Abstract
A configurable organizer system for a handbag includes an array of a plurality of modular storage compartments each defining a storage well accessible through an open mouth, and each including a set of magnetic connector elements located in sidewalls thereof, such that the array is formed by a plurality of registered magnetic relationship connections established between aligned paired sets of magnetic connector elements located in paired sidewalls of each adjacent pair of modular storage compartments.
Claims
1. A configurable organizer system for a handbag, said organizer system comprising: a configurable array including a plurality of modular storage compartments, each modular storage compartment including: a set of intersecting sidewalls, a bottom adjoining the sidewalls, the set of intersecting sidewalls defining a continuous upper edge, an open mouth defined by the upper edge, the mouth disposed in opposition to the bottom; the modular storage compartment hay an interior defined by cooperation of the sidewalls with the bottom, the interior defining an open storage well: the mouth providing open communication into the storage well from above the mouth; a plurality of sets of magnetic connector elements on the sidewalls, each set of magnetic connector elements located on a corresponding one of the sidewalls, each set of magnetic connector elements employed for registration in magnetic connection relationship by pairing with an aligned set of magnetic connector elements located on a paired sidewall of an adjacent modular storage compartment in the array; the array formed by a plurality of registered magnetic connection relationships each established by pairing in magnetic registration between a first paired set of the magnetic connectors located on a paired first sidewall of the modular storage compartment with an aligned second paired set of the magnetic connectors located on a corresponding aligned second paired sidewall of each adjacent module storage compartment, the plurality of registered magnetic connection relationships joining the plurality of modular storage compartments in registered positions in the array.
2. A configurable organizer system according to claim 1, said organizer system comprising: in the array each storage compartment in an expanded position, each storage compartment expandable to the expanded position from a folded flat position.
3. A configurable organizer system according to claim 1, said organizer system comprising: the array reconfigurable by detaching the plurality of modular storage compartments from the plurality of registered magnetic connection relationships by unpairing the magnetic connector elements.
4. A configurable organizer system according to claim 1, said organizer system comprising: in the array the plurality of modular storage compartments each including a unique differentiated pattern of visual indica, the unique differentiated pattern of visual indicia identifying a particular one of the modular storage compartments.
5. A configurable organizer system according to claim 1, said organizer system comprising: the plurality of modular storage compartments constructed of a primary layer of fabric, in each modular storage compartment the primary layer of fabric including a unique differentiated primary print pattern defining the unique differentiated pattern of visual indica.
6. A configurable organizer system according to claim 1, said organizer system comprising: a plurality of spaced magnetic connector elements affixed to each sidewall.
7. A configurable organizer system according to claim 1, said organizer system comprising: the array reconfigurable to fit into the main compartment of a handbag, the main compartment having a defined length dimension and defined width dimension.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] The novel features believed characteristic of the disclosed subject matter will be set forth in any claims that are filed later. The disclosed subject matter itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
[0022] FIG. 1 is a simplified perspective view of a configurable organizer system in a handbag, with internal magnetic connector elements shown in dashed lines, in an exemplary embodiment.
[0023] FIG. 2 is a simplified perspective view of a configurable organizer system for a handbag, with magnetic connector elements on exterior surfaces thereof, in an exemplary embodiment.
[0024] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the organizer system shown generally in FIG. 2.
[0025] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of a modular storage container taken generally along 4-4 in FIG. 3, with the modular storage container in an expanded condition for use.
[0026] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the modular storage container shown in FIG. 4, with the modular storage container in a flat folded condition.
[0027] FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the organizer system, taken generally along 6-6 in FIG. 2.
[0028] FIG. 7 is atop perspective view of the configurable organizer system shown generally in FIG. 1, with internal magnetic connection elements shown in dashed lines.
[0029] FIG. 8 is an enlarged schematic partial cross-section view taken generally along 8-8 in FIG. 7.
[0030] FIG. 9 is a schematic top view of a configurable organizer system in an embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0031] Detailed embodiments of the present disclosure are herein. It will be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples to illustrate aspects that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale, and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. In other instances, well-known materials or methods have been described in detail to avoid obscuring the present disclosure. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but as a basis for the claims and for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure. It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. Thus, a first element discussed below could be termed a second element without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure.
[0032] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms a, an, and the are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms comprises and/or comprising or includes and/or including when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
[0033] Referring now to the drawings in which like numerals indicate like elements throughout the several views, the drawings illustrate certain of the various aspects of exemplary embodiments of an organizer system 100 for a multitude of personal items carried in a handbag 10. The organizer system 100 may be adjustable or configurable in size and dimensions to conform to the dimensions of various handbags, and transferable among different handbags.
[0034] FIG. 1 illustrates a configurable organizer system 100 (hereinafter organizer system 100) for a handbag 10, in an exemplary embodiment, in the particular embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the handbag 10 has a set of handbag sides 15 and a handbag bottom 20 which cooperate to define an open interior space. A major compartment 25 may be defined by the open interior space. Handbag 10 has a top 30 disposed opposite the handbag bottom 20. The top 30 is selectively closeable and openable for accessing the major compartment 25.
[0035] Organizer system 100 may include a set of modular storage compartments 105 employed or arranged in a geometric configuration to fit into the handbag 10. In the particular embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the organizer system geometric configuration is a flat 3 by 2 array including six (6) identical modular storage compartments 105 of identical height. The organizer system 100 is employed for conveniently arranging personal items carried in die handbag 10. The organizer system 100 may be used within typical bags, including handbags, clutch bags, purses, carpet bags, bucket bags, satchels, duffel bags, tote bags, unstructured handbags, shoulder bags, purses, and backpacks (collectively, handbags). Furthermore, such handbags may include an open top, zipped top, flaps, drawstrings, snaps, buckles, and the like.
[0036] Referring to FIG. 1, the organizer system 100 may be configurable to fit within the major compartment 25 of the handbag 10 by selection, arrangement and attachment of a selected plurality or set of modular storage compartments 105. The organizer system 100 may be configurable to conform to the dimensions of the major compartment of other handbags (not shown). The major compartment of different handbags may be larger or smaller, or may have different dimensions, and the organizer system 100 may be configurable to tit within the major compartment of other such handbags. The organizer system 100 is particularly useful for insertion in a handbag 10.
[0037] FIG. 2 is a simplified perspective view of a configurable organizer system 200 for a handbag (not shown), with magnetic connector elements 250 located on exterior surfaces thereof in visible positions, in an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the organizer system 200 shown generally in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a bottom view of a modular storage container 205 taken generally along 4-4 in FIG. 3, with the, modular storage container 205 in an expanded condition for use. FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the modular storage container 205 shown in FIG. 4, in a flat folded condition. FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the organizer system 200, taken generally along 6-6 in FIG. 2.
[0038] The organizer system 200 illustrated in FIGS. 2-6 is identical to organizer, system 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1, 7 and 8, except as otherwise described herein or shown in the flames. As shown in FIGS. 1, 7 and 8, the magnetic connector elements 150 of organizer system 100 are affixed to the sidewalls 115 in a hidden position and thus are not visible on the exterior of the sidewalls 115. In contrast, as shown in FIGS. 2-6, the magnetic connector elements 250 of organizer system 200 are affixed to the sidewalk 215 thereof in exposed positions and thus are visible on the exterior surfaces of the sidewalk 215.
[0039] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the organizer system 200 may include a plurality'of modular storage compartments 205. Each of the plurality of modular storage compartments 205 may be attached or fastened to other adjacent modular storage compartments 205 by a set of magnetic connector elements 210. Each of the modular storage compartments 205 may include a set of adjoining sidewalls 215, an expandable bottom 220, and at top an open mouth 225 disposed opposite the bottom 220. Each of the modular storage compartments 205 may have an open storage well 230 defined by cooperation of the sidewalls 215 and bottom 220. The open storage well 230 is manually accessible through the open mouth 225. The organizer system 200 may be employed to occupy the main storage compartment of a selected handbag (shown in FIG. 1) by arranging and attaching together a selected plurality of the modular storage compartments 205, 205 in an array or geometric arrangement fitting within the main storage compartment of the handbag without exceeding the length and width of the particular handbag.
[0040] As best shown in FIGS. 2-3, each of the modular;storage compartments 205, 205 may include a respective set of magnetic connector elements 250, 250 spaced in each of the sidewalls 215, 115 thereof Each of the modular storage compartments 205 may be fastened or attached to each adjacent modular storage compartment 205 in the array, by a set of paired magnetic connector elements 250, 250 aligned in adjacent sidewalls 215, 215 of the modular storage compartment 205 and each adjacent nodular storage compartment 205. A set of magnetic connection relationships may be established between the set of magnetic connector elements 250 spaced in sidewall 215 of modular storage compartment 205 and the aligned, paired set of magnetic connector elements 250 spaced in aligned sidewall 215 of adjacent modular storage compartment 205. It will be understood that in the configurable organizer system 200, the modular storage compartments 205 thus may be attached to each adjacent modular storage compartment 205, or may be selectably detached there from, to configure or reconfigure the plurality of modular storage compartments 205, 205 into a different array or different geometric arrangement of the organizer system 200.
[0041] In embodiments (not shown), a configurable organizer system may be identical to organizer system 200 as described herein and illustrated in FIGS. 2-6, except that modular storage compartments may include, in place of the illustrated magnetic connector elements 250, other suitable releasable connector element combinations. The releasable connector element combinations may be selectably attachable and detachable for joining together the modular storage compartments in fixed relationships to form suitable arrays or geometric arrangements in handbags. Suitable releasable connector element combinations may include, for example, suitable releasable fastener combinations. As used herein, releasable fastener combination means a combination of joining elements connectable in a fastening relationship to affix or join together in fixed relative positions a pair of adjacent modular storage compartments formed of material, and which is releasable from the fastening relationship by manual manipulation of the joining elements, the storage compartments, or both, without damaging the modular storage compartments. Examples of suitable fasteners include, but are not limited to, clasps, hook and loop closures, catches, hasps, latches, clips, buckles, snaps, slide fasteners, such as zippers and profiled linkages, reusable adhesives, and pressure sensitive closures that are employed for use without damaging the materials of the modular storage compartments.
[0042] FIG. 4 illustrates the bottom 220 of one modular storage compartment 205 of the organizer system 200. The bottom 220 may be moveable or changeable between an expanded position shown in FIG. 4 for usage, and a folded position shown in FIG. 5 to be stowed when not in use. The modular storage compartment 205 may be substantially freestanding when the bottom 220 is in the expanded position shown in FIG. 4. When removed from the handbag, the organizer system 200, as well as individual modular storage compartments 205 may substantially retain shape when resting on the bottom portion 220 in the expanded position, either in empty or filled condition. To that end, any or all of the opposing side walls 215 and expandable bottom portion 220 may include a substantially rigid material, such as material, plastic, leather, or paperboard layer, either as a primary fabric layer or incorporated therewith for providing necessary structural stiffness and rigidity. The bottom portion 220 may include a sewn fabric seam 225.
[0043] FIG. 5 illustrates the bottom 220 in the folded position and one pair of opposed sidewalk 215 in a folded position for the modular storage compartment 205 to be stowed when not in use.
[0044] FIG. 6 illustrates the bottoms 220, 220 of modular storage compartments 205, 205 of organizer system 200 arranged in the 2 by 3 array, as shown generally in FIG. 2, Paired sets of magnetic connector elements 250, 250 are visible between aligned paired sidewalls 215, 215 of the modular storage compartment 205 and adjacent modular storage compartment 205.
[0045] FIG. 7 illustrates configurable organizer system 100 as generally shown in FIG. 6. The organizer system 100 is employed in a 3 by 2 array and is identical to organizer system 200 (shown in FIGS. 2-6), except that in organizer system 100 shown in FIGS. 1, 7 and 8, the sets of magnetic connector members 150 located on each sidewall 115 are affixed in positions which are located beneath an exterior primary layer of fabric and thus are not visible, whereas in organizer system 200 shown in FIGS. 2-6 the sets of magnetic connector members 250 on each sidewall 215 are located outside the exterior primary layer of fabric and thus are visible.
[0046] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary construction of a modular storage compartment 105 of organizer system 100, as shown generally in FIG. 7 The organizer system 100 includes each of the magnetic connector elements 150 affixed to respective of the sidewalls 115 in a position which is covered by fabric material 160. The magnetic connector elements 150 being covered by a primary layer of fabric material 160 are hidden and not exposed when the organizer system 100 is viewed. As shown in FIG. 8, in the specific embodiment shown in FIGS. 1, 7 and 8, each of the magnetic connector elements 150 may be affixed to a stiffening material layer 155 by a fabric tape layer 165 having an adhesive material joined to the stiffening material layer 155 to sandwich the magnetic connector element 150 therebetween. The stiffening material layer 155 may be affixed to the primary layer of fabric material 160 to provide structural stiffness. As shown in FIG. 7, the primary layer of fabric material 160 may include a major print pattern and or color 167 defining a visual indicia 170 of the modular storage compartment 105. The visual indicia 170 of the primary layer of fabric material 160 of each modular storage compartment 105 may be differentiated from other visual indicia 170 of the primary layer of fabric material 160 of each other modular storage compartment 105 of the organizer system 100 by visual differentiation, of the pattern of visual indicia 170 from each other pattern of visual indicia 170. In the organizer system 100, each of the particular modular storage compartments 105 is employed with unique differentiated visual indicia 170 that differs from each other modular storage compartment 105.
[0047] FIG. 9 illustrates a configurable organizer system 300 in an embodiment. Organizer system 300 may be identical to organizer system 100 (shown in FIGS. 1, 7 and 8) except as otherwise described herein or shown in the drawings. As shown in FIG. 9, organizer system 300 includes a (3 by 2, 3 by 1, 1 by 2) array, in contrast with the simple 3 by 2 array of organizer system 100 (shown in FIG. 7). Organizer system 300 thus includes, six (6) single (1 by 1) modular storage compartments 305; one (1) triple (3 by 1) modular storage compartment 305*; and one (1) double (1 by 2) modular storage compartment 305. A sewn fabric seam 325 is visible at bottom 320 of each modular storage compartment 305, 305 and 305.
[0048] The present disclosure has been illustrated in relation to particular embodiments that are intended in all respect to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the present disclosure is capable of many modifications and variations without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example, as used herein, direction al references, such as top, base, bottom, end, side, inner, upper, middle, lower, front and rear do not limit the respective walls of the carton to such orientation, but merely serve to distinguish these walls from one another. Any reference to hinge connection should not be construed as necessarily referring to a junction including a single hinge only; in envisaged that hinged connection can be formed from one o more potentially disparate means for hingedly connecting materials. Any of the embodiments may be constructed of any suitable material, including satin, microfiber, leather, plastic, suede, woven fabric, and the like.
[0049] Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that the characteristics of the bag described herein are not intended to be limiting, but rather simply provide context for the environment of the disclosure. In addition, any suitable materials and closure devices may be used in addition to or instead of magnetic closures, including snaps, sippers, non-permanent adhesives, or hook and loop fasteners. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is described by the claims appended hereto and supported by the foregoing.
[0050] Apparatus and systems in exemplary embodiments are described and illustrated. Although specific embodiments are illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that any arrangement that is calculated to achieve the same purposes cat be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the embodiments and disclosure. For example, although described in terminology and terms common to the field of art, exemplary embodiments, systems, methods and apparatus described herein, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that implementations can he made for other fields of art, systems, apparatus or methods that provide the required functions.
[0051] In particular, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that the names of the methods and apparatus are not intended to limit embodiments or the disclosure. Furthermore, additional methods, steps, and apparatus can be added to the components, functions can be rearranged among the components, and new components to correspond to future enhancements and physical devices used in embodiments can be introduced without departing from the scope of embodiments and the disclosure. One of skill in the art will readily recognize that embodiments are applicable to future systems, future apparatus, future methods, and different materials.
[0052] Terminology used in the present disclosure is intended to include all environments and alternate technologies that provide the same functionality described herein.
