EP1810591A1

EP1810591A1 - Vanity organizer system

Info

Publication number: EP1810591A1
Application number: EP07250188A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Lori Greiner
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-01-18
Filing date: 2007-01-18
Publication date: 2007-07-25
Also published as: CN101002645A; US20070164643A1

Abstract

An organizer system (100) includes an interior space defined by a frame, the frame including a first sidewall (1), a second sidewall (2), a back wall (7), a top wall (5) and a bottom wall (6); the top wall (5) and the bottom wall (6) each include a right segment and a left segment. The system further includes a first door (11) connected to the frame and extending substantially from the top left wall segment to the bottom left wall segment and a second door (12) connected to the frame and extending substantially from the top right wall segment to the bottom left wall segment; each door (11,12) further defines the interior space and opens outward from the interior space. At least one storage element is disposed within the interior space.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The embodiments of the present invention pertain to an organizer system for storing a number of vanity items and, more particularly, to an upright system wherein access to storage elements within an interior space of the system is provided by more than one door.

BACKGROUND

Jewelry holders that display many types of jewelry items, for example, finger rings, earrings, bracelets and necklaces, are known. A jewelry cabinet that provides an organized display of such jewelry items and further allows for easy access to these items is described by the present inventor in U.S. patent application publication no. 2005/0093405 . An improved organizer system for storage and access of vanity items, for example, jewelry items and/or cosmetic items, is needed in which additional space for storage, managed by more than one door, is provided, along with a number of generally upright surfaces that may be used to accommodate mirrors. Such a system may allow a person putting on jewelry and/or makeup to obtain one or more views of herself while simultaneously having access to storage elements within an interior space of the cabinet system for the selection of alternate items.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an organizer system, comprising:

an interior space defined by a frame, the frame including a top wall, a bottom wall, a first sidewall, a second sidewall and a back wall;
a first door and a second door, each door coupled to the frame, further defining the interior space, and extending substantially from the top wall to the bottom wall, and each door opening outward from the interior space; and
a first storage element disposed within the interior space, the first storage element including a ring storage element.

It is preferred that the first storage element is attached to the back wall.
The system may include a first mirror forming a portion of an outer surface of the first door, and may additionally include a second mirror forming a portion of an outer surface of the second door. At least one handle can be coupled to an exterior surface of the first or second door.
It is preferred that the first door is hinged to the first side wall and the second door is hinged to the second side wall.
The ring storage element is, in one example formed by a plurality of slits positioned side-by-side in a row, each slit adapted to hold a single ring and each slit oriented to receive the ring being inserted in a generally horizontal direction. In this case, the first storage element may further include a second plurality of slits positioned one above another in a column, each slit of the second plurality adapted to hold a single ring and each slit oriented to receive the ring being inserted in a generally horizontal direction.
Alternatively, the ring storage element is formed by a plurality of parallely arranged rows.
In one example, the top wall may include a top wall left segment and a top wall right segment, the top wall left segment extending from a first end coupled to the first side wall to a second end disposed between the first and second side walls, and the top wall right segment extending from a first end coupled to the second side wall to a second end disposed between the first and second side walls, and the bottom wall may includes a bottom wall left segment and a bottom wall right segment, the bottom wall left segment extending from a first end coupled to the first side wall to a second end disposed between the first and second side walls, and the bottom wall right segment including a first end coupled to the second sidewall to a second end disposed between the first and second sidewalls, the first door extending from the first side wall to the second ends of the top and bottom wall left segments and the second door extending from the second side wall to the second ends of the top and bottom wall right segments.
In this case, a third side wall may be provided disposed between the first side wall and the second side wall, with the second ends of the left segments of the top and bottom walls are disposed adjacent the third side wall and the second ends of the right segments of the top and bottom walls are disposed adjacent the third side wall. In this case, the first door is hinged to the first side wall and the second door is hinged to the second side wall.
Alternatively, a third side wall may be disposed adjacent the second ends of the left segments of the top and bottom walls with a fourth side wall disposed adjacent the second ends of the right segments of the top and bottom walls, wherein the top and bottom walls each further include an intermediate segment extending between the third and fourth side walls. In this case, a third door may be connected to the frame, further defining the interior space, extending substantially from the top wall to the bottom wall and from the third side wall to the fourth side wall, and opening outward from the interior space. The first door can hinged to the first side wall and the second door is hinged to the second side wall.
A first mirror can be provided forming a portion of an outer surface of the first door, and a second mirror provided forming a portion of an outer surface of the second door. A third mirror can be provided forming a portion of an outer surface of the third door.
It is preferred that a second storage element is disposed within the interior space.
The second storage element may include a plurality of hooks, and may be attached to the back wall or to an inside surface of the first door.
A third storage element is advantageously disposed within the interior space. The third storage element may include a plurality of horizontal cross-bars, each of the cross bars including a plurality of openings adapted to receive an earring. The third storage element may be attached to an inside surface of the first door.
A fourth storage element is advantageously disposed within the interior space. The fourth storage element may include a plurality of hooks. The fourth storage element can be attached to the back wall or to an inside surface of the first door.
Alternatively, a second storage element may disposed within the interior space including a plurality of horizontal cross-bars, each of the cross bars including a plurality of openings adapted to receive an earring. The second storage element may be attached to an inside surface of the first door.
Alternatively, a second storage element may be disposed within the interior space including a plurality of hooks, and a pocket-like receptacle disposed within the interior space below the second storage element and including a mouth oriented so as to receive portions of jewelry pieces stored by the first storage element. The pocket-like receptacle can include a fabric side panel and a mouth that can be open and shut, the mouth defined by an elastic member attached to an upper edge of the fabric side panel. In this case, the second storage element can be attached to the back wall.
In this case, a third storage element may be disposed within the interior space including a plurality of horizontal cross-bars, each of the cross bars including a plurality of openings adapted to receive an earring. The first storage element may be attached to the back wall, the second storage element attached to the back wall and the third storage element attached to an inside surface of the first door.
Alternatively, a second storage element may disposed within the interior space, the second storage element including a set of generally cylindrical receptacles dimensioned to hold lipstick tubes.
It is preferred that the system also includes a stand configured to hold the frame in an upright position so that the back wall forms an angle with a horizontal plane. Advantageously, the frame may be pivoted with respect to the stand to move between a first upright position where the angle is approximately ninety degrees and a second upright position where the angle is less than ninety degrees.
The depth of each of the first side, second side, top and bottom walls is preferably between approximately 3 inches and approximately 5 inches. The height of each of the first and second side walls is preferably between approximately 24 inches and approximately 30 inches. The width of each of the first and second doors is preferably between approximately 10 inches and approximately 16 inches.
Where third and fourth side walls are provided, the depth of each of the top and bottom wall intermediate segments and the third and fourth side walls is preferably greater than the depth of each of the top and bottom wall left and right segments and the first and second side walls.
Where the system includes a third door, the width of the third door is preferably greater than a width of either of the first and second doors.
Preferably, a drawer assembly is disposed beneath the bottom wall.
In a second aspect of the present invention, an organizer system comprises:

an interior space defined by a frame, the frame including a top wall, a bottom wall, a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a backwall;
a first door and a second door, each door coupled to the frame, further defining the interior space, and extending substantially from the top wall to the bottom wall, and each door opening outward from the interior space; and
a plurality of cross-bars located in the interior space, each cross-bar including a plurality of openings adapted to receive an earring.

It is preferred that the plurality of cross-bars are located on an interior surface of the first door or on an interior surface of the back wall.
In a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an organizer system, comprising:

an interior space defined by a frame, the frame including a first sidewall, a second sidewall, a back wall, a top wall and a bottom wall; the top wall and the bottom wall each including a right segment and a left segment;
each of the top and bottom wall left segments extending from a first end coupled to the first side wall to a second end disposed between the first and second side walls, and each of the top and bottom wall right segments extending from a first end coupled to the second side wall to a second end disposed between the first and second side walls, the second ends of the top and bottom wall right segments being spaced apart from the second ends of the top and bottom wall left segments;
a first door coupled to the frame, extending substantially from the top wall left segment to the bottom wall left segment, further defining the interior space, and opening outward in a direction generally away from the back wall;
a second door coupled to the frame, extending substantially from the top wall right segment to the bottom wall right segment, further defining the interior space, and opening outward from the interior space; and
at least one storage element disposed within the interior space, the at least one storage element selected from a group consisting of a plurality of hooks, a ring holder, a plurality of horizontal cross-bars, each cross-bar including a plurality of openings adapted to receive an earring, at least one shelf, and a plurality of cylindrical receptacles.

The system preferably also includes an intermediate mirror extending between the second ends of the top and bottom wall left segments and the second ends of the top and bottom wall right segments, and facing generally away from the back wall.
A first side mirror forming a portion of an outer surface of the first door may be provided. A second side mirror forming a portion of an outer surface of the second door may also be provided.
In one example, a third sidewall is disposed adjacent the second ends of the top and bottom wall left segments, with the first door hinged to the third side wall. A fourth side wall may also be provided, disposed adjacent the second ends of the top and bottom wall right segment edges, with the second door hinged to the fourth side wall. In this case, a second side mirror may be provided forming a portion of an outer surface of the second side door.
In another example, the frame may further include a third side wall disposed adjacent the second ends of the top and bottom wall left segments and a fourth side wall disposed adjacent the second ends of the top and bottom wall right segment edges, the top and bottom wall each further including an intermediate segment, each of the intermediate segments extending between the third and fourth side walls. In this case, the distance between the top and bottom intermediate segments may be greater than the distance between the top and bottom left segments and a distance between the top and bottom right segments.
A third door may be provided connected to the frame, further defining the interior space, and extending substantially from the top wall intermediate segment to the bottom wall intermediate segment and from the third side wall to the fourth side wall. In this case, the distance between the top and bottom intermediate segments may be greater than a distance between the top and bottom left segments and a distance between the top and bottom right segments. A mirror may be provided forming a portion of an exterior surface of the third door. A first side mirror may be provided forming a portion of an exterior surface of the first door, and/or a second side mirror provided forming a portion of an exterior surface of the second door.
The first door may be hinged to the third side wall. The second door may be hinged to the fourth side wall.
The distance between the top and bottom intermediate segments may be greater than a distance between the top and bottom left segments and a distance between the top and bottom right segments.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of this aspect of the invention, a base may be provided joining the left and right segments of the bottom wall. In this case, it is preferred that the base extends, along a generally horizontal plane, from a front side of the back wall, outward from the interior space defined by the frame, to a front edge. The maximum depth of the base is preferably between approximately 10 inches and approximately 14 inches. It is preferred that the front edge of the base is curvilinear. The base may include at least one drawer.
In this aspect of the invention, the depth of each of the first, second, top and bottom walls is preferably between approximately 3 inches and approximately 5 inches. The height of each of the first and second side walls is preferably between approximately 24 inches and approximately 30 inches. The width of each of the first and second doors is preferably between approximately 10 inches and approximately 16 inches.
Where provided, the depth of each of the top and bottom wall intermediate segments and the third and fourth side walls may be greater than a depth of each of the top and bottom wall left and right segments and the first and second side walls.
Where provided, the height of the intermediate mirror may be greater than an height of either of the first and second side walls.
Where provided, the width of the third door is preferably greater than a width of either of the first and second doors.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, an organizer system comprises:

an interior space defined by a frame, the frame including a top wall, a bottom wall, a first sidewall, a second sidewall and a back wall;
a first door and a second door, each door coupled to the frame, further defining the interior space, and extending substantially from the top wall to the bottom wall, and each door opening outward from the interior space; and
a first storage element disposed within the interior space, the first storage element including a set of receptacles.

The set of receptacles may be generally cylindrical or generally square.
Each receptacle of the set of receptacles preferably includes a generally circular opening at an end thereof for access to each receptacle.
Each receptacle of the set of receptacles preferably extends vertically.
The set of receptacles may be attached to an inner surface of one of the first door and the second door. Preferably, the set of receptacles rests upon the bottom wall of the frame.
The set of receptacles are advantageously dimensioned to hold lipstick tubes.
A first mirror may be provided forming a portion of an outer surface of the first door. A second mirror may also be provided forming a portion of an outer surface of the second door.
At least one drawer may be provided disposed beneath the bottom wall.
It is preferred that a second storage element is disposed within the interior space, the second storage element selected from a group consisting of a plurality of hooks, a ring holder, and a plurality of horizontal cross-bars, each cross-bar including a plurality of openings adapted to receive an earring.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, an organizer system comprises:

an interior space defined by a frame, the frame including a top wall, a bottom wall, a first sidewall, a second sidewall and a backwall;
a door coupled to the frame, further defining the interior space and extending substantially from the top wall to the bottom wall and the door opening outward from the interior space; and
at least one storage element disposed within the interior space, at least one storage element selected from the group consisting of a plurality of hooks, a ring holder, a plurality of cross-bars, each cross-bar including a plurality of openings adapted to receive an earring, at least one shelf, and a plurality of cylindrical receptacles.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following drawings are illustrative of particular embodiments of the present invention and therefore do not limit the scope of the invention. The drawings are not to scale (unless so stated) and are intended for use in conjunction with the explanations in the following detailed description. Embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like numerals denote like elements.
Figure 1 is a perspective view of an organizer system according to some embodiments of the present invention.
Figure 2A is a perspective view of an organizer system according to alternate embodiments of the present invention.
Figure 2B is a perspective view of a system according to further embodiments of the present invention.
Figures 3A-B are front elevation and side elevation views respectively of a system according to additional embodiments of the present invention.
Figure 4 is a perspective view of storage elements disposed within an interior space of a portion of an organizer system according to some embodiments of the present invention.
Figure 5 is a perspective view of storage elements disposed within an interior space of the system shown in Figures 3A-B according to one embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 6A-B are front elevation and side elevation views, respectively, of an organizer system according to some embodiments of the present invention.
Figures 7A-C are front elevation, side elevation and a top views, respectively of an organizer system according to further embodiments of the present invention.
Figures 8A-B are a front and side elevation view of an organizer system according to a further embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the embodiments of the invention in any way. Rather, the following description provides practical illustrations for implementing exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
Figure 1 is a perspective view of an organizer system 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 illustrates system 100 including a first side wall 1, a second side wall 2, a top wall 5, a bottom wall 6 and a back wall 7 forming a frame defining an interior space 10; a first door 11 and a second door 12 are connected to the frame, for example as shown, first door 11 to first side wall 1 and second door 12 to second side wall 2; doors 11, 12 further define interior space 10, opening outward from the interior space as shown. Connections of doors may be made with hinges and the like. One or both of doors 11, 12 may include a handle 8, as illustrated.
It can be seen, via partially opened doors 11 and 12, that storage elements are disposed within interior space 10; according to the illustrated embodiment, the visible storage elements are attached to back wall 7 and include a ring storage element 15 and a hook bar 16, from which bracelets or necklaces may be hung. These, and other types of storage elements that may be included which will be described in greater detail in conjunction with the Figures below, such as Figures 4 and 5.
Figure 1 further illustrates top wall 5 and bottom wall 6 each including left and right segments, 5L, 6L and 5R, 6R, respectively; as shown, the left and right segments are generally defined by the widths of first and second doors, 11, 12, respectively, and may be portions of continuous top and bottom walls or discrete members as illustrated. According to the illustrated embodiment, portions of outer surfaces 110, 112 of first and second doors 11, 12 include mirrors which may be affixed to an exterior surface of the doors or which may form the doors themselves. A person may thus pose before one of the mirrors, for example outer surface 110 of first door 11, while having full access, visual and tactile, to items stored in interior space 10, for example through open second door 12. Although the illustrated embodiment shows top and bottom wall left segments, 5L, 6L, extending from first wall 1 to a third wall 3, and top and bottom right segments 5R, 6R extending from second wall 2 to a fourth wall 4, embodiments of the present invention need not include third wall 3 and fourth wall 4. Furthermore, third and fourth side walls 3, 4 may alternately be combined into a single side wall disposed at a junction of top and bottom wall left and right segments 5L, 6L and 5R, 6R.
Figure 2A is a perspective view of an organizer system 200 according to alternate embodiments of the present invention wherein top and bottom walls 5, 6 further include a gap 29 between left and right segments 5L, 6L and 5R, 6R. Figure 2A illustrates gap 29 spanned by a mirrored surface 23; according to one embodiment, mirrored surface 23 is formed on back wall 7 between third side wall 3 and fourth side wall 4, while, according to an other embodiment mirrored surface 23 is formed on a panel offset forward of back wall 7 and back wall 7 may or may not extend between third side wall 3 and fourth side wall 4. In yet other embodiments of the present invention, mirrored surface 23 is not included and the space afforded by gap 29 may be considered part of interior space 10 within which more items may be disposed.
According to Figure 2A, portions of outer surfaces 110, 112 of first and second doors 11, 12 are formed by mirrors, and doors 11 and 12, hinged to side walls 3 and 4, respectively, can be positioned, as illustrated, to provide, in conjunction with one another and mirrored surface 23, multiple simultaneous views of a person standing before system 200. Although the illustrated arrangement gives advantage with respect to viewing oneself in the mirrors, it should be noted that, in alternate embodiments of the present invention, first door 11 can be hinged to first side wall 1 and/or second door 12 can be hinged to second side wall 2, thus opening in a counterclockwise direction. Furthermore, alternate embodiments of the present invention need not include one or both of third side wall 3 and fourth side wall 4.
Figure 2A further illustrates system 200 including a base 26 to lend stability to system 200; according to the illustrated embodiment, base 26 joins bottom wall left and right segments 6L, 6R and extends, along a generally horizontal plane, outward from back wall 7 and interior space 10 to a preferably curvilinear front edge 260. The front edge 260 may alternately be linear. According to some embodiments, base 260 may be formed to include one or more drawers, for example like the system that will be described in conjunction with Figures 3A-B. The base 26 allows the system 200 to be freestanding so that it may be placed on a dresser top, for example.
Figure 2B is a perspective view of a system 300 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2B illustrates system 300 further including a third door 13, and top and bottom walls 5, 6 further including intermediate segments 51 and 61, respectively, extending between third side wall 3 and fourth side wall 4. According to the illustrated embodiment third door 13 is attached to third side wall 3, extends between top and bottom wall 5 and 6 and between third and fourth side walls 3 and 4, and further defines interior space 10; a portion of an outer surface 230 of third door 13 is formed by a mirror and first and second doors 11, 12 may also include mirrors forming portions of respective outer surfaces 110, 112. First and second doors 11, 12 may be connected to third and fourth side walls 3, 4, respectively, to provide an arrangement of mirrors when third door 13 is shut that is similar to the embodiment shown in Figure 2A; alternately, first door 11 is connected to first side wall 1 and/or second door 12 is connected to second side wall 2.
Figure 2B further illustrates an increased height of third and fourth side walls 3, 4, resulting in a greater distance between top wall intermediate segment 51 and bottom wall segment 61 than that between either of top wall left and right segments 5L, 5R and bottom wall 6, thus allowing for storage of an increased number of items within interior space 10. However, according to alternate embodiments, the height of all side walls, i.e. 1, 2, 3, and 4, may be substantially the same. The embodiments shown in Figures 1 and 2B may be secured to a wall or the back of a door, for example. In addition, they may be secured to a counter or dresser top using appropriate fasteners, for example.
Figures 3A-B are front elevation and side elevation views respectively of a system 700 according to additional embodiments of the present invention. Figures 3A-B illustrate system 700 including a first side wall 701, a second side wall 702, a top wall 705, a bottom wall 706 and a back wall 707, all forming a frame defining an interior space 710 (shown in Figure 5); a first door 71 and a second door 712, attached to the frame, for example via hinges, have outer surfaces 721 and 722, respectively, which may be mirrored. Referring to Figure 3A in conjunction with Figure 5 it may be seen that, according to the illustrated embodiment, first door 711 is connected to first side wall 701 and second door 712 is connected to second side wall 702; doors 711, 712 further define interior space 710 and open outward.
Figures 3A-B further illustrate a drawer assembly 726 disposed beneath bottom wall 706 of the frame; dashed lines in Figure 3A show a second drawer assembly that may be added to system 700. Of course, additional drawers may be included. Figure 3B illustrates a depth 741 of the frame and an approximate depth 758 of drawer assembly 726, which is greater than frame depth 741; greater depth 758 may lend stability to system 700, however, it should be noted that a depth of drawer assembly 726 need not exceed depth 741. Although not shown, a set of drawers positioned side-by-side may replace the drawers shown.
Figure 4 is a perspective view of some types of storage elements disposed within an interior space of a portion of organizer system 100 shown in Figure 1, according to some embodiments of the present invention; it should be noted that embodiments of system 200 shown in Figures 2A-B or system 700 shown in Figures 3A-B may also include any or all of the storage elements arranged as illustrated in Figure 4. Figure 4 illustrates first door 11 open to expose a good portion of interior space 10 in which four jewelry storage elements are disposed: ring storage element 15, hook bar 16, including a plurality of hooks 160, and a pocket-like receptacle 17, all attached to back wall 7; and a second hook bar 19, including a second plurality of hooks 390, and an earring storage element 18, including a plurality of horizontal cross-bars 180, both attached to an inside surface 311 of first door 11. According to embodiments of the present invention, ring storage element 15 includes a plurality of slits 150 arranged in an array including multiple rows 351 and columns 352; each slit 150 is compliant and sized for an interference fit about a single ring, i.e. ring 35, and each slit 150 is oriented to receive a ring being directed in a generally horizontal direction, for example, as illustrated in Figure 3, toward back wall 7. Slits 150 may be formed in a foam panel, which is glued to back wall 7 and, according to a preferred embodiment, ring storage element 15 includes over approximately one hundred slits, although not as many as that are included in the embodiment shown in Figure 4. Ring storage element could also be formed by a plurality of parallel rolls placed side-by-side. The rings can be simply inserted between two adjacent rolls. Although ring storage element 15 is shown attached to back wall 7, alternate embodiments include such storage elements attached to an inner surface of a door, i.e. first door 11, second door 12 or third door 13. In addition, the storage element 15 may be removably coupled in the organizer system.
Figure 4 further illustrates pocket-like receptacle 17 positioned below hook bar 16 so that necklaces, i.e. necklace 36, having portions hanging down longer than a distance between hooks 160 and a lower shelf 31 or bottom wall segment 6L, may be hung from hooks 160 while their lower portions are received within pocket-like receptacle 17, for example, to prevent damage or tangling. According to the illustrated embodiment, pocket-like receptacle includes a fabric side panel 37, attached to back wall 7, and a mouth 307, defined by an elastic member attached to an upper edge of the panel 37; thus mouth 307 may be stretched open to receive portions of necklaces hung from hooks 160 and then spring shut against back wall 7 to retain the portions against back wall 7 and prevent them from tangling with one another. According to an alternate embodiment, a pocket-like receptacle includes a mouth that is always open so that portions of jewelry items may simply be dropped into the receptacle from above; such an embodiment of the receptacle may further include discrete compartments formed by interior side walls to prevent portions of jewelry items from tangling with one another.
Turning now to the jewelry storage elements attached to inside surface 311 of door 11, Figure 4 shows earring storage element 18 disposed above second hook bar 19, which is positioned nearer to bottom wall segment 6L than hook bar 16, not requiring as much space to hang smaller jewelry items, i.e. bracelet 39, from hooks 390. According to the illustrated embodiment, each horizontal cross bar 180 of element 18 includes a plurality of openings 108 and each opening 108 is dimensioned to receive an earring, i.e. earring 38.
Figure 5 is a perspective view of storage elements, according to a particular embodiment of the present invention, disposed within interior space 710 of system 700 that was introduced by Figures 3A-B. Figure 5 illustrates first door 711 open to expose a first interior space portion 731 , generally devoted to storage of cosmetic items, and second door 712 open to expose a second interior space portion 742 generally devoted to storage of jewelry items. Dashed lines in Figure 5 illustrate an optional partition between first and second portions 731, 742.
First interior space portion 731 is shown including shelves 733, which are attached to back wall 707, and walled-shelves or enclosures 737, which are attached to an inner surface 751 of first door 711. Shelves 733 may accommodate any number of cosmetic items, but may be particularly suitable for those packaged in jars or bottles; enclosures 737 may be limited in depth so are more suitable for relatively flat items such as compacts containing blush, powder or eye-shadow.
Figure 5 further illustrates first interior space portion 731 including a first set of receptacles 735, which is disposed beneath shelves 733 and rests on bottom wall 706, and a second set of receptacles 736, which is attached to inner surface 751 of first door 711. According to the illustrated embodiment, each receptacle of first and second sets of receptacles 735, 736 is generally cylindrical in form, extends vertically and includes a generally circular mouth or opening at a top end; Figure 5 shows the receptacles holding various elongated cosmetic items, for example eyeliner pencils, mascara tubes, lipstick tubes, makeup brushes, etc. Figure 5 further shows each receptacle of first set of receptacles 735 providing a relatively snug fit for items such as lipstick tubes while each receptacle of second set of receptacles 736 is shown providing a looser fit to accommodate multiple items such as eye-liner pencils and brushes. It should be noted that first and second sets of receptacles 735, 736 may positioned at alternate locations within interior space portion 731 and may be oriented to extend in directions other than vertical as shown, for example, horizontally or at an angle between vertical and horizontal, so that the openings of each receptacle faces generally outward, away from back wall 707.
Figure 5 illustrates second interior space portion 742 including rows of hooks or pegs 743, which are attached to back wall 707, partitions 745, which are disposed along bottom wall 706, a ring storage element 747, which is attached to an inner surface 762 of second door 712, and an earring storage element 749, which is also attached to inner surface 762, below storage element 747. According to the illustrated embodiment, pegs 743 accommodate hanging items such as necklaces and bracelets while partitions 745 divide up space along bottom wall 706 for the organization of items such as broaches or hair clips. Ring storage element 747 and earring storage element 749 are similar to storage elements 15 and 18, respectively, previously described in conjunction with Figure 4.
Further details regarding the jewelry storage elements described herein are included in commonly assigned patent application, publication no. 2005/0093405 . Furthermore, it should be noted that any or all of the storage elements of the present invention may be included in any of the embodiments described herein and according to any arrangement; additionally these elements may be designed to be moveable, as described in the aforementioned commonly assigned patent application, within an interior space, for example interior space 10 or 710; and, any additional storage items not described herein but described in the aforementioned patent application may also be incorporated into embodiments of the present invention. Thus, for example, the organizer system may be devoted entirely to storing cosmetic items or jewelry items.
Figures 6A-B are a front elevation view and a side elevation view, respectively, of an organizer system 400 including the frame shown in Figure 1, according to embodiments of the present invention. Figures 6A-B illustrates the frame held in an upright position by a stand 42 such that back wall 7 forms an angle C with a horizontal surface H; stand 42 includes a first part 42A, coupled to first side wall 1 at junction 420A, and a second part 42B, coupled to second side wall 2 at junction 420B; each side part 42A, 42B includes a base 402A and 402B, respectively. According to some embodiments, junctions 420A, 420B allow the frame to pivot with respect to stand 42 so that angle C may vary between approximately 90 degrees and less than 90 degrees; a detailed description of such stands and their interconnections with a frame of a cabinet is included in commonly assigned patent application, publication no. 2005/0093405, incorporated by reference herein.
Figures 6A-B further serve to define various dimensions of system 400, which are also relevant for embodiments of system 100, illustrated in Figure 1, and system 700, illustrated in Figures 3A-B. According to some embodiments: a width 46 of top and bottom walls 5, 6 is between approximately twenty inches and approximately thirty-two inches; a height 45 of first and second side walls 1, 2 is between approximately twenty-four inches and approximately thirty inches; an elevation 47 of bottom wall 6 is approximately two inches; a depth 41 of first and second side walls 1, 2 is between approximately three inches and approximately five inches; and a depth 48 of bases 402A, 402B is between approximately nine inches and approximately fifteen inches. Any one of the storage elements, previously described, for example in conjunction with Figures 4 and 5, or any combination these elements, may be arranged within an interior space of system 400.
Figures 7A-C are a front elevation view, a side elevation view and a top view, respectively of an organizer system 500 according to further embodiments of the present invention. Figures 7A-C illustrate system 500 including a base 66 extending, along a generally horizontal plane, between first and second side walls 1, 2 and outward from back wall 7, beyond front surfaces 111, 112 and 230 of first second and third doors 11, 12 and 13, respectively, to a front edge 660. A height 57 of base may be between approximately half an inch and approximately two inches and a depth 58 of base may be between approximately nine inches and approximately fifteen inches. According to some embodiments base 66 also forms bottom wall 6 of the frame while according to others base 66 extends beneath bottom wall 6. According to some embodiments, base 66 may be formed to include one or more drawers, for example like system 700 illustrated in Figures 3A-B. Further more, any one of the storage elements, previously described, for example in conjunction with Figures 4 and 5, or any combination these elements, may be arranged within an interior space of system 500.
Figures 7A-C further illustrates: an elevation 56 of top wall intermediate segment 51 being greater than an elevation 55 of top wall left and right segments 5L, 5R; a width 50 of top and bottom wall intermediate segments 51, 61 being greater than either width 53, 54 of top wall left and right segments 5L, 5R; a depth 52 of third and fourth side walls 3, 4 being greater than a depth 51 of first and second side walls 1, 2. According to preferred embodiments, dimensions of elevations 55, 56, widths 50, 53, 54, and depths 51, 52 all fall within ranges of corresponding dimensions defined in conjunction with Figures 6A-B.
Figures 8A and B are a front and side elevation view of an organizer system 800 according to another embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is similar to that shown in Figures 7A-C except only one door is provided. The portions of system 800 that are similar to the embodiments shown in Figures 7A-C will not be redescribed but those similar elements use the same reference numerals with the prefix 8 used instead of 7. Any of the storage elements previously described may be arranged with an interior space of system 800. Thus the system 800 can be configured to store jewelry items, cosmetic items or both.
Finally, each of the systems described herein, including frame walls and storage elements, may be manufactured from any suitable material known to those skilled in the art, for example woods, metals, and plastics, and assembled according to construction methods known to those skilled in the art.
The organizer systems described herein can be placed on countertops such as a dresser top or they may be hung on a wall or a door, for example. In particular, hooks may be placed on the back of the organizer system for hanging purposes.
In the foregoing detailed description, the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, it may be appreciated that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

An organizer system, comprising:
an interior space defined by a frame, the frame including a top wall, a bottom wall, a first sidewall, a second sidewall and a back wall;

a first door and a second door, each door coupled to the frame, further defining the interior space, and extending substantially from the top wall to the bottom wall, and each door opening outward from the interior space; and

first storage element disposed within the interior space, the first storage element including a ring storage element, a plurality of cross-bars located in the interior space, each cross bar including a plurality of openings adapted to receive an earring, a plurality of hooks or a set of receptacles.
The system of claim 1, further comprising a second storage element disposed within the interior space.
The system of claim 2, further comprising a third storage element disposed within the interior space.
The system of claim 3, further comprising a fourth storage element disposed within the interior space.
The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein one of the storage elements includes a plurality of hooks.
The system of claim 5, further comprising a pocket-like receptacle disposed within the interior space below the storage element including a plurality of hooks and including a mouth oriented so as to receive portions of jewelry pieces stored by the storage element.
The system of claim 6, wherein the pocket-like receptacle includes a fabric side panel and a mouth that can be open and shut, the mouth defined by an elastic member attached to an upper edge of the fabric side panel.
The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein one of the storage elements includes a plurality of horizontal cross-bars, each of the cross bars including a plurality of openings adapted to receive an earring.
The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein one of the storage elements including a ring storage element.
The system of claim 9, wherein the ring storage element is formed by a plurality of slits positioned side-by-side in a row, each slit adapted to hold a single ring and each slit oriented to receive the ring being inserted in a generally horizontal direction.
The system of claim 10, wherein the ring storage element further includes a second plurality of slits positioned one above another in a column, each slit of the second plurality adapted to hold a single ring and each slit oriented to receive the ring being inserted in a generally horizontal direction.
The system of claim 9, wherein the ring storage element is formed by a plurality of parallely arranged rows.
The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein one of the storage elements including a receptacle.
The system of claim 13, wherein the receptacles are generally cylindrical or generally square.
The system of claim 13 or claim 14, wherein each receptacle includes a generally circular opening at an end thereof for access to each receptacle.
The system of any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein each receptacle extends vertically.
The organizer system of any one of claims 13 to 16, including a set of receptacles dimensioned to hold lipstick tubes.
The system of any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein the set of receptacles rests upon the bottom wall of the frame.
The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein one of the storage elements is attached to the back wall or to the inside surface of one of the doors.
The system of claim 3 or any claim dependent thereon, wherein the first storage element is attached to the back wall, the second storage element is attached to the back wall and the third storage element is attached to an inside surface of the first door.
The system of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising one or more mirrors forming a portion of an outer surface of the first and/or second door.
The system of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one handle coupled to an exterior surface of the first or second door.
The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first door is hinged to the first side wall and the second door is hinged to the second side wall.
The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a depth of each of the first side, second side, top and bottom walls is between approximately 3 inches and approximately 5 inches.
The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a height of each of the first and second side walls is between approximately 24 inches and approximately 30 inches.
The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a width of each of the first and second doors is between approximately 10 inches and approximately 16 inches.
The system of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a stand configured to hold the frame in an upright position so that the back wall forms an angle with a horizontal plane.
The system of claim 27, wherein the frame may be pivoted with respect to the stand to move between a first upright position where the angle is approximately ninety degrees and a second upright position where the angle is less than ninety degrees.
The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the top wall includes a top wall left segment and a top wall right segment, the top wall left segment extending from a first end coupled to the first side wall to a second end disposed between the first and second side walls, and the top wall right segment extending from a first end coupled to the second side wall to a second end disposed between the first and second side walls;
the bottom wall includes a bottom wall left segment and a bottom wall right segment, the bottom wall left segment extending from a first end coupled to the first side wall to a second end disposed between the first and second side walls, and the bottom wall right segment including a first end coupled to the second sidewall to a second end disposed between the first and second sidewalls;
the first door further extends from the first side wall to the second ends of the top and bottom wall left segments; and
the second door further extends from the second side wall to the second ends of the top and bottom wall right segments.
The system of claim 29, further comprising an intermediate mirror extending between the second ends of the top and bottom wall left segments and the second ends of the top and bottom wall right segments, and facing generally away from the back wall.
The system of claim 30, wherein a height of the intermediate mirror is greater than an height of either of the first and second side walls.
The system of any one of claims 29 to 31, further comprising:
a third side wall disposed between the first side wall and the second side wall; and

wherein the second ends of the left segments of the top and bottom walls are disposed adjacent the third side wall; and
the second ends of the right segments of the top and bottom walls are disposed adjacent the third side wall.
The system of claim 32, wherein a depth of each of the top and bottom wall intermediate segments and the third and fourth side walls is greater than a depth of each of the top and bottom wall left and right segments and the first and second side walls.
The system of any one of claims 29 to 31, further comprising:
a third side wall disposed adjacent the second ends of the left segments of the top and bottom walls; and

a fourth side wall disposed adjacent the second ends of the right segments of the top and bottom walls; and

wherein the top and bottom walls each further include an intermediate segment extending between the third and fourth side walls.
The system of claim 34, wherein a distance between the top and bottom intermediate segments is greater than a distance between the top and bottom left segments and a distance between the top and bottom right segments.
The system of claim 34 or claim 35, further comprising a third door connected to the frame, further defining the interior space, extending substantially from the top wall to the bottom wall and from the third side wall to the fourth side wall, and opening outward from the interior space.
The system of claim 36, in which the third door extends substantially from the top wall intermediate segment to the bottom wall intermediate segment and from the third side wall to the fourth side wall.
The system of claim 36 or claim 37, further comprising a mirror forming a portion of an outer surface of the third door.
The system of any one of claims 36 to 38, wherein a width of the third door is greater than a width of either of the first and second doors.
The system of any one of claims 29 to 31, further comprising a third sidewall disposed adjacent the second ends of the top and bottom wall left segments and wherein the first door is hinged to the third side wall.
The system of claim 40, further comprising a fourth side wall disposed adjacent the second ends of the top and bottom wall right segment edges and wherein the second door is hinged to the fourth side wall.
The system of claim 29 or any claim dependent thereon, further comprising a base joining the left and right segments of the bottom wall.
The system of claim 42, wherein the base extends, along a generally horizontal plane, from a front side of the back wall, outward from the interior space defined by the frame, to a front edge.
The system of claim 43, wherein a maximum depth of the base is between approximately 10 inches and approximately 14 inches.
The system of any one of claims 42 to 44, wherein the front edge of the base is curvilinear.
The system of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a drawer assembly disposed beneath the bottom wall.
An organizer system comprising:
an interior space defined by a frame, the frame including a top wall, a bottom wall, a first sidewall, a second sidewall and a back wall;

a door coupled to the frame, further defining the interior space and extending substantially from the top wall to the bottom wall and the door opening outward from the interior space; and

at least one storage element disposed within the interior space, at least one storage element selected from the group consisting of a plurality of hooks, a ring holder, a plurality of cross-bars, each cross-bar including a plurality of openings adapted to receive an earring, at least one shelf, and a plurality of cylindrical receptacles.