BACKGROUND

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an organizational shell for home, office, and outdoor use, particularly as a cover for unsightly items.

SUMMARY OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

[0002] The systems, methods, and devices of this disclosure each have several innovative aspects, no single one of which is solely responsible for all the desirable attributes disclosed herein.

[0003] The present disclosure is directed to an organizational shell that can be configured to cover electronic devices of various shapes and sizes within a home or workspace. For example, modems, routers, game consoles, and other electronic devices are ubiquitously present in nearly every type of establishment, such as homes, restaurants, offices, and schools. These devices can have an appearance that does not match the decor of the location. Additionally, the devices may need to be placed in visible locations based on a variety of factors, such as the availability of power outlets, accessibility, network reception, and other factors. These devices can many times have cords that are unmanaged and difficult to hide. Or the devices may be placed in out of the way locations so that they are not visible, such as within a cabinet. Such locations can reduce accessibility, restrict ventilation, and reduce strength of wireless signals being sent and received.

[0004] The organizational shell of the present application provides a solution to the above-described problems associated with these devices. The organizational shell can be configured to cover these devices and their associated cords, provide features that allow for organization of the device and cords, and provide decor that is appropriate for the setting. Additionally, the organizational shell can be configured so that the electronic devices can be positioned in more central locations, which can provide for more optimal accessibility, ventilation, and electronic reception. The organizational shell can be appropriately sized and configured to cover multiple types of electronic devices. The organizational shell can be configured so that it can be positioned in a first position in order to cover a first type of device with a set of defined measurement characteristics. When the organizational shell is in a second position, the shell can be sized and configured such that it can cover devices that are a second type having a different set of defined measurement characteristics. By allowing for a variety of sizes and positions, the organizational shell disclosed herein may allow the space around unsightly items to be used as, for example, a planter, a bookshelf, storage for desk supplies, and the like.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Throughout the drawings, reference numbers can be reused to indicate general correspondence between reference elements. The drawings are provided to illustrate example embodiments described herein and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure.

[0006] Figure 1A shows an embodiment of an organizational shell from a first side.

[0007] Figure IB shows an embodiment of an organizational shell from a second side.

[0008] Figure 1C shows an embodiment of an organizational shell from a third side.

[0009] Figure 2A shows the cavity of an embodiment of an organizational shell from a first angle.

[0010] Figure 2B shows the cavity of an embodiment of an organizational shell from a second angle.

[0011] Figure 3A shows an embodiment of an organizational shell moving from a first configuration.

[0012] Figure 3B shows an embodiment of an organizational shell moving to a second configuration.

[0013] Figure 4A shows another embodiment of an organizational shell from a first side.

[0014] Figure 4B shows another embodiment of an organizational shell from a second side.

[0015] Figure 4C shows another embodiment of an organizational shell from a third side.

[0016] Figure 5 shows an embodiment of an organizational shell in a cavity-up configuration.

[0017] Figure 6 shows an embodiment of an organizational shell system with multiple modules. [0018] Figure 7 shows another embodiment of an organizational shell system with multiple modules.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Figures 1A, IB, and 1C illustrate an embodiment of an organizational shell 100. Figure 1A is a view of a first side 104 of the organizational shell 100, Figure IB is a view of a second side 106 of the organizational shell 100, and Figure 1C is a view of a third side 108 of the organizational shell 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the organizational shell 100 has a first shelf 102. Sides 104, 106, and 108 extend downward from the edges of shelf 102. A second shelf 112 is also provided, and a side 110 extends upward from an edge of shelf 102 to an edge of shelf 112. The sides 104 and 106 also extend to reach the edges of shelf 112. Together, shelves 102 and 112, along with sides 104, 106, 108, and 110 form a L-shaped structure. Notably, while the organizational shell 100 as depicted shows only two levels of shelves, any number of shelves could be included. Such shelves could continue increasing in height (such as in a stair-step manner) or could be of varying heights in no particular sequence (such as a tall shelf bordered by multiple smaller shelves).

[0020] At the comers where shelves 102 and 112, and sides 104, 106, 108, and 110 meet, it may be advantageous to include a chamfer or rounded edge to protect a user of the organizational shell from injury on otherwise sharp comers. Such a chamfer or rounded edge may also advantageously add to the overall aesthetic design of organizational shell 100.

[0021] Figures 2A and 2B illustrate the underside of the organizational shell 100. As shown, the shelves and sides of organizational shell 100 comprise walls 114. The walls 114 of the shelves and sides form a cavity 116 within the organizational shell 100. The walls 114 may be 1/8" thick, 'A" thick, 3/8" thick, !4" thick, or any thickness capable of supporting the organizational shelf. The cavity 116 has the same shape as the exterior L- shaped structure of the organizational shell 100. It should be appreciated that the cavity 116 may be configured to be any subset of the volume defined by the exterior L-shaped structure.

[0022] As illustrated in Figure 2B, the cavity 116 may be sub-divided into cavity sub-divisions 118 and 120. The cavity sub-divisions 118 and 120 can be defined by the different shelves and sides of organizational shell 100. The cavity sub-divisions 118 and 120 effectively join together to create the full cavity 116 within organizational shell 100. The cavity 116 may include any number of cavity sub-divisions. Such sub-divisions may combine into a single larger volume, or they may be distinct volumes separate from one another. For example, the cavity 116 could further comprise interior walls that extend between the exterior sides and shelves of the organizational shell 100, thus dividing the cavity 116 into distinct cavity sub-divisions that do not join together into a single cavity.

[0023] In the illustrated embodiment, the walls 114 are formed from a rigid plastic, though it should be appreciated that they may be manufactured from other materials, such as cardboard, metal, wood, fabric, or other types of materials. Indeed, any material capable of supporting the structure of the organizational shell 100 may be used to create the walls 114.

[0024] As shown in Figures 1A-1C and 2A-2B, the organizational shell 100 may advantageously be used as a cover for electronic devices that may be unsightly (e.g., modems, wireless routers, game consoles, Internet of things devices, smart home devices, Wi-Fi devices, Zigbee devices, Bluetooth devices, cords for the afore-mentioned devices, and the like), which may be referred to herein as “unsightly items.” Electronic devices around the home, office, or outdoors, may be covered by the organizational shell 100 by placing the cavity 116 or cavity sub-divisions 118 and/or 120 over such items. Thus, the electronic devices may be hidden from view beneath the organizational shell 100, and the surfaces of organizational shell 100 may function as a storage or display space.

[0025] Turning now to Figures 3A and 3B, an embodiment of organizational shell 100 is depicted in a first configuration 150 in Figure 3 A and a second configuration 150’ in Figure 3B. As depicted, in the first configuration 150, the organizational shell 100 is positioned on the long edge of side 104. In the second configuration 150’, the organizational shell 100 is rotated 90 degrees and positioned on the short edge of side 104 not adjacent to side 108. Notably, the change from the first configuration 150 to the second configuration 150 changes the shelves 102 and 112 into sides 102 and 112, respectively, and the sides 108 and 110 into shelves 108 and 110, respectively. The change in configuration also re-orients the cavity or cavities within the organizational shell 100. Advantageously, the ability to change the configuration of the organizational shell 100 allows for a number of different shelf heights and sizes by using the various shelves and sides in different orientations. Also, by changing the orientation of the interior cavity, the organizational shell 100 may be configured to cover electronic devices of greater horizontal dimension while in configuration 150, and configured to cover electronic devices of greater vertical dimensions while in configuration 150’. [0026] It should be appreciated that the change in orientation from configuration 150 to configuration 150’ is merely illustrative of the many configuration changes that may be utilized with the organizational shell 100. For example, the organizational shell 100 may begin in the first configuration 150 and be moved to a third configuration wherein the side 104 is rotated toward the viewer along its bottom edge, thus creating a generally L-shaped shelf with sides 102, 108, 110, and 112 extending downward to meet side 104. In such a configuration, the cavity within organizational shell 100 would be facing rearward, away from the viewer. Such a configuration may be advantageous for placing the organizational shell in front of, rather than on top of, the electronic device.

[0027] Looking now at Figures 4A, 4B, and 4C, an embodiment of organizational shell 200 is illustrated. Figure 4A is a view of a first side 204 of the organizational shell 200, Figure 4B is a view of a second side 206 of the organizational shell 200, and Figure 4C is a front view of the organizational shell 200. The organizational shell 200 has shelves 202 and 212 connected at their edges by sides 204, 206, 208, and 210 in generally the same fashion as the shelves 102 and 112 and sides 104, 106, 108, and 110 previously discussed with reference to organizational shell 100. Organizational shell 200 illustrates that an organizational shell as disclosed herein may be manufactured in various shapes and with shelves and sides of various sizes. For instance, while the shelves and sides of organizational shell 200 are configured in roughly the same L-shaped structure as the shelves and sides of organizational shell 100, the proportions of the two structures are quite different. For example, the lower shelf 102 of organizational shell 100 has a larger surface area than the upper shelf 112. Conversely, organizational shell 200 is depicted wherein the lower shelf 202 has a smaller surface area than the upper shelf 212. Also, as depicted, the side 210 acts as a much greater step size between shelves 202 and 212 than does side 110 between shelves 102 and 112.

[0028] It should be appreciated that the sides and shelves of an organizational shell as disclosed herein may be of many sizes and shapes and that while the organizational shells depicted herein are generally rectangular and L-shaped in nature, many other shapes may be advantageous to use depending on the type of electronic devices meant to be covered. For example, electronic devices of a circular shape may advantageously use a configuration of circular shelves with cylindrical sides and a cylindrical internal cavity.

[0029] Figure 5 illustrates a bottom view of organizational shell 200 illustrating a cavity-up configuration 250. Such a cavity-up configuration 250 can be achieved by rotating the organizational shell 200 until the shelves 202 and 212 and sides 208 and 210 form a V-shaped series of recesses, with edges 214 and 216 contacting the ground. In cavity-up configuration 250, sides 204 and 206 remain vertical, albeit upside-down from the configuration demonstrated by the organizational shell 200 of Figures 4A-4C.

[0030] Advantageously, in the cavity-up configuration 250, a volume is defined between the underside of shelf 202, underside of side 210, and the ground. This may create a space wherein electronic devices may be covered, while decorative items are placed within the V-shaped series of recesses on top. For example, in a home or office, a series of organizational shells 200 in cavity-up configuration 250 may be placed side-by-side with cables running beneath them through the volume created by shelf 202, side 210, and the ground. In another example, if used outdoors, this same volume could be used to cover a garden hose running along the ground. The space between the V-shaped series of recesses and sides 204 and 206 may then be used to display decorative items. For instance, in the home or office example previously described to cover cables, books or small houseplants may be placed in the V-shaped series of recesses. In the outdoor example to cover a garden hose, the same space may be filled with soil and act as a planter. It should be appreciated that these examples are not limiting, and that the organizational shell 200 may be used to cover or display many different items.

[0031] With reference now to Figure 6, an embodiment of an organizational shell system 300 is illustrated wherein the organizational shell system 300 includes a base module 310 and sub-modules 320 and 330. Advantageously, such an arrangement of modules may allow the base module 310 to cover large electronic devices, while submodules may be used for storage and decoration of the base module. The base module is configured in a horizontal configuration. Specifically, the base module 310 may be an organizational shell 100 that has been placed in the first configuration 150, as described above.

[0032] For instance, as depicted in Figure 6, the base module 310 generally corresponds to the embodiments of an organizational shell 100 or 200 previously discussed. It may include a cavity or cavities beneath its surface configured to cover unsightly items. Working in conjunction with the base module 310 may be one or more sub-modules 320 and 330. As illustrated, a sub-module 320 may be configured to store pens or other small office supplies. It should be appreciated that any number of sub-modules 320 may be used in conjunction with one or more base modules 310. Additionally, the sub-modules 320 and 330 may be configured in various sizes and shapes depending on what they are meant to store or display. [0033] Advantageously, organizational shells of different sizes may be configured to nest within or on top of one another, thus allowing one organizational shell to serve as a base module 310 and another to serve as a sub-module 330. For example, in Figure 6, the organizational shell system 300 may comprise a base module 310 that generally corresponds to embodiments of an organizational shell 100 and a sub-module 330 that generally corresponds to embodiments of an organizational shell 200. In such a configuration, the sub-module 330 may be an organizational shell 200 flipped upside down relative to the base module 310. Thus, the sub-module 330 and base module 310 may each be generally L-shaped, and their shapes may be configured to complement one another such that they may nest together. Advantageously, this would allow the cavity of sub-module 330 to face upwards, allowing the cavity to be used for storage and display. For example, in Figure 6, the cavity of sub-module 320 is shown used as a letter holder, and the cavity of sub-module 330 is shown to store pens or other small office supplies.

[0034] Figure 7 illustrates an embodiment of an organizational shell system 300 that includes base module 310 and a sub-module 320. As depicted, the base module 310 is positioned in a vertical configuration. Specifically, the base module 310 may be an organizational shell 100 that has been placed in the second configuration 150’, as described above. The sub-module 320 may then be configured for storage or display of decorative items and may be configured to rest on one of the shelves of the base module 310, for example, on a shelf corresponding to shelf 110 of Figure 3B. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 7, the sub-module 320 may be configured to have a footprint equal to the shelf upon which it sits, however, it should be appreciated that such an arrangement is not required, as occurs with the Figure 6 sub-module 330. Indeed, as discussed above, the submodule 320 may be configured to be various sizes depending on what it is meant to store or display. Here, sub-module 320 is used as a planter box.

[0035] Further, in some embodiments, the modules, sub-modules, and organizational shells used in systems such as the organizational shell system 300 may be configured to couple together. For example, in the organizational shell system 300, submodule 320 may be configured to couple to one or more points or edges of base module 310 using various coupling mechanisms to secure the sub-modules to the base module. In some embodiments, multiple organizational shells may be configured to be coupled together. Such coupling mechanisms may include screws, magnets, pins, snaps, hook and loop fasteners, sliding locks, clips, fasteners, mating surfaces or members, or other types of mechanisms. Advantageously, such couplings may allow a user to connect any number of organizational shells, base modules, and sub-modules into a unique organizational shell system configured for their own personal space.

[0036] Additionally, in some embodiments, the organizational shell disclosed herein may also comprise vents configured to allow airflow between the inner cavity or cavities (e.g., cavity 116 or cavity sub-divisions 118 and 120) and the exterior environment, or between different cavities or cavity sub-divisions. Such vents may be advantageous when the organizational shell is placed as a cover over electronics or other items that may require ventilation. Such vents may take many forms and may cover all or only a part of the organizational shell’s shelves and sides. For example, such vents may be small punctures in the walls of the organizational shell, grooves or channels cut through the walls of the organizational shell, slots cut along the comers of the organizational shell where the sides and shelves meet, large openings cut in the sides of the organizational shell, and the like. Further, the vents may be configured such that they still block the view of the items covered by the organizational shell. For example, the vents may be cut in the shelves or sides of an organizational shell at an oblique angle to the plane of the shelf or side. Thus, airflow may still pass through, but the interior cavity and its contents may remain hidden from view. Additionally, the organizational shell may be equipped with one or more vents configured to receive a fan in order to further increase airflow. Alternatively, the vents could be configured to allow airflow between the inner cavity or cavities (e.g., cavity 116 or cavity sub-divisions 118 and 120) without blocking the view of the items covered by the organizational shell. This could allow a view of the items the organizational shell covers while also retaining the storage and display advantages disclosed herein. Thus, while many embodiments of an organizational shell as contemplated herein may be designed to conceal the contents of the cavity, an organizational shell with vents which allow a view of the internals of the organizational shell remains within the scope of this disclosure.

[0037] Further, in some embodiments, the organizational shell disclosed herein may be configured such that its disruption of wireless signals transmitted from or received by electronics covered by the shell is reduced. Advantageously, this allows for the organizational shell to cover electronic devices such as modems, wireless routers, game consoles, Internet of things devices, smart home devices, Wi-Fi devices, Zigbee devices, Bluetooth devices, and the like without disrupting their functionality. Such reduced disruption may be achieved by choosing a material for the organizational shell that is known to reduce wireless disruption. Alternatively, an organizational shell may comprise gaps in its shelves or sides whereby one or more antennas connected to electronic equipment beneath the organizational shell may pass through the shell, thus helping to reduce any wireless interference from the organizational shell itself.

[0038] As described above, many different materials may be used to form an organizational shell as described herein. Notably, while the organizational shells and organizational shell systems illustrated in the figures are formed from an opaque material, various colors and levels of opacity may be used. Indeed, even a fully transparent organizational shell, while allowing a view of the items it covers, would still retain the storage and display advantages disclosed herein. Thus, while many embodiments of an organizational shell as contemplated herein may be opaque or partially opaque, a fully transparent organizational shell remains within the scope of this disclosure.

[0039] Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” “may,” “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or states. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or states are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include these features, elements and/or states.

[0040] Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require the presence of at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z.

[0041] While the above detailed description may have shown, described, and pointed out novel features as applied to various embodiments, it may be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and/or changes in the form and details of any particular embodiment may be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. As may be recognized, certain embodiments may be embodied within a form that does not provide all of the features and benefits set forth herein, as some features may be used or practiced separately from others.

[0042] Additionally, features described in connection with one embodiment can be incorporated into another of the disclosed embodiments, even if not expressly discussed herein, and embodiments having the combination of features still fall within the scope of the disclosure. For example, features described above in connection with one embodiment can be used with a different embodiment described herein and the combination still fall within the scope of the disclosure.

[0043] It should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with, or substituted for, one another in order to form varying modes of the embodiments of the disclosure. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the disclosure herein should not be limited by the particular embodiments described above. Accordingly, unless otherwise stated, or unless clearly incompatible, each embodiment of this disclosure may comprise, additional to its essential features described herein, one or more features as described herein from each other embodiment disclosed herein.

[0044] Features, materials, characteristics, or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment, or example are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described in this section or elsewhere in this specification unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The protection is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The protection extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

[0045] Furthermore, certain features that are described in this disclosure in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations, one or more features from a claimed combination can, in some cases, be excised from the combination, and the combination may be claimed as a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

[0046] Moreover, while operations may be depicted in the drawings or described in the specification in a particular order, such operations need not be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. Other operations that are not depicted or described can be incorporated in the example methods and processes. For example, one or more additional operations can be performed before, after, simultaneously, or between any of the described operations. Further, the operations may be rearranged or reordered in other implementations. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that in some embodiments, the actual steps taken in the processes illustrated and/or disclosed may differ from those shown in the figures. Depending on the embodiment, certain of the steps described above may be removed, others may be added.

[0047] Furthermore, the features and attributes of the specific embodiments disclosed above may be combined in different ways to form additional embodiments, all of which fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Also, the separation of various system components in the implementations described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all implementations, and it should be understood that the described components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single product or packaged into multiple products.

[0048] For purposes of this disclosure, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features are described herein. Not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves one advantage or a group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

[0049] Language of degree used herein, such as the terms “approximately,” “about,” “generally,” and “substantially” as used herein represent a value, amount, or characteristic close to the stated value, amount, or characteristic that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, the terms “approximately”, “about”, “generally,” and “substantially” may refer to an amount that is within less than 10% of, within less than 5% of, within less than 1% of, within less than 0.1% of, and within less than 0.01% of the stated amount. As another example, in certain embodiments, the terms “generally parallel” and “substantially parallel” refer to a value, amount, or characteristic that departs from exactly parallel by less than or equal to 15 degrees, 10 degrees, 5 degrees, 3 degrees, 1 degree, 0. 1 degree, or otherwise.

[0050] The scope of the present disclosure is not intended to be limited by the specific disclosures of preferred embodiments in this section or elsewhere in this specification, and may be defined by claims as presented in this section or elsewhere in this specification or as presented in the future. The language of the claims is to be interpreted broadly based on the language employed in the claims and not limited to the examples described in the present specification or during the prosecution of the application, which examples are to be construed as non-exclusive.

[0051] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise”, “comprising”, and the like, are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense, that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to”.

[0052] Reference to any prior art in this description is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that that prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavor in any country in the world.

[0053] The invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the description of the application, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of said parts, elements or features.

[0054] Where, in the foregoing description, reference has been made to integers or components having known equivalents thereof, those integers are herein incorporated as if individually set forth. In addition, where the term “substantially” or any of its variants have been used as a word of approximation adjacent to a numerical value or range, it is intended to provide sufficient flexibility in the adjacent numerical value or range that encompasses standard manufacturing tolerances and/or rounding to the next significant figure, whichever is greater.

[0055] It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. For instance, various components may be repositioned as desired. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be included within the scope of the invention. Moreover, not all of the features, aspects and advantages are necessarily required to practice the present invention. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to be defined only by the claims.