U.S. patent application number 10/226740 was filed with the patent office on 2002-12-26 for flattened decorative bag or sleeve having gussets convertible to a decorative bag for holding a basket and methods.
Invention is credited to Weder, Donald E..
Application Number | 20020195368 10/226740 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22232718 |
Filed Date | 2002-12-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020195368 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Weder, Donald E. |
December 26, 2002 |
Flattened decorative bag or sleeve having gussets convertible to a
decorative bag for holding a basket and methods
Abstract
A flattened decorative bag having gussets which is convertible
to a decorative bag for a basket which, when a basket is inserted
therein, conforms to the shape of the basket. Methods of making and
using a flattened decorative bag having gussets.
Inventors: |
Weder, Donald E.; (Highland,
IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DUNLAP, CODDING & ROGERS P.C.
PO BOX 16370
OKLAHOMA CITY
OK
73114
US
|
Family ID: |
22232718 |
Appl. No.: |
10/226740 |
Filed: |
August 15, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10226740 |
Aug 15, 2002 |
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09638584 |
Aug 15, 2000 |
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09638584 |
Aug 15, 2000 |
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09092331 |
Jun 5, 1998 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/457 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 77/0406 20130101;
B65D 31/10 20130101; B65D 31/00 20130101; B65D 31/16 20130101; B65D
33/20 20130101; B65D 33/1616 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/457 |
International
Class: |
B65D 073/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A flattened decorative bag in combination with a basket, the
flattened decorative bag comprising: a decorative bag having an
upper end, a closed lower end, an outer surface, and an opening in
the upper end sized to receive the basket, the decorative bag
having a bonding material positioned on the decorative bag about
the opening thereof such that upon placement of the basket in the
decorative bag, the opening of the decorative bag can be sealed by
bonding engagement of the bonding material with adjacently disposed
portions of the decorative bag.
2. The flattened decorative bag of claim 1 wherein the decorative
bag has a plurality of gussets disposed between the upper end and
the closed lower end of the decorative bag.
3. The flattened decorative bag of claim 2 wherein the bonding
material comprises an adhesive bonding material.
4. The flattened decorative bag of claim 2 wherein the bonding
material comprises a cohesive bonding material.
5. The flattened decorative bag of claim 1 wherein the decorative
bag is constructed from a sheet of material selected from the group
consisting of paper, cellophane, foil, plastic film, metallized
film, fabric, fiber, burlap, and any combination thereof.
6. The flattened decorative bag of claim 1 wherein the decorative
bag has characteristics selected from the group consisting of
decorations, colorings, coatings, embossings, flockings, metallic
finishes, pearlescent finishes, translucent finishes, transparent
finishes, iridescent finishes, neon finishes, holographic finishes,
holographic designs, opaque finishes, clear finishes, and any
combination thereof.
7. The flattened decorative bag of claim 1 wherein the decorative
bag is constructed from a sheet of material having a thickness in a
range of about 0.5 mils to about 10 mils.
8. The flattened decorative bag of claim 1 wherein the decorative
bag is constructed from a sheet of material having a thickness in a
range of about 1.0 mils to about 8 mils.
9. The flattened decorative bag of claim 1 wherein the decorative
bag is constructed from a sheet of material having a thickness in a
range of about 1.0 mils to about 5 mils.
10. The flattened decorative bag of claim 1 wherein when the bag is
opened and a basket is placed therein, the bag is closed about the
basket via a multi-loop bow.
11. The flattened decorative bag of claim 1 wherein when the bag is
opened and a basket is placed therein, the bag is closed above the
level of a handle on the basket.
12. The flattened decorative bag of claim 1 wherein the plurality
of gussets comprise an excess of material comprising pleats.
13. The flattened decorative bag of claim 1 wherein the bag further
comprises at least one gusset in the closed lower end of the bag.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates to flattened bags or sleeves for
containing baskets, and particularly, flattened bags or sleeves
having gussets used to contain baskets, and methods of making and
using same.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art Including Information
Disclosed Under 37 CFR .sctn. 1.97 and 37 CFR .sctn. 1.98
[0004] Sheets of material have been formed into bags and decorative
covers for various items. Such bags often are folded for easy
shipment and storage.
[0005] Usually, however, the item placed in such a bag must be
sized to fit the bag. The bag, that is, has not been formed to
conform to the shape of the item placed within it. Further, when a
decorative cover has been formed to conform to an item, the
decorative cover often cannot be folded and flattened so that the
cover can be easily shipped and stored.
[0006] The present invention contemplates bags formed from sheets
of material and sleeves, which conform to the shape of an object
placed within the bag, in this instance, a basket. Further, many of
the bags disclosed herein have gussets, either in the side of the
bag, the bottom of the bag, or both, which permit the bag to
conform to the shape of the object it contains. Such gussets permit
the present bag to expand and contract to closely follow the
contours of the object placed within the bag. In this way, the bag
closely follows the overall shape and contours of the outer surface
of the object, such as a basket, placed within the bag. Further,
such gussets permit the bag to be folded into a shape which makes
shipping and/or storage easy, and conserving of space. The gussets
also permit the bag, even if of an unusual shape when opened and
expanded to receive an object, to be folded and flattened into a
smaller and/or more symmetrical shape, and which again enhances
ease of shipping and/or storage.
[0007] It is an objective of the present invention to provide a bag
having gussets in the sides and/or bottom of the bag. It is a goal
of this invention that the gussets in the bag permit the bag to be
folded and flattened for storage and/or shipment. It is a further
objective of the present invention to have a bag which expands when
opened, forming an object retaining space. It is a further goal of
this invention that the bag conforms closely to the overall shape
and contours of the outer surface of an object placed within the
object retaining space when the bag is opened. It is yet a further
objective of the present invention that the bag conforms to the
contours of the object placed within the bag when the bag is closed
and/or sealed about the object.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] A flattened decorative bag for containing a basket is
disclosed. The decorative bag has an upper end, a closed lower end,
an outer surface, a plurality of gussets disposed between the upper
end and the closed lower end, and an opening in the upper end. When
the bag is placed in an opened condition, the opening is sized to
receive a basket and the plurality of gussets expand to form a
basket retaining space. The plurality of gussets expand to permit a
basket to be received and retained in the basket retaining space.
When a basket is disposed in the basket retaining space, the bag
expands and contracts via the plurality of gussets and conforms to
contours and an overall shape of an outer surface of the
basket.
[0009] Another embodiment of a flattened decorative bag for
containing a basket is also disclosed. A basket having an outer
surface is provided. The decorative bag has an upper end, a closed
lower end, an outer surface, a plurality of gussets disposed
between the upper end and the closed lower end, and an opening in
the upper end. When the bag is placed in an opened condition, the
opening is sized to receive a basket and the plurality of gussets
expand to form a basket retaining space. The plurality of gussets
expand to permit a basket to be received and retained in the basket
retaining space. The basket is disposed in the basket retaining
space, and the bag expands and contracts via the plurality of
gussets, the bag conforming to contours and an overall shape of the
outer surface of the basket.
[0010] A flattened decorative bag assembly for containing a basket
is disclosed. The decorative bag has an upper end, a closed lower
end, and has at least one gusset disposed in the closed lower end,
an outer surface and an opening in the upper end. When the bag is
placed in an opened condition, the opening is sized to receive a
basket and at least one gusset expands to form a basket retaining
space. The gusset expands to permit a basket to be received and
retained in the basket retaining space. When a basket is disposed
in the basket retaining space, the bag expands and contracts via
the gusset and conforms to contours of a lower end of the basket.
An alternative flattened decorative bag assembly for containing a
basket is also disclosed. A basket is utilized which has a lower
end and an outer surface. A decorative bag is used, which has an
upper end, a closed lower end having at least one gusset disposed
in the closed lower end, an outer surface and an opening in the
upper end. When the bag is placed in an opened condition, the
opening is sized to receive a basket and at least one gusset
expands to form a basket retaining space. The gusset expands to
permit a basket to be received and retained in the basket retaining
space. The bag is disposed in the basket retaining space, and the
bag expands and contracts via the gusset, the bag conforming to the
contours and an overall shape of the outer surface of the lower end
of the basket.
[0011] A method for covering a basket is disclosed. A basket having
an outer periphery is provided. A flattened decorative bag is also
provided. The flattened decorative bag has an upper end, a closed
lower end, an outer surface, a plurality of gussets disposed
between the upper end and the closed lower end, and an opening in
the upper end. The bag is opened such that the opening is sized to
receive the basket. The bag is expanded via the plurality of
gussets to both form a basket retaining space and permit the basket
to be disposed within and retained in the basket retaining space.
The basket is disposed in the basket retaining space, the bag
expanding and contacting via the plurality of gussets, the bag
conforming to contours and an overall shape of the outer surface of
the basket.
[0012] Another method for covering a basket is disclosed. A basket
having a lower end and an outer surface is provided. A flattened
decorative bag is provided. The flattened decorative bag has an
upper end, a closed lower end having at least one gusset disposed
in the closed lower end, an outer surface and an opening in the
upper end. The bag is opened such that the opening is sized to
receive the basket. The gusset is expanded to both form a basket
retaining space and permit the basket to be disposed within and
retained in the basket retaining space. The basket is disposed in
the basket retaining space, the bag expanding and contacting via
the gusset and conforming to contours of the outer surface of the
lower end of the basket.
[0013] The flattened decorative bag may further comprise a bonding
material. The bonding material may comprise an adhesive bonding
material, or, alternatively, a cohesive bonding material.
[0014] The flattened decorative bag is constructed from a sheet of
material selected from the group consisting of paper, cellophane,
foil, plastic film, metallized film, fabric, fiber, burlap, and any
combination thereof. The flattened decorative bag has
character-istics selected from the group consisting of decorations,
colorings, coatings, embossings, flockings, metallic finishes,
pearlescent finishes, translucent finishes, transparent finishes,
iridescent finishes, neon finishes, holographic finishes,
holographic designs, opaque finishes, clear finishes, and any
combination thereof. The flattened decorative bag is constructed
from a sheet of material having a thickness in a range of about 0.5
mils to about 10 mils. Alternatively, the flattened decorative bag
is constructed from a sheet of material having a thickness in a
range of about 1.0 mils to about 8 mils. In a further alternative,
the flattened decorative bag is constructed from a sheet of
material having a thickness in a range of about 1.0 mils to about 5
mils. When the flattened decorative bag is opened and a basket is
placed therein, the bag may be closed about a handle of the basket.
Alternatively, when the flattened decorative bag is opened and a
basket is placed therein, the bag may be closed about the basket
via a multi-loop bow. In another alternative, when the flattened
decorative bag is opened and a basket is placed therein, the bag
may be closed above the level of a handle on the basket.
[0015] The flattened decorative bag may comprise a plurality of
side gussets. When the flattened decorative bag has a plurality of
side gussets, the side gussets may comprise an excess of material
comprising pleats. The flattened decorative bag may comprise at
least one gusset in the closed lower end of the bag. When the
flattened decorative bag has at least one gusset in the lower end,
the gusset may comprise an excess of material comprising
pleats.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first sheet of material
with one end turned up for illustration purposes only, constructed
in accordance with the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a second sheet of material
with one end turned up for illustration purposes only, constructed
in accordance with the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the first and second sheets
of material connected together to form a bag of tubular shape, and
having a plurality of slits formed in the lower end of the bag.
[0019] FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of the lower end of the bag,
showing the first flap, the second flap, the third flap and the
fourth flap extended a distance from the bag.
[0020] FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the bag of FIG. 4, but
showing the first and third flaps connected together.
[0021] FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the bag of FIGS. 4-5, but
showing all flaps connected together, thereby forming a closed
lower end in the bag.
[0022] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the bag, showing the bag in
an opened, but not expanded, position.
[0023] FIG. 8 is a side plan view of the bag, showing the bag in a
flattened position.
[0024] FIG. 9 is a side plan view of another side of the bag,
showing the bag in the flattened position, and showing
schematically a plurality of gussets in the side and the gusset in
the bottom of the bag.
[0025] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the bag of FIGS. 6-9,
showing the bag in a closed position, the bag having both a
plurality of side gussets and a bottom gusset.
[0026] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a basket, schematically
illustrating a basket having a handle.
[0027] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the bag of FIG. 9, but
showing the bag in an opened position and the insertion of a basket
into the bag.
[0028] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the bag of FIGS. 9 and 12,
but showing the basket disposed into the retaining space, and
showing the bag via the plurality of gussets expanding to conform
to the contours of the outer surface of the basket.
[0029] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the bag of FIG. 13, but
showing the bag closed above the level of the handle of the basket,
the bag conforming to the contours of the outer surface of the
basket.
[0030] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the bag of FIG. 13, but
showing a closure of the bag above the handle of the basket, the
bag conforming to the contours of the outer surface of the
basket.
[0031] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the bag of FIG. 13, but
showing an alternative closure of the bag about the handle of the
basket, the bag conforming to the contours of the outer surface of
the basket.
[0032] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of another first sheet of
material with one end turned up for illustration purposes only,
constructed in accordance with the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of another second sheet of
material with one end turned up for illustration purposes only,
constructed in accordance with the present invention.
[0034] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the first and second sheets
of material of FIGS. 17-18 connected together to form a bag of
somewhat tubular shape, and having a plurality of slits formed in
the lower end of the tube.
[0035] FIG. 20 is a bottom plan view of the lower end of the bag,
showing the first flap, the second flap, the third flap and the
fourth flap extended a distance from the bag.
[0036] FIG. 21 is a bottom plan view of the bag of FIG. 20, but
showing the first and third flaps connected together.
[0037] FIG. 22 is a bottom plan view of the bag of FIGS. 20-21, but
showing all flaps connected together, thereby forming a closed
lower end in the bag.
[0038] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the bag, showing the bag in
a partially flattened position, the bag having a plurality of side
gussets but no bottom gusset.
[0039] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an alternative bag of FIGS.
17-22, but showing the bag in a partially flattened position, the
bag having no side gussets but having a bottom gusset.
[0040] FIG. 25 is a side elevational view of yet another alterative
bag, showing a bag similar to the bag of FIG. 24 but having no
bottom gusset, the bag having the lower end folded over, the bag
being in a flattened position.
[0041] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of still yet another
alterative bag, showing the bag having both a plurality of side
gussets and a bottom gusset, the bag being in a folded, partially
opened position.
[0042] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the bag of FIG. 26, showing
the bag in a position where the bag was opened and a basket was
disposed therein, the bag retaining the basket in the retaining
space, the bag being closed above the level of the handle of the
basket, the bag conforming to the contours of the outer surface of
the basket contained therein.
[0043] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the bag of FIG. 26, showing
the bag in a position where the bag was opened and a basket was
disposed therein, the bag retaining the basket in the retaining
space, the bag being closed about and over the handle of the
basket, the bag conforming to the contours of the outer surface of
the basket contained therein.
[0044] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the bag formed from a
sleeve, showing the bag in a partially flattened position, the bag
having a plurality of side gussets having an excess of material,
but no bottom gusset.
[0045] FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the bag of FIG. 29, showing
the bag in a partially opened position, the bag having a plurality
of side gussets having an excess of material expanding outward to
both accept a basket and form a retaining space for a basket.
[0046] FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the bag of FIGS. 29-30,
showing the bag in a position where the bag was opened and a basket
was disposed therein, the bag retaining the basket in the retaining
space, the bag being closed about and over the handle of the
basket, the bag conforming to the contours of the outer surface of
the basket contained therein.
[0047] FIG. 32 is a bottom plan view of the bag of FIGS. 29-31, the
bag in a flattened position, but having a bottom gusset having an
excess of material formed in the bottom of the flattened bag.
[0048] FIG. 33 is a bottom plan view of the bag of FIG. 32, but
showing the bottom gusset having excess material expanded to form a
retaining space for a basket, the bottom conforming to contours and
the overall shape of the lower end of the basket.
[0049] FIG. 34 is a perspective view of yet another alternative bag
formed from a sleeve, showing the bag in a partially flattened
position, the bag having a plurality of side gussets having an
excess of material, but no bottom gusset, the bag formed from a
pleated material.
[0050] FIG. 35 is a perspective view of the bag of FIG. 34, showing
the bag in a partially opened position, the bag having a plurality
of side gussets having an excess of material expanding outward to
both accept a basket and form a retaining space for a basket.
[0051] FIG. 36 is a perspective view of the bag of FIGS. 34-35,
showing the bag in a position where the bag was opened and a basket
was disposed therein, the bag retaining the basket in the retaining
space, the bag being closed about and over the handle of the
basket, the bag conforming to the contours of the outer surface of
the basket contained therein.
[0052] FIG. 37 is a perspective view of the bag of FIG. 7, but
showing a plurality of bonding material spots disposed near the
opening in the bag, near the upper end.
[0053] FIG. 38 is a section view defined by the circled area in
FIG. 37, slowing the plurality of bonding material spots disposed
near the opening in the bag.
[0054] FIG. 39 is a section view of FIG. 38, but showing a
plurality of bonding material spots connected together to form one
loop of material.
[0055] FIG. 40 is a section view of FIG. 39, but showing a
plurality of bonding material spots connected together to form two
loops of material.
[0056] FIG. 41 is an upper plan view of the bag of FIG. 37, but
showing the bag holding a basket therein, the upper end of the bag
formed into a multi-loop bow.
[0057] FIG. 42 is a side elevational view of the bag of FIG. 41,
showing the bag conforming to the contours of the outer surface of
the basket container therein, and having a multi-loop bow which
forms the closure of the bag.
[0058] FIG. 43 is a perspective view of yet another alternative bag
formed from a sleeve, showing the bag in a partially flattened
position, the bag having an excess of material thereabout in the
form of a plurality of pleats, but no side gusset or bottom gusset,
the bag formed from a pleated material.
[0059] FIG. 44 is a perspective view of the bag of FIG. 43, showing
the bag in a partially opened position, the bag having a plurality
of pleats expanding outward to both accept a basket and form a
retaining space for a basket.
[0060] FIG. 45 is a perspective view of the bag of FIGS. 43-44,
showing the bag in a position where the bag was opened and a basket
was disposed therein, the bag retaining the basket in the retaining
space, the bag being closed about and over the handle of the
basket, the bag conforming to the contours of the outer surface of
the basket contained therein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The Embodiments and Methods of FIGS. 1-16
[0061] Referring to FIGS. 1-16, designated generally by the
reference numeral 10 is a basket bag which is constructed in
accordance with the present invention. The basket bag 10 comprises
a bag 12 which comprises at least one sheet of material.
[0062] Such a bag 12, and all embodiments of bags shown and/or
described herein, may be formed from a continuous web, may be
formed from one sheet of material, may be formed from two sheets of
material, or may be formed from a plurality of sheets of material.
In the present embodiment, however, as shown in FIGS. 1-2, by
example, but not by way of limitation, the bag 12 is formed from a
first sheet of material 14 and a second sheet of material 16. The
first and second sheets of material 14 and 16 each, respectively,
have an upper surface 18 and 20, a lower surface 22 and 24, and an
outer periphery 26 and 28. The outer periphery 26 and 28 of the
first and second sheets of material 14 and 16 forms, respectively,
a first side 30 and 32, a second side 34 and 36, a third side 38
and 40 and a fourth side 42 and 44.
[0063] The first and second sheets of material 14 and 16 are placed
in alignment and connected together by any means and method
described herein, or known in the art, to form the bag 12. That is,
for example, but not by way of limitation, the first sides 30 and
32, respectively, are aligned and connected together. Similarly,
the second sides 34 and 36, respectively, are aligned and connected
together.
[0064] The first and second sheets of material 14 and 16 form a
somewhat cylindrical or somewhat square shape of the bag 12 (such
general shapes formed when the gusset or gussets are folded
inward), which has a first end 46 and a second end 48, an outer
surface 50 and an inner surface 54 as illustrated in FIG. 3. An
opening 52 intersects the first end 46 and extends down and through
the second end 48. The second end 48 is provided with a plurality
of slits 56 (only one of the plurality of slits indicated by
numeral 56). The plurality of slits 56 create a first flap 58, a
second flap 60, a third flap 62 and a fourth flap 64, as shown in
FIG. 4. Opposing flaps, such as the first flap 58 and the second
flap 60 are brought together and secured via a bonding material, or
by any means and/or method shown and/or described herein, or known
in the art (FIG. 5). Similarly, opposing flaps, such as the third
flap 62 and the fourth flap 64 are brought together and secured by
any means or method described above. The plurality of flaps 58, 60,
62 and 64 forms a closure of the second end 48 of the bag 12,
thereby forming a bottom 66 of the bag 12, and a retaining space
(FIG. 6).
[0065] The bag 12, and all embodiments of bags shown and/or
described herein, after being formed, remain flattened when not
opened to contain a basket. Therefore, it will be appreciated that
the first sheet of material 14 and the second sheet of material 16
forming the bag 12 are disposed adjacent each other while the bag
is in a flattened state, as illustrated in FIGS. 8-10. A plurality
of side gussets 70 are formed (only one side gusset designated by
the numeral 70), which permit the bag 12 to flatten and remain in a
flattened state. The bottom 66 of the bag 12 may also have at least
one gusset 72. Alternatively, however, the bottom 66 of the bag 12
may have no gussets (not shown). In a further alternative, if the
bottom 66 of the bag 12 does have at least one gusset 72, the bag
12 may be formed without any side gusset 70 (not shown).
[0066] To use the bag 12, and all bags shown and/or described
herein, the bag 12 must be opened and held open to permit the bag
12 to form the retaining space 68 for a basket, and to permit a
basket to be inserted into the retaining space 68, as shown in
FIGS. 7 and 12.
[0067] A bonding material 74 may, optionally, be disposed on the
first and/or second sheets of material 14 and 16, on either the
upper surface 18 (FIG. 1), the lower surface 22, or both surfaces,
before the bag 12 is formed, and may be utilized to connect the
first and second sheets of material 14 and 16 together to form the
bag 12. A bonding material 74 is often also disposed on the bag 12
after formation, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 12. In this
instance, the bag 12 may have a bonding material 74 disposed on the
outer surface 50, or, alternatively, the inner surface 54, or, in a
further alternative, both surfaces. The sheets of material 14 and
16, and the bag 12, may, however, be free of a bonding material 74.
In addition, bonding material may be disposed on at least a portion
of a basket as well (not shown). As illustrated in FIGS. 7 and
12-13, the bonding material 74 is often disposed on the inner
surface 54 of the bag 12, near the opening 52.
[0068] It will be appreciated that the bonding material 74 may also
be disposed in a strip of bonding material 74, although the bonding
material 74 also could be applied in the form of spaced apart spots
or the bonding material 74 may be disposed on one or more surfaces
of the sheets of material 14 and 16, respectively, or the bag 12,
in any geometric shape, non-geometric and/or asymmetric shape, or
any combination thereof, including any pattern or plurality of
patterns. Further, the bonding material 74 may form at least a
part, or, alternatively, all of the pattern on each of the sheets
of material 14 and 16, or the bag 12. In this instance, the bonding
material 74 may comprise one or more colors; the bonding material
74 may comprise one or more decorative patterns as well. One such
bonding material is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,347,789, entitled,
"Decorative Material Having A Colored Sticky Element Disposed
Thereon Forming At Least A Portion Of A Decoration And Method",
issued to Donald E. Weder, on Sep. 20, 1994 and which is hereby
incorporated herein by reference.
[0069] Turning to the characteristics of the first and second
sheets of material 14 and 16, the first and second sheets of
material 14 and 16 each have a thickness in a range from about 0.1
mils to about 30 mils. Often, the first and second sheets of
material 14 and 16 each have a thickness in a range from about 0.5
mils to about 10 mils. In some embodiments, the first and second
sheets of material 14 and 16 each have a thickness in a range from
about 1.0 mils to about 8.0 mils. In other embodiments, the first
and second sheets of material 14 and 16 each have a thickness in a
range from about 1.0 mils to about 5.0 mils. The first and second
sheets of material 14 and 16 are each constructed of a material
which is at least somewhat flexible.
[0070] The first and second sheets of material 14 and 16 may
comprise any shape or combination of shapes. The first and/or
second sheets of material 14 and 16 for example may be square,
circular or any other geometric, non-geometric, asymmetric or
fanciful shape, such as heart shaped, for example only, or any
combination of geometric and non-geometric shapes. The first and/or
second sheets of material 14 and 16 may be constructed of a single
layer of material or a plurality of layers of the same or different
types of materials. The layers of material comprising the first
and/or second sheets of material 14 and 16 may be laminated
together or connected together by any method known in the art.
[0071] In one embodiment, the first and/or second sheets of
material 14 and 16, respectively, is a relatively thin, flexible
material constructed from a plastic film. Alternatively, a paper
may be utilized, alone, or in combination with other sheets of
material described herein. One such plastic film (Hercules B523
oriented polypropylene packaging film (clear)), is available from
Hercules Incorporated, Hercules Plaza, Wilmington, Del. 19894. Such
sheets of material may be laminated together or may be connected
together by any method known in the art, or may remain partially or
completely unconnected.
[0072] The first and second sheets of material 14 and 16 shown in
FIGS. 1-2 are constructed from any suitable material that is
capable of having the characteristics and function described
herein. The first and/or second sheets of material 14 and 16 may be
comprised of paper (the term "paper" as used herein means treated
or untreated paper, corrugated paper or cardboard or any other form
of paper material). The first and/or second sheets of material 14
and 16 may comprise cellophane, foil, plastic film, metallized
film, fabric (woven or nonwoven or synthetic or natural), fiber,
burlap, or any combination thereof.
[0073] The term "plastic film" as used herein means a
thermo-plastic resinous material, such as, but not by way of
limitation, a man-made polymer such as, but not by way of
limitation, a polypropylene. The term "plastic film" as used herein
also means a naturally occurring polymer such as cellophane. A
plastic film, as contemplated and described in detail herein, is
relatively strong and not as subject to tearing (substantially
non-tearable), as might be the case with paper or foil.
[0074] The first and second sheets of material 14 and 16 each have
a length 76 and 78, respectively, extending between the first sides
30 and 32 and second sides 34 and 36 of the first and second sheets
of material 14 and 16. The first and second sheets of material 14
and 16 each also have a width 80 and 82, respectively, extending
between the third sides 38 and 40 and the fourth sides 42 and 44 of
the first and second sheets of material 14 and 16.
[0075] The first and second sheets of material 14 and 16 each may
be constructed of a single layer of material or a plurality of
layers of the same or different types of materials. One or more
sheets of material may be laminated or bonded together, completely
or partially, by any method known in the art. When multiple sheets
of material are used, the sheets of material need not be uniform in
size or shape. That is, one sheet may extend beyond at least a
portion of the outer periphery of another sheet of material.
[0076] As noted earlier, a bonding material 74 may be disposed on
either the first and/or second sheets of material 14 and 16, or,
alternatively, on the bag 12, in any pattern or shape. One method
for disposing a bonding material, in this case an adhesive, on a
sheet of material is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,111,637 entitled
"Method For Wrapping A Floral Grouping" issued to Weder et al., on
May 12, 1992 and which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
Another method for disposing a bonding material in order to
laminate two sheets of material is described in U.S. Pat. No.
4,297,811 entitled "Laminated Printed Foil Flower Pot Wrap With
Multicolor Appearance, issued to Weder on Nov. 3, 1981, which is
also hereby incorporated herein by reference.
[0077] The term "bonding material" when used herein means an
adhesive, possibly a pressure sensitive adhesive, or a cohesive.
Where the bonding material is a cohesive, a similar cohesive
material must be placed on the adjacent surface for bondingly
contacting and bondingly engaging with the cohesive material. The
term "bonding material" also includes materials which are heat
sealable and, in this instance, the adjacent portions of the
material must be brought into contact and then heat must be applied
to effect the seal. The term "bonding material" when used herein
also means a lacquer, which may be applied to the sheet of material
and, in this instance, heat, sound waves, or vibrations, also must
be applied to effect the sealing of the lacquer.
[0078] The term "bonding material" when used herein also means any
type of material or thing which can be used to effect the bonding
or connecting of the two adjacent portions of the material or sheet
of material to effect the connection or bonding described herein.
The term "bonding material" also includes ties, labels, bands,
ribbons, strings, tape, staples or combinations thereof. Some of
the bonding materials would secure the ends of the sheet of
material while other bonding material may bind the circumference of
the bag. Another way to secure the wrapping is to heat seal a
portion of the material to another portion of the material. One way
to do this is to contact the ends with an iron of sufficient heat
to heat seal the material.
[0079] The term "bonding material" when used herein also means any
heat or chemically shrinkable material, and static electrical or
other electrical means, magnetic means, mechanical or barb-type
fastening means or clamps, cling-type characteristics of
polyethylene or curl-type characteristics of the film or materials
incorporated in the sheet of material which can cause the material
to take on certain shapes, and any type of welding method which may
weld portions of the sheet to itself or to a basket, or to both the
sheet itself and a basket.
[0080] The first and/or second sheets of material 14 and 16 may
consist of designs or decorative patterns which are printed,
etched, and/or embossed thereon using inks or other printing
materials. An example of an ink which may be applied to either
surface of a sheet of material is described in U.S. Pat. No.
5,147,706 entitled "Water Based Ink On Foil And/Or Synthetic
Organic Polymer" issued to Kingman on Sep. 15, 1992 and which is
hereby incorporated herein by reference. In addition, the first
and/or second sheets of material 14 and 16 may have various
colorings, coatings, embossings, flockings and/or metallic
finishes, or other decorative surface ornamentation applied
separately or simultaneously. The first and/or second sheets of
material 14 and 16 may be characterized totally or partially, but
not by way of limitation, by pearlescent, translucent, transparent,
iridescent, neon, holographic, or the like, qualities. Each of the
above-named characteristics may occur alone or in combination with
other characteristics described herein, and may be applied to the
upper and/or lower surface of either the first sheet of material 14
or the second sheet of material 16. Moreover, each surface of each
of the first and second sheets of material 14 and 16 may vary in
the combination of such characteristics. The first and/or second
sheets of material 14 and 16 may also be partially or completely
opaque, translucent, clear and/or tinted transparent.
[0081] To use the bag 12 after formation, the bag is unflattened
and held in an opened position to receive a basket 84. The bag 12
in the opened position forms the retaining space 68. A basket 84 is
inserted into the retaining space 68 of the bag 12, as shown in
FIGS. 12-13. Such a basket 84, as illustrated in FIG. 11, has an
upper end 86, a lower end 88 and an outer surface 90. The upper end
86 is intersected by an opening 92 which forms an inner surface 94
and a basket retaining space 96. The basket 84 may also have a
handle 98, or a plurality of handles (not shown), which connect to
the basket 84. Alternatively, the basket 84 may have no handle (not
shown).
[0082] The basket 84 may be formed from fiber, including natural
fibers as well as synthetic fibers, cloth, plastic, metal, paper,
wood, glass, pottery, clay, paper mache, burlap, and any
combination thereof. In addition, a basket 84 formed from any
material may be utilized as long as the basket performs as
described herein.
[0083] In a method of use, as shown in FIGS. 11-13, the bag 12 and
a basket 84 are provided, and is unflattened, and the opening 52 in
the first end 46 is opened and held in an opened position. The
bottom gusset 72 is expanded when the bag 12 is in an opened
position, and any bottom gusset 72 is extended such that the bottom
66 of the bag 12 is flattened against the surface upon which it
rests. The opening of the bag causes the bottom gusset 72 and the
plurality of side gussets 70 to expand to form the retaining space
68; similarly, when the bag 12 has only a bottom gusset 72, the
bottom gusset 72 must be expanded, to form the retaining space 68.
A basket 84 is inserted into the opening 52 and is disposed in the
retaining space 68 of the bag 12. When the basket 84 is disposed in
the retaining space 68 and rests upon the bottom 66, the plurality
of side gussets 70 are extended outward, in contrast to their
inward folded position when the bag 12 is flattened, and in
contrast to their position before the basket 84 is inserted, in
which the plurality of side gussets 70 form generally level,
unfolded, or, only slightly folded, sides of the bag 12. The
plurality of side gussets 70 in the expanded position and/or the
bottom gusset 72 in the expanded position permit the bag 12 to
conform to the overall shape of the outer surface 90 of the basket
84. The plurality of side gussets 70 and/or bottom gusset 72 permit
the bag 12 to conform to the contours and overall shape of the
outer surface 90 of the basket by expanding and contracting,
thereby permitting the bag 12 to follow the contours of the basket
84 and to conform to the contours of the outer surface 90 of the
basket 84. When the bag 12 has only a bottom gusset 72, it will be
understood that the bottom gusset 72 permits the bag 12 to conform
to the contours of the outer surface 90 of the lower end 88 and a
substantial portion of the basket 84.
[0084] In a method of closure, the first end 46 of the bag 12 may
be gathered together, above the level of the basket 84 and the
handle 98, as shown in FIG. 14. The first end 46 of the bag 12 may
be crimped together to provide a closure of the bag 12 about the
basket 84 (FIG. 14). This closure may be assisted or created by a
bonding material 74 disposed about or near the first end 46 of the
bag 12. It will be appreciated that the first end 46 of the bag 12
may be both crimped and twisted to create such a closure as well
(not shown).
[0085] Alternatively, the first end 46 of the bag 12 is flattened
against itself and the first end 46 is folded over to create a
closure, as illustrated in FIG. 15. The bag 12 is held in the
closed position by bonding material 74, or any other means or
method known in the art. In addition, in another similar
alternative, the first end 46 is again flattened and folded over,
but is folded adjacent the handle 98 of the basket 84, and is held
in the closed position via a bonding material 74, as shown in FIG.
16. Such a closure near the handle 98 of the basket 84 permits an
operator to pick up the basket 84 in the bag 12 by grasping the
basket 84 from the outside of the bag 12 by the handle 98, using
the thumb and fingers to hold the handle 98 of the basket 84 from
the outside of the closed bag 12.
The Embodiments and Methods of FIGS. 17-28
[0086] Shown in FIGS. 17-28 is a bag 12a constructed from a first
sheet of material 14a and a second sheet of material 16a, which is
exactly like the bag 12 and formed from first and second sheets of
material 14 and 16, respectively, except that the first and second
sheets of material 14a and 16a have a different shape, and
therefore the bag 12a has a different shape.
[0087] As shown in FIGS. 17-28, the first and second sheets of
material 14a and 16a have third sides 38a and 40a and fourth sides
42a and 44a which each have an outside angle of about, but not by
way of limitation, 225 degrees. When the first and second sheets of
material 14a and 16a are connected together (FIG. 19), the second
end 48a has a generally trapezoidal shape, while the first end 46a
does not. The first and second sheets of material may have, as
noted above, a plurality of slits 56a formed in the first and
second sheets of material 14a and 16a before they are connected
together, or such plurality of slits 56a may be formed when the
first and second sheets of material 14a and 16a are connected. As
illustrated in FIG. 20, a first flap 58a, a second flap 60a, a
third flap 62a and a fourth flap 64a are formed, and are folded
over and connected in a manner similar to that described above for
the first flap 58 and second flap 60, the third flap 62 and the
fourth flap 64 (FIGS. 21-22) except that the resulting bottom 66a
of the bag 12a formed from this closure is often, but not by way of
limitation, a diamond, or, alternatively, oval shape (FIG. 22). The
bag 12a may have a plurality of side gussets 70a (FIG. 23), or,
alternatively, the bag 12a may have no side gussets (FIG. 24).
Similarly, the bottom 66a may have a bottom gusset 72a (FIG. 24),
or be formed without such a bottom gusset (FIG. 25). In a method of
use, the bag 12a (FIG. 26) is unflattened and opened via the
opening 52a and held in the opened position, in a manner
illustrated previously in FIGS. 7, 12 and 13. A basket 84a is
inserted into the opening 52a and disposed in the retaining space
68a, in a manner similar to that described previously. Any bottom
gusset 72a or plurality of side gussets 70a are expanded when the
basket 84a is inserted into the retaining space 68a of the bag 12a
(FIGS. 27-28).
[0088] A portion of the plurality of side gussets 70a may be
retained upon closing the bag 12a, as shown in FIGS. 27-28, when
the first end 46a of the bag 12a is folded over and closed, or
sealed, in any manner or method shown and/or described herein.
[0089] Alternatively, the first end 46a of the bag 12a may be
crimped and/or twisted (not shown) to obtain a closure, as shown
(FIG. 14) and described previously herein. A bonding material 74,
or any other means or method of closure known in the art, may be
utilized to obtain closure of the bag 12a. The bag 12a, when closed
conforms to the contours and overall shape of the outer surface 90a
of the basket 84a disposed therein.
The Embodiments and Methods of FIGS. 29-33
[0090] Shown in FIGS. 29-33 is a bag 12b constructed from a first
sheet of material 14b and a second sheet of material 16b, which is
similar to the bag 12 and 12a formed from first and second sheets
of material 14 and 16, and 14a and 16a, respectively, except that
the bag 12b has a plurality of side gussets 70b having pleating or
gathering of the material forming the plurality of side gussets
70b.
[0091] The first and second sheets of material 14b and 16b are
connected together in a manner identical to that shown and
described above for the first and second sheets of material 14 and
16 (FIGS. 29-30). Such a connection resembles sleeves. Such sleeves
are disclosed in both U.S. Pat. No. 5,572,851, entitled "Plant
Package Having A Detachable Sleeve And Methods", issued to Weder,
Nov. 12, 1996, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,625,979, entitled "Sleeve Having
A Detachable Portion Forming A Skirt And Methods", issued to Weder,
May 6, 1997, which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.
[0092] The first sheet of material 14b and the second sheet of
material 16b lay flatwise upon each other, with the lower surface
22b of the first sheet of material 14b adjacent the upper surface
20b of the second sheet of material 16b (FIG. 29). Between the
first sides 30b and 32b, respectively, as shown in FIG. 29 is a
first gusset 100 whereby the first gusset 100 has an excess of
material, in the present instance, the first gusset 100 comprises a
pleated material comprising a Z-shaped pleat, referred to herein as
an "accordion pleat". It will be appreciated, however, that other
pleated patterns, such as, but not by way of limitation, vertical
pleats, vertical folds, and other patterns of permitting excess
material to expand and contract, may be utilized in the present
invention. The first gusset 100 has an outer surface 102, an inner
surface 104 and an outer periphery 106. It will be understood that
the first gusset 100, and all gussets described herein, may take
any form. The first gusset 100 also has a length 108 which, in this
instance, extends from the first end 46b of the bag 12b to the
second end 48b of the bag 12b. The outer periphery 106 of the first
gusset 100 connects the first sides 30b and 32b, respectively, of
the first and second sheets of material 14b and 16b.
[0093] Between the second sides 34b and 36b, respectively, as shown
in FIG. 29 is a second gusset 110 whereby the second gusset 110 has
an excess of material, identical to that described previously for
the first gusset 100. The second gusset 110 has an outer surface
112, an inner surface 114 and an outer periphery 116. The second
gusset 110 also has a length 118 which, in this instance, extends
from the first end 46b of the bag 12b to the second end 48b of the
bag 12b. The outer periphery 116 of the second gusset 110 connects
the second sides 34b and 36b, respectively, of the first and second
sheets of material 14b and 16b. It will be appreciated that both
first and second gussets 100 and 110, respectively, assist in
forming the bag 12b and exist as part of the bag 12b. The first and
second gussets 100 and 110, respectively, are termed, collectively,
a plurality of gussets 70b, and it will be appreciated that one
gusset, or, alternatively, any number of gussets may be utilized to
form the bag 12b so long as the bag functions as described
herein.
[0094] In this instance, however, a plurality of side gussets 70b
are formed, each of which has an excess of material. As noted
above, but by way of example only, the material forming the
plurality of side gussets 70b is pleated in a Z-shaped accordion
pleat. All gussets shown herein may be constructed from a separate
material, or may be constructed from the same material used to form
the first and/or second sheets of material 14b and 16b. An example
of how a gusset may be formed from a separate sheet of material
that the material used to form the first and/or second sheets of
material 14b and 16b, respectively, is shown in U.S. Pat. No.
3,380,646, issued to Doyen in FIGS. 9 and 10 and discussion
thereof, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
[0095] A closed bottom 66b of the bag 12b is formed by sealing the
second end 48b of the bag 12b via a bonding material 74b or via any
means and/or method known in the art. It will be understood,
however, that when the second end 48b of the bag 12b has one or
more gussets, the one or more gussets may share any and/or all of
the characteristics of the gussets described herein. Further, it
will be understood that any bottom gusset connects to the first
sheet of material 14b and the second sheet of material 16b to form
both a gusset and a closure, to form a closed bottom 66b of the bag
12b.
[0096] In a method of use, when the bag 12b is unflattened and
opened via the opening 52b, the plurality of side gussets 70b
expand outward, due to the excess of material and the pleating,
permitting the bag to be widely opened for the insertion of a
basket 84b, as shown in FIGS. 30-31. When the basket 84b is
inserted, it will be appreciated that the pleated material
contained within the plurality of side gussets 70b expands outward
to accommodate the size of the basket 84b (FIG. 31), and in a
reverse manner, the pleated material contracts and tucks inwardly
as well to shape the bag 12b about the handle 98b, to create a bag
12b which contours to the shape of the basket 84b. The bag 12b is
closed and/or sealed via any means and/or method shown and/or
described herein, or known in the art.
[0097] It will be understood that the bottom 66b of the bag 12b
may, optionally, as shown in FIGS. 32-33, be formed such that an
excess of material which is gathered or pleated is provided, to
form a bottom gusset 72b. It will be appreciated that when the
bottom 66b of the bag 12b is not expanded, the bottom gusset is
flattened, as shown in FIG. 32. When the bottom gusset 72b is
expanded, such as when the bag 12b is opened and a basket 84b is
contained therein, the bottom gusset 72b expands to conform to the
contours and the overall shape of the outer surface 90b of the
lower end 88b of the basket 84b (FIG. 33).
The Embodiments and Methods of FIGS. 34-36
[0098] Shown in FIGS. 34-36 is a bag 12c constructed from a first
sheet of material 14c and a second sheet of material 16c, which is
exactly like the bag 12b and formed from first and second sheets of
material 14b and 16b, respectively, except that the first and
second sheets of material 14c and 16c have an excess of material
and, for instance, but not by way of limitation, are completely
pleated in a manner such as, but not by way of limitation, a
Z-shaped accordion pleating, creating a bag 12c having an outer
surface 90c and an inner surface 94c which has pleating
thereabout.
[0099] The bag 12c has a first gusset 100c and a second gusset 110c
forming a plurality of side gussets 70c having pleating or
gathering of the material forming the plurality of side gussets
70c, as described above for the plurality of gussets 70b. The bag
12c is formed in a manner identical to that described above for bag
12b.
[0100] In a method of use, when the bag 12c is unflattened and
opened via the opening 52c, as illustrated in FIG. 35, the pleated
excess material, along with the plurality of side gussets 70c
expand outward, due to the excess of material and the pleating,
permitting the bag 12c to be widely opened for the insertion of a
basket 84c. When the basket 84c is inserted, as shown in FIG. 36,
it will be appreciated that the pleated material contained within
the plurality of side gussets 70c and the outer surface 90c expands
outward to accommodate the size of the basket 84c, and in a reverse
manner, the pleated material contracts and tucks inwardly as well
to shape the bag 12c about the handle 98c, to create a bag 12c that
conforms to the contours of the overall shape of the outer surface
90c of the basket 84c. The bag 12c is closed and/or sealed via any
means and/or method shown and/or described herein, or known in the
art. The bag 12c may also have a bottom gusset (not shown) which is
similar or identical to those bottom gussets described above.
[0101] In yet another alternative (not shown), the outer surface
90c of the bag 12c has pleating, but the plurality of side gussets
70c and/or the bottom gusset 72c has no pleating, or,
alternatively, no excess of material.
The Embodiments and Methods of FIGS. 37-42
[0102] In another alternative, as shown in FIGS. 37-42, a bonding
material 74d may be disposed in spots of bonding material 120 about
the upper portion of a bag 12d such that, when the spots of bonding
material 120 are connected together, the first end 46d of the bag
12d forms a multi-loop bow 122 (FIG. 41).
[0103] It will be appreciated that the bag 12d may be identical to
any bag shown and/or described herein may be used, but for
illustration purposes, the bag 12 (shown previously in FIGS. 7 and
12-16) will be utilized. A plurality of bonding material spots 120
are disposed about the opening 52d of the bag 12d, near the first
end 46d (FIG. 37). The plurality of bonding material spots 120 are
arranged such that the bonding material spots 120 cooperate to
provide both a multi-loop bow 122 at the first end 46d of the bag
12d and/or a closure of the bag 12d about a basket 84d. It will be
understood that the plurality of bonding material spots 120
disposed on the bag 12d provide one schematic illustration and
example of forming a combined closure and multi-loop bow 122. It
will also be appreciated that the plurality of bonding material
spots 120 may be arranged in a different manner, and still form a
multi-loop bow 122 and/or closure.
[0104] The bag 12d shown in FIG. 37 and described in detail
previously herein has a plurality of oval-shaped bonding material
spots 120, which are positioned in a generally symmetrical manner
on the inner surface 54d of the bag 12d, near the opening 52d and
the first end 46d. It will be understood that, in most instance,
before the multi-loop bow 122 is formed, the bag 12d will have been
unflattened and opened and held open for the insertion of the
basket 84d therein. FIGS. 38-40 show a sectional view of a portion
of the bag 12d, the sectional view taken from the area encircled in
FIG. 37. FIG. 39 shows, in part, the beginning of the formation of
the multi-loop bow 122, showing one of the plurality of loops 124
being formed. FIG. 40 shows two of the plurality of loops. It will
be appreciated that this process is repeated, until each of the
plurality of bonding material spots 120 have been utilized, and the
plurality of loops 124 form the multi-loop bow 122 as shown in
FIGS. 41-42.
[0105] More specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 39, one-half for a
bonding material spot 120 is bonded to one-half of another bonding
material spot 120' to form one of the plurality of loops 124 (only
one of the plurality of loops being designated by the numeral 124)
which form the multi-loop bow 122. As illustrated in FIG. 40,
one-half of the bonding material spot 120' is then bonded to
one-half of bonding material spot 120" to form yet another of the
plurality of loops 124. This process is continued, as described
above, until all of the plurality of loops 124 form a multi-loop
bow 122, as shown in FIGS. 41-42. It will be appreciated that
disposing different numbers of the bonding material spots 120 on
the bag 12d, and/or differing the arrangement of the plurality of
bonding material spots 120 on the bag 12d, will create multi-loop
bows having differing numbers and/or sizes of loops 124.
[0106] It will also be understood that the multi-loop bow 122 may
create a closure at locations other than the top of the bag 12d.
For instance, but not by way of limitation, if the bag 12d was
placed on its side, and a basket 84d was disposed in the bag 12d in
an upright position, then a multi-loop bow 122 would be positioned
between the upper end 86d and the lower end 88d of the basket 84d
adjacent the outer surface 90d of the basket 84d, and not
necessarily near the handle 98d or the upper end 86d of the basket
84d (not shown).
The Embodiments and Methods of FIGS. 43-45
[0107] Shown in FIGS. 43-45 is a bag 12e constructed from a first
sheet of material 14e and a second sheet of material 16e, which is
exactly like the bag 12c and formed from first and second sheets of
material 14c and 16c, respectively, except that the first and
second sheets of material 14e and 16e have an excess of material
and, for instance, but not by way of limitation, are completely
pleated in a manner such as, but not by way of limitation, a
Z-shaped accordion pleating, creating a bag 12e having an outer
surface 50e and an inner surface 54e which has pleating
thereabout.
[0108] The bag 12e in this instance is not like the bag 12c because
the present bag 12e has no plurality of side gussets. The bag 12e
is formed in a manner identical to that described above for bag 12b
except for the lack of side gussets; the bag 12e has no bottom
gussets, either.
[0109] In a method of use, when the bag 12e is unflattened and
opened via the opening 52e, as shown in FIG. 44, the pleated excess
material expands outward, permitting the bag 12e to be widely
opened for the insertion of a basket 84e. When the basket 84e is
inserted, it will be appreciated that the pleated material expands
outward to accommodate the size of the basket 84e, and in a reverse
manner, the pleated material contracts and tucks inwardly as well
to shape the bag 12e about the handle 98e, to create a bag 12e
which follows the overall shape and contours of the outer surface
90e of the basket 84e. The bag 12e is closed and/or sealed via any
means and/or method shown and/or described herein, or known in the
art.
[0110] It will be appreciated that the different variations of
gussets disclosed herein may be utilized, alone or in combination,
with any of the bags disclosed herein. Similarly, it will be
understood that any of the means and methods of providing a closure
disclosed herein may be used with any of the bags shown and/or
described herein.
[0111] Changes may be made in the embodiments of the invention
described herein, or in parts or elements of the embodiments
described herein, or in the sequence of steps of the methods
described herein, without departing from the spirit and/or scope of
the invention as defined in the following claims.
* * * * *