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Compact and adjustable closet hanging closet rack and organizer, and method for making same

10051959 ยท 2018-08-21

    Inventors

    Cpc classification

    International classification

    Abstract

    The present invention to a compact and adjustable hanging closet rack and organizer, and the method of making same. A closet hanger spacing device includes one or more pairs of horizontal rods where one or more of the rods in the pairs of horizontal rods are affixed to a stationary wall structure, and the spacing between the one or more rods in the rod pairs to the stationary wall being adjustable. The pairs of horizontally-oriented rods are rotatable about an axis of rotation, which can be the rod in the pair of rods that is affixed to the stationary wall, and the space between the rod pairs can be adjusted to lengthen or shorten the spacing between the pair of rods. Each of the rods in the pairs of horizontal rods is capped at the rod ends and each rod end is extendable lengthwise to widen the reach of the pairs of horizontally oriented rods. Each of rods can be partially covered by an abrasive friction surface, and the rod pairs can support a flat surfaced shelf with a curved upper portion for engaging the upper rod of the rod pair and a lower ledge oriented upward from the lower rod of the rod pair.

    Claims

    1. A closet storage system comprising: (a) a first telescopic horizontal rod that can be contracted or expanded lengthwise along its longitudinal axis, said first telescopic horizontal rod having: a first rod element having a cylindrical shape with a first circumference, an interior end, and an exterior end, a second rod element having an interior end, an exterior end, and a cylindrical shape with a second circumference that is smaller than the first circumference of the first rod element such that the interior end of the second rod element fits within the circumference of the interior end of the first rod element, wherein said first telescopic horizontal rod can be contracted or expanded lengthwise along its longitudinal axis using the first rod element and the second rod element to accommodate a variable width in a closet storage area; a fifth rod element having an interior end, an exterior end, and a cylindrical shape with a fifth circumference that is smaller than the first circumference of the first rod element such that the interior end of the fifth rod element fits within the circumference of the exterior end of the first rod element, said first telescopic horizontal rod being extendable longitudinally from the exterior end of the first rod element using the fifth rod element to accommodate a variable width in the closet storage area, a first end cap placed on said exterior end of the fifth rod element that prevents the entire fifth rod element from being completely inserted within the circumference of the first rod element and provides a raised end that prevents articles hung on the fifth rod element from unintentionally slipping off the exterior end of the fifth rod element; a sixth rod element having an interior end, an exterior end, a cylindrical shape with a sixth circumference that is smaller than the second circumference of the second rod element such that the interior end of the sixth rod element fits within the circumference of the exterior end of the second rod element, said first telescopic horizontal rod being extendable longitudinally from the exterior end of the second rod element by sliding said sixth rod element to accommodate a variable width in the closet storage area; and, a second end cap placed on said exterior end of the sixth rod element that prevents the entire sixth rod element from being completely inserted within the circumference of the second rod element and provides a raised end that prevents articles hung on the sixth rod element from unintentionally slipping off the exterior end of the sixth rod element; (b) a second telescopic horizontal rod that can be contracted or expanded lengthwise along its longitudinal axis, said second telescopic horizontal rod having: a third rod element having a cylindrical shape with a third circumference, an interior end, and an exterior end, a fourth rod element having an interior end, an exterior end, and a cylindrical shape with a fourth circumference that is smaller than the third circumference of the third rod element such that the interior end of the fourth rod element fits within the circumference of an interior end of the third rod element, wherein said second telescopic horizontal rod can be contracted or expanded lengthwise along its longitudinal axis using the third rod element and the fourth rod element to accommodate a variable width in the closet storage area; a seventh rod element having an interior end, an exterior end, and a cylindrical shape with a seventh circumference that is smaller than the third circumference of the third rod element such that the interior end of the seventh rod element fits within the circumference of the exterior end of the third rod element, said second telescopic horizontal rod being extendable longitudinally from the exterior end of the third rod element by sliding the seventh rod element to accommodate a variable width in the closet storage area, a third end cap placed on said exterior end of the seventh rod element that prevents the entire seventh rod element from being completely inserted within the circumference of the third rod element and provides a raised end that prevents articles hung on the seventh rod element from unintentionally slipping off the exterior end of the seventh rod element; an eighth rod element having an interior end, an exterior end, and a cylindrical shape with an eighth circumference that is smaller than the fourth circumference of the fourth rod element such that the interior end of the eighth rod element fits within the circumference of the exterior end of the fourth rod element, said second telescopic horizontal rod being extendable longitudinally from the exterior end of the fourth rod element by sliding said eighth rod element to accommodate a variable width in the closet storage area; and, a fourth end cap placed on said exterior end of the eighth rod element that prevents the entire eighth rod element from being completely inserted within the circumference of the fourth rod element and provides a raised end that prevents articles hung on the eighth rod element from unintentionally slipping off the exterior end of the eighth rod element; (c) a first bracket having a first bracket plate, a first bracket arm extension, and a second bracket arm extension, wherein the first bracket supports the first and second telescopic horizontal rods and fastens said first and second telescopic horizontal rods to a vertical wall of the closet storage area; the first and second bracket arm extensions of said first bracket adjustably setting: (i) the distances for the first and second telescopic horizontal rods from the first bracket plate, (ii) the angle of inclination between the first telescopic horizontal rod and the second telescopic horizontal rod relative to the first bracket plate, and (iii) the distances between the first telescopic horizontal rod and the second telescopic horizontal rod; said first bracket arm extension being adjustably extendable outwardly from the first bracket plate of the first bracket, said first bracket arm extension securing a position of said first telescopic horizontal rod on the first bracket; said second bracket arm extension having a second hook that wraps around the second telescopic horizontal rod to secure a position of said second telescopic horizontal rod on the first bracket, said second hook being open-ended to allow the second telescopic horizontal rod to be placed and removably repositioned on the first bracket; and, (d) a second bracket having a second bracket plate, a third bracket arm extension, and a fourth bracket arm extension, wherein the second bracket supports the first and second telescopic horizontal rods and fastens said first and second telescopic horizontal rods to the vertical wall of the closet storage area; the third and fourth bracket arm extensions of said second bracket adjustably setting: (i) the distances for the first and second telescopic horizontal rods from the second bracket plate, (ii) the angle of inclination between the first telescopic horizontal rod and the second telescopic horizontal rod relative to the second bracket plate, and (iii) the distances between the first telescopic horizontal rod and the second telescopic horizontal rod; said third bracket arm extension being adjustably extendable outwardly from the second bracket plate of the second bracket, said third bracket arm extension securing the position of said first telescopic horizontal rod on the second bracket, said fourth bracket arm extension having a fourth hook that wraps around the second telescopic horizontal rod to secure the position of said second telescopic horizontal rod on the second bracket, said fourth hook being open-ended to allow the second telescopic horizontal rod to be placed and removably repositioned on the second bracket; wherein said first and second telescopic horizontal rods can be positioned to store items in an inclined manner with the first telescopic horizontal rod positioned above said second telescopic horizontal rod so that said items can be viewed in a downwardly sloping manner when placed on the first and second telescopic horizontal rods, and, (e) one or more abrasive surfaces on a top surface of the first or second telescopic horizontal rod, said one or more abrasive surfaces each made of a double sided tape, a strip of sand paper, or embedded sand granules; wherein said one or more abrasive surfaces are located on the top surface of the first or second telescopic horizontal rod to prevent items placed thereon from slipping off the first or second telescopic horizontal rod; and, (f) a shelf being positioned on the top surfaces of both of the first and second horizontal rods, the shelf being composed of an acrylic or clear plastic, the shelf having an upper securing edge that wraps around the first telescopic horizontal rod, a flat surface that extends downwardly across the top surface of the second telescopic horizontal rod, and a lower lip that prevents items placed on the shelf from slipping off a bottom edge of the shelf.

    2. The closet storage system of claim 1, wherein the shelf can be removed from the first and second telescopic horizontal rods; and the first bracket arm extension, the second bracket arm extension, the third bracket arm extension, and the fourth bracket arm extension can be set so that the first and second telescopic horizontal rods are positioned longitudinally in parallel with each other when the shelf is removed from the first and second telescopic horizontal rods.

    3. The closet storage system of claim 1 wherein the first bracket arm extension, the second bracket arm extension, the third bracket arm extension, and the fourth bracket arm extension can be set so that the first and second telescopic horizontal rods are positioned longitudinally in parallel with the first and second bracket plates.

    4. The closet storage system of claim 1 wherein lengths of the first and second telescopic horizontal rods can be independently adjusted to accommodate a space in the closet storage area.

    5. The closet storage system of claim 1 wherein the first bracket arm extension, the second bracket arm extension, the third bracket arm extension, and the fourth bracket arm extension can be set so that the first and second telescopic horizontal rods are positioned longitudinally in parallel with the vertical wall of the closet storage area.

    6. The closet storage system of claim 1 wherein each of the extension arms can be set to provide different positioning, spacing, and placement of the first and second telescopic horizontal rods respectively in the closet storage area to support the placement of different sized items on the first and second telescopic horizontal rods.

    7. A closet storage system comprising: (a) a first telescopic horizontal rod that can be contracted or expanded lengthwise along its longitudinal axis, said first telescopic horizontal rod having: a first rod element having a cylindrical shape with a first circumference, an interior end, and an exterior end, a second rod element having an interior end, an exterior end, and a cylindrical shape with a second circumference that is smaller than the first circumference of the first rod element such that the interior end of the second rod element fits within the circumference of the interior end of the first rod element, wherein said first telescopic horizontal rod can be contracted or expanded lengthwise along its longitudinal axis using the first rod element and the second rod element to accommodate a variable width in a closet storage area; a fifth rod element having an interior end, an exterior end, and a cylindrical shape with a fifth circumference that is smaller than the first circumference of the first rod element such that the interior end of the fifth rod element fits within the circumference of the exterior end of the first rod element, said first telescopic horizontal rod being extendable longitudinally from the exterior end of the first rod element using the fifth rod element to accommodate a variable width in the closet storage area, a first end cap placed on said exterior end of the fifth rod element that prevents the entire fifth rod element from being completely inserted within the circumference of the first rod element and provides a raised end that prevents articles hung on the fifth rod element from unintentionally slipping off the exterior end of the fifth rod element; a sixth rod element having an interior end, an exterior end, a cylindrical shape with a sixth circumference that is smaller than the second circumference of the second rod element such that the interior end of the sixth rod element fits within the circumference of the exterior end of the second rod element, said first telescopic horizontal rod being extendable longitudinally from the exterior end of the second rod element by sliding said sixth rod element to accommodate a variable width in the closet storage area; and, a second end cap placed on said exterior end of the sixth rod element that prevents the entire sixth rod element from being completely inserted within the circumference of the second rod element and provides a raised end that prevents articles hung on the sixth rod element from unintentionally slipping off the exterior end of the sixth rod element; (b) a second telescopic horizontal rod that can be contracted or expanded lengthwise along its longitudinal axis, said second telescopic horizontal rod having: a third rod element having a cylindrical shape with a third circumference, an interior end, and an exterior end, a fourth rod element having an interior end, an exterior end, and a cylindrical shape with a fourth circumference that is smaller than the third circumference of the third rod element such that the interior end of the fourth rod element fits within the circumference of an interior end of the third rod element, wherein said second telescopic horizontal rod can be contracted or expanded lengthwise along its longitudinal axis using the third rod element and the fourth rod element to accommodate a variable width in the closet storage area; a seventh rod element having an interior end, an exterior end, and a cylindrical shape with a seventh circumference that is smaller than the third circumference of the third rod element such that the interior end of the seventh rod element fits within the circumference of the exterior end of the third rod element, said second telescopic horizontal rod being extendable longitudinally from the exterior end of the third rod element by sliding the seventh rod element to accommodate a variable width in the closet storage area, a third end cap placed on said exterior end of the seventh rod element that prevents the entire seventh rod element from being completely inserted within the circumference of the third rod element and provides a raised end that prevents articles hung on the seventh rod element from unintentionally slipping off the exterior end of the seventh rod element; an eighth rod element having an interior end, an exterior end, and a cylindrical shape with an eighth circumference that is smaller than the fourth circumference of the fourth rod element such that the interior end of the eighth rod element fits within the circumference of the exterior end of the fourth rod element, said second telescopic horizontal rod being extendable longitudinally from the exterior end of the fourth rod element by sliding said eighth rod element to accommodate a variable width in the closet storage area; and, a fourth end cap placed on said exterior end of the eighth rod element that prevents the entire eighth rod element from being completely inserted within the circumference of the fourth rod element and provides a raised end that prevents articles hung on the eighth rod element from unintentionally slipping off the exterior end of the eighth rod element; (c) a first bracket having a first bracket plate, a first bracket arm extension, and a second bracket arm extension, wherein the first bracket supports the first and second telescopic horizontal rods and fastens said first and second telescopic horizontal rods to a vertical wall of the closet storage area; the first and second bracket arm extensions of said first bracket adjustably setting: (i) the distances for the first and second telescopic horizontal rods from the first bracket plate, (ii) the angle of inclination between the first telescopic horizontal rod and the second telescopic horizontal rod relative to the first bracket plate, and (iii) the distances between the first telescopic horizontal rod and the second telescopic horizontal rod; said first bracket arm extension being adjustably extendable outwardly from the first bracket plate of the first bracket, said first bracket arm extension having a first hook that wraps around the first telescopic horizontal rod to secure a position of said first telescopic horizontal rod on the first bracket, said first hook being open-ended to allow the first telescopic horizontal rod to be placed and removably repositioned on the first bracket; said second bracket arm extension being adjustably extendable outwardly from the first bracket plate of the first bracket, said second bracket arm extension having a second hook that wraps around the second telescopic horizontal rod to secure a position of said second telescopic horizontal rod on the first bracket, said second hook being open-ended to allow the second telescopic horizontal rod to be placed and removably repositioned on the first bracket; wherein the first bracket arm extension is above the second bracket arm extension so that the first telescopic horizontal rod is above the second telescopic horizontal rod; and the second bracket arm extension is longer than the first bracket arm extension so that the second telescopic horizontal rod can extend outwardly from the first bracket further than the first telescopic horizontal rod; and, (d) a second bracket having a second bracket plate, a third bracket arm extension, and a fourth bracket arm extension, wherein the second bracket supports the first and second telescopic horizontal rods and fastens said first and second telescopic horizontal rods to the vertical wall of the closet storage area; the third and fourth bracket arm extensions of said second bracket adjustably setting: (i) the distances for the first and second telescopic horizontal rods from the second bracket plate, (ii) the angle of inclination between the first telescopic horizontal rod and the second telescopic horizontal rod relative to the second bracket plate, and (iii) the distances between the first telescopic horizontal rod and the second telescopic horizontal rod; said third bracket arm extension being adjustably extendable outwardly from the second bracket plate on the second bracket, said third bracket arm extension having a third hook that wraps around the first telescopic horizontal rod to secure the position of said first telescopic horizontal rod on the second bracket, said third hook being open-ended to allow the first telescopic horizontal rod to be placed and removably repositioned on the second bracket; and, said fourth bracket arm extension being adjustably extendable outwardly from the second bracket plate on the second bracket, said fourth bracket arm extension having a fourth hook that wraps around the second telescopic horizontal rod to secure the position of said second telescopic horizontal rod on the second bracket, said fourth hook being open-ended to allow the second telescopic horizontal rod to be placed and removably repositioned on the second bracket; wherein the third bracket arm extension is above the fourth bracket arm extension so that the first telescopic horizontal rod is above the second telescopic horizontal rod; and the fourth bracket arm extension is longer than the third bracket arm extension so that the second telescopic horizontal rod can extend outwardly from the second bracket further than the first telescopic horizontal rod.

    8. The closet storage system of claim 7 wherein lengths of the first and second telescopic horizontal rods can be independently adjusted to accommodate a space in the closet storage area.

    9. The closet storage system of claim 7 wherein each of the extension arms can be set to provide different positioning, spacing, and placement of the first and second telescopic horizontal rods respectively in the closet storage area to support the placement of different sized items on the first and second telescopic horizontal rods.

    10. The closet storage system of claim 7 wherein the first and second telescopic horizontal rods can be positioned to store items in an inclined manner with the first telescopic horizontal rod positioned above said second telescopic horizontal rod so that said items can be viewed in a downwardly sloping manner when placed on the first and second telescopic horizontal rods.

    11. The closet storage system of claim 7 further comprising: one or more abrasive surfaces on a top surface of the first or second telescopic horizontal rod, said one or more abrasive surfaces each made of a double sided tape, a strip of sand paper, or embedded sand granules.

    12. The closet storage system of claim 11 wherein the one or more abrasive surfaces prevent items from slipping off the top surface of the first or second telescopic horizontal rod.

    13. The closet storage system of claim 7 further comprising: a shelf being positioned on a top surface of each of the first and second telescopic horizontal rods, said shelf being composed of an acrylic or clear plastic.

    14. The closet storage system of claim 13 wherein the shelf has an upper securing edge that wraps around the first telescopic horizontal rod, a flat surface that extends downwardly across the top surface of the second telescopic horizontal rod, and an upwardly extending ledge with a lower lip that prevent items placed on the shelf from slipping off a bottom edge of the shelf.

    15. A closet storage system comprising: (a) a first telescopic horizontal rod that can be contracted or expanded lengthwise along its longitudinal axis, said first telescopic horizontal rod having: a first rod element having a cylindrical shape with a first circumference, an interior end, and an exterior end, a second rod element having an interior end, an exterior end, and a cylindrical shape with a second circumference that is smaller than the first circumference of the first rod element such that the interior end of the second rod element fits within the circumference of the interior end of the first rod element, wherein said first telescopic horizontal rod can be contracted or expanded lengthwise along its longitudinal axis using the first rod element and the second rod element to accommodate a variable width in a closet storage area; a fifth rod element having an interior end, an exterior end, and a cylindrical shape with a fifth circumference that is smaller than the first circumference of the first rod element such that the interior end of the fifth rod element fits within the circumference of the exterior end of the first rod element, said first telescopic horizontal rod being extendable longitudinally from the exterior end of the first rod element using the fifth rod element to accommodate a variable width in the closet storage area, a first end cap placed on said exterior end of the fifth rod element that prevents the entire fifth rod element from being completely inserted the circumference of the first rod element and provides a raised end that prevents articles hung on the fifth rod element from unintentionally slipping off the exterior end of the fifth rod element; a sixth rod element having an interior end, an exterior end, a cylindrical shape with a sixth circumference that is smaller than the second circumference of the second rod element such that the interior end of the sixth rod element fits within the circumference of the exterior end of the second rod element, said first telescopic horizontal rod being extendable longitudinally from the exterior end of the second rod element by sliding said sixth rod element to accommodate a variable width in the closet storage area; and, a second end cap placed on said exterior end of the sixth rod element that prevents the entire sixth rod element from being completely inserted within the circumference of the second rod element and provides a raised end that prevents articles hung on the sixth rod element from unintentionally slipping off the exterior end of the sixth rod element; (b) a second telescopic horizontal rod that can be contracted or expanded lengthwise along its longitudinal axis, said second telescopic horizontal rod having: a third rod element having a cylindrical shape with a third circumference, an interior end, and an exterior end, a fourth rod element having an interior end, an exterior end, and a cylindrical shape with a fourth circumference that is smaller than the third circumference of the third rod element such that the interior end of the fourth rod element fits within the circumference of an interior end of the third rod element, wherein said second telescopic horizontal rod can be contracted or expanded lengthwise along its longitudinal axis using the third rod element and the fourth rod element to accommodate a variable width in the closet storage area; a seventh rod element having an interior end, an exterior end, and a cylindrical shape with a seventh circumference that is smaller than the third circumference of the third rod element such that the interior end of the seventh rod element fits within the circumference of the exterior end of the third rod element, said second telescopic horizontal rod being extendable longitudinally from the exterior end of the third rod element by sliding the seventh rod element to accommodate a variable width in the closet storage area, a third end cap placed on said exterior end of the seventh rod element that prevents the entire seventh rod element from being completely inserted within the circumference of the third rod element and provides a raised end that prevents articles hung on the seventh rod element from unintentionally slipping off the exterior end of the seventh rod element; an eighth rod element having an interior end, an exterior end, and a cylindrical shape with an eighth circumference that is smaller than the fourth circumference of the fourth rod element such that the interior end of the eighth rod element fits within the circumference of the exterior end of the fourth rod element, said second telescopic horizontal rod being extendable longitudinally from the exterior end of the fourth rod element by sliding said eighth rod element to accommodate a variable width in the closet storage area; and, a fourth end cap placed on said exterior end of the eighth rod element that prevents the entire eighth rod element from being completely inserted within the circumference of the fourth rod element and provides a raised end that prevents articles hung on the eighth rod element from unintentionally slipping off the exterior end of the eighth rod element; (c) a first bracket having a first bracket plate, a first bracket arm extension, and a second bracket arm extension, wherein the first bracket supports the first and second telescopic horizontal rods and fastens said first and second telescopic horizontal rods to a vertical wall of the closet storage area; the first and second bracket arm extensions of said first bracket adjustably setting: (i) the distances for the first and second telescopic horizontal rods from the first bracket plate, (ii) the angle of inclination between the first telescopic horizontal rod and the second telescopic horizontal rod relative to the first bracket plate, and (iii) the distances between the first telescopic horizontal rod and the second telescopic horizontal rod; said first bracket arm extension being adjustably extendable outwardly from the first bracket plate of the first bracket, said first bracket arm extension having a first securing element that wraps around the first telescopic horizontal rod to secure a position of said first telescopic horizontal rod on the first bracket, said second bracket arm extension being adjustably extendable outwardly from the first securing element, said second bracket arm extension having a second hook that wraps around the second telescopic horizontal rod to secure a position of said second telescopic horizontal rod on the first bracket, said second hook being open-ended to allow the second telescopic horizontal rod to be placed and removably repositioned on the first bracket; and, (d) a second bracket having a second bracket plate, a third bracket arm extension, and a fourth bracket arm extension, wherein the second bracket supports the first and second telescopic horizontal rods and fastens said first and second telescopic horizontal rods to the vertical wall of the closet storage area, the third and fourth bracket arm extensions of said second bracket adjustably setting: (i) the distances for the first and second telescopic horizontal rods from the second bracket plate, (ii) the angle of inclination between the first telescopic horizontal rod and the second telescopic horizontal rod relative to the second bracket plate, and (iii) the distances between the first telescopic horizontal rod and the second telescopic horizontal rod; said third bracket arm extension being adjustably extendable outwardly from the second bracket plate of the second bracket, said third bracket arm extension having a second securing element that wraps around the first telescopic horizontal rod to secure the position of said first telescopic horizontal rod on the second bracket, said fourth bracket arm extension being adjustably extendable outwardly from the second securing element, said fourth bracket arm extension having a fourth hook that wraps around the second telescopic horizontal rod to secure the position of said second telescopic horizontal rod on the second bracket, said fourth hook being open-ended to allow the second telescopic horizontal rod to be placed and removably repositioned on the second bracket.

    16. The closet storage system of claim 15 wherein lengths of the first and second telescopic horizontal rods can be independently adjusted to accommodate a space in the closet storage area.

    17. The closet storage system of claim 15 wherein each of the extension arms can be set to provide different positioning, spacing, and placement of the first and second telescopic horizontal rods respectively in the closet storage area to support the placement of different sized items on the first and second telescopic horizontal rods.

    18. The closet storage system of claim 15 wherein the first and second telescopic horizontal rods can be positioned to store items in an inclined manner with the first telescopic horizontal rod positioned above said second telescopic horizontal rod so that said items can be viewed in a downwardly sloping manner when placed on the first and second telescopic horizontal rods.

    19. The closet storage system of claim 15 further comprising: one or more abrasive surfaces on a top surface of the first or second telescopic horizontal rod, said one or more abrasive surfaces each made of a double sided tape, a strip of sand paper, or embedded sand granules.

    20. The closet storage system of claim 19 wherein the one or more abrasive surfaces prevent items from slipping off the top surface of the first or second telescopic horizontal rod.

    21. The closet storage system of claim 15 further comprising: a shelf being positioned on a top surface of each of the first and second telescopic horizontal rods, said shelf being composed of an acrylic or clear plastic.

    22. The closet storage system of claim 21 wherein the shelf has an upper securing edge that wraps around the first telescopic horizontal rod, a flat surface that extends downwardly across the top surface of the second telescopic horizontal rod, and an upwardly extending ledge with a lower lip that prevent items placed on the shelf from slipping off a bottom edge of the shelf.

    Description

    DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

    (1) A clear understanding of the key features of the invention summarized above may be had by reference to the appended drawings, which illustrate the method and system of the invention, although it will be understood that such drawings depict preferred embodiments of the invention and, therefore, are not to be considered as limiting its scope with regard to other embodiments which the invention is capable of contemplating. The above, and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be understood upon consideration of the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

    (2) FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the present invention with independent brackets;

    (3) FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the present invention with independent brackets;

    (4) FIG. 3 is a rear elevation view of the present invention with independent brackets;

    (5) FIG. 4 is a right side view of the present invention with independent brackets;

    (6) FIG. 5 is a left side view of the present invention with independent brackets;

    (7) FIG. 6 is a top view of the present invention with independent brackets;

    (8) FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the present invention with independent brackets;

    (9) FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of the present invention with coupled brackets;

    (10) FIG. 9 is a front elevation view of the present invention with coupled brackets;

    (11) FIG. 10 is a rear elevation view of the present invention with coupled brackets;

    (12) FIG. 11 is a right side view of the present invention with coupled brackets;

    (13) FIG. 12 is a left side view of the present invention with coupled brackets;

    (14) FIG. 13 is a top view of the present invention with coupled brackets; and,

    (15) FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the present invention with coupled brackets.

    (16) The inventor will use descriptive drawings and text to describe the device and how it functions. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is meant to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

    DETAILED DESCRIPTION

    (17) The present invention to a compact and adjustable hanging closet rack and organizer, and the method of making same using a plurality of multiple telescoping rods; and, the present invention includes the features of being a compact, adjustable hanging closet organizer and shoe rack that can be re-arranged and expanded in an angular, vertical and lateral direction, as well as modular manner, and the method of making and using same. The present invention seeks to allow for an effective storage and shelf system, and a method of making and using, that supplements storage and shoe rack space in a closet or cabinet, and enhances the efficiency of the user in locating stored items more easily.

    (18) The first embodiment of the present invention with independent brackets is shown with FIG. 1 being a front perspective view using independent brackets, FIG. 2 being a front elevation view using independent brackets, FIG. 3 being a rear elevation view using independent brackets, FIG. 4 being a right side view using independent brackets, FIG. 5 being a left side view using independent brackets, FIG. 6 being a top view using independent brackets, and, FIG. 7 being a bottom view of the present invention with independent brackets. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, the present invention closet hanger storage device 100 includes a first horizontal rod 180 having a first rod element 103 and a second rod element 105, and a second horizontal rod 181 having a third rod element 113 and a fourth rod element 115.

    (19) The first horizontal rod 180 and second horizontal rod 181 each possess a multi-piece telescoping construction with multiple fitted elements working in a highly useful relationship that allows the adjustment of lateral widths of the horizontal rods 180 or 181. For example, in the first horizontal rod 180, the telescoping construction includes a second rod element 105 that has a cylindrical shape and a second circumference that is smaller than the first cylindrical circumference of first rod element 103 that also has a cylindrical shape, such that an interior end of the second rod element 105 fits within the longitudinal circumference of an interior end of the first rod element 103. In that manner, the first rod element 103 and the second rod element 105 in the first horizontal rod 180 can be contracted or expanded lengthwise along their longitudinal axis to accommodate a variable and flexible, desired width in the closet storage area.

    (20) In the first horizontal rod 180, the telescoping construction also includes a fifth rod element 102 that has a cylindrical shape and a fifth circumference that is smaller than the first circumference of the first rod element 103 such that an interior end of the fifth rod element 105 fits within the circumference of an exterior end of the first rod element 103. In that manner, the fifth rod element 102 can be extended longitudinally from the exterior end of the first rod element 103 to effectively allow the first horizontal rod 180 to expand longitudinally using the fifth rod element 102 to accommodate a variable and flexible, desired width in the closet storage area. The exterior end of the fifth rod element 102 also possesses an end cap 101 that prevents the fifth rod element 102 from being over-inserted into the inner circumference of exterior end of the first rod element 103, as well as providing a raised, ridged end configuration that prevents articles (e.g. hats, shoes, purses) hung on the fifth rod element 102 from slipping off the end of the fifth rod element 102.

    (21) In the first horizontal rod 180, the telescoping construction also includes a sixth rod element 106 that has a cylindrical shape and a sixth circumference that is smaller than the second circumference of the second rod element 105 such that an interior end of the sixth rod element 106 fits within the circumference of an exterior end of the second rod element 105. In that manner, the sixth rod element 106 can be extended longitudinally from the exterior end of the second rod element 105 to effectively allow the first horizontal rod 180 to expand longitudinally using the sixth rod element 106 to accommodate a variable and flexible, desired width in the closet storage area. The exterior end of the sixth rod element 106 also possesses an end cap 107 that prevents the sixth rod element 106 from being over-inserted into the inner circumference of exterior end of the second rod element 105, as well as providing a raised, ridged end configuration that prevents articles (e.g. hats, shoes, purses) hung on the sixth rod element 106 from slipping off the end of the sixth rod element 106.

    (22) In the second horizontal rod 181, the telescoping construction includes a fourth rod element 115 that has a cylindrical shape and a fourth circumference that is smaller than the third cylindrical circumference of third rod element 113 that also has a cylindrical shape, such that an interior end of the fourth rod element 115 fits within the longitudinal circumference of an interior end of the third rod element 113. In that manner, the third rod element 113 and the fourth rod element 115 in the second horizontal rod 181 can be contracted or expanded lengthwise along their longitudinal axis to accommodate a variable and flexible, desired width in the closet storage area.

    (23) In the second horizontal rod 181, the telescoping construction also includes a seventh rod element 112 that has a cylindrical shape and a seventh circumference that is smaller than the third circumference of the third rod element 113 such that an interior end of the seventh rod element 115 fits within the circumference of an exterior end of the third rod element 113. In that manner, the seventh rod element 112 can be extended longitudinally from the exterior end of the third rod element 113 to effectively allow the second horizontal rod 181 to expand longitudinally using the seventh rod element 112 to accommodate a variable and flexible, desired width in the closet storage area. The exterior end of the seventh rod element 112 also possesses an end cap 110 that prevents the seventh rod element 112 from being over-inserted into the inner circumference of exterior end of the third rod element 113, as well as providing a raised, ridged end configuration that prevents articles (e.g. hats, shoes, purses) hung on the seventh rod element 112 from slipping off the end of the seventh rod element 112.

    (24) In the second horizontal rod 181, the telescoping construction also includes an eighth rod element 116 that has a cylindrical shape and an eighth circumference that is smaller than the fourth circumference of the fourth rod element 115 such that an interior end of the eighth rod element 116 fits within the circumference of an exterior end of the fourth rod element 115. In that manner, the eighth rod element 116 can be extended longitudinally from the exterior end of the fourth rod element 115 to effectively allow the second horizontal rod 181 to expand longitudinally using the eighth rod element 116 to accommodate a variable and flexible, desired width in the closet storage area. The exterior end of the eighth rod element 116 also possesses an end cap 117 that prevents the eighth rod element 116 from being over-inserted into the inner circumference of exterior end of the fourth rod element 115, as well as providing a raised, ridged end configuration that prevents articles (e.g. hats, shoes, purses) hung on the eighth rod element 116 from slipping off the end of the eighth rod element 116.

    (25) The width of the rods is one of the many features that allows the present invention to be adjusted and modified to suit a particular size and shape of storage area. As described above, the present invention provides a flexible and adjustable storage system for personal items and shoes that supplements storage space in a cabinet or wardrobe by adding additional storage space, shoe storage areas, and hanging/placement structures, organizes shoes and garments to maximize the efficient use of space in a closet or cabinet, and provides flexible, adjustable and expandable modular storage to accommodate different sized cabinet, wardrobe or closet spaces.

    (26) In addition to the width of the horizontal rods 180 and 181, the present invention possesses first and second brackets 140 and 150 that support and hold the first horizontal rod 180 and the second horizontal rod 181, respectively, in place by affixing them to a wall interface or vertical planes in the storage areas with first and second bracket plates 146 and 156, respectively, with the brackets 140 and 150 providing variable distances for the first and second horizontal rods 180 and 181 from the wall interface or vertical plane in the storage area, as well as providing a variable angle of inclination between the first horizontal rod 180 and second horizontal rod 181, as well as variable distances between the first horizontal rod 180 and second horizontal rod 181 themselves.

    (27) The first bracket 140 possesses a first bracket plate 146 that interfaces with the wall interface or vertical planes in the storage areas by fastener 142. A first bracket arm extension 145 extends outwardly from the wall interface or vertical planes in the storage areas and outwardly from the first bracket plate 146 on the first bracket 140. The first bracket arm extension 145 can be extended and retracted lengthwise and has a first hook 141 that wraps around the first horizontal rod 180 to secure its position on the first bracket 140. The first hook 141 is open-ended to allow the first horizontal rod 180 to be placed on the first bracket 140, but the first horizontal rod 180 can be removed and re-positioned on the first bracket 140 depending on the positioning of the rods in the storage space or the need to position items on the horizontal rods.

    (28) The first bracket 140 has a first bracket plate 146 that interfaces with the wall interface or vertical planes in the storage areas, and it also possesses a second bracket arm extension 143 that extends outwardly from the wall interface or vertical planes in the storage areas and outwardly from the first bracket plate 146 on the first bracket 140. The second bracket arm extension 146 can be extended and retracted lengthwise and has a second hook 144 that wraps around the second horizontal rod 181 to secure its position on the first bracket 140. The second hook 144 is open-ended to allow the second horizontal rod 181 to be placed on the first bracket 140, but the second horizontal rod 181 can be removed and re-positioned on the first bracket 140 depending on the positioning of the rods in the storage space or the need to position items on the horizontal rods.

    (29) The second bracket 150 possesses a second bracket plate 156 that interfaces with the wall interface or vertical planes in the storage areas by fasteners 152. A third bracket arm extension 155 extends outwardly from the wall interface or vertical planes in the storage areas and outwardly from the second bracket plate 156 on the second bracket 150. The third bracket arm extension 155 can be extended and retracted lengthwise and has a third hook 151 that wraps around the first horizontal rod 180 to secure its position on the second bracket 150. The third hook 151 is open-ended to allow the first horizontal rod 180 to be placed on the second bracket 150, but the first horizontal rod 180 can be removed and re-positioned on the second bracket 150 depending on the positioning of the rods in the storage space or the need to position items on the horizontal rods.

    (30) The second bracket 150 has a second bracket plate 156 that interfaces with the wall interface or vertical planes in the storage areas, and it also possesses a fourth bracket arm extension 153 that extends outwardly from the wall interface or vertical planes in the storage areas and outwardly from the second bracket plate 156 on the second bracket 150. The second bracket arm extension 156 can be extended and retracted lengthwise and has a fourth hook 154 that wraps around the second horizontal rod 181 to secure its position on the second bracket 150. The fourth hook 154 is open-ended to allow the second horizontal rod 181 to be placed on the second bracket 150, but the second horizontal rod 181 can be removed and re-positioned on the second bracket 150 depending on the positioning of the rods in the storage space or the need to position items on the horizontal rods.

    (31) The ability to extend independently each of the first bracket arm extension 145 and separately the second bracket arm extension 143 outwardly from (or retract to inwardly toward) the first bracket plate 146 and the ability to extend independently each of the third bracket arm extension 155 and separately the fourth bracket arm extension 153 outwardly from (or retract to inwardly toward) the second bracket plate 156 allows the user to flexibly adjust each of the following: (1) the spacing between the first horizontal rod 180 and the first bracket plate 146, the second horizontal rod 181 and the first bracket plate 146, the first horizontal rod 180 and the second bracket plate 156, and the second horizontal rod 181 and the second bracket plate 156; (2) the spacing between the first horizontal rod 180 and the second horizontal rod 181, and (3) the angle of inclination between the first and second horizontal rods 180 and 181.

    (32) Moreover, additional sets of horizontal rods 180 and 181 can be modularly stacked vertically up the wall interface or vertical planes in the storage areas, and each pair of horizontal rods can be independently modified and variably adjusted so the spacing in each of the stacked rod pair can be flexibly adjusted between each of the following: (1) the spacing between the first horizontal rod 180 and the first bracket plate 146, the second horizontal rod 181 and the first bracket plate 146, the first horizontal rod 180 and the second bracket plate 156, and the second horizontal rod 181 and the second bracket plate 156; (2) the spacing between the first horizontal rod 180 and the second horizontal rod 181, and (3) the angle of inclination between the first and second horizontal rods 180 and 181. The use of the modular stacked pairs of rods allows a vertical stacked modular storage space with each pair of stacked rod pairs capable of being independently modified and extended as described herein.

    (33) The spacing settings on each of the first bracket arm extension 145, second bracket arm extension 143, third bracket arm extension 155, and fourth bracket arm extension 154 can be set so that the horizontal rods 180 and 181 can be placed in parallel with each other and the wall interface or vertical planes in the storage areas. That is, by setting the first bracket arm extension 145 and the third bracket arm extension 155 at substantially the same distances from the first bracket plate 146 and the second bracket plate 156, respectively, the first horizontal rod 180 will be substantially parallel to the wall interface or vertical plane in the storage areas. Also, by setting the second bracket arm extension 143 and the fourth bracket arm extension 153 at substantially the same distances from the first bracket plate 146 and the second bracket plate 156, respectively, the second horizontal rod 181 will be substantially parallel to the wall interface or vertical plane in the storage areas.

    (34) When the first horizontal rod 180 and the second horizontal rod 181 are be positioned in parallel to the wall interface or vertical plane in the storage area, these first and second horizontal rods 180 and 181 should be positioned inherently parallel to each other. But, the first and second horizontal rods 180 and 181 can be positioned parallel to each other, but not parallel to the wall interface or vertical plane in the storage area. For example, by setting the first bracket arm extension 145 at a first distance from the first bracket plate 146 and the third bracket arm extension 155 at a third distance from second bracket plate 156, the first and the third distances do not need to be substantially the same. If the first distance is less than the third distance, one end of the first horizontal rod 180 will be located closer to the vertical place or wall interface than the other end of the first horizontal rod 180. If the first distance is greater than the third distance, the opposite end of the first horizontal rod 180 will be located closer to the vertical plane or wall interface than the other end of the first horizontal rod 180.

    (35) Likewise, by setting the second bracket arm extension 143 at a second distance from the first bracket plate 146 and the fourth bracket arm extension 153 at a fourth distance from second bracket plate 156, the second and the fourth distances do not need to be substantially the same. If the second distance is less than the fourth distance, one end of the second horizontal rod 181 will be located closer to the vertical place or wall interface than the other end of the second horizontal rod 181. If the second distance is greater than the fourth distance, the opposite end of the second horizontal rod 181 will be located closer to the vertical plane or wall interface than the other end of the first horizontal rod 181.

    (36) The first horizontal rod 180 can still be substantially parallel to the position of the second horizontal rod 181 if: (1) the second bracket arm extension 143 is set at a second distance that is proportional (x) to the first distance from the first bracket plate 146, 2.sup.ndD=x(1.sup.stD; and, (2) the fourth bracket arm extension 153 is set at a fourth distance that is proportional (y) to the third distance from the second bracket plate 156, 4.sup.thD=x(3.sup.rdD). If x equals y, than the horizontal rods will be parallel to the vertical plane or wall interface. If x does not equal y, than the horizontal rods 180 and 181 will not be parallel to the vertical plane or wall interface, but they may be parallel to each other based on the relationship between x and y.

    (37) These different distance settings on the extension arms provide different positioning, spacing, and placement of horizontal rods 180 and 181 in the storage spaces, which will support the placement of different types of items on the horizontal rods 180 and 181. In this manner, the spacing settings on each of the first bracket arm extension 145, second bracket arm extension 143, third bracket arm extension 155, and fourth bracket arm extension 154 can be set so that the horizontal rods 180 and 181 can be independently adjusted to accommodate different positioning and placement of the first and second horizontal rods 180 and 181.

    (38) The present invention is also directed to a hanging shoe rack; and, more particularly, the present invention is directed to a hanging shoe rack which supports the shoes in an inclined manner so that the shoes can be visually viewed such that each shoe is sloped downwardly toward the vertical surface upon which the shoe rack is attached. With that inclined display feature in mind, the present invention allows the setting independently for each of the first bracket arm extension 145, second bracket arm extension 143, third bracket arm extension 155, and fourth bracket arm extension 154 so that the angle of inclination between the first and second horizontal rods 180 and 181, which dictates the angle that items are located and placed on the first and second horizontal rods 180 and 181, which can be adjusted and modified.

    (39) Specifically, the first bracket arm extension 145 of the first bracket 140 can be extended a shorter distance than the second bracket arm extension 143 of the first bracket 140 so that the first horizontal rod 180 associated with the first bracket arm extension 145 is positioned closer to the wall or vertical surface in the storage area than the position of the second horizontal rod 181 associated with the second bracket arm extension 143. Likewise, the third bracket arm extension 155 of the second bracket 150 can be extended a shorter distance than the fourth bracket arm extension 153 of the second bracket 150 so that the first horizontal rod 180 associated with the third bracket arm extension 155 is positioned closer to the wall or vertical surface in the storage area than the position of the second horizontal rod 181 associated with the fourth bracket arm extension 153. These positions allow the items positioned on the first and second horizontal rods 180 and 181 to be aligned on a plane forming a predetermined angle with respect to vertical so the items may be viewed more easily in their angular inclined placement on the horizontal rods, such as with shoes being placed on the shoe rack and viewed in their angular inclined position placement on the horizontal rods.

    (40) By adjusting the spacing settings on each of the first bracket arm extension 145, second bracket arm extension 143, third bracket arm extension 155, and fourth bracket arm extension 154, the spacing between the first and second horizontal rods 180 and 181 can be adjusted to accommodate differing sizes of items and lengths of items, and the spacing of the first and second horizontal rods 180 and 181 can be adjusted to allow the horizontal rods to be more or less extended away from the wall interface or vertical planes in the storage areas. For instance, the spacing and angle of inclination can be independently set by adjusting the spacing settings on each of the first bracket arm extension 145, second bracket arm extension 143, third bracket arm extension 155, and fourth bracket arm extension 154, which can be matched (or not matched) to make the spacing uniform (or not uniform) between the first horizontal rod 180 and the second horizontal rod 181 and its spacing settings on the second bracket 150 and the second bracket plate 156.

    (41) The spacing and angle of inclination between the horizontal rods 180 and 181 themselves can be uniform parallel if the first and second brackets 140 and 150 have the same extension arm settings or in an angled alignment if the first and second brackets 140 and 150 have differing extension arm settings on each of the first bracket arm extension 145, second bracket arm extension 143, third bracket arm extension 155, and fourth bracket arm extension 154.

    (42) The present embodiment of the invention also contemplates the use of a first abrasive surface 104 or first abrasive coating 104 placed partially or completely around the surface of the first horizontal rod 180 and/or a second abrasive surface 114 or second abrasive coating 114 on the surface of the second horizontal rod 181. Locking clips and brackets can also be positioned on the first or second horizontal rods 180 and 181 so that other items can be placed or hung from the horizontal rods. The abrasive surfaces 104 or 114 can include a double sided tape, or strip of sand paper or embedded sand/granules embedded in the first surface 104, the first coating 104, the second surface 114, or the second surface 114.

    (43) The first abrasive surface 104 or first abrasive coating 104 surrounds the first horizontal rod 180 so that items placed on the surface of the first horizontal rod 180 are held securely upon and do not slip off the first horizontal rod 180. The second abrasive surface 114 or second abrasive coating 114 surrounds the second horizontal rod 181 so that items placed on the surface of the second horizontal rod 181 are held securely upon and do not slip off the second horizontal rod 181. These abrasive surfaces prevents shoes from slipping forward, backwards or from side-to-side off the horizontal rods 180 and 181 without an additional side support members; and, the present invention supports the storage of different size shoes, such as heeled shoes and flats, supports the storage of all sized shoes on a rack, and provides a flexible and adjustable storage system for shoes and other personal items.

    (44) A shelf 125 can be laid on the top surface of the first horizontal rod 180 and second horizontal rod 181 with the shelf 125 being composed on an acrylic or clear plastic (or other suitable material or coloration). The top portion 126 of the shelf 125 has a curved upper rounded securing edge 127 that wraps around the first horizontal rod allowing the shelf 125 to be rotated radially around the first horizontal rod 180 as its axis of rotation. Below the rounded securing edge 127, the shelf extends downwardly from the first horizontal rod 180 with a curved flat surface 131 coupled to a flat surface 128, which extends to the second horizontal rod 181. The shelf 125 extends further downwardly across the top surface of the second horizontal rod 181 with an upwardly extending ledge 129 having a lower lip 130 that prevent items or pieces placed on the shelf 125 from slipping off the shelf 125.

    (45) The second embodiment of the present invention with coupled brackets is shown with FIG. 8 being a front perspective view using coupled brackets, FIG. 9 being a front elevation view using coupled brackets, FIG. 10 being a rear elevation view using coupled brackets, FIG. 11 being a right side view using coupled brackets, FIG. 12 being a left side view using coupled brackets, FIG. 13 being a top view using coupled brackets, and, FIG. 14 being a bottom view of the present invention with coupled brackets. As shown in FIGS. 8 to 14, the present invention closet hanger storage device 800 includes a first horizontal rod 880 having a first rod element 803 and a second rod element 805, and a second horizontal rod 881 having a third rod element 813 and a fourth rod element 815.

    (46) The first horizontal rod 880 and second horizontal rod 881 each possess a multi-piece telescoping construction with multiple fitted elements working in a highly useful relationship that allows the adjustment of lateral widths of the horizontal rods 880 or 881. For example, in the first horizontal rod 880, the telescoping construction includes a second rod element 805 that has a cylindrical shape and a second circumference that is smaller than the first cylindrical circumference of first rod element 803 that also has a cylindrical shape, such that an interior end of the second rod element 805 fits within the longitudinal circumference of an interior end of the first rod element 803. In that manner, the first rod element 803 and the second rod element 805 in the first horizontal rod 880 can be contracted or expanded lengthwise along their longitudinal axis to accommodate a variable and flexible, desired width in the closet storage area.

    (47) In the first horizontal rod 880, the telescoping construction also includes a fifth rod element 802 that has a cylindrical shape and a fifth circumference that is smaller than the first circumference of the first rod element 803 such that an interior end of the fifth rod element 805 fits within the circumference of an exterior end of the first rod element 803. In that manner, the fifth rod element 802 can be extended longitudinally from the exterior end of the first rod element 803 to effectively allow the first horizontal rod 880 to expand longitudinally using the fifth rod element 802 to accommodate a variable and flexible, desired width in the closet storage area. The exterior end of the fifth rod element 802 also possesses an end cap 801 that prevents the fifth rod element 802 from being over-inserted into the inner circumference of exterior end of the first rod element 803, as well as providing a raised, ridged end configuration that prevents articles (e.g. hats, shoes, purses) hung on the fifth rod element 802 from slipping off the end of the fifth rod element 802.

    (48) In the first horizontal rod 880, the telescoping construction also includes a sixth rod element 806 that has a cylindrical shape and a sixth circumference that is smaller than the second circumference of the second rod element 805 such that an interior end of the sixth rod element 806 fits within the circumference of an exterior end of the second rod element 805. In that manner, the sixth rod element 806 can be extended longitudinally from the exterior end of the second rod element 805 to effectively allow the first horizontal rod 880 to expand longitudinally using the sixth rod element 806 to accommodate a variable and flexible, desired width in the closet storage area. The exterior end of the sixth rod element 806 also possesses an end cap 807 that prevents the sixth rod element 806 from being over-inserted into the inner circumference of exterior end of the second rod element 805, as well as providing a raised, ridged end configuration that prevents articles (e.g. hats, shoes, purses) hung on the sixth rod element 806 from slipping off the end of the sixth rod element 806.

    (49) In the second horizontal rod 881, the telescoping construction includes a fourth rod element 815 that has a cylindrical shape and a fourth circumference that is smaller than the third cylindrical circumference of third rod element 813 that also has a cylindrical shape, such that an interior end of the fourth rod element 815 fits within the longitudinal circumference of an interior end of the third rod element 813. In that manner, the third rod element 813 and the fourth rod element 815 in the second horizontal rod 881 can be contracted or expanded lengthwise along their longitudinal axis to accommodate a variable and flexible, desired width in the closet storage area.

    (50) In the second horizontal rod 881, the telescoping construction also includes a seventh rod element 812 that has a cylindrical shape and a seventh circumference that is smaller than the third circumference of the third rod element 813 such that an interior end of the seventh rod element 815 fits within the circumference of an exterior end of the third rod element 813. In that manner, the seventh rod element 812 can be extended longitudinally from the exterior end of the third rod element 813 to effectively allow the second horizontal rod 881 to expand longitudinally using the seventh rod element 812 to accommodate a variable and flexible, desired width in the closet storage area. The exterior end of the seventh rod element 812 also possesses an end cap 810 that prevents the seventh rod element 812 from being over-inserted into the inner circumference of exterior end of the third rod element 813, as well as providing a raised, ridged end configuration that prevents articles (e.g. hats, shoes, purses) hung on the seventh rod element 812 from slipping off the end of the seventh rod element 812.

    (51) In the second horizontal rod 881, the telescoping construction also includes an eighth rod element 816 that has a cylindrical shape and an eighth circumference that is smaller than the fourth circumference of the fourth rod element 815 such that an interior end of the eighth rod element 816 fits within the circumference of an exterior end of the fourth rod element 815. In that manner, the eighth rod element 816 can be extended longitudinally from the exterior end of the fourth rod element 815 to effectively allow the second horizontal rod 881 to expand longitudinally using the eighth rod element 816 to accommodate a variable and flexible, desired width in the closet storage area. The exterior end of the eighth rod element 816 also possesses an end cap 817 that prevents the eighth rod element 816 from being over-inserted into the inner circumference of exterior end of the fourth rod element 815, as well as providing a raised, ridged end configuration that prevents articles (e.g. hats, shoes, purses) hung on the eighth rod element 816 from slipping off the end of the eighth rod element 816.

    (52) The width of the rods is one of the many features that allows the present invention to be adjusted and modified to suit a particular size and shape of storage area. As described above, the present invention provides a flexible and adjustable storage system for personal items and shoes that supplements storage space in a cabinet or wardrobe by adding additional storage space, shoe storage areas, and hanging/placement structures, organizes shoes and garments to maximize the efficient use of space in a closet or cabinet, and provides flexible, adjustable and expandable modular storage to accommodate different sized cabinet, wardrobe or closet spaces.

    (53) In addition to the width of the horizontal rods 880 and 881, the present invention possesses first and second brackets 840 and 850 that support and hold the first horizontal rod 880 and the second horizontal rod 881, respectively, in place by affixing them to a wall interface or vertical planes in the storage areas with first and second bracket plates 846 and 856, respectively, with the brackets 840 and 850 providing variable distances for the first and second horizontal rods 880 and 881 from the wall interface or vertical plane in the storage area, as well as providing a variable angle of inclination between the first horizontal rod 880 and second horizontal rod 881, as well as variable distances between the first horizontal rod 880 and second horizontal rod 881 themselves.

    (54) The first bracket 840 possesses a first bracket plate 846 that interfaces with the wall interface or vertical planes in the storage areas by fastener 842. A first bracket arm extension 845a extends outwardly from the wall interface or vertical planes in the storage areas and outwardly from the first bracket plate 846 on the first bracket 840. The first bracket arm extension 845a can be extended and retracted lengthwise and has a first loop 843 that wraps around the first horizontal rod 880 to secure its position on the first bracket 840.

    (55) The first loop 843 is closed-ended to secure the first horizontal rod 880 to be placed on the first bracket 840, while the first loop 843 has a second bracket arm extension 845b that extends outwardly from the first loop 843. The second bracket arm extension 845b can be radially rotated around the axis defined by the first loop 843 and the first horizontal rod 180 and the second bracket arm extension 845b can extended and retracted lengthwise from the first loop 843 with a first locking button 846a. The second bracket arm extension 845b has a second hook 844 that wraps around the second horizontal rod 881 to secure its position on the first bracket 840. The second hook 844 is open-ended to allow the second horizontal rod 881 to be removed and re-positioned on the first bracket 840 depending on the positioning of the rods in the storage space or the need to position items on the horizontal rods and its rotational position relative to the first horizontal rod 880 set by the first loop 843.

    (56) The second bracket 850 possesses a second bracket plate 856 that interfaces with the wall interface or vertical planes in the storage areas by fasteners 852. A third bracket arm extension 855 extends outwardly from the wall interface or vertical planes in the storage areas and outwardly from the second bracket plate 856 on the second bracket 850. The third bracket arm extension 855 can be extended and retracted lengthwise and has a second loop 851 that wraps around the first horizontal rod 880 to secure its position on the second bracket 850.

    (57) The second loop 851 is closed-ended to secure the first horizontal rod 880 to be placed on the second bracket 850, while the second loop 851 has a fourth bracket arm extension 856 that extends outwardly from the second loop 851. The fourth bracket arm extension 856 can be radially rotated around the axis defined by the second loop 851 and the first horizontal rod 180 and the fourth bracket arm extension 856 can extended and retracted lengthwise from the second loop 851 with a second locking button 857. The fourth bracket arm extension 855a has a fourth hook 854 that wraps around the second horizontal rod 881 to secure its position on the second bracket 850. The fourth hook 854 is open-ended to allow the second horizontal rod 881 to be removed and re-positioned on the second bracket 840 depending on the positioning of the rods in the storage space or the need to position items on the horizontal rods and its rotational position relative to the first horizontal rod 880 set by the second loop 851.

    (58) The ability to extend independently the first bracket arm extension 845a and separately extend/retract and rotate the second bracket arm extension 845b outwardly from (or retract to inwardly toward) the first loop 843 allows the user to flexibly adjust each of the following: (1) the spacing between the first horizontal rod 880 and the first bracket plate 846; (2) the spacing between the first horizontal rod 880 and the second horizontal rod 881, and (3) the angle of inclination between the first and second horizontal rods 880 and 881. Moreover, the ability to extend independently the third bracket arm extension 855 and separately extend/retract and rotate the fourth bracket arm extension 856 outwardly from (or retract to inwardly toward) the second loop 843 allows the user to flexibly adjust each of the following: (1) the spacing between the first horizontal rod 880 and the second bracket plate 856; (2) the spacing between the first horizontal rod 880 and the second horizontal rod 881, and (3) the angle of inclination between the first and second horizontal rods 880 and 881.

    (59) Moreover, additional sets of horizontal rods 880 and 881 can be modularly stacked vertically up the wall interface or vertical planes in the storage areas, and each pair of horizontal rods can be independently modified and variably adjusted so the spacing in each of the stacked rod pair can be flexibly adjusted between each of the following: (1) the spacing between the first horizontal rod 880 and the first bracket plate 846 and the first horizontal rod 880 and the second bracket plate 856; (2) the spacing between the first horizontal rod 880 and the second horizontal rod 881, and (3) the angle of inclination between the first and second horizontal rods 880 and 881. The use of the modular stacked pairs of rods allows a vertical stacked modular storage space with each pair of stacked rod pairs capable of being independently modified and extended as described herein.

    (60) The spacing settings on each of the first bracket arm extension 845a, second bracket arm extension 845b, third bracket arm extension 855, and fourth bracket arm extension 856 can be set so that the horizontal rods 880 and 881 can be placed in parallel with each other and the wall interface or vertical planes in the storage areas. That is, by setting the first bracket arm extension 845a and the third bracket arm extension 855 at substantially the same distances from the first bracket plate 846 and the second bracket plate 856, respectively, the first horizontal rod 880 will be substantially parallel to the wall interface or vertical plane in the storage areas. Also, by setting the second bracket arm extension 845b and the fourth bracket arm extension 856 at substantially the same distances from the first loop 843 and the second loop 851 and at the same rotational angle of inclination from the loops 843 and 851, respectively, the second horizontal rod 881 will be substantially parallel to the wall interface or vertical plane in the storage areas.

    (61) When the first horizontal rod 880 and the second horizontal rod 881 are be positioned in parallel to the wall interface or vertical plane in the storage area, these first and second horizontal rods 880 and 881 should be positioned inherently parallel to each other. But, the first and second horizontal rods 880 and 881 can be positioned parallel to each other, but not parallel to the wall interface or vertical plane in the storage area. For example, by setting the first bracket arm extension 845a at a first distance from the first bracket plate 846 and the third bracket arm extension 855 at a third distance from second bracket plate 856, the first and the third distances do not need to be substantially the same. If the first distance is less than the third distance, one end of the first horizontal rod 880 will be located closer to the vertical place or wall interface than the other end of the first horizontal rod 880. If the first distance is greater than the third distance, the opposite end of the first horizontal rod 880 will be located closer to the vertical plane or wall interface than the other end of the first horizontal rod 880.

    (62) Likewise, by setting the second bracket arm extension 845b at a second distance from the first loop 843 or rotating it to a first angle of inclination, and by setting the fourth bracket arm extension 856 at a fourth distance from second loop 851 or rotating it to a second angle of inclination, the second and the fourth distances do not need to be substantially the same and/or the first and second angles of inclination need not be substantially the same. If the second distance is less than the fourth distance, one end of the second horizontal rod 881 will be located closer to the vertical place or wall interface than the other end of the second horizontal rod 881. If the second distance is greater than the fourth distance, the opposite end of the second horizontal rod 881 will be located closer to the vertical plane or wall interface than the other end of the first horizontal rod 881. Likewise, the first and second angles of inclination can be set to make one end of the second horizontal rod 881 closer or further away from the vertical plane or wall interface.

    (63) These different distance settings on the extension arms provide different positioning, spacing, and placement of horizontal rods 880 and 881 in the storage spaces, which will support the placement of different types of items on the horizontal rods 880 and 881. In this manner, the spacing settings on each of the first bracket arm extension 845a, second bracket arm extension 845b, third bracket arm extension 855, and fourth bracket arm extension 856 can be set so that the horizontal rods 880 and 881 can be independently adjusted to accommodate different positioning and placement of the first and second horizontal rods 880 and 881.

    (64) The present invention is also directed to a hanging shoe rack; and, more particularly, the present invention is directed to a hanging shoe rack which supports the shoes in an inclined manner so that the shoes can be visually viewed such that each shoe is sloped downwardly toward the vertical surface upon which the shoe rack is attached. With that inclined display feature in mind, the present invention allows the setting independently for each of the first bracket arm extension 845a, second bracket arm extension 845b, third bracket arm extension 855, and fourth bracket arm extension 856 along with the setting of the first and second angles of inclination for the second bracket arm extension 845b and the fourth bracket arm extension 856, respectively, so as to set the angle of inclination between the first and second horizontal rods 880 and 881, which dictates the angle that items are located and placed on the first and second horizontal rods 880 and 881, which can be adjusted and modified.

    (65) Each of the bracket arm extensions 845a, 845b, 855, and 856 can be extended and retracted, and the second and fourth bracket arm extensions 845b and 856 can be rotated radially around the axis defined by the first horizontal rod 880 or the first and second loops 843 and 851 to position the first and second horizontal rods 880 and 881 to be aligned on a plane forming a predetermined angle with respect to vertical so the items may be viewed more easily in their angular inclined placement on the horizontal rods, such as with shoes being placed on the shoe rack and viewed in their angular inclined position placement on the horizontal rods.

    (66) By adjusting the spacing and rotational settings the first bracket arm extension 845a, second bracket arm extension 845b, third bracket arm extension 855, and fourth bracket arm extension 856, the spacing between the first and second horizontal rods 880 and 881 can be adjusted to accommodate differing sizes of items and lengths of items, and the spacing of the first and second horizontal rods 880 and 881 can be adjusted to allow the horizontal rods to be more or less extended away from the wall interface or vertical planes in the storage areas. For instance, the spacing and angle of inclination can be independently set by adjusting the spacing and rotational settings on each of the first bracket arm extension 845a, second bracket arm extension 845b, third bracket arm extension 855, and fourth bracket arm extension 856, which can be matched (or not matched) to make the spacing uniform (or not uniform) between the first horizontal rod 880 and the second horizontal rod 881 and its spacing settings on the second bracket 850 and the second bracket plate 856.

    (67) The spacing and angle of inclination between the horizontal rods 880 and 881 themselves can be uniform parallel if the first and second brackets 840 and 850 have the same extension arm settings or in an angled alignment if the first and second brackets 840 and 850 have differing extension arm settings on each of the first bracket arm extension 845a, second bracket arm extension 845b, third bracket arm extension 855, and fourth bracket arm extension 856.

    (68) The present embodiment of the invention also contemplates the use of a first abrasive surface 804 or first abrasive coating 804 placed partially or completely around the surface of the first horizontal rod 880 and/or a second abrasive surface 814 or second abrasive coating 814 on the surface of the second horizontal rod 881. Locking clips and brackets can also be positioned on the first or second horizontal rods 880 and 881 so that other items can be placed or hung from the horizontal rods. The abrasive surfaces 804 or 814 can include a double sided tape, or strip of sand paper or embedded sand/granules embedded in the first surface 804, the first coating 804, the second surface 814, or the second coating 814.

    (69) The first abrasive surface 804 or first abrasive coating 804 surrounds the first horizontal rod 880 so that items placed on the surface of the first horizontal rod 880 are held securely upon and do not slip off the first horizontal rod 880. The second abrasive surface 814 or second abrasive coating 814 surrounds the second horizontal rod 881 so that items placed on the surface of the second horizontal rod 881 are held securely upon and do not slip off the second horizontal rod 881. These abrasive surfaces prevents shoes from slipping forward, backwards or from side-to-side off the horizontal rods 880 and 881 without an additional side support members; and, the present invention supports the storage of different size shoes, such as heeled shoes and flats, supports the storage of all sized shoes on a rack, and provides a flexible and adjustable storage system for shoes and other personal items.

    (70) A shelf 825 can be laid on the top surface of the first horizontal rod 880 and second horizontal rod 881 with the shelf 825 being composed on an acrylic or clear plastic (or other suitable material or coloration). The top portion 826 of the shelf 825 has a curved upper rounded securing edge 827 that wraps around the first horizontal rod allowing the shelf 825 to be rotated radially around the first horizontal rod 880 as its axis of rotation. Below the rounded securing edge 827, the shelf extends downwardly from the first horizontal rod 880 with a curved flat surface 831 coupled to a flat surface 828, which extends to the second horizontal rod 881. The shelf 825 extends further downwardly across the top surface of the second horizontal rod 881 with an upwardly extending ledge 829 having a lower lip 830 that prevent items or pieces placed on the shelf 825 from slipping off the shelf 825.

    (71) Additionally, the storage system in the first and second embodiments of the present invention can include modular stacked horizontal rod pairs, including stacked horizontal rod pairs that are suspended from one another. Although certain organizer systems and methods have been disclosed and described herein in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure; the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. While the present invention has been described in terms of particular embodiments and applications, in both summarized and detailed forms, it is not intended that these descriptions in any way limit its scope to any such embodiments and applications, and it will be understood that variations in the described embodiment of the method and system illustrated herein and of their operation can be made without departing from the spirit of this invention. It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.