CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS (Not Applicable)

STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT (Not Applicable)

BACKGROUND 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. 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 interior compartment into which may be inserted relatively large and heavy items such as text books, note books, laptop computers and other bulky items. In addition, backpacks typically include several smaller compartments, pockets, slots and other enclosures for storing relatively small articles such as pens, pencils, erasers and various other items such as crayons, scissors, and glue for younger students, and various electronic gadgets such as cell phones, portable music players, memory sticks and other devices for older students.

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. For example, some art students are required to carry oversized drawing paper, canvases and/or cardboard tubes for carrying drawings or renderings. In addition, art school supplies can include various graphic design tools including rulers, straight edges, various templates as well as supply boxes for storing and carrying paints, charcoal and other materials. 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. Prior art carrying devices for women typically include a variety of different configurations of purses and handbags which typically include various compartments for storing cosmetics, accessories and other items which are generally small in size but which may be numerous in quantity. Other items commonly carried by many women may include writing utensils, note paper, tissue paper and sunglasses as well as many of the above-mentioned electronic gadgets such as cell phones and portable music players.

As mentioned above, many prior art storage devices or storage bags typically include a variety of compartments, slots, and pockets of generally fixed shape and size and which may also be fitted with various closure mechanisms including zippers, snaps, closure flaps, and Velcro™ (i.e., hook and loop fastener) in order to retain the above-mentioned objects in their respective compartments.

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.

For example, as mentioned above, many women carry a wide variety of cosmetic items as they go about their daily activities. Such cosmetic items can include lipstick, eye shadow, blush as well as various brushes and makeup applicators. 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. Furthermore, the pockets, slots and other enclosures included with most carrying devices (e.g., purses, backpacks, handbags) are of a predetermined size such that only those items that happen to fit the particular size and shape of the pocket or slot can be carried in an organized manner. 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.

As can be seen, there exists a need in the art for a system for organizing and storing a large quantity and a wide variety of objects of different size and shape in an easily accessible and easily retrievable manner. In addition, there exists a need in the art for a system which allows for convenient storage and access to objects typically carried by a user during daily activities and/or during travel. Finally, there exists a need in the art for a storage device such as a storage bag into which an organization system may be readily incorporated and wherein the organization and storage system is produceable in an economic manner.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The above-mentioned drawbacks and needs associated with prior art storage devices is specifically addressed and alleviated by an object retention system as disclosed herein which is specifically adapted for retaining a large number of objects of varying size and shape. In its broadest sense, the object retention system comprises a uniquely configured strap assembly formed of a plurality of stretchable straps. The strap assembly may be mounted to a substrate such that the strap system overlays the substrate. The substrate is preferably formed as a relatively thin, stiff and/or semirigid member and may be provided as a planar member. The strap assembly comprises at least a first and a second set of straps although any quantity of strap sets may be provided. The straps are arranged in angled orientation relative to one another on the substrate in order to provide a plurality of object retention configurations.

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.

Each one of the straps is configured to retain objects that are inserted between the strap and the substrate by biasing the object, or a portion thereof, against the substrate when the strap is in the stretched state. The substrate provides sufficient resistance to bending under the stretching force (i.e., tension load) of the stretched strap such that a sufficient biasing force is applied to the object. In its stretched state, the strap applies a compressive force against the object such that the object is captured between the strap and the substrate and thereby retained by the object retention system unless manually removed such as by pulling the object out of the strap assembly. After removal of the object, the strap then returns to its unstretched or semi-stretched state wherein the strap preferably overlays the substrate and/or other straps in substantially abutting contact therewith.

As was mentioned above, the straps of the first and second sets are preferably arranged in angled orientation relative to one another and are preferably oriented substantially perpendicularly relative to one another. Each the straps in each set are also preferably, but optionally, oriented substantially parallel to one another. In addition, the straps in each set are preferably, but optionally, arranged in non-spaced relation to one another such that at least one of an adjacent pair of parallel straps in each set are disposed in substantially abutting contact with another along the strap lengths.

The straps in the first and second sets are preferably woven together in a nonuniform or random criss-crossing pattern although the sets may be woven in a uniform or repeating one-dimensional criss-crossing 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.

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.

The straps may be secured at their opposed ends (i.e., at end anchor points) by sewing or stitching the straps to the substrate. The stitching may be formed as a continuous or non- interrupted seam which, in one embodiment, extends around a perimeter of the substrate. Alternatively, the straps may be secured to the substrate using any suitable mechanical fastening means including snaps, rivets, buttons, hooks, Velcro™ (i.e., hook and loop fastener), as well as by chemical or adhesive bonding of the straps to the substrate at the intermediate and/or end anchor points. The object retention system may be integrated into an existing structure including any movable or fixed structure, object, device, article including any worn articles such as articles of clothing and any objects such as any carryable objects, tools, implements, or in any application where storage of objects is desired. In addition, the object retention system may be releasably mounted to or integrated into anything where storage or transportability of objects is desired including any storage device. The storage device may be configured as a storage bag or carrying bag which may be provided in any number of configurations including, but not limited to, suitcases, handbags, purses, backpacks, brief cases, duffle bags, carrying bags and other storage and carrying devices. Additionally, the object retention system may be incorporated into any structure as an integrated element of the structure or as a standalone element which is permanently or releasably attachable to the structure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages of the various embodiments disclosed herein will be better understood with respect to the following description and drawings, in which like numbers refer to like parts throughout, and in which: Figure IA is a perspective view of a storage device such as a storage bag incorporating one embodiment of an object retention system for securing a plurality of objects of various size and shape;

Figure IB is a plan view of the storage bag illustrating the object retention system disposed on a portion of an exterior of the storage bag; Figure 1C is a side view of the storage bag;

Figure ID is a sectional view taken along lines ID- ID of Figure IB and illustrating the arrangement of the strap system overlaying the substrate and including optional padding layers and outer layers in one embodiment of the storage bag;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of an interior compartment of the storage bag illustrating an incorporation of the object retention system therewithin;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the storage bag in a suitcase configuration illustrating an incorporation of the object retention system along an inner wall of the suitcase side panels and lid;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the object retention system in a further embodiment integrated into a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle wherein strap systems are incorporated into a seat back, a center console and door panel of the motor vehicle;

Figure 5A us a perspective view of the object retention system integrated into an article of clothing and illustrating a plurality of linear indentations or scoring formed in the substrate;

Figure 5B is a partial sectional view taken along lines 5B-5B of Fig. 5A and illustrating the mounting of the object retention system to the article of clothing; and

Figure 5C is a plan view of the object retention system as may be integrated into the article of clothing and further illustrating a plurality of apertures formed in the substrate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference now to the drawings wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating preferred embodiments of the present invention and not for purposes of limiting the same, shown in Figures 1 A-ID and 2 is a storage device 42 implementing an object retention system 10 which is specifically adapted for retaining a plurality of objects 12 of various size and shape.

In its broadest sense, the object retention system 10 comprises a strap assembly 14 including a system of stretchable straps 20 arranged in a lattice or grid. The strap assembly may optionally include a substrate over which the strap assembly may be overlayed. Alternatively, the strap system may be releasably or permanently affixed or mounted to any structure or frame. Each one of the straps 20 is configured to retain an object(s) 12 that is inserted between the strap 20 and the substrate 36 by biasing the object 12, or a portion thereof, against the substrate 36 when the strap 20 is in the stretched state. In this manner, the object 12 is held or captured between the stretched strap 20 and the substrate 36 until the object 12 is manually pulled out from between the strap(s) 20 and the substrate 36.

The substrate 36 is preferably configured as a rigid or semi-rigid member in order to provide resistance to bending under the stretching force (i.e., tension load) of the stretched strap 20 such that a sufficient biasing force is applied to the object 12. In its stretched state, the strap 20 applies the biasing or compressive force to the object 12 such that the object 12 is captured between the strap 20 and the substrate 36. After removal of the object 12, the strap 20 then returns to its unstretched or semi- stretched state wherein the strap 20 preferably overlays the substrate 36 and/or other straps 20 in substantially abutting contact therewith. The object retention system 10 may be provided as a standalone component or as an integrated element of a larger structure or device. For example, the object retention system 10 may be integrated into various configurations of storage devices including various carrying or storage bags 44 as shown in Figs. 1A-3, in a passenger compartment 68 of a motor vehicle 66 as shown in Fig. 4, in a worn article such as an article of clothing similar to the jacket shown in Figs. 5A-5C, or in any structure or system wherein releasable storage or organization of various-sized objects 12 is desired. In addition, it is contemplated that the object retention system may be permanently or releasably mounted to or integrated into various other devices and structure such as in a school binder, a wall organization system such as a cork board or white board, a book cover, an armband for a portable music player, and any other non-carrying application.

In one aspect of the invention, the strap assembly 14 of the object retention system 10 is arranged to provide multiple strap sections 34 of varying length along each strap 20. The formation of multiple strap sections 34 along each strap 20 is a result of the weaving of the first and second sets 16, 18 of straps 20 such that various objects 12 or articles of different size and shape may be easily inserted into and retained within the object retention system 10. Advantageously, the multiple strap sections 34 of differing length also facilitates the storage of various objects 12 in a personalized and organized manner for easy identification and retrieval at a later time.

With reference to Figures IA-I B, the object retention system 10 is shown integrated into an exemplary embodiment of a storage device 42 which is configured in the shape of a storage bag 44 such as a handbag. The storage bag 44 shown in Figs. IA and IB is formed as a rectangular body having top and bottom panels 46, 48 and a plurality of side panels 50 which collectively enclose an interior compartment 54. The top and bottom panels 46, 48 are releasably secured by a closure mechanism 52 such as a zipper which may extend at least along a periphery of the storage bag 44. As shown in the figures, the zipper extends along three of the side panels 50 such that the rear side panel 50 serves as a hinge to allow pivotal separation of the top panel 46 from the bottom panel 48 thereby providing access to the interior compartment 54.

The storage bag 44 shown in Figures IA- IB illustrates an embodiment wherein the object retention system 10 is disposed on at least a portion of an exterior of the storage bag 44, However, it is recognized herein that the object retention system 10 may be disposed within or along any portion and/or location on an exterior or interior of a storage device 42 such as the storage bag 44. Furthermore, it should be noted that the storage device 42 is not limited to a storage bag 44 configuration but is contemplated to encompass any stationary or portable structure to which the object retention system 10 may be integrally formed or mounted thereto. For example, as shown in Figure 3, the object retention system 10 may be integrated into or attached to inner walls 64 of a suitcase 60 as shown in Fig. 3 and as will be described in greater detail below. In addition, the object retention system may be integrated into or formed as a component part of other storage or non-storage devices on an interior and/or exterior thereof such as in a backpack, school binder, book cover, and briefcase (not shown). In addition, the object retention system may be integrated into or releasably or permanently mounted to other structures such as on suspended or hung organizational devices or presentation devices or article including wall organizational systems (not shown) such as cork boards or white boards.

In a further embodiment shown in Fig. 4, it is contemplated that the object retention system 10 may be incorporated into a passenger compartment 68 of a motor vehicle 66 wherein the strap assembly 14 may be integrated into various portions of the passenger compartment 68. For example, the object retention system 10 may be incorporated along a rear side of a seat back 72, along a center console 74, or along an interior panel of a passenger door panel 70. Alternatively, it is contemplated that the object retention system 10 may be removably mounted to any suitable stationary and/or portable structure wherein the strap assembly 14 may be permanently integrated into the structure or removably secured thereto by means of releasable fasteners such as Velcro™ (i.e., hook and loop fasteners), male/female snaps, zippers or any other suitable fastening system.

Referring back to Figures IA- ID, in one embodiment, the object retention system 10 may optionally include the substrate 36 which may be configured as a generally thin, contiguous, one-piece member. The substrate 36 may be formed of a single sheet of material or as a plurality of sheet segments. The substrate is preferably fabricated of polymeric material such as ABS plastic. Optionally, the substrate 36 may be formed of material such as card stock, paper stock or any other suitable polymeric or non-polymeric material such as metallic material (e.g., stainless steel, aluminum, etc.). The substrate 36 is preferably configured as a generally thin member which may be configured as a planar member to which the strap assembly 14 may be mounted. In one embodiment, the substrate 36 may be provided as a thin sheet in a thickness range of from 1/16 inch to 1/4 inch although the substrate may be provided in any thickness.

The thickness of the substrate 36 may be selected depending upon the particular size and application of the object retention system 10. Ideally, the substrate

36 thickness and stiffness of the member is sufficient to resist excessive bowing or bending under the tension load in the straps 20 when objects 12 are inserted between the strap sections 34 and the substrate 36. In addition, the substrate 36 is preferably configured to resist being under the influence of a slight tension load in the strap 20 in a semi-stretched state such as when the straps 20 overlay the substrate 36 and other straps 20 when no objects 12 are inserted thereinto. The semi-stretched state of the straps 20 may facilitate a smooth or planar overlay of the straps 20 against the substrate 36 for aesthetic appeal and to allow retention of relatively thin objects.

In a further embodiment illustrated in Figs. 5A-5C and discussed in greater detail below, the object retention system may be integrated into a worn article such as an article of clothing such as the jacket shown in Figs. 5A-5C. In such an embodiment, the substrate is preferably provided with features to provide a desired degree of flexibility such that movement of the wearer of the article (e.g., jacket) is not inhibited or restricted by an overly stiff substrate. Such features may include, but are not limited to, apertures, pleats, creases, folds, dimples, scoring or any other suitable feature extending at least partially through the substrate to provide flexibility to the substrate. For the storage bag 44 illustrated in Figures IA- ID, the substrate 36 may be provided as a continuous length of relatively thin material such as 1/16 inch thick sheet of material which extends across a length and width of the storage bag 44. For larger items to which the object retention system 10 is mounted, the substrate 36 is preferably provided in a correspondingly greater thicker, depending upon the stiffness characteristics of the material, in order to provide greater resistance to bending under the influence of tension in the straps 20. Although the substrate 36 is preferably provided as a continuous or one-piece element that spans the length and/or width of the strap assembly 14, the substrate 36 may also be provided in sheet segments or sections which collectively span the length and/or width of the device or object 12 to which the object retention system 10 is mounted.

In any of the configurations described herein, it should be noted that the substrate 36 may be altogether omitted from the object retention system 10 such that the object retention system 10 comprises the strap assembly 14 which may be mounted to a suitable structure. For example, in one embodiment, the object retention system 10 may be mounted to a perimeter 38 frame (not shown) which is sized and configured to allows the securing of the strap assembly 14 thereto. Alternatively, the object retention system 10 may be mounted to a separate existing structure or to a portion of a structure or article either by removable means or by permanent installation or attachment thereto such as to various locations within the passenger compartment 68 shown in Fig. 4.

Regardless of whether or not the substrate 36 is included with the object retention system 10, the straps 20 of the strap assembly 14 are preferably provided as elastomeric elements which are preferably fabricated of woven material such as nylon or elastic webbing. Furthermore, the straps 20 of the strap assembly 14 are preferably continuous or one-piece elements although the strap 20 assemblies may be provided as a series of strap 20 portions connected end-to-end.

As can be seen in Figures IA, IB and 2, the straps 20 of the strap assembly 14 are arranged in at least first and second sets 16, 18 which are preferably oriented in angled relation to one another. For example, as shown in the figures, the first set 16 of straps 20 are arranged in perpendicular orientation to the second set 18 of straps 20. The first set 16 of straps 20 are woven together with the second set 18 of straps 20 to form a plurality of strap overlaps 22. Although the first and second sets 16, 18 of straps 20 may be woven in a uniform pattern, a more preferable arrangement includes weaving the first and second sets 16, 18 in a non-uniform or generally random or nonrepeating pattern such that the distance or spacing interval 32 between adjacent strap overlaps 22 along a strap 20 length of any one of the straps 20 is preferably different throughout the strap assembly 14. In this manner, strap sections 34 of differing length are defined such that objects 12 of different size may be inserted between the strap overlaps 22 and the substrate 36. Furthermore, the different size strap sections 34 allow for arrangement of various sized objects in a variety of orientations within the strap assembly 14.

Figures IA, IB and 2 illustrate the object retention system 10 as comprising first and second sets 16, 18. However, any number of sets may be provided. For example, it is contemplated that the strap assembly 14 may comprise three or more sets of straps 20 which are disposed in angled relation to one another. For the object retention system 10 illustrated in Figures IA, IB and 2, the straps 20 in the first and second sets 16, 18 are shown oriented in perpendicular arrangement relative to one another.

Regarding the individual sets 16, 18, the straps 20 in any one set are preferably disposed in parallel arrangement to one another. Furthermore, the straps 20 in any one set are preferably disposed in non-spaced relationship to one another such that at least one of the first and second sets 16, 18 includes at least one parallel pair of straps 20 which are disposed in substantially non-spaced (i.e., substantially contacting) relation to one another along adjacent strap 20 edges of the pair. For such an embodiment wherein all straps 20 in any of the sets are disposed in non-spaced relation to one another, the strap assembly 14 essentially covers the entirety of the substrate 36 to which the strap assembly 14 is secured.

Each one of the elastic straps 20 defines an unstretched state and a stretched state wherein straps 20 are configured to be stretchable along the strap 20 length into the stretched state. The straps 20 in at least one of the first and second sets 16, 18 are preferably of substantially equivalent strap 20 length in the unstretched state. As mentioned above, each one of the straps 20 preferably comprises a continuous element which extends across a corresponding length and/or width of the substrate 36 with all of the straps 20 in any one set having substantially equivalent strap 20 lengths. In this regard, the substrate 36 is preferably configured to span a strap 20 length of the longest one of the straps 20 in any one of the first and second sets 16, 18 when the strap 20 is in the unstretched state.

In addition, the straps 20 in the strap assembly 14 are preferably provided in at least two different strap 20 widths. For example, as shown in Figures IA-I B, the straps 20 in each of the first and second sets 16, 18 are provided in three different strap 20 widths which, advantageously, allows for securing of heavier or bulkier items using the straps 20 having a relatively greater width while smaller or lighter weight items may be secured using straps 20 having a smaller width.

As shown in Figs. IA-I B, the straps 20 in the first and second sets 16, 18 may be oriented in orthogonal relation to the perimeter 38 of the object 12 such as the handbag to which the object retention system 10 is secured. However, it is also contemplated that the straps 20 may be oriented in angled relation to the perimeter 38 edges of the substrate 36. In addition to providing an alternative mounting scheme for objects 12, the skewing or angling of the straps 20 relative to the perimeter 38 edges provides an alternative aesthetic appeal. Referring more particularly to Figure IB, each one of the straps 20 is preferably, but optionally, securable to the substrate 36 using at least two anchor points 26. For example, as shown in Figure IB, several of the straps 20 in the first set 16 are secured by anchor points 26 at opposing ends of the strap 20. In addition, some of the straps 20 may be secured to the substrate 36 by at least one intermediate anchor point 28 along the strap 20 length. Because each adjacent pair of anchor points 26 defines a strap section 34, several strap sections 34 of differing length may be provided along a single strap 20 in order to increase retention options for securing objects 12 to the substrate 36.

Referring to Figure IB and ID, the object retention system 10 may include a base layer 40 of material interposed between the straps 20 and the substrate 36. Preferably, the base layer 40 is formed of a low friction material such as nylon which is preferably configured as a continuous layer covering the length and width of the substrate 36. In this manner, the substrate 36 material as described above will remain hidden by the base layer 40 regardless of whether objects are inserted between the straps 20 and the substrate 36. The low-friction base layer 40 may also facilitate slidable insertion of objects 12 under the strap sections 34 as well as facilitate spreading apart of the straps 20 when objects 12 are inserted underneath the strap sections 34. The base layer 40 may also preserve the aesthetics of the object retention system 10 when objects 12 of large size are inserted thereinto as shown in Figure IA.

Referring more particularly to Fig. IB, each of the straps 20 is securable to the substrate 36 using at least two anchor points 26 or end anchor points 30 located at opposing ends of the strap 20. In addition, each of the straps 20 may be securable to the substrate 36 using intermediate anchor points 28 located at various positions along the strap 20 length. Attachment of the straps 20 to the substrate 36 at the anchor points 26 may be facilitated using any variety of mechanical or adhesive fastening means. In a preferable embodiment, the straps 20 are sewn or stitched to the substrate 36 at the end anchor points 30 as well as at the intermediate anchor points 28 as can be seen in Fig. IB. The location of each of the intermediate anchor points 28 preferably occurs at a strap overlap 22 such that the sewing or stitching of the strap 20 to the substrate 36 is hidden by the strap 20 that crosses over the strap 20 anchor point 26.

As was mentioned above, the location of intermediate anchor points 28 may be at various spacings along any given strap 20. Furthermore, the location of the intermediate anchor points 28 is either in a random pattern or spacing within the strap assembly 14, or at a uniform pattern which may be repeated throughout the strap assembly 14 _. However, the intermediate anchor points 28 may be altogether omitted from the strap assembly 14 such that each strap 20 is secured only at its opposed ends (i.e., at the end anchor points 30).

In an arrangement which omits any intermediate anchor points 28, the strap sections 34 are defined by adjacent pairs of strap overlaps 22 along any given strap 20, as can also be seen in Fig. IB. Due to the weaving pattern of the first and second sets 16, 18, different length strap 20 section are formed throughout the strap assembly 14 which allows for retention of objects 12 of various size and shape between the strap 20 and the substrate 36. Attachment of the opposed ends of the straps 20 to the substrate 36 may be facilitated using a continuous length of sewing or stitching which extends around the perimeter 38 of the substrate 36 as best seen in Figure IB.

Alternatively, the straps 20 may be secured at the anchor points 26 using any of the above-mentioned variety of mechanical fasteners including, but not limited to, snaps, rivets, buttons, hooks, hook and loop fastener (i.e., Velcro™) at the anchor points 26. In addition, it is also contemplated that the straps 20 may be adhesively bonded to the substrate 36 or otherwise welded or secured in any suitable manner.

Referring to Figures 3 and 4, as earlier mentioned, the object retention system 10 may be integrated into any suitable structure to which the strap assembly 14 may be permanently or releasably mounted. As was earlier mentioned, the object retention system 10 may omit the substrate 36 and, instead, the strap assembly may be mounted to a suitable surface of an existing structure such that various objects 12 may be retained between the straps 20 and the surface or structure in a manner similar to that shown in Figure 2.

For example, in Figure 4, the object retention system 10 may be permanently or releasably installed within an interior of a motor vehicle 66 such as within the passenger compartment 68. The object retention system 10 may also be integrated into a seat back 72 of a vehicle passenger seat or driver seat. In addition, the object retention system 10 may be integrated into a side panel 50 of a center console 74, along an interior door panel 70 of a passenger or driver door, or in any other suitable location _. Various other installations are contemplated for the object retention system 10 other than the motor vehicle 66 installation illustrated in Figure 4. For example, the object retention system 10 may be integrated into an school binder, an organizer, a folder, a notepad holder, a book cover, a calendar, a wall organization system, or any other suitable structure to which various objects 12, articles, items or personal effects may be releasably attached.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 3, the storage device 42 may comprise a suitcase 60 having a Hd 62 and a bottom potion. The object retention system 10 may be incorporated into side panels of the bottom portion of the suitcase 60 as well as into the lid 62 of the suitcase 60 to increase the options for storing and organizing various objects. Alternatively, the storage device 42 may be provided in other storage bag 44 configurations including, but not limited to, a handbag, a purse, a backpack, a briefcase, a duffle bag, a carrying bag or any other device or system for storing, mounting, supporting or otherwise transporting various size objects 12.

In addition, it is also contemplated that the object retention system 10 is not limited to installation on an inner wall 64 of the storage bag 44 as illustrated in Figure 3, but additionally may be mountable on any suitable exterior portion of a structure such as on the storage bag 44 illustrated in Figures IA- ID and in Figure 2. As was mentioned above, due to the uniform and/or random weaving pattern of the first and second sets 16, 18 of straps 20 as well as due to the placement of intermediate anchor points 28, different length strap sections 34 are formed throughout the strap assembly 14 such that objects 12 of various size and shape may be retained in any desired orientation using any one strap section 34 or using a plurality of any of the strap sections 34.

Referring briefly to Figure ID, shown is a cross section of the storage bag 44 illustrated in Figures IB which illustrates one embodiment of overlaying the strap 20 system against the substrate 36 with an optional base layer 40 interposed therebetween. The substrate 36 may be integrated into the storage bag 44 which is preferably constructed of any suitable commercial fabric or material such as cloth, vinyl, or leather material or any other suitable natural or synthetic material. A padding layer 58 may be provided on an opposed side of the substrate 36 which may also be covered by a durable outer layer 56 in order to provide cushioning to objects contained within the storage bag 44. Likewise, an outer layer 56 may be provided over portions of the padding layer 58 that are not covered by the strap assembly 14. It should be recognized that the above-described cross sectional configuration to which the object retention system 10 may be incorporated is exemplary in nature and is not to be construed as limiting alternative configurations. It should also be pointed out that the object retention system 10 may be provided as a standalone system which may be removably or releasably fastened to any suitable structure, or, alternatively, the object retention system 10 may be integrated into a structure such as that which is illustrated in the storage bag 44 of Figures 1A-2, the suitcase 60 of Figure 3, and the automotive interior of Figure 4.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 5A-5C, the object retention system is shown integrated into the worn article 76 such as into the chest area of one side of a jacket. As was mentioned above, the substrate 36 is preferably configured to provide a degree of flexibility such that movement of the wearer of the article 78 (e.g., jacket) is not restricted by an overly stiff substrate 36. In this regard, the substrate 36 may be provided with any number and configuration of features that facilitate flexing of the substrate 36 in the desired direction and to the desired degree. For example, such features may include at least one aperture 82 or a pattern of apertures 82 or holes extending through the substrate 36 as shown in Fig. 5C.

Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 5B, the features may be configured as at least one or a plurality of elongate pleats, creases, scoring 80 or any other suitable features extending at least partially through the substrate 36 such as on one side thereof so as to provide some degree of flexibility to the substrate 36. The features such as the scoring or apertures 82 may be formed so as to provide stiffness to the substrate 36 in one direction such as in an inwardly bowing direction wherein the substrate 36 or portion thereof assumes a convex shape.

However, the features formed in the substrate 36 may also be configured to be resistant to flexing of the substrate 36 in an opposite direction such as in an outwardly bowing direction such the substrate 36 or portion thereof assumes a convex shape. By forming the features (e.g., scoring 80) such that the substrate 36 has a higher degree of flexibility in one direction as compared to a reverse direction, the straps 20 of the strap assembly 14 are capable of applying a compressive force to whatever object 12 is inserted between the straps 20 and the substrate 36 while still providing flexibility to the substrate 36 in the opposite direction for unrestricted movement of the wearer and to increase comfort.

Additional modifications and improvements of the present invention may also be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, various configurations of the straps 20 are contemplated wherein the straps 20 may be fabricated of any suitable material, whether woven or non-woven, and may be provided in a variety of widths for each strap set. In addition, the first and second sets 16, 18 may be arranged in any angled orientation relative to one another as well as relative to the structure to which the object retention system 10 is mounted. As such, the particular combination of parts described and illustrated herein is intended to represent only certain embodiments of the present invention and is not intended to serve as limitations for alternative devices that are within the spirit and scope of the invention.