TECHNICAL FIELDThis invention relates to devices for organizing a plurality of objects, the objects defining at least one aperture there through, and related methods for storing objects.
BACKGROUNDConventional approaches to organizing objects have varied greatly in the past depending on the type and size of the objects and the purpose for organizing the objects. Popular solutions to the organization of objects include the placement of objects in bins or other like compartments within a partially enclosed structure. However, particular problems may arise if the objects are of certain dimensions, need to be inspected or counted quickly, or transported on short notice. Additionally, the organized objects may not be easily accessible and may require substantial time to access particular objects when they are stored amongst a plurality of different objects. This is especially true for objects which, by their nature, share common characteristics but come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Some of the many examples of such objects are hardware fittings, pipe fittings, sockets, gaskets, o-rings, washers, nuts, seals, bushings, tape rolls, wrenches and the like.
Thus, a need exists for a low cost device for organizing objects to allow a person to easily and efficiently inspect and, if necessary, access the organized objects. Furthermore, a need also exists for a device for organizing objects which is easily transportable in case the objects needed to be moved from one location to another, while retaining the capacity to be used for storage in a primary location.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention addresses these needs by providing, in one embodiment, a device for organizing a plurality of objects, the objects containing at least one aperture there through. The device allows one to easily and efficiently inspect and access the organized objects. Additionally, certain embodiments this invention enable a user to transport the organized objects effectively from one location to another and may also enable a user to store the objects in a primary location.
Specifically, in one of its embodiments, this invention comprises an elongated strand comprising a first end and a second end, a support member integral with or attached to the first end, and a retention member integral with or attached to the second end. The retention member is sized and configured so that the retention member may be threaded through the aperture of each of the objects in a manner in which at least a portion of the elongated strand also is threaded through the aperture of each of the objects and thereafter at least one dimension of the retention member is of a sufficient magnitude relative to a largest diameter of the aperture formed by a last one of the objects through which the retention member is threaded that the retention member is inhibited from threading back through the aperture formed by the last one of the objects.
In another embodiment, this invention comprises a plurality of elongated strands, each elongated strand comprising a first end and a second end, a support member integral with or attached to the first ends of the plurality of elongated strands in a fixed arrangement, and for each of the strands, a retention member integral with or attached to the second end. The retention member is sized and configured so that the retention member may be threaded through the aperture of each of the objects in a manner in which at least a portion of the elongated strand also is threaded through the aperture of each of the objects and thereafter at least one dimension of the retention member is of a sufficient magnitude relative to a largest diameter of the aperture formed by a last one of the objects through which the retention member is threaded that the retention member is inhibited from threading back through the aperture formed by the last one of the objects.
Another embodiment of this invention is a method for organizing objects, each of the objects forming at least aperture there through, the method comprises providing a device comprising an elongated strand comprising a first end and a second end, a support member integral with or attached to the first end respectively, and a retention member integral with or attached to the second end respectively; inserting the retention member and at least a portion of the elongated strand through the at least one aperture of each of the objects; and disposing the retention member so that at least one dimension of the retention member is greater than the largest diameter of the at least one aperture of a last object to thereby retain a plurality of the objects on the elongated strand.
Still further, in an alternate embodiment, this invention is a method for organizing objects, each of the objects forming at least aperture there through, the method comprises providing a device comprising a plurality of elongated strands, each elongated strand comprising a first end and a second end, a support member integral with or attached to the first ends of the plurality of elongated strands in a fixed arrangement, and a plurality of retention members, each integral with or attached to a respective second end of one of the plurality of elongated strands; inserting at least one of the retention members and at least a portion of the elongated strand through the at least one aperture of each of the objects; and disposing the at least one of the retention members so that at least one dimension of the retention member is greater than the largest diameter of the at least one aperture of a last object to thereby retain a plurality of the objects on the elongated strand.
The above and other embodiments will be apparent from the ensuing description and the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSFIG. 1 is a side view of one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a side view of another alternate embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a side view of the retention member of an alternative embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 5 is a side view of the retention member of another alternate embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 6 is a side view of yet another embodiment of the present invention.
Like reference numbers or letters are used in the figures to reference like parts or components amongst the several figures.
FURTHER DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIONAs stated above, this invention comprises a device for organizing objects containing at least one aperture there through.FIG. 1 shows the invention generally comprising anelongated strand10, asupport member12, and aretention member14.Elongated strand10 comprises afirst end16 and asecond end18.Support member12 is either integral with or attached tofirst end16.Retention member14 is either integral with or attached tosecond end18.Retention member14 is sized and configured so thatretention member14 may be threaded through theaperture20 of each ofobjects22 in a manner in which at least a portion ofelongated strand10 also is threaded throughaperture20 of each ofobjects22 and thereafter at least one dimension (shown by line A-A) ofretention member14 is of a sufficient magnitude relative to a largest diameter (shown by line B-B) ofaperture20 formed by a last one ofobjects22 through whichretention member14 is threaded thatretention member14 is inhibited from threading back throughaperture20 formed by the last one of theobjects22.
The elongated strand can be of any length desired with consideration given to, among other factors, the quantity of objects to be organized, the size of the objects, and the total weight of the objects. The diameter of the elongated strand may also vary and is dependent on similar factors as the length of the elongated string. Althoughelongated strand10 inFIG. 1 is a rope, the material of the elongated strand may vary and should be chosen based on the object organized. The strength of the material should be sufficient to support the objects and the retention member. Suitable materials for the elongated strand include rope, nylon, and metal wire, as well as a wide variety of materials which may be chosen with consideration to the objects organized, the retention member and support member used, the manner of formation, and its intended use.
First end16 ofelongated strand10 is integral with or attached to supportmember12 as shown inFIG. 1. InFIG. 1,first end16 ofelongated strand10 is integral withsupport member12.Support member12 is inserted throughfirst end16 ofstrand10 in such a manner as to become integral withstrand10. Althoughfirst end16 is integral withsupport member12 inFIG. 1,first end16 may be attached to supportmember12 in a variety of ways, including taping, gluing, tying, or any like attachment means to produce a firm joint-like attachment24 offirst end16 andsupport member12. The term “attaching” may also be construed to include such means as inserting the first end of the elongated strand through the support member and thereafter tying the first end in a knot-like form to restrict the elongated strand from separating from the support member.Attachment24 offirst end16 andsupport member12 is such thatelongated strand10 is free to pivot about joint-like attachment24 in any direction with the only constraint occurring fromsupport member12.Second end18 ofelongated strand10 is integral with or attached toretention member14. InFIG. 1,retention member14 is inserted throughsecond end18 ofelongated strand10. Althoughsecond end18 is integral withretention member14 inFIG. 1, and as such, is attached in the same manner asfirst end16, the second end may be attached in a different manner. The manners of attachment available to the second end are the same as the attachments listed above with respect to the first end. The term “attaching” with respect to the second end and the retention member may be construed in the same manner as defined above with respect to the support member. The ability of the second end to form a joint-like attachment to the retention member is an essential aspect of this invention.
Thesupport member12 as shown inFIG. 1 is integral with or attached tofirst end16 ofelongated strand10. The support member may be made from a variety of objects. An important factor in choosing the material constituting the support member is the strength of the material with respect to the amount of weight the support member will be supporting. Suitable materials for the support member include plastic, metal, or wood. Such a list of materials is nonlimiting as the support member may be made from any material that is of sufficient strength to support the weight of the elongated strand, retention member, and the objects organized. As shown inFIG. 1,support member12 is a cylindrical rod. The structure of the support member may vary and may include tubes, cylinders, pipes, or like structures. The support member may also comprise a structure suitable for transporting this invention from one location to another. Such a suitable structure may include a curved surface suitable for gripping the support member.
As shown inFIG. 1,retention member14 is integral with or attached tosecond end18 ofelongated strand10. The retention member is sized and configured so that the retention member may be threaded through the aperture of each of the objects in a manner in which at least a portion of the elongated strand also is threaded through the aperture of each of the objects and thereafter at least one dimension of the retention member is of a sufficient magnitude relative to a largest diameter of the aperture formed by a last one of the objects through which the retention member is threaded that the retention member is inhibited from threading back through the aperture formed by the last one of the objects. InFIG. 1,retention member14 is a tube with afirst arm26 and asecond arm28. Althoughretention member14 is a tube inFIG. 1, the structure of the retention member may vary given consideration to the objects organized and its intended use.
In alternate embodiments ofFIG. 2 and 3,retention member14 is characterized by having at least one narrow form having a maximum width dimension (shown by line C-C) and at least one extended form having a maximum width dimension (shown by line D-D) which is greater than the maximum width dimension C-C of the narrow form,retention member14 being sized and configured so thatretention member14 in a form with narrow width C-C may be threaded through at least oneaperture20 in a manner in which at least a portion ofelongated strand10 is threaded through at least oneaperture20 andretention member14 in a form with extended width D-D thereafter extends beyond largest diameter B-B of at least oneaperture20 formed by alast object22 through whichretention member14 was threaded. InFIG. 2,retention member14 comprises astem base end32 and a dome-shapedend34. The dome-shaped end is preferably made from a temporarily compressible material. The stem base end and dome-shaped end are preferably a one-piece component. The narrow form comprises the dome-shaped end having pressure applied to its surface in such a manner as to minimize the surface area of the dome-shaped end to allow for easier passage of the retention member and at least a portion of the elongated strand through the at least one aperture. The extended form comprises the dome-shaped end having no external forces applied to its surface beyond normal atmospheric conditions.
InFIG. 3,retention member14 comprises acentral member36 attached to a firstcollapsible arm38 and a secondcollapsible arm40. The central member and the first collapsible arm are preferably attached by hinged means, but may be attached by other like means. The central member and the second collapsible arm are attached in the same manner as the central member and first collapsible arm. The form ofretention member14 having narrow width C-C inFIG. 3 comprises firstcollapsible arm38 and secondcollapsible arm40 rotating inward from an applied external force towardscentral member36 about apivot position42 created by the hinged means or other like means in such a manner as to allow for easier passage ofretention member14 and at least a portion ofelongated strand10 through at least oneaperture20. The extended form ofretention member14 having extended width D-D inFIG. 3 comprises firstcollapsible arm38 and secondcollapsible arm40 expanded to the normal quiescent shape with no external forces applied to their surfaces beyond those of normal atmospheric conditions.
In an alternate embodiment shown inFIG. 6, this invention comprises a support member, wherein the support member is aretention member14. In this embodiment, each retention member is sized and configured so that each retention member may be threaded through the aperture of each of the objects in a manner in which at least a portion of the elongated strand also is threaded through the aperture of each of the objects and thereafter at least one dimension of each retention member is of a sufficient magnitude relative to a largest diameter of the aperture formed by a last one of the objects through which each retention member is threaded that each retention member is inhibited from threading back through the aperture formed by the last one of the objects. It should be appreciated that the retention members may be of the same type or may be different. As shown inFIG. 6, eachretention member14 retainsobjects22; however, it should be appreciated that at least oneretention member14 may function as a support member.Elongated strand10 is folded at apivot point56 as shown inFIG. 6 to facilitate storage or transport. It should be appreciated that the elongated strand of this embodiment may be kept taut or folded at any angle desired.
The method for organizing objects, each of the objects forming at least one aperture there through, comprises providing a device comprising an elongated strand comprising a first end and a second end, a support member integral with or attached to the first end respectively, and a retention member integral with or attached to the second end respectively. The retention member and at least a portion of the elongated strand is inserted through the at least one aperture of each of the objects. The retention member is then disposed so that at least one dimension of the retention member is greater than the largest diameter of the at least one aperture of a last object to thereby retain a plurality of the objects on the elongated strand.
In the alternate embodiments ofFIGS. 2 and 3,retention member14 in a form with narrowed width C-C is threaded through at least oneaperture20 in a manner in which at least a portion ofelongated strand10 is threaded through at least oneaperture20.Retention member14 is then disposed so that the extended form ofretention member14 with width D-D thereafter extends beyond largest diameter B-B ofaperture20 formed by alast object22 through whichretention member14 was threaded to thereby retain a plurality of theobjects22 on elongatedstrand10.
In an alternate embodiment shown inFIG. 4, this invention comprises a plurality ofelongated strands44, eachelongated strand10 comprisingfirst end16 andsecond end18,support member12 integral with or attached to first ends16 of plurality ofelongated strands44 in a fixedarrangement46, and for each of thestrands10,retention member14 is integral with or attached tosecond end18. InFIG. 4, plurality ofelongated strands44 comprises fiveelongated strands10. However, the plurality of elongated strands may comprise a different number of elongated strands limited only by the support member. The elongated string can be of any length desired with consideration given, among other factors, to the quantity of objects to be organized, the size of the objects, and the total weight of the objects. The diameter of the elongated string may also vary and is dependent on similar factors as the length of the elongated string. Although the material of theelongated strands10 is rope inFIG. 4, the material of the elongated strands may vary and should be chosen based on the object organized. The strength of the material should be sufficient to support the objects and the retention member. Suitable materials for the elongated strand include rope, nylon, and metal wire, as well as a wide variety of materials which may be chosen with consideration to the objects organized, the retention member and support member used, the manner of formation, and its intended use.
First end16 of eachelongated strand10 is integral with or attached to supportmember12 as shown inFIG. 4. InFIG. 4,first end16 of eachelongated strand10 is attached by means of insertingfirst end16 through anopening48 insupport member12 and tyingfirst end16 in aknot50. Although this is the preferred attachment means inFIG. 4, the first end may be attached in a variety of manners including taping, gluing, tying, or any like attachment means to produce a firm joint-like attachment of the first end and the support member. The first end may also be inserted through an opening into the support member and than inserted back through a different opening in the support member as an attachment means whereby a portion of the elongated strand remains in the support member. The attachment of the first end and the support member is such that each elongated strand is free to pivot about the joint-like attachment in any direction with the only constraint occurring from the support member. InFIG. 4, eachelongated strand10 is integral with or attached to supportmember12 in fixedarrangement46. Fixedarrangement46 comprises five substantially similar spacedopenings48 in which first ends16 ofelongated strands10 are inserted. However, the fixed arrangement may vary depending on the spacing of the openings and the objects organized and intended use. The second end of each elongated strand is integral with or attached to the retention member. InFIG. 4,second end18 is attached by means of insertingsecond end18 through anorifice52 inretention member14 and tyingsecond end18 inknot50. Although this is the method of attachment inFIG. 4, and is the same manner of attachment as the first end, the second end may be attached in a different manner. The manners of attachment available to the second end are the same as the attachments listed above with respect to the first end. The ability of the second end to form a joint-like attachment to the retention member is an essential aspect of this invention.
Thesupport member12 as shown inFIG. 4 is integral with or attached to thefirst end16 of eachelongated strand10. The support member may be made from a variety of objects. An important factor in choosing the material constituting the support member is the strength of the material with respect to the amount of weight the support member will be supporting. Suitable materials for the support member include plastic, metal, or wood. Such a list of materials is nonlimiting as the support member may be made from any material that is of sufficient strength to support the weight of the elongated strand, retention member, and the objects organized. As shown inFIG. 2,support member12 is a cylindrical pipe. The structure of the support member may vary and may include tubes, cylinders, pipes, or like structures. The support member may also contain a structure suitable for transporting this invention from one location to another. Such a suitable structure may include a curved surface suitable for gripping the support member.
In an alternate embodiment shown inFIG. 5, this invention further comprisessupport member12, whereinsupport member12 is anintertwinement54 of first ends16.Intertwinement54 inFIG. 5 is shown to be a knot formed by a tying means but may be formed by other like means such as splicing.
As shown inFIGS. 4 and 5,retention member14 is integral with or attached to respectivesecond end18 of one of plurality ofelongated strands44. The retention member is sized and configured so that the retention member may be threaded through the aperture of each of the objects in a manner in which at least a portion of the elongated strand also is threaded through the aperture of each of the objects and thereafter at least one dimension of the retention member is of a sufficient magnitude relative to a largest diameter of the aperture formed by a last one of the objects through which the retention member is threaded that the retention member is inhibited from threading back through the aperture formed by the last one of the objects. InFIGS. 4 and 5,retention member14 is a tube withfirst arm24 andsecond arm26. Althoughretention member14 is a tube inFIG. 1, the structure of the retention member may vary given consideration to the objects organized and its intended use.
The retention member inFIGS. 4 and 5 may comprise the alternate embodiments ofFIGS. 2 and 3. InFIGS. 2 and 3,retention member14 is characterized by having at least one narrow form with narrow width C-C and at least one extended form with extended width D-D,retention member14 being sized and configured so thatretention member14 in narrowed form may be threaded through at least oneaperture20 in a manner in which at least a portion ofelongated strand10 is threaded through at least oneaperture20 andretention member14 in extended form thereafter has an extended width D-D which extends beyond largest diameter B-B of at least oneaperture20 formed by a last object through whichretention member14 was threaded. InFIG. 2,retention member14 comprises stembase end32 and dome-shapedend34. The dome-shaped end is preferably made from a temporarily compressible material. The stem base end and dome-shaped end are preferably a one-piece component. The narrow form comprises the dome-shaped end having pressure applied to its surface in such a manner as to minimize the surface area of the dome-shaped end to allow for easier passage of the retention member and at least a portion of the elongated strand through the at least one aperture. The extended form comprises the dome-shaped end having no external forces applied to its surface beyond atmospheric conditions.
InFIG. 3,retention member14 comprisescentral member36 attached to firstcollapsible arm38 and secondcollapsible arm40. The central member and the first collapsible arm are preferably attached by hinged means, but may be attached by other like means. The central member and the second collapsible arm are attached in the same manner as the central member and first collapsible arm. Narrowform retention member14 with width C-C inFIG. 3 comprises firstcollapsible arm38 and secondcollapsible arm40 rotating inward from an applied external force towardscentral member36 aboutpivot position42 created by the hinged means or other like means in such a manner as to allow for easier passage ofretention member14 and at least a portion ofelongated strand10 through at least oneaperture20. Extended form ofretention member14 with extended width D-D inFIG. 3 comprises firstcollapsible arm38 and secondcollapsible arm40 having no external forces applied to its surface beyond normal atmospheric conditions.
In an alternate embodiment, this invention comprises a method for organizing objects, each of the objects forming at least one aperture through, comprises providing a device comprising a plurality of elongated strands, each elongated strand comprising a first end and a second end, a support member integral with or attached to the first ends of the plurality of elongated strands in a fixed arrangement, and a plurality of retention members, each integral with or attached to a respective second end of one of the plurality of elongated strands. At least one of the retention members and at least a portion of at least one of the elongated strands is inserted through the at least one aperture of at least one of the objects. The retention member is then disposed so that at least one dimension of the retention member is greater than the largest diameter of the at least one aperture of a last object to thereby retain a plurality of the objects on the at least one of the elongated strands.
In the alternate embodiments ofFIGS. 2 and 3,retention member14 in narrowed form with width C-C is threaded through at least oneaperture20 in a manner in which at least a portion ofelongated strand10 is threaded through at least oneaperture20.Retention member14 is then disposed so that the extended form with width D-D thereafter extends beyond largest diameter B-B ofaperture20 formed by alast object22 through whichretention member14 was threaded to thereby retain a plurality of theobjects22 on elongatedstrand10.
Except as may be expressly otherwise indicated, the article “a” or “an” if and as used herein is not intended to limit, and should not be construed as limiting, the description or a claim to a single element to which the article refers. Rather, the article “a” or “an” if and as used herein is intended to cover one or more such elements, unless the text expressly indicates otherwise.
While it is apparent that the invention herein disclosed fulfills the objects previously described, it will be appreciated that numerous modifications and embodiments of this invention will be evident or may be devised by those skilled in the art, and it is intended that the appended claims cover all such modifications, embodiments, and all equivalents thereof, as fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.