US20100170896A1

US20100170896A1 - Collapsible cargo organizer

Info

Publication number: US20100170896A1
Application number: US12/660,304
Authority: US
Inventors: Thai Vo Truong
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-05-03
Filing date: 2010-02-24
Publication date: 2010-07-08

Abstract

An organizer for holding and organizing cargo comprises a case and a collapsible wall. The case comprises two hinged case components that are adapted to contain the collapsible wall. The collapsible wall comprises at least two end walls and at least one side wall. Each side wall can include two or more side wall panels that can be pivotally joined together. The collapsible wall is configurable into a generally rectangular-in-plan-view open configuration, or a generally flat, collapsed configuration. Together, the case and the collapsible wall form an open-top bin for holding cargo. One or more restraining poles can be used to assist in securing cargo. The collapsible wall can be set to the collapsed configuration and stored in the case along with the pole(s). The case can then be placed in the closed position, whereupon the organizer is contained within the closed case, facilitating storage and transport thereof.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/381,393, entitled “Collapsible Cargo Organizer” and filed on May 3, 2006, which is specifically incorporated herein by reference for all that it discloses and teaches.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates generally to the field of vehicle cargo organizers and in particular to a collapsible vehicle cargo organizer.

BACKGROUND

When transporting cargo, such as groceries, sporting equipment, or the like in a vehicle, cargo holders and organizers can keep such items from tipping over and generally keep the cargo from rolling around during transit or otherwise becoming unorganized. Some vehicles include built-in organizers. However, such built-in organizers can not be relocated within the vehicle, nor can they be moved between vehicles, removed from the vehicle, etc. Thus, there is a need for a vehicle cargo organizer that is compact, easy to setup, and can be relocated quickly.
In its simplest form, a standard crate may be used as a cargo organizer. However, a non-collapsible crate is difficult to store since it does not collapse into a convenient configuration when not in use. Further, standard crates, such as milk crates for example, are not easily configured to accommodate cargo of varying sizes as the need arises. For example, a two liter bottle of soda will roll around inside a milk crate as a vehicle maneuvers. Furthermore, standard crates do not adequately contain messy cargo such as muddy shoes, dirty sports equipment, or leaking liquids.
Yet, even collapsible crates, such as that taught in U.S. Pat. No. 6,386,365 to Tan on May 14, 2002, are not necessarily easy to transport and store in their collapsed configurations, nor are they designed to be able to hold and contain liquids and other messy cargo. Such collapsible crate devices make no provision for easily carrying the device when collapsed. Further, such devices also have the drawback that they do not accommodate or adapt to cargo of varying sizes.
Other collapsible cargo organizers, such as those taught in U.S. Pat. No. 6,623,059 to Gehring et al. on Sep. 23, 2003; US Patent Application 2003/0062233 to Sharples on Apr. 3, 2003; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,938,807 to Victor on Sep. 6, 2005; have similar drawbacks. For example, no provision is made to easily retain cargo items of varying sizes in such items. Further, such devices do not collapse down into an extremely compact case that is easy to transport. Still further, such devices are not well designed for stability in a moving vehicle, for example.
Clearly, then, there is a need for a cargo organizer that is extremely easy to set-up and knock-down. Such a needed device should allow the user to securely transport cargo items of varying sizes, and should be stable within a moving vehicle. A user should be able to quickly and easily remove the cargo organizer and relocate it to another vehicle, a garage, house, etc. Further, such a needed device should be relatively strong and yet inexpensive to manufacture. The present invention accomplishes these objectives.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present invention described and claimed herein address the foregoing limitations and problems by providing a collapsible cargo organizer. The organizer is designed to hold and organize cargo, such as filled grocery bags, store-bought products, swimming accessories, sports gear, automotive accessories, etc.
In one embodiment, a collapsible cargo organizer comprises a case and a collapsible wall component. In the organizer's collapsed configuration, the case holds the collapsed collapsible wall component. The case comprises two case components, each of which includes a base that has a plurality of upwardly extending side edges that form a relatively short bulwark wall at the periphery of each base. Together, each bulwark wall and base form an open-top, three dimensional shape; in a preferred embodiment, the shape is a rectangular box. Each bulwark wall comprises a number of short walls; in a preferred embodiment, there are four: a hinge short wall, a first end short wall, an outside short wall, and a second end short wall.
The hinge short walls of the case components are designed to attach to each other. The means of attaching the case components can include a mutually-cooperating hinge attached to the tops of both hinge short walls. When the case components are in their closed position, a latching means can be utilized to securely close the organizer in its collapsed configuration. When fully opened, wherein one case component is rotated substantially 180 degrees about the hinge, or other attachment means, the case forms a two-part base that can support the extended collapsible wall component
The organizer further includes a collapsible wall component that comprises at least two end walls and two side walls. Each wall is generally rectangular in shape and includes an upper edge, a lower edge, a left edge, a right edge, an inside surface, and an outside surface. Each wall can be attached on its left edge to the wall on its left and on its right edge to the wall on its right. Thus, when the collapsible wall extension means is fully extended, the walls form a closed geometrical figure when viewed from above in a top plan view. All the inside surfaces of the walls form the inside of the geometrical figure while the outside surfaces of the walls form the outside of the geometrical figure.
In the preferred four-wall configuration, the resulting geometrical figure that is formed is a rectangle. In such a configuration, when examined from inside the rectangle, the left edge of the first end wall abuts the right edge of the first side wall; the left edge of the first side wall abuts the right edge of the second end wall; the left edge of the second end wall abuts the right edge of the second side wall; and the left edge of the second side wall abuts the right edge of the first end wall.
In one embodiment, the collapsible wall component can be configured as follows. A portion of the collapsible wall component is contained within each case component. In regards to the first case component, the lower edge of the first end wall is rotatably attached to the first outside short wall such that the first end wall can be stowed inside the first case component, or it can be rotated up substantially ninety degrees to stand perpendicular to the base. In regards to the second case component, the lower edge of the second end wall is rotatably attached to the second outside short wall such that the second end wall can be stowed inside the second case component, or it can be rotated up substantially ninety degrees to stand approximately perpendicular to the base. In order to extend the collapsible wall, both end walls are rotated up so that they stand substantially perpendicular to the two-part base. The first side wall is rotatably attached to the first end wall such that, with the first end wall in its perpendicular orientation, the first side wall can be swung out substantially ninety degrees to extend between the first end wall and the second end wall. The second side wall is rotatably attached to the second end wall such that, with the second end wall in its perpendicular orientation, the second side wall can be swung out substantially ninety degrees to extend between the second end wall and the first end wall. The four walls (i.e., the two end walls and two side walls) thus form a rectangle when viewed from the top plan view. Together with the two-part base, the extended collapsible wall component forms an open-topped cargo organizer.
The present invention provides many benefits over the prior art. The collapsible cargo organizer is extremely easy to set-up and knock-down. The present invention allows the user to securely transport cargo items of varying sizes, and is stable within a moving vehicle. Because of the bulwark wall, each case component is substantially waterproof and can properly contain liquids and other messy cargos. Furthermore, the present device provides for easy transport and storage while in a collapsed configuration, and is relatively inexpensive to manufacture.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The aforementioned and other features and objects of the present invention and the manner of attaining them will become more apparent and the invention itself will be best understood by reference to the following descriptions of a preferred embodiment and other embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a collapsible cargo organizer, showing a case forming a substantially sealed enclosure in a closed position;

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a collapsible cargo organizer, showing a case in an open position but with the collapsible wall stored within the case.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a collapsible cargo organizer, showing a case in an open position with the collapsible wall partially extended;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a collapsible cargo organizer, showing a case in an open position with the collapsible wall mostly extended; and

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a collapsible cargo organizer, showing a fully extended collapsible wall containing cargo that is further restrained through the use of a plurality of relocatable poles.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In one embodiment, a collapsible cargo organizer comprises a case and a collapsible wall component. The organizer can be in a collapsed configuration or in a fully assembled configuration. In the collapsed configuration, the case is closed around the collapsed collapsible wall component; while in the assembled configuration, the case is laid open to form a substantially flat base with the wall component fully extended in place above the base to form the cargo organizer's side walls.
FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a collapsible cargo organizer 100, showing a case 110 forming a substantially sealed enclosure in a closed position. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the case 110 has a first case component 120 and a second case component 130. Also shown in FIG. 1 is a handle 140 a first latch 150 and a second latch 156. The case 110 and other components shown in FIG. 1 can be made from a molded, rigid plastic. In other embodiments, other construction materials are contemplated.
The first case component 120 can be shaped as a low, rectangular box having a base 121 that has four downwardly extending side edges: a first end short wall 122, an outside short wall 123, a second end short wall 124, and a hinge short wall 125 (the second end short wall 124 and hinge short wall 125 are not explicitly shown in FIG. 1, but the second end short wall 124 is similar to the first end short wall 122 and the hinge short wall 125 is similar to the outside short wall 123; see FIG. 3, items 324 and 325). The short walls 122, 123, 124, and 125 form a relatively short bulwark wall at the periphery of the base 121. Together, the bulwark wall and base 121 form an open-top, three dimensional shape; in a preferred embodiment, the shape is a rectangular box. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the rectangular box is oriented upside down and forms the first case component 120.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the second case component 130 is shaped to be quite similar to the first case component 120, such that the two case components 120 and 130 can be considered as similar halves to the case. In other embodiments, the case components 120 and 130 can vary enough to no longer be able to be considered as two similar case halves. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the second case component 130 can be shaped as a low, rectangular box having a second base 131 (not explicitly shown in FIG. 1; see FIG. 3, item 331) that has four upwardly extending side edges: a first end short wall 132, an outside short wall 133, a second end short wall 134, and a hinge short wall 135 (the second end short wall 134 and hinge short wall 135 are not explicitly shown in FIG. 1, but the second end short wall 134 is similar to the first end short wall 132 and the hinge short wall 135 is similar to the outside short wall 133; see FIG. 3, items 334 and 335). The short walls 132, 133, 134, and 135 form a relatively short bulwark wall at the periphery of the base 131. Together, the bulwark wall and base 131 form an open-top, three dimensional shape; in a preferred embodiment, the shape is a rectangular box. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the rectangular box forms the second case component 130.
The hinge short walls 125 and 135 of the case components 120 and 130 are designed to attach to each other. The means of attaching the case components 120 and 130 can include a mutually-cooperating hinge attached to the tops of both hinge short walls 125 and 135. When the case components 120 and 130 are in their closed position, a latching means 150 and 156 can be utilized to keep the organizer 100 securely closed in its collapsed configuration. When fully opened, wherein the first case component 120 is rotated substantially 180 degrees about the hinge (see FIG. 2, item 215), or other attachment means, the case forms a two-part base that can support the extended collapsible wall component (see FIG. 2).
In other embodiments, the number of side edges 122, 123, 124, 125, 132, 133, 134, and 135 can vary as can the geometric shape of the bases 121 and 131. For example, triangular shaped bases 121 and 131 are contemplated. Such bases 121 and 131 would only require 3 side edges per base. Other configurations are possible. Furthermore, the shapes and relative dimensions of the various components can vary from those depicted in FIG. 1 without departing from the scope of the invention.
Also shown in FIG. 1 is a handle 140. The handle 140 can be used to grasp and move the organizer 100. Furthermore, tie-downs can be attached to the handle 140 to further secure the organizer 100 to a vehicle.
FIG. 1 illustrates a first latch 150 and a second latch 156. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, each case component 120 and 130 includes a latch means 150 and 156, each having mutually cooperating components. The latch means 150 and 156 may comprise any acceptable means of latching and unlatching the case 110. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, each of the latch means 150 and 156 comprises a lever and a catch, such that the catch on the second case component 130 is frictionally retained by the lever on the first case component 120. As such, each lever can be manually actuated to release the corresponding catch to allow opening of the case 110. In another embodiment, the latch means 150 and 156 are draw latches. In yet other embodiments, the latch means 150 and 156 are disposed in different locations; for example, on the first end short walls and the second end short walls.
FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a collapsible cargo organizer 200, showing a case 210 in an open position but with the collapsible wall stored within the case 210. A first case component 220 and a second case component 230 are shown as are first end short walls 222 and 232.
In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the handle 240 is split such that a portion of the handle 240 is attached to the outside short wall (see FIG. 1, item 123) of the first case component 220 and the remaining portion of the handle 240 is attached to the outside short wall (see FIG. 1, item 133) of the second case component 230. In other embodiments, the handle 240 can be configured in other ways; for example, the entire handle 240 could be offset and attached to only one of the case components 220 and 230.
Given the side view of FIG. 2, only one of the latch means (see FIG. 1, item 150) is illustrated. And because the case 210 is open, the two components of the latch means, the lever 252 and the catch 254, are not engaged with one another. As discussed above, in other embodiments, other latch means are contemplated.
The first case component 220 is attached to the second case component 230 in FIG. 2 by a mutually-cooperating hinge 215. Hinge support blocks 217 keep the opened case components 220 and 230 at approximately one hundred and eighty degrees relative to each other. The hinge 215 allows the case components 220 and 230 to rotate relative to each other such that the case can be placed in a closed configuration with the first case component 220 resting generally on top of the second case component 230; and, by rotating the first case component 220 one hundred and eighty degrees about the hinge 215, the case 210 is placed in an open configuration with the case components 220 and 230 positioned as shown in FIG. 2.
FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a collapsible cargo organizer 300, showing a case 310 in an open configuration with a collapsible wall 360 partially extended. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the case 310 has a first case component 320 and a second case component 330. Also shown in FIG. 3 is a handle 340, a first latch means 352 and 354 and a second latch means 356 and 358.
The first case component 320 is illustrated in FIG. 3 as a low, rectangular box having a base 321 that has four upwardly extending side edges: a first end short wall 322, an outside short wall 323, a second end short wall 324, and a hinge short wall 325 (the hinge short wall 325 is not explicitly shown in FIG. 3, but the hinge short wall 325 is similar to the outside short wall 323). The base 321 is shown having a grid pattern on its inside surface. The grid helps to strengthen the base 321 as well as providing a gripping surface for cargo placed thereon. In other embodiments, the grid differs or is not used. The short walls 322, 323, 324, and 325 form a relatively short bulwark wall at the periphery of the base 321. Together, the bulwark wall and base 321 form an open-top, three dimensional shape; in a preferred embodiment, the shape is a rectangular box. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the rectangular box forms the first case component 320.
As illustrated in FIG. 3, the second case component 330 can be shaped as a low, rectangular box having a second base 331 that has four upwardly extending side edges: a first end short wall 332, an outside short wall 333, a second end short wall 334, and a hinge short wall 335. The base 331 is shown having a grid pattern on its inside surface. The grid helps to strengthen the base 331 as well as providing a gripping surface for cargo placed thereon. In other embodiments, the grid differs or is not used. The short walls 332, 333, 334, and 335 form a relatively short bulwark wall at the periphery of the base 331. Together, the bulwark wall and base 331 form an open-top, three dimensional shape; in a preferred embodiment, the shape is a rectangular box.
Also shown in FIG. 3 is a handle 340. The handle 340 can be used to grasp and move the organizer 300. Furthermore, tie-downs can be attached to the handle 340 to further secure the organizer 300 to a vehicle.
FIG. 3 illustrates a first latch means 352 and 354 and a second latch means 356 and 358. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, each case component 320 and 330 includes a latch means 352, 354, 356, and 358.
The exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3 is shown with the collapsible wall 360 only partly extended. As such, only the end walls 362 and 366 are visible in FIG. 3. Beginning with the first case component 320, the lower edge of the first end wall 362 can be rotatably attached to the first case component 320 such that the first end wall 362 can be stowed inside the first case component 320, or it can be rotated up substantially ninety degrees to stand generally perpendicular to the first case component 320. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, a simple rotation means can be utilized to mount the first end wall 362 to the first case component 320, although it is not depicted. In another embodiment, the first end wall 362 is attached to the first case component 320 using a plurality of clips attached to the short outside wall 323 that grip the wire frame of the first end wall 362 and allow it to rotate. In yet another embodiment, the first end wall 362 is rotatably attached to the short end walls 322 and 324 of the first case component 320 using a mounting hole in each of the short end walls 322 and 324 and pins extending from each bottom corner of the first end wall 362 that rest within the mounting holes and allow the first end wall 362 to rotate up and down. Also, the pins could extend from the short end walls 322 and 324 and they could engage holes in the first end wall 362. In other embodiments, other mounting means are contemplated including removably mounting the first end wall 362 such that it can be completely removed from contact with the first case component 320.
Turning now to the second case component 330, the lower edge of the second end wall 366 is rotatably attached to the second case component 330 such that the second end wall 366 can be stowed inside the second case component 330, or it can be rotated up substantially ninety degrees to stand generally perpendicular to the second case component 330. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, a simple rotation means can be utilized to mount the second end wall 366 to the second case component 330, although it is not depicted. In another embodiment, the second end wall 366 can be attached to the second case component 330 using a plurality of clips attached to the short outside wall 333 that grip the wire frame of the second end wall 366 and allow it to rotate. In yet another embodiment, the second end wall 366 is rotatably attached to the short end walls 332 and 334 of the second case component 330 using a mounting hole in each of the short end walls 332 and 334 and pins extending from each bottom corner of the second end wall 366 that rest within the mounting holes and allow the second end wall 366 to rotate up and down. Also, the pins could extend out from the short end walls 332 and 334 and could engage holes in the second end wall 366. In other embodiments, other mounting means are contemplated including removably mounting the second end wall 366 such that it can be completely removed from contact with the second case component 330.
In order to extend the collapsible wall 360, both end walls 362 and 366 are rotated up so that they stand substantially perpendicular to the base components 321 and 331. The final steps necessary for extending the collapsible wall 360 are described in the detailed description of FIG. 4. The end walls 362 and 366 can be made of rigid plastic, metal, wire frame covered with fabric, or any other suitable material.
FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a collapsible cargo organizer 400, showing the case components 420 and 430 in an open position with the collapsible wall 460 partially extended. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the case 410 has a first case component 420 and a second case component 430. Also shown in FIG. 4 is a handle 440, a first latch means 454 and a second latch means 458.
The first case component 420 is illustrated in FIG. 4 as a low, rectangular box having a base 421 that has four upwardly extending side edges: a first end short wall 422, an outside short wall 423, a second end short wall 424, and a hinge short wall 425 (the hinge short wall 425 is not explicitly shown in FIG. 4, but the hinge short wall 425 is similar to the outside short wall 423).
As illustrated in FIG. 4, the second case component 430 can be shaped as a low, rectangular box having a second base 431 that has four upwardly extending side edges: a first end short wall 432, an outside short wall 433, a second end short wall 434, and a hinge short wall 435.
Also shown in FIG. 4 is a handle 340. The handle 340 can be used to grasp and move the organizer 400. A component of a first latch 454 and a component of a second latch 458 are illustrated in FIG. 4.
The exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4 is shown with the collapsible wall 460 only partly extended. The end walls 462 and 466 are visible in their upright, extended configuration while the side walls 464 and 468 are visible in their partially extended configuration.
In order to fully extend the collapsible wall 460, both end walls 462 and 466 are rotated up into the upright configuration shown in FIG. 4 so that they stand substantially perpendicular to the case 410. The first side wall 464 is rotatably attached to the first end wall 462 such that, with the first end wall 460 in its upright orientation, the first side wall 464 can be swung out substantially ninety degrees to extend between the first end wall 462 and the second end wall 466. In an alternate embodiment, the first side wall 464 is disposed on the other side of the first end wall 462 while in the stored position, such that it must be swung out two hundred and seventy degrees to extend between the first end wall 462 and the second end wall 466. The second side wall 468 is rotatably attached to the second end wall 466 such that, with the second end wall 466 in its upright orientation, the second side wall 468 can be swung out substantially ninety degrees to extend between the second end wall 466 and the first end wall 462. In an alternate embodiment, the second side wall 466 is disposed on the other side of the second end wall 466 while in the stored position, such that it must be swung out two hundred and seventy degrees to extend between the second end wall 466 and the first end wall 462. The four walls 462, 464, 466, and 468 thus form a rectangle when viewed from the top plan view. Together with the two- part base 421 and 431, the extended collapsible wall component 460 forms an open-topped cargo organizer 400. As with the end walls 462 and 466, the side walls 464 and 468 can be made of rigid plastic, metal, wire frame covered with fabric, or any other suitable material.
In one embodiment, any simple rotation means known in the art can be utilized to mount the first side wall 464 to the first end wall 462. For example, the first side wall 464 can be attached to the first end wall 462 using a plurality of clips attached to the first end wall 462 that grip the wire frame (or some other grip points) of the first side wall 464 and allow it to rotate. In other embodiments, other mounting means are contemplated including removably mounting the first side wall 464 such that it can be completely removed from contact with the first end wall 462. In yet another embodiment the first side wall 464 is attached to the first end wall 462 by a hinge.
In one embodiment, any simple rotation means known in the art can be utilized to mount the second side wall 468 to the second end wall 466. For example, the second side wall 468 can be attached to the second end wall 466 using a plurality of clips attached to the second end wall 466 that grip the wire frame (or other grip points) of the second side wall 468 and allow it to rotate. In other embodiments, other mounting means are contemplated including removably mounting the second side wall 468 such that it can be completely removed from contact with the second end wall 466. In yet another embodiment the second side wall 468 is attached to the second end wall 466 by a hinge.
Once both side walls 464 and 468 are fully extending they can clip to the opposite end walls 466 and 462, respectively. In one embodiment, simple clips are attached to the end walls 466 and 462 that can receive the side walls 464 and 468 and can removably hold the side walls 464 and 468 in position relative to the end walls 466 and 462. In another embodiment, catches can be disposed on the end walls 462 and 466 or on the side walls 464 and 468 to grasp and hold the walls 462, 464, 466, and 468 together. In yet other embodiments, other methods of securing the distal ends of the side walls 464 and 468 to the end walls 466 and 462, respectively, are contemplated.
In an alternate embodiment, each side wall 464 and 468 can include two or more side wall panels that are pivotally joined together such that the panels can fold or expand as needed. Furthermore, each side wall 464 and 468 can further include a case hinge cut-out for receiving the hinge 215 therethrough. In yet another embodiment, no hinge cut-out is necessary as the side walls 464 and 468 can extend above the hinge 215 as shown in FIG. 5.
In order to help further strengthen the organizer 400 in its open configuration, lockable bolts can be added to the short end walls 422 and 432 as well as 424 and 434. The bolts can extend between the two wall sets and provide rigidity. Furthermore, additional collapsible wall 460 clips can be added inside the bulwark walls to grasp and hold the collapsible wall 460 when it is fully extended. In yet another embodiment, an internal slot could be built into the bulwark walls to accept the extended collapsible wall 460.
FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a collapsible cargo organizer 500, showing a fully extended collapsible wall 560 containing cargo 590 that is further restrained through the use of a plurality of relocatable restraining poles 580 and 586.
The organizer 500 in the open position forms a substantially water-tight tray for holding cargo 590. To further secure the cargo 590, the organizer 500 preferably includes a plurality of relocatable restraining poles 580 and 586. Each pole 580 and 586 is sized to fit between and be frictionally and/or mechanically retained by either the two side walls 564 and 568 or the two end walls 562 and 566. Each pole 580 and 586 can include a clip similar to those discussed above which is attached to the pole and can clip to any of the walls 562, 564, 566, and 568. The clips can be generally “C” shaped and can grip the wire frame or other grip points on the walls 562, 564, 566, and 568. Furthermore, the top edge of the walls 562, 564, 566, and 568 could have a rubber-like strip extending along the edge in order to better retain snap-on clips. In other embodiments, the clips at the ends of the poles can be configured differently.
In one embodiment, the two side walls 564 and 568 do not extend as high as the two end walls 562 and 566 such that two poles 580 and 586 can be installed so that they cross each other without interference. As such, each pole 580 and 586 may be engaged between opposing walls 562 and 566 or 564 and 568 to strengthen the organizer 500 when in its open position. Alternatively, both poles 580 and 586 can be installed between the same pair of walls 562 and 566 or 564 and 568. In yet another embodiment, one of the poles 580 has extended clips that allow the pole to pass under the other pole 586 when both are used in conjunction on neighboring walls 562, 564, 566, and 568, all of which are of the same height. When the organizer 500 is closed, the poles 580 and 586 can be placed within the organizer 500 for storage purposes.
In an alternate embodiment of the invention, each pole 580 and 586 incorporates a piece of hook material on each end and various pieces of corresponding loop material are located on the inside surfaces of the walls 562, 564, 566 and 568 for receiving the hook-material on the ends of the poles 580 and 586, thereby securing the poles 580 and 586 in set positions. In yet other embodiments, other pole receiving means can be used to secure the restraining poles 580 and 586 to the walls 562, 564, 566, and 568.
Each wall 562, 564, 566 and 568 may further include at least one bag handle hook (not shown) for retaining the handle of at least one grocery bag therein to keep the bag closed during transit. These hooks may be attached by hook and loop material or by any other suitable retaining means. In another embodiment, various straps of hook and look material may be used in place of, or in addition to, bag handle hooks.
FIG. 6 illustrates a close-up, perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a collapsible cargo organizer 600, showing one corner 669 of a fully extended collapsible wall and highlighting a plurality of clips 670. As discussed above, the clips 670 can serve a number of uses including removably attaching an end wall 662 to a side wall 668, attaching an end wall 662 to a case component 621, etc. In one embodiment, the clips 670 are simple “C” shaped metal components that flex open to receive the wire frame of a wall and then snap closed around the frame. In other embodiments, other types of clips 670 can be used.
The above specification, examples and data provide a description of the structure and use of exemplary embodiments of the described articles of manufacture and methods. Many embodiments can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A collapsible cargo organizer, comprising:

a case comprising a plurality of case components, each case component including a base having a plurality of upwardly extending short walls at a periphery thereof forming a bulwark wall;

each bulwark wall comprising at least a first end short wall, a hinge short wall, and an outside short wall;

each hinge short wall including a mutually-cooperating hinge means;

the case including at least one latch means;

the case configurable into an open position in which the bases of each case component are generally coplanar, and a closed position in which one case component is rotated about the hinge means substantially 180 degrees until the bulwark walls of each case component are brought substantially into mutual contact;

a collapsible wall component comprising at least two end walls and at least one side wall, each wall including an upper edge, a lower edge, a left edge, a right edge, an inside surface, and an outside surface and wherein the at least one side wall can be swung out from one of the end walls by a second hinge means configured along the right edge of the end wall and the left edge of the side wall;

the collapsible wall component configurable into a generally square-in-plan-view open configuration and a generally flat, collapsed configuration;

whereby with the collapsible wall component in the open configuration and positioned such that the lower edges of each wall thereof are in close proximity to the bulwark wall of each case component, the case in the open position, the organizer forms an open bin for holding cargo and the case forms a water-tight tray, and with the collapsible wall component in the collapsed configuration and stored in the case, the case in the closed position, the organizer is contained within the closed case.

2. The organizer of claim 1 wherein the case includes a handle projecting from an outer surface of the bulwark walls thereof.

3. The organizer of claim 1 wherein the latch means includes a lever and a catch, such that the catch is frictionally retained by the lever when the case is in the closed position, the lever being manually actuated to release the catch to allow opening of the case.

4. The organizer of claim 1 wherein each case component is structurally similar such that each case component may be formed using the same mold.

5. The organizer of claim 1 further including at least one restraining pole having two ends, the pole sized to fit between and be frictionally retained by the walls of the collapsible wall component.

6. The organizer of claim 2 further including at least one restraining pole having two ends, the pole sized to fit between and be frictionally retained by the walls of the collapsible wall component.

7. The organizer of claim 5 wherein the end of each pole further includes a clip for receiving and being retained by the upper edges of each wall of the collapsible wall component, whereby each pole may be engaged between upper edges of opposing walls to strengthen the organizer when the case and collapsible wall component are in the open configuration.

8. The organizer of claim 5 wherein the inside surface of each wall of the collapsible wall component includes a plurality of pole receiving means, each pole receiving means for receiving one end of the pole.

9. The organizer of claim 6 wherein the inside surface of each wall of the collapsible wall component includes a plurality of pole receiving means, each pole receiving means for receiving one end of the pole.

10. A collapsible cargo organizer, comprising:

each hinge short wall including a mutually-cooperating hinge means;

the case including at least one latch means;

a collapsible wall component comprising at least a first and second end wall and at least a first and second side wall, each wall including an upper edge, a lower edge, a left edge, a right edge, an inside surface, and an outside surface and wherein the first side wall can be swung out from the first end wall by a second hinge means configured along the right edge of the first end wall and the left edge of the first side wall and wherein the second side wall can be swung out from the second end wall by a third hinge means configured along the right edge of the second end wall and the left edge of the second side wall;

the right edge of the second side wall is capable of being removably attached to the left edge of the first end wall via a first plurality of clips and the right edge of the first side wall is capable of being removably attached to the left edge of the second end wall via a second plurality of clips;

11. The organizer of claim 10 wherein the case includes a handle projecting from an outer surface of the bulwark walls thereof.

12. The organizer of claim 10 wherein the latch means includes a lever and a catch, such that the catch is frictionally retained by the lever when the case is in the closed position, the lever being manually actuated to release the catch to allow opening of the case.

13. The organizer of claim 10 wherein each case component is structurally similar such that each case component may be formed using the same mold.

14. The organizer of claim 10 further including at least one restraining pole having two ends, the pole sized to fit between and be frictionally retained by the walls of the collapsible wall component.

15. The organizer of claim 11 further including at least one restraining pole having two ends, the pole sized to fit between and be frictionally retained by the walls of the collapsible wall component.

16. The organizer of claim 14 wherein the end of each pole further includes a clip for receiving and being retained by the upper edges of each wall of the collapsible wall component, whereby each pole may be engaged between upper edges of opposing walls to strengthen the organizer when the case and collapsible wall component are in the open configuration.

17. The organizer of claim 14 wherein the inside surface of each wall of the collapsible wall component includes a plurality of pole receiving means, each pole receiving means for receiving one end of the pole.

18. The organizer of claim 15 wherein the inside surface of each wall of the collapsible wall component includes a plurality of pole receiving means, each pole receiving means for receiving one end of the pole.