Hanging shelf system and travel organizer for use in combination with a suitcase

Abstract

A hanging shelf system and travel organizer is specifically adapted for use in combination with a suitcase wherein the shelf system is adapted to collapse to a size suitable for removable insertion within the suitcase. The shelf system is configurable between a vertically expanded configuration when deployed wherein a plurality of shelves and walls form storage compartments for receiving clothing and other travel items, and a vertically compact, stowed configuration wherein the travel shelf apparatus is compactly configured for insertion into a suitcase for travel. When the user reaches his / her destination the travel organizer may be removed from the suitcase and hung in a closet in the vertically expanded configuration with spaced shelves thereby providing the traveler with ready access to the packed articles while eliminating the need to unpack and repack.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of provisional U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 175,115, filed on May 4, 2009STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002]N / ACOPYRIGHT NOTICE[0003]A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrights rights whatsoever.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0004]1. Field of the Invention[0005]The present invention relates to an apparatus for use with a suitcase, and more particularly to a travel organizer comprising a hanging shelf system that may be collapsed for transport within a suitcase and quickly removed and deployed in a hanging configuration to provide the traveler with access to clothing and ot...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011]The present invention overcomes the limitations and disadvantages present in the art by providing a hanging shelf system travel organizer that is specifically adapted for use in combination with a suitcase. A travel organizer in accordance with the present invention comprises a hanging shelf system adapted to collapse to a size suitable for insertion within an article of luggage. The shelf system is configurable between a vertically expanded configuration when deployed wherein a plurality of shelves are disposed in vertically spaced relation for receiving clothing and other travel items, and a vertically compact, stowed configuration wherein the travel shelf apparatus is compactly configured for insertion into a suitcase for travel. When the user reaches his / her destination the travel organizer may be removed from the suitcase and hung in a closet in the vertically expanded configuration with spaced shelves thereby providing the traveler with ready access to the packed articles while eliminating the need to unpack and repack.

[0012]A hanging shelf system in accordance with the present invention is preferably provided with three storage compartments, each of which includes a supporting bottom surface configured to function as shelf. Each shelf preferably includes a lightweight yet sturdy rigid or semi-rigid horizontally disposed panel to provide structural support. The remaining structure is comprised of flexible, preferably mesh, fabric thereby allowing the apparatus to be selectively configured between a vertically expanded configuration wherein the shelves are maximally spaced, and a vertically collapsed configuration wherein the shelves are minimally spaced. In contrast to prior art, no structural support is provided. A pair of hooks is provided to allow the organizational apparatus to be hung from a closet rod. When suspended from the closet rod the travel organizer automatically deploys to the vertically extended configuration under the influence of gravity. By simply unhooking the entire apparatus from the closet rod, the user can collapse the system into the luggage. As the sides and rear of the apparatus are formed of flexible fabric, the apparatus will compact itself into a small volume of space, i.e., the interior of luggage. Upon arrival at the destination, the user can open the luggage, and lift the system by grasping the hooks and hanging in a closet or over a door frame. Because there is no need to empty the system prior to packing, all items remain organized in the shelving apparatus and ready for use in minimal time.

Problems solved by technology

As travelers are increasingly mobile, it is often inconvenient to pack and unpack at each destination.

The background art fails, however, to disclose a hangable travel organizer system designed for removable insertion and transport within a conventional suitcase.

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