US20110174678A1

US20110174678A1 - Gift wrap organizer

Info

Publication number: US20110174678A1
Application number: US12/691,525
Authority: US
Inventors: Peggy Jean Champlin
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-01-21
Filing date: 2010-01-21
Publication date: 2011-07-21

Abstract

Organizers for wrapping paper and related paraphernalia. Organizers of one embodiment include a storage unit with a stack of drawers with vertically oriented tubes to hold wrapping paper rolls adjacent, and exterior, to the stack of drawers. The organizer may have pockets for holding the paraphernalia exterior to the stack of drawers. A set of wheels is coupled to the stack of drawers while a handle may be recessed into the organizer. Organizers of some embodiments include a frame and elongated hollow tubes. Containers (for instance, drawers) for the paraphernalia are disposed within an interior space defined by the storage unit. Organizers of the current embodiment may include one or more pockets for gift bags. Yet another embodiment provides organizers including a frame, elongated hollow tubes, and one or more pockets disposed exterior to the frame.

Description

BACKGROUND

Wrapping gifts and other packages involves the use of a number of disparate items or gift wrapping paraphernalia. For instance, sheets of wrapping paper stored on tubes may be used along with scissors, tape, bows, ribbons, gift bags, tissue paper, tools, supplies, etc. People who wrap such packages often must gather these materials each time they wrap a package, which might occur many times per year. Even when all of these items can be readily located, the gathering of these items consumes time. Should one or more of these items be missing, the user must spend extra time trying to find them before beginning to wrap the packages.
Much of this paraphernalia might be used only for wrapping gifts, although exceptions to such limited use are possible. Nonetheless, gift wrapping paraphernalia often clutters a home, office, or other space when not in use. For instance, typically people use rolls of gift wrapping paper in wrapping gifts. The elongated shape of these rolls makes them somewhat awkward to store because (if laid on their sides) they tend to roll off of shelves and (if stood on end) they tend to fall over. Because of these tendencies, the wrapping paper rolls themselves may be creased or otherwise damaged if not stored adequately. Bows likewise tend to present particular storage issues since they tend to be bulky and easily crushed, creased, or otherwise damaged if not adequately stored.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed subject matter. This summary is not an extensive overview of the disclosed subject matter, and is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope of such subject matter. A purpose of the summary is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
Embodiments provide organizers for holding rolls of gift wrapping paper and related paraphernalia. More particularly, one embodiment provides an organizer, which includes a storage unit with four drawers stacked on each other and resting on a set of wheels. The stack of drawers may have a door on its front side. A plurality of tubes surround the drawers and are shaped and dimensioned to hold wrapping paper rolls. Moreover, organizers of some embodiments include a handle recessed into the organizer to allow users to pull the organizers from storage locations or other areas.
In addition, organizers of the current embodiment may include transparent drawers. Stops are provided in the tubes to support the wrapping paper rolls. In addition, a set of wheels is coupled to the frame while a handle may be recessed into the frame of the current embodiment.
Another embodiment provides organizers for holding items related to wrapping paper. In the current embodiment, the organizer includes a frame and at least a pair of elongated hollow tubes. The tubes are located on the exterior of the frame and are oriented generally vertically. Containers (for instance, drawers) for storing wrapping paper related items are disposed within an interior space defined by the storage unit. In addition, the organizer may include one or more pockets which are disposed exterior to the frame.
Yet another embodiment provides wrapping paper related organizers. In the current embodiment the organizer includes a frame, a pair of elongated hollow tubes, and one or more pockets disposed exterior to the frame.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative of various ways in which the disclosed subject matter may be practiced, all of which are intended to be within the scope of the disclosed subject matter. Other advantages and novel features may become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description is described with reference to accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number generally identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The use of the same reference numbers in different figures typically indicates similar or identical items.

FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of an organizer containing wrapping paper rolls and related paraphernalia.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an organizer.

FIG. 3 illustrates another perspective view of an organizer.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top plan view of an organizer.

FIG. 5 illustrates a cross sectional view of a tube of an organizer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This document discloses organizers for wrapping paper and/or related paraphernalia. More particularly, this document discloses a number of illustrative embodiments which provide organizers having various features.
For instance, FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of an organizer 100 containing wrapping paper rolls 102 and related paraphernalia 104. The wrapping paper rolls 102 come in many different lengths, diameters, etc. The paraphernalia 104 includes any number and variety of items which users find desirable to have at hand during their wrapping of various gifts, packages, and other objects. Illustrative paraphernalia 104 include (but are not limited to) scissors, tape, bows, ribbons, gift bags, tissue paper, tools, supplies, etc. The organizer 100 includes various features discussed further herein for holding the wrapping paper rolls 102 and the paraphernalia 104. In addition to organizing the wrapping paper rolls 102 and the paraphernalia 104, the organizer 100 provides a convenient place in which users may store their wrapping paper rolls 102 and their paraphernalia 104 while also providing protection from mechanical (and otherwise) abuse to the same.
With continuing reference to FIG. 1, the drawing illustrates that the organizer 100 of the current embodiment includes a storage unit 106 with drawers 108 and elongated hollow tubes 110. The storage unit 106 has a frame on which other components of the organizer may be assembled and may be (or include) a stack of drawers 108. For instance, the storage unit 106 defines an interior space and may include mounting hardware for the drawers 108, such that the drawers 108 slidably engage the storage unit 106 in that interior space. Each drawer may include a drawer stop to limit sliding movement of the drawers in relation to the frame. If desired, the users may place items of paraphernalia 104 in the drawers 108 for storage or for other purposes. To that end, the drawers 108 may be of various sizes and shapes to provide storage choices for the paraphernalia 104.
The tubes 110 serve to hold and protect the wrapping paper rolls 102. Embodiments provide organizers 100 with tubes 110 that may be of various diameters, shapes (circular, oval, square, rectangular, etc.), lengths, etc. to hold the various wrapping paper rolls 102, which users may store in the tubes 110. In some embodiments, the organizer 100 includes tubes 110 dispersed along various sides of the organizer 100. For instance, FIG. 1 illustrates that the organizer 100 includes tubes 110 along the side and back walls of the organizer 100.
Additionally, the tubes 110 may be oriented in a generally vertical fashion as illustrated by FIG. 1. That is, a longitudinal axis defined by the length of the tubes 110 may be oriented generally vertically. However, the tubes 110 need not be oriented in such a fashion. For instance, they may be canted somewhat from the vertical to ease the users' task of withdrawing wrapping paper rolls 102 from the tubes 110 and inserting the same into the tubes 110. Moreover, while FIG. 1 illustrates the ends of the tubes 110 being flush with the top and bottom of the storage unit 106, no need exists for such an arrangement. Rather, the tubes 110 may have different heights than the storage unit 106. In some embodiments, the tubes 110 are coupled directly to the storage unit 106. For instance, a band 112, tape, screws, bolts, or other coupling devices may couple the tubes 110 to the storage unit 106.
FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an organizer. FIG. 2 also illustrates that the organizer 100 includes the storage unit 106 and the tubes 110. In addition, FIG. 2 illustrates that the organizer 100 includes a set of wheels 114, casters, rollers, etc. coupled to the bottom of the storage unit 106. The wheels may swivel to allow for 360 degree movement of the organizer. The wheels 114 allow users to relocate the organizer 100 as might be desired. The wheels may also be removably coupled to the storage unit for removal of the wheels, when desired.
FIG. 3 illustrates another perspective view of an organizer. The organizer 100 illustrated by FIG. 3 also illustrates the storage unit 106, the drawers 108, and the tubes 110. Additionally, FIG. 3 illustrates that the organizer 100 may include shelves 116 on which the drawers 108 may be placed. The shelves 116 may extend across the width of the storage unit 106 within the interior space defined thereby. In the alternative, one or more shelves 116 may extend across only a portion of the storage unit 106. Thus, in such embodiments, the shelves 116 form ledges along the side walls of the storage unit 106. Indeed, in some embodiments, these ledges may be formed integrally with the side walls of the storage unit such that the storage unit 106 includes two side wall assemblies 118 (including the side walls themselves and the ledges). In another embodiment, the shelves 116 may be formed integrally with the storage unit 106. In yet another embodiment, the organizers 100 may include a stack of drawers 108 separated by shelves 116 and slidably coupled thereto. In another embodiment, the organizer 100 may include a cabinet door pivotally mounted on the frame for selectively allowing access to the interior space. The door may be made of a transparent material for greater visibility.
FIG. 4 illustrates a top plan view of an organizer. In the embodiment illustrated by FIG. 4, the organizer 100 includes pockets 120. The pockets may hold gift bags, sheets of wrapping paper, paraphernalia, etc. as desired by the users. The pockets 120 may be removably attached exterior to the storage unit 106 as illustrated. Alternatively, the pockets may be located between the storage unit 106 and the tubes 110. Moreover, the pockets 120 may be sized and shaped differently from one another to provide a variety of storage options for the paraphernalia 104.
As illustrated by FIG. 4, the organizer 100 includes a working surface 122 surrounded by the tubes 110 and pockets 120 although other arrangements are within the scope of the disclosure. Thus, a user may stand near the front of the organizer 100 and may access the paraphernalia 104 in the drawers 108 and/or in the pockets 120 and may access the wrapping paper rolls 102 in the tubes 110 while wrapping packages or other objects. Indeed, the location of the tubes 110 conveniently prevents objects from rolling off of the working surface 122 while the user is using the organizer 100 or during quiescent periods. Furthermore, while the top surface of the organizer 100 has been described as a working surface 122 it may be used for storing paraphernalia 104 if desired.
In addition, the organizer 100 of some embodiments includes a handle 124 (see FIG. 4). The handle 124 may be recessed into the storage unit 106 near the front of the organizer 100. However, other locations and types of handles are within the scope of the disclosure. Thus, when the user desires to use the organizer 100, the user may grasp the handle 124 and roll the organizer 100 on the wheels 114 (see FIG. 1) to some desired location. Moreover, the recessed handle 124 preserves the working surface as a generally flat and unobstructed place on which users may wrap objects.
FIG. 5 illustrates a cross sectional view of a tube of an organizer of some embodiments. More particularly, FIG. 5 illustrates that the tubes 110 can include a main portion 126 and an extension 128 to allow the tube to hold and protect wrapping paper rolls 102 of various lengths. Typically, the main portion 126 couples to the drawer unit 106. The extension 128 can telescope from (or into) the top (or bottom) of the main portion 126 of the tube 110. When not in motion, friction with the main portion 126 can hold the extension 128 in place. In some embodiments, however, the tube 110 includes a latch, detent, etc. to hold the extension 128 in place (whether in its extended position, retracted position, or otherwise).
FIG. 5 also illustrates that each of the tubes 110 include internal stops 130 at or near their bottoms to support the wrapping paper rolls 102. However, the stops 130 may be positioned anywhere along the inside of each tube 110 without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In some embodiments, the stops 130 extend across and block the entire interior of each tube 110. In some embodiments, however, the stops 130 may be a pair of tabs, an annular disc, or other shape which only partially closes each tube 110.
With reference again to FIG. 1, a user may store the organizer 100 (with or without wrapping paper rolls 102 and/or paraphernalia 104) in a convenient location when it is not in use. For instance, the user may place the organizer 100 in a closet, basement, or some other location while it is not in use. As desired, the user may store wrapping paper rolls 102 in the tubes 110 and/or paraphernalia 104 in the drawers 108 and the pockets 120 or even on the working surface 122. The user may also access the wrapping paper rolls 102 and the paraphernalia 104 stored therein for use. When the user desires to use the organizer to wrap objects or otherwise, the user may relocate the organizer 100 from its storage location using the handle 124 (see FIG. 4) and the wheels 114. As the user wraps packages or other objects, the user may continue placing the wrapping paper rolls 102 and paraphernalia 104 in the tubes 110 and drawers 108 respectively and withdrawing these objects there from. When finished, or as otherwise desired, the user may store some or all of the wrapping paper rolls 102 and paraphernalia 104 in the organizer 100 and may then store the organizer 100.
Thus, the embodiments, as described above, provide organizers for wrapping paper and related paraphernalia. These organizers provide protection from mechanical abuse to the wrapping paper and to the paraphernalia, while also allowing the user to organize these items in the drawers, tubes, pockets, and other containers of these organizers. Moreover, because the organizers of various embodiments provide a place to store all such items that a user might need during a session of wrapping objects, these embodiments save the user time and frustration in locating such objects.

CONCLUSION

Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as illustrative forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

1. A gift wrap organizer for storing items related to gift wrapping, the organizer comprising:

a storage unit defining an interior space for storing gift wrapping paraphernalia;

a plurality of elongated hollow tubes for storing gift wrapping paper rolls, the plurality of tubes substantially vertically oriented and each tube having a stop for supporting the gift wrapping paper rolls, the plurality of tubes disposed exterior to the storage unit;

a set of wheels coupled to the storage unit to allow rolling movement of the organizer; and

a working surface on top of the storage unit.

2. The organizer of claim 1, wherein the storage unit further comprises sides.

3. The organizer of claim 2, wherein the sides are defined by a plurality of vertical posts.

4. The organizer of claim 2, wherein the sides are defined by a plurality of solid sheets of material.

5. The organizer of claim 1, further comprising a frame.

6. The organizer of claim 5, wherein one or more drawers is slidably mounted on the frame and in the interior space.

7. The organizer of claim 5, wherein one or more shelves is mounted on the frame and in the interior space.

8. The organizer of claim 5, wherein at least one cabinet door is pivotally mounted on the frame for selectively allowing access to the interior space.

9. The one or more drawers of claim 6, wherein each drawer has a drawer stop to limit sliding movement of the drawers in relation to the frame.

10. The one or more drawers of claim 6, wherein the drawers are made of transparent material.

11. The one or more shelves of claim 7, wherein the shelves are slidably mounted on the frame and in the interior space

12. The cabinet door of claim 8, wherein the door is made of transparent material.

13. The organizer of claim 5, further comprising a handle mounted on the frame of the organizer for facilitating relocation of the organizer.

14. The handle of claim 13, wherein the handle is defined by a recess in the working surface.

15. The organizer of claim 1, wherein the tubes are of various length to accommodate gift wrapping paper rolls of various length.

16. The tubes of claim 15, further comprising at least one extension for at least one of the tubes, the extension slidably engaging the at least one tube.

17. The organizer of claim 1, further comprising one or more vertically oriented pockets for storing additional gift wrapping paraphernalia.

18. The organizer of claim 17, wherein the one or more pockets are removably mounted on the tubes.

19. The organizer of claim 1, wherein the wheels swivel.

20. The set of wheels of claim 20, wherein the wheels are removably coupled to the storage unit.