Universal object retention system and method of use

Abstract

An object retention system is adapted for retaining any one of a plurality of objects of different size and shape. The object retention system comprises a substantially thin, semi-rigid substrate and having a strap assembly including a plurality of straps overlaying the substrate and arranged in first and second sets oriented and angled in relation to one another. The first and second sets are woven together such as in a non-uniform or random pattern to form a plurality of strap overlaps. Each one of the straps may further be securable to the substrate with at least two anchor points. Strap sections are defined between each adjacent pair of strap overlaps and / or between adjacent pairs of anchor points to allow for insertion of at least one of the objects of multiple size and shape between the strap and substrate.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001](Not Applicable)STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH / DEVELOPMENT[0002](Not Applicable)BACKGROUND[0003]The present invention relates generally to storage devices and, more particularly, to a uniquely configured and highly adaptable object retention system for organizing, storing and carrying a wide variety of objects and / or personal articles of different size and shape wherein the objects are easily insertable into and removable from the object retention system.[0004]Included in the prior art are a wide variety of storage devices such as storage bags which are specifically adapted for containing and transporting various objects and accessories as may be required by a user as they go about their daily activities or during travel. For example, backpacks are commonly used by students to carry books and other materials and supplies to and from home as well as between classes. Backpacks typically include at least one relatively large inte...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013]The straps are preferably formed as elastomeric, elongate webbing or stretchable, elastic members which are preferably fabricated of woven elastic material such as polyester, polypropylene, cotton, nylon or any other suitable materials or combinations of material. Each of the straps is preferably formed as a contiguous, one-piece element but may alternatively be constructed as a series of strap portions connected end-to-end. Additionally, the straps in at least one of the first and second sets are provided in at least two different widths in order to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the object retention system as well as to provide additional retention strength for heavier objects or objects of greater size and / or bulk.

[0016]The straps in the first and second sets are preferably woven together in a non-uniform or random criss-crossing pattern although the sets may be woven in a uniform or repeating one-dimensional crisscrossing pattern along each strap length and / or in a two-dimensional criss-crossing pattern that is repeated throughout the strap assembly. The woven arrangement of the first and second strap results in a plurality of strap overlaps formed by the criss-crossing straps. If the first and second sets are woven together in a non-uniform or random pattern, strap sections of varying length are formed in the strap assembly to allow for insertion and retention of objects of varying size and in various orientations.

[0017]Although the object retention system preferably includes a substrate, in an alternative embodiment, the substrate may be omitted and each strap may instead be secured to a surface or structure upon which the strap assembly is overlayed. Regardless of the configuration, the straps are securable to the substrate or surface by anchor points. The anchor points may be disposed at opposed ends of each strap as well as at intermediate locations (i.e., intermediate anchor points) along the length of each strap. The location of intermediate anchor points along the strap lengths results in the formation of strap sections of different length throughout the strap assembly such that objects of varying size and shape may be conveniently secured in various orientations.

Problems solved by technology

For art students, the size and shape of the materials required for different classes presents additional problems in storing and carrying such supplies and materials to and from class.

Due to the wide variety of sizes of materials and supplies used by art students, the carrying of such items is especially cumbersome making transportation difficult, especially in an urban setting where art students may commute to and from classes using public transportation.

The need to carry a wide variety of personal effects and accessories of different sizes in their daily activity and during travel is also a challenge for women.

However, the above-mentioned storage devices such as backpacks and handbags possess certain deficiencies which detract from their overall utility.

For example, most prior art storage devices are provided with a limited number of compartments, pockets or slots which can only hold certain size objects.

Furthermore, the total quantity of compartments, slots or pockets typically included with prior art storage bags is many times less than the total number of items that an individual must carry.

Unfortunately, the total number of cosmetic items carried by women is typically greater than the number of individual compartments which are provided in many purses, handbags and travel bags.

As a result, many women simply place the above-mentioned cosmetic items in a mixed array at the bottom of the purse or handbag making identification and retrieval of a specific item difficult.

Likewise, for individuals who carry conventional backpacks, the total number of items carried during the day or during travel typically exceeds the limited number of pockets or slots which are available in the backpack.

The remaining items that do not fit into one of the separate enclosures must be stored in an unorganized fashion as loose items in one of the larger compartments of the carrying bag making later retrieval of a particular item inconvenient.

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