US20080083753A1 - Organizer - Google Patents
Organizer Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20080083753A1 US20080083753A1 US11/544,097 US54409706A US2008083753A1 US 20080083753 A1 US20080083753 A1 US 20080083753A1 US 54409706 A US54409706 A US 54409706A US 2008083753 A1 US2008083753 A1 US 2008083753A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- tray
- divider
- organizer
- retaining
- wall
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D25/00—Details of other kinds or types of rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D25/02—Internal fittings
- B65D25/04—Partitions
- B65D25/06—Partitions adapted to be fitted in two or more alternative positions
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
- A47B88/00—Drawers for tables, cabinets or like furniture; Guides for drawers
- A47B88/90—Constructional details of drawers
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
- A47B88/00—Drawers for tables, cabinets or like furniture; Guides for drawers
- A47B88/90—Constructional details of drawers
- A47B88/969—Drawers having means for organising or sorting the content
- A47B88/994—Drawers having means for organising or sorting the content in the form of trays or inserts
Definitions
- the invention relates to an organizer and, in particular, to an organizer that is configurable to define storage areas and, more particularly, to an organizer having an adjustable size and configurable partitions for defining storage areas within a drawer.
- Drawers, cabinet, other compartments are commonly used to store a variety of objects in many different environments. The use of these compartments typically does not necessitate any particular adaptation in order to receive and store objects therein. However, a size of a drawer in comparison to the objects stored therein often results in many objects being loosely stored in a relatively large space. As a drawer is typically pulled open by a user in order to retrieve one or more items stored in the drawer, the items may slide as the drawer is being pulled open. This often leads to the objects losing some, if not all, of any organization that was contemplated when the objects were initially placed in the drawer.
- An example of a common solution to this problem is an organizer tray used for silverware or eating utensils.
- the tray typically includes upstanding walls to segregate knives, spoons, and forks from each other and in stacked relationships. More elaborate trays may separate various types of forks or spoons, or other kitchen utensils.
- the tray is placed within an existing drawer for receiving the objects.
- the drawer may be of a standard or stock size, in which case it is relatively simple for a manufacture to size an organizer for the drawer.
- many drawers are custom sized for a particular kitchen's dimensions and the desires of the person designing the kitchen arrangement. As a result, many drawers have non-stock dimensions, such as width or depth. Designing individual trays for each possible custom drawer size would be difficult and less than cost-effective for a manufacturer.
- the storage required or desired for a drawer by one person in a kitchen varies widely from that desired by a second person in their kitchen.
- the utensils stored in any particular drawer vary widely by size and shape and kind. While the drawer may be used to store relatively small and elongated items such as silverware, other items whose size does not lend to a silverware tray may be stored in the drawer, including spatulas and wooden spoons that are much longer than silverware, pizza cutting wheels, meat tenderizers/hammers, or whisks, to mention a few.
- drawers may have items stored therein in which it would be desirable to separate the items for easy access.
- items include hand tools such as screwdrivers and pliers stored in a tool box or chest, cosmetics and toiletries stored in a bathroom or vanity drawer, and desk items kept in a desk drawer.
- an organizer having a tray system and dividers selectively positionable and securable with the tray system to define areas or compartments within the organizer for receipt of items therein.
- the organizer includes a tray having a base which may be positioned within a drawer and including at least one opening, and at least one divider releasably securable with the tray and having a wall at least partially defining portions of the area.
- the divider has securing structure for securing and supporting the divider with the base, and the securing structure includes a first retainer cooperable with the base opening to secure the divider with the tray.
- the first retainer includes at least a first retaining portion extending from a first portion of the wall that is resiliently shiftable to and between clearance and interference positions.
- the clearance position permits receipt and removal of the first retaining portion with respect to the first base opening, and the interference position generally prevents passage of the first retaining portion through the first base opening to secure the divider with the tray.
- the first retainer may include a second retaining portion receivable within the first base opening, and the divider may including a second shiftable wall portion from which a second retaining portion extends, the second wall portion shiftable to shift the second retaining portion between clearance and interference positions relative to the first base opening.
- the first and second shiftable wall portions and the first and second retaining portions extending therefrom may be positioned in an opposed relationship, and the first and second wall portions may be compressible, such as by manual pressure, toward each other to permit the first and second retaining portions to be received within or removed from the first base opening.
- the retaining portions may include a foot portion positioned below and in interference with the bottom side when the divider is in the interference position and secured with the tray.
- the retaining portions may include an extending portion secured with the wall and extendable through the opening from a top side of the base to the bottom side of the base, the foot portion extending generally laterally from the extending portion.
- the foot may include a leading end for insertion within the opening, the leading end including a chamfer or bevel for contacting an edge of the opening during insertion to shift the shiftable wall portion and to permit receipt of the first retaining portion within the opening.
- the securing structure may include a plurality of retainers cooperable with a plurality of base openings for securing the divider with the tray.
- the retaining portions may include one or more foot portions positioned below the bottom side in an interference position when the divider is secured with the tray.
- the wall may include a plurality of resiliently shiftable portions having respective retaining portions extending therefrom, and the retaining portions are receivable within the base openings for securing the divider with the tray.
- a configurable organizer defining an area for receipt of items therewithin including a tray system adapted for receipt within a drawer, for instance, and having at least a first tray including a base with a plurality of openings formed therein, and a divider system adapted for defining portions of the area and including at least a first divider having a wall at least partially defining portions of the area and having securing structure for securing the first divider with the tray system.
- the securing structure includes at least a first retainer selectively cooperable with the base openings, and the first retainer includes at least a first retaining portion extending from a first portion of the wall that is resiliently shiftable to and between clearance and interference positions.
- the clearance position permits receipt and removal of the first retaining portion with respect to the first base opening, and the interference position generally prevents passage of the first retaining portion through the first base opening to secure the divider with the tray.
- the securing structure may include a plurality of retainers selectively cooperable with the base openings, at least two of the retainers including retaining portions extending from respective shiftable wall portions.
- the first retainer may include a second retaining portion receivable within the base openings, and the organizer may include shiftable wall portions from which the first and second retaining portions respectively extend, the shiftable wall portions in an opposed relationship.
- the first and second retaining portions may be configured to be received within respective base openings.
- First and second retaining portions may also or alternatively be configured to be received within a single base opening.
- the divider system may include a plurality of dividers, each having a wall at least partially defining portions of the area and having securing structure for securing the dividers with the tray system.
- the tray system may include a second tray selectively positionable relative to the first tray to selectively provide the tray area.
- a method of configuring an organizer defining an area for receipt of items therein including the steps of providing a tray system having at least a first tray with a base including a plurality of openings formed therein, providing a divider system including at least a first divider having a wall with a resiliently shiftable portion, providing retaining structure including a first retaining portion extending from the resiliently shiftable portion of the wall, aligning the retaining structure with the openings, shifting the first retaining portion relative to the divider, and inserting the securing structure within at least the first opening.
- the method may include permitting the first retaining portion to resiliently shift to an interference position relative to the opening after insertion therethrough.
- the method may include providing the first retaining portion with a bevel, positioning the bevel against an edge of the opening, and forcing the bevel against the opening edge.
- the method may include providing a second tray selectively positionable relative to the first tray to selectively provide the tray area.
- the method may include providing a plurality of dividers selectively securable with the openings for defining portions of the area.
- the method may include providing a plurality of retaining portions extending from the wall.
- the method may include shifting a portion of the plurality of retaining portions relative to the divider.
- the method may include providing a second retaining portion extending from a wall portion and opposed to the first retaining portion, and the step of shifting the first retaining portion may include shifting towards the second retaining portion.
- the step of shifting may include resiliently compressing wall portions from which the first and second retaining portions respectively extend.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an organizer including a tray system having a first tray positioned relative to a second tray in an expanded configuration, the first tray having a plurality of positionable dividers releasably secured with openings thereon and the second tray having a single divider secured with openings thereon;
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the organizer of FIG. 1 with the first and second trays in a partially expanded configuration and the single divider being removed from the second tray;
- FIG. 3A is a bottom plan view of the organizer in the expanded configuration of FIG. 1 showing securing structure of the dividers received in openings of the trays;
- FIG. 3B is an end elevation view of the lower right-hand end of the organizer as viewed in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3C is a side elevation view of the upper right-side of the organizer as viewed in FIG. 1 with portions shown in phantom;
- FIGS. 4A-4C are, respectively, side elevation, bottom plan, and end elevation views of a representative first divider of the organizer of FIG. 1 ;
- FIGS. 5A-5C are, respectively, views of a second, smaller representative divider of the organizer of FIG. 1 ;
- FIGS. 6A-6C are, respectively, views of a third, smallest representative divider of the organizer of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 7 is an enlarged, fragmentary, perspective view of a portion of the view of FIG. 3A ;
- FIG. 8 is a further enlarged cross-sectional view taken through the line 8 - 8 of FIG. 7 ;
- FIG. 9 is an enlarged, fragmentary perspective view taken generally in the direction of the line 9 - 9 in FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 10 is an enlarged, fragmentary view along the line 10 - 10 of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view along the line 11 - 11 of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 12A is an enlarged, fragmentary view of the encircled portion of FIG. 11 showing portions of a divider in an uncompressed position in solid lines and in a compressed position in phantom;
- FIG. 12B is an enlarged, fragmentary view similar to FIG. 12A showing portions of the divider in the uncompressed position in phantom and in the compressed position in solid lines;
- FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the divider of FIGS. 12A and 12B .
- a configurable organizer 10 having a tray system 12 and a plurality of positionable dividers 14 .
- the tray system 12 includes a first or inner tray 16 and a second or outer tray 18 which may be shifted relative to each other to alter the size or dimension of the organizer in at least one direction.
- FIG. 1 shows the outer tray 18 positioned relative to the inner tray 16 to provide a first width W 1 for the organizer 10
- FIG. 2 shows a relative position for the trays 16 , 18 such that the organizer 10 has a second width W 2 smaller than the first width W 1 .
- the size, or footprint, of the organizer 10 may be adjusted to more closely match a predetermined size of a drawer (not shown), though the organizer may also be used on a shelf or otherwise with a particular size or configuration as desired by a user.
- the dividers 14 may be selectively positioned relative to the trays 16 , 18 to define or arrange a plurality of compartments. More specifically, the trays 16 , 18 may be configured to a desired relative position, as will be discussed in greater detail below, to provide an interior surface area 30 .
- One or more dividers 14 are installed on the trays 16 , 18 to divide the interior surface area 30 into smaller areas 32 .
- FIG. 1 several dividers 14 are installed on the inner tray 16 , while a single divider 14 is installed on the outer tray 18 .
- FIG. 2 shows the tray system 12 in a partially expanded configuration and the outer tray 18 without a divider 14 installed thereon.
- the trays 16 , 18 and the dividers 14 are provided with structure to secure the dividers 14 with the trays 16 , 18 .
- Each of the trays 16 , 18 includes openings 34 arrayed on and through a respective top interior surfaces 36 , 39 thereof, the openings 34 cooperating with securing structure 40 (see, e.g., FIGS. 4A-C ) of the dividers 14 .
- the interior surfaces 36 , 39 are generally flat and planar, as well as parallel to each other.
- the openings 34 have an inner periphery 38 defining the shape of the opening 34 , the periphery 38 providing the opening 34 with an approximately square shape, though with inner corners 38 a slightly rounded, as best seen in FIG. 3A .
- the securing structure 40 of the dividers 14 includes retainers 42 and support structures 44 received within the openings 34 .
- a retainer 42 includes a pair of opposed retainer portions 46 for releasably engaging, such as by snapping, into the openings 34 .
- Each divider 14 has a pair of opposed sidewalls 48 which, when the divider 14 is secured, extend above the trays 16 , 18 .
- the sidewalls 48 include a bottom edge and surface 50 from which the feet retainer portions 46 extend.
- Each retainer portion 46 has an extension portion 52 extending from the surface 50 to a foot 54 .
- Each foot 54 extends laterally outward from the associated extension portion 52 , and each foot 54 includes a chamfer or beveled surface 56 that angles upwardly and outwardly from a foot tip 58 .
- the retainers 42 of the divider 14 are pressed into the openings 34 .
- the divider 14 is positioned above the tray system 12 so that the retainer 42 is aligned with an opening 34 , and then is pressed downwardly against one of the trays 16 , 18 .
- the beveled surfaces 46 of the feet 54 wedge against the periphery 38 of the opening 34 and compress inwardly so that the feet 54 and retainer portions 56 are shifted to a position allowing an outer edge 60 of the feet 54 to pass into the opening 34 .
- the sidewalls 48 are deflected, as is represented by the sidewalls 48 ′.
- a short wall 70 extends downwardly from a bottom side 72 of a base or tray floor 73 of each of the trays 16 , 18 .
- the tray floor 73 has a top surface 78 which may be either of the interior top surfaces 36 , 39 of the trays 16 , 18 .
- each foot 54 When the feet 54 have been fully advanced into the opening 34 , a top surface 74 of each foot 54 abuts a bottom surface 76 of the short wall 70 , and the divider bottom surface 50 abuts the top surface 78 of the tray floor 73 .
- the feet 54 snap into the opening 34 so that the feet 54 are in an interference position with the tray short wall 70 and the tray floor 73 .
- the short wall 70 provides additional structural integrity for the opening 34 , which would otherwise simply be the thickness of the tray floor 73 .
- the organizer 10 is preferably made of formed plastic material, such as molded plastic. This material, while inexpensive, often produces some degree of tolerance due to its inherent materials properties.
- the extension portion 52 is sized laterally to closely abut lateral sides of the periphery 38 and is sized in length to closely mate with and receive the tray short wall 70 and the tray floor 73 between the divider sidewall bottom surface 50 and the foot top surface 74 .
- the rigidity provided by the cooperation between the retainers 42 and the openings 34 may not always be as great as desired. Therefore, the support structures 44 are provided.
- the support structures 44 also extend from the divider sidewalls 48 , though they span laterally across and between the divider sidewalls 48 , as best seen in FIGS. 4B and 4C .
- the support structures 44 are generally short tab-like walls extending from the divider bottom surface 50 and having side edges 80 .
- the lateral dimension of the support structure 44 is sized to be approximately the lateral width of the openings 34 (within the periphery 38 ) so that the support structures 44 fit closely therein when the divider 14 is secured with the tray floor 73 .
- the operation of the retainers 42 depends on the retainer portions 46 being resiliently deflectable inwardly.
- the retainer portions 46 extend from and are oriented with the divider sidewalls 48 in a generally parallel manner, as will be discussed below.
- the dividers 14 would be susceptible to tipping.
- the support structures 44 provide constraint, in addition to the divider bottom surface 50 , to resist this tipping or deflecting of the divider 14 as a whole by closely abutting the interior of the opening periphery 38 .
- the divider 14 includes additional structure to resist the divider 14 being deflected to its side.
- Each end 90 of the divider 14 includes a flared portion, as best viewed in FIG. 4B . More specifically, the divider sidewalls 48 have outwardly flared portions 48 a ( FIG. 4B ) which flare outwardly from each other at the divider ends 90 , at least along a bottom wall portion 92 thereof ( FIG. 4C ).
- the divider 14 includes end walls 90 a which extend between and connect the divider sidewalls 48 at the ends 90 of the divider 14 . The end walls 90 a similarly flare outwardly to span between the bottom wall portions 92 of the opposed divider sidewalls 48 .
- the bottom surface 50 of the divider sidewalls 48 extends in a generally planar manner around and along the bottom of both divider walls 50 , as well as both end walls 90 a .
- the entire bottom surface 50 is positioned against or proximate to the top surface 78 of the tray floor 73 .
- the bottom flared-out portions 48 a and the bottom surface 50 press against or contact the tray floor top surface 78 to prevent or limit the amount of deflection possible.
- the retainer portions 46 preferably extend from and are oriented with the divider sidewalls 48 in a generally parallel manner.
- the divider sidewalls 48 are joined at the ends 90 by the aforementioned divider end walls 90 a .
- the divider 14 further includes a divider top wall 98 joining the divider sidewalls 48 at the top, and may include one or more webbings 100 extending between the divider sidewalls 48 .
- the webbings 100 extending between the sidewalls 48 and preferably a portion of the support structures 44 , are positioned generally away from the deflectable retainers 42 . Otherwise, the webbings 100 may restrict the ability of the retainers from deflecting inwardly during securement with the tray openings 34 .
- the construction of the divider sidewalls 48 and the retainer portions 46 advantageously allows a user to remove the divider 14 without removing the organizer in its entirety, or its contents.
- the sidewalls 48 are inwardly compressible by manual pressure in a region, generally indicated at 100 in FIGS. 1 and 2 , proximate to where the retainers 42 extend so that the feet 44 move from their secured position in interference with the periphery short wall 70 to a clearance position.
- the divider sidewall regions 100 may be slightly thinner than the balance of the sidewall 48 to promote localized compression during this operation.
- the inner tray 16 has dividers 14 defining the smaller areas 32 . More specifically, the inner tray 16 has four tray walls 110 bounding an area 112 (corresponding to the top interior surface 36 , FIG. 1 ) of the tray floor top surface 78 (corresponding to interior area 30 ), though in some forms one or more of the tray walls 110 may be omitted, such as tray wall 110 a . As can be seen, a first divider 120 a abuts tray wall 110 a and tray wall 110 b so that both ends 122 fit substantially flush against or close to the tray walls 110 a , 110 b .
- a second divider 120 b substantially identical to the first divider 120 a , extends generally parallel with the first divider 120 s so that the second divider 120 b is also substantially flush against or close to the tray walls 110 a , 110 b .
- a third, smallest divider 128 extends between and fits substantially flush against the first and second dividers 120 a , 120 b .
- Larger dividers 130 extend between tray wall 110 c and the second divider 120 b , again fitting substantially flush or close thereto. To promote understanding, the above-described regions 100 in which the divider sidewalls 48 may be manually compressed are highlighted.
- the regions 100 preferably correspond to locations of retainers 42 extending from the bottom surface 50 of the dividers 120 a , 120 b , 128 , 130 it should be recognized that the first, second, and third dividers 120 a , 120 b , 128 include one retainer 42 apiece, while the larger dividers 130 include a pair of retainers 42 .
- FIGS. 4A-C depict the divider 14 , described above, in the specific form of the larger divider 130 , thus having four support structures 44 and a pair of retainers 42 , each having a pair of opposed retainer portions 46 with feet 54 thereon, the retainers 42 and support structures 44 receivable or removable concurrently within openings 34 in the trays 16 , 18 .
- the sidewalls 48 are slightly angled downwardly and outwardly from each other.
- the endwalls 90 a are provided with a similar slight inward and downward angle, as can be seen in FIG. 4A .
- the tray walls 110 of the inner tray 16 (as well as tray wall 190 a of the outer tray 18 , discussed below) have an inner surface 160 (see also FIG. 11 ) constructed with an angle substantially matching the angle of one of the sidewalls 48 .
- the divider 120 in accordance with the above-described dividers 120 a , 120 b is depicted.
- the divider 120 includes a single retainer 170 , and four of support structures 172 for securing the divider 120 with the openings 34 .
- the divider 120 includes sidewalls 174 , endwalls 176 , and a top wall 178 , the operation and construction of which being described above.
- FIGS. 6A-C depict the smallest third divider 128 .
- the securing structure 40 for the divider 128 includes merely a single retainer 180 .
- the number and location of the securing structure 40 preferably aligns with the array of openings 34 , and it should also be clear that the number of features included in the securing structure 40 may easily be altered. For instance, the openings 34 may be doubled in number so that the distance between them is halved. While this would not necessitate an increase in securing structures 40 on the dividers 14 , 120 , 128 , 130 , but it would at least permit such.
- FIG. 3A retainers 42 a , as well as support structures 44 a , are indicated for the largest dividers 130 of FIG. 1 .
- retainers 42 b and support structures 44 b are indicated for the first and second dividers 120 a , 120 b
- retainer 42 c is indicated for the third divider 128 , which has no support structure.
- openings 34 a are occupied by the retainers 42 and support structures, while openings 34 b are empty.
- the outer tray 18 also has tray walls 190 bounding an area 192 . As the trays 16 , 18 are shifted from and between expanded and unexpanded positions relative to each other, the area 192 is expanded or decreased. Additional dividers 14 , such as those described herein, may be secured with the tray floor 73 of the outer tray 18 to define smaller areas therewithin in the same manner as the smaller areas 32 are defined for the inner tray 16 .
- the inner tray wall 110 a may be omitted, in which case the area 112 bound by the inner tray walls 110 is generally contiguous with the area 192 bound by the outer tray walls 190 , in the absence of any dividers 14 .
- Others of the tray walls 110 , 190 may also be omitted, particularly if the organizer 10 is to be used to cover the bottom of a drawer (not shown) which has its own sides.
- the trays 16 , 18 have cooperating structure to facilitate and control the expansion and contraction of the area 192 of the outer tray 18 .
- the inner tray 16 includes a pair of guides 200 positioned proximate an outer edge 202 of the inner tray bottom 204 while the outer tray includes a pair of rails 206 received within respective guides.
- the guides 200 have a first portion 200 a that extends downward, preferably orthogonally, from the inner tray bottom 204 , and a second portion 200 b that extends laterally outward from the first portion 200 a .
- the rail 206 has a first portion 206 a that extends upwardly from a top surface 208 formed on the outer tray 18 proximate the outer tray wall 190 a ( FIG. 10 ) and a second portion 206 b that extends laterally inwardly.
- the rail second portion 206 b is received between the guide second portion 200 b and the inner tray bottom 204 , and the guide second portion 200 b is consequently positioned between the rail second portion 206 b and the outer tray top surface 208 .
- the rail 206 need only extend a short distance relative to the length of the outer tray 18 , while the guide 200 extends generally the length of the inner tray 16 .
- the organizer 10 further includes structure to define discrete relative positions for the inner and outer trays 16 , 18 .
- the inner tray 16 includes two rows 211 of receptacles 214 defining recesses 216 positioned inboard of the guide 200 .
- the outer tray 18 includes a pair of fingers 220 that are generally deflectable downwardly in the vertical direction, each having a boss 222 ( FIG. 8 ) thereon.
- the boss 222 has a slightly rounded top surface 224 to allow the boss 222 to deflect, wedge-like, against the receptacles 214 so that the boss 222 is forced out of the recesses 216 when the trays 16 , 18 are shifted relative to each other. In a selected position, the boss 222 is received within the recess 216 so that the tray system 14 generally resists being shifted out of the selected position.
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Abstract
A configurable organizer is described having releasably securable dividers or partitions for defining areas or compartments within the organizer for receiving items therein. The dividers are secured via retainers having retainer portions that are resiliently shiftable to permit insertion or removal of the retainer portions within openings in the organizer and to permit shifting to a natural outwardly biased position for retaining the dividers with the organizer. Support structures may also be provided to retard or prevent tilting or deflecting of the secured dividers. Additionally, the organizer may include a pair of trays having the openings for receiving the retainers and supports, and the trays may be adjustably and selectively moved relative to each other to expand or contract the organizer as desired, such as to conform to interior dimensions of a drawer.
Description
- The invention relates to an organizer and, in particular, to an organizer that is configurable to define storage areas and, more particularly, to an organizer having an adjustable size and configurable partitions for defining storage areas within a drawer.
- Drawers, cabinet, other compartments are commonly used to store a variety of objects in many different environments. The use of these compartments typically does not necessitate any particular adaptation in order to receive and store objects therein. However, a size of a drawer in comparison to the objects stored therein often results in many objects being loosely stored in a relatively large space. As a drawer is typically pulled open by a user in order to retrieve one or more items stored in the drawer, the items may slide as the drawer is being pulled open. This often leads to the objects losing some, if not all, of any organization that was contemplated when the objects were initially placed in the drawer.
- An example of a common solution to this problem is an organizer tray used for silverware or eating utensils. The tray typically includes upstanding walls to segregate knives, spoons, and forks from each other and in stacked relationships. More elaborate trays may separate various types of forks or spoons, or other kitchen utensils.
- The tray is placed within an existing drawer for receiving the objects. The drawer may be of a standard or stock size, in which case it is relatively simple for a manufacture to size an organizer for the drawer. However, many drawers are custom sized for a particular kitchen's dimensions and the desires of the person designing the kitchen arrangement. As a result, many drawers have non-stock dimensions, such as width or depth. Designing individual trays for each possible custom drawer size would be difficult and less than cost-effective for a manufacturer.
- In addition, the storage required or desired for a drawer by one person in a kitchen varies widely from that desired by a second person in their kitchen. The utensils stored in any particular drawer vary widely by size and shape and kind. While the drawer may be used to store relatively small and elongated items such as silverware, other items whose size does not lend to a silverware tray may be stored in the drawer, including spatulas and wooden spoons that are much longer than silverware, pizza cutting wheels, meat tenderizers/hammers, or whisks, to mention a few.
- It should also be noted that many drawers may have items stored therein in which it would be desirable to separate the items for easy access. Examples of these items include hand tools such as screwdrivers and pliers stored in a tool box or chest, cosmetics and toiletries stored in a bathroom or vanity drawer, and desk items kept in a desk drawer.
- Accordingly, there has been a need for an improved drawer organizer.
- In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, an organizer is provided having a tray system and dividers selectively positionable and securable with the tray system to define areas or compartments within the organizer for receipt of items therein. The organizer includes a tray having a base which may be positioned within a drawer and including at least one opening, and at least one divider releasably securable with the tray and having a wall at least partially defining portions of the area. The divider has securing structure for securing and supporting the divider with the base, and the securing structure includes a first retainer cooperable with the base opening to secure the divider with the tray. The first retainer includes at least a first retaining portion extending from a first portion of the wall that is resiliently shiftable to and between clearance and interference positions. The clearance position permits receipt and removal of the first retaining portion with respect to the first base opening, and the interference position generally prevents passage of the first retaining portion through the first base opening to secure the divider with the tray.
- The first retainer may include a second retaining portion receivable within the first base opening, and the divider may including a second shiftable wall portion from which a second retaining portion extends, the second wall portion shiftable to shift the second retaining portion between clearance and interference positions relative to the first base opening. The first and second shiftable wall portions and the first and second retaining portions extending therefrom may be positioned in an opposed relationship, and the first and second wall portions may be compressible, such as by manual pressure, toward each other to permit the first and second retaining portions to be received within or removed from the first base opening.
- The retaining portions may include a foot portion positioned below and in interference with the bottom side when the divider is in the interference position and secured with the tray. The retaining portions may include an extending portion secured with the wall and extendable through the opening from a top side of the base to the bottom side of the base, the foot portion extending generally laterally from the extending portion. The foot may include a leading end for insertion within the opening, the leading end including a chamfer or bevel for contacting an edge of the opening during insertion to shift the shiftable wall portion and to permit receipt of the first retaining portion within the opening.
- The securing structure may include a plurality of retainers cooperable with a plurality of base openings for securing the divider with the tray. The retaining portions may include one or more foot portions positioned below the bottom side in an interference position when the divider is secured with the tray. The wall may include a plurality of resiliently shiftable portions having respective retaining portions extending therefrom, and the retaining portions are receivable within the base openings for securing the divider with the tray.
- In another aspect, a configurable organizer defining an area for receipt of items therewithin is disclosed including a tray system adapted for receipt within a drawer, for instance, and having at least a first tray including a base with a plurality of openings formed therein, and a divider system adapted for defining portions of the area and including at least a first divider having a wall at least partially defining portions of the area and having securing structure for securing the first divider with the tray system. The securing structure includes at least a first retainer selectively cooperable with the base openings, and the first retainer includes at least a first retaining portion extending from a first portion of the wall that is resiliently shiftable to and between clearance and interference positions. The clearance position permits receipt and removal of the first retaining portion with respect to the first base opening, and the interference position generally prevents passage of the first retaining portion through the first base opening to secure the divider with the tray.
- The securing structure may include a plurality of retainers selectively cooperable with the base openings, at least two of the retainers including retaining portions extending from respective shiftable wall portions. The first retainer may include a second retaining portion receivable within the base openings, and the organizer may include shiftable wall portions from which the first and second retaining portions respectively extend, the shiftable wall portions in an opposed relationship. The first and second retaining portions may be configured to be received within respective base openings. First and second retaining portions may also or alternatively be configured to be received within a single base opening.
- The divider system may include a plurality of dividers, each having a wall at least partially defining portions of the area and having securing structure for securing the dividers with the tray system.
- In some forms, the tray system may include a second tray selectively positionable relative to the first tray to selectively provide the tray area.
- In accordance with a further aspect, a method of configuring an organizer defining an area for receipt of items therein is disclosed including the steps of providing a tray system having at least a first tray with a base including a plurality of openings formed therein, providing a divider system including at least a first divider having a wall with a resiliently shiftable portion, providing retaining structure including a first retaining portion extending from the resiliently shiftable portion of the wall, aligning the retaining structure with the openings, shifting the first retaining portion relative to the divider, and inserting the securing structure within at least the first opening.
- The method may include permitting the first retaining portion to resiliently shift to an interference position relative to the opening after insertion therethrough. The method may include providing the first retaining portion with a bevel, positioning the bevel against an edge of the opening, and forcing the bevel against the opening edge. The method may include providing a second tray selectively positionable relative to the first tray to selectively provide the tray area. The method may include providing a plurality of dividers selectively securable with the openings for defining portions of the area.
- The method may include providing a plurality of retaining portions extending from the wall. The method may include shifting a portion of the plurality of retaining portions relative to the divider. The method may include providing a second retaining portion extending from a wall portion and opposed to the first retaining portion, and the step of shifting the first retaining portion may include shifting towards the second retaining portion. The step of shifting may include resiliently compressing wall portions from which the first and second retaining portions respectively extend.
- In the Figures,
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an organizer including a tray system having a first tray positioned relative to a second tray in an expanded configuration, the first tray having a plurality of positionable dividers releasably secured with openings thereon and the second tray having a single divider secured with openings thereon; -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the organizer ofFIG. 1 with the first and second trays in a partially expanded configuration and the single divider being removed from the second tray; -
FIG. 3A is a bottom plan view of the organizer in the expanded configuration ofFIG. 1 showing securing structure of the dividers received in openings of the trays; -
FIG. 3B is an end elevation view of the lower right-hand end of the organizer as viewed inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3C is a side elevation view of the upper right-side of the organizer as viewed inFIG. 1 with portions shown in phantom; -
FIGS. 4A-4C are, respectively, side elevation, bottom plan, and end elevation views of a representative first divider of the organizer ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIGS. 5A-5C are, respectively, views of a second, smaller representative divider of the organizer ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIGS. 6A-6C are, respectively, views of a third, smallest representative divider of the organizer ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 7 is an enlarged, fragmentary, perspective view of a portion of the view ofFIG. 3A ; -
FIG. 8 is a further enlarged cross-sectional view taken through the line 8-8 ofFIG. 7 ; -
FIG. 9 is an enlarged, fragmentary perspective view taken generally in the direction of the line 9-9 inFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 10 is an enlarged, fragmentary view along the line 10-10 ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view along the line 11-11 ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 12A is an enlarged, fragmentary view of the encircled portion ofFIG. 11 showing portions of a divider in an uncompressed position in solid lines and in a compressed position in phantom; -
FIG. 12B is an enlarged, fragmentary view similar toFIG. 12A showing portions of the divider in the uncompressed position in phantom and in the compressed position in solid lines; and -
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the divider ofFIGS. 12A and 12B . - Referring initially to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , aconfigurable organizer 10 is shown having atray system 12 and a plurality ofpositionable dividers 14. Thetray system 12 includes a first orinner tray 16 and a second orouter tray 18 which may be shifted relative to each other to alter the size or dimension of the organizer in at least one direction. For instance,FIG. 1 shows theouter tray 18 positioned relative to theinner tray 16 to provide a first width W1 for theorganizer 10, whileFIG. 2 shows a relative position for thetrays organizer 10 has a second width W2 smaller than the first width W1. In this manner, the size, or footprint, of theorganizer 10 may be adjusted to more closely match a predetermined size of a drawer (not shown), though the organizer may also be used on a shelf or otherwise with a particular size or configuration as desired by a user. - The
dividers 14 may be selectively positioned relative to thetrays trays interior surface area 30. One ormore dividers 14 are installed on thetrays interior surface area 30 intosmaller areas 32. InFIG. 1 ,several dividers 14 are installed on theinner tray 16, while asingle divider 14 is installed on theouter tray 18. By comparison,FIG. 2 shows thetray system 12 in a partially expanded configuration and theouter tray 18 without adivider 14 installed thereon. - The
trays dividers 14 are provided with structure to secure thedividers 14 with thetrays trays openings 34 arrayed on and through a respective topinterior surfaces openings 34 cooperating with securing structure 40 (see, e.g.,FIGS. 4A-C ) of thedividers 14. Other than theopenings 34, the interior surfaces 36, 39 are generally flat and planar, as well as parallel to each other. Theopenings 34 have aninner periphery 38 defining the shape of theopening 34, theperiphery 38 providing theopening 34 with an approximately square shape, though withinner corners 38 a slightly rounded, as best seen inFIG. 3A . - Referring to
FIGS. 4A-C , the securingstructure 40 of thedividers 14 includesretainers 42 andsupport structures 44 received within theopenings 34. Aretainer 42 includes a pair ofopposed retainer portions 46 for releasably engaging, such as by snapping, into theopenings 34. Eachdivider 14 has a pair ofopposed sidewalls 48 which, when thedivider 14 is secured, extend above thetrays sidewalls 48 include a bottom edge and surface 50 from which thefeet retainer portions 46 extend. Eachretainer portion 46 has anextension portion 52 extending from thesurface 50 to afoot 54. Eachfoot 54 extends laterally outward from the associatedextension portion 52, and eachfoot 54 includes a chamfer orbeveled surface 56 that angles upwardly and outwardly from afoot tip 58. - With reference to
FIGS. 12A and 12B , to secure thedivider 14 with atray retainers 42 of thedivider 14 are pressed into theopenings 34. In greater detail, thedivider 14 is positioned above thetray system 12 so that theretainer 42 is aligned with anopening 34, and then is pressed downwardly against one of thetrays feet 54 wedge against theperiphery 38 of theopening 34 and compress inwardly so that thefeet 54 andretainer portions 56 are shifted to a position allowing anouter edge 60 of thefeet 54 to pass into theopening 34. While thefeet 54 are compressed inwardly, thesidewalls 48 are deflected, as is represented by thesidewalls 48′. - With continued advancement of the
feet 54 into theopening 34, thefeet 54 will pass through theopening 34 and, upon full clearance, will resiliently return to an uncompressed or less-compressed position, a result of the natural outward bias of the material of thesidewalls 48. As can be seen inFIGS. 12A and 12B , ashort wall 70 extends downwardly from abottom side 72 of a base ortray floor 73 of each of thetrays tray floor 73 has atop surface 78 which may be either of the interior top surfaces 36, 39 of thetrays feet 54 have been fully advanced into theopening 34, atop surface 74 of eachfoot 54 abuts abottom surface 76 of theshort wall 70, and thedivider bottom surface 50 abuts thetop surface 78 of thetray floor 73. In simple terms, thefeet 54 snap into theopening 34 so that thefeet 54 are in an interference position with the trayshort wall 70 and thetray floor 73. Theshort wall 70 provides additional structural integrity for theopening 34, which would otherwise simply be the thickness of thetray floor 73. - The
organizer 10 is preferably made of formed plastic material, such as molded plastic. This material, while inexpensive, often produces some degree of tolerance due to its inherent materials properties. Theextension portion 52 is sized laterally to closely abut lateral sides of theperiphery 38 and is sized in length to closely mate with and receive the trayshort wall 70 and thetray floor 73 between the dividersidewall bottom surface 50 and the foottop surface 74. However, due to tolerances, the rigidity provided by the cooperation between theretainers 42 and theopenings 34 may not always be as great as desired. Therefore, thesupport structures 44 are provided. - The
support structures 44 also extend from the divider sidewalls 48, though they span laterally across and between the divider sidewalls 48, as best seen inFIGS. 4B and 4C . Thesupport structures 44 are generally short tab-like walls extending from thedivider bottom surface 50 and having side edges 80. The lateral dimension of thesupport structure 44, fromedge 80 a to edge 80 b, is sized to be approximately the lateral width of the openings 34 (within the periphery 38) so that thesupport structures 44 fit closely therein when thedivider 14 is secured with thetray floor 73. As noted above, the operation of theretainers 42 depends on theretainer portions 46 being resiliently deflectable inwardly. It is preferred that theretainer portions 46 extend from and are oriented with the divider sidewalls 48 in a generally parallel manner, as will be discussed below. In the absence of any other structure, thedividers 14 would be susceptible to tipping. Thesupport structures 44 provide constraint, in addition to thedivider bottom surface 50, to resist this tipping or deflecting of thedivider 14 as a whole by closely abutting the interior of the openingperiphery 38. - The
divider 14 includes additional structure to resist thedivider 14 being deflected to its side. Eachend 90 of thedivider 14 includes a flared portion, as best viewed inFIG. 4B . More specifically, the divider sidewalls 48 have outwardly flaredportions 48 a (FIG. 4B ) which flare outwardly from each other at the divider ends 90, at least along abottom wall portion 92 thereof (FIG. 4C ). Thedivider 14 includesend walls 90 a which extend between and connect the divider sidewalls 48 at theends 90 of thedivider 14. Theend walls 90 a similarly flare outwardly to span between thebottom wall portions 92 of theopposed divider sidewalls 48. Thebottom surface 50 of the divider sidewalls 48 extends in a generally planar manner around and along the bottom of bothdivider walls 50, as well as bothend walls 90 a. When thedivider 14 is secured with thetray floor 73, theentire bottom surface 50 is positioned against or proximate to thetop surface 78 of thetray floor 73. Thus, when a deflecting force is applied to thedivider 14, the bottom flared-outportions 48 a and thebottom surface 50 press against or contact the tray floortop surface 78 to prevent or limit the amount of deflection possible. - As noted, the
retainer portions 46 preferably extend from and are oriented with the divider sidewalls 48 in a generally parallel manner. The divider sidewalls 48 are joined at theends 90 by the aforementioneddivider end walls 90 a. Thedivider 14 further includes a dividertop wall 98 joining the divider sidewalls 48 at the top, and may include one ormore webbings 100 extending between thedivider sidewalls 48. Thewebbings 100, extending between the sidewalls 48 and preferably a portion of thesupport structures 44, are positioned generally away from thedeflectable retainers 42. Otherwise, thewebbings 100 may restrict the ability of the retainers from deflecting inwardly during securement with thetray openings 34. More broadly, removal and repositioning of thedividers 14 requires theretainer portions 46 to deflect inwardly so that thefeet 44 may pass through and out of theopenings 34. It would be simple enough to directly mechanically compress thefeet 54 from the bottom of theorganizer 10. However, this would require removing theentire organizer 10 from a drawer in which it is located, possibly also requiring the removal of any contents stored in theorganizer 10, and accessing the bottom of theorganizer 10 so that thefeet 54 can be pressed inwardly on the bottom while thedivider 14 is also pulled away from the tray floortop surface 78. This is an awkward and cumbersome process for doing no more than repositioning adivider 14. - Thus, the construction of the divider sidewalls 48 and the
retainer portions 46 advantageously allows a user to remove thedivider 14 without removing the organizer in its entirety, or its contents. Instead, thesidewalls 48 are inwardly compressible by manual pressure in a region, generally indicated at 100 inFIGS. 1 and 2 , proximate to where theretainers 42 extend so that thefeet 44 move from their secured position in interference with the peripheryshort wall 70 to a clearance position. When compressed concurrent with pulling on thedivider 14, thedivider 14 is easily removed. Thedivider sidewall regions 100 may be slightly thinner than the balance of thesidewall 48 to promote localized compression during this operation. - Referring again to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , thetrays dividers 14 are depicted. Theinner tray 16 hasdividers 14 defining thesmaller areas 32. More specifically, theinner tray 16 has fourtray walls 110 bounding an area 112 (corresponding to the topinterior surface 36,FIG. 1 ) of the tray floor top surface 78 (corresponding to interior area 30), though in some forms one or more of thetray walls 110 may be omitted, such astray wall 110 a. As can be seen, afirst divider 120 aabuts tray wall 110 a andtray wall 110 b so that both ends 122 fit substantially flush against or close to thetray walls second divider 120 b, substantially identical to thefirst divider 120 a, extends generally parallel with the first divider 120 s so that thesecond divider 120 b is also substantially flush against or close to thetray walls smallest divider 128 extends between and fits substantially flush against the first andsecond dividers Larger dividers 130 extend betweentray wall 110 c and thesecond divider 120 b, again fitting substantially flush or close thereto. To promote understanding, the above-describedregions 100 in which the divider sidewalls 48 may be manually compressed are highlighted. Thus, as theregions 100 preferably correspond to locations ofretainers 42 extending from thebottom surface 50 of thedividers third dividers retainer 42 apiece, while thelarger dividers 130 include a pair ofretainers 42. -
FIGS. 4A-C depict thedivider 14, described above, in the specific form of thelarger divider 130, thus having foursupport structures 44 and a pair ofretainers 42, each having a pair ofopposed retainer portions 46 withfeet 54 thereon, theretainers 42 andsupport structures 44 receivable or removable concurrently withinopenings 34 in thetrays sidewalls 48 are slightly angled downwardly and outwardly from each other. In order to follow a similar sidewall angle for anotherdivider 14, the endwalls 90 a are provided with a similar slight inward and downward angle, as can be seen inFIG. 4A . Additionally, thetray walls 110 of the inner tray 16 (as well astray wall 190 a of theouter tray 18, discussed below) have an inner surface 160 (see alsoFIG. 11 ) constructed with an angle substantially matching the angle of one of thesidewalls 48. - With reference to
FIGS. 5A-C , thedivider 120 in accordance with the above-describeddividers divider 120 includes asingle retainer 170, and four ofsupport structures 172 for securing thedivider 120 with theopenings 34. Thedivider 120 includessidewalls 174, endwalls 176, and atop wall 178, the operation and construction of which being described above. - Finally,
FIGS. 6A-C depict the smallestthird divider 128. The securingstructure 40 for thedivider 128 includes merely asingle retainer 180. - It should be clear from the description that the number and location of the securing
structure 40 preferably aligns with the array ofopenings 34, and it should also be clear that the number of features included in the securingstructure 40 may easily be altered. For instance, theopenings 34 may be doubled in number so that the distance between them is halved. While this would not necessitate an increase in securingstructures 40 on thedividers - However, it should be noted that the depicted dividers do utilize securing
structures 40 inadjacent openings 34. Turning now toFIG. 3A ,retainers 42 a, as well assupport structures 44 a, are indicated for thelargest dividers 130 ofFIG. 1 . Similarly,retainers 42 b andsupport structures 44 b are indicated for the first andsecond dividers retainer 42 c is indicated for thethird divider 128, which has no support structure. As can be seen,openings 34 a are occupied by theretainers 42 and support structures, whileopenings 34 b are empty. - The
outer tray 18 also hastray walls 190 bounding anarea 192. As thetrays area 192 is expanded or decreased.Additional dividers 14, such as those described herein, may be secured with thetray floor 73 of theouter tray 18 to define smaller areas therewithin in the same manner as thesmaller areas 32 are defined for theinner tray 16. - As noted, the
inner tray wall 110 a may be omitted, in which case thearea 112 bound by theinner tray walls 110 is generally contiguous with thearea 192 bound by theouter tray walls 190, in the absence of anydividers 14. Others of thetray walls organizer 10 is to be used to cover the bottom of a drawer (not shown) which has its own sides. - The
trays area 192 of theouter tray 18. With specific reference toFIGS. 3A , and 7-10, theinner tray 16 includes a pair ofguides 200 positioned proximate anouter edge 202 of theinner tray bottom 204 while the outer tray includes a pair ofrails 206 received within respective guides. Theguides 200 have afirst portion 200 a that extends downward, preferably orthogonally, from theinner tray bottom 204, and asecond portion 200 b that extends laterally outward from thefirst portion 200 a. Therail 206 has afirst portion 206 a that extends upwardly from atop surface 208 formed on theouter tray 18 proximate theouter tray wall 190 a (FIG. 10 ) and asecond portion 206 b that extends laterally inwardly. The railsecond portion 206 b is received between the guidesecond portion 200 b and theinner tray bottom 204, and the guidesecond portion 200 b is consequently positioned between the railsecond portion 206 b and the outer traytop surface 208. As can be seen in phantom inFIGS. 3A and 3C , therail 206 need only extend a short distance relative to the length of theouter tray 18, while theguide 200 extends generally the length of theinner tray 16. - The
organizer 10 further includes structure to define discrete relative positions for the inner andouter trays inner tray 16 includes tworows 211 ofreceptacles 214 definingrecesses 216 positioned inboard of theguide 200. Theouter tray 18 includes a pair offingers 220 that are generally deflectable downwardly in the vertical direction, each having a boss 222 (FIG. 8 ) thereon. Theboss 222 has a slightly roundedtop surface 224 to allow theboss 222 to deflect, wedge-like, against thereceptacles 214 so that theboss 222 is forced out of therecesses 216 when thetrays boss 222 is received within therecess 216 so that thetray system 14 generally resists being shifted out of the selected position. - While the invention has been described with respect to specific examples including presently preferred modes of carrying out the invention, those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are numerous variations and permutations of the above described systems and techniques that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.
Claims (27)
1. An organizer defining an area for receipt of items therewithin, the organizer comprising:
a tray having a base positionable within the drawer, the base including at least one opening; and
a divider releasably securable with the tray and having a wall at least partially defining portions of the area, the divider having securing structure for securing the divider with the base, the securing structure including a first retainer cooperable with a first base opening to secure the divider with the tray, the first retainer including at least a first retaining portion extending from a first portion of the wall, the first wall portion being resiliently shiftable to and between a clearance position and an interference position, the clearance position permitting receipt and removal of the first retaining portion relative to the first base opening and the interference position generally preventing passage of the first retaining portion through the first base opening to secure the divider with the tray.
2. The organizer of claim 1 wherein the first retainer includes a second retaining portion receivable within the first base opening.
3. The organizer of claim 2 further including a second wall portion from which a second retaining portion extends, the second wall portion shiftable to shift the second retaining portion between a clearance position and an interference position with respect to the first base opening.
4. The organizer of claim 3 wherein the first and second shiftable wall portions and the first and second retaining portions extending therefrom are positioned in an opposed relationship, and the first and second wall portions are compressible toward each other to shift the first and second retaining portions to the clearance position.
5. The organizer of claim 1 wherein at least the first retaining portion includes a foot portion positioned below and in interference with a bottom side of the base when the divider is in the interference position and secured with the tray.
6. The organizer of claim 5 wherein at least the first retaining portion includes an extending portion secured with the wall and extendable through the opening from a top side of the base to the bottom side of the base, the foot portion extending generally laterally from the extending portion.
7. The organizer of claim 5 wherein the foot includes a leading end for insertion within the opening, the leading end include a bevel portion for contacting an edge of the opening during insertion to shift the shiftable wall portion and to permit receipt of the first retaining portion within the opening.
8. The organizer of claim 1 wherein the base has a plurality of openings and the securing structure includes a plurality of retainers respectively cooperable with the plurality of base openings for securing the divider with the tray.
9. The organizer of claim 8 wherein the first retaining portion includes a foot portion positioned below a bottom side in an interference position when the divider is secured with the tray.
10. The organizer of claim 8 wherein the wall includes a plurality of resiliently shiftable portions having respective retaining portions extending therefrom, the retaining portions being receivable within the base openings for securing the divider with the tray.
11. A configurable organizer for a drawer defining an area for receipt of items therewithin, the organizer comprising:
a tray system adapted for receipt within the drawer, the tray system including at least a first tray including a base having a plurality of openings formed therein;
a divider system adapted for defining portions of the area and including at least a first divider having a wall at least partially defining portions of the area and having securing structure for securing the first divider with the tray system, the securing structure including at least a first retainer selectively cooperable with the base openings, the first retainer including at least a first retaining portion extending from a first portion of the wall, the first wall portion being resiliently shiftable to and between a clearance position and an interference position, the clearance position permitting receipt and removal of the first retaining portion relative to the first base opening and the interference position generally preventing passage of the first retaining portion through the first base opening to secure the divider with the tray.
12. The configurable organizer of claim 11 wherein the securing structure includes a plurality of retainers selectively cooperable with the base openings, at least two of the retainers including retaining portions extending from respective shiftable wall portions.
13. The configurable organizer of claim 11 wherein the first retainer includes a second retaining portion receivable within the base openings.
14. The configurable organizer of claim 13 including shiftable wall portions from which the first and second retaining portions respectively extend, the shiftable wall portions in an opposed relationship.
15. The configurable organizer of claim 13 wherein the first and second retaining portions are configured to be received within respective base openings.
16. The configurable organizer of claim 13 wherein the first and second retaining portions are configured to be received within a single base opening.
17. The configurable organizer of claim 11 wherein the divider system includes a plurality of dividers, each having a wall at least partially defining portions of the area and having securing structure for securing the dividers with the tray system.
18. The configurable organizer of claim 11 wherein the tray system includes a second tray selectively positionable relative to the first tray to selectively provide the tray area.
19. A method of configuring an organizer defining an area for receipt of items therein, the method comprising:
providing a tray system having at least a first tray with a base including a plurality of openings formed therein;
providing a divider system including at least a first divider having a wall with a resiliently shiftable portion;
providing retaining structure including a first retaining portion extending from the resiliently shiftable portion of the wall;
aligning the retaining structure with the openings;
shifting the first retaining portion relative to the divider;
and inserting the securing structure within at least a first opening.
20. The method of claim 19 wherein the method further includes permitting the first retaining portion to resiliently shift to an interference position relative to the opening after insertion therethrough.
21. The method of claim 19 wherein the method further includes providing the first retaining portion with a bevel, the step of aligning the retaining structure includes positioning the bevel against an edge of the opening, and the step of shifting the first retaining portion includes forcing the bevel against the opening edge.
22. The method of claim 19 wherein the step of providing a tray system includes providing a second tray selectively positionable relative to the first tray.
23. The method of claim 19 wherein the step of providing a divider system includes providing a plurality of dividers selectively securable with the openings for defining portions of the area.
24. The method of claim 19 wherein the step of providing retaining structure includes providing a plurality of retaining portions extending from the wall.
25. The method of claim 24 wherein the step of shifting includes shifting a portion of the plurality of retaining portions relative to the divider.
26. The method of claim 19 wherein the step of providing retaining structure includes providing a second retaining portion extending from a wall portion and opposed to the first retaining portion, and the step of shifting the first retaining portion includes shifting towards the second retaining portion.
27. The method of claim 26 wherein the step of shifting includes resiliently compressing wall portions from which the first and second retaining portions respectively extend.
Priority Applications (5)
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EP07843680A EP2068674A4 (en) | 2006-10-04 | 2007-10-02 | Drawer organizer |
CA002664654A CA2664654A1 (en) | 2006-10-04 | 2007-10-02 | Drawer organizer |
CNA2007800373221A CN101522072A (en) | 2006-10-04 | 2007-10-02 | Drawer organizer |
PCT/US2007/080189 WO2008042899A2 (en) | 2006-10-04 | 2007-10-02 | Drawer organizer |
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US11/544,097 US20080083753A1 (en) | 2006-10-04 | 2006-10-04 | Organizer |
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US20080258593A1 (en) * | 2004-10-04 | 2008-10-23 | Berger Andrew L | Expandable drawer organizer |
US20110084584A1 (en) * | 2009-10-09 | 2011-04-14 | Progressive International Corporation | Drawer organizer |
US20110155743A1 (en) * | 2008-09-10 | 2011-06-30 | Inergy Automotive Systems Research (Societe Anonyme) | Noise reduction baffle and plastic fuel tank comprising such a baffle |
CN102631088A (en) * | 2012-05-14 | 2012-08-15 | 天津市信高设备制造实业有限公司 | Locker drawer |
US20130341258A1 (en) * | 2012-06-22 | 2013-12-26 | Donna Eve Radtke Sekora | Adjustable Liner for Use in Deep Fryers of Different Widths |
US8807355B2 (en) * | 2011-06-28 | 2014-08-19 | Thomas B. Merey | Expandible container |
US20150164244A1 (en) * | 2013-12-16 | 2015-06-18 | Daniel Zeidner | Divider for shelfing and method and system for dividing a shelf |
US20150305501A1 (en) * | 2014-04-23 | 2015-10-29 | Virginia Flynn Brown | Drawer organizer |
US20160280421A1 (en) * | 2015-03-24 | 2016-09-29 | Jane Lee D/B/A Poke-A-Dot Organizer LLC | Compartmentalization assembly |
US9839289B1 (en) | 2016-12-14 | 2017-12-12 | Sizable Enterprises Incorporated | Compartment divider assembly |
US10266305B2 (en) * | 2015-03-24 | 2019-04-23 | Jane Lee | Compartmentalization assembly |
US11136163B2 (en) * | 2017-01-03 | 2021-10-05 | Jose P Uthuppan | Flat top storage device |
US11206965B1 (en) * | 2021-04-20 | 2021-12-28 | Youcopia Products, Inc. | Adjustable rack |
US11311107B2 (en) * | 2016-12-14 | 2022-04-26 | Sizable Enterprises Incorporated | Compartment divider assembly |
US20220248846A1 (en) * | 2019-04-25 | 2022-08-11 | Kesseböhmer Holding Kg | Drawer insert |
US11503910B1 (en) | 2019-06-05 | 2022-11-22 | Nicholas Edward Carscallen Carmen | Modular organizer system |
USD971694S1 (en) | 2021-02-12 | 2022-12-06 | Helen Of Troy Limited | Drawer organizer |
USD971692S1 (en) | 2021-02-10 | 2022-12-06 | Helen Of Troy Limited | Drawer organizer |
USD971693S1 (en) | 2021-02-11 | 2022-12-06 | Helen Of Troy Limited | Drawer organizer |
USD976657S1 (en) | 2021-02-11 | 2023-01-31 | Helen Of Troy Limited | Drawer organizer |
US20230157463A1 (en) * | 2021-11-19 | 2023-05-25 | Apple Inc. | Modular product display unit |
WO2023172350A1 (en) * | 2022-03-11 | 2023-09-14 | Magpul Industries Corp. | Storage case organizational system |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP2068674A2 (en) | 2009-06-17 |
WO2008042899A2 (en) | 2008-04-10 |
CA2664654A1 (en) | 2008-04-10 |
CN101522072A (en) | 2009-09-02 |
WO2008042899A3 (en) | 2008-08-14 |
EP2068674A4 (en) | 2011-04-20 |
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Owner name: HELEN OF TROY LIMITED, BARBADOS Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:ESCOBAR, JUAN;NADEN, MARK;PERRY, MARCO;REEL/FRAME:018465/0017;SIGNING DATES FROM 20061026 TO 20061030 |
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