Packing organizer

Abstract

A packing organizer is disclosed for use with a suitcase, trunk or similar article. The packing organizer has a base with a top surface adapted to receive items to be packed, a bottom surface, opposed ends and opposed sides. A side flap extends from each of the opposed sides of the base and an end flap extends from each of the opposed ends of the base. At least one handle extends from at least one of the side or end flaps. Retaining means extend from at least one of the side flaps or end flaps and are adapted to matingly engage with cooperating fastening means on the other of the side flaps or end flaps. The end flaps, side flaps and the retaining means are dimensioned to extend over items packed on the base to at least partially enclose and secure the packed items.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows: 
     
         1 . A packing organizer comprising:
 a base having a top surface adapted to receive items to be packed, a bottom surface, opposed ends and opposed sides;   a side flap extending from each of the opposed sides;   an end flap extending from each of the opposed ends;   at least one handle extending from at least one of the side or end flaps; and   retaining means extending from at least one of the side flaps or end flaps and adapted to matingly engage with cooperating fastening means on the other of the side flaps or end flaps;   wherein said end flaps, said side flaps and said retaining means are of a dimension to extend over items packed on the base to at least partially enclose and secure the packed items.   
     
     
         2 . The packing organizer according to  claim 1 , wherein the base is of a semi-rigid material selected from the group consisting of cardboard, plastic and fabric. 
     
     
         3 . The packing organizer according to  claim 1 , wherein two handles are provided, one associated with each of the end flaps. 
     
     
         4 . The packing organizer according to  claim 1 , wherein the base comprises a flexible material stretched over a rigid frame. 
     
     
         5 . The packing organizer according to  claim 4 , wherein the rigid frame is a generally rectangular wire frame. 
     
     
         6 . The packing organizer according to  claim 1 , wherein the retaining means are a plurality of straps. 
     
     
         7 . The packing organizer according to  claim 1 , wherein the flaps are of lightweight material. 
     
     
         8 . The packing organizer according to  claim 1 , wherein the flaps are mesh. 
     
     
         9 . The packing organizer according to  claim 1 , wherein the handles are looped straps 
     
     
         10 . The packing organizer according to  claim 1 , wherein the fastening means are selected from the group consisting of snaps, hook and loop fasteners, buttons, ties, buckles and any combinations thereof. 
     
     
         11 . A packing organizer comprising:
 a substantially rigid base member having opposed sides and ends;   a flexible side wall extending continuously around the base member, said side wall having securing means for securing packed items on said base; and   gripping means extending from the side wall at the ends of the base member.   
     
     
         12 . The packing organizer according to  claim 11 , wherein the securing means comprises cooperating means on opposite sides of said side wall. 
     
     
         13 . The packing organizer according to  claim 12 , wherein the cooperating means are straps and strap retaining means. 
     
     
         14 . The packing organizer according to  claim 11 , wherein the side wall is mesh. 
     
     
         15 . The packing organizer according to  claim 11 , wherein the side wall is a flexible lightweight material. 
     
     
         16 . The packing organizer according to  claim 11 , wherein the gripping means are handles. 
     
     
         17 . The packing organizer according to  claim 16 , wherein the handles are looped strap material. 
     
     
         18 . The packing organizer according to  claim 11 , wherein the strap retaining means are selected from the group consisting of buttons, ties, hook and loop fasteners, snaps, and combinations thereof.