US20140209493A1

US20140209493A1 - Garment and Accessories Organizer and Shoulder Bag

Info

Publication number: US20140209493A1
Application number: US13/751,971
Authority: US
Inventors: Susan Jean Hale; Mieke Katherine Malmberg
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-01-28
Filing date: 2013-01-28
Publication date: 2014-07-31

Abstract

Embodiments of this invention relate to a rectangular-shaped garment and accessories organizer with a front layer and a back layer, each layer having an inner surface and an outer surface, with multiple compartments and pockets for storing, protecting, and carrying articles of clothing, shoes, and accessories. The organizer has a hook and a strap, and is constructed such that it either functions as a hanging organizer, or can be carried as a shoulder bag when folded. The pockets on the front layer of the organizer are made of a clear material so that their contents can be seen and located easily. In some embodiments, pouches containing an LED light are sewn into or otherwise attached to various parts of the organizer to allow the user to dress in dimly-lit and/or dark rooms and areas. In other embodiments, pouches containing non-breakable minors are also included.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
Embodiments of this invention generally relate to garment organizers, and more particularly to a compartmentalized organizer with multiple pockets for storing and protecting garments, shoes, and accessories, wherein the organizer is constructed such that it can be used as either a hanging organizer, or can be folded and carried as a shoulder bag.
2. Description of the Related Art
Various organizers exist in the market to protect garments, shoes, and accessories from dirt and dust while stored, and to keep things organized, tidy, and easy-to-find. These include garment bags with hangers in which hanging garments can be stored, as well over over-the-door style organizers in which shoes and accessories can be stored. Most of these garment organizers are designed to be hung on closet rods in closets or wardrobes, while others are constructed such that they can be installed in closets or over-the-door.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,865,235 issued to Levy et al., entitled Garment-Containing Bags, discloses a garment bag which contains sets of angular, continuous, heat-sealed cross seams which contain a circular connection at the upper end to prevent tearing of the bag during use. U.S. Pat. No. 4,282,911 issued to Sumitomo, entitled Combined Hanger and Bag for a Hanger Bag discloses a hanger bag which secures a hanger to a bag allowing garments to be hung within the bag, and further allows the bag to be detached so it can be closed and carried apart from the hanger. U.S. Pat. No. 5,692,604 issued to Houk, entitled Daily Wear Organizer discloses an elongated flat organizer that can be hung on a closet pole and has multiple pockets for storing various articles of clothing that can be coordinated together to form a garment outfit selected to be worn on a given day. U.S. Pat. No. 5,509,588 issued to Kimball, entitled Outfit Organizer Cover discloses an outfit organizer cover for protecting the shoulder and neckline of garments from dirt and dust, and to house accessories in pockets in the organizer. The organizer does not stretch down to cover the entire garment, but merely, protects the shoulder and neckline portions.
While conventional organizers provide means to protect and store clothing and accessories, they do not provide easy, convenient, effective, and multi-purpose means for storing individual outfits in the home as well as carrying them for travel.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, an embodiment of the present invention is directed to an improved garment and accessories organizer that serves as both an individual outfit organizer and a shoulder bag for storing and carrying coordinated outfits, which substantially obviates one or more of the problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.
An objective of embodiments of the present invention is to provide a garment and accessories organizer with multiple pockets for storing garments, shoes, and accessories that can be coordinated with each other to form an outfit for a particular day, activity, or special occasion. Another objective of embodiments of this invention is to provide an organizer that can be hung on a conventional rod in a closet or wardrobe for use in the home to keep individual outfits tidy and free from dust and dirt, and that can also be folded such that the organizer transforms into a bag, which is carried over the shoulder for easy travel. A further objective of embodiments of this invention is to provide a pouch within the organizer which can be used as a laundry bag for storing and carrying soiled garments and accessories. Yet another objective of embodiments of this invention focuses on providing a light source within the organizer to allow a person to easily locate his or her garments and accessories while dressing in a dimly-lit or dark area. Moreover, another objective of some embodiments of the organizer concentrates on providing non-breakable mirrors within pouches sewn in or attached to the organizer so as to provide the user the ability to check their appearance when dressing-on-the-go.
Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the descriptions that follow, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by the structures particularly pointed out in the written description and claims thereof as well as the appended drawings.
To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the present invention, as embodied and broadly described, an embodiment of this invention provides a garment and accessories organizer comprising a rectangular-shaped member having a front layer and a back layer, each layer having a top end and a bottom end, and an inner surface and an outer surface; an adjustable strap attached to the sides at the top end of the rectangular member; a hook attached in the middle at the top of the rectangular member; wherein the front layer has one or more label pockets at the top end, one or more detachable multiple-compartment pockets attached to the front layer with a fabric hook and loop fastener just below the label pockets, and one or more attached pockets at the bottom end wherein one of the attached pockets is further compartmentalized into two pockets; wherein the back layer is bisected with a lengthwise zipper with a flap at the top of the zipper allowing the top of the organizer to open fully when garments are inserted therein, a flap-closed pocket on each side of the zipper and a loop approximately a third of the way up from the bottom of the back layer; and wherein the pockets on the front layer of the organizer are made of a transparent material. The organizer can be folded into thirds, allowing the hook at the top of the rectangular member to latch with the loop approximately a third of the way up the bottom of the back layer such that the organizer is transformed into a bag and carried with the adjustable strap over the shoulder.
Another embodiment of the invention further provides a zippered pocket inside the organizer that holds one or more zippered mesh bags for storing and carrying soiled garments and accessories. In another embodiment, the organizer further comprises a pouch containing a pressure-activated light emitting diode (LED) light, which can be sewn on or attached to various parts of the organizer to allow a person to dress in dimly lit or dark areas. The organizer can be made for adult-sized garments or child-sized garments. The hook at the top of the organizer is constructed such that it easily fits the rod of a conventional closet or wardrobe, and also easily latches into the loop on the back layer of the organizer.
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary, illustrative, and explanatory and as such, are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed, and are not intended to limit the embodiments of the invention in any manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the garment and accessories organizer.

FIG. 2 is a front plan view of an embodiment of the organizer shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a left side plan view of the organizer according to an embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 4 is a back plan view thereof.

FIG. 5 is a right side plan view of the organizer, which is a mirror image of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of an embodiment of the organizer.

FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of an embodiment of the organizer.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the organizer when it is folded.

FIG. 9 is a front view of an embodiment of the organizer when it is folded.

FIG. 10 is a left side view of the same organizer when it is folded.

FIG. 11 is a back view of an embodiment of the organizer when it is folded.

FIG. 12 is a right side view of the same organizer when it is folded.

FIG. 13 is a top view of the same organizer when it is folded.

FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the same organizer when it is folded.

FIG. 15 is a back perspective view of the organizer depicting the lengthwise zipper when it is open to reveal the inner pocket containing the laundry bags according to an embodiment of this invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following detailed description is merely illustrative and exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the embodiments of the subject matter or the application, or uses of such embodiments. As used in this disclosure, the words “exemplary” and “illustrative” mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described as exemplary or illustrative is not meant to be necessarily construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. Further, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding background of the invention, brief summary, or the following detailed description.
An embodiment of this invention is directed to a garment and accessories organizer comprising a rectangular-shaped member having a front layer and a back layer, each layer having a top end and a bottom end. Turning to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a garment and accessories organizer, showing the front layer (A) of the rectangular-shaped member having a top end and a bottom end, and an inner surface and an outer surface an adjustable strap (B) attached to the sides of the top end of the rectangular member, a hook (C) attached in the middle of the top of the rectangular member, wherein the front layer (A) has one or more label pockets (D) at the top end, one or more detachable multiple-compartment pockets (E) attached to the front layer with a fabric hook and loop fastener (not shown) just below the label pockets, and two attached pockets (F), (N) at the bottom end wherein one of the attached pockets (N) is further compartmentalized into two pockets. Name tags, decals, logos of sports teams, or other activities, such as drama, dance, sports, school mascot, or other identifying or decorative information can be placed into the label pockets (D). The clear vinyl material of the label pockets (D) allows one to easily view the contents, label, tag, logo, or decal. The hook (C) is designed to fit over conventional wardrobe or closet rods for easy hanging.
FIG. 1 also shows that the detachable multiple-compartment pocket (E) and the two attached pockets (F), (N) have zippers (G) allowing the user easy access to the contents of the pockets. In a preferred embodiment of this invention, all the front pockets (E), (F), and (N) are made of a transparent material, such as clear vinyl, to allow the user to easily see the contents of the pockets. Likewise, the adjustable strap (B) is preferably a nylon web strap that can attach to hooks (O) towards the top on the side of the rectangular-shaped member.
FIG. 2 is a front plan view of the same organizer shown in FIG. 1, illustrating some of the parts described above. FIG. 3 is a left side plan view of the same organizer, and FIG. 5 is a right side plan view and a mirror image of FIG. 3.
FIG. 4 illustrates the back plan view of the garment and accessories organizer according to an embodiment of this invention. It depicts the back layer (L) of the rectangular member, wherein the back layer is bisected with a lengthwise zipper (H) with a flap (I) at the top of the zipper allowing the top of the organizer to open fully when garments are inserted therein, a flap-closed pocket (J) on each side of the zipper and a loop (K) approximately a third of the way up from the bottom of the back layer.
FIG. 6 is a top plan view of an embodiment of the organizer, while FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of an embodiment of the organizer.
FIG. 8 depicts a perspective view of the organizer when it is folded into thirds, and the hook (C) at the top of the rectangular member latches with the loop (K) approximately a third of the way up the bottom of the back layer (L) such that the organizer is transformed into a bag, which can be carried with the adjustable strap (B) over the shoulder. FIG. 9 shows a front view of the same organizer shown in FIG. 8 when it is folded into a bag. FIG. 10 illustrates a left side view of the same organizer, while FIG. 12 shows a right side view of an embodiment of the organizer shown in FIGS. 8, 9, and 10, when it is folded into a bag.
FIG. 11 illustrates a back view of an embodiment of the organizer when it is folded, showing the back layer (L), the two flap-closed pockets (J), and the adjustable strap (B) which can be carried over the shoulder. FIG. 13 depicts a top view of the same organizer when it is folded, while FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the same organizer when it is folded. FIG. 15 shows a back perspective view of an embodiment of the organizer depicting the lengthwise zipper (H) when it is open to reveal the inner pocket (M) containing a plurality of zippered mesh bags (not shown) for storing and carrying soiled garments and accessories according to an embodiment of this invention. In another embodiment, the organizer further comprises one or more pouches, each containing a pressure-activated light emitting diode (LED) light (not shown). The pouches may be sewn onto the organizer on the back layer (L) or on the front layer (A) to allow a person to dress in dimly-lit or dark rooms and areas, such as backstage at a playhouse during theatre performance. Alternatively, the pouches may be either sewn in or affixed to various parts of the organizer with a Velcro® fabric hook and loop fastener. In another embodiment, the organizer may further comprise one or more pouches for carrying non-breakable mirrors to allow users to see themselves while applying make-up, brushing hair and arranging hair styles, putting on jewelry and the like. In a preferred embodiment, the pouches carrying the non-breakable minor would be attached to the inner surface of the organizer with a Velcro® fabric hook and loop fastener.
Embodiments of the organizer can be made for adult-sized garments or child-sized garments. The hook (C) at the top of the organizer is made to easily fit the rod of a conventional closet or wardrobe, and also to easily latch into the loop (K) on the back layer (L). The organizer is preferably made of a sturdy, durable material or fabric, such as nylon, canvas, polyester, leather, “pleather” or faux leather, suede, denim, plastic, vinyl, and the like to withstand wear and tear. In some embodiments, the organizer can be made of a waterproof material so it can withstand weather elements, such as rain, wind, and snow, when being carried from place-to-place during travel. The organizers can be designed for carrying outfits for special occasions, such as weddings, bridal parties, birthday parties, baptisms, and christenings.
The following dimensions are exemplary only for designing a preferred embodiment of an adult version of the garment and accessories organizer, and are not meant, in any way, to limit the invention described in this application. In a non-limiting preferred embodiment, the components of an adult-use organizer are made of ripstop nylon and vinyl, and the outer dimensions of the organizer are 41×22 inches with vinyl gusseted pockets. Preferably, the one detachable multiple-compartment pocket (E) is approximately 16 inches long by 6 inches tall, and is attached to the front layer (A) of the rectangular member with Velcro® fabric hook and loop fastener. In a preferred embodiment, each compartment of the detachable pocket (E) is approximately 5⅓ inches wide, and the Velcro® fabric hook and loop fastener is approximately 8 inches below the top corner of the rectangular member and 3 inches in from either side of the organizer. The attached pocket (F) in the top row is approximately 16 inches wide and 12 inches tall with a 1 inch-wide pleated fabric gusset around the sides and bottom. The attached pocket (N) in the bottom row is approximately 10 inches tall and 16 inches wide, and further divided into two separate compartments with a 1×10 inch strip of fabric.
In a preferred embodiment of this invention, the back layer (L) of an adult-use organizer is bisected with a lengthwise zipper (H), and a 16×6.5 inches flap-closed pocket (J) is on each side of the zipper (H). The flap-closed pockets (J) are ideal for storing shoes, slippers, boots, or other footwear. In another embodiment, clear vinyl insets are within the flap-closed pockets (J). In another preferred embodiment, at least one 1×2 inch pouch containing a pressure-activated LED light is sewn onto the organizer on either the back layer (L) of the rectangular-shaped member.
In a further embodiment of both the adult and the children's organizer, pouches containing pressure-activated LED lights may be sewn in different parts of the front layer (A) or the back layer (L), or placed with the help of Velcro® fabric hook and loop fasteners on the inner surface of the organizer, which is visible when the zipper (H) is opened. The LED lights may be turned on as necessary to enable the user to dress in dimly-lit or dark rooms or places. In a preferred embodiment, the lengthwise zipper (H) opens to reveal a 16×22 zippered pocket (M) for storing soiled laundry. In a further preferred embodiment, the zippered pocket (M) contains a plurality of zippered mesh bags for carrying soiled garments and accessories. Preferably, each of the mesh bags provided in the garment and accessories organizer has a lobster-claw style zipper pull that latches into a fabric loop at the closed end of the zipper to keep the zipper closed in the washer while being laundered. A person of skill in the art would understand that the above dimensions are exemplary only, and that variations, modifications, and changes in the design and the dimensions can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.
The following dimensions are exemplary only for designing a preferred embodiment of a children's garment and accessories organizer, and are not meant, in any way, to limit the invention described in this application. In a non-limiting preferred embodiment, the children's organizer may be approximately 18×32 inches, with an adjustable strap (B) that latches into hooks on the side, and a hanging hook (C) in the middle at the top easily fits the hanging rod in conventional wardrobes and closets. The front layer (A) of the children's organizer has at least three sets of multi-compartment pockets made of clear vinyl material so that the contents inside can be easily seen. Preferably, the three-compartment pocket (E) in the top row is approximately 5 inches high and 6 inches wide. Each successive row of pockets is placed directly below the other, with the tape of the zipper (G) of the next set of pockets forming the bottom border of the set above it. The middle row may also contain a multiple-compartment pocket, where the two outer compartments are 7×7 inches wide, and the center compartment is approximately 4 inches wide and 7 inches high. The pocket in the bottom row would preferably be approximately 12 inches high and 32 inches wide, with a 2-inch fabric gusset around the bottom and sides. As with the adult organizer, the pockets in the children's organizer close with a single zipper (G) across the top.
Similar to the adult organizer, the back layer (L) of the children's organizer is bisected in the middle with a 32-inch lengthwise zipper (H) with a flap (I) at the top of the zipper allowing the bag to open fully when inserting garments therein. Preferably, the back layer would contain a clear vinyl window that is approximately 21 inches long and 10.5 inches wide on the left side of the central lengthwise zipper. A 3×5 clear vinyl pocket for holding a card, name tag, decal, logo, or other identifying information may be sewn on the top left side of the back layer, and a 1×2 inch pouch containing a pressure-activated LED light may be sewn on or attached with a Velcro® fabric hook and loop fastener to either the back layer (L), the front layer (A), or the inner layer. Preferably, two loops (K) are sewn approximately 2 inches from the bottom and approximately ½ inch on each side of the central lengthwise zipper (H) so that when the organizer folds into thirds, the hook (C) at the top latches into the loop, transforming the organizer into a bag that can be carried over the shoulder. Like the adult organizer, the children's organizer would contain a 12×18 zippered pocket (M) holding a plurality of zippered mesh bags for carrying soiled laundry. In a further preferred embodiment, the children's organizer may contain a set of boy, girl, or unisex set of decals with a rhyme about organizing their daily outfits, and the individual pockets may be labeled with the word and picture of the item of clothing or accessory meant to be placed therein.
The organizer can be used as an individual-outfit organizer to carry dresses, shirts, pants, blouses, sweaters, lingerie, or other garments, with matching or coordinated accessories such as scarves, gloves, belts, shoes, jewelry, socks, stockings, neckties, cufflinks, brushes, cosmetics, makeup, and the like in the various pockets for easy organization and accessibility. The garments that are hung within are kept wrinkle-free. As such, the garment and accessories organizer is a handy tool for the average user, who can organize and keep his or her daily outfits tidy, wrinkle-free, coordinated, and organized.
Furthermore, because the organizer can be easily converted into a carry-bag, it allows the user to package and store garments and accessories efficiently, and to locate and repackage outfits and accessories for daily wear, travel, or special activities. For example, the garment and accessories organizer functions as an ideal gym bag for storing one's garments and accessories while working out, and allows the user to carry back soiled gym clothes, socks, athletic shoes and the like within the various compartmentalized pockets. The organizer further serves as an ideal travel bag for carrying overnight outfits in airplanes, trains, cars, or other vehicles. It is also useful for carrying individual outfits for special activities, such as sports, cheerleading, dance, and drama classes, performances, auditions, functions, and special occasions.
The organizer is also especially suited for adults and children suffering from memory loss and/or other health issues such as Autism or other mental conditions, as the organizer allows caregivers to arrange outfits for the person with special needs in the organizer, which can then be easily handled and managed by the person with special needs, allowing him or her to dress independently. The organizer serves as an easy organization tool for carrying outfits for children who shuttle between caregivers, parents, and grandparents for visits and/or shared custody arrangements.
The above detailed description, examples, and preferred embodiments present a description of the best mode contemplated of carrying out the present invention, and of the manner and process of making and using the invention in such full, clear, concise and exact terms so as to enable a person of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications, alternative constructions, and variations can be made in the device and the method of the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover modifications, alternative constructions, and variations that come within the spirit and scope of the invention as generally expressed by the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A garment and accessories organizer comprising:

a rectangular-shaped member having a front layer and a back layer, each layer having a top end and a bottom end, and an inner surface and an outer surface;

an adjustable strap attached to the sides at the top end of the rectangular member; and

a hook attached in the middle of the top end of the rectangular member;

wherein the front layer has one or more label pockets at the top end, one or more detachable multiple-compartment pockets attached with a fabric hook and loop fastener just below the label pockets, and two or more attached pockets at the bottom end wherein one of the attached pockets is further compartmentalized into two pockets;

wherein the back layer is bisected with a lengthwise zipper with a flap at the top of the zipper allowing the top of the bag to open fully when garments hung on conventional hangers are inserted therein, and has one or more flap-closable pocket attached on each side of the zipper, and at least one loop for latching the hook attached approximately halfway from the bottom of the back layer; and

wherein the pockets on the front layer of the organizer are made of a transparent material.

2. The garment and accessories organizer according to claim 1 wherein the rectangular member can be folded into thirds, allowing the hook at the top of the rectangular member to latch into the loop approximately halfway up the bottom of the back layer such that the organizer is transformed into a bag and carried with the adjustable strap over the shoulder.

3. The garment and accessories organizer according to claim 1 further comprising:

a zippered pocket inside the rectangular member, the pocket holding a plurality of zippered mesh bags.

4. The garment and accessories organizer according to claim 1 further comprising:

one or more pouches, each containing a pressure-activated light emitting diode light.

5. The garment and accessories organizer according to claim 1 wherein the organizer is designed to hold adult-sized garments.

6. The garment and accessories organizer according to claim 1 wherein the organizer is designed to hold child-sized garments.

7. The garment and accessories organizer according to claim 1 wherein the hook at the top of the rectangular member is designed to fit a conventional closet or wardrobe rod.

8. The garment and accessories organizer according to claim 1 wherein the rectangular member is made from a nylon material.

9. The garment and accessories organizer according to claim 1 wherein the rectangular member is made from a leather, pleather, or suede material.

10. The garment and accessories organizer according to claim 9 wherein the inner surface of the front and back surfaces of the rectangular member is made from a silk, satin, or polyester fabric.

11. The garment and accessories organizer according to claim 1 wherein the pockets on the front layer of the rectangular member are made from a clear vinyl material.

12. The garment and accessories organizer according to claim 1 wherein the one or more detachable multiple-compartment pockets are attached to the front layer of the rectangular member with Velcro® fabric hook and loop faster.

13. The garment and accessories organizer according to claim 1 wherein each of the flap-closable pockets on each side of the zipper on the back layer of the rectangular member further comprise clear vinyl insets.

14. The garment and accessories organizer according to claim 1 wherein name tags, logos, and decals can be inserted into each of the label pockets.

15. The garment and accessories organizer according to claim 1 wherein the one or more detachable multiple-compartment pockets each comprise three or more compartments.

16. The garment and accessories organizer according to claim 1 wherein the attached pockets on the front layer of the rectangular member further include zippers.

17. The garment and accessories organizer according to claim 1 wherein the one or more detachable multiple-compartment pockets further include a zipper.

18. The garment and accessories organizer according to claim 1 wherein each of the flap-closable pockets on the back layer further includes fabric hook and loop fasters.

19. A garment and accessories organizer comprising:

a hook attached in the middle of the top end of the rectangular member;

wherein the front layer has multiple zippered pockets; and

wherein the back layer is bisected with a lengthwise zipper with a flap at the top of the zipper allowing the top of the bag to open fully when garments hung on conventional hangers are inserted therein, and has at least one pocket attached on each side of the zipper, and at least two loops for latching the hook attached approximately halfway from the bottom of the back layer on each side of the zipper.

20. A garment and accessories organizer according to claim 1 wherein the organizer is designed to hold special occasion outfits.