Organizing grids for carrying cases

Abstract

An organizing grid includes a sheet of pliable material having a first side and a second side; two adjacent holes extending into the first side, wherein each of the two adjacent holes are configured to receive a post of an organizer block; and one or more standoffs extending from the second side, wherein the one or more standoffs support the sheet above a surface. Recesses or perforations are provided in a grid pattern between the holes allowing a user to customize a size and shape of the organizing grid by ripping, cutting, or breaking the organizing grid along one or more of these recesses or perforations. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Description

Attorney Docket No. 1338.233.01WOORGANIZING GRIDS FOR CARRYING CASESCLAIM OF PRIORITY UNDER 35 U.S.C. §119

[0001] This application claim priority to U.S. provisional patent application 63 / 707,004, filed on October 14, 2024, for ORGANIZING GRIDS FOR CARRYING CASES, which is hereby incorporated by reference for all that is disclosed therein.FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to carrying cases and more particularly to organizing grids for use in carrying cases.SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0003] The following presents a simplified summary relating to one or more aspects and / or embodiments disclosed herein. As such, the following summary should not be considered an extensive overview relating to all contemplated aspects and / or embodiments, nor should the following summary be regarded to identify key or critical elements relating to all contemplated aspects and / or embodiments or to delineate the scope associated with any particular aspect and / or embodiment. Accordingly, the following summary has the sole purpose to present certain concepts relating to one or more aspects and / or embodiments relating to the mechanisms disclosed herein in a simplified form to precede the detailed description presented below.Attorney Docket No. 1338.233.01WO

[0004] Accordingly there is provided a grid for a carrying (or storage) case as detailed in the respective independent claims. A grid per the independent claims is also provided. Advantageous features are provided in the dependent claims.

[0005] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a sheet of an organizing grid including: a sheet of pliable material having a first side and a second side; a first tab extending from a first edge of the sheet; a second tab extending from the first edge of the sheet; and two adjacent holes extending into the first side, wherein each of the two adjacent holes are configured to receive a post of an organizer block, a weakened region extending into the first side between the two adjacent holes.

[0006] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a sheet, wherein the weakened region includes a perforated line.

[0007] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a sheet, wherein the weakened region is a channel.

[0008] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a sheet, wherein the weakened region is equidistant from the two adjacent holes.

[0009] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a sheet, further including a second edge opposing the first edge, and wherein the weakened region extends between the first and second edges.

[0010] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a sheet, further including a slot extending into the second side and aligned with the weakened region.Attorney Docket No. 1338.233.01WO

[0011] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a sheet, further including a peripheral surface extending at least partially around a periphery of the sheet and extending from the second side.

[0012] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a sheet, wherein the two adjacent holes extend between the first side and the second side of the sheet.

[0013] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a sheet, wherein the first tab has a tapered end and a straight end, wherein the second tab has two tapered ends, and wherein the first tab is closer to a corner of the sheet than the second tab.

[0014] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a sheet, wherein the first and second tabs are configured to interlock with tabs of a second sheet.

[0015] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a sheet, wherein the two adjacent holes are tapered inward from the first side toward the second side.

[0016] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method of forming an organizing grid, the method including: providing a first sheet including: a pliable material having a first side and a second side; two adjacent holes extending into the first side, wherein each of the two adjacent holes are configured to receive a post of an organizing block; and a weakened region extending into the first side between the two adjacent holes; and separating the first sheet into at least a second sheet and a third sheet along the weakened region.Attorney Docket No. 1338.233.01WO

[0017] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein the first sheet further includes one or more standoffs extending from the second side, wherein the one or more standoffs support the first sheet above a surface.

[0018] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, further including a peripheral surface extending at least partially around a periphery of the second side of the first sheet, the peripheral surface extending from the second side of the sheet.

[0019] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein the separating includes cutting or breaking.

[0020] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein the separating leaves tabs extending from two edges of the first sheet and one edge without tabs, the tabs configured to interlock with tabs of a second sheet.

[0021] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein the separating leaves tabs extending from three edges of the first sheet.

[0022] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a storage case including: a first portion having a first interior portion; a second portion having a second interior portion, the second portion being rotatably coupled to the first portion; and a pliable grid received in the first interior portion, the pliable grid having a first side and a second side and including: tabs extending from a periphery of the pliable grid and configured to interlock with another pliable grid; two adjacent holes extending into the first side, wherein each of the two adjacent holes are configured to receive a post of an organizing block; and a weakened region extending into the first side between the two adjacent holes, the weakenedAttorney Docket No. 1338.233.01WO region configured to allow the pliable grid to be separated into two portions, each of the two portions having a smooth edge devoid of tabs.

[0023] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a carrying case, wherein the sheet further includes: wherein the tabs have tapered walls; a space between each of the tabs, wherein tabs from the pliable grid are configured to fit into spaces of the another pliable grid, where both pliable grids are maintained in place by the tapered walls; and a corner tab including a straight wall and a tapered wall.

[0024] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a carrying case, further including a peripheral surface extending at least partially around a periphery of the second side of the pliable grid.

[0025] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a carrying case, wherein the two adjacent holes of the pliable grid extend between the first side and the second side.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Various objects and advantages and a more complete understanding of the present disclosure are apparent and more readily appreciated by referring to the following detailed description and to the appended claims when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0027] FIG. 1 illustrates a top perspective view of an interior of an open carrying case with organizing grids located within the interior of the carrying case according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.Attorney Docket No. 1338.233.01WO

[0028] FIG. 2A illustrates a top perspective view of a sheet of an organizing grid of FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 2B illustrates atop plan view of the sheet of the organizing grid of FIG. 2A according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 2C illustrates a side elevation view of the sheet of the organizing grid of FIG. 2A according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 2D illustrates a bottom plan view of the sheet of the organizing grid of FIG. 2A according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 2E illustrates a bottom perspective view of the sheet of the organizing grid of FIG. 2A according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 3 illustrates a top perspective view of an organizing grid with an item strapped through holes in the organizing grid according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 4 illustrates an enlarged view of a corner of the sheet of FIG. 2D wherein a comer tab has a relief formed therein according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 5 illustrates a bottom plan view of an organizing grid that includes three interlocked sheets showing a relief as in FIG. 4 where the three interlocking sheets intersect according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 6 illustrates isometric views of various examples of organizer blocks that may be received in holes of the organizing grids of FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.Attorney Docket No. 1338.233.01WO

[0037] FIG. 7 illustrates a plan view of a carrying case with the organizing grid of FIG. 1 received therein, wherein the organizing grid is illustrated holding a plurality of items according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 8 illustrates a top perspective view of a container configured to hold a firearm, the container including one or more of the sheets of FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 9A illustrates a top view of a case that may be attached to the sheets of FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments.

[0040] FIG. 9B illustrates a bottom view of the case of FIG. 9A according to one or more embodiments.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Transport and storage cases (referred to herein as carrying cases) are used in many applications for transporting and carrying a variety of items, such as scientific equipment, sporting goods, photography equipment, mechanical tools, electronics devices, military gear, and other items that may be susceptible to damage during transport or storage. These carrying cases often suffer from drawbacks, such as fragility of the carrying cases themselves and difficulties in preventing unwanted access to the contents of the carrying cases. In particular, some carrying cases used to store and / or transport firearms are typically made of plastic and feature basic foam interiors that may allow firearms and other items stored within the carrying cases to move around when the carrying cases are closed, which may cause the items to impact each other and / or the interior of the carrying cases.Attorney Docket No. 1338.233.01WOThis contact may damage the items and the carrying cases. Additionally, where foam interiors are provided for holding items in place within the storage cases, such interiors typically require permanent changes (e.g., removal of portions of the foam) and do not allow for modifications to accommodate carrying of items having different physical characteristics.

[0042] Aspects of the present disclosure include carrying cases and / or firearm cases (e.g., rifle / shotgun / pistol cases) including one or more organizing grids and blocks. The organizing grids and blocks may be made of sheets of a foam material or the like that absorbs shock from items stored within the carrying cases when the carrying cases are transported or contact structures during transport. The organizing grids and blocks may also position the items in substantially fixed positions within the carrying cases, so the items are surrounded by foam or the like. The shock absorption properties of the organizing grids and blocks in combination with the fixed positioning of the items provided by the organizing grids prevents the items from contacting one another or interior surfaces of the carrying cases when the carrying cases are transported or impact other objects. Thus, damage to the items stored in the carrying cases is reduced during transport.

[0043] Reference is now made to FIG. 1, which illustrates a top perspective view of a carrying case 100 in an open state. The carrying case 100 may include a first portion 104 and a second portion 106 that are movably (e.g., rotatably or having a hinged connection) coupled together by one or more hinges 108. In some embodiments, the first portion 104 may be referred to as a first half or top portion of the carrying case 100 and the second portion 106 may be referred to as the second half or bottom portion of the carrying case 100. The carrying case 100 shown in FIG. 1 is in an open state. The carrying case 100 isAttorney Docket No. 1338.233.01WO referred to being in a closed state when the first portion 104 and the second portion 106 are placed together. The carrying case 100 has an interior 110 formed between the first portion 104 and the second portion 106 that may be a space configured to be occupied by various items transported by the carrying case 100. The interior 110 of the carrying case 100 may be formed from a combination of a first interior portion 112 within the first portion 104 and a second interior portion 114 within the second portion 106.

[0044] One or more organizing grids 120 may be located in the interior 110 of the carrying case 100. In some embodiments, a first organizing grid 122 may be located in the first interior portion 112 of the first portion 104 and a second organizing grid 124 may be located in the second interior portion 114 of the second portion 106. The first organizing grid 122 and / or the second organizing grid 124 may cover all of or potions of the first portion 104 and / or the second portion 106, respectively. Items (not shown in FIG. 1) stored within the interior 110 of the carrying case 100 may be located between (e.g., sandwiched between) the first organizing grid 122 and the second organizing grid 124 when the carrying case 100 is in a closed state. In some embodiments, the organizing grids 120 may be made of a pliable material such as foam that supports items stored within the carrying case 100 when the carrying case 100 is in a closed state. The pliable material may be soft so as not to scratch the items. The pliable material may absorb shock when the carrying case 100 encounters a force, such as being dropped, so the items are not significantly impacted by the force. A pliable material is a material that is compressible and returns at least partially to its original shape when compression is removed. Examples of the pliable material include, but are not limited to, polyurethane foam, polyethylene foam, and neoprene.Attorney Docket No. 1338.233.01WO

[0045] Reference is made to the second organizing grid 124, which may be identical or substantially similar to the first organizing grid 122. The second organizing grid 124 may fit tight within the second interior portion 114 of the second portion 106 of the carrying case 100. In some embodiments, the first portion 104 and / or the second portion 106 may include one or more ribs 128 (a few labelled) that are configured to receive portions of the organizing grids 120 to retain the organizing grids 120 in a respective first portion 104 or second portion 106. For example, the second organizing grid 124 may have slits (not shown in FIG. 1) that are configured to receive the one or more ribs 128 to maintain the second organizing grid 124 in a fixed position within the second portion 106. In other embodiments, friction or other mechanisms may retain the organizing grids 120 within a respective first portion 104 or second portion 106.

[0046] The organizing grids 120 may include a plurality of holes 130. In some embodiments, the holes 130 may extend through the organizing grids 120. In other embodiments, the holes 130 may extend into, but not through, the organizing grids 120. The holes 130 may be configured to receive portions of organizer blocks 132 as described herein. The organizer blocks 132 may serve to hold items carried within the carrying case 100 so the items do not move relative to the organizing grids 120 while the carrying case 100 is transported (i.e., they reduce lateral motion and vibration of objects arranged between the organizer blocks 132 and the organizing grids 120). For example, the organizer blocks 132 may be used to form bounded areas within the carrying case 100 that receive the items being transported and / or stored in the carrying case 100.

[0047] The organizing grids 120 may be formed from one or more sheets. When two or more sheets are used to form the organizing grids 120, the sheets may be fitted together asAttorney Docket No. 1338.233.01WO described herein. In the embodiment of FIG. 1 , the first organizing grid 122 may be formed by a first sheet 140, a second sheet 142, and a third sheet 144 that may be fitted (e.g., locked) together as described herein. Fitting the sheets together may include coupling the sheets together using interlocking tabs or the like that are located on the sheets. The second organizing grid 124 may be formed by a fourth sheet 146, a fifth sheet 148, and a sixth sheet 150 that may be fitted (e.g., locked) together as described herein. The sheets shown in FIG. 1 are rectangular. In other embodiments, the sheets may have different shapes and, in some embodiments, the sheets may be cut to different shapes to fit interiors of different types of carrying cases. For example, the sheets may be square, circular, or they may have unique shapes to fit within features of the first portion 104 and / or the second portion 106. They may also be cut to fit dimensions of various rectangular or otherwise shaped storage cases.

[0048] Additional reference is made to FIGS. 2A-2E, which illustrate different views of the first sheet 140 before user modification of the first sheet 140 to fit a desired space or carrying case. For example, the sheets, including the first sheet 140, may be provided to users in the shape of rectangles. The users may then cut the sheets to fit within the carrying case 100 as described herein. The first sheet 140 may have features located thereon and therein that may be identical or substantially similar to features of the other sheets. It is noted that the other sheets may have different shapes than the shape of the first sheet 140. FIG. 2 A illustrates a top perspective view of the first sheet 140, FIG. 2B illustrates a top plan view of the first sheet 140, FIG. 2C illustrates a side elevation view of the first sheet 140, FIG. 2D illustrates a bottom plan view of the sheet 140, and FIG. 2E illustrates a bottom perspective view of the first sheet 140.Attorney Docket No. 1338.233.01WO

[0049] The first sheet 140 may have an upper surface 200 (e.g., top surface or an upper side) wherein the holes 130 may extend from the upper surface 200 into the first sheet 140. In the embodiments of FIGS. 2A-2E, the holes 130 extend through the first sheet 140 and may be arranged as a grid or matrix. In other embodiments, the holes 130 may be arranged in other configurations and / or may not extend through the first sheet 140. The holes 130 may have walls 201 extending from the upper surface 200 and may define the shapes of the holes 130. In some embodiments, the walls of the holes 130 may be substantially perpendicular to the upper surface 200 of the first sheet 140. In other embodiments, the walls 201 of the holes 130 may be tapered inward from the upper surface 200. For example, the sizes of the holes 130 close to the upper surface 200 may be greater than the sizes of the of the holes 130 on or proximate an opposite lower surface 202 (FIG. 2D) or lower side of the first sheet 140. The taper of the walls of the holes 130 may enable the organizer blocks 132 (FIG. 1) to be received within the holes 130. In some embodiments, the taper of the holes 130 enables a snug fit of portions of the organizer blocks 132 in the holes 130. In some embodiments, the taper of the walls 201 may be between one and ten degrees to enable a snug fit between the holes 130 and the organizer blocks 132. In other embodiments, the taper of the walls 201 may be about two degrees, which may enable a snug fit between the holes 130 and the organizer blocks 132 and may also enable easy removal and insertion of the organizer blocks 132 out of and into the holes 130.

[0050] Referring to FIGS. 2A-2C, the first sheet 140 may have a plurality of weakened regions 204 defined by a channel, groove, score, indentation, perforations, or combination thereof, extending along a predetermined path to facilitate controlled separation, tearing, or breaking of the first sheet 140 along the weakened region 204, wherein the weakenedAttorney Docket No. 1338.233.01WO region 204 may vary in depth, width, spacing, pattern, orientation, or density to achieve desired separation characteristics. For example, the first sheet 140 may have a first density and a second density in the weakened region 204, wherein the second density is less than the first density. For simplicity, the weakened region 204 will be referred to throughout this disclosure as a channel 204. The channel 204 can surround or divide one or more of the holes 130. For example, a channel may be located between two adjacent or immediately adjacent holes (e.g., equidistant from two adjacent holes). In some embodiments, the channels 204 may surround or divide all the holes 130 in the first sheet 140. In other embodiments, the channels 204 may divide the holes 130 into groups of holes. For example, the channels 204 may divide the holes 130 into groups of four holes 130 or six holes 130. The channels 204 may divide the holes 130 into groups having other numbers of holes 130. The channels 204 may be arranged parallel to sides of the holes 130 and may bisect an area between the holes 130.

[0051] The channels 204 may be scores, grooves, cuts, perforations, etc. into the upper surface 200 of the first sheet 140 that provide markers to separate the first sheet 140 and make separating (e g., cutting) the first sheet 140 easier for users of the carrying case 100 (FIG. 1). For example, the channels 204 may be formed into the surface of the first sheet 140, which weakens the first sheet 140 along the channels 204 and makes separating the first sheet 140 along the channels 204 easier than separating the first sheet 140 in other places. The channels 204 may also serve as visual references (and cutting guides) for cutting the first sheet 140 or providing a grided reference for consistent cuts adjacent to the channels 204 for custom applications. For example, one may cut parallel to, but offset from, theAttorney Docket No. 1338.233.01WO channels 204 to make sheets having dimensions other than those dictated by the channels 204.

[0052] Thus, a user may readily separate (e.g., cut, slice, break) the first sheet 140 along one or more of the channels 204 to fit various configurations of carrying cases. For example, for an end panel, a user might make three perpendicular cuts thereby leaving one side with tabs 212 and spaces 214, while the other three sides have straight smooth vertical walls configured for pressing against three sides of a case. For a middle panel, a user may make two parallel cuts thereby removing the tabs 212 and spaces 214 on two opposing sides, and leaving tabs 212 and spaces 214 on two opposing sides to match with other sheets as described herein. A sheet 140 typically includes four edges each having tabs. When the sheet 140 is separated, three edges remain with tabs and one edge without tabs (i.e., a smooth edge). If a second separation occurs, then the sheet 140 will be left with two edges having tabs and two edges without tabs (i.e., two smooth edges). A third separation can occur, which may leave the sheet 140 with a single edge of tabs and three edges without tabs (i.e., three smooth edges). In some embodiments, a first and second of these edges may be opposing edges and a channel 204 may extend between the first and second edges and may be perpendicular to the first and second opposing edges.

[0053] Referring to FIGS. 2D and 2E, the first sheet 140 may have a lower surface 202 located opposite the upper surface 200. In some embodiments, the lower surface 202 may have a plurality of slots 208 (e.g., spars) extending into the first sheet 140 opposite the channels 204 (e.g., aligned with the channels 204). The slots 208 may ease separating the first sheet 140 similar to the channels 204. The slots 208 may be formed by removing material fromAttorney Docket No. 1338.233.01WO the first sheet 140 or during molding the first sheet 140. Given the reduced material between the channels 204 and the slots 208, separating the first sheet 140 may be improved.

[0054] The first sheet 140 may include a periphery 210 extending between the upper surface 200 and the lower surface 202 and around the outer edge of the first sheet 140. The periphery 210 of the first sheet 140 may include a plurality of tabs 212 (e.g., teeth) separated by a plurality of spaces 214 configured to receive the tabs 212. In some embodiments, the tabs 212 and / or the spaces 214 may extend substantially between the upper surface 200 and the lower surface 202. The tabs 212 of a first sheet 140 may fit (e.g., interlock, received) into the spaces 214 of one or more adjacent sheets (e.g., the second sheet 142) to lock the sheets together. In some embodiments, the first sheet 140 and the other sheets may be made of pliable materials, such as a foam material that compresses as the tabs 212 are received or forced into the spaces 214 and removed from the spaces 214 so a user may readily fit or interlock the sheets together and separate the sheets from one another. For this reason the disclosure sometimes refers to a sheet as a pliable sheet or pliable grid.

[0055] The periphery 210, including the tabs 212 and / or the spaces 214, may be slightly tapered to fit into the first portion 104 (FIG. 1) and / or the second portion 106 of the carrying case 100. In some embodiments, the portions of the periphery 210 that contact sides of the first portion 104 and / or the second portion 106 of the carrying case 100 may be tapered. The taper may extend inward from the upper surface 200 toward the lower surface 202. The taper, as an example, may be about three degrees. Other tapers may be used depending on the configuration of the carrying case 100.

[0056] Referring to FIGS. 2D and 2E, the lower surface 202 may be at least partially bounded by a peripheral surface 218, wherein the lower surface 202 may be recessed within theAttorney Docket No. 1338.233.01WO peripheral surface 218. Thus, the peripheral surface 218 may serve as a standoff that supports the first sheet 140 above a surface of the first interior portion 112 of the carrying case 100 or any other surface on which the first sheet 140 is located. In some embodiments, the lower surface 202 may be spaced by between 0.125in and 0.25in (0.318cm and 0.635cm) relative to the peripheral surface 218. In some embodiments, the space may be great enough for a strap (e.g., strap 302 - FIG. 3) to be located beneath the lower surface 202 when the first sheet 140 is received in the first portion 104 (FIG. 1) or the second portion 106 of the carrying case 100. The space may be created by the peripheral surface 218 maintaining the lower surface 202 of the first sheet 140 above the first portion 104 and / or the second portion 106. In some embodiments, the space may be equal to or greater than the thickness of the strap 302.

[0057] In some embodiments, a plurality of stands 220 may extend from the lower surface 202 to a height of the peripheral surface 218. In other embodiments, the stands 220 may extend different heights than the height of the peripheral surface 218. The stands 220 may be configured to contact the first portion 104 (FIG. 1) and / or the second portion 106 of the carrying case 100 and may support the first sheet 140 so portions of the first sheet 140 beneath the lower surface 202 do not sag when the first sheet 140 is in a horizontal position. The stands 220 may support the lower surface 202 of the first sheet 140 when items stored in the carrying case 100 (FIG. 1) press against the first sheet 140, such as when the carrying case 100 is in the closed state. The stands 220 may be arranged in a matrix or grid pattern between the holes 130, so the stands 220 do not interfere with straps or the like extending between the holes 130.Attorney Docket No. 1338.233.01WO

[0058] Additional reference is made to FIG. 3, which illustrates a forend 300 of a rifle or long arm secured to the upper surface 200 of the first sheet 140 by a strap 302. The strap 302 is shown passing through two of the holes 130 to secure the forend 300 to the first sheet 140. The lower surface 202 of the first sheet 140 may be raised above the first portion 104 (FIG. 1) of the carrying case 100 high enough by the stands 220 or the peripheral surface 218 so that the strap 302 does not contact or has minimal contact with the first portion 104 or the second portion 106 of the carrying case 100.

[0059] Additional reference is made to FIG. 4, which illustrates an enlarged view of a comer of the first sheet 140. As described herein, the tabs 212 and spaces 214 are configured to interlock with tabs and spaces from other sheets. Tapered walls 400 of the tabs 212 may taper outward from the periphery 210 of the first sheet 140. The widest portion of a tab, such as from one tapered wall to an opposite tapered wall of a tab may be a length L41, which may be the distance between walls defining the spaces 214. Thus, tabs on an adjacent sheet may lock in the spaces 214 of the first sheet 140.

[0060] The embodiment of FIG. 4 may include a corner tab 404 that may have one tapered wall 406 and one straight wall 408. The comer tab 404 may be closer to a corner of the first sheet 140 than all other tabs on a given side / edge of the first sheet 140. The length L42 of the corner tab 404 may be less than the length L41 of other tabs. The straight wall 408 may be located where an adjacent space 414 is only bounded by a single tapered wall. As described below, the lack of a tapered wall on the corner of the first sheet 140 enables a relief 506 (FIG. 5) to be formed when a plurality of sheets are locked together. In some embodiments, one or more of the corners of the sheets of the organizing grids 120 (FIG. 1) may include tabs such as the corner tab 404. In some embodiments, all sheets with rightAttorney Docket No. 1338.233.01WO angles, such as sheets shaped as squares or rectangles may include corner tabs at each corner. The comer tabs enable corners of adjacent sheets to fit together. Without the comer tabs forming the relief 506, several portions of tabs of adjacent comers may occupy the same space, which would prevent the corners of the adjacent sheets from properly interlocking together.

[0061] Additional reference is made to FIG. 5, which illustrates top plan view of a portion of an organizing grid 500 formed by interlocking a first sheet 540, a second sheet 542, and a third sheet 544 together. For example, the tabs and spaces on the sheets may be interlocked to form the organizing grid 500. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, corners of the first sheet 540, the second sheet 542, and the third sheet 544 join at a single location. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, one or more of the corner tabs 504 may have a straight wall 408 (FIG. 4) that forms a relief 506, located at the junction of comers of the sheets 540, 542, 544. The relief 506 may enable the sheets 540, 542, 544 to be properly connected (e.g., interlocked) connected. If the sheets 540, 542, 544 did not have the straight walls, the edges of the tabs in the corners of the sheets 540, 542, 544 would occupy the same space, which would prevent the sheets 540, 542, 544 from properly connecting together. The relief formed by the comer tables also enables the sheets 540, 542, 544 to fit together in any orientation. For example, the third sheet 144 may be rotated ninety degrees and it will still be able to be interlocked to the first sheet 140 and the second sheet 142.

[0062] Additional reference is made to FIG. 6, which illustrates perspective views of various configurations of organizer blocks 132 that may be located on or received into the upper surfaces 200 of the sheets forming the organizing grids 120 (FIG. 1). The organizer blocks 132 may have posts 600 extending from lower surfaces that are receivable in the holes 130Attorney Docket No. 1338.233.01WO of the organizing grids 120. The posts 600 may be secured within the holes 130 via friction. In some embodiments, the posts 600 may be tapered in the same or a similar manner as the walls 201 (e.g., FIG. 2A) of the holes 130 as described herein. In some embodiments, the organizer blocks 132 may have holes 602 that are identical or substantially similar to the holes 130 in the organizing grids 120. The holes 602 may be configured to receive the posts 600, which enables the organizer blocks 132 to be stacked upon one another as shown in FIG. 1. The organizer blocks 132 may be secured to the organizing grids 120 to form bounded areas that receive items stored in the carrying case 100 (FIG. 1). In some embodiments, the organizer blocks 132 may have channels 606 that enable the organizer blocks 132 to be separated in the same or similar manner as the channels 204 enable the first sheet 140 to be separated. Thus, the organizer blocks 132 may be provided as a single sheet, such as a square or rectangular sheet that a user may separate to form organizer blocks 132 having unique or customized shapes as shown in FIG. 7.

[0063] Reference is made to FIG. 7, which is a plan view illustrating items set on the second organizing grid 124 of the second portion 106 of the carrying case 100. As shown in FIG.7, the organizer blocks 132 (specifically 704A, 704B, 704C, 704D, 706A, 706B) are arranged to form boundaries around the items stored in the carrying case 100. The different shapes of the organizer blocks 132 enables items having different shapes to be securely carried in the carrying case 100.

[0064] In the embodiment of FIG. 7, a firearm 700 and other items are stored in the carrying case 100. As shown in FIG. 7, organizing blocks 704A-704D having two or three pegs are used to provide lateral support for the firearm 700 and accessories (magazines), while organizing blocks 706A and 706D having three pegs provide lateral support for the forend pistol gripAttorney Docket No. 1338.233.01WO of the firearm 700. These blocks include weakened regions between the pegs and optionally can be separated (e.g., cut) along these weakened regions to adjust their size. For instance, a double block can be cut in half to form two single blocks, and a triple block can have a third removed to leave a double block. Other organizer blocks 132 have been arranged to further maintain the firearm 700 in a fixed location within the carrying case 100.

[0065] The carrying case 100 has been described herein as being primarily a case configured to hold firearms. However, it will be appreciated that the carrying case 100 may be may be adapted for use with a wide variety of other articles. For example, the carrying case 100 may be configured to store or transport archery equipment, camera or video equipment, electronic devices (e.g., drones, laptops, tablets, or accessories), tools, measuring instruments, camping and outdoor gear, hunting supplies, fishing tackle, boating and marine equipment, sporting goods, audio equipment, collectibles, valuables, medical and emergency equipment, industrial components, laboratory instruments, art supplies, photographic film or optics, household items, food or beverage items such as cooler contents (e.g., cans, bottles, or containers), musical instruments, jewelry, etc. In general, the carrying case 100 may be configured to store, protect, and transport any article or combination of articles requiring protection from impact, moisture, or environmental conditions.

[0066] Having described embodiments of the sheets related to carrying cases, other embodiments will now be described. In some embodiments, the sheets may be configured to be located in an interior portion of a container. A container as used herein is a device that may be used for storage. A container may be open, meaning that the container is not fully enclosed orAttorney Docket No. 1338.233.01WO fully enclosable or the container may have a lid that, when closed, fully encloses the container. With reference to FIG. 1, each of the first portion 104 and the second portion 106 of the carrying case 100 may be individual containers. Other examples of containers include totes, tool drawers, boxes (e.g., cardboard boxes), coolers, household drawers, camera cases, tackle boxes, musical instrument cases, truck beds, jewelry cases, etc.

[0067] As described herein, the sheets may be configured to be received in a plurality of different containers that are configured to store a plurality of different items. In some embodiments, the organizer blocks 132 may be configured to hold (e.g., reduce movement of) or receive these items. For example, top portions of the organizer blocks 132 may be configured to receive at least portions of items received in the containers. Reference is made to FIG. 8, which illustrates a top perspective view of a container 800 configured to hold a firearm 802. The container 800 includes at least one sheet 808 as described herein. The sheet 808 may be identical or substantially similar to the first sheet 140 described with reference to FIGS. 2A-2E.

[0068] The organizer blocks 132 in the container 800 may be configured to at least partially receive items stored in the container 800. For example, top portions of one or more of the organizer blocks 132 may be shaped to receive the items. In the embodiment of FIG. 8, an organizer block 810 has a concave top surface configured to receive a barrel 812 of the firearm 802. In other embodiments, one or more of the organizer blocks 132 may be configured or shaped to receive arrows, fishing rods, tools, etc. of items stored in the container 800.

[0069] In some embodiments, the sheets may be arranged in or secured within the cases or the like. Reference is made to FIG. 9A, which illustrates a top view of a case 900 and FIG. 9B,Attorney Docket No. 1338.233.01WO which illustrates a bottom view of the case 900. The case 900 may be open or closed. In the embodiment of FIGS. 9A, the case includes a removable lid 902. The case 900 may have bottom side 906 wherein one or more posts 600 extend from the bottom side 906. The posts 600 extending from the bottom side 906 may be substantially similar or identical to the posts 600 extending from the organizer blocks 132. Thus, the posts 600 of FIG. 9B may be received in the holes 130 of the sheets and may serve to secure the case 900 to the sheets.

[0070] As used herein, the recitation of "at least one of A, B and C" is intended to mean "either A, B, C or any combination of A, B and C." The previous description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present disclosure. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

[0071] It is to be understood that, although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure.Attorney Docket No. 1338.233.01WO

[0072] Spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “under,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It is to be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” or “under” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the terms “below” and “under” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. In addition, it is to be understood that when a layer is referred to as being “between” two layers, it can be the only layer between the two layers, or one or more intervening layers may also be present.

[0073] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It is to be further understood that the terms “comprises” and / or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.Attorney Docket No. 1338.233.01WO

[0074] It is to be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “connected to,” “coupled to,” or “adjacent to” another element or layer, the element can be directly on, connected, coupled, or adjacent to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly connected to,” “directly coupled to,” or “immediately adjacent to” another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers present.

[0075] Embodiments of the disclosure may be described herein with reference to cross-section illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) of the disclosure. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, embodiments of the disclosure should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing. Accordingly, the regions illustrated in the figures are schematic in nature and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the actual shape of a region of a device and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure.

[0076] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and / or the present specification and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

Claims

Attorney Docket No. 1338.

233. OIWOWHAT TS CLAIMED IS:

1. An apparatus comprising: a sheet of pliable material having a first side and a second side; a first tab extending from a first edge of the sheet; a second tab extending from the first edge of the sheet; two adjacent holes extending into the first side, wherein at least one of the two adjacent holes is configured to receive a post of an organizer block, and a weakened region extending into the first side between the two adjacent holes.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the weakened region comprises perforations.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the weakened region is a channel.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pliable material has a first density and a second density in the weakened region, and wherein the second density is less than the first density.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the weakened region is equidistant from the two adjacent holes.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a second edge opposing the first edge, and wherein the weakened region extends between the first edge and the second edge.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a slot extending into the second side and aligned with the weakened region.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a peripheral surface extending at least partially around a periphery of the sheet and extending from the second side.Attorney Docket No. 1338.

233. OIWO9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the two adjacent holes extend between the first side and the second side of the sheet.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first tab has a tapered wall and a straight wall, wherein the second tab has two tapered walls, and wherein the first tab is closer to a corner of the sheet than the second tab.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the first tab and the second tab are configured to interlock with tabs of a second sheet.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the two adjacent holes are tapered inward from the first side toward the second side.

13. A method of forming an organizing grid, the method comprising: providing a first sheet comprising: a pliable material having a first side and a second side; two adjacent holes extending into the first side, wherein at least one of the two adjacent holes is configured to receive a post of an organizing block; and a weakened region extending into the first side between the two adjacent holes; and separating the first sheet into at least a second sheet and a third sheet along the weakened region.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the first sheet further comprises one or more standoffs extending from the second side, wherein the one or more standoffs support the first sheet above a surface.

15. The method of claim 13, further comprising a peripheral surface extending at least partially around a periphery of the second side of the first sheet, the peripheral surface extending from the second side of the first sheet.Attorney Docket No. 1338.

233. OIWO16. The method of claim 13, wherein the separating the first sheet comprises cutting or breaking.

17. The method of claim 13, wherein the separating the first sheet leaves first tabs extending from two edges of the first sheet and one edge without tabs, the first tabs configured to interlock with second tabs of the second sheet.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the separating the first sheet leaves the first tabs extending from three edges of the first sheet.

19. A container comprising: an interior portion; and a first pliable grid received in the interior portion, the first pliable grid having a first side and a second side and comprising: tabs extending from a periphery of the first pliable grid and configured to interlock with a second pliable grid; two adjacent holes extending into the first side, wherein at least one of the two adjacent holes is configured to receive a post of an organizing block; and a weakened region extending into the first side between the two adjacent holes, the weakened region configured to allow the first pliable grid to be separated into two portions, each of the two portions having a smooth edge without the tabs.

20. The container of claim 19, wherein the tabs have tapered walls, the container further comprising: a space between each of the tabs, wherein the tabs from the first pliable grid are configured to fit into spaces of the second pliable grid, where both the first and second pliable grids are maintained in place by the tapered walls; and a comer tab comprising a straight wall and a tapered wall.Attorney Docket No. 1338.

233. OIWO21 . The container of claim 19, further comprising a peripheral surface extending at least partially around the periphery of the first pliable grid from the second side.

22. The container of claim 19, wherein the two adjacent holes of the first pliable grid extend between the first side and the second side.

Images