U.S. patent application number 10/892595 was filed with the patent office on 2005-02-17 for bag and method of use.
This patent application is currently assigned to 500 Group, Inc.. Invention is credited to Tiramani, Paolo M.B..
Application Number | 20050034948 10/892595 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34115584 |
Filed Date | 2005-02-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050034948 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tiramani, Paolo M.B. |
February 17, 2005 |
Bag and method of use
Abstract
A bag includes a rigid base. The bag includes a first rigid
collapsible wall in pivotal relationship with the base. The bag
includes a second rigid collapsible wall in pivotable relationship
with the base and in spaced relation with and opposing the first
rigid wall. The bag includes a skin disposed about the first wall
and the second wall and connected to the base. The base, skin,
first wall and second wall forming a storage space when they are in
an expanded state where the first and second walls are maintained
in a flat planer orientation essentially perpendicular with the
base, and the storage space is essentially eliminated when they are
in a compressed state where the first wall and the second wall are
each folded up onto and essentially in parallel with the base. A
method for using a bag.
Inventors: |
Tiramani, Paolo M.B.;
(Greenwich, CT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Ansel M. Schwartz
Suite 304
201 N. Craig Street
Pittsburgh
PA
15213
US
|
Assignee: |
500 Group, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
34115584 |
Appl. No.: |
10/892595 |
Filed: |
July 16, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60492009 |
Aug 1, 2003 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
190/107 ;
190/124; 190/127 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 7/0022 20130101;
A45C 5/14 20130101; A45C 7/0036 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
190/107 ;
190/127; 190/124 |
International
Class: |
A45C 007/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A bag comprising: a rigid base; a first rigid collapsible wall
in pivotable relationship with the base; a second rigid collapsible
wall in pivotable relationship with the base and in spaced relation
with and opposing the first rigid wall; and a skin disposed about
the first wall and the second wall and connected to the base; the
base, skin, a first wall and second wall forming a storage space
when they are in an expanded state where the first and second walls
are maintained in a flat planer orientation essentially
perpendicular with the base, and the storage space is essentially
eliminated when they are in a compressed state where the first wall
and the second wall are each folded up onto and essentially in
parallel with the base.
2. A bag as described in claim 1 including a third wall and a
fourth wall opposing the third wall, and a top opposing the base,
the third and fourth walls and the top forming a box with the first
and second walls and the base when they are in the expanded state,
and folding together onto and within the perimeter of the base when
they are in the compressed date.
3. A bag as described in claim 2 wherein the third wall and the
fourth wall have a restraining mechanism to hold the first, second,
third and fourth walls, and the top onto the base in the collapsed
state.
4. A bag as described in claim 3 wherein the first and second walls
each comprise a first element, a center element, a first hinge
connecting the first element and the center element, a second
element, and a second hinge connecting the center element and the
second element.
5. A bag as described in claim 4 wherein the first element and the
second element each have a first recess and a second recess,
respectively, and a length that is disposed in each recess, the
length being bendable but when the length is flat the length is
rigid.
6. A bag as described in claim 5 wherein the first recess and the
second recess extend between the first element and the center
element, and the second element and the center element,
respectively, and intersect the first and second hinges,
respectively.
7. A bag as described in claim 6 wherein the first and the second
hinges each have posts which allow the first and the second hinges
to only fold in one direction.
8. A method for using a bag comprising the steps of: forming a
storage space with a base, a first rigid collapsible wall in
pivotable relationship with the base, a second rigid collapsible
wall in pivotable relationship with the base and in spaced relation
with and opposing the first rigid wall, and a skin disposed about
the first wall and the second wall and connected to the base where
the first and second walls are maintained in a flat planer
orientation essentially perpendicular with the base; and folding
the first wall and the second wall onto and essentially in parallel
with the base and essentially eliminating the storage space.
9. A method as described in claim 8 wherein the forming step
includes the step of forming a box about the storage space with a
third wall and a fourth wall opposing the third wall, a top
opposing the base, and the first and second walls and the base; and
wherein the folding step includes the step of folding together the
first, second, third and fourth walls and the top onto and within
the perimeter of the base.
10. A method as described in claim 9 including the step of holding
the first, second, third and fourth walls, and the top onto the
base with a restraining mechanism in a collapsed state.
11. A method as described in claim 10 wherein the folding step
includes the steps of folding the first wall onto itself as it is
folded onto the base, and folding the second wall onto itself as it
is folded onto the base.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to improvements to the field
of collapsing containers, containing one or more flat sides, such
examples may include, but are not limited to, luggage, tool boxes
storage crates or other five or six sided containers.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] A number of such collapsing containers exist. The preferred
embodiment uses two fundamental 1st principles,
[0003] triangulated folded geometry of two or more of the five or
six sided containers to effect a collapse of the container,
[0004] in combination with
[0005] a cammed or over centering mechanism that snaps the
container either open or closed without the use of tools, screws,
locks or other mechanisms that require manipulation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention pertains to a bag. The bag comprises a
rigid base. The bag comprises a first rigid collapsible wall in
pivotal relationship with the base. The bag comprises a second
rigid collapsible wall in pivotable relationship with the base and
in spaced relation with and opposing the first rigid wall. The bag
comprises a skin disposed about the first wall and the second wall
and connected to the base. The base, skin, first wall and second
wall forming a storage space when they are in an expanded state
where the first and second walls are maintained in a flat planer
orientation essentially perpendicular with the base, and the
storage space is essentially eliminated when they are in a
compressed state where the first wall and the second wall are each
folded up onto and essentially in parallel with the base.
[0007] The present invention pertains to a method for using a bag.
The method comprises the steps of forming a storage space with a
base, a first rigid collapsible wall in pivotable relationship with
the base, a second rigid collapsible wall in pivotable relationship
with the base and in spaced relation with and opposing the first
rigid wall, and a skin disposed about the first wall and the second
wall and connected to the base where the first and second walls are
maintained in a flat planer orientation essentially perpendicular
with the base. There is the step of folding the first wall and the
second wall onto and essentially in parallel with the base and
essentially eliminating the storage space.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] In the accompanying drawings, the preferred embodiment of
the invention and preferred methods of practicing the invention are
illustrated in which:
[0009] FIGS. 1a-1f show a bag of the present invention in different
stages of compression or expansion.
[0010] FIGS. 2a-2f show a bag of the present invention having a
first side and a second side having different angular
relationships.
[0011] FIGS. 3a and 3b show a first side and a length that is flat
or that is bent, respectively.
[0012] FIG. 4 shows the bag in an exploded state.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the bag as panels are
inserted into the skin.
[0014] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the bag with the panels
inserted into the skin and the skin is closed.
[0015] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the bag in a collapsed state
and kept closed by a latch.
[0016] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the bag in the expanded
state.
[0017] FIG. 9 is a perspective rear view of the bag with the skin
not shown.
[0018] FIG. 10 is a perspective front view of the bag with the skin
not shown.
[0019] FIG. 11 is a perspective top view of a first wall.
[0020] FIG. 12 is a perspective rear view of the first wall.
[0021] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a panel with elastic
bands.
[0022] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a panel with springs.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference
numerals refer to similar or identical parts throughout the several
views, and more specifically to FIGS. 1a-1f thereof, there is shown
a bag 10. The bag 10 comprises a rigid base 12. The bag 10
comprises a first rigid collapsible wall 14 in pivotal relationship
with the base 12. The bag 10 comprises a second rigid collapsible
wall 16 in pivotable relationship with the base 12 and in spaced
relation with and opposing the first rigid wall. The bag 10
comprises a skin 18 disposed about the first wall 14 and the second
wall 16 and connected to the base 12, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.
The base 12, skin 18, first wall 14 and second wall 16 forming a
storage space 20 when they are in an expanded state where the first
and second walls 14, 16 are maintained in a flat planer orientation
essentially perpendicular with the base 12, and the storage space
20 is essentially eliminated when they are in a compressed state
where the first wall 14 and the second wall 16 are each folded up
onto and essentially in parallel with the base 12.
[0024] Preferably, the bag 10 includes a third wall 22 and a fourth
wall 24 opposing the third wall 22, and a top opposing the base 12.
The third and fourth walls 22, 24 and the top forming a box with
the first and second walls 14, 16 and the base 12 when they are in
the expanded state, and folding together onto and within the
perimeter of the base 12 when they are in the compressed date. The
third wall 22 and the fourth wall 24 preferably having a
restraining mechanism 26 to hold the first, second, third and
fourth walls 22, 24, and the top onto the base 12 in the collapsed
state, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8.
[0025] Preferably, the first and second walls 14, 16 each comprise
a first element 54, a center element 48, a first hinge 58
connecting the first element 54 and the center element 48, a second
element 56, and a second hinge 60 connecting the center element 48
and the second element 56, as shown in FIG. 11. The first element
54 and the second element 56 each preferably have a first recess
36a and a second recess 36b, respectively, and a length 30 that is
disposed in each recess, the length 30 being bendable but when the
length 30 is flat the length 30 is rigid. Preferably, the first
recess 36a and the second recess 36b extend between the first
element 54 and the center element 48, and the second element 56 and
the center element 48, respectively, and intersect the first and
second hinges 58, 60, respectively. The first and the second hinges
58, 60 each preferably have posts 38 which allow the first and the
second hinges 58, 60 to only fold in one direction.
[0026] The present invention pertains to a method for using a bag
10. The method comprises the steps of forming a storage space 20
with a base 12, a first rigid collapsible wall 14 in pivotable
relationship with the base 12, a second rigid collapsible wall 16
in pivotable relationship with the base 12 and in spaced relation
with and opposing the first rigid wall, and a skin 18 disposed
about the first wall 14 and the second wall 16 and connected to the
base 12 where the first and second walls 14, 16 are maintained in a
flat planer orientation essentially perpendicular with the base 12.
There is the step of folding the first wall 14 and the second wall
16 onto and essentially in parallel with the base 12 and
essentially eliminating the storage space 20.
[0027] Preferably, the forming step includes the step of forming a
box about the storage space 20 with a third wall 22 and a fourth
wall 24 opposing the third wall 22, a top opposing the base 12, and
the first and second walls 14, 16 and the base 12; and wherein the
folding step includes the step of folding together the first,
second, third and fourth walls 14, 16, 22, 24 and the top onto and
within the perimeter of the base 12. The method includes the step
of holding the first, second, third and fourth walls 14, 16, 22,
24, and the top onto the base 12 with a restraining mechanism 26 in
a collapsed state. Preferably, the folding step includes the steps
of folding the first wall 14 onto itself as it is folded onto the
base 12, and folding the second wall 16 onto itself as it is folded
onto the base 12.
[0028] In the preferred embodiment, the collapsed container may
collapse down to 92% of its erected volume, and remain in a
collapsed position with out the aid of latches or locks, merely
pulling on the open container allows the container to snap open and
remain in an open stable rigid state without the use of latches or
locks.
[0029] FIGS. 1a-1f show a schematic in its purest form of the basic
collapsing geometry.
[0030] The container may remain in an open state or optionally have
some method of closure, including but not limited to the option
shown, a bi-fold door or a fabric cover 18 with a zipper 28. The
zipper 28 may take any direction or form. The cover 18 may be
additionally complicated with decorative or functional improvements
including designs and pockets 42.
[0031] The container may be solid panel 32, perforated panel 32,
wire frame covered in fabric, panels covered in fabric or any
combination thereof. The container may be outfitted with components
for additional functionality such as wheels 52, handles 50, etc.,
as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9.
[0032] The triangulated panels 32 typically two or more per
container have two creased minor panels 32 lesser than, equal to or
greater than 45 degrees, as shown in FIGS. 2a-2f. Creating a
container with an angle of less than 45 degrees, for example,
allows it to nest.
[0033] The preferred mechanism to allow semi automatic erection of
the container is via a tempered curved steel length 30, similar to
those typically found in steel retracting rulers, set approximately
at 45 degrees to each crease in each panel 32, as shown in FIGS. 3a
and 3b. Although a similar result may be obtained from other
similar flexing members springs, sprung steel plastic carbon,
elastic or other materials, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. The curved
tempered steel hold several advantages due to its mechanical
properties.
[0034] In its straight state (FIG. 3a), the steel has a certain
amount of beam strength and remains entirely rigid and true, this
is useful to achieve and crispness and rigidity to the container,
of significant additional benefit it that there is not manual lock
or intervention on behalf of the user to achieve this condition, it
is automatic an additional advantage of the steels `automatic`
nature is that it can be hidden inside a container. Additionally,
when the steel is folded, as shown in FIG. 3b, although it retains
some tension, it is relatively easy to keep in any convenient
position. Lastly, due to it being sprung steel it is in theory
eternal and will never fatigue or soften ensuring good quality and
product life.
[0035] Although the aforementioned panel 32 assembly can be made
from sprung steel, and assembled panels 32 of a suitable rigid
material, plastic, wood, laminate, etc. with conventional hinged
hinges and rivets, modern manufacturing materials and processes
allow for the consolidation of three panels 32, two hinges,
assorted rivets and a minimum of two locating anchors and accordant
ties down to one simple strong component, whose additional features
are identified below.
[0036] In the preferred embodiment, the panel 32 is manufactured in
one piece with a suitable thermoplastic material including but not
limited to polypropylene, copolymer or homopolymer or polyethylene.
An example of the panel 32 is shown in FIGS. 11 and 12.
[0037] The rectangular panel 32 essentially flat on one side (see
FIG. 12) with the exception of raised rivet bosses and required
holes for molding, has on its other side a series of raised ribs 34
constructed in accordance with sound engineering principles to best
strengthen the part for the loads it will see and also provide a
recess within which the sprung steel length 30 can operate and
deflect. Additionally, there are raised ribs 34 neared the
perimeter of the part and stepped inboard of the part. This is in
order that the panel 32 can sit within a stitched fabric pocket 42.
A stitched fabric pocket 42 typically has excess material inside
and stepping the perimeter wall in allows a recess within which the
excess material can sit. The raised ribs 34 provide a protective
tack within which the steel can sit.
[0038] The single panel 32 is able to hinge along a predetermined
axis via the thinning of the material in a particular direction.
Additionally, to prevent the panel 32 from hinging in the opposite
direction which would be undesirable, `T` shaped posts 38 extrude
up from the underside on either side of the hinge and butt against
it preventing hinging in the opposite direction.
[0039] The steel length 30 is inserted from one open end of the
panel 32 and is captured via `pass thru 40` details that are made
in the same piece as the main panel 32 and capture the steel. The
receiving end of the first pass thru 40 has a flexing member on its
end that depresses to allow the steel to enter, once the steel is
fully inserted the flexing member returns to its origin and
prevents the steel from coming out.
[0040] The pass thrus 40 at each end are identified due to their
curved inner surfaces, that conform to the steel, effectively
centering the steel in the track of the panel 32. It is notable
that the center pass thru 40 (bridging the live hinge) is of a
different profile to the end pass thru 40.
[0041] The center pass thru 40 inner profile is straight deviating
from the curvature of the steel which it bridges, this is because
as the steel bends the profile of the steel transforms from curved
to bent in the bent area. This also makes the steel wider. The
straight pass thru 40 accommodates this variance. The track the
steel sits in is also wide enough to accommodate the steel when the
center is bent, i.e. it is flat and therefore wider.
[0042] When the steel is bent in half, it bends along `point break`
lines. These are the visible edges of the underside of the center
pass thru 40. Tuning the location of these edges effects
performance. Specifically, the closer the edges are to each other
the easier it is for the steel to deform and bend in half,
conversely the further way they are from each other, the more
resistant the steel is to bending. The aforementioned is important,
for example, a preferred embodiment of three different sizes of
luggage, the smaller sizes have less leverage in their panels 32 to
bend the steel (presuming the steel is of the same exact dimension
and specification in each size of case. Therefore, by tuning the
point break opening to different dimension specific to each
container, a uniformity of force required to deploy or fold down
all the bags 10 can be achieved because the bend of the steel does
not precisely follow the bending profile of the panels 32. It
effectively shortens as it bends in relation to the panel 32,
therefore the steel cannot be affixed to the panel 32 but must
`float` in order to allow the panel 32 to bend.
[0043] The flexing panels 32 may be joined in combination in any
number of ways to assemble novel containers, for example, panels
can be joined to homa frame, i.e. an extruded fluted plastic, or a
cardboard box base 12, or a folded extruded pp or pe `corex` base
12, or a wire base 12, or a wire base 12 covered in fabric or a
vacuum formed or otherwise molded base 12 including injection
molding. The materials for bases 12 can also be used as a side in
any and all combinations. Furthermore, although it is desirable for
the flexing panel 32 itself to have well defined hinges the panels
32 of the overall five to six sided container, may be joined by
hinges, loose fabric hinges; or each panel 32 in any combination
may reside inside a fabric pocket 42.
[0044] The collapsible sidewalls 46, and fixed sidewalls 46 are
pivotally attached to the base 12. The base 12 is slipped into a
box shaped fabric skin 18 (i.e. the bag 10). Each panel 32 of the
skin 18 is doubled up in an outer skin 18 and a liner. This
essentially forms pockets 42. The panels 32 simply slip into the
pockets 42, therefore the panels 32 in this embodiment are joined
via the pockets 42 which form fabric hinges; in a hard case they
could be directly affixed to each other. The rivet holes 44 in the
panels 32 are anchor points to affix load bearing items, i.e.
handle 50 straps and the like.
[0045] In regard to the curved steel length 30, it is preferably
spring steel, its length 30 is dictated by the panel 32 to which it
is affixed, its thickness is 0.005" to 0.010", its width is 0.5'"
to 1".
[0046] Although the invention has been described in detail in the
foregoing embodiments for the purpose of illustration, it is to be
understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that
variations can be made therein by those skilled in the art without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention except as it
may be described by the following claims.
* * * * *