US20060260049A1

US20060260049A1 - Cot storage unit

Info

Publication number: US20060260049A1
Application number: US11/337,816
Authority: US
Inventors: Marian Wenz
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-01-21
Filing date: 2006-01-23
Publication date: 2006-11-23

Abstract

The present invention is a storage organizer unit for storing items. The storage organizer has a first pocket having an interior therein and a second pocket having an interior therein, the sides of the pockets being coupled to one another and the pockets being generally stacked upon one another, and a plurality of exterior pockets coupled to the exterior of the second pocket. The first pocket and second pocket may include one or more partitions to divide the pocket into smaller sections, and the pockets may also include fastening means at their openings. The exterior pockets may be varied in size, shape and scope to store a variety of articles, and the exterior pockets may include a fastening means.

Description

PRIORITY

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/646,131, filed Jan. 21, 2005, and is included herein in its entirety by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a storage device for use while hunting, camping, or by military personnel. More specifically, the present invention is an organizer/storage unit which can be hung from a standard cot.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Recreational activities such as camping, hunting, and fishing are very popular. While engaging in these activities, it would be useful to have a storage unit for personal items and items related to the activity at hand. Any such storage unit must be compact and easily transportable. The use of foldable cots for sleeping while engaged in outdoor recreational activities is also popular, presumably attributable to the high portability and low cost of the cots, and it would advantageous for a storage unit to be able to be used with a standard folding cot.
In addition, military personnel have many of the same needs as persons engaged in the above recreational activities. The use of foldable cots by military personnel is very common, and it would be useful to have a storage unit for personal items. While personnel are on a mission, a storage unit capable of holding necessary military items would be useful. It would be advantageous for a storage unit to be able to be used with a standard folding cot.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises a storage organizer unit for storing items. The storage organizer comprises a first pocket having an interior therein and a second pocket having an interior therein, the sides of the pockets being coupled to one another and the pockets being generally stacked upon one another, and a plurality of exterior pockets coupled to the exterior of the second pocket. The first pocket and second pocket may include one or more partitions to divide the pocket into smaller sections, and the pockets may also include fastening means at their openings. The exterior pockets may be varied in size, shape and scope to store a variety of articles, and the exterior pockets may include a fastening means.
The storage organizer unit is preferably layered, having a backing upon which layers of pockets are coupled. Preferably, there as many as three or more layers of pockets with the first layer adjacent to the backing being the largest pocket(s), the second layer, coupled to the first later having somewhat smaller sized pockets than those of the first layer, and the third layer being coupled to the second layer and having the smallest pockets for relatively small items. A preferred embodiment of the present invention includes four layers of pockets.
In a certain embodiment, the third layer includes a pocket generally shaped to hold a hand gun, the pocket being open at the top for ready retrieval of the hand gun. The shape is generally like that of a common holster for a hand gun. The bottom of this pocket may open to allow the barrel of the hand gun to emerge form the storage organizer unit. Certain of the pockets may be formed of a mesh material to provide a good circulation of air to the contents of the pockets.
Preferably for military applications, hook and loop fasteners are not used to close any of the pockets of the present invention in order to minimize the noise generated when opening a pocket. Zippers are preferred over such fasteners and in a more preferred case, buttons are used.
Preferably, the material used to form the storage organizer unit of the present invention is selected to be very pliable, having significant strength, while being quite thin, flexible and lightweight. This permits the storage organizer unit to be folded into a relatively small package for transportation and shipping so as to not unduly burden a user with added bulk or weight. This means that generally the material is selected from a variety of readily available synthetic materials. Such materials are also relatively easy to stitch through multiple layers in order to assist in the manufacture of the storage organizer unit.
The present invention is a storage organizer unit, comprising a body having at least three layers of pockets with a first layer adjacent to and coupled to a backing, a second layer of pockets coupled to the first layer of pockets, and a third layer of pockets being coupled to the second layer of pockets.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention can be more completely understood and appreciated by referring to the following more detailed description of the presently preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, of which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a storage organizer unit hung on a standard cot.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a storage organizer unit.
FIG. 3 is a close-up of a portion of the storage organizer unit of FIG. 2.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a storage organizer unit.
FIG. 5 is a close-up of a portion of the storage organizer unit of FIG. 4.
FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of a still further embodiment of a storage organizer unit.
FIG. 7 is an open front elevational view of the storage organizer unit of FIG. 6.
FIG. 8 is a sectional view of an embodiment of a storage organizer unit.
FIG. 9 is a sectional view of a further embodiment of a storage organizer unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following detailed description of the present invention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be obvious to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as to not unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present invention.
Referring generally to FIGS. 1-3, storage organizer unit 20 generally includes a body 22, a first main pocket 24, a second main pocket 26, a plurality of exterior pockets 28, and a plurality of attaching means 30. Storage organizer unit 20 is configured to be hung on a standard foldable cot 10, the cot 10 having a foldable frame 12 and a sleeping/sitting surface 14 made from a flexible material. Storage unit 20 is ideally constructed from nylon, canvas, cotton, mesh, polyester, or other suitable flexible and non-rigid materials. In a preferred embodiment, storage unit 20 is constructed from material being generally waterproof. The use of flexible material allows for storage unit 20 to be rolled up or folded up when not in use.
The storage organizer 20 is preferably layered as depicted in FIG. 8, having a backing 100 upon which layers of pockets are coupled. Preferably, there as many as three or more layers of pockets with the first layer 102 adjacent to the backing being the largest pocket(s) 103 (including the main pocket 24), the second layer 104, coupled to the first layer 102 having somewhat smaller sized pockets 110 than those of the first layer 102, and the third layer 106 being coupled to the second layer 104 and having smaller pockets 112 for relatively small items. A preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a fourth layer 108 of pockets having pockets 114. A first front panel 120 is coupled to the backing 100 to form the first layer 102. A second front panel 122 is coupled to the first panel 120, using the first panel 120 as backing, to form the second layer 104. A third front panel 124 is coupled to the second panel 122, using the second panel 122 as backing, to form the third layer 106. Where a fourth layer 108 is used, a fourth front panel 126 is coupled to the third panel 124, using the third panel 124 as backing, to form the third layer 108.
Referring now to FIGS. 1-9, when hung on a cot 10, storage unit 20 includes a rear side that faces the underside of cot 10, and a front or exterior side that faces outwardly from cot 10. First main pocket 24 comprises the rear portion of body 22. First main pocket 24 is constructed from a generally elongate rectangular piece of material, the material being folded in half along its longer dimension. Upon being folded, first main pocket 24 includes two side edges 32, a bottom edge 34, and an opening 36, defining an interior 38 therein. When the material is folded onto itself along bottom edge 34 to create first main pocket 24 as depicted in FIG. 9, the material is doubled onto itself at each side edge 32. The material is secured to itself by adhesive, stitching, or other suitable construction means. By stitching each side edge 32, first main pocket 24 is thusly created, defining an interior 38 therein. However, in an alternate embodiment, first main pocket 24 may be constructed from two separate pieces of material being secured on three edges.
The interior 38 of first main pocket 24 may be one large space, which is preferred for storing large items in storage unit 20, however, it may be desirable to include one or more partitions 40 to divide interior 38 into smaller spaced sections or compartments for storing smaller items. Partitions 40 are preferably created by stitching each side of the folded material to itself, but may also be created by applying a thin strip of adhesive to interior 38 in the desired location of a partition 40. Further, partitions 40 could be releasable, allowing interior 38 to easily be modified to switch between a large space, and multiple smaller spaces. To make partitions 40 releasable, fasteners capable of being easily released may be used, such as hook-and-loop fasteners, buttons, snaps, zippers, or other such suitable fasteners as recognized by one skilled in the art.
The opening 36 of first main pocket 24 will face upwards in a preferred embodiment. Opening 36 may include elastic to provide stretchability, and opening 36 may include a closure or fastening means 42, such as a zipper, hook-and-loop fastener, buttons, snaps, or other such suitable fasteners as recognized by one skilled in the art. The fastening means 42 may be varied in accordance with the desired use of the pocket. Preferably for military applications, hook and loop fasteners are not used to close any of the pockets of the present invention in order to minimize the noise generated when opening a pocket. Zippers are preferred over such fasteners and in a more preferred case, buttons are used. In an embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, opening 38 includes a fastening means 42 comprising buttons and loops, which are advantageous for storing large items, allowing first main pocket 24 to expand.
A second main pocket 26 comprises the front portion of body 22, and is coupled to first main pocket 24. Second main pocket 26 is essentially layered upon first main pocket 24. The construction of second main pocket 26 is similar to first main pocket 24, second main pocket 26 being constructed from a generally rectangular piece of material, the material being folded in half along its longer dimension. Upon being folded, second main pocket 26 includes two side edges 52, a bottom edge 54, and an opening 56, defining an interior 58 therein. When the material is folded onto itself along bottom edge 54 to create second main pocket 26, the material is doubled onto itself at each side edge 52. The material is secured to itself at side edge 52 by adhesive, stitching, or other suitable construction means. By stitching each side edge 52, second main pocket 26 is thusly created, defining an interior 58 therein. However, in an alternate embodiment, second main pocket 26 may be constructed from two separate pieces of material being secured on three edges.
In one contemplated embodiment, second main pocket 26 is of slightly smaller size than first main pocket 24, so as to allow better access to opening 36 and opening 56. The interior 58 of second main pocket 26 may be one large space, which may be preferred for storing large items in storage unit 20, however it may be desirable to include one or more partitions 60 to divide interior 58 into smaller spaced sections or compartments adapted for storing smaller items. Partitions 60 are preferably created by stitching each side of the folded material to itself, but may also be created by applying a thin strip of adhesive to interior 58 in the desired location of a partition 60. Further, partitions 60 could be releasable, allowing interior 58 to easily be modified to switch between a large space, and multiple smaller spaces. To make partitions 60 releasable, fasteners capable of being easily released are used, such as hook-and-loop fasteners, buttons, snaps, zippers, or other such suitable fasteners as recognized by one skilled in the art. The opening 56 of second main pocket 26 faces upwards in a preferred embodiment. Opening 56 may include elastic to provide stretchability, and opening 56 may include a closure or fastening means 62, such as a zipper, hook-and-loop fastener, buttons, snaps, or other such suitable fasteners as recognized by one skilled in the art. The fastening means 62 may be varied in accordance with the desired use of the pocket.
First rear main pocket 24 and second front main pocket 26 are operably coupled, generally aligned and joined together preferably at their respective side edges 32 and 52. In addition, first main pocket 24 and second main pocket 26 may be operably coupled proximate their respective openings 36 and 56, although it should be noted that the joining of first main pocket 24 and second main pocket 26 is done in such a way so as not to restrict access to respective openings 36 and 56 and interiors 38 and 58. First pocket 24 and second pocket 26 are ideally layered upon one another, and in a preferred embodiment the pockets are not coupled at their respective bottom edges, although such an arrangement is contemplated. In addition, storage unit 20 may be constructed in such a way so that only one set of stitching is needed to construct partitions 40 in first pocket 24 and partitions 60 in second pocket 26, thereby coupling the two pockets at the stitching.
One or more exterior pockets 28 are disposed on the exterior of body 22, being operably coupled to second main pocket 26. Exterior pockets 28 are generally comprised of a single piece of material, such as nylon, canvas, cotton, mesh, or other suitable flexible and non-rigid materials. Exterior pocket 28 is typically secured to second main pocket 28 along at least three edges, and has an opening 72. Opening 72 may face upwards, although an exterior pocket 28 may be configured having an opening 72 facing to either side or bottom. Exterior pockets 28 can comprise a variety of sizes, shapes, and configurations to store a wide variety of items. An exterior pocket 28 may include one or more partitions, creating multiple pockets 28 from one piece of material. Exterior pockets 28 may optionally include a closure or fastening means 74 proximate opening 72. Fastening means 74 may be a zipper, hook-and-loop fastener, buttons, snaps, or other such suitable fasteners as recognized by one skilled in the art. Exterior pockets 28 may feature pleats and/or elastic material to provide additional storage room therein. Multiple exterior pockets 28 may overlap or be layered upon one another.
Storage unit 20 is removably coupled to a standard cot 10 with one or more straps 30. Straps 30 may include a first portion 82 and a second portion 84, and a fastening means 86 such as D-rings, buckles, hook-and-loop, or other such suitable fasteners as recognized by one skilled in the art. Straps 30 are securely coupled to body 22 of storage unit 20, preferably by stitching. In an alternative embodiment, storage unit 20 may be permanently coupled to cot 10 using further fastening means such as screws, bolts, adhesives, or stitching.
In one embodiment depicted in FIGS. 2-3, storage unit 20 may also include an exterior pocket 28 being configured as a handgun holder 90 disposed on the exterior of body 22. A handgun holder 90 may be desirable for persons using storage unit 20 in the military, or for hunters, especially when in remote areas. Handgun holder 90 includes an opening 92 adapted for inserting a handgun, an opening 94 to allow a portion of a handgun barrel to protrude, and structure 96 for receiving a handgun. Structure 96 preferably comprises stitching adapted to receive and support a handgun. Handgun holder 90 is adapted to hold a handgun at an angle that makes it easy for a person to retrieve the handgun while in cot 10. The handgun holder 90 is preferably open at the top for ready retrieval of a hand gun disposed therein. The shape of the handgun holder 90 is generally like that of a common holster for a hand gun. The bottom opening 94 of this pocket may open to allow the barrel of the hand gun to emerge from the storage organizer unit 20.
First main pocket 24 and second main pocket 26 are ideally suited for storing larger items, such as books, papers, maps, articles of clothing, fishing rod, gun cleaning kit, alarm clock, etc. Exterior pockets 28 may be configured to store a wide variety of items. For example, a wallet, keys, eyeglasses, mobile phone, GPS, compass, gloves, knife, flashlight, bottled or canned beverage, food products, firearm magazines, writing instruments, insect repellant, toiletries, playing cards, medicines, etc. The depiction of exterior pockets 28 in FIGS. 2-7 are illustrative and should not be considered limiting, as exterior pockets 28 may be varied in size, shape and location so as to be useful for storing any variety of items. Other arrangements of pockets on or in storage unit 20 may be used, and the present invention seeks to capture those arrangements. Certain of the exterior pockets 28 may be formed of a mesh material to provide a good circulation of air to the contents of exterior pockets 28.
A storage receptacle may be used to stow storage unit 20 when storage unit 20 is not being used. In a preferred embodiment, the storage receptacle comprises a flexible fabric bag, being constructed of the same material as is used for storage unit 20. Said storage receptacle may include a closure means such as a drawstring, closure flap, zipper, or other similar means. Preferably, the material used to form the storage organizer 10 of the present invention is selected to be very pliable, having significant strength, while being quite thin, flexible and light. This permits the storage organizer 20 to be folded into a relatively small package for transportation and shipping so as to not unduly burden a user with added bulk or weight. This means that generally the material is selected from a variety of readily available synthetic materials, as distinct from the noted natural materials. Such materials are also relatively easy to stitch through multiple layers in order to assist in the manufacture of the storage organizer 10.
The present invention is also easily adaptable for use with hospital beds, beds in dormitory rooms or camps, or baby cribs.
In an alternate embodiment depicted in FIGS. 6-7, storage unit 20 may be adapted for use in a utility or military vehicle. In such an embodiment, storage unit 20 is of a smaller size than when used in conjunction with the long side of a cot 10, although the spirit and scope of the invention remain the same. Straps 30 may be adapted to secure storage unit 20 to the dashboard area, or other suitable area of a vehicle.
In a further alternate embodiment, storage unit 20 may be adapted for use on the end (or short side) of a standard cot 10. In such an embodiment, storage unit 20 would be sized appropriately so as to generally conform to the length of the short side of cot 10.
Where the foregoing description calls for stitching, said stitching may comprise single or multiple rows of stitches. Ideal threads are heavy-duty and waterproof, such as nylon. Further, alternate construction methods may be used to create seams, such as gluing. The material used for storage unit 20 may be a variety of colors to suit the application, such as green or camouflage for military or hunting uses, or bright colors for hospital or infant uses. In addition, the material used for all or part of storage unit 20 may be a non-solid material such as mesh fabric.
The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the essential attributes thereof; therefore, the illustrated embodiments should be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, reference being made to the appended claims rather than to the foregoing description to indicate the scope of the invention.
Although the present invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, one skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the illustrated embodiments should be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

1. A flexible storage organizer unit for storing personal items, the storage unit comprising:

a first pocket, comprising a bottom edge, two side edges, an interior defined therein, and an opening into the interior;

a second pocket, comprising a bottom edge, two side edges, an interior defined therein, and an opening into the interior, wherein the respective side edges of each pocket are coupled such that the second pocket is adjacent to the first pocket and such that the openings of the first and second pockets open in the same direction;

at least one exterior pocket coupled to an exterior surface of the second pocket; and

a means for securing the storage unit to a structure.

2. The flexible storage unit of claim 1, wherein the interior of the first pocket may include one or more partitions to separate the interior of the first pocket into a plurality of compartments.

3. The flexible storage unit of claim 1, wherein the interior of the second pocket may include one or more partitions to separate the interior of the second pocket into a plurality of compartments.

4. The flexible storage unit of claim 1, wherein the opening of the first pocket includes a means for fastening.

5. The flexible storage unit of claim 1, wherein the opening of the second pocket includes a means for fastening.

6. The flexible storage unit of claim 1, further comprising an exterior pocket adapted to receive and support a handgun for ready use.

7. The flexible storage unit of claim 1, wherein multiple exterior pockets are layered upon one another.

8. A storage organizer unit, comprising:

a body having at least three layers of pockets with a first layer adjacent to and coupled to a backing, a second layer of pockets coupled to the first layer of pockets, and a third layer of pockets being coupled to the second layer of pockets.

9. The storage organizer unit of claim 8, including:

a first front panel being coupled to the backing to form the first layer of pockets, a second front panel being coupled to the first panel and using the first panel as backing thereto to form the second layer, and a third front panel being coupled to the second panel and using the second panel as backing to form the third layer.

10. The storage organizer unit of claim 9, including a fourth front panel being coupled to the third panel and using the third panel as backing to form a fourth layer of pockets.

11. The storage organizer unit of claim 8, including at least one pocket adapted to enclosedly support a hand gun.

12. The storage organizer unit of claim 8, including at least one pocket being enclosed on opposed spaced apart side margins and having a top opening and an opposed bottom opening.

13. The storage organizer unit of claim 8, including pocket closing means not including hook and loop closures.

14. The storage organizer unit of claim 9, each successively layered layer of pockets having at least one pocket that is smaller than a pocket of the previous layer.

15. A flexible organizer for storing items, comprising:

a body having a rear portion and a front portion, the rear portion comprising a pocket having an opening on one edge and an interior defined therein, the interior having one or more partitions dividing the interior into smaller compartments, the front portion comprising a pocket having an opening on one edge and an interior defined therein, the interior having one or more partitions dividing the interior into smaller compartments, wherein the front portion and the rear portion are aligned with each other and coupled along at least three edges such that the openings of the first and second pockets open in the same direction; and

at least one exterior pocket coupled to the front portion.

16. The flexible organizer of claim 15, further comprising a means for securing the flexible organizer to a structure.

17. The flexible organizer of claim 15, wherein the opening of the first pocket includes a means for closure.

18. The flexible organizer of claim 15, wherein the opening of the second pocket includes a means for closure.

19. The flexible organizer of claim 15, further comprising an exterior pocket adapted to receive and support a handgun for ready use.

20. The flexible organizer of claim 15, wherein multiple exterior pockets are layered upon one another.