US20170172319A1

US20170172319A1 - Hanging Accessory Storage System

Info

Publication number: US20170172319A1
Application number: US15/387,566
Authority: US
Inventors: Diane E. Giles-Spencer
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-12-21
Filing date: 2016-12-21
Publication date: 2017-06-22

Abstract

A hanging accessory storage system for supporting and organizing personal items can include a rectangular frame constructed from a rigid material consisting of parallel lower and upper extremities and parallel side supports. The space between the parallel side supports and the parallel upper and lower extremities can define the interior of the rectangular frame, wherein a plurality of organizational support structures are anchored to the rectangular frame on their respective side supports. A hanging mechanism can be located such that the hanging mechanism is mounted on the rectangular frame, wherein in one embodiment the hook is a hanging mechanism mounted to the upper extremity. The side supports, support structures, and upper/lower extremities can be perforated by a plurality of apertures for hanging earrings or other small items of various sizes.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claim priority benefits from U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/270,576 filed on Dec. 21, 2015, entitled “Hanging Accessory Storage System”. The '576 application is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to hanging storage systems for personal accessories and other small items.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Humans have been fashioning jewelry, including earrings, for thousands of years. Tombs sealed as early as 3000 BC have been found to contain artifacts such as hair accessories, necklaces, rings, earrings and other personal effects.
Today individuals often own a number of accessories which they do not wear on a daily basis. The safe storage of these accessories such that they are kept in good condition and can be readily accessed is a priority. One traditional method of storage is the jewelry box which can contain either a single chamber or a plurality of compartments for organization. While jewelry boxes offer a considerable amount of storage space, they have certain drawbacks. For starters, even smaller jewelry boxes require desk or drawer space. Larger boxes take up similar spaces on floors or shelves and are often cumbersome to handle. These storage units are also common targets for thieves and are unable to accommodate certain types of accessories.
Another typical storage method for accessories, particularly earrings is the use of felt or thick paper slabs which can be pierced by earrings for storage and display. This method has the potential to tear and/or get snagged.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

In order to save floor and desk space and accommodate personal effects of a variety of shapes and sizes, a hanging accessory storage system can be used for organizing small personal items which can be hung on a vertical surface by a variety of methods. While the preferred embodiments described herein are largely directed to earrings, other personal items or small objects can be organized using this device. By providing a plurality of holes with varied spacing, the hanging accessory storage system can accommodate items such as earrings of various sizes. The hanging accessory storage system can provide an appealing display at relatively inexpensive cost and eliminates, or at least reduces, issues with snags by the device made of a rigid material. The design is compact, and in at least one embodiment is fitted with a coat hanger like hook, so that it can hang in the closet, making it convenient to accessorize. Openings can be circular, rectangular, or other suitable shapes, and in at least some embodiments there is ample room to reach through the rectangular frame for access to earrings having a post design. Along the sides of its rectangular frame, the organizer can provide space for single earrings.
A hanging accessory storage system for supporting and organizing personal items comprise a frame with a first extremity, a second extremity, and a third extremity. The accessory storage system can also include organizational support structures perforated by a plurality of spaced apertures, a hanging mechanism, and a light. In some embodiments, the hanging mechanism is connected to the first extremity. In other or the same embodiments, the organizational support structure is parallel to the first extremity. In some embodiments the apertures are circular.
In some embodiments, the hanging mechanism is a hook, a hook and loop system, and/or a system of magnets. In some embodiments, the frame of the hanging accessory storage system is rectangular. In other embodiments, the frame of the hanging accessory storage system is triangular.
In some embodiments, the frame is plastic. In other embodiments the frame is wood. In some embodiments, the frame is aluminum, or composite materials.
A hanging accessory storage system for supporting and organizing earrings can include a rectangular frame constructed from a material selected from the group consisting of plastics, metals, and organic matter consisting of parallel lower and upper extremities and parallel side supports anchored at their corresponding vertices to form the rectangular frame according to some embodiments. The space between the parallel side supports and parallel upper and lower extremities can define the interior of the rectangular frame.
In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of five parallel, evenly distributed, lateral organizational support structures have ends anchored to the rectangular frame on their respective side supports. The organizational support structures are disposed within the interior of the rectangular frame and parallel to the minor axis of the rectangular frame in some embodiments. In some embodiments, these support structures can also be included in the hanging accessory storage system.
In some embodiments, the organizational support structures are perforated by a plurality of spaced apertures for hanging earrings, wherein the three organizational support structures closest in proximity to the lower extremity of the rectangular frame have a wider, uniform spacing of apertures for hanging larger earrings than the remaining two organizational support structures closest in proximity to the upper extremity of the rectangular frame, which have a narrower spacing of apertures for hanging smaller earrings.
In some embodiments, the parallel upper and lower extremities are perforated by a plurality of spaced apertures for hanging earrings, wherein the spacing of the apertures is that of the spacing of the apertures for hanging earrings in the two organizational support structures in closest proximity to said upper extremity.
In certain embodiments the parallel side supports are perforated by a plurality of spaced apertures such that there are two apertures between each consecutive pair of intersections defined by the connection of either the upper extremity, lower extremity, or any of the organizational support structures to the side supports, wherein the apertures are spaced equidistant from the nearest of said intersections.
The hanging mechanism can include a hook having a central axis perpendicular to the minor axis of the rectangular frame and intersecting the center of an arc defining the hook, constructed from the same material as the rectangular frame, and located such that the hanging mechanism is mounted on the upper extremity and the central axis of the hook is in line with the major axis of the rectangular frame.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of a hanging accessory storage system.

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the hanging accessory storage system show in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the hanging accessory storage system in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of a hanging accessory storage system.

FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of a hanging accessory storage system having a counterweight system and a storage post.

FIG. 6 is a front elevation view of a hanging accessory storage system having two storage posts.

FIG. 7 is a front elevation view of a hanging accessory storage system having a counterweight system and two storage posts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 illustrate various viewpoints of hanging accessory storage system 1.
FIG. 1 is a front view of hanging accessory storage system 1. Hanging accessory storage system 1 can be configured to hold and/or display, among other things, earrings, watches, necklaces, headbands, cufflinks, tie clips, small tools and/or electronic accessories such as headphones.
Hanging accessory storage system 1 has frame 10. In some embodiments, frame 10 is constructed from a rigid material. Frame 10 can be various shapes including, but not limited to a rectangle, square, triangle, or circle. Frame 10 can be made of a variety of materials, including but not limited to plastics, organic materials (such as wood), or metals.
In the embodiment shown, frame 10 includes upper extremity 14, lower extremity 12, and parallel side supports 16 which are anchored at their corresponding vertices. In some embodiments, the edges of frame 10 are chamfered to prevent, or at least reduce, sharp edges from causing damage to other property which hanging accessory storage system 1 can come into contact with. In some embodiments, the edges of the hanging accessory storage system can include padding. In other or the same embodiments, the hanging accessory storage system can be coated with a low friction coating, such as Teflon, to discourage the system from snagging on other items in a closet.
In some embodiments, the hanging accessory storage system includes a rear flap 6 (FIG. 4), designed to prevent earring posts and other items protruding through the holes of the hanging accessory storage system from catching on surrounding objects. In other or the same embodiments, this rear flap is coated with a friction resistant coating.
FIG. 1 also includes five organizational support structures 20. In FIG. 1 organizational support structures 20 are parallel to each other and evenly spaced along parallel side supports 16. In other embodiments, hanging accessory storage system 1 can include fewer or more than five organizational support structures 20. In some embodiments, at least two organizational support structures 20 are not parallel to each other. In some embodiments, organizational support structures 20 are not equally distributed along parallel side supports 16.
Organizational support structures 20 can be disposed within frame 10 and/or can be anchored to parallel side supports 16.
In some embodiments, organizational support structures 20, parallel side supports 16, upper extremity 14, and/or lower extremity 12 are perforated by a plurality of apertures 22 for hanging earrings, fishing lures, or other objects which can be hung via apertures 22. In some embodiments, apertures 22 are evenly spaced along organizational support structures 20, parallel side supports 16, upper extremity 14, and/or lower extremity 12. While apertures 22 are indicated in FIG. 1 as circular, other shapes would be sufficient to accomplish the task of hanging small objects, and thus other shapes or configurations are possible.
In some embodiments, the sizes of the aforementioned apertures may vary. In some embodiments, the interior of these apertures may be lined with a coating or substance, such as rubber, to prevent, or at least discourage, earrings and other small items from coming loose when the hanging accessory storage system is moved.
In some embodiments, hanging accessory storage system 1 is configured for hanging earrings. In some of these embodiments some organizational support structures 20 can be spaced further apart from each other and/or upper extremity 14, and/or lower extremity 12, to allow for the hanging hoop earrings.
In some embodiments, such as the one shown in FIG. 4, wherein fishing lures, earrings, or other objects having multi part fastening systems are hung from the hanging accessory storage system, a tray may be present on the rear of lower extremity 12. In such embodiments, which may also include the flap 6, the tray 4 is configured to catch items which may fall when removing items from the hanging accessory storage system. In some embodiments, this tray 4 is at least partially constructed from a magnetized material, such that objects like earring posts can be collected if accidentally dropped when removed from the storage system.
In some embodiments, apertures in the system are color or number coated. In some embodiments, the entire hanging accessory storage system is constructed from a whiteboard material, so that it can be labeled by a user with markers.
Where hanging accessory storage system 1 is used for fishing lures, broader spacing of organizational support structures 20 can be used for larger lures.
In some embodiments, as indicated in FIG. 1 apertures 22 can occur in pairs, with each pair disposed such that the midpoint between apertures 22 is equidistant from the midpoints 24 where organizational support structures 20 meet parallel side supports 16. Midpoints 24 are defined as where side supports 16 connect with upper extremity 14, lower extremity 12, or organizational support structures 20. In other embodiments, the spacing of apertures is less uniform. In some embodiments, apertures are not provided, though markings and thinner points in the structure of the organizational support structures are available so that holes can be punched by a user.
In some embodiments, organizational support structures 20 are not anchored to side supports 16, and instead are easily removeable through clasps, magnetic fittings, notches, or other removeable fastening mechanisms.
Hanging accessory storage system 1 can also include hanging mechanism 26 which in FIG. 1 is shown in the form of a hook affixed to upper extremity 14. In other embodiments, hanging mechanism 26 can include, but is not limited to, multiple hooks, hook and loop fasteners, magnets, and/or suction cups. While the embodiment detailed in FIG. 1, shows hanging mechanism 26 affixed to upper extremity 14, hanging mechanism 26 could also be affixed to the rear of frame 10. Hanging mechanism 26 is not limited to a fixed position attachment to upper extremity 14 or comparable components in similar embodiments. Hanging mechanism 26 can be detachable, have a swiveling connection, or other types of known moveable connections.
In some embodiments, hanging accessory storage system 1 is designed to hang in a closet. In at least some of these embodiments hanging mechanism 26 is configured to hang on closet rod 30 (see FIG. 3). In some of these embodiments, the major axis of frame 10 can be aligned with the center focus of the arc of the hook of hanging mechanism 26 such that weight of hanging accessory storage system 1 is evenly distributed across hanging mechanism 26 when hung on closet rod 30, allowing hanging accessory storage system 1 to hang in a balanced manner.
FIG. 2 shows hanging accessory storage system 1 from a side view. In some embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 2, hanging accessory storage system 1 has a narrow profile that allows it to hang in a closet with other personal items and/or be easily affixed to a vertical surface.
In some embodiments, hanging accessory storage system 1 includes a light so a user can more readily identify the various accessories. In some embodiments, hanging accessory storage system 1 includes a mirror. In some embodiments, the mirror is located between two organizational support structures 20. In some embodiments having a light, the light has a night mode, wherein the light is red to lower the strain on a user's eyes while trying to accessorize in a dark closet.
In some embodiments, frame 10 is roughly 10″ wide by 11½ tall by ⅛″ deep. In some embodiments, parallel side supports 16 are roughly ½″ wide. In some embodiments, upper extremity 14 is roughly 1″ tall. In some embodiments, upper organizational support structures 20 are roughly ½″ tall.
In some embodiments, at least one storage post 8 present. In embodiments, such as the one shown in FIG. 5, the storage post is vertical, and can be used to store items such as watches, bracelets, or rings. In some embodiments, multiple storage posts 8 are present (depicted in FIG. 6). These storage posts can be of different diameters in some embodiments.
In some embodiments, particularly those having storage posts, but other embodiments as well, a counterweight system 9 is present. Counterweight system 9 can consist of weight 31 mounted on some form of lateral support, such as the support structures previously discussed, or on the lower or upper extremities. In a preferred embodiment, the counterweight system 9 is present on the lower extremity 12, as shown in FIG. 5. The counterweight can be slid, or removed and replaced between desired positions, on its lateral support, such that when items are placed on the storage system with uneven weight distribution, the counterweight can be adjusted so that the storage system continues to hang vertically. In some embodiments, discrete recommended positions are marked with notches where the counterweight 31 can settle. This is particularly useful when heavier items such as watches are stored on the storage posts 8.
In some embodiments, such as the one shown in FIG. 7, the counterweight system includes its own mounting strut 33 affixed to the hanging accessory storage system. In at least some embodiments, counterweight 9 slides in a groove such as groove 45 of FIG. 7. In other embodiments, notches are provided for the counterweight to rest in. In at least some embodiments, multiple affixing struts are available, such that the counterweight can be placed in a variety of positions on the hanging accessory storage system. In some embodiments, the counterweight is magnetic, and in some embodiments there are multiple counterweights. In some embodiments, at least one counterweight can be stuck directly to magnetic strips present on the hanging accessory storage system.
While particular elements, embodiments and applications of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood, that the invention is not limited thereto since modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, particularly in the light of the foregoing teachings.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A hanging accessory storage system for supporting and organizing personal items comprising;

a. a frame comprising (rigid material) (rectangular)

i. a first extremity;

ii. a second extremity;

iii. a third extremity;

b. an organizational support structures perforated by a plurality of spaced apertures; and

c. a hanging mechanism.

2. The hanging accessory storage system of claim 1 wherein said hanging mechanism is connected to said first extremity.

3. The hanging accessory storage system of claim 1, wherein said organizational support structure is parallel to said first extremity.

4. The hanging accessory storage system of claim 1, wherein said apertures are circular.

5. The hanging accessory storage system of claim 1, wherein said hanging mechanism consists of a hook.

6. The hanging accessory storage system of claim 1, wherein said hanging mechanism consists of a hook and loop system.

7. The hanging accessory storage system of claim 1, wherein said hanging mechanism consists of a system of magnets

8. The hanging accessory storage system of claim 1, wherein said frame is rectangular.

9. The hanging accessory storage system of claim 1, wherein said frame is triangular.

10. The hanging accessory storage system of claim 1, wherein said frame is plastic.

11. The hanging accessory storage system of claim 1, wherein said frame is wood.

12. The hanging accessory storage system of claim 1 further comprising:

d. a light.

13. The hanging accessory storage system of claim 1 wherein said second extremity is perforated by a second plurality of spaced apertures.

14. A hanging accessory storage system for supporting and organizing earrings comprising;

a rectangular frame constructed from a material selected from the group consisting of plastics, metals, and organic matter consisting of parallel lower and upper extremities and parallel side supports anchored at their corresponding vertices to form said rectangular frame, the space between said parallel side supports and parallel upper and lower extremities defining the interior of said rectangular frame,

a plurality of five parallel, evenly distributed, lateral organizational support structures having ends, said ends being anchored to said rectangular frame on their respective side supports, where said organizational support structures are disposed within the interior of said rectangular frame and parallel to the minor axis of the rectangular frame,

said organizational support structures being perforated by a plurality of spaced apertures for hanging earrings, wherein the three organizational support structures closest in proximity to the lower extremity of the rectangular frame have a wider, uniform spacing of apertures for hanging larger earrings than the remaining two organizational support structures closest in proximity to the upper extremity of the rectangular frame, which have a narrower spacing of apertures for hanging smaller earrings,

said parallel upper and lower extremities being perforated by a plurality of spaced apertures for hanging earrings, wherein the spacing of said apertures is that of the spacing of the apertures for hanging earrings in the two organizational support structures in closest proximity to said upper extremity,

said parallel side supports being perforated by a plurality of spaced apertures such that there are two apertures between each consecutive pair of intersections defined by the connection of either the upper extremity, lower extremity, or any of the organizational support structures to said side supports, wherein said apertures are spaced equidistant from the nearest of said intersections,

a hanging mechanism consisting of a hook having a central axis perpendicular to the minor axis of said rectangular frame and intersecting the center of an arc defining said hook, constructed from the same material as said rectangular frame, and located such that said hanging mechanism is mounted on the upper extremity and the central axis of said hook is in line with the major axis of said rectangular frame.

15. The hanging accessory storage system of claim 1, further comprising:

(d) a rear flap; and

(e) a lower tray.

16. The hanging accessory storage system of claim 1, further comprising a counterweight system, wherein said counterweight system comprises a sliding counterweight mounted directly to a lower extremity, and able to slide in a groove.

17. The hanging accessory storage system of claim 1, further comprising a counterweight system, wherein said counterweight system consists of at least one magnetic weight and a plurality of magnetic strips mounted to said hanging accessory storage system.

18. The hanging accessory storage system of claim 1, further comprising a counterweight system, wherein said counterweight system comprises a counterweight able to rest in a at least one provided notch in said hanging accessory storage system.

19. The hanging accessory storage system of claim 1, further comprising a counterweight system, wherein said counterweight system comprises a sliding counterweight mounted to a mounting strut affixed to said hanging accessory storage system.

20. The hanging accessory storage system of claim 1, further comprising a storage post.