Expandable organizer

Abstract

The expandable organizer is an organizer for a carrying case or container that is formed from modular units that can be connected end-to-end to expand the size of the organizer to suit the carrying case or container. Each modular unit has a center wall and at least one pocket attached to each of the opposing sides of the center wall. The center wall may be formed from two layers of cloth fabric enclosing a rigid insert that keeps the organizer upright to facilitate access to items stored in the organizer. The pockets are also made of cloth fabric, which permits a decorative design to be imprinted on the exterior surface of the organizer by silkscreen or other processes. The opposing ends of the modular unit have mating releasable fasteners, so that modular units may be chained together to increase the length of the expandable organizer.

1 . An expandable organizer for a handbag, pocketbook, backpack, briefcase, knitting bag, diaper bag, or other type of carrying case or container for easily storing and transferring items from one carrying case or container to another.  
   
   
       2 . An expandable organizer, comprising a plurality of modular storage units, each of the units having: a center wall having opposing ends, the center wall being made form at least one layer of cloth fabric; 
 at least one pocket attached to opposite sides of the center wall, the at least one pocket being made from cloth fabric: and means for releasably attaching the modular units end-to-end in order to expand the length of the organizer.    
   
   
       3 . An expandable organizer, comprising a plurality of modular storage units, each of the modular units having: a center wall having opposing ends, the center wall being made from at least one layer of cloth fabric; 
 at least one pocket attached to opposite sides of the center wall, the at least one pocket being made from cloth fabric; and a releasable fastener at each of the opposing ends of the center wall for releasably attaching the modular units end-to-end in order to expand the length of the organizer.    
   
   
       4 . An expandable organizer in accordance with  claim 1  wherein the releasable devices comprise: fasteners sewn or otherwise attached to opposing ends; and other releasable fasteners may be used in lieu thereof; mating strips of hook and loop fastening material, clasps, clips with corresponding holes, zippers, laces or other tie fasteners, etc.  
   
   
       5 . An expandable organizer in accordance with  claim 1  wherein each of the pockets is designed to hold and store different items.  
   
   
       6 . An expandable organizer in accordance with  claim 1  wherein at least one of the pockets is designed to hold and store eyeglasses  
   
   
       7 . An expandable organizer in accordance with  claim 1  wherein at least one of the pockets is designed to hold and store credit cards and/or identification cards  
   
   
       8 . An expandable organizer in accordance with  claim 1  wherein at least one of the pockets is designed to hold and store an electronic personal digital assistant  
   
   
       9 . An expandable organizer in accordance with  claim 1  wherein at least one of the pockets is designed to hold and store a cellular phone  
   
   
       10 . An expandable organizer in accordance with  claim 1  wherein at least one of the pockets is designed to hold and store a pager  
   
   
       11 . An expandable organizer in accordance with  claim 1  wherein at least one of the pockets is designed to hold and store a checkbook  
   
   
       12 . An expandable organizer in accordance with  claim 1  wherein at least one of the pockets is designed to hold and store cosmetics  
   
   
       13 . An expandable organizer in accordance with  claim 1  for easily transferring items from one carrying case to another comprising a plurality of expandable organizers for holding and storing items; and fastening devices fastened to a modular unit for removable fastening successive modular units together.