutter that is common to vanity drawers. As the vanity drawer gets filled with more and more items over time, items begin to spill out and occupy the space above the tray. As a result, the filled vanity drawer can become a jumbled mess. This challenge can be complicated further in cases were a medicine cabinet is not readily available, which is a circumstance that has become increasingly common in recently-built homes and apartments.

Accordingly, a need exists for a drawer-organizing storage solution that improves upon the shortcomings of existing solutions. Additionally, a need exists for a drawer-organizing storage solution that optimizes usage of available drawer space without clutter. These, and other needs, are addressed by one of more aspects of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

Broadly defined, the present invention according to one aspect includes an organizing container substantially as shown and described.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspect includes a plurality of organizing containers substantially as shown and described, sold as a kit.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspect includes a vertically-oriented organizing container substantially as shown and described.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspect includes a vertically-oriented organizing container. The organizing container includes a body portion, a lid situated atop the body portion, and a pair of extension members. The body portion has a pair of side walls, a pair of end walls, and a bottom. Each extension member is disposed at a respective end of the body portion and is slidably engaged therewith to permit adjustment of a length of the organizing container. Each extension member is adapted to engage and be supported by opposite sides of a drawer, thereby facilitating the organizing container being vertically suspended within the drawer.

In features of this aspect, the lid may include a handle; the organizing container may further include a fastening clasp for fastening the lid; the organizing container may further include one or more dividers arranged at an interior of the body portion to define a plurality of internal compartments; the organizing container may further include an extension arm support disposed along each of the side walls, the extension arm supports defining channels for receiving the extension members; the organizing container may be made from a polymer-based material; each aide wall may include a notched area for facilitating grasping and removal of the lid; each extension member may include a ledge extending outwardly therefrom; the organizing container may be made from an opaque material; and/or the organizing container may be made from a translucent material.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspect includes a vertically-oriented organizing container, substantially as shown and described, the organizing container being vertically suspended within a drawer.

Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features, embodiments, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed, description with reference to the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vanity drawer supporting a vertically-oriented organizing container in accordance with one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 2A and 2B are orthogonal views of the vertically-oriented organizing container of FIG. 1, in isolation;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are top views of the vertically-oriented organizing container of FIG. 2;

FIGS. 4A and 4B are front views of the vertically-oriented organizing container of FIG. 2;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are end views of the vertically-oriented organizing container of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the vertically-oriented organizing container of FIGS. 4A and 4B, taken along 6-6;

FIGS. 7A and 7B are orthogonal views of the vertically-oriented organizing container of FIG. 2, shown with extension members adjusted inward;

FIGS. 8A and 8B are orthogonal views of the vertically-oriented organizing container of FIG. 2, shown with a lid lifted to reveal an interior of the container;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a vanity drawer supporting another vertically oriented organizing container in accordance with one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another vertically-oriented organizing container in accordance with one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of still another vertically-oriented organizing container in accordance with one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 12 and 13 are perspective views of other vertically-oriented organizing containers in accordance with one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention; and

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a vanity drawer supporting a plurality of vertically-oriented organizing containers in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one having ordinary skill in the relevant art (“Ordinary Artisan”) that the present invention has broad utility and application. Furthermore, any embodiment discussed and identified as being “preferred” is considered to be part of a best mode contemplated for carrying out the present invention. Other embodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrative purposes in providing, a fun and enabling disclosure of the present invention. As should be understood, any embodiment may incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed aspects of the invention and may further incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed features. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein and fail within the scope of the present invention.

Accordingly, while the present invention is described herein in detail in relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the present invention, and is made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. The detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodiments is not intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention, which scope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof. It is not intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention be defined by reading into any claim a limitation found herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.

Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of steps of various processes or methods that are described herein are illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, although steps of various processes or methods may be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence or order, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps in such processes or methods generally may be carried out in various different sequences and orders while still falling within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention is to be defined by the appended claims rather than the description set forth herein.

Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refers to that which the Ordinary Artisan would understand such term to mean based on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that the meaning of a term used herein—as understood by the Ordinary Artisan based on the contextual use of such term—differs in any way from any particular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that the meaning of the term as understood by the Ordinary Artisan should prevail.

Regarding applicability of 35 U.S.C. §112, ¶6, no claim element is intended to be read in accordance with this statutory provision unless the explicit phrase “means for” or “step for” is actually used in such claim element, whereupon this statutory provision is intended to apply in the interpretation of such claim element.

Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, “a” and “an” each generally denotes “at least one,” but does not exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictates otherwise. Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having an apple” describes “a picnic basket having at least one apple” as well as “a picnic basket having apples.” In contrast, reference to “a picnic basket having a single apple” describes “a picnic basket having only one apple.”

When used herein to join a list of items, “or” denotes “at least one of the items,” hut does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having cheese or crackers” describes “a picnic basket having cheese without crackers,” “a picnic basket having crackers without cheese,” and “a picnic basket having both cheese and crackers.” Finally, when used herein to join a list of items, “and” denotes “all of the items of the list.” Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having cheese and crackers” describes “a picnic basket having cheese, wherein the picnic basket further has crackers,” as well as describes “a picnic basket having crackers, wherein the picnic basket further has cheese.”

Referring now to the drawings, in which like numerals represent like components throughout the several views, one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention are next described. The following description of one or more preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vanity drawer 40 supporting a vertically oriented organizing container 10 in accordance with one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention. The organizing container 10 is arranged within a vanity drawer 40 of a conventional piece of furniture 50. Extension arms 20 are disposed at the sides of the organizing container 10 and are used to support the container 10 from sides of the drawer 40. It is contemplated that the organizing container 10 is capable of use across a wide range of differently-sized drawers and across different types of furniture. In various contemplated embodiments, the organizing container 10 may be implemented for use in connection with drawers for dressers, desks, vanities, nightstands, coffee tables, end tables, chests, kitchen cabinets, and the like.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are orthogonal views of the vertically-oriented organizing container 10 of FIG. 1, in isolation. As can be seen in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the organizing container 10 has a main body 11 that is generally box-like in shape, having, side walls 12, end walls 14, and a bottom 13. The organizing container further includes a lid 16 that covers an opening into a hollow interior of the container 10. Side walls 12 arc generally tall so as provide substantial vertical depth to the container 10. In a contemplated embodiment, the vertical depth of the organizing container 10 exceeds the length of the end walls 14. Side walls 12 include vertically-oriented ridges 15 spaced therealong, which have an aesthetically pleasing stylistic appearance and may also provide the container 10 with added strength and rigidity. The lid 16 includes a handle 17 situated transversely across the to thereof. The handle 17 is itself ridged so that a user is able to grasp and lift the handle 17 from atop the main body 11. Exact dimensions of the side walls 12, the end wails 14, the bottom 13, and the lid 16 can vary as might be preferred in order to accommodate a range of furniture sizes and styles.

The organizing container 10 further includes a pair of extension members 20 that extend laterally away from the end walls 14. Each extension member 20 includes a pair of extension arms 22 and an end panel 24 that connects the extension arms 22 to one another. Situated above each end panel 24, and extending outwardly away therefrom, is a rigid ledge 26. As will be explained more fully below, the extension members 29 are configured to be extendable relative to the main body 11 of the organizing container 10. The extension arms 20 are slidably supported within arm-receiving channels 30 defined by extension arm supports 28 disposed along each side wall 12 of the organizing container 10. Details of the extension members 20 and their use in adjusting the length of the organizing container 10 are described below.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are top views of the vertically-oriented organizing container 10 of FIG. 2, and FIGS. 4A and 4B are front views of the vertically-oriented organizing container 10 of FIG. 2. The organizing container 10 further includes a notched area 32 disposed at an upper part of each side wall 12. Each notched area 32 includes a small arced notch at the top of the side wall 12 and an indentation in the corresponding extension aim support 28. In this regard, the notched areas 32 provide a way for a user to cleanly grasp and lift the lid 16, by its sides, from atop the main body 11 of the organizing container 10.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are end views of the vertically-oriented organizing container 10 of FIG. 2, and FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the vertically-oriented organizing container 10 of FIG. 4A, taken along line 6-6. With reference to FIG. 6, adjustability of an overall length of the organizing container 10 can be better understood. Each extension arm support 28 defines a lengthwise channel 30 for receiving extension arms 22 of the extension members 20. The channels 30 extend across a substantial majority of the length of the side walls 12. With reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the extension arms 22 of a first of the pair of extension members 20 are disposed within first ends of the two channels 30, both of which are disposed at one end of the organizing container 10. Likewise, extension arms 22 of the second of the pair of extension members 20 are disposed within second ends of the two channels 30, both of which are disposed at an opposite end of the organizing container 10.

The extension arms 28 are slidably supported within the channels 30 so as to permit sliding adjustment of each extension member 20, laterally, relative to the main body 11 of the organizing container 10. In this regard, an overall length of the organizing container 10 is adjustable. If a shorter length is preferred, extension members 22 are slidable inward, with extension arms 22 being drawn into the channels 30, thereby reducing the length of the organizing container 10. Similarly, if a greater length is preferred, extension members 22 are slidable outward, with extension arms 22 being pulled outward from the channels 30, thereby increasing the length of the organizing container 10. Adjustability of the length of the organizing container 10 is further illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B, which are orthogonal views of the vertically-oriented organizing container 10 of FIG. 2, shown with the extension members 20 adjusted inward.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are orthogonal views of the vertically-oriented organizing container 10 of FIG. 2, shown with a lid 16 lifted to reveal an interior of the container. As can be seen in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the organizing container 10 further includes one or more dividers 36 disposed internally to divide the interior into a plurality of separate compartments 38. Each divider 36 is supported in proper position by a pair of alignment ridges 34 oriented vertically along internal surfaces of the side wails 12. In a contemplated embodiment, there are multiple sets of alignment ridges 34 so that a user can adjust the size of the compartments 38 by adding or removing dividers 36 into different locations, as might be preferred. The dividers 36 generally extend to the bottom 13 of the organizing container 10 so as to substantially fully separate different compartments 38 from one another.

It is contemplated that the organizing container 19, including the extension members 20 and the lid 16, can be made from a wide variety of different materials. In contemplated embodiments, the organizing container 10 is made from materials that provide strength and durability over a sustained time period. Such materials may include, but are not limited to, polymer-based plastic materials, ceramics, glass, and the like. It is further contemplated that the organizing container 10 can be made from an acrylic thermoplastic material.

Turning back to FIGS. 1, 2A and 2B, one or more organizing containers 10 as described herein are arrangeable within drawers 40 of a wide variety of different types of furniture 50. As shown therein, the length of each organizing container 10 can be optimized to fit fully across the drawer 40. The extension members 20 are adjusted laterally relative to the main body 11 so that the ledges 26 are in position to rest on sides of the drawer, thereby suspending the organizing container 10 within the drawer 40. Dimensions of the organizing container 10, including the depth thereof, permit a user to utilize a greater percentage of the usable space within the drawer 40. In some embodiments, it is contemplated that the one or more organizing containers 10 occupy substantially the entire depth of the drawer 40. In other embodiments, it is contemplated that the one or more organizing containers 10 do not extend fully to the bottom of the drawer 40, thereby leaving some additional space at the bottom of the drawer 40 for additional storage.

It is contemplated that multiple organizing containers 10 can be suspended within a single drawer in the manner described above. It is further contemplated that organizing containers 10 can be maneuvered within the drawer by sliding the containers 10 forward or backward along the sides of the drawer. In this regard, the organizing containers 10 can be maneuvered closer to the front of the drawer for easier access. Furthermore, the organizing containers 10 can be maneuvered farther back in order to provide a user with access to the bottom of the drawer.

When in use, one or more organizing containers 10 are installed in a drawer 40 in the manner described above. Extension members 20 can be adjusted so that ledges 26 are in proper position to rest on sides of the drawer 40. Once installed, the drawer 40 is fully closable so that the one or more containers 10 are contained within the closed drawer. Either prior to installation or following installation, the lid 16 of the one or more organizing containers 10 can be removed. It is contemplated that the lid can be lifted by its handle 17, or that the lid 16 can be lifted by grasping the sides of the lid 16 at the notched areas 32 of the side walls 12. One or more dividers 36 can be placed within the interior of the one or more organizing containers 10 to define different interior compartments 38. A wide array of items can be stored within the various compartments 38 in order to suit the personal needs of the user. When specific items are needed, a user can open the drawer 40 and remove the lid from one of the organizing containers 10 to provide access to its contents. Alternatively, a user may open the drawer 40 and remove the organizing container entirely from the drawer before removing the lid 16. The organizing container 10 or the present invention is thus customizable to accommodate a wide variety of different needs, including, customization to fit within various shapes and dimensions of drawers and furniture, customization to define differently-sized internal, storage compartments 38, customization to optimize utilization of drawer space, and customization of the container location within the drawer 40.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a vanity drawer 40 supporting another vertically-oriented organizing container 110 in accordance with one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention. The organizing container 119 operates in form and in function in a manner that is similar to the organizing container 10 of FIGS. 1-8. The organizing container 110 of FIG. 9 does not include a handle extending from atop its lid. In this regard, a handle does not extend above the plane defined by the lid. The lid is instead removable by grasping at its sides in the manner set forth above in connection with FIGS. 1-8. The absence of a handle may facilitate ease of drawer closure, as there is no obstruction extending above the lid that may otherwise impede closure.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another vertically-oriented organizing container 210 in accordance with one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention. The organizing container 210 operates in form and in function in a manner that is similar to the organizing container 10 of FIGS. 1-8. As can be seen in FIG. 10, the organizing container 210 is made from an opaque material. Additionally, the lid 216 of the organizing container 210 includes a clasp 221 that fastens to a hook 223 on the side wall. In this regard, the lid 216 of the organizing container 210 can be fastened shut so as to help prevent inadvertent opening of the container 210. The clasp 221 of the lid 216 extends downward into a notched area 232 of the side wall, and an opening on the clasp 221 is snapped around the hook 223 to fasten the lid 216 in a closed position.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of still another vertically-oriented organizing container 310 in accordance with one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention. The organizing container 310 operates in form and in function in a manner that is similar to the organizing container 210 of FIG. 10. As can be seen in FIG. 10, the organizing container 310 is made from a translucent material to facilitate viewing the contents of the container 310 from outside of the container.

FIGS. 12 and 13 are perspective views of other vertically-oriented organizing containers 410,510 in accordance with one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention. In other aspects of the present invention, it is contemplated that organizing containers 410,510 can by fully removed from the drawer and opened like a book to reveal the contents contained inside. FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a vanity drawer supporting a plurality of vertically-oriented organizing containers 410,510 in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 14, a plurality of organizing containers 410,510 can be stored within a single drawer 40.

Based on the foregoing information, it will be readily understood by those persons skilled in the art that the present invention is susceptible of broad utility and application. Many embodiments and adaptations of the present invention other than those specifically described herein, as well as many variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably suggested by the present invention and the foregoing descriptions thereof without departing from the substance or scope of the present invention.

Accordingly, while the present invention has been described herein in detail in relation to one or more preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary of the present invention and is made merely for the purpose of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosure is not intended to be construed to limit the present invention or otherwise exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations variations, modifications or equivalent arrangements; the present invention being limited only by the claims appended hereto and the equivalents thereof.

Vertically-Oriented Organizing Container

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