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.

What is claimed is: 
     
         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. 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.