US20170105498A1

US20170105498A1 - Accessory organizer

Info

Publication number: US20170105498A1
Application number: US14/885,927
Authority: US
Inventors: Lilian Zagorski; Angela Golden
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-10-16
Filing date: 2015-10-16
Publication date: 2017-04-20

Abstract

An accessory organizer for childcare accessories. Configured to function as a changing pad, a wristlet diaper bag, and a crib organizer Multiple pockets with elastic openings keep infant and child care products secure. At least one pocket may include a window or hole through which the accessory can be accessed. Different pocket sizes accommodate multiple accessories. Multiple fastening systems allow the organizer to be folded into different configurations. When laid flat, organizer is a changing pad. Folding the bottom and top together, then folding over and securing with a horizontal fastening strap creates the wristlet configuration. Folding the bottom so the back touches the back of the top allows the organizer to be secured to a crib, change table, stroller, etc. via at least one vertical fastening strap. Some fasteners are breakaway for infant safety. Allows a caregiver to pack, carry, and store a single set of childcare accessories.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to accessory organizers, and, more specifically, to multi-use accessory organizers for child care.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Caring for an infant requires the caretaker to have ready access to a number of items in a number of different scenarios. Caretakers, such as parents, are often loaded down with a changing pad, a diaper bag, wipes, diapers, lotions, etc. The bags and paraphernalia are often bulky and cumbersome. Moreover, the different environments to which babies may be integrated require either multiple redundancies, such as baby wipes in the home, the diaper bag, and in each of the vehicles, or require a parent to pack and unpack their items multiple times throughout the day. These are just some of the problems that are overcome by the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present relates generally to accessory organizers, and, more specifically, to multi-use accessory organizers for child care.
In some embodiments, the multi-use diaper pad is, essentially, an organizer for baby care accessories. In some embodiments, the organizer, may be comprised of: an upper panel; a middle panel; and a lower panel, the lower panel including at least: a first pocket, the first pocket opening upward and including an outward-facing cutout; a second pocket, the second pocket opening upward; and a third pocket, the third pocket opening upward. In some embodiments, the organizer may be further comprised of: a front side, wherein the first, second, and third pockets may be disposed on the front side of the lower panel; and a rear side. In some embodiments, the organizer may be further comprised of: at least one fastener strap disposed on the front side of the organizer In some embodiments, the at least one fastener strap disposed on the front side of the organizer may be disposed substantially vertically. In some embodiments, the organizer may be further comprised of: at least a first fastener strap and a second fastener strap, wherein the first and second fastener straps may be disposed on the front side of the organizer, wherein the first and second fastener straps may be disposed substantially vertically, and wherein the first and second fastener straps may be coupled with the organizer approximately where the middle panel joins the lower panel. In some embodiments, the first fastener strap may be disposed at approximately one-third the width of the organizer, and the second fastener strap may be disposed at approximately two-thirds the width of the organizer In some embodiments, the organizer may be further comprised of: at least one fastener strap disposed on the rear side of the organizer In some embodiments, the at least one fastener strap disposed on the rear side of the organizer may be disposed substantially horizontally. In further embodiments, the at least one fastener strap disposed on the rear side of the organizer may be coupled with the organizer approximately where the upper panel joins the middle panel. In some embodiments, the first, second, and third pockets opening upward include an elastic opening.
In some embodiments, the organizer, may be comprised of: a front side and a rear side; an upper panel; a middle panel coupled with the upper panel, wherein the joint between the upper panel and the middle panel includes at least one substantially horizontal fastener strap; and a lower panel coupled with the middle panel, wherein the joint between the middle panel and the lower panel includes at least one substantially vertical fastener strap, and wherein the lower panel further includes: a plurality of pockets disposed on the front side, each pocket opening upward. In some embodiments, the plurality of pockets further comprise: a first pocket, the first pocket further including: an elastic upward opening; and an outward-facing cutout; a second pocket, the second pocket including an elastic upward opening; and a third pocket, the third pocket including an elastic upward opening. In some embodiments, the at least one substantially horizontal fastener strap further comprises: a fastener system, the fastener system including: a first portion of the fastener system disposed on one side of the organizer; and a second portion of the fastener system disposed on a side of the organizer opposite the first portion. In some embodiments, the at least one substantially vertical fastener strap further comprises: a fastener system, the fastener system including: a first portion of the fastener system disposed at a first end of the strap; and a second portion of the fastener disposed at a second end of the strap. In some embodiments, the fastener system may be a quick-release system. In some embodiments, the at least one substantially vertical fastener strap further comprises: a first fastener strap and a second fastener strap, wherein the fastener straps may be disposed substantially parallel to each other. In some embodiments, the organizer may be further comprised of: a fastener system, the fastener system including: a first portion of the fastener system disposed on the front side of the upper panel; and a second portion of the fastener system disposed on the rear side of the organizer where the middle panel may be coupled with the lower panel. In some embodiments, folding the organizer such that the rear side of the lower panel touches the rear side of the middle panel isolates the at least one substantially vertical fastener strap. In some embodiments, the at least one substantially horizontal fastener strap includes a loop.
An organizer, may be comprised of: a front side and a rear side; an upper panel; a middle panel coupled with the upper panel, wherein the joint between the upper panel and the middle panel includes at least one substantially horizontal fastener strap; and a lower panel coupled with the middle panel, wherein the joint between the middle panel and the lower panel includes at least one substantially vertical fastener strap, and wherein the lower panel further includes: a first pocket including an outward-facing cutout; a second pocket including an elastic upward opening; and a third pocket, the third pocket including an elastic upward opening.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Certain embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the following drawings:

FIG. 1 is a front view of one embodiment of the accessory organizer.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of one application of the accessory organizer.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of one embodiment of the accessory organizer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This invention relates generally to accessory organizers, and, more specifically, to multi-use accessory organizers for child care.
Specific details of certain embodiments of the invention are set forth in the following description and in FIGS. 1-3 to provide a thorough understanding of such embodiments. The present invention may have additional embodiments, may be practiced without one or more of the details described for any particular described embodiment, or may have any detail described for one particular embodiment practiced with any other detail described for another embodiment.
Importantly, a grouping of inventive aspects in any particular “embodiment” within this detailed description, and/or a grouping of limitations in the claims presented herein, is not intended to be a limiting disclosure of those particular aspects and/or limitations to that particular embodiment and/or claim. The inventive entity presenting this disclosure fully intends that any disclosed aspect of any embodiment in the detailed description and/or any claim limitation ever presented relative to the instant disclosure and/or any continuing application claiming priority from the instant application (e.g. continuation, continuation-in-part, and/or divisional applications) may be practiced with any other disclosed aspect of any embodiment in the detailed description and/or any claim limitation. Claimed combinations which draw from different embodiments and/or originally-presented claims are fully within the possession of the inventive entity at the time the instant disclosure is being filed. Any future claim comprising any combination of limitations, each such limitation being herein disclosed and therefore having support in the original claims or in the specification as originally filed (or that of any continuing application claiming priority from the instant application), is possessed by the inventive entity at present irrespective of whether such combination is described in the instant specification because all such combinations are viewed by the inventive entity as currently operable without undue experimentation given the disclosure herein and therefore that any such future claim would not represent new matter.
FIG. 1 is one exemplary embodiment of the baby organizer 100. Organizer 100 is comprised essentially of a piece of flexible material designed to fold into a number of different configurations.
In some embodiments, organizer 100 may include a front side and a rear side. In some embodiments, at least one of the front side or rear side may be comprised of a fabric or other flexible material. In other embodiments, at least one of the front side or rear side may be comprised of a semi-flexible material, such as a soft or semi-rigid plastic. In still other embodiments, only some portions of organizer 100 may be rigid or semi-rigid while other portions remain flexible. In still other embodiments, organizer 100 may be comprised of layers of materials, such as, in one non-limiting example, two layers of fabric between which is disposed a more rigid material. In some embodiments, at least one of the front side or rear side may be liquid resistant or repellant. In some embodiments, at least one internal layer may be liquid resistant. These materials properties apply to each of panels 101, 103, and 106, as described herein.
In some embodiments, organizer 100 may include an upper panel 101. In some embodiments, upper panel 101 may include a fastener 102. Fastener 102 may be any type of removable fastener, such as hook and loop, snap, clip, buckle, etc. without altering the function of the fastener. Fastener 102 will, in some embodiments, join with fastener 105. This will be discussed more in other portions of the specification. Fastener 102 may be disposed on either the front or the rear of organizer 100. Fastener 105 may, in some embodiments, be disposed on the front or rear of organizer 100 in opposite relation to fastener 102. In other embodiments, fasteners 102 and 105 may be disposed on the same side of organizer 100.
In some embodiments, upper panel 101 may be coupled with a middle panel 103 at joint 104. In some embodiments, joint 104 may be a permanent joint, such as a seam or weld. In other embodiments, joint 104 may be a removable joint, such as another fastener system like hook and loop or a zipper. Joint 104 may include any number of methods of joining flexible materials.
In some embodiments, middle panel 103 may be coupled with lower panel 106 at joint 107. As with joint 104, joint 107 may be a permanent or removable joint without altering the function of the joint.
In some embodiments, lower panel 106 may include a first pocket 108. In some embodiments, first pocket 108 may open upwards, and the opening may include an elastic strip 109 in order to keep items disposed in the pocket secure. In some embodiments, pocket 108 may include a cutout 110 to allow easy access to the contents of the pocket. This would be useful for items such as, in one non-limiting example, baby wipes or tissues. It should be understood that the contents of pocket 108 have no bearing on the scope of the invention, and that cutout 110 is an option to allow access to any number of contents. It should also be noted that, while pocket 108 is shown on the left side of the front of the invention, it could well be disposed on the right side or in the middle of lower panel 106. In some embodiments, cutout 110 may include a rim 111. Rim 111 may, in some embodiments, be a slightly more rigid material than that which comprises pocket 108. One purpose of rim 111 might be aesthetic, so that the edge of the material is covered. Another purpose of rim 111 may be to provide structure to cutout 110, preventing the contents of pocket 108 from coming lose altogether. In one non-limiting example, a caregiver might store baby wipes in pocket 108, accessing the tub or packet through cutout 110. In such an example, rim 111 would serve to prevent the entire tub or packet of wipes from being pulled through cutout 110 when the caregiver pulls a single wipe from the package.
In some embodiments, lower panel 106 may include a second pocket 112. While shown here in the middle of lower panel 106, it should be understood that pocket 112 may alternatively be on the right or left side of the panel without altering the function of the pocket. In some embodiments, pocket 112 my open upward. In a further embodiment, pocket 112 may include an elastic strip 109 in the upward opening, in order to keep items disposed in the pocket secure. In some embodiments, pocket 112 may include a seam 113. Seam 113 may, in such embodiments, be used to alter the depth of pocket 112, keeping items from falling so low as to be unretrievable. In some embodiments, seam 113 may be permanent, setting a fixed depth for pocket 112. In other embodiments, seam 113 may be configurable, allowing a caregiver to set the depth of pocket 112 to their unique needs. In such an embodiment, seam 113 may be created with fasteners, zippers, or inserts.
In some embodiments, lower panel 106 may include a third pocket 114. While shown here on the left side of lower panel 106, it should be understood that pocket 114 may alternatively be disposed on the left side or in the middle the panel. In some embodiments, pocket 114 may open upwards. In further embodiments, pocket 114 may include elastic strip 109 in said opening in order to keep items secure.
In some embodiments, organizer 100 may include at least one horizontal fastener strap 201. In a further embodiment, horizontal fastener strap 201 may be coupled with organizer 100 at seam 104, where upper panel 101 meets middle panel 103. In some embodiments, horizontal fastener strap 201 may be disposed on the front of organizer 100. In other embodiments, it may be disposed on the rear of organizer 100. Horizontal fastener strap 201 may, in some embodiments, include fastener element 202 and fastener element 203, which join together. It should be understood that, while fastener elements 202 and 203 are shown for illustrative purposes as male and female, respectively, portions of a buckle, any number of temporary fastening systems, such as snaps or hook and loop, may be used here without altering the function of fastener strap 201. In some embodiments, fastener strap 201 may include a loop 204. In some embodiments, loop 204 may be permanent, formed by at least one seam joining the end of fastener strap 201 with a middle portion of the same strap. In other embodiments, loop 204 may be formed by a user coupling a fastener system, one portion of which is disposed on the end of strap 201 and the other portion of which is disposed somewhere in the middle of the strap.
In one exemplary method of use, a care giver might pack necessary items in pockets 108, 112, and 114, then fold lower panel 106 to meet middle panel 103 such that the pockets are between the two panels. The caregiver may then join fastener 102 to fastener 105 by folding upper panel 101 over lower panel 106. Joining fastener 102 to fastener 105 would serve to keep the folded panels in place, whereas they may otherwise spring apart due to the materials properties of organizer 100. Then, a caregiver may choose to fold organizer 100 in half, such that fastener element 203 can be coupled with fastener element 202. In such a method of use, loop 204 would allow a caregiver to carry the entire organizer on his or her wrist or dispose of it on a hook or rod, such as in a car or on a stroller or pram. It should be noted that this is exemplary only, and a user may choose to use some, all, or none of these steps in any particular order without altering the function of the invention disclosed herein.
In some embodiments, organizer 100 may include at least one vertical fastener strap 206. In such embodiments, vertical fastener strap 206 may be coupled with organizer 100 approximately where middle panel 103 joins with lower panel 106. In a further embodiment, the joint between fastener strap 206 and organizer 100 may be permanent, such as a seam or weld, or may be more temporary, such as a fastener system like hook and loop or snaps. In a preferred embodiment, strap 206 will be permanently joined with organizer 100 by a fairly strong seam 209, such as a felled seam, for purposes which will become clear herein. In some embodiments, vertical fastener strap 206 may include a fastener system. In such an embodiment, a first fastener element 207 may be disposed at or near the end of strap 206 away from seam 209, and a second fastener element 208 may be disposed at or near the end of the strap close to the seam. In a preferred embodiment, the precise location of fastener element 207 will be variable, allowing a user to adjust the total length of the loop formed when fastener element 207 is joined with fastener element 208. As with other fastening systems disclosed herein, any number of fastening systems may be suitable for the fasteners disposed on strap 206. In a preferred embodiment, fastener elements 207 and 208 will be the male and female, respectively, portions of a quick-release fastener system, such as a quick release buckle.
In some embodiments, organizer 100 may include at least one vertical fastener strap 210. In such embodiments, vertical fastener strap 210 may be coupled with organizer 100 approximately where middle panel 103 joins with lower panel 106. In a further embodiment, the joint between fastener strap 210 and organizer 100 may be permanent, such as a seam or weld, or may be more temporary, such as a fastener system like hook and loop or snaps. In a preferred embodiment, strap 210 will be permanently joined with organizer 100 by a fairly strong seam 213, such as a felled seam, for purposes which will become clear herein. In some embodiments, vertical fastener strap 210 may include a fastener system. In such an embodiment, a first fastener element 211 may be disposed at or near the end of strap 210 away from seam 213, and a second fastener element 212 may be disposed at or near the end of the strap close to the seam. In a preferred embodiment, the precise location of fastener element 211 will be variable, allowing a user to adjust the total length of the loop formed when fastener element 211 is joined with fastener element 212. As with other fastening systems disclosed herein, any number of fastening systems may be suitable for the fasteners disposed on strap 210. In a preferred embodiment, fastener elements 211 and 212 will be the male and female, respectively, portions of a quick-release fastener system, such as a quick release buckle. When organizer 100 includes both vertical fastener straps 206 and 210, they will generally be disposed at approximately one-third and two-thirds of the distance from left edge to right edge of the organizer. However, it should be noted that both or either one of vertical fastener straps 206 and 210 could be closer to or further from an edge of organizer 100 without altering the function of the straps. In a preferred embodiment, fastener straps 206 and 210 will be disposed on the front of organizer 100.
In one exemplary method of use, disclosed in FIG. 2, allows the organizer 100 to be hung from a crib. In such a method, lower panel 106 may be folded over middle panel 103 such that pockets 108, 112, and 114 are exposed. This also isolates and exposes vertical fastener straps 206 and 210. When the fastener systems of each of strap 206 and 210 are joined, each strap creates a loop. This loop can be hung over a stroller handle or, in preferred methods, a horizontal bar of a crib or change table. When used in such a manner, a caregiver can simply unclip the fastener systems of straps 206 and 210, lay the organizer 100 flat, and then fold in the method of use disclosed above to create a portable diaper bag. In reverse, a caregiver can take the folded portable diaper bag of the method disclosed above, unfold the organizer 100 such that it lays flat as shown in FIG. 1, and then engage the fastener systems of straps 206 and 210 to hang the organizer over a horizontal bar of a crib or change table. This allows a caregiver to use one tool to go from home to a vehicle. Moreover, when laid flat, the upper panel 101 and middle panel 103 of organizer 100 can be used as a change pad. Instead of one tool to organize accessories at home, a different tool to port accessories when traveling, and a third tool on which to change an infant, the invention disclosed herein allows a single tool to fit multiple needs of caregivers.
FIG. 3 is a rear view of organizer 100. In particular, it shows how fastener strap 102 may, in some embodiments, be disposed on upper panel 101. It also shows how horizontal fastener strap 201 may, in some embodiments, be coupled with organizer 100 over seam 104. FIG. 3 also shows how lower panel 106 may, in some embodiments, be joined with middle panel 103 at seam 107. Finally, FIG. 3 better illustrates the alignment of fasteners 102 and 105, allowing them to be coupled to fold organizer 100 as demonstrated in the first method of use above.
While particular aspects of the present subject matter described herein have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that, based upon the teachings herein, changes and modifications may be made without departing from the subject matter described herein and its broader aspects and, therefore, the appended claims are to encompass within their scope all such changes and modifications as are within the true spirit and scope of this subject matter described herein. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the invention is defined by the appended claims. It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “ a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.).
While preferred and alternative embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, as noted above, many changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is not limited by the disclosure of these preferred and alternate embodiments. Instead, the invention should be determined entirely by reference to the claims that follow.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An organizer, comprising:

an upper panel;

a middle panel; and

a lower panel, the lower panel including at least:

a first pocket, the first pocket opening upward and including an outward-facing cutout;

a second pocket, the second pocket opening upward; and

a third pocket, the third pocket opening upward.

2. The organizer of claim 1, further comprising:

a front side, wherein the first, second, and third pockets are disposed on the front side of the lower panel; and

a rear side.

3. The organizer of claim 1, further comprising:

at least one fastener strap disposed on the front side of the organizer.

4. The organizer of claim 3, wherein the at least one fastener strap disposed on the front side of the organizer is disposed substantially vertically.

5. The organizer of claim 1, further comprising:

at least a first fastener strap and a second fastener strap, wherein the first and second fastener straps are disposed on the front side of the organizer,

wherein the first and second fastener straps are disposed substantially vertically, and

wherein the first and second fastener straps are coupled with the organizer approximately where the middle panel joins the lower panel.

6. The organizer of claim 5, wherein the first fastener strap is disposed at approximately one-third the width of the organizer, and wherein the second fastener strap is disposed at approximately two-thirds the width of the organizer.

7. The organizer of claim 1, further comprising:

at least one fastener strap disposed on the rear side of the organizer.

8. The organizer of claim 7, wherein the at least one fastener strap disposed on the rear side of the organizer is disposed substantially horizontally.

9. The organizer of claim 7, wherein the at least one fastener strap disposed on the rear side of the organizer is coupled with the organizer approximately where the upper panel joins the middle panel.

10. The organizer of claim 1, wherein the first, second, and third pockets opening upward include an elastic opening.

11. An organizer, comprising:

a front side and a rear side;

an upper panel;

a middle panel coupled with the upper panel, wherein the joint between the upper panel and the middle panel includes at least one substantially horizontal fastener strap;

and a lower panel coupled with the middle panel, wherein the joint between the middle panel and the lower panel includes at least one substantially vertical fastener strap, and wherein the lower panel further includes:

a plurality of pockets disposed on the front side, each pocket opening upward.

12. The organizer of claim 11, wherein the plurality of pockets further comprise:

a first pocket, the first pocket further including:

an elastic upward opening; and

an outward-facing cutout;

a second pocket, the second pocket including an elastic upward opening; and

a third pocket, the third pocket including an elastic upward opening.

13. The organizer of claim 11, wherein the at least one substantially horizontal fastener strap further comprises:

a fastener system, the fastener system including:

a first portion of the fastener system disposed on one side of the organizer; and

a second portion of the fastener system disposed on a side of the organizer opposite the first portion.

14. The organizer of claim 11, wherein the at least one substantially vertical fastener strap further comprises:

a fastener system, the fastener system including:

a first portion of the fastener system disposed at a first end of the strap; and

a second portion of the fastener disposed at a second end of the strap.

15. The organizer of claim 14, wherein the fastener system is a quick-release system.

16. The organizer of claim 14, wherein the at least one substantially vertical fastener strap further comprises:

a first fastener strap and a second fastener strap, wherein the fastener straps are disposed substantially parallel to each other.

17. The organizer of claim 11, further comprising:

a fastener system, the fastener system including:

a first portion of the fastener system disposed on the front side of the upper panel; and

a second portion of the fastener system disposed on the rear side of the organizer where the middle panel is coupled with the lower panel.

18. The organizer of claim 11, wherein folding the organizer such that the rear side of the lower panel touches the rear side of the middle panel isolates the at least one substantially vertical fastener strap.

19. The organizer of claim 11, wherein the at least one substantially horizontal fastener strap includes a loop.

20. An organizer, comprising:

a front side and a rear side;

an upper panel;

a first pocket including an outward-facing cutout;

a second pocket including an elastic upward opening; and

a third pocket, the third pocket including an elastic upward opening.