US20060060491A1
2006-03-23
10/944,533
2004-09-17
An event materials organizer is provided. The organizer includes a panel having a first notch capable of supporting a necklace and a second notch capable of supporting a holder attachment. The first notch and the second notch extend from a first edge of the panel. The panel has a second edge wherein the second edge of the panel is opposite and parallel to the first edge of the panel. A third notch capable of supporting a necklace and a fourth notch capable of supporting a holder attachment may extend from the second edge of the panel. The panel may further include a first slit capable of supporting an item wherein the first slit is cut through the face of the panel. The panel may further include a second slit capable of supporting an item wherein the second slit is cut through the face of the panel.
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B65D73/0035 » CPC main
Packages comprising articles attached to cards, sheets or webs the articles being retained within a recess or a series of recesses provided in a single card
B65D73/00 IPC
Packages comprising articles attached to cards, sheets or webs
The present invention relates generally to an event materials organizer and, more particularly, to a materials organizer that provides wrinkle-free support for pre-assembled nametags with ribbons and other materials commonly presented to event attendees.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONIn preparing for an event, event hosts may be required to prepare and to organize for each event attendee a nametag, a nametag holder, a necklace for displaying the nametag, one or more ribbons to be placed on the nametag holder, and other registration materials that may include raffle tickets, bracelets, event tickets, etc. The ribbons identify event attendees for example as speakers, as guests, as exhibitors, etc. and are generally attached for display to the nametag holder prior to delivery to the event attendee. The event items generally are low cost and are commonly distributed to specific individuals over a short period of time at a single event such as a conference or a meeting. During registration for the event, the event materials are distributed to each event attendee. The materials are organized to prepare for the convenient delivery of the items to each attendee.
Various methods have been used to organize these types of event items to provide for convenient selection by the hosts. For example, when multiple items are given to each event attendee, the items may be placed in an envelope to insure that the items are maintained together. However, the items may be damaged by placement in an envelope based on their size. For example, it is difficult to place a nametag holder having attached ribbons in an envelope without wrinkling and otherwise bending the ribbons. A bent ribbon is difficult to read. Thus, bending or wrinkling the ribbons effectively negates their purpose which is to identify specific event attendees and their roles at a glance. Additionally, it is difficult for a host to insure that all of the items were correctly placed in the envelope without opening and viewing the contents of each envelope individually. As a result, there is a need for an event materials organizer that provides convenient access to event materials without damaging the event materials. What is further needed is an event materials organizer that allows an event host to easily confirm, when delivering the event materials to the event attendee, that all of the requisite items were included.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONAn exemplary embodiment of the invention relates to an organizer for event materials. The organizer includes, but is not limited to, a panel. The panel has a first edge and includes, but is not limited to, a first notch capable of supporting a necklace and a second notch capable of supporting a holder attachment. The first notch and the second notch extend from the first edge. The panel may be formed of a material that includes, but is not limited to, stiff paper, cardboard, plastic, vinyl, and metal.
The first notch may include, but is not limited to, a first rectangular slot and a second rectangular slot. The first rectangular slot extends in a direction generally perpendicular from the first edge of the panel and has a first edge opposite and parallel to the first edge of the panel. The first rectangular slot has a width sufficient to accept a strand of the necklace. The second rectangular slot has a first edge that extends along the first edge of the first rectangular slot in a direction parallel to the first edge of the panel and has a width sufficient to accept the strand of the necklace. The second rectangular slot of the first notch has a second edge opposite and parallel to the first edge of the second rectangular slot. The first notch may further include a first circular slot extending from a first portion of the second edge of the second rectangular slot. The diameter of the first circular slot is sufficient to accept the strand of the necklace. The first notch may further include a second circular slot extending from a second portion of the second edge of the second rectangular slot. The diameter of the second circular slot is sufficient to accept the strand of the necklace.
The second notch may include, but is not limited to, a first rectangular slot extending in a direction generally perpendicular from the first edge of the panel. The first rectangular slot has a width sufficient to accept a clip holder attachment. The second notch may further include a second rectangular slot having a first edge extending along the first edge of the first rectangular slot in a direction parallel to the first edge of the panel. The second rectangular slot has a width sufficient to accept the holder attachment.
In an alternative embodiment, the second notch may include, but is not limited to, a first triangular slot extending from the first edge of the panel and a second triangular slot extending from the first edge of the panel. A ridge is formed between the first triangular slot and the second triangular slot. The ridge is capable of supporting the holder attachment.
In another alternative embodiment, the second notch may include, but is not limited to, a first rectangular slot extending in a direction generally perpendicular from the first edge of the panel and a second rectangular slot extending in a direction generally perpendicular from the first edge of the panel. A ridge is formed between the first rectangular slot and the second rectangular slot. The ridge is capable of supporting the holder attachment.
The panel may have a second edge wherein the second edge of the panel is opposite and parallel to the first edge of the panel. The panel may further include a third notch capable of supporting the holder attachment, the third notch extending from the second edge. The panel may further include a fourth notch capable of supporting the necklace, the fourth notch extending from the second edge.
The panel has a face and further includes a first slit capable of supporting an item. The first slit cuts through the face of the panel. The first slit may form a first semi-circle. The panel may further include a second slit capable of supporting the item. The second slit cuts through the face of the panel. The second slit may form a second semi-circle. The second semi-circle may form a convex surface relative to the first edge of the panel and the first semi-circle may form a concave surface relative to the first edge of the panel. The panel may further include an indentation extending from a first point along the first slit to a second point along the first slit thereby defining a pop-out area on the face of the panel whereby separating the pop-out area from the face of the panel along the first slit forms a support that attaches to the panel along the indentation.
In an alternative embodiment, the first notch may include, but is not limited to, a first triangular slot extending from the first edge of the panel, and a second triangular slot extending from the first edge of the panel. A ridge is formed between the first triangular slot and the second triangular slot. The ridge is capable of supporting the necklace.
In another alternative embodiment, the first notch may include, but is not limited to, a first rectangular slot extending in a direction generally perpendicular from the first edge of the panel and a second rectangular slot extending in a direction generally perpendicular from the first edge of the panel. A ridge is formed between the first rectangular slot and the second rectangular slot. The ridge is capable of supporting the necklace.
The holder attachment may include, but is not limited to, a pin holder attachment, a clip holder attachment, a pin/clip combination holder attachment, a slot holder attachment, and a magnet holder attachment.
Yet another exemplary embodiment of the invention relates to a method of forming an organizer for event materials. The method includes, but is not limited to, cutting a first notch in a panel having a first edge, the first notch extending from the first edge of the panel and capable of supporting a necklace, and cutting a second notch in the panel, the second notch extending from the first edge of the panel and capable of supporting a holder attachment.
Yet another exemplary embodiment of the invention relates to a method of using an organizer for event materials. The method includes, but is not limited to, holding a panel upright, the panel having a top edge; placing a necklace in a first notch of the panel, the first notch extending away from the top edge of the panel and capable of supporting the necklace; placing an item having a holder attachment in a second notch of the panel, the second notch extending away from the top edge of the panel and capable of supporting the holder attachment; and placing the panel in an upright position for selection by a user.
Other principal features and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following drawings, the detailed description, and the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSThe exemplary embodiments will hereafter be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like numerals will denote like elements.
FIG. 1 is a front view of a nametag organizer showing an example use case.
FIG. 2 is a view of a pin holder attachment in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a view of a pin/clip holder attachment in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a view of a clip and a slot holder attachment in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a view of a magnet holder attachment in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a front plan view of the nametag organizer in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a front plan view of the nametag organizer of in accordance with another exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a front plan view of the nametag organizer of in accordance with yet another exemplary embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTSWith reference to FIG. 1, an event materials organizer is shown generally at 9. The organizer 9 will be described below with reference to a generally rectangular geometry. It is understood, however, that the invention may take the form of various other geometrical shapes, e.g., square, polygon, circle, triangle, etc. For exemplification, the organizer 9 of FIG. 1 shows a rectangular panel 10 having a first edge 12, a second edge 14, a third edge 16, and a fourth edge 18. The second edge 14 extends opposite and parallel to the first edge 12 of the panel 10. The third edge 16 extends in a generally perpendicular direction between a first end of the first edge 12 and a first end of the second edge 14. The fourth edge 18 extends opposite and parallel to the third edge 16 of the panel 10. The panel 10 may be formed of material that includes, but is not limited to, stiff paper, cardboard, plastic, vinyl, and metal of variable thickness and size.
In an exemplary embodiment, the first edge 12 has a length of eight inches and the third edge 16 has a length of eleven inches. The panel 10 may have any size sufficient to support a nametag item 150. The nametag item 150 may include, but is not limited to, a nametag 152, a nametag holder 154, a first ribbon 156, and a second ribbon 158. The nametag 152 generally consists of the name of the event attendee and a job title. The nametag holder 154 commonly has the dimensions of four inches by three inches and may be formed of vinyl or other transparent material to allow viewing of the nametag 152 that is placed inside the nametag holder 154 for protection. The first ribbon 156 and the second ribbon 158 are optional and identify event attendees for example as speakers, as guests, as exhibitors, etc. The first ribbon 156 and the second ribbon 158 are attached for display to the nametag holder 154. The first ribbon 156, in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, identifies the attendee “Judy Clancy” as a “Past President.” The second ribbon 158, in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, identifies the attendee “Judy Clancy” as a member of the “Board of Directors.”
The nametag holder 154 includes a holder attachment that allows the event attendee to attach the nametag holder 154, for example, to an item of clothing or to a necklace 160. FIGS. 2-5 depict example holder attachments that may attach to the nametag holder 154 either on the front or on the back of the nametag holder 154. FIG. 2 shows a pin holder attachment 170 in an exemplary embodiment. The pin holder attachment 170 includes, but is not limited to, a pin backing 172, a pin clasp 174, and a pin clasp bar 176. The pin backing 172 attaches to the nametag holder 154 and connects to the pin clasp 174 and the pin clasp bar 176. The pin clasp bar 176 movably connects to the pin clasp 174 as known to those skilled in the art.
FIG. 3 shows a pin/clip combination holder attachment 178 in an exemplary embodiment. The pin/clip combination holder attachment 178 includes, but is not limited to, a clip 180 and a pin 182. The clip 180 attaches to the nametag holder 154 and acts as a lever whereby pressing on one end of the clip 180 opens the opposite end for grasping an article. The pin includes, but is not limited to, a pin backing 184, a pin clasp 186, and a pin clasp bar 188. The pin backing 184 attaches to the clip 180 and connects to the pin clasp 186 and the pin clasp bar 188. The pin clasp bar 188 movably connects to the pin clasp 186 as known to those skilled in the art.
FIG. 4 shows a clip holder attachment 190 and a slot holder attachment 192. The clip holder attachment 190 attaches to the nametag holder 154. The clip holder attachment 190 acts as a lever whereby pressing on one end of the clip holder attachment 190 opens the opposite end for grasping an article. The slot holder attachment 192 is cut through the nametag holder 154 and allows insertion of a necklace or other holder attachment such as a clip.
FIG. 5 shows a magnet holder attachment 194 that includes, but is not limited to, a magnetic material 196 attached to the nametag holder 154 and a magnet 198. The magnet 198 is attracted through a magnetic field to the magnetic material 196 that may be separated from the magnet 198, for example, by an article of clothing to allow attachment of the nametag holder 154 to the article of clothing. The magnetic material 196 and the magnet 198 may be reversed in location. Thus, the magnet may be attached to the nametag holder 154.
The necklace 160 may be slipped over the head of the event attendee or otherwise placed around the neck of the event attendee. As known to those skilled in the art, the necklace 160 may be formed of a variety of materials including metal, plastic, fabric, leather, vinyl, elastic, etc. having a variety of strand widths. The necklace 160 may also be known as a cord, a lanyard, a neck cord, a neck chain, etc. The necklace 160 may or may not include an attachment device for grasping or otherwise holding the nametag item 150.
Panel 10, in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 6, includes, but is not limited to, a first notch 20, a second notch 40, a third notch 30, a fourth notch 50, a first pop-out area 60, and a second pop-out area 65. The first notch 20 includes, but is not limited to, a first rectangular slot 22, a second rectangular slot 24, a first circular slot 26, and a second circular slot 28. The first notch 20 may be positioned approximately 1.0625 inches from the third edge 16 of the panel 10. The first rectangular slot 22 extends from the first edge 12 of the panel 10 in a direction generally perpendicular to the first edge 12 of the panel 10. The first rectangular slot 22 has a first edge 23 parallel to the first edge 12 of the panel 10. The length of the first edge 23 of the first rectangular slot 22 defines the width of the first rectangular slot 22. The width of the first rectangular slot 22 is sufficient to accept the strand of the necklace 160. In an exemplary embodiment, the width of the first rectangular slot 22 is approximately 0.25 inches. The width of the first rectangular slot 22 may be adjusted to accommodate the necklace 160. In an exemplary embodiment, the length of the first rectangular slot 22 is approximately 0.875 inches. The length of the first rectangular slot 22 may be adjusted.
The second rectangular slot 24 has a first edge 25 extending along the first edge 23 of the first rectangular slot 22 in a direction parallel to the first edge 12 of the panel 10. The length of the first edge 25 of the second rectangular slot 24 defines the length of the second rectangular slot 24. The second rectangular slot 24 has a second edge 27 extending perpendicular to the first edge 25 of the second rectangular slot 24. The length of the second edge 27 of the second rectangular slot 24 defines the width of the second rectangular slot 24. The width of the second rectangular slot 24 is sufficient to accept the strand of the necklace 160. In an exemplary embodiment, the width of the second rectangular slot 24 is approximately 0.25 inches. The width of the second rectangular slot 24 may be adjusted to accommodate the necklace 160. In an exemplary embodiment, the length of the second rectangular slot 24 is approximately 0.6875 inches. The length of the second rectangular slot 24 may be adjusted.
The second rectangular slot 24 of the first notch 20 has a third edge 29 opposite and parallel to the first edge 25 of the second rectangular slot 24. The first circular slot 26 extends from a first portion of the second edge 29 of the second rectangular slot 24. The diameter of the first circular slot 26 is sufficient to accept the strand of the necklace 160 as shown in FIG. 1. The second circular slot 28 extends from a second portion of the second edge 29 of the second rectangular slot 24. The diameter of the second circular slot 28 is sufficient to accept the strand of the necklace 160 as shown in FIG. 1. The diameter of the first circular slot 26 and of the second circular slot 28 may be adjusted to accommodate the necklace 160. In an exemplary embodiment, the diameter of the first circular slot 26 and of the second circular slot 28 is approximately 0.25 inches.
In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 6, the second notch 40 includes, but is not limited to, a first rectangular slot 42 and a second rectangular slot 44. The center of the second notch 40 may be positioned approximately 2.25 inches from the fourth edge 18 of the panel 10. The first rectangular slot 42 of the second notch 40 extends from the first edge 12 of the panel 10 in a direction generally perpendicular to the first edge 12 of the panel 10. The length of a first edge 43 of the first rectangular slot 42 of the second notch 40 defines the width of the first rectangular slot 42. The width of the first rectangular slot 42 is sufficient to accept the clip holder attachment 190 of FIG. 4 and/or the clip 180 of FIG. 3. The width of the first rectangular slot 42 may be adjusted to accommodate the clip holder attachment. In an exemplary embodiment, the width of the first rectangular slot 42 is approximately 0.5625 inches. In an exemplary embodiment, the length of the first rectangular slot 42 is approximately 0.5 inches. The length of the first rectangular slot 42 may be adjusted.
The second rectangular slot 44 of the second notch 40 has a first edge 45 extending along the first edge 43 of the first rectangular slot 42 in a direction parallel to the first edge 12 of the panel 10. The length of the first edge 45 of the second rectangular slot 44 of the second notch 40 defines the width of the second rectangular slot 44. The width of the second rectangular slot 44 is sufficient to accept the pin holder attachment 170 of FIG. 2, the pin 182 of FIG. 3, and/or the magnet holder attachment 194 of FIG. 5. The width of the second rectangular slot 44 may be adjusted to accommodate the holder attachment. In an exemplary embodiment, the width of the second rectangular slot 44 is approximately 1.9375 inches. In an exemplary embodiment, the length of the second rectangular slot 44 is approximately 0.375 inches. The length of the second rectangular slot 44 may be adjusted.
In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 6, the third notch 30 includes, but is not limited to, a first triangular slot 32 extending from the second edge 14 of the panel 10 and a second triangular slot 34 extending from the second edge 14 of the panel 10. The center of the third notch 30 may be positioned approximately 2.25 inches from the third edge 16 of the panel 10. The third notch 30 may be used to support the holder attachment similar to use of the second notch 40 after rotating the panel 10 by 180 degrees in either direction. The first triangular slot 32 and the second triangular slot 34 join to form a ridge 36 between the first triangular slot 32 and the second triangular slot 34.
The ridge 36 is capable of supporting, for example, the pin holder attachment 170 of FIG. 2, the pin 182 of FIG. 3, and/or the slot holder attachment 192 of FIG. 4. The ridge 36 may slide between the pin backing 172 and the pin clasp bar 176 of the pin holder attachment 170. Similarly, ridge 36 may slide between the pin backing 184 and the pin clasp bar 188 of the pin 182. The ridge 36 may slide into the slot formed by the slot holder attachment 192. The ridge 36 may be adjusted to accommodate the holder attachment. In an exemplary embodiment, the first triangular slot 32 and the second triangular slot 34 form right triangles. The length of the side of the first triangular slot 32 and the second triangular slot 34 extending along the second edge 14 of the panel 10 may be approximately 0.625 inches. The length of the first triangular slot 32 and the second triangular slot 34 perpendicular to the second edge 14 of the panel 10 may be approximately 0.75 inches. The length of the sides of the first triangular slot 32 and the second triangular slot 34 may be adjusted. The first triangular slot 32 and the second triangular slot 34 may form other than right triangles.
The fourth notch 50 may be similar to the first notch 20. The fourth notch 50 may be positioned approximately 1.0625 inches from the fourth edge 18 of the panel 10. The fourth notch 50 may be used to support the necklace 160 similar to use of the first notch 20 after rotating the panel 10 by 180 degrees in either direction. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 6, the fourth notch 50 includes, but is not limited to, a first rectangular slot 52, a second rectangular slot 54, a first circular slot 56, and a second circular slot 58. The first rectangular slot 52 extends from the second edge 14 of the panel 10 in a direction generally perpendicular to the second edge 14 of the panel 10. The first rectangular slot 52 has a first edge 53 parallel to the second edge 14 of the panel 10. The length of the first edge 53 of the first rectangular slot 52 defines the width of the first rectangular slot 52. The width of the first rectangular slot 52 is sufficient to accept the strand of the necklace 160. The width of the first rectangular slot 52 may be adjusted to accommodate the necklace 160.
The second rectangular slot 54 has a first edge 55 extending along the first edge 53 of the first rectangular slot 52 in a direction parallel to the second edge 14 of the panel 10. The second rectangular slot 54 has a second edge 57 extending perpendicular to the first edge 55 of the second rectangular slot 54. The length of the second edge 57 of the second rectangular slot 54 defines the width of the second rectangular slot 54. The width of the second rectangular slot 54 is sufficient to accept the strand of the necklace 160. The width of the second rectangular slot 54 may be adjusted to accommodate the necklace 160.
The second rectangular slot 54 of the fourth notch 50 has a third edge 59 opposite and parallel to the first edge 55 of the second rectangular slot 54. The first circular slot 56 extends from a first portion of the second edge 59 of the second rectangular slot 54. The diameter of the first circular slot 56 is sufficient to accept the strand of the necklace 160. The second circular slot 58 extends from a second portion of the second edge 59 of the second rectangular slot 54. The diameter of the second circular slot 58 is sufficient to accept the strand of the necklace 160. The diameter of the first circular slot 56 and of the second circular slot 58 may be adjusted to accommodate the necklace 160.
In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 6, the first pop-out area 60 includes, but is not limited to, a first slit 62 and a first indentation 64. The first slit 62 may form a concave semi-circle relative to the first edge 12 of panel 10. The first slit 62 cuts through the face of the panel 10. The first indentation 64 extends from a first point 61 along the first slit 62 to a second point 63 along the first slit 62 defining the first pop-out area 60 on the face of the panel 10. In an exemplary embodiment, the first point 61 may be positioned approximately 1.9375 inches from the first edge 12 of panel 10 and approximately 0.875 inches from the fourth edge 18 of panel 10. In an exemplary embodiment, the distance between the first point 61 and the second point 63 may be approximately 2.6875 inches.
Separation of the first pop-out area 60 from the face of the panel 10 along the first slit 62 forms a support that attaches to the panel 10 along the first indentation 64. The support is capable of holding substantially flat items such as the tickets 162 of FIG. 1. Other substantially flat items may include envelopes, wristbands, bracelets, compact disks, digital video disks, etc. The first pop-out area 60 may be used to support substantially flat items after rotating the panel 10 by 180 degrees in either direction. The first indentation 64, in an exemplary embodiment, may be 2.6875 inches in length. In an exemplary embodiment, the radius of the semi-circle formed by the first slit 62 may be 1.125 inches.
In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 6, the second pop-out area 65 includes, but is not limited to, a second slit 66 and a second indentation 68. The second slit 66 may form a convex semi-circle relative to the first edge 12 of panel 10. The second slit 66 cuts through the face of the panel 10. The second indentation 68 extends from a first point 67 along the second slit 66 to a second point 69 along the second slit 66 defining the second pop-out area 65 on the face of the panel 10. In an exemplary embodiment, the first point 67 may be positioned approximately 1.9375 inches from the second edge 14 of panel 10 and approximately 0.875 inches from the third edge 16 of panel 10. In an exemplary embodiment, the distance between the first point 67 and the second point 69 may be approximately 2.6875 inches. Separation of the second pop-out area 65 from the face of the panel 10 along the second slit 66 forms a support that attaches to the panel 10 along the second indentation 68. The support is capable of holding substantially flat items such as the tickets 162 shown in FIG. 1. Other substantially flat items may include envelopes, wristbands, bracelets, compact disks, digital video disks, etc.
Panel 10, in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 7, includes, but is not limited to, a fifth notch 70, the second notch 40, the third notch 30, a sixth notch 90, the first pop-out area 60, and a third pop-out area 80. The fifth notch 70 includes, but is not limited to, a first rectangular slot 72, a second rectangular slot 74, a first circular slot 76, and a second circular slot 78. The first rectangular slot 72 extends from the first edge 12 of the panel 10 in a direction generally perpendicular to the first edge 12 of the panel 10. The first rectangular slot 72 has a first edge 73 parallel to the first edge 12 of the panel 10. The length of the first edge 73 of the first rectangular slot 72 defines the width of the first rectangular slot 72. The width of the first rectangular slot 72 is sufficient to accept the strand of the necklace 160. The width of the first rectangular slot 72 may be adjusted to accommodate the necklace 160.
The second rectangular slot 74 has a first edge 75 extending along the first edge 73 of the first rectangular slot 72 in a direction parallel to the first edge 12 of the panel 10. The second rectangular slot 74 has a second edge 77 extending perpendicular to the first edge 75 of the second rectangular slot 74. The length of the second edge 77 of the second rectangular slot 74 defines the width of the second rectangular slot 74. The width of the second rectangular slot 74 is sufficient to accept the strand of the necklace 160. The width of the second rectangular slot 74 may be adjusted to accommodate the necklace 160.
The second rectangular slot 74 of the fifth notch 70 has a third edge 79 opposite and parallel to the first edge 75 of the second rectangular slot 74. The first circular slot 76 extends from a first portion of the second edge 79 of the second rectangular slot 74. The diameter of the first circular slot 76 is sufficient to accept the strand of the necklace 160. The second circular slot 78 extends from a second portion of the second edge 79 of the second rectangular slot 74. The diameter of the second circular slot 78 is sufficient to accept the strand of the necklace 160. The diameter of the first circular slot 76 and of the second circular slot 78 may be adjusted to accommodate the necklace 160.
The sixth notch 90 includes, but is not limited to, a first rectangular slot 92, a second rectangular slot 94, and a first circular slot 96. The first rectangular slot 92 extends from the second edge 14 of the panel 10 in a direction generally perpendicular to the second edge 14 of the panel 10. The first rectangular slot 92 has a first edge 93 parallel to the second edge 14 of the panel 10. The length of the first edge 93 of the first rectangular slot 92 defines the width of the first rectangular slot 92. The width of the first rectangular slot 92 is sufficient to accept the strand of the necklace 160. The width of the first rectangular slot 92 may be adjusted to accommodate the necklace 160.
The second rectangular slot 94 has a first edge 95 extending along the first edge 93 of the first rectangular slot 92 in a direction parallel to the second edge 14 of the panel 10. The second rectangular slot 94 has a second edge 97 extending perpendicular to the first edge 95 of the second rectangular slot 94. The length of the second edge 97 of the second rectangular slot 94 defines the width of the second rectangular slot 94. The width of the second rectangular slot 94 is sufficient to accept the strand of the necklace 160. The width of the second rectangular slot 94 may be adjusted to accommodate the necklace 160.
The second rectangular slot 94 of the sixth notch 90 has a third edge 99 opposite and parallel to the first edge 95 of the second rectangular slot 94. The first circular slot 96 extends from a first portion of the second edge 99 of the second rectangular slot 94. The diameter of the first circular slot 96 is sufficient to accept the strand of the necklace 160. The diameter of the first circular slot 96 may be adjusted to accommodate the necklace 160.
In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 7, the third pop-out area 80 includes, but is not limited to, a third slit 82 and the second indentation 68. The third slit 82 may form any shape relative to the first edge 12 of panel 10. The third slit 82 cuts through the face of the panel 10. The second indentation 68 extends from a first point 84 along the third slit 82 to a second point 86 along the third slit 82 defining the third pop-out area 80 on the face of the panel 10. Separation of the third pop-out area 80 from the face of the panel 10 along the third slit 82 forms a support that attaches to the panel 10 along the second indentation 68. The support is capable of holding substantially flat items such as the tickets 162 of FIG. 1.
Panel 10, in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 8, includes, but is not limited to, a seventh notch 100, an eighth notch 110, a ninth notch 118, a tenth notch 120, a fourth slit 130, a fourth pop-out area 132. The seventh notch 100 includes, but is not limited to, a first rectangular slot 102, a second rectangular slot 104, a third rectangular slot 106, and a fourth rectangular slot 108. The first rectangular slot 102 extends from the first edge 12 of the panel 10 in a direction generally perpendicular to the first edge 12 of the panel 10. The first rectangular slot 102 has a first edge 103 parallel to the first edge 12 of the panel 10. The length of the first edge 103 of the first rectangular slot 102 defines the width of the first rectangular slot 102. The width of the first rectangular slot 102 is sufficient to accept the strand of the necklace 160. The width of the first rectangular slot 102 may be adjusted to accommodate the necklace 160.
The second rectangular slot 104 has a first edge 105 extending along the first edge 103 of the first rectangular slot 102 in a direction parallel to the first edge 12 of the panel 10. The second rectangular slot 104 has a second edge 107 extending perpendicular to the first edge 105 of the second rectangular slot 104. The length of the second edge 107 of the second rectangular slot 104 defines the width of the second rectangular slot 104. The width of the second rectangular slot 104 is sufficient to accept the strand of the necklace 160. The width of the second rectangular slot 104 may be adjusted to accommodate the necklace 160.
The second rectangular slot 104 of the seventh notch 100 has a third edge 109 opposite and parallel to the first edge 105 of the second rectangular slot 104. The third rectangular slot 106 extends from a first portion of the second edge 109 of the second rectangular slot 104. The width of the third rectangular slot 106 is sufficient to accept the strand of the necklace 160. The fourth rectangular slot 108 extends from a second portion of the second edge 109 of the second rectangular slot 104. The width of the fourth rectangular slot 108 is sufficient to accept the strand of the necklace 160. The width of the third rectangular slot 106 and of the fourth rectangular slot 108 may be adjusted to accommodate the necklace 160.
The eighth notch 110 includes, but is not limited to, a first rectangular slot 112 and a second rectangular slot 114. The first rectangular slot 112 and the second rectangular slot 114 extend from the first edge 12 of the panel 10. The eighth notch 110 may be used to support the holder attachment. A ridge 116 is formed between the first rectangular slot 112 and the second rectangular slot 114. The ridge 116 is capable of supporting, for example, the pin holder attachment 170 of FIG. 2, the pin 182 of FIG. 3, and/or the slot holder attachment 192 of FIG. 4. The ridge 116 may slide between the pin backing 172 and the pin clasp bar 176 of the pin holder attachment 170. Similarly, ridge 116 may slide between the pin backing 184 and the pin clasp bar 188 of the pin 182. The ridge 116 may slide into the slot formed by the slot holder attachment 192. The ridge 116 may be adjusted in shape and size to accommodate the holder attachment. The eighth notch 110 also may be used to support the necklace 160.
The ninth notch 118 includes a rectangular slot that extends in a direction generally perpendicular to the second edge 14 of the panel 10. The length of a first edge 119 of the ninth notch 118 defines the width of the ninth notch 118. The width of the ninth notch 118 is sufficient to accept the clip holder attachment 190 of FIG. 4 and/or the clip 180 of FIG. 3. The width of the ninth notch 118 may be adjusted to accommodate the clip holder attachment.
The tenth notch 120 includes, but is not limited to, a first rectangular slot 122 and a second rectangular slot 124. The first rectangular slot 122 extends from the second edge 14 of the panel 10 in a direction generally perpendicular to the second edge 14 of the panel 10. The first rectangular slot 122 has a first edge 123 parallel to the second edge 14 of the panel 10. The length of the first edge 123 of the first rectangular slot 122 defines the width of the first rectangular slot 122. The width of the first rectangular slot 122 is sufficient to accept the strand of the necklace 160. The width of the first rectangular slot 122 may be adjusted to accommodate the necklace 160.
The second rectangular slot 124 has a first edge 125 extending along the first edge 123 of the first rectangular slot 122 in a direction parallel to the second edge 14 of the panel 10. The second rectangular slot 124 has a second edge 127 extending perpendicular to the first edge 125 of the second rectangular slot 124. The length of the second edge 127 of the second rectangular slot 124 defines the width of the second rectangular slot 124. The width of the second rectangular slot 124 is sufficient to accept the strand of the necklace 160. The width of the second rectangular slot 124 may be adjusted to accommodate the necklace 160.
In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 8, the fourth slit 130 may form any shape relative to the first edge 12 of panel 10. The fourth slit 130 cuts through the face of the panel 10. Separation of the fourth slit 130 from the face of the panel 10 forms a support that is capable of holding substantially flat items such as the tickets 162 of FIG. 1.
In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 8, the fourth pop-out area 132 includes, but is not limited to, a fifth slit 134 and the third indentation 136. The fifth slit 134 cuts through the face of the panel 10. The third indentation 136 extends from a first point 138 along the fifth slit 134 to a second point 140 along the fifth slit 134 defining the fourth pop-out area 132 on the face of the panel 10. Separation of the fourth pop-out area 132 from the face of the panel 10 along the fifth slit 134 forms a support that attaches to the panel 10 along the third indentation 136. The support is capable of holding substantially flat items such as the tickets 162 of FIG. 1.
The panel 10 may include a different number of notches and in different arrangements than related above relative to the exemplary embodiments. For example, the first edge 12 of panel 10 may include three notches and the second edge 14 of panel 10 may not include any notches. Additionally, the notches may extend from the third edge 16 and/or the fourth edge 18. The notches further may form other shapes than those described above and be oriented in different directions relative to the edges 12, 14, 16, 18 of panel 10. The notches may be used in any combination on the panel 10. The panel 10 may include a different number of slits and pop-out areas than related above. For example, the panel 10 may include only a single slit with or without a pop-out area. The size and shape of the pop-out area may be different than related above.
The disclosure above describes an event materials organizer that provides convenient access to event materials without damaging the event materials. The described event materials organizer allows an event host to easily confirm, when delivering the event materials to the event attendee, that all of the requisite items were included. It is understood that the invention is not confined to the particular embodiments set forth herein as illustrative, but embraces all such modifications, combinations, and permutations as come within the scope of the following claims. Thus, the description of the exemplary embodiments is for purposes of illustration and not limitation.
1. An organizer for event materials, comprising:
a panel having a first edge, wherein the panel comprises:
a first notch capable of supporting a necklace, the first notch extending from the first edge; and
a second notch capable of supporting a holder attachment, the second notch extending from the first edge.
2. The organizer of claim 1, wherein the panel is formed of a material selected from the group consisting of stiff paper, cardboard, plastic, vinyl, and metal.
3. The organizer of claim 1, wherein the first notch comprises:
a first rectangular slot extending in a direction generally perpendicular from the first edge of the panel, wherein the first rectangular slot has a first edge opposite and parallel to the first edge of the panel, and further wherein the first rectangular slot has a width sufficient to accept a strand of the necklace; and
a second rectangular slot having a first edge extending along the first edge of the first rectangular slot in a direction parallel to the first edge of the panel, wherein the second rectangular slot has a width sufficient to accept the strand of the necklace.
4. The organizer of claim 3, wherein the second rectangular slot of the first notch has a second edge opposite and parallel to the first edge of the second rectangular slot, and wherein the first notch further comprises:
a first circular slot extending from a first portion of the second edge of the second rectangular slot the diameter of the first circular slot sufficient to accept the strand of the necklace.
5. The organizer of claim 4, wherein the first notch further comprises a second circular slot extending from a second portion of the second edge of the second rectangular slot the diameter of the second circular slot sufficient to accept the strand of the necklace.
6. The organizer of claim 1, wherein the second notch comprises a first rectangular slot extending in a direction generally perpendicular from the first edge of the panel, wherein the first rectangular slot has a width sufficient to accept a clip holder attachment.
7. The organizer of claim 6, wherein the second notch further comprises a second rectangular slot having a first edge extending along the first edge of the first rectangular slot in a direction parallel to the first edge of the panel, wherein the second rectangular slot has a width sufficient to accept the holder attachment.
8. The organizer of claim 1, wherein the second notch comprises:
a first triangular slot extending from the first edge of the panel; and
a second triangular slot extending from the first edge of the panel, whereby a ridge is formed between the first triangular slot and the second triangular slot, the ridge capable of supporting the holder attachment.
9. The organizer of claim 1, wherein the second notch comprises:
a first rectangular slot extending in a direction generally perpendicular from the first edge of the panel; and
a second rectangular slot extending in a direction generally perpendicular to the first edge of the panel, whereby a ridge is formed between the first rectangular slot and the second rectangular slot, the ridge capable of supporting the holder attachment.
10. The organizer of claim 3, wherein the second notch comprises a first rectangular slot extending in a direction generally perpendicular from the first edge of the panel, wherein the first rectangular slot has a width sufficient to accept a clip holder attachment.
11. The organizer of claim 3, wherein the second notch comprises:
a first triangular slot extending from the first edge of the panel; and
a second triangular slot extending from the first edge of the panel, whereby a ridge is formed between the first triangular slot and the second triangular slot, the ridge capable of supporting the holder attachment.
12. The organizer of claim 3, wherein the second notch comprises:
a first rectangular slot extending in a direction generally perpendicular from the first edge of the panel; and
a second rectangular slot extending in a direction generally perpendicular from the first edge of the panel, whereby a ridge is formed between the first rectangular slot and the second rectangular slot, the ridge capable of supporting the holder attachment.
13. The organizer of claim 1, wherein the panel has a second edge, the second edge of the panel opposite and parallel to the first edge of the panel, the panel further comprising a third notch capable of supporting the holder attachment, the third notch extending from the second edge.
14. The organizer of claim 13, wherein the panel further comprises a fourth notch capable of supporting the necklace, the fourth notch extending from the second edge.
15. The organizer of claim 1, wherein the panel has a face, the panel further comprising a first slit capable of supporting an item, the first slit cut through the face of the panel.
16. The organizer of claim 15, wherein the first slit forms a first semi-circle.
17. The organizer of claim 15, wherein the panel further comprises a second slit capable of supporting the item, the second slit cut through the face of the panel.
18. The organizer of claim 17, wherein the second slit forms a semi-circle.
19. The organizer of claim 16, wherein the panel further comprises a second slit capable of supporting the item, the second slit cut through the face of the panel forming a second semi-circle, the second semi-circle forming a convex surface relative to the first edge of the panel and the first semi-circle forming a concave surface relative to the first edge of the panel.
20. The organizer of claim 15, wherein the panel further comprises an indentation extending from a first point along the first slit to a second point along the first slit thereby defining a pop-out area on the face of the panel whereby separating the pop-out area from the face of the panel along the first slit forms a support that attaches to the panel along the indentation.
21. The organizer of claim 1, wherein the first notch comprises:
a first triangular slot extending from the first edge of the panel; and
a second triangular slot extending from the first edge of the panel, whereby a ridge is formed between the first triangular slot and the second triangular slot, the ridge capable of supporting the necklace.
22. The organizer of claim 1, wherein the first notch comprises:
a first rectangular slot extending in a direction generally perpendicular from the first edge of the panel; and
a second rectangular slot extending in a direction generally perpendicular from the first edge of the panel, whereby a ridge is formed between the first rectangular slot and the second rectangular slot, the ridge capable of supporting the necklace.
23. The organizer of claim 1, wherein the holder attachment is selected from the group consisting of a pin holder attachment, a clip holder attachment, a pin/clip combination holder attachment, a slot holder attachment, and a magnet holder attachment.
24. A method of forming an organizer for event materials, the method comprising:
cutting a first notch in a panel having a first edge, the first notch extending from the first edge of the panel and capable of supporting a necklace; and
cutting a second notch in the panel, the second notch extending from the first edge of the panel and capable of supporting a holder attachment.
25. A method of using an organizer for event materials, the method comprising:
holding a panel upright, the panel having a top edge;
placing a necklace in a first notch of the panel, the first notch extending away from the top edge of the panel and capable of supporting the necklace;
placing an item having a holder attachment in a second notch of the panel, the second notch extending away from the top edge of the panel and capable of supporting the holder attachment; and
placing the panel in an upright position for selection by a user.