Collapsible hanging storage assembly

Abstract

A collapsible hanging storage assembly mounts beneath a desk or flat surface. The assembly has panels and fastening mechanisms that collapse for stowage and easily construct to contain items. The assembly comprises a base panel defined by wire mesh, a pair of side edges, a rear edge, and a front edge. A pair of side panels hingedly join the side edges of base panel. The side panels include a pair of upper horizontal bars, a pair of lower horizontal bars, a pair of front vertical bars, and a pair of rear vertical bars. A pair of L-shaped brackets extend from the front vertical bars to mount on a desktop. The L-shaped brackets include a vertical member and a generally flat horizontal member. A rear panel joins the side panels and base panel perpendicularly and has an upper edge, a lower edge, a left edge, and a right edge.

Claims

1. A collapsible hanging storage assembly, the assembly consisting of: a base panel defined by a pair of side edges, a rear edge, a front edge, and a base wire mesh disposed between the edges; a pair of side panels each defined by a side wire mesh, the pair of side panels configured to hingedly join with the pair of side edges of the base panel, the pair of side panels comprising a pair of upper horizontal bars and a pair of lower horizontal bars, the pair of upper horizontal bars and the pair of lower horizontal bars disposed in a spaced-apart relationship, the pair of lower horizontal bars configured to hingedly join with the pair of side edges of the base panel, the pair of side panels further comprising a pair of front vertical bars and a pair of rear vertical bars disposed in a perpendicular relationship with the pair of upper horizontal bars and the pair of lower horizontal bars; whereby the base panel and the pair of side panels are configured to hingedly collapse in a coplanar relationship; at least one fastener disposed to extend from the pair of lower horizontal bars, the at least one fastener configured to fasten the pair of lower horizontal bars to the pair of side edges of the base panel; wherein the at least one fastener comprises an elongated clip; a pair of L-shaped brackets disposed to extend from the pair of front vertical bars, the pair of L-shaped brackets configured to enable mounting of the assembly to a surface above the assembly in a suspended manner, the pair of L-shaped brackets comprising a vertical member and a generally flat horizontal member, the vertical member integral with the pair of front vertical bars, the horizontal member disposed generally perpendicular with the vertical member and further disposed in a parallel, spaced-apart relationship with the pair of upper horizontal bars; a plurality of cylinders attached to the pair of rear vertical bars of the pair of side panels, the plurality of cylinders disposed generally parallel with the pair of rear vertical bars; a rear panel defined by an upper edge, a lower edge, a left edge, a right edge, and a rear wire mesh disposed between the edges; and a pair of hooks disposed to extend from the left edge and the right edge of the rear panel, the pair of hooks are each defined by a generally L-shape, wherein the pair of hooks are configured to be inserted within the plurality of cylinders, and the pair of hooks are configured to enable detachable coupling between the rear panel and the pair of side panels; whereby the rear panel, the pair of side panels, and the rear panel are configured to be joined in a perpendicular arrangement to enable the storage of items on the base panel between the side panels and the rear panel; whereby the rear panel, the pair of side panels, and the rear panel are configured to collapse in a coplanar relationship to enable stowage of the assembly.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the base panel is generally rectangular and flat.

3. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the pair of side panels are generally rectangular and flat.

4. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the rear panel is generally rectangular and flat.

5. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the vertical members and the horizontal members of the pair of L-shaped brackets are disposed generally at a 90 relationship respectively.

6. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the surface above the assembly is a generally flat mounting surface, a desktop, or a table top.

7. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one fastener is integral with the pair of lower horizontal bars.

8. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the plurality of cylinders are disposed generally in a center region of the pair of rear vertical bars.

9. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the rear panel is disposed generally perpendicular to the base panel and the pair of side panels when the pair of hooks are inserted within the plurality of cylinders.

10. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the assembly is fabricated from a metal or polymer.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

(2) FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of an exemplary collapsible hanging storage assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(3) FIG. 2 illustrates a rear perspective view of the collapsible hanging storage assembly shown in FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(4) FIG. 3 illustrates an elevated side view of the collapsible hanging storage assembly shown in FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(5) FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of a collapsible hanging storage assembly, showing a rear panel detached from a base panel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(6) FIG. 5 illustrates a close up view of a cylinder on an exemplary side panel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(7) FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of a collapsible hanging storage assembly in a fully collapsed position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(8) FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of a collapsible hanging storage assembly with a rear panel detached in a fully collapsed position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(9) FIG. 8 illustrates an elevated side view of an exemplary rear panel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(10) FIG. 9 illustrates a top view of a collapsible hanging storage assembly fully expanded, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

(11) FIG. 10 illustrates a top view of a collapsible hanging storage assembly hanging from a desktop, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

(12) Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(13) The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word exemplary or illustrative means serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any implementation described herein as exemplary or illustrative is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms upper, lower, left, rear, right, front, vertical, horizontal, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are therefore not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

(14) A collapsible hanging storage assembly 100 is referenced in FIGS. 1-10. The collapsible hanging storage assembly 100, hereafter assembly 100 is adapted to hang from a mounting surface 200, such as a desktop, table top, a flat surface, and the like, while containing at least one item. The assembly 100 has sufficient surface area and volume to store and enable easy dispensing of the item. Though in other embodiments, the assembly 100 may also be placed in an alternate position, such as on top of the desk or lateral to the desk, while still serving as a general storage unit that conveniently hangs within reach under a desk or other flat surface.

(15) In one exemplary use, the assembly 100 is sized and dimensioned to form an easily accessible desk tray for holding letters, files, stationery, writing instruments, computer related devices, and other office related items. Further, a user sitting at a desk may easily store and access items directly beneath the desk top. Suitable materials for the assembly 100 may include, without limitation, a lightweight metal or polymer.

(16) As referenced in FIG. 1, the assembly 100 comprises a variety of interlocking panels 104, 112a, 112b, 132 and fastening mechanisms 118a, 118b, 130a, 130b, 142a, 142b. The panels 104, 112a, 112b, 132 are collapsible for stowage, and easily assembled to enable containment of at least one item. When collapsed, the hanging storage assembly 100 may be shipped in a disassembled condition. The fully constructed arrangement of panels hangs beneath the desk or table and has sufficient surface area and volume to contain the items in an easily accessible manner.

(17) In the rear view of FIG. 2, the assembly 100 is shown to have a base panel 104 defined by a generally flat, rectangular configuration and a base wire mesh 102. In one embodiment, the base wire mesh 102 of the base panel 104 has sufficient surface area to carry at least one item, such as paper, files, writing instruments, and office supplies. The base panel 104 is further defined by a pair of side edges 106a, 106b, a rear edge 108, and a front edge 110.

(18) In one embodiment, the edges of the base panel 104 are disposed at the periphery of the base wire mesh 102, so as to form a generally rectangular shape. Though in other embodiments, other shapes may be used. The mesh may be welded to the edges, but may be attached in other ways as well. In some embodiments, the wire mesh may have a minimum wire gauge of 0.105 inches when round wire is used.

(19) Looking now at FIG. 3, the assembly 100 comprises a pair of side panels 112a, 112b defined by a generally flat, rectangular configuration and a side wire mesh 144. The pair of side panels 112a, 112b hingedly join with the pair of side edges 106a, 106b from the base panel 104. The side panels 112a, 112b include a pair of upper horizontal bars 114a, 114b and a pair of lower horizontal bars 116a, 116b that form a parallel, spaced-apart relationship. The pair of lower horizontal bars 116a, 116b hingedly join with the pair of side edges 106a, 106b of the base panel 104. This junction enables hinged articulation up to 360.

(20) As shown in FIG. 4, the pair of side panels 112a, 112b further comprise a pair of front vertical bars 120a, 120b and a pair of rear vertical bars 122a, 122b disposed in a perpendicular relationship with the upper and lower horizontal bars 116a, 116b. The horizontal and vertical bars may join to form a pair of rectangular, flat side panels 112a, 112b. In this manner, the base panel 104 and the pair of side panels 112a, 112b may be configured to hingedly collapse in a coplanar relationship. In one embodiment, the bars of the side panels 112a, 112b are disposed at the periphery of the side wire mesh 144, so as to form a generally rectangular shape.

(21) The close up view in FIG. 5 illustrates that at least one fastener 118a, 118b extends from the pair of lower horizontal bars 116a, 116b. The fastener 118a, 118b may be integral with the lower horizontal bars 116a, 116b. The at least one fastener 118a, 118b is configured to fasten the pair of lower horizontal bars 116a, 116b to the pair of side edges 106a, 106b of the base panel 104. In one embodiment, the fastener 118a, 118b is an elongated clip integral with the lower horizontal bars 116a, 116b. The fastener 118a, 118b may utilize a friction fit mechanism to secure the side panels 112a, 112b to the base panel 104, while allowing the hinged articulation therebetween.

(22) The assembly 100 may also include a pair of L-shaped brackets 124a, 124b disposed to extend from the pair of front vertical bars 120a, 120b. The L-shaped bracket may be configured to enable mounting of the assembly 100 on the desktop or other flat surface. The L-shaped brackets 124a, 124b may include a vertical member 126a, 126b and a generally flat horizontal member 128a, 128b. The vertical and horizontal member 128a, 128bs are disposed about at a 90 relationship. Though in other embodiments, other angles may be used.

(23) As shown in the collapsed views of FIGS. 6 and 7, the vertical member 126a, 126b may be integral with the pair of front vertical bars 120a, 120b. The horizontal member 128a, 128b is generally perpendicular with the vertical member 126a, 126b, and also disposed in a parallel, spaced-apart relationship with the upper horizontal bars 114a, 114b. The flat configuration of the horizontal member 128a, 128b is configured to rest flush on a desktop or other flat surface, so as to enable the assembly 100 to mount the side of a desk, table, and the like.

(24) The assembly 100 may also include a plurality of cylinders 130a, 130b configured to join with the pair of rear vertical bars 122a, 122b of the pair of side panels 112a, 112b (FIG. 5). The cylinders 130a, 130b are disposed generally parallel with the pair of rear vertical bars 122a, 122b. In one embodiment, the cylinders 130a, 130b provide a fastening mechanism to detachably attach the side panels 112a, 112b with a rear panel 132, discussed below. In one embodiment, one cylinder is used for each rear vertical bar.

(25) As the elevated side view in FIG. 8 references, the assembly 100 may also include a rear panel 132 that hingedly joins with the pair of side panels 112a, 112b. The rear panel is defined by a generally flat, rectangular configuration and a rear wire mesh 146. The rear panel 132 is defined by an upper edge 134, a lower edge 136, a left edge 138, and a right edge 140. The edges of the rear panel 132 are disposed at the periphery of the rear wire mesh 146, so as to form a generally rectangular shape when attached to the side panels 112a, 112b. When hanging from the mounting surface, the rear panel 132 is the distally positioned panel.

(26) As FIG. 9 illustrates, a pair of hooks 142a, 142b may extend from the left edge 138 and the right edge 140 of the rear panel 132. The hooks 142a, 142b are configured to couple to the plurality of cylinders 130a, 130b, so that the hooks 142a, 142b enable detachable coupling between the rear panel 132 and the pair of side panels 112a, 112b. In one embodiment, the hooks 142a, 142b have a generally L-shape. Though curved configurations may also be possible.

(27) As depicted in FIG. 10, the assembly easily hangs on a flat mounting surface 200, such as a desktop when fully constructed. Through an interlocking relationship between panels 104, 112a, 112b, 132, the base panel 104, the pair of side panels 112a, 112b, and the rear panel 132 are easily assembled to form a storage unit having sufficient surface area and volume for containing the at least one item. Minimal tools and fasteners are required to construct the assembly 100.

(28) Further as FIG. 6 illustrates, the base panel 104, the pair of side panels 112a, 112b, and the rear panel 132 are configured to collapse in a coplanar relationship to enable stowage and shipping. Because the panels 104, 112a, 112b, 132 are collapsible, the assembly 100 requires less space for a consumer to store the assembly 100, but also the shipping and packaging costs are reduced since the assembly 100 requires less space, and therefore less packing material.

(29) These and other advantages of the invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following written specification, claims and appended drawings.

(30) Because many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalence.