U.S. patent application number 10/965561 was filed with the patent office on 2006-04-13 for storage container.
Invention is credited to Jamie A. Limber.
Application Number | 20060078231 10/965561 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36145408 |
Filed Date | 2006-04-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060078231 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Limber; Jamie A. |
April 13, 2006 |
Storage container
Abstract
A semi-flexible storage container includes a container body
formed from a single piece of semi-flexible sheet material.
Flexibly attached to the container body by a flexible attachment
mechanism are first and second end pieces, which when assembled
together form an enclosed container. The preferred flexible
attachment mechanism is a zipper mechanism, however equivalent
mechanisms, such as hook and loop fasteners and the like are
considered to fall within the scope of the present invention. The
semi-flexible storage container is selectively openable, sealable,
and resealable, as will be described hereinafter. In addition to
being self-supporting, semi-flexible storage containers are also
readily foldable or collapsible to provide easy storage occupying
minimal space.
Inventors: |
Limber; Jamie A.; (Gilbert,
AZ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
The Halvorson Law Firm;Ste 130
1757 E. Baseline Rd.
Gilbert
AZ
85233
US
|
Family ID: |
36145408 |
Appl. No.: |
10/965561 |
Filed: |
October 13, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
383/4 ;
383/97 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 2007/0013 20130101;
B65D 65/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
383/004 ;
383/097 |
International
Class: |
B65D 30/00 20060101
B65D030/00; B65D 33/16 20060101 B65D033/16 |
Claims
1) A storage container comprising a substantially flat container
body flexibly attached by flexible attachment mechanisms to
substantially flat first and second end pieces.
2) The storage container according to claim 1 where in the
container body further comprises four foldable hinges.
3) The storage container according to claim 2 wherein the foldable
hinges are integrally formed.
4) The storage container according to claim 2 wherein the foldable
hinges are separately formed and attached to the container
body.
5) The storage container according to claim 1 wherein the
attachment mechanisms are zippers.
6) The storage container according to claim 3 wherein the
attachment mechanisms are zippers.
7) The storage container according to claim 4 wherein the
attachment mechanisms are zippers.
8) A method for assembling a storage container comprising the steps
of a) providing a substantially flat container body having
substantially flat first and second end pieces flexibly attached;
b) releasably attaching first and second ends of the container body
to each other thereby forming a hollow container with firs and
second opening; c) releasably attaching the first end piece to the
first opening in the hollow container; and d) releasably attaching
the second end piece to the second opening in the hollow
container.
9) The method according to claim 8 where in the container body
further comprises four foldable hinges.
10) The storage container according to claim 9 wherein the foldable
hinges are integrally formed.
11) The storage container according to claim 9 wherein the foldable
hinges are separately formed and attached to the container
body.
12) The storage container according to claim 8 wherein the
attachment mechanisms are zippers.
13) The storage container according to claim 10 wherein the
attachment mechanisms are zippers.
14) The storage container according to claim 11 wherein the
attachment mechanisms are zippers.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of storage
containers. More specifically, the present invention relates to
storage containers that when unassembled are essentially
two-dimensional and when assembled are three-dimensional.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Flexible storage containers for containing and protecting
various items, as well as preserving perishable materials such as
food items, are well known in the prior art. Such bags typically
comprise a rectangular sheet of polymeric film folded upon itself
and sealed along two edges to form a semi-enclosed container having
two flexible opposed sidewalls, three sealed or folded edges, and
one open edge. A closure integrally formed with the bag such as an
interlocking rib-type seal or separately provided such as a plastic
or paper-clad-wire tie completes the containment assembly.
[0003] As utilized herein, the term "flexible" is utilized to refer
to materials which are capable of being flexed or bent, especially
repeatedly, such that they are pliant and yieldable in response to
externally applied forces. Accordingly, "flexible" is substantially
opposite in meaning to the terms inflexible, rigid, or unyielding.
Materials and structures that are flexible, therefore, may be
altered in shape and structure to accommodate external forces and
to conform to the shape of objects brought into contact with them
without losing their integrity. Flexible storage containers of the
foregoing variety are typically formed from polymeric film, such as
polyethylene or other members of the polyolefin family, in
thicknesses of between about 0.0002 inches to about 0.002 inches.
Such films are frequently transparent but sometimes are opaque
and/or colored.
[0004] While such flexible storage containers are generally highly
efficient for storage before use, for many storage situations it is
desirable to minimize the amount of air and/or free space above or
around the contents which is trapped within the bag when to
minimize storage space of empty bags.
[0005] Conventional flexible storage containers also create an
inherent challenge in terms of being able to hold the flexible or
flaccid bag in an open condition with at most one hand so that the
other hand can manipulate another container to pour the contents
into the bag or peel, cut, or trim items for insertion into the
bag. It is also difficult to maintain the proper (usually upright)
orientation of the opening of the bag during such filling
operations. While rigid containers and flaccid containers with
reinforced opening perimeters have been developed for such uses,
their comparatively higher cost and limited economical storability
when empty leave room for improvement. Notwithstanding the issue of
maintaining the container or bag opening in an open condition,
there also remains a need for a flexible yet self-standing
container with the foregoing attributes to facilitate easy
hands-free filling.
[0006] With regard to rigid or semi-rigid containers, it is well
recognized that such containers have also realized a fair degree of
commercial success in providing a means for storing a wide variety
of contents. Such containers typically have an opening that
maintains an open condition for filling and are typically
self-supporting with the opening in the proper orientation for
filling. Such containers also are frequently provided with flat
bottoms and tops to provide stackability. The useful life of such
containers is limited by damage, soiling, or other degradation
naturally occurring in use, including degradation of the typical
mechanical closure mechanisms. Storage of such three-dimensional,
rigid or semi-rigid containers when empty is also a concern, since
they occupy as much volume empty as they do in a filled condition.
Another concern is the task of matching usually separate lids or
closures with their respective containers for use.
[0007] Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a
semi-flexible storage container combining the desirable qualities
of both flexible bags and storage containers and minimizing the
less desirable qualities of both approaches.
[0008] More particularly, it would be desirable to provide a
semi-flexible storage container having improved storability when
empty.
[0009] It would further be desirable to provide such a bag that is
capable of being self-supporting in an open condition for filling
purposes, yet stores easily by folding into a compact form.
[0010] It would still further be desirable to provide a bag
constructed from inexpensive materials to facilitate
disposability.
[0011] It would be yet further desirable to provide such a bag that
provides the foregoing attributes in a convenient unitary form,
obviating the need for separate closure devices.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0012] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
semi-flexible storage container comprising at least six sheets of
semi-flexible sheet material assembled using flexible hinges to
form a quasi-two-dimensional form when empty, yet assembles to form
a three-dimensional container useful for storing items. The
semi-flexible storage container includes a closure mechanism for
sealing the storage container to convert the quasi-two-dimensional
shape to a three-dimensional shape useful for storing items.
[0013] The present invention also provides a semi-flexible storage
container having an opening and a closure mechanism for sealing the
opening to convert the semi-enclosed container to a closed
container.
[0014] Accordingly, the semi-flexible storage containers of the
present invention combine the desirable qualities of both flexible
bags and storage containers and minimize the less desirable
qualities of both approaches by providing improved sealability,
storing easily by folding into a compact form and being unitarily
constructed from inexpensive materials to promote
disposability.
[0015] The novel features that are considered characteristic of the
invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims.
The invention itself, however, both as to its structure and its
operation together with the additional object and advantages
thereof will best be understood from the following description of
the preferred embodiment of the present invention when read in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Unless specifically
noted, it is intended that the words and phrases in the
specification and claims be given the ordinary and accustomed
meaning to those of ordinary skill in the applicable art or arts.
If any other meaning is intended, the specification will
specifically state that a special meaning is being applied to a
word or phrase. Likewise, the use of the words "function" or
"means" in the Description of Preferred Embodiments is not intended
to indicate a desire to invoke the special provision of 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.112, paragraph 6 to define the invention. To the contrary, if
the provisions of 35 U.S.C. .sctn.112, paragraph 6, are sought to
be invoked to define the invention(s), the claims will specifically
state the phrases "means for" or "step for" and a function, without
also reciting in such phrases any structure, material, or act in
support of the function. Even when the claims recite a "means for"
or "step for" performing a function, if they also recite any
structure, material or acts in support of that means of step, then
the intention is not to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.112, paragraph 6. Moreover, even if the provisions of 35
U.S.C. .sctn.112, paragraph 6, are invoked to define the
inventions, it is intended that the inventions not be limited only
to the specific structure, material or acts that are described in
the preferred embodiments, but in addition, include any and all
structures, materials or acts that perform the claimed function,
along with any and all known or later-developed equivalent
structures, materials or acts for performing the claimed
function.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0016] While the specification concludes with claims particularly
pointing out and distinctly claiming the present invention, it is
believed that the present invention will be better understood from
the following description in conjunction with the accompanying
Drawing Figures, in which like reference numerals identify like
elements, and wherein:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the
present invention in an unassembled state.
[0018] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the
present invention illustrating a first step in how the first
embodiment of the storage container is assembled.
[0019] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the
present invention illustrating a further step in how the first
embodiment of the storage container is assembled.
[0020] FIG. 4 illustrates yet another step in the assembly of the
first embodiment of the storage container according to the present
invention.
[0021] FIG. 4a is a close up of the a point where all of the
flexible attachement mechanisms meet.
[0022] FIGS. 5a, 5b, 5c, and 5d illustrate a variety of different
embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0023] The present invention is a device that is useful for storing
items.
[0024] FIG. 1 depicts a first embodiment of the present invention,
which is a semi-flexible storage container 10. In the first
embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, the semi-flexible storage container
10 includes a substantially flat container body 20 formed from at
least one piece of semi-flexible sheet material. Flexibly attached
to the container body 20 by a flexible attachment mechanism 25 are
substantially flat first and second end pieces, 21 and 23, which
when assembled together form an enclosed container. The preferred
flexible attachment mechanism 25 is a zipper mechanism, however
equivalent mechanisms, such as hook and loop fasteners and the like
are considered to fall within the scope of the present invention.
The semi-flexible storage container 10 is selectively openable,
sealable, and resealable, as will be described hereinafter. In
addition to being self-supporting, semi-flexible storage containers
10 are also readily foldable or collapsible to provide easy storage
occupying minimal space.
[0025] In the configuration depicted in FIG. 1, the flexible
attachment mechanism 25 completely encircles the periphery of the
container body 20, and first and second end pieces, 21 and 23.
However, under some circumstances a flexible attachment mechanism
25 formed by a lesser degree of encirclement (such as, for example,
a flexible attachment mechanism 25 disposed along only one side of
second end piece 23) may provide adequate closure integrity.
[0026] FIG. 1 depicts the storage container 10 in an unassembled
state wherein the flexible attachment mechanism 25 has not been
assembled.
[0027] FIGS. 2 and 3 depict the semi-flexible storage container of
FIG. 1 in two different partially assembled condition. As shown in
FIGS. 5c and 5d, the container body may be folded in four places
corresponding to corners of a rectangular prism having the outline
equivalent in shape to the end pieces 21 and 23. These folds are
preferably unitarily formed in the material of the container body
20 as is typical of hinges commonly referred to as "living hinges".
Alternately, however, these corners may be formed of a flexible
material such as cloth or the like and still fall within the scope
of the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 4 depicts the first embodiment of the semi-flexible
storage container typical of that shown in FIG. 1, but in an
assembled condition.
[0029] As will become apparent by viewing the sequence of steps
depicted in FIGS. 1-4, the semi-flexible sheet material utilized to
form the body of the bag is sufficiently semi-flexible and
yieldable to accommodate the assembly of the side pieces to the
container body as the storage container is assembled between the
open state of FIG. 1 and the closed state of FIG. 4.
[0030] Various compositions suitable for constructing the
semi-flexible storage containers of the present invention include
substantially impermeable materials such as polyvinyl chloride
(PVC), polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), polyethylene (PE),
polypropylene (PP), coated nonwovens etc., and substantially
permeable materials such as scrims, meshes, wovens, nonwovens, or
perforated or porous films, whether predominantly two-dimensional
in nature or formed into three-dimensional structures. Such
materials may comprise a single composition or layer or may be a
composite structure of multiple materials, including a substrate
material utilized as a carrier for a substance. Materials found
suitable for use in accordance with the present invention include
high and low density polyethylene films, 0.01 or 0.1 inch
thickness.
[0031] Once the desired sheet materials are manufactured in any
desirable and suitable manner, comprising all or part of the
materials to be utilized for the container body, the storage
container may be constructed in any known and suitable fashion such
as those known in the art for making such containers in
commercially available form. Heat or adhesive sealing technologies
may be utilized to join various components or elements of the
container to themselves or to each other. In addition, the
container bodies may be thermoformed, blown, or otherwise molded
rather than reliance upon folding and bonding techniques to
construct the container bodies from a web or sheet of material.
[0032] In assembling the storage container 10 according to the
present invention, it is preferred that first and second opposite
ends 31 and 32 of the container body 20 are releasably attached to
each other, thereby forming a hollow body with first and second
opening (not shown). The first end piece 21 is then releasable
attached to the first opening 33 in the container body 20. The
second end piece 23, may be releasably attached to the second
opening 34, preferably after items have been placed into the
storage container 10. However, because the end pieces 21 and 23 are
releasably attached to the container body 20 they may be reopened
for access to the interior of the storage container 10 and resealed
as the users desire.
[0033] As is clearly illustrated in FIGS. 5a-5d, the storage
containers 10 according to the present invention may be made of a
variety of different sizes, which are considered to fall within the
scope of the present invention.
[0034] For decorative purposes, the storage containers 10 may be
screen printed or otherwise decorated. Adhesively attached
decorations are considered to fall within the scope of this
disclosure.
[0035] Finally, the storage containers 10 may include structural
supports (not shown) that are included within the flexible
attachment mechanisms 25, such as metal or plastic rods included in
the fabric portion of a zipper, or other like supports.
[0036] The preferred embodiment of the invention is described above
in the Drawings and Description of Preferred Embodiments. While
these descriptions directly describe the above embodiments, it is
understood that those skilled in the art may conceive modifications
and/or variations to the specific embodiments shown and described
herein. Any such modifications or variations that fall within the
purview of this description are intended to be included therein as
well. Unless specifically noted, it is the intention of the
inventor that the words and phrases in the specification and claims
be given the ordinary and accustomed meanings to those of ordinary
skill in the applicable art(s). The foregoing description of a
preferred embodiment and best mode of the invention known to the
applicant at the time of filing the application has been presented
and is intended for the purposes of illustration and description.
It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to
the precise form disclosed, and many modifications and variations
are possible in the light of the above teachings. The embodiment
was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of
the invention and its practical application and to enable others
skilled in the art to best utilize the invention in various
embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the
particular use contemplated.
* * * * *