WO2013048562A1

WO2013048562A1 - Organizer

Info

Publication number: WO2013048562A1
Application number: PCT/US2012/029840
Authority: WO
Inventors: Eric A. MACDONALD; Jonathan R. LUCAS; Travis COCHRAN; Vincent H. Bowman; Jeffrey Herz
Original assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
Priority date: 2011-09-26
Filing date: 2012-03-20
Publication date: 2013-04-04
Also published as: AR085565A1; US20130075349A1

Abstract

An adjustable organizer that includes a plurality of spaced apart vertically oriented dividers and a plurality of selectively stackable platforms extending from the dividers. The platforms increase in height from a foremost platform to a rearmost platform. Adjacent dividers together with a platform extending between the adjacent dividers define a compartment. A connector assembly is operatively associated with one of the dividers and platforms. The connector assembly is configured to allow for independent adjustment of spacing between adjacent dividers to selectively adjust a size of a compartment and to allow a forward platform to slide beneath a platform rearward of the forward platform.

Description

ORGANIZER

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] Exemplary embodiments herein generally relate to organizers, and more particularly, to a selectively adjustable stadium organizer for storing articles, for example, documents, file folders, paperwork and the like.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Organizers for storing and organizing documents, file folders and paperwork to be held on a desktop or the like are well known. Typically, the organizer includes a one piece molded member having a plurality of vertically oriented compartments. The compartments are defined by spaced apart vertical dividers which are supported on a base member. Generally, these organizers can be grouped into two different groups.

[0003] A first group includes organizers having compartments of equal height, so that the file folder or documents are stored one behind the other. With this type, the vertical dividers are positioned on a planar base member. However, with such organizers, it becomes difficult to view any labels provided on the rearmost file folder, and therefore, it becomes necessary to remove the file folders from the organizer in order to determine the subject matter of the rear file folders. This is because the label on one file folder will generally block the view of the label on an adjacent file folder. Further, these organizers have a fixed number or compartments and therefore limited capacity, and have a fixed footprint which can consume relatively large amounts of space on the desktop regardless of the amount of documents being stored in the organizer.

[0004] A second group includes organizers having compartments of differing heights, thereby providing a staggered relation. There is no stepped relation. Rather, larger file folders and papers are placed in the larger, rear compartments and extend to a height higher than the shorter folders and papers in the forward compartments. However, if file folders of the same height are used, the file folders will be difficult to access from the rear compartments, and in addition, the same disadvantages of the first group of organizers would also apply.

SUMMARY

[0005] In accordance with one aspect, an adjustable organizer includes a plurality of spaced apart vertically oriented dividers and a plurality of selectively stackable platforms extending from the dividers. The platforms increase in height from a foremost platform to a rearmost platform. Adjacent dividers together with a platform extending between the adjacent dividers define a compartment. A connector assembly is operatively associated with at least one of the dividers and platforms. The connector assembly is configured to allow for independent adjustment of spacing between adjacent dividers to selectively adjust a size of a compartment and to allow a forward platform to slide beneath a platform rearward the forward platform.

[0006] In accordance with another aspect, an adjustable organizer includes a plurality of free-standing racks including a foremost rack, a first intermediate rack, a second intermediate rack, and a rearmost rack. Each rack has a base for engaging an associated common support surface. The racks increase in height from the foremost rack to the rearmost rack, and adjacent racks define a compartment for receiving associated articles. A connector assembly slidably interconnects the plurality of racks. The connector assembly allows a platform of a forward rack to at least partially slide beneath a platform of a rearward rack to independently adjust a size of each compartment.

[0007] In accordance with yet another aspect, an adjustable organizer includes a plurality of free-standing racks including a foremost rack, a first intermediate rack, a second intermediate rack, and a rearmost rack. Each rack includes a vertical divider and a platform. The racks increase in height from the foremost rack to the rearmost rack, and adjacent racks define a compartment for receiving associated articles. A connector assembly interconnects the plurality of racks. The connector assembly includes a plurality of elongated slots provided on the foremost rack, the first intermediate rack and the second intermediate rack and a plurality of engagement members provided on the first intermediate rack, the second intermediate rack and the rearmost rack. Each engagement member is slidably received in one of the elongated slots. The connector assembly allows a platform of a forward rack to at least partially slide beneath a platform of a rearward rack to independently adjust a size of each compartment.

[0008] The embodiments of the present invention described below are not intended to be exhaustive or limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art may appreciate and understand the principles and practices of the present invention. Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description. It is to be understood, however, that the detailed description of the various embodiments and specific examples, while indicating preferred and other embodiments of the present invention, are given by way of illustration and not limitation. Many changes and modifications within the scope of the present invention can be made without departing from the spirit thereof, and the invention includes such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The inventive subject matter disclosed herein can take form in various components and arrangements of components, and in various steps and arrangements of steps. The drawings are only for purposes of illustrating preferred embodiments and are not to be construed as limiting. Further, it is to be appreciated that the drawings may not be drawn to scale.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of an exemplary adjustable stadium organizer according to the present disclosure, the organizer being shown in a fully expanded condition; [0011] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the adjustable stadium organizer of FIG. 1 ;

[0012] FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of the adjustable stadium organizer of FIG. 1 , the organizer being in a collapsed condition;

[0013] FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of the adjustable stadium organizer of FIG. 1 , the organizer being in a partially collapsed condition;

[0014] FIGS. 5-8 depict a side perspective, front elevational, left-side elevational, and bottom plan views, respectively, of an exemplary foremost rack of the adjustable stadium organizer of FIG. 1 ;

[0015] FIGS. 9-12 depict a side perspective, front elevational, left-side elevational, and top plan views, respectively, of an exemplary first intermediate rack of the adjustable stadium organizer of FIG. 1 ;

[0016] FIGS. 13-16 depict a side perspective, front elevational, left-side elevational, and top plan views, respectively, of an exemplary second intermediate rack of the adjustable stadium organizer of FIG. 1 ;

[0017] FIGS. 17-20 depict a side perspective, front elevational, left-side elevational, and top plan views, respectively, of an exemplary third intermediate rack of the adjustable stadium organizer of FIG. 1 ;

[0018] FIGS. 21 -24 depict a side perspective, front elevational, left-side elevational, and top plan views, respectively, of an exemplary rearmost rack of the adjustable stadium organizer of FIG. 1 ;

[0019] FIG. 25 is an exemplary method of manufacturing the adjustable stadium organizer of FIG. 1 ; and

[0020] FIG. 26 is an exemplary method of using the adjustable stadium organizer of FIG. 1 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The apparatuses, products, and methods disclosed in this document are described in detail by way of examples and with reference to the figures, which are not necessarily drawn to scale. Unless otherwise specified, like numbers in the figures indicate references to the same, similar, or corresponding elements throughout the figures. For clarity and simplicity, the present specification shall refer to structural and/or functional elements, relevant standards and/or protocols, and other components that are commonly known in the art without further detailed explanation as to their configuration or operation except to the extent they have been modified or altered in accordance with and/or to accommodate the preferred embodiment(s) presented herein. In general, the figures of the exemplary adjustable stadium organizer are not to scale. It should be appreciated that the term "plurality" means "two or more", unless expressly specified otherwise.

[0022] Referring now to the drawings, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, FIGS. 1 -4 illustrate an adjustable stadium organizer 100 according to the present disclosure which can be selectively adjusted to store and organize associated articles, for example, documents, file folders, and paperwork, to be held on a desktop or the like. The adjustable stadium organizer 100 generally includes a plurality of spaced apart, vertically oriented dividers 102, 104, 106, 108, 1 10 and 1 12 and a plurality of selectively stackable platforms 1 14, 1 16, 1 18, 120 and 122 extending substantially perpendicularly from the dividers. The dividers 102-1 12 increase in height from a foremost divider 102 to a rearmost divider 1 12. Similarly, the platforms 1 14-122 increase in height from a foremost platform 1 14 to a rearmost platform 122. Adjacent dividers together with a platform extending therebetween define a plurality of compartment 124, 126, 128, 130 and 132 for receiving associated articles. As shown, the plurality of dividers includes the six spaced apart dividers 102-1 12 and the plurality of platforms includes the five platforms 1 14-122. With this configuration, the organizer 100 is a five cell or five compartment organizer. It is contemplated that the organizer 100 can have greater or less than the depicted number of dividers and platforms. For example, the organizer 100 can be a seven compartment organizer or a three compartment organizer, the only difference being the number of dividers and corresponding platforms. As will be discussed in greater detail below, a connector assembly 140 is operably associated with one of the dividers 102-1 12 and platforms 1 14-122. The connector assembly 140 is configured to allow for independent adjustment of spacing between adjacent dividers to respectively adjust a size of each compartment 124-130 and to allow a forward platform to slide beneath a platform rearward of the forward platform.

[0023] More particularly, the adjustable stadium organizer 100 includes a plurality of free-standing racks including a foremost rack 160, a first intermediate rack 162, a second intermediate rack 164, a third intermediate rack 166 and a rearmost rack 168. The term free-standing generally means that each of the racks 160-168 can be independently supported on an associated common support surface without being connected to or supported by one of the other racks adjoining racks. The racks 160- 168 increase in height from the foremost rack 160 to the rearmost rack 168, and adjacent racks define the compartments 124-132 for receiving the associated articles. Each rack 160-168 includes at least one of the dividers 102-1 12 and one of the platforms 1 14-122 and further includes a base 170, 172, 174, 176 and 178 for engaging the associated common support surface. More particularly, the foremost rack 160 includes divider 102, platform 1 14 and base 170. The first intermediate rack 162 includes divider 104, platform 1 16 and base 172. The second intermediate rack 164 includes divider 106, platform 1 18 and base 174. The third intermediate rack 166 includes divider 108, platform 120 and base 176. The rearmost rack 168 includes dividers 1 10 and 1 12, platform 122 and base 178.

[0024] To provide for a stadium configuration of the organizer 100, a height of a rearward platform (which is measured from a bottom edge of the base to a top surface of the platform) is greater than a height of an adjacent forward platform. In the depicted embodiment, the incremental height difference between adjacent platforms of the racks 160-168 is the same or constant for the organizer 100. For example, an incremental height difference between the adjacent platforms of the racks can be 0.75 inches. A height H_Pi of the platform 1 14 of the foremost rack 160 can be 0.50 inches and a height H_P2 of the platform 1 16 of the adjacent first intermediate rack is 1 .25 inches. With the constant incremental height difference, a height H_P5 of the platform 122 of the rearmost rack 168 is 3.50 inches. However, according to one aspect of the organizer 100, each rack 160-168 includes a height H_D measured from a top surface of the platform 1 14-122 to a top surface of the divider 102-1 12. This height H_D is substantially equal for each of the plurality of racks 160-168. According to another aspect of the organizer 100, the height distance between platforms can vary from one rack to another. According to yet another aspect of the organizer 100, the height H_D can be different for each rack.

[0025] With continued reference to FIGS. 1 -4, the connector assembly 140 slidably interconnects the plurality of racks 160-168. The connector assembly 140 allows a platform of a forward rack to at least partially slide beneath a platform of a rearward rack to independently adjust a size of each compartment 124-130. Again, to increase the number of compartments associated with the organizer 100, additional intermediate racks can be added. To that end, to decrease the number of compartments associated with the organizer 100, the number of intermediate racks can be reduced. As indicated, the connector assembly 140 allows for independent adjustment of the racks. For example, the organizer 100 can be partially collapsed. As shown in FIG. 4, the second intermediate rack 164 can be slid beneath the third intermediate rack 166 which, in turn, can be slid beneath the rearmost rack 168 without adjusting spacing of the compartments 124, 126 and 132. Therefore, it should be appreciated that in this partially expanded condition, only those compartments are available for storing and organizing articles. The organizer 100 can be further adjusted to a fully collapsed position shown in FIG. 3. In this position, the foremost rack 160 is slid beneath the first intermediate rack 162 which, in turn, is slid beneath the already collapsed second intermediate rack 166 (see FIG. 4). The rearmost rack 168 is configured not to adjust and therefore its base 178 defines an enclosure for at least partially accommodating the other racks 160-166 in the collapsed position of the organizer 100. [0026] As best depicted in FIG. 2, the connector assembly 140 is associated with the bases 170-178 of the racks 160-168 and includes a plurality of slots 190, 192, 194 and 196 and a plurality of engagement members 200, 202, 204, and 206, each engagement member being slidably received in one of the slots. Specifically, the base 170 of the foremost rack 160 includes the slot 190. The base 172 of the first intermediate rack 162 includes the slot 192 and the engagement member 200 that is slidably received in the slot 190 of the base 170. The base 174 of the second intermediate rack 164 includes the slot 194 and the engagement member 202 that is slidably received in the slot 192 of the base 172. The base 176 of the third intermediate rack 166 includes the slot 196 and the engagement member 204 that is slidably received in the slot 194 of the base 174. The base 178 of the rearmost rack 168 includes the engagement member 206 that is slidably received in the slot 196 of the base 174. With this arrangement of elongated slots 190-196 and engagement members 200-206, a forward rack can easily slide beneath a rack immediately rearward of the forward rack without changing spacing of the compartments defined by the rearward racks. The positioning of the engagement members 200-206 on the racks 164-168 and the length of the slots 190-196 on the racks 162-166 also allows for maximum expansion between the racks and for each forward rack to be slid beneath a rearward rack with the divider of that forward rack being immediately adjacent to the divider of the rearward rack.

[0027] The exemplary foremost rack 160 is depicted in FIGS. 5-8. The foremost rack 160 includes the divider 102 and the platform 1 14. The platform 1 14 extends substantially perpendicularly from a lower end portion of the divider 102 and at least partially defines an upper portion of the base 170. The base 170 further includes sidewalls 220, 222, a rear wall 224, and a forward wall 226. The divider 102 includes a vertical wall 230 and a flange 232. The vertical wall 230 includes a front surface 236 and a rear surface 238 and defines a window 240. The window 240 is sized to allow a user to view a substantial portion of the associated articles being held in the compartment 124 defined between the foremost rack 160 and the first intermediate rack 162. With the window 240, the vertical wall 230 is separated into a pair of spaced apart vertical members 242, 244, an upper transverse member 246, and a lower transverse member 248. The vertical members 242, 244 and upper transverse member 246 provide a substantially constant thickness along a periphery of the vertical wall 230; although, this is not required. The upper transverse member 246 together with an upper portion of the flange 232 can have a curved shape; although, this is not required. For example, the upper transverse member 246 can have a non- planar (e.g., arcuate) upwardly directed surface. The flange 232 extends about a periphery of the vertical wall 230 and outwardly from the front surface 236 of the vertical wall 230. With this configuration, the vertical wall 230 together with the forwardly extending flange 232 defines a pocket 252. As depicted, the forward wall 226 is spaced from the vertical wall 230 and can have a height greater than a height of the platform 1 14; although, this is not required. The forward wall 226 and the vertical wall 230 can define a handle portion 250 which allows a user to easily grasp the organizer 100. The forward wall 226 can include an inwardly curved upper edge 254 to further define the handle portion 250; although, this is not required.

[0028] As indicated previously, the foremost rack 160 is provided with the slot 190 of the connector assembly 140. In the exemplary embodiment, the foremost rack 160 includes a pair of slots 190, each slot being located on one of the sidewalls 220, 222. The slots 190 extend parallel to the platform 1 14 and are spaced a predetermined distance above a lower edge of the base 170. It should be appreciated that because the engagement member 200 of the first intermediate rack 162 is slidably received in the slot 190, that distance is equal to the spacing between a lower edge of the base 172 and the engagement member 200. Each slot 190 has a first end 260 adjacent the rear wall 224 and a second end 262 extending past the vertical wall 230 of the divider 102. Again, this allows the foremost rack 160 to be selectively adjusted relative to the first intermediate rack 162.

[0029] With reference to FIGS. 2 and 8, the foremost rack 160 further includes at least one strengthening member 270 located beneath the platform 1 14 and provides strength and rigidity to the platform foremost rack 160. In the depicted embodiment, the at least one strengthening members 270 includes a pair of spaced, parallel longitudinal supports 272 which span between the sidewalls 220, 222 of the base 170. With the configuration of the base 170 and the at least one strengthening member 270, the foremost rack 160 is free-standing and can be supported on the associated common support surface without being connected to or support by the first intermediate rack 162. According to one aspect, when positioned in the slots 190, the engagement members 200 of the first intermediate rack 162 can extend beyond inner surfaces of the sidewalls 220, 222. To allow the engagement members 200 to slide the full extent of the slots 190 provided on the sidewalls 220, 222, opposed ends of each support 272 can include a notch 264. According to another aspect, and in lieu of the notches, each engagement member 200 can have a thickness approximately equal to a thickness of each sidewall 220, 222. With this configuration, the outer surfaces of the engagement members 200, when positioned in the slots 190, are approximately coplanar with the inner surfaces of the sidewalls 220, 222.

[0030] The first intermediate rack 162 is depicted in FIGS. 9-12. The first intermediate rack 162 includes the divider 104 and the platform 1 16. The platform 1 16 extends substantially perpendicularly from a lower end portion of the divider 104 and at least partially defines an upper portion of the base 172. The base 172 further includes sidewalls 290, 292 and a rear wall 294. Similar to the configuration of the foremost rack 160, each sidewall 290, 292 of the base 172 includes a slot 192 and an engagement member 200 of the connector assembly 140. As illustrated, each engagement member 200 is an elongated tab which extends outwardly from an inner surface of each sidewall 290, 292. The engagement members 200 are sized to be slidably received in the elongated slots 190 of the foremost rack 160. Each slot 192 includes a first end 302 adjacent the rear wall 294 and a second end 304 which extends past a vertical wall 310 of the divider 104. The slots 192 extend parallel to the platform 1 16 and are spaced a predetermined distance above a lower edge of the base 172, that distance being equal to a spacing between a lower edge of the base 174 and the engagement members 202 provided on the second intermediate rack 164.

[0031] The vertical wall 310 of the divider 104 has a rear surface 312 and a front surface 314. A flange 316 extends outwardly from a peripheral edge of the front surface 314 and is connected at a lower portion to the sidewalls 290, 292. The vertical wall 310 together with the forwardly extending flange 316 defines a pocket 318. In one embodiment, the pocket 318 can be dimensioned to at least partially receive the divider 102 of the foremost rack 160 in a collapsed position of the organizer 100 (see FIG. 3). In another embodiment, the pocket 318 can be dimensioned to fully receive the foremost rack 160 in the collapsed position of the organizer. The vertical wall 310 defines a window 320, similar to window 240 of the foremost rack 160, which is sized to allow a user to easily identify the articles being held in the compartment 126. With the window 320, the vertical wall 310 is separated into vertical members 330, 332, an upper transverse member 334 and a lower transverse member 336. The upper transverse member 334 can have a profile similar to the profile of upper transverse member 246 of the foremost rack 160. The vertical members 330, 332 together with the upper transverse member 334 provide a substantially constant thickness along a periphery of the vertical wall 310; although, this is not required. The upper transverse member 334 together with an upper portion of the flange 316 can have a curved configuration which mirrors the curved configuration of the foremost rack 160; although this is not required.

[0032] As best depicted in FIGS. 2 and 10, the first intermediate rack 162 includes at least one strengthening member 340 provided beneath the platform 1 16 to provide strength and rigidity to the first intermediate rack. The at least one strengthening member 340 is defined by at least one longitudinal support 342 spanning between the spaced apart sidewalls 290, 292 of the base 172 and at least one transverse support 344 which intersects the at least one longitudinal support 342. As illustrated, the at least one longitudinal support can include a pair of spaced, parallel longitudinal supports 342 (i.e., a forward longitudinal support and a rearward longitudinal support), the forward longitudinal support 342 being defined by a lower portion of the lower transverse member 336. Further, the at least one transverse support can include three spaced, parallel transverse supports 344 which intersect the pair of longitudinal supports 342. Each transverse support 344 spans between the rear wall 294 and the forward longitudinal support 342 and can project downwardly past a lower edge 346 of the forward longitudinal support. To allow the engagement members 202 of the second intermediate rack 164 to slide the full extent of the slots 192, opposed ends of the rearward longitudinal support 342 can include notches 348; although, this is not required. It should be appreciated that, in lieu of the notches 348, the engagement members 202 can have a thickness approximately equal to a thickness of the sidewalls 290, 292. The strengthening member 340 can further include a pair of gussets 350; although, this is not required. Each gusset can be provided between the lower transverse member 336 and the inner surface of one of the sidewalls 290, 292. With the configuration of the base 172 and the at least one strengthening member 340 provided on the base, the first intermediate rack 162 is free-standing and can be supported on the associated common support surface without being connected to or supported by one of the foremost rack 162 and the second intermediate rack 164.

[0033] The second intermediate rack 164 is shown in FIGS. 13-16 and has a configuration similar to the configuration of the first intermediate rack 162 described above. As such, certain common features of the second intermediate rack 164 will be omitted for conciseness. The second intermediate rack 164 includes the divider 106 and the platform 1 18. The platform 1 18 extends substantially perpendicularly from a lower end portion of the divider 106 and at least partially defines an upper portion of the base 174. The base 174 further includes sidewalls 360, 362 and a rear wall 364. Each sidewall 360, 362 of the base 174 includes a slot 194 and an engagement member 202 of the connector assembly 140. As illustrated, each engagement member 202 is an elongated tab which extends outwardly from an inner surface of each sidewall 360, 362. The engagement members 202 are sized to be slidably received in the elongated slots 192 of the first intermediate rack 162. Each slot 194 includes a first end 370 adjacent the rear wall 364 and a second end 372 which extends past a vertical wall 380 of the divider 106. The slots 194 extend parallel to the platform 1 18 and are spaced a predetermined distance above a lower edge of the base 174, that distance being equal to a spacing between a lower edge of the base 176 and the engagement members 204 provided on the third intermediate rack 166. The vertical wall 380 has a rear surface 382 and a front surface 384. An upper transverse member 388 of the vertical wall 380 can have a similar profile as upper transverse members 246 and 334. A flange 386 extends outwardly from a peripheral edge of the front surface 384 and is connected at a lower portion to the sidewalls 360, 362. The vertical wall 380 together with the forwardly extending peripheral flange defines a pocket 390. In one embodiment, the pocket 390 can be dimensioned to at least partially receive the divider 104 of the first intermediate rack 162 in the collapsed position of the organizer 100 (see FIG. 3). In another embodiment, the pocket 390 can be dimensioned to fully receive the foremost rack 160 and the first intermediate rack 162 in the collapsed position of the organizer 100.

[0034] With additional reference to FIG. 2, the second intermediate rack 164 further includes at least one strengthening member 400 having a configuration similar to the at least one strengthening member 340 of the first intermediate rack 162. To that end, the at least one strengthening member 400 can include a pair of spaced, parallel longitudinal supports 402 spanning between the sidewalls 360, 362 (i.e., a forward longitudinal support and a rearward longitudinal support) and three spaced, parallel transverse supports 404 which intersect the longitudinal supports 402 and span between the rear wall 364 and the forward longitudinal support. To allow the engagement member 204 of the third intermediate rack 166 to slide the full extent of the slots 194, opposed ends of the rearward longitudinal support 402 can include notches 406; although, this is not required. Again, in lieu of the notches 406, the engagement members 204 can have a thickness approximately equal to a thickness of the sidewalls 360, 362. Gussets 410 can also be provided between a lower portion of the vertical wall 380 and the inner surfaces of the sidewalls 360, 362; although, this is not required.

[0035] The third intermediate rack 166 is shown in FIGS. 17-20 and has a configuration similar to the configurations of the first intermediate rack 162 and second intermediate rack 164 described above. Therefore, certain common features of the third intermediate rack 166 will also be omitted for conciseness. The third intermediate rack 166 includes the divider 108 and the platform 120, which at least partially defines an upper portion of the base 176. The base 176 includes sidewalls 420, 422 and a rear wall 424. Each sidewall 420, 422 of the base 176 includes the slot 196 and the engagement member 204 of the connector assembly 140. The engagement members 204 are sized to be slidably received in the elongated slots 194 of the second intermediate rack 164. The slots 196 extend parallel to the platform 120 and are spaced a predetermined distance above a lower edge of the base 176, that distance being equal to a spacing between a lower edge of the base 178 and the engagement members 206 of the rearmost rack 168. A vertical wall 440 of the divider 108 has a rear surface 442 and a front surface 444. An upper transverse member 448 of the vertical wall 440 can have a similar profile as upper transverse members 246, 334 and 388. A flange 446 extends outwardly from a peripheral edge of the front surface 444 and is connected at a lower portion to the sidewalls 420, 422. The vertical wall 440 together with the forwardly extending peripheral flange 446 defines a pocket 450. In one embodiment, the pocket 450 can dimensioned to at least partially receive the divider 106 of the second intermediate rack 164 in the collapsed position of the organizer 100 (see FIG. 3). In another embodiment, the pocket 450 can be dimensioned to fully receive the foremost rack 160, the first intermediate rack 162, and the second intermediate rack 164 in the collapsed position of the organizer 100. [0036] With reference back to FIG. 2, the third intermediate rack 166 further includes at least one strengthening member 460 having a configuration similar to the at least one strengthening member 340 of the first intermediate rack 162 and the at least one strengthening member 400 of the second intermediate rack 164. The at least one strengthening member 460 can include a pair of spaced, parallel longitudinal supports 462 spanning between the sidewalls 420, 422 (i.e., a forward longitudinal support and a rearward longitudinal support) and three spaced, parallel transverse supports 464 which intersect the longitudinal supports and span between the rear wall 424 and the forward longitudinal support. To allow the engagement member 206 of the rearmost rack 168 to slide the full extent of the slots 196, opposed ends of the rearward longitudinal support 462 can include notches 466; although, this is not required. Again, in lieu of the notches 466, the engagement members 206 can have a thickness approximately equal to a thickness of the sidewalls 420, 422. Gussets 470 can also be provided between a lower portion of the vertical wall 440 and the inner surfaces of the sidewalls 420, 422; although, this is not required.

[0037] The rearmost rack 168 is shown in FIGS. 21 -24. The rearmost rack 168 includes the dividers 1 10 and 1 12 and the platform 122, which spans substantially perpendicularly between the dividers 1 10 and 1 12. The rearmost rack 168 further includes the base 178 having sidewalls 480, 482 and a rear wall 484. The sidewalls are provided with the engagement members 206 of the connector assembly 140. Similar to the previous rack designs, the engagement members 206 are elongated tabs which are sized to be slidably received in the elongated slots 196 of the third intermediate rack 166. The divider 1 10 includes a vertical wall 490 and a flange 496 which extends outwardly around about a periphery of the vertical wall 490 toward the third intermediate rack 166. The vertical wall 490 together with the forwardly extending flange 496 at least partially defines a pocket 500 which can be dimensioned to at least partially receive the divider 108 of the third intermediate rack 166 in the collapsed position of the organizer 100 (see FIG. 3). In another embodiment, the pocket 500 can be dimensioned to fully receive the foremost rack 160 and each intermediate rack 162, 164, 166 in the collapsed position of the organizer 100. An upper transverse member 498 of the vertical wall 490 can have a similar profile as upper transverse members 246, 334, 388 and 448. The rearmost divider 1 12 includes a vertical wall 510 and a flange 516 extending about a periphery of the vertical wall 510. The flange 516 extends rearwardly away from the divider 1 10 such that a front surface 518 of the divider 1 12 can fully engage articles held in the compartment 132 defined by the rearmost rack 168. An upper transverse member 520 of the vertical wall 510 can have a similar profile as upper transverse members 246, 334, 388, 448 and 498.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 2, the rearmost rack 168 further includes at least one strengthening member 530 provided beneath the platform 122 to provide strength and rigidity to the rearmost rack. Similar to the intermediate racks 162-166, the at least one strengthening member 530 can include a pair of spaced, parallel longitudinal supports 532 spanning between the sidewalls 480, 482 (i.e., a forward longitudinal support and a rearward longitudinal support) and three spaced, parallel transverse supports 534 which intersect the longitudinal supports and span between the rear wall 484 and the forward longitudinal support. As indicated previously, the rearmost rack 168 defines an enclosure sized to at least partially receive the forward racks 160-166 of the organizer 100 in a fully collapsed position, as depicted in FIG. 3.

[0039] It should be appreciated that each individual rack 160-168 can be separately formed by injection molding, which again allows each rack to be freestanding. To assemble the organizer 100, and according to one aspect depicted in Fig. 25, each individual rack 160-168 is separately formed (S100). The foremost rack 160 can be first connected to the first intermediate rack 162 by slightly expanding the sidewalls 290, 292 of the base 172 of the first intermediate rack 162 to allow the base 170 of the foremost rack 160 to be at least partially placed between the sidewalls 290, 292 (S102, S104). This allows the engagement members 200 of the first intermediate rack 162 to be positioned in the slots 190 of the foremost rack 160 (S106). Once the engagement members 200 are properly positioned in the slots 190, the sidewalls 290,292 are returned to their original configuration (S108). The connected racks 160, 162 can then be connected to the second intermediate rack 164 in a similar manner (S1 10). The connected racks 160-164 can then be connected to the third intermediate rack 166 in a similar manner (S1 12). Finally, the connected racks 160-166 can be connected to the rearmost rack 168 in a similar manner (S1 14). Again, this exemplary manner of interconnecting the racks 160-168 is by way of example only and that alternative manners for interconnecting the racks are contemplated. For example, the order of connection can be reversed and the third intermediate rack 166 can be first connected to the rear most rack 168.

[0040] With the above described configuration of the exemplary organizer 100, the racks 160-168 can be independently adjustable such that spacing between adjacent dividers (i.e., the size of the compartments 124-130) can be adjusted without affecting spacing between the remaining dividers of the organizer 100. As depicted in FIG. 26, and according to one aspect, in use, a user places the organizer 100 on a desktop or other like support surface (S120). Depending on the quantity of associated articles to be held by the organizer (as determined by the user (S122)), the user at least partially or fully expands the organizer (S124). For example, if the user only requires the first two compartments 124, 126 in addition to the rearmost compartment 132 to store the associated articles, the foremost rack 160 and first intermediate rack 162 can be expanded while the remaining racks 164, 166 remain collapsed. The size of each compartment 124, 126 can then be independently adjusted depending on the quantity of associated articles to be held in each expanded compartment (S126). The unused compartments 128, 130 can be maintained in the collapsed condition to reduce the footprint of the organizer 100 on the support surface (S128). It should be appreciated that this exemplary manner of using the organizer 100 is by way of example only and that alternative manners of use of the organizer are contemplated. With the connector assembly 140 interconnecting the racks 160-168, the platform of a forward rack can at least partially slide beneath a platform of a rearward rack to independently adjust the size of each compartment. This is advantageous over the prior art organizers which have fixed spacing between the dividers and which occupy a large footprint on a desktop.

[0041] It will be appreciated that in connection with the particular exemplary embodiment(s) presented herein certain structural and/or functional features are described as being incorporated in defined elements and/or components. However, it is contemplated that these features can, to the same or similar benefit, also likewise be incorporated in other elements and/or components where appropriate. It is also to be appreciated that different aspects of the exemplary embodiments can be selectively employed as appropriate to achieve other alternative embodiments suited for desired applications, the other alternative embodiments thereby realizing the respective advantages of the aspects incorporated therein.

[0042] Additionally, it is to be appreciated that certain elements described herein as incorporated together can under suitable circumstances be stand-alone elements or otherwise divided. Similarly, a plurality of particular functions described as being carried out by one particular element can be carried out by a plurality of distinct elements acting independently to carry out individual functions, or certain individual functions can be split-up and carried out by a plurality of distinct elements acting in concert. Alternatively, some elements or components otherwise described and/or shown herein as distinct from one another can be physically or functionally combined where appropriate.

[0043] In short, the present specification has been set forth with reference to preferred embodiments. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon reading and understanding the present specification. It is intended that the invention be construed as including all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

Claims

We claim:

1 . An adjustable organizer comprising:

a plurality of spaced apart vertically oriented dividers;

a plurality of selectively stackable platforms extending from the dividers, the platforms increasing in height from a foremost platform to a rearmost platform, adjacent dividers together with a platform extending between the adjacent dividers defining a compartment; and

a connector assembly operatively associated with at least one of the dividers and platforms, the connector assembly configured to allow for independent adjustment of a spacing between adjacent dividers to selectively adjust a size of a compartment and to allow a forward platform to slide beneath a platform rearward of the forward platform.

2. The organizer of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of dividers and the plurality of platforms define a plurality of free-standing racks, each rack having base for engaging an associated common support surface, the plurality of racks including a foremost rack and a rearmost rack, each rack including a divider and a platform, wherein the connector assembly is configured to slidably interconnect the racks.

3. The organizer of claim 2, wherein the plurality of racks further includes an intermediate rack.

4. The organizer of claim 3, wherein the connector assembly includes a plurality of slots and a plurality of engagement members, each engagement member being slidably received in one of the slots.

5. The organizer of claim 4, wherein each rack of the plurality of racks includes a base having a pair of spaced side walls, at least one of the side walls of the foremost rack and at least one of the side walls of the intermediate rack including a slot of the connector assembly.

6. The organizer or claim 5, wherein each slot has a first end adjacent a rear wall of the rack and a second end extending past the divider.

7. The organizer of claim 5, wherein each of the intermediate rack and the rearmost rack includes an engagement member, the engagement member of the intermediate rack being slidably received in the slot of the foremost rack and the engagement member of the rearmost rack being slidably received in the slot of the intermediate rack.

8. The organizer of claim 5, wherein the engagement member of the intermediate rack is provided on an inner surface of at least one of the side walls of the intermediate rack, and the engagement member of the rearmost rack is provided on an inner surface of at least one of the side walls of the rearmost rack.

9. The organizer of claim 7, wherein each engagement member is an elongated tab positioned beneath the divider.

10. The organizer of claim 2, wherein each rack includes at least one strengthening member provided beneath the platform, the at least one strengthening member configured to provide strength and rigidity to the rack, the at least one strengthening member of each rack including at least one longitudinal support spanning between spaced apart side walls of the rack, and the at least one strengthening member of both the intermediate rack and the rearmost rack further including at least one transverse support intersecting the at least one longitudinal support.

1 1 . The organizer of claim 2, wherein each rack includes a first height measured from a bottom surface of a base to a top surface of the platform and a second height measured from the top surface of the platform to a top surface of the divider, the first height increasing from the foremost rack to the rearmost rack, the incremental height difference between platforms of adjacent racks being constant for the organizer, the second height of the racks being approximately equal to one another.

12. The organizer of claim 2, wherein the foremost rack includes a handle portion.

13. The organizer of claim 12, wherein the foremost rack includes a base having a front wall spaced from the divider, the front wall together with the divider defining the handle portion.

14. The organizer of claim 1 , wherein each intermediate divider located between the foremost divider and rearmost divider includes a pocket, the pocket of each intermediate divider being sized to at least partially receive an adjacent forward divider.

15. The organizer of claim 14, wherein each intermediate divider includes a vertical wall having a front surface and a rear surface and a flange extending forwardly from the front surface, the flange together with the vertical wall defining the pocket.

16. The organizer of claim 15, wherein the vertical wall includes an upper transverse member that in combination with an upper portion of the flange has a curved shape.

17. An adjustable organizer comprising:

a plurality of free-standing racks including a foremost rack, a first intermediate rack, a second intermediate rack, and a rearmost rack, each rack having base for engaging an associated common support surface, the racks increasing in height from the foremost rack to the rearmost rack, adjacent racks defining a compartment for receiving associated articles; and

a connector assembly slidably interconnecting the plurality of racks, the connector assembly allowing a platform of a forward rack to at least partially slide beneath a platform of a rearward rack to independently adjust a size of each compartment.

18. The organizer of claim 17, wherein the connector assembly includes a plurality of elongated slots and a plurality of engagement members, each engagement member being slidably received in one of the elongated slots.

19. The organizer of claim 18, wherein the elongated slots are provided on side walls of a base of the foremost rack, side walls of a base of the first intermediate rack and side walls of a base of the second intermediate rack.

20. The organizer of claim 19, wherein the engagement members are elongated tabs provided on the side walls of the first intermediate rack, the side walls of the second intermediate rack and side walls of the rearmost rack.

21 . The organizer of claim 17, wherein each of the first intermediate rack, the second intermediate rack and the rearmost rack includes a pocket, the pocket of the rearmost rack sized to at least partially receive the divider of the second intermediate rack, the pocket of the second intermediate rack sized to at least partially receive the divider of the first intermediate rack, and the pocket of the first intermediate rack sized to at least partially receive the divider of the foremost rack.

22. An adjustable organizer comprising:

a plurality of free-standing racks including a foremost rack, a first intermediate rack, a second intermediate rack, and a rearmost rack, each rack including a vertical divider and a platform, the racks increasing in height from the foremost rack to the rearmost rack, adjacent racks defining a compartment for receiving associated articles; and

a connector assembly interconnecting the plurality of racks, the connector assembly includes a plurality of elongated slots provided on the foremost rack, the first intermediate rack and the second intermediate rack and a plurality of engagement members provided on the first intermediate rack, the second intermediate rack and the rearmost rack, each engagement member being slidably received in one of the elongated slots, the connector assembly allowing a platform of a forward rack to at least partially slide beneath a platform of a rearward rack to independently adjust a size of each compartment.