U.S. patent application number 10/746569 was filed with the patent office on 2004-07-15 for bag transformable into a tablecloth.
Invention is credited to Seidler, Laurence William.
Application Number | 20040136614 10/746569 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 8502787 |
Filed Date | 2004-07-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040136614 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Seidler, Laurence William |
July 15, 2004 |
Bag transformable into a tablecloth
Abstract
A bag transformable into a tablecloth comprised of a bag
manufactured from paper or a similar material having a quadrangular
shape, the bag having tearing or controlled breaking means on which
a thermal material lamina is incorporated. A plastic material or
similar lamina is incorporated on one or each of the bag surfaces.
The lamina is provided with reinforcement and with openings on the
upper part constituting handles. The laminas are printed on one or
both faces, able to be separated from the central body for forming
tablecloths, having an identical width and longer length than the
central body or a shorter length, as may be selected.
Inventors: |
Seidler, Laurence William;
(Murchas, ES) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OSTROLENK FABER GERB & SOFFEN
1180 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS
NEW YORK
NY
100368403
|
Family ID: |
8502787 |
Appl. No.: |
10/746569 |
Filed: |
December 23, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
383/4 ; 383/10;
383/110; 383/111 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 33/10 20130101;
A45C 3/04 20130101; B65D 81/36 20130101; A45C 9/00 20130101; A45C
13/28 20130101; A47G 23/0303 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
383/004 ;
383/110; 383/111; 383/010 |
International
Class: |
B65D 030/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 23, 2002 |
ES |
200203069 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A bag transformable into a tablecloth, the bag comprising: a
central body; two laminas each adaptable for use as a tablecloth,
the laminas being releasably fixed to the central body at separate
locations on the body and fixed so that the laminas can be removed
from the central body and used as tablecloths.
2. A bag according to claim 1, wherein the central body and the
laminas are comprised of paper.
3. A bag according to claim 2, wherein the paper has thermal
features.
4. A bag according to claim 1, wherein the central body is
comprised of a flexible material.
5. A bag according to claim 1, wherein the central body has two
opposite sides separable to define a bag for holding objects, and
the sides have outer surfaces, a respective one of the lamina is
disposed on each outer surface.
6. A bag according to claim 5, wherein each lamina is substantially
rectangular in shape.
7. A bag according to claim 6, wherein the bag has a width and each
lamina has a respective width similar to the width of the bag.
8. A bag according to claim 7, wherein the central body has a
length and each lamina has a respective length slightly longer than
the length of the central body.
9. A bag according to claim 5, wherein the bag has a width and each
lamina has a respective width similar to the width of the bag.
10. A bag according to claim 5, wherein the central body has a
length and each lamina has a respective length slightly longer than
the length of the central body.
11. A bag according to claim 5, further comprising seams fixing the
laminas to the central body.
12. A bag according to claim 11, wherein each lamina has lateral
sides and a lower area, and the seams are located on the sides and
the lower area of each lamina.
13. A bag according to claim 5, further comprising adhesive fixing
the laminas to the central body.
14. A bag according to claim 5, wherein each lamina has an upper
part which extends beyond the central body, and coinciding cuts in
the upper parts of the two laminas, whereby the cuts may constitute
handles or handgrips of the bag.
15. A bag according to claim 5, wherein each lamina has an upper
part which extends beyond the central body and the upper parts have
grippable elements.
16. A bag according to claim 5, wherein the central body has a
length and each lamina has a respective length that is slightly
shorter than the length of the central body, whereby the central
body has upper parts above the lamina.
17. The bag of claim 16, wherein the upper parts of the body have
grippable elements thereon by which the bag may be gripped.
18. A bag according to claim 5, wherein each lamina has an upper
side, a lower side and lateral sides, each lamina is fixed to the
central body by its lateral sides and lower side, whereby each
lamina and the central body form a pocket which is accessible from
the upper side.
19. A bag according to claim 1, wherein each lamina has an outer
surface and an inner surface, the lamina surfaces allowing printing
thereon.
20. A bag transformable into a tablecloth, the bag comprising: a
central body; a lamina adaptable for use as a tablecloth, the
lamina being releasably fixed to the central body so that the
lamina can be removed from the central body and used as a
tablecloth.
21. A bag according to claim 20, wherein the central body and the
lamina are comprised of paper.
22. A bag according to claim 20, wherein the central body is
comprised of a flexible material.
23. A bag according to claim 20, wherein the central body has two
opposite separated sides to define a bag for holding objects, and
the sides have outward surfaces; the lamina is disposed on one of
the outward surfaces of the bag.
24. A bag according to claim 23, wherein the lamina is
substantially rectangular in shape.
25. A bag according to claim 23, wherein the bag has a width and
the lamina has a respective width similar to the width of the bag;
and wherein the side of the central body to which the lamina is
disposed has a length and the lamina has a respective length
slightly longer than the length of the central body.
26. A bag according to claim 23, wherein the bag has a width and
the lamina has a respective width similar to the width of the bag;
and wherein the side of the central body to which the lamina is
disposed has a length and the lamina has a respective length
slightly shorter than the length of the central body.
27. A bag according to claim 23, wherein the lamina has lateral
sides and a lower area, and seams located at the lateral sides and
the lower area of the lamina fixing the lamina to the central body
whereby the lamina and the central body form a pocket which is
accessible from the upper part.
28. A bag according to claim 23, wherein the lamina has an upper
part which extends beyond the central body; a cut in the upper part
of the lamina, which may constitute a grippable element.
29. A bag according to claim 23, wherein the lamina has an upper
part which extends beyond the central body and the upper part has a
grippable element.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of The Invention
[0002] The invention relates to bags which are preferably
applicable for carrying and distributing prepared food and
particularly relates to a bag with one or more lamina on the bag
which are removable from the bag to define a tablecloth.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] There are a large number of bags manufactured from paper
and/or plastic material, and there are containers manufactured from
cardboard and paperboard which, subsequent to their assembly, are
formed as "picnic" containers very frequently used for carrying
prepared food during organized trips and excursions.
[0005] French patent FR 2715669 discloses and claims a textile
material lamina which can have multiple uses and is capable of
being folded and transformed into a bag. Solutions of this type are
applied on a plurality of products formed as beach or pool towels
which, by means of different arrangements and systems, are capable
of being folded and transformed into bags. See ES-U-152,496,
ES-U-152,497, ES-U-152,983, ES-U-152,984, ES-U-153,777,
ES-U-153,778, WO-9616567, WO-9960884, EP-303771 and U.S. Pat. No.
6,276,828.
[0006] Publications also disclose rigid devices which can be
unfolded to be used as tablecloths. U.S. Pat. No. 6,159,179
discloses a device that is similar to a folded cardboard box used
for containing glass bottles.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 2,831,624, U.S. Pat. No. 3,097,782 and U.S.
Pat. No. 4,499,999 disclose panels having a certain rigidity which
are fixed together such that when folded, they form a receptacle in
the form of a box or basket, and when unfolded, they may be used as
a "picnic" blanket.
[0008] German Utility Model D-9,114,046 discloses devices for
attaching plates and silverware to a "picnic" blanket, such that
the blanket is folded without leaving interior space.
[0009] EP-578247 discloses a bag formed of a circular base and a
wall which is closed by a perimetral cord, such that when it is
unfolded, it defines a broader circular surface which can
especially be used for changing babies' diapers.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 4,337,812 discloses a configuration similar to
the aforementioned one, but it is provided in its center with a
housing for plates and silverware. When the bag is unfolded, it is
used as a tablecloth and can be re-used as a bag, after pulling on
the cord again.
[0011] Spanish Utility Model ES-U-294,193 also discloses a
configuration similar to the one mentioned above.
[0012] DE-4,335,279 discloses a sheet or lamina which is folded and
closed so as to form a pocket-like bag in which silverware can be
housed. Once the sheet is opened, it may be used as a napkin.
[0013] EP-688,515 discloses arrangements of bags which can be
unfolded so as to be used as mats or blankets for children's games.
The bags are provided with zippers facilitating their closure.
[0014] However, the inventor hereof does not know of the current
existence of a structure provided with the relevant features
disclosed in this specification.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
[0015] The present specification refers to a bag transformable into
a tablecloth. The bag is provided with an inner area manufactured
from paper with perforated edges, which can incorporate a lamina of
material having thermal features, and a plastic lining, being
provided with perforations on its sides for the purpose of allowing
its opening or tearing for use. It may be subsequently used as a
tablecloth on which the foods constituting the contents of the bag
used for carrying prepared food are incorporated.
[0016] The invention can also be formed as a bag made of a flexible
material, having features suitable for allowing carrying and
maintaining the food disposed inside the bag. The body of the bag
is provided on its outward facing side faces with laminas which are
capable of being removed from the central structure or bag once the
bag is used. Alternatively, there is a single lamina. These removed
laminas are subsequently used as a tablecloth and for that they may
incorporate decorative designs on their inner surfaces. The central
body of the bag may be the receptacle for wastes, for their
subsequent dumping into a conventional garbage container after the
intake of the carried products.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0017] The embodiments of a bag transformable into a tablecloth
according to the invention allows use of the bag for comfortably
carrying prepared food in optimal conditions, and allow for
subsequent use of the bag to provide a tablecloth as when carried
food is to be eaten.
[0018] In preferred embodiments, the invention may be manufactured
from a flexible material formed into a central body. A respective
lamina is applied to and carried on the outer surface of at least
one side or of the two opposite sides of the central body. After a
user removes the content of the central bag, the lamina or both
laminas constituting the outer area or outer areas of the bag, and
each possibly provided with its corresponding handle or grip, can
be removed from the central body and may define a tablecloth
possibly having decorations on one of its faces, and specifically
on the inner face that had been placed against the central
body.
[0019] In a first preferred embodiment, the bag transformable into
a tablecloth may be formed of three components. The first component
defines a central area comprised of a laminar body adopting the
shape of a bag for holding prepared foods inside the bag. To
provide resistance to tearing, the bag is provided with physical
features for supporting the elements incorporated inside the bag.
The bag may also be provided with volumetric features and may
satisfy health standards suitable for the contents.
[0020] The two other components of the bag are formed as laminas
which collaborate in the thermal maintenance of the contents inside
the central body. The laminas are temporarily fixed on the outer
surfaces of the broad opposite sides of the central body. The
laminas may have a width similar to the width of the central body,
and may also have a slightly longer length than the central body,
for the purpose of providing projecting ends of the laminas. Those
ends may have grip or handle defining elements, such as die-cut
openings, and applicable for use as handles.
[0021] The presence of two laminas on opposite side of the central
body may be obtained by two separate laminas, each adapted to
define a separate cloth, or by a single sheet-like lamina which is
folded and shaped so as to wrap around the bottom of the central
body and extend up over both opposite sides thereof.
[0022] The outer sides of the laminas allow for printed advertising
or identifying graphics on their outer surface so that the bag
accordingly may serve as an advertising means, whereas on their
inner sides, the laminas may also have impressions thereon forming
a tablecloth decoration.
[0023] When food contained inside the central body is to be eaten,
the laminas placed against the outer surfaces of the body are
removed, and one or two laminas may be extended on a surface where
they may form tablecloths on which the food can be consumed.
[0024] In the area of its opening, e.g., at its top end, the
central body can be provided with closure means for closing the
opening.
[0025] Additional useful elements can also be disposed between the
outer laminas and the central body, including elements such as
napkins, silverware, advertising brochures, etc. This would be
enabled by the outer laminas being attached to the central body
along their opposite lateral sides and their lower side. Because
the upper sides of the lamina are not also attached to the central
body, pockets are thereby formed between the laminas and the
central body. The pockets are applicable for carrying, e.g.
napkins, silverware and informative brochures, which are kept in
optimal conditions until removal of the laminas constituting the
tablecloths.
[0026] In a second embodiment, one lamina is disposed at one side
of the central body. It may have characteristics of one of the two
above discussed laminas. The one lamina can be removed from the
central body to define a tablecloth. The one lamina may be of the
same width as the central body but may be longer than the central
body, so that one end thereof extends beyond the top of the central
body. A handle may be formed in the lamina, e.g., by a grippable
element, such as a cutout formed therein. The central body may
alternatively be shaped so that at least one side thereof,
particularly the side opposite the side on which the lamina is
disposed, is of a length as to cooperate with and may be so shaped
as to cooperate with the handle of the one lamina, so that the
central body and the one lamina define grippable elements or
handles for holding the bag.
[0027] In a third embodiment, rather than the laminas being longer
or taller than the central body, the central body may be longer in
height than the laminas and may project above the laminas. As an
alternative, one such lamina may be provided at one side of the
central body. In these embodiments, at least one or both of the
sides of the central body that project above the lamina may have a
grippable element thereon or particularly may have a cutout or
perforation establishing a handgrip for the bag.
[0028] In all of the embodiments, the upper end of the central body
of the bag is open. An appropriate closure may be defined at the
upper end of the bag to enable closing it, to hold the contents in
the bag, for example. Depending upon the particular embodiment and
configuration, the closure may join the upper ends of the two flat
sides of the central body, or the upper ends of the laminas, or the
upper end of a side of the central body and one lamina.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] To complement the description which is being made and for
the purpose of aiding a better understanding of the features of the
invention, the drawings attached with an illustrative and
non-limiting character, shows the following:
[0030] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the
bag of the invention in a folded condition.
[0031] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the bag shown in FIG. 1 in
an opened position e.g. for introducing food.
[0032] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the bag shown in FIGS. 1 and
2, in a closed position e.g. with contents to be carried
inside.
[0033] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the bag in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3,
completely separated and in use.
[0034] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the
bag in the folded condition.
[0035] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the second embodiment of the
bag in the open condition.
[0036] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the second embodiment in the
closed condition.
[0037] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the second embodiment of the
bag completely separated and in use.
[0038] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the third embodiment
completely separated and in use.
[0039] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the third embodiment in the
open condition.
PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0040] FIGS. 1 and 4 show a first embodiment of the invention which
is formed from a central body in the form of a bag 10. Inside of
the bag, prepared food 16 may be carried. The bag 10 is formed
using a bag body 11 having suitable size and material features for
its purpose, here carrying food. The bag is manufactured from paper
or a suitable flexible material. It is provided with large outer
rectangular or quadrangular, flat, opposite, outer side faces.
[0041] On each side face of the central body, a respective one of
two laminas 12 and 12' is fixed by conventional means, preferably
by adhesive. The laminas are fixed to the body 11 by or at seams
located along the sides of the laminas, particularly the opposite
lateral sides and the bottom side, but not along the top side of
the laminas. The seams are formed as adhesive lines, even on the
lower inner side. As the laminas are unattached at their top ends,
they form respective pockets 18 in coincidence with respective
outer surfaces of the body 11. In the pockets, for example, pieces
constituting napkins, eating utensils 15 or brochures 15', or
advertising in general, can be disposed. Each lamina may have a
thermal nature for maintaining the temperature of the contents of
the bag. The laminas may be manufactured from a paper or plastic
material or another suitable material. The laminas may be provided
on their upper parts with reinforcement areas 18, 18', wherein
openings 13, 13' may be provided to act as a handle. Other hand
grippable elements may be provided alternatively. The laminas 12
and 12' have the possibility of being printed on one or both of
their faces, possibly incorporating advertising graphics in general
on their outer faces and ornamental designs 14 and 14' on their
inner faces since the inner faces are exposed when the laminas are
used as tablecloths.
[0042] Each of the two laminas 12 and 12' has a slightly longer
length or height than the height or length of the central body 11,
but may maintain generally the same width. Die-cuts 13 and 13'
constituting the grip handles are formed in the projecting ends of
both laminas 12 and 12'. The assembly of the bag 10 can be provided
with conventional closure means at 19, like snaps, clips, adhesive,
or tongue in groove, as in sealable plastic bags. The closure may
be disposed on the upper area of the opening of the body 11 and/or
at the top ends of the laminas.
[0043] FIG. 4 shows the central bag between the tablecloths,
possible contents of the central bag, and brochures or napkins
which may be carried in the pockets formed by attaching the outer
laminas to the central body on three of the four sides of the
laminas.
[0044] The second embodiment of bag 20 shown in drawing FIGS. 5-8
differs from the first embodiment primarily in that only a single
lamina 22 is disposed at the outside surface of only one side 27 of
the bag 20, rather than outside both sides of the bag. The central
body 21 of the bag 10 may otherwise have the same foldable
construction of FIG. 5 like the body 11 of the first embodiment,
may or be otherwise shaped, as discussed below. As shown in FIG. 8,
the single lamina 22 on the side 27 of the body 21 may be removed
from the body to serve as a tablecloth.
[0045] As in the first embodiment, the lamina 22 may be generally
the same width as the side 27 of the body 21 and be fastened to the
side 27 at the two lateral sides and at the bottom side of the
lamina by the same type of seaming, e.g., by adhesive. The upper
side of the lamina 22 is not adhered to the side 27, thereby
defining an object receiving pocket between them.
[0046] The side of the lamina 22 may be taller than the respective
side 27 of the body 21 defining thereby a possibly reinforced
extension flap 28 in which a cutout 23 or other grippable element,
such as a handle, might be provided. The bag can be carried by the
cutout or gripping element 23.
[0047] In this embodiment, since there is no lamina on the other
side 29 of the body 21, the side 29 may be taller than the side 27
and taller than the lateral sides of the body 21, so that the side
29 of the body defines its own flap 31 with a corresponding cutout
33 or other grippable element. When the bag is closed, the cutouts
23 and 33 overly each other providing a convenient carrying handle
for the bag. The top end of the body 21, like the top end of the
body 11, may be fastened closed at a fastener, which may be an
appropriate tongue and groove fastening used for pouches or by
other sealing or adhesive fastening.
[0048] A third embodiment 40 of FIGS. 9 and 10 differs from the
first and second embodiments in a significant way. In the first
embodiment, the two laminas are taller than the respective sides of
the bag, and in the second embodiment, the one lamina is taller
than the respective side. In the third embodiment 40, the two sides
47 and 48 of the body 41 are respectively taller than the height of
the two laminas 42 and 42' which are adhered to the opposite outer
sides 47, 48 in the same manner as in the first embodiment. The
width of the laminas 42, 42' remains generally the same as the
width of the respective sides 47, 48. In this embodiment, the
upwardly projecting sides 47, 48 of the bag or body 41 have the
cutouts 43, 43' or other grippable elements, and the two cutout or
elements 43, 43' enable the bag to be carried. As in the first
embodiment, the laminas 42 and 42' can be separated from the
respective sides 47, 48 of the body 41 to define tablecloths. As in
the second embodiment, instead of two laminas being provided in the
third embodiment, only one lamina 42 may be provided at one side
47, and as that one lamina is shorter than the height of the two
sides of the body, the sides could remain the same size as
illustrated in FIG. 10 and would have the respective cutouts or
grippable elements 43, 43'.
[0049] Although the present invention has been described in
relation to particular embodiments thereof, many other variations
and modifications and other uses will become apparent to those
skilled in the art. It is preferred, therefore, that the present
invention be limited not by the specific disclosure herein, but
only by the appended claims.
* * * * *