U.S. patent application number 12/197181 was filed with the patent office on 2009-02-26 for pouches and totes and systems comprising pouches and totes having adjustable dividers.
Invention is credited to Andrea Sampson.
Application Number | 20090052809 12/197181 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40382234 |
Filed Date | 2009-02-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090052809 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sampson; Andrea |
February 26, 2009 |
POUCHES AND TOTES AND SYSTEMS COMPRISING POUCHES AND TOTES HAVING
ADJUSTABLE DIVIDERS
Abstract
Provided are systems comprising a tote and one or more pouch
fabricated out of a flexible or semi-flexible relatively thermal
insulating material, optimally configured for holding, protecting,
and carrying a standard reclosable or "zip lock" plastic storage
bag. Totes described herein comprise one or more adjustable
dividers that reversibly and adjustably fit within the interior
compartment of the tote to create subcompartments that support each
of the one or more pouches in registered alignment. In combination,
the pouches and tote form a system for holding, protecting, and
carrying conventional reclosable plastic storage bags.
Inventors: |
Sampson; Andrea; (Poulsbo,
WA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DARBY & DARBY P.C.
P.O. BOX 770, Church Street Station
New York
NY
10008-0770
US
|
Family ID: |
40382234 |
Appl. No.: |
12/197181 |
Filed: |
August 22, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60968011 |
Aug 24, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
383/38 ;
220/592.2; 383/37; 383/64 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 81/389 20130101;
A47J 47/14 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
383/38 ; 383/64;
220/592.2; 383/37 |
International
Class: |
B65D 30/22 20060101
B65D030/22; B65D 33/16 20060101 B65D033/16; B65D 81/38 20060101
B65D081/38; B65D 30/00 20060101 B65D030/00 |
Claims
1. A tote for holding one or more pouches dimensioned to
accommodate a conventional reclosable plastic storage bag, said
tote comprising: a generally rectangular base attached to four
generally rectangular surrounding sidewalls that extend vertically
from the base, wherein said base and sidewalls form a compartment
with a top opening; a cover to said compartment permanently
attached to one of the surrounding sidewalls and configured to
reversibly attach to the other three sidewalls; and one or more
adjustable dividers configured to fit within said compartment and
to reversibly and adjustably attach to one or more sidewalls,
wherein said adjustable dividers permit the division of the
compartment into two or more smaller subcompartments, each
subcompartment having dimension to permit the secure accommodation
of one or more pouches in registered alignment between each one or
more adjustable dividers and wherein each of said one or more
pouches is dimensioned to accommodate a conventional plastic
reclosable storage bag.
2. The tote of claim 1 wherein each adjustable divider further
comprises at least one anchoring tab that extends substantially
perpendicularly from said divider and configured to allow
reversible and adjustable attachment to the inside of the sidewalls
of said tote.
3. The tote of claim 1 wherein each of said adjustable dividers
comprises one or more attachment members for reversibly and
adjustably attaching said adjustable divider to one or more of
sidewalls of the tote, said attachment members being selected from
the group consisting of VELCRO.RTM., buttons, straps, snap-on
elements, adhesives, zippers, tabs fitting into channels, screws,
nuts and bolts, or deformable rubber connectors.
4. The tote of claim 1 said tote being sized to specifically
accommodate a row of one or more pouches of thermal insulating
material, each pouch being dimensioned to accommodate a standard
sized conventional plastic reclosable storage bag selected from the
group consisting of a snack bag, a sandwich bag, a quart bag, a
gallon bag, an extra-large bag, and an extra-extra-large bag.
5. A flexible or semi-flexible pouch for holding a conventional
plastic reclosable storage, said pouch comprising: two or more
sides made from a thermal insulating material; said two or more
sides being permanently joined at the interface of at least two
shared edges to form a pocket-like enclosure having a single
opening at one end; wherein said pouch is dimensioned to
accommodate a standard sized conventional plastic reclosable
storage bag selected from the group consisting of a snack bag, a
sandwich bag, a quart bag, a gallon bag, an extra-large bag, and an
extra-extra-large bag.
6. The flexible or semi-flexible pouch of claim 5 wherein at least
two of said two or more sides of the pouch are formed by folding
over a single piece of relatively thermal insulating material,
creating two sides with a common edge.
7. The flexible or semi-flexible pouch of claim 5 wherein at least
two of the said two or more sides of the pouch are formed from two
separate pieces of said relatively thermal insulating material.
8. The flexible or semi-flexible pouch of claim 5 wherein said
pouch is formed by permanently joining the two or more sides by
sewing or stitching them together along two edges.
9. The flexible or semi-flexible pouch of claim 5 wherein the
relatively thermal insulating material is neoprene.
10. A system for securely holding, storing, and transporting one or
more conventional plastic reclosable storage bags comprising: a
tote comprising a generally rectangular base attached to four
generally rectangular surrounding sidewalls that extend vertically
from the base, wherein said base and sidewalls form a compartment
with a top opening; a cover to said enclosure permanently attached
to one of the surrounding sidewalls and configured to reversibly
attach to the other three sidewalls; one or more adjustable
dividers configured to fit within said enclosure and to reversibly
and adjustably attach to one or more sidewalls, wherein said
adjustable dividers permit the division of said compartment into
two or more smaller subcompartments each of which subcompartment is
dimensioned to securely accommodate one or more pouches in
registered alignment between each one or more adjustable dividers;
one or more flexible or semi-flexible pouches comprising two or
more sides made from a relatively thermal insulating material, each
side defining four edges, said two or more sides being permanently
joined at the interface of at least two shared edges to form a
pocket-like enclosure with a single opening at one end of said
enclosure and wherein each of said one or more pouches is
dimensioned to accommodate a conventional plastic reclosable
storage bag.
11. The system of claim 10 wherein at least two of said two or more
sides of the pouch are formed by folding over a single piece of
relatively thermal insulating material, creating two sides with a
common edge; wherein said two or more sides of each flexible or
semi-flexible pouch are made from neoprene; and wherein each pouch
is dimensioned to accommodate one conventional size plastic
reclosable storage bags selected from the group consisting of a
snack bag, a sandwich bag, a quart bag, a gallon bag, an
extra-large bag, or an extra-extra-large bag.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 60/968,011, filed Aug. 24, 2007, herein
incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] 1. Technical Field of the Disclosure
[0003] The present disclosure relates, generally, to systems
comprising a tote and one or more pouches fabricated from a
thermally insulating fabric, such as neoprene, wherein each pouch
is dimensioned for holding, storing, protecting, and/or
transporting a conventional reclosable storage bag.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] In 1960, the fold-over sandwich bag was created. In 1964,
The Glad Products Company (Oakland, Calif.) created a new, more
efficient system for closing a plastic storage bag using a
so-called "zip lock" method. Inventors continue to refine and add
to the art surrounding reclosable plastic storage bags. For
example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,029,178, issued on Apr. 19, 2006, claims a
reclosable storage bag with a new locking mechanism. In contrast,
the art concerning containers, pouches, and bags for holding,
protecting, and carrying such locking reclosable plastic storage
bags has tagged far behind.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,797,567, issued Aug. 25, 1998, discloses an
"Easy Fill Holder" for reclosable plastic storage bags. The patent
discloses a simple frame and support system for holding a plastic
storage bag upright, so it can be filled with food or other
contents. The art fails, however, to disclose pouches, totes, or
other containers specifically designed to hold, protect, carry, and
transport plastic storage bags.
[0007] Totes are well known in other fields of art. For example,
U.S. Pat. No. 4,620,579 is directed to an "accessories organizer"
for an equipment bag with a one-piece foam or other cushioning
insert. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 4,610,286 discloses a camera case
or bag with adjustable supports to hold cameras and other
photographic equipment. Other cases, boxes, and carrying
apparatuses exist. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,561,576, 4,201,186,
4,081,061, 2,960,137. Bags and carrying cases with multiple
compartments are also found in arts as disparate as lunchboxes and
CD or DVD carriers and cases. None of these existing carriers and
cases is constructed to specifically hold, protect, and transport
conventional reclosable plastic storage bags.
[0008] Despite the locking mechanisms found on most contemporary
"zip lock" type storage bags, such bags can and do leak if turned
upside down, locked imperfectly, or carried in a standard bag or
backpack with other articles. Other objects and articles, such as
books or pens, can puncture plastic storage bags, spilling and
spoiling their contents and perhaps damaging or ruining other
articles. If reclosable plastic storage bags are stored, packaged,
or carried with other objects, those objects can put pressure on
the reclosable plastic storage bags, causing the contents to,
again, escape past the locking seal and spill out. And,
conventional reclosable storage bags lack substantial thermal
insulation thereby offering little protection against changes in
environmental temperature.
[0009] Thus, there remains a need in the art for pouches, totes,
and systems specifically designed to hold, protect, and carry
standard reclosable plastic storage bags.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0010] The present disclosure fulfills these and other related
needs by providing pouches, totes, and systems for holding,
protecting, and carrying standard reclosable plastic storage bags
and resealable storage containers in a safe, secure, and efficient
fashion. Pouches and totes described herein are typically
fabricated from a thermally insulating material such as, for
example, neoprene, and are dimensioned for securely holding one or
more conventional reclosable plastic storage bags.
[0011] Thus, the present disclosure provides totes for securely and
conveniently holding, protecting, and carrying conventional
reclosable plastic storage bags, resealable storage containers, and
the like, which themselves can be securely held by the pouches
described in this disclosure. As discussed in greater detail
herein, totes are sized to optimally carry and accommodate one or
more rows of standard sized conventional reclosable plastic storage
bags.
[0012] Within other embodiments, the present disclosure provides
systems for holding, protecting, and carrying conventional
reclosable plastic storage bags and other resealable storage
containers such as resealable food storage containers. These
systems comprise, in combination, the pouches and totes described
herein in further combination with one or more dividers that
reversibly and adjustably attach to the side-walls of the tote for
forming two or more subcompartments.
[0013] These and other embodiments, features, and advantages of the
present invention will become apparent from the detailed
description and appended claims set forth herein below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The accompanying drawings illustrate certain embodiments of
the present disclosure. The embodiments described and claimed
herein are not, however, limited to these figures, which are merely
illustrative. The figures are intended to aid in understanding this
disclosure and claims and should be considered in conjunction with
other parts of this disclosure. It will be understood that other
embodiments fall within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a
system comprising a tote having adjustable dividers and pouches as
described in this disclosure for holding, protecting, and carrying
conventional reclosable plastic storage bags.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a top elevation view of one embodiment of a system
comprising a tote having adjustable dividers and pouches as
described in this disclosure for holding, protecting, and carrying
conventional reclosable plastic storage bags.
[0017] FIG. 3A is a side, cross-sectional view of a tote, sliced
along a plane depicted in FIG. 1. The figure shows a front view of
an embodiment of a pouch for holding reclosable plastic storage
bags, as taught in this disclosure, supported in front of an
adjustable divider.
[0018] FIG. 3B is an exploded view of an exemplary pouch showing a
first and second outer layer comprising a thermally insulating
material and an optional inner mesh layer for separating a primary
compartment for holding a reclosable plastic storage bag from a
secondary compartment for holding, e.g., an ice pack, a heat pack,
or other miscellaneous object.
[0019] FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D are front views of several
embodiments of pouches described in this disclosure. The pouches
are shown in a variety of sizes to accommodate several standard
sizes of conventional plastic reclosable storage bags: snack,
sandwich, quart, and gallon sizes, as discussed in the detailed
description of the disclosure. At the top left corner of each
depicted pouch, the figures show a fabric loop, which is one of a
variety of optional structural elements for attaching individual
pouches to a second object, such as a backpack, duffel bag, or
piece of clothing.
[0020] FIG. 5 is a front view of one embodiment of a pouch
described herein. This pouch is specifically sized to accommodate
the standard extra-large size of reclosable plastic storage bags.
This figure also shows a fabric loop, which is one of a variety of
optional structural elements for attaching individual pouches to a
second object, such as a backpack, duffel bag, or piece of
clothing.
[0021] FIG. 6 is a front view of one embodiment of a pouch
described herein. This pouch is specifically sized to accommodate
the standard extra-extra-large size of reclosable plastic storage
bags. This figure also shows a fabric loop, which is one of a
variety of optional structural elements for attaching individual
pouches to a second object, such as a backpack, duffel bag, or
piece of clothing.
[0022] FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C, and 7D are front views of several
embodiments of pouches described in this disclosure. The pouches
are shown in a variety of sizes to accommodate several standard
sizes of conventional plastic reclosable storage bags: snack,
sandwich, quart, and gallon sizes, as discussed in the detailed
description of the disclosure. At the top left corner of each
depicted pouch, the figures show a grommet, which is one of a
variety of optional structural elements for attaching individual
pouches to a second object, such as a backpack, duffel bag, or
piece of clothing. Other pouches according to the present
disclosure may contain a loop instead of the grommet as depicted.
Alternative pouches may contain two or more grommets or two or more
loops. The precise dimensions of these alternative embodiments will
vary as depicted in Table 1 and elsewhere in the present
disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0023] As indicated above, the present disclosure provides pouches,
totes, and systems for holding, protecting, and carrying
conventional reclosable plastic storage bags. FIG. 1 is a front
perspective view that shows one embodiment of such a system
including a tote 100 for securely holding, protecting, and carrying
conventional reclosable or "zip lock" plastic storage bags. FIG. 2
is a top elevation of the system depicted in FIG. 1.
[0024] The tote 100 of FIGS. 1 and 2 comprises a base 102 and four
vertical sidewalls 104 extending from the base. The base and four
sidewalls form an interior compartment or enclosure as shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2. The tote further comprises a cover 106 permanently
attached to the top of one of the side walls 104. The cover 106 is
configured so as to reversibly close the enclosure formed by the
base and four sidewalls. FIG. 1 shows a zipper configuration 107
for closing the tote. The zipper structure of the cover 107 engages
with the zipper structure lining the top of the enclosure 109,
which is defined by the tops of the four sidewalls.
[0025] It will be understood that a wide variety of structures may
be suitably employed for securely closing the tote. For example,
instead of a zipper, the cover could reversibly close the tote
enclosure using a variety of structures including opposing ridges
and grooves, latches, VELCRO.RTM. (Velcro USA Inc., Manchester,
N.H.), patches or strips, straps and buckles, magnets, adhesives,
snap connectors, prongs & holes, elastic bands, and a variety
of other closing mechanisms known in the art.
[0026] FIG. 1 also shows a carrying strap 122 for transporting the
tote. It will be understood that handles, shoulder straps, wheeled
carriages, or other conventional means of carrying or transporting
a bag are well known to persons of skill in the art.
[0027] Some of these closing mechanisms would require structural
components on both the cover and one or more sidewalls. Indeed, the
closing configuration shown in FIG. 1 has zipper structures on both
the cover 107 and the top of the sidewalls 109. However, closing
configurations with structures on only the cover or one or more
sidewalls are also contemplated. For example, if the tote is made
of certain ferrous metals, then magnets on the cover or along the
top of the sidewalls 111 may be employed. Similarly, although the
cover 106 in FIGS. 1 and 2 has the same dimensions as the enclosure
it covers, covers with greater or lesser dimensions are also
possible. For example, a cover might have a top and four sidewalls
that together define a lid that fits over the sidewalls of the tote
bag and closes the enclosure.
[0028] The present disclosure also provides pouches 112 that can
securely hold conventional reclosable plastic storage, "zip lock"
bags, or other resealable storage containers such as resealable
food storage containers. FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D, as well as FIGS.
5 and 6, also show exemplary pouches. These pouches are typically
fabricated out of a thermally insulating material such as, for
example, neoprene. It will be understood that pouches may be
fabricated from a wide variety of flexible or semi-flexible
thermally insulating materials known in the art. These pouches hold
and protect the reclosable plastic storage bags that they enclose,
as well as the contents of those plastic storage bags. Many
materials that provide such protection, while supporting the
enclosed plastic storage bags in flexible or semi-flexible pouches,
are contemplated. For example, various synthetic and natural rubber
materials may be employed. Certain types of cloth, such as canvas,
may also be used to fabricate one or more pouches according to the
present disclosure. Ideally, the pouches are fabricated out of a
material that is both sturdy and resistant to the loss of heat.
This allows the pouches to serve as optimal carriers for plastic
storage bags containing hot or cold food items so as to resist
changes in temperature under a wide range of environmental
conditions. Typically, a suitable flexible or semi-flexible
thermally insulating material will be between about 1 mm and about
6 mm in thickness; more typically, between about 2 mm and about 5
mm in thickness. For example, a suitable flexible or semi-flexible
thermally insulating material may be about 1 mm, about 2 mm, about
3 mm, about 4 mm, about 5 mm, or about 6 mm in thickness. More
typically, a suitable flexible or semi-flexible thermally
insulating material may be about 2 mm, about 3 mm, about 4 mm, or
about 5 mm in thickness.
[0029] FIGS. 1 and 2 show one embodiment of the pouches. The
pouches 112 have at least two sides, 114 and 116. Each side has
four edges. The sides 114 and 116 are permanently joined at three
of four edges. However, along the top edge 115, the sides are not
permanently joined thereby creating an opening along the top edge
115 that leads into an interior pocket-like compartment or
enclosure. The pouch is configured to have specified dimensions so
that a standard reclosable plastic storage bag or other
appropriately dimensioned resealable storage container can be held
or stored in the pouch by passing the plastic bag through the
opening along 115 and into the pocket-like enclosure in the
interior of the pouch.
[0030] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pouches can preferably be
made from two sides or lengths 114, 116 of flexible or
semi-flexible, relatively thermal insulating material. The sides
can be joined in a variety of ways know to the art. Preferably,
they are stitched together along three edges, leaving an opening
along the top edge 115. However, the sides can be stably or
permanently joined through a variety of structural elements or
mechanisms, including adhesives, straps and buckles, snaps,
buttons, nuts and bolts, rivets, pins, VELCRO.RTM., and other
connection means know to persons of skill in the art. Relatedly,
although FIGS. 1 and 2 show pouches formed from two sides or
lengths of material, the disclosed pouches can be made in other
ways. For example, a cartridge or box-type construction is possible
with five or more separate sides or walls joined together to form a
box-like structure. Any structure that creates an interior
compartment that efficiently holds standard reclosable plastic
storage bags is contemplated by the present disclosure.
[0031] The pouches described herein are configured and arranged to
permit the opening along the top edge 115 to be reversible and
sealably closed once a conventional plastic reclosable storage bag
has been inserted into the pocket-like enclosure. Again, the
disclosed pouches can be closed in a variety of ways known in the
art, including VELCRO.RTM.G, buttons, snaps, adhesives, safety
pins, magnets, ridges and grooves, straps and buckles, latches, and
other known fasteners.
[0032] Within certain embodiments, pouches according to the present
disclosure are configured with one or more connecting structures
118 as depicted in FIGS. 1, 3, 4A-D, 5, and 6. Such a connecting
structure 118 permits the connection of one or more pouches to, for
example, a backpack, duffle, or piece of clothing. A variety of
suitable connecting structures are well known in the art, including
grommets, eyelets, VELCRO.RTM., hooks, snaps, buckles, straps, lock
and key connectors, and other such structures. Also depicted in
FIGS. 3A and 3B is an optional slot 119 for receiving a label. It
will be understood that such slots may be fabricated from a number
of materials such as, for example, a clear plastic and may be a
wide variety of shapes and sizes such as, for example, between
about 4''.times.1'', about 2''.times.1/2'', and about
1''.times.1/4''.
[0033] In one embodiment, the pouches are optimally sized to
receive conventional reclosable plastic storage bags of a variety
of standard sizes. Currently, reclosable or zip lock plastic
storage bags generally come in a number of standard sizes as
depicted in Table 1:
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Reclosable Plastic Storage Bag Sizes and
Dimensions STANDARD STANDARD DIMENSIONS FOR DIMENSIONS POUCHES
HAVING FOR POUCHES AN EXTERNAL HAVING A LOOP GROMMET STANDARD BAG
STANDARD BAG CONNECTING CONNECTING SIZE DIMENSIONS STRUCTURE
STRUCTURE Snack 61/2'' .times. 31/4'' 8'' .times. 43/4'' 8''
.times. 51/2'' Sandwich 61/2'' .times. 57/8'' 8'' .times. 71/2''
8'' .times. 81/2'' Pint 7'' .times. 51/4'' 81/2'' .times. 63/4''
81/2'' .times. 73/4'' Quart 7'' .times. 73/4'' 81/2'' .times.
91/4'' 85/8'' .times. 101/2'' Ex-large sandwich 7'' .times. 8''
81/2'' .times. 93/4'' 81/2'' .times. 101/4'' Gallon 10 9/16''
.times. 103/4'' 121/4'' .times. 121/4'' 121/2'' .times. 131/4''
Jumbo (2 gallon) 13'' .times. 15'' 141/2'' .times. 17'' 141/2''
.times. 171/2'' Large (3 gallon) 15'' .times. 15'' 17'' .times.
161/2'' 17'' .times. 17'' Extra-Large (XL) 24'' .times. 20'' 27''
.times. 23'' 26'' .times. 25'' Extra-Extra-Large (XXL) 25'' .times.
351/4'' 27'' .times. 36'' 26'' .times. 37''
For purposes of this application, each standard bag size can be
considered to include all plastic storage bags with the
corresponding dimensions indicated for that size above, or that is
between about 90% and 110% of each of the indicated dimensions.
[0034] As noted above, within certain embodiments, the present
disclosure provides pouches that are sized to optimally hold,
protect, and transport reclosable plastic storage bags of standard
sizes. For example, FIG. 4A provides an 8''.times.51/2'' pouch for
holding a 61/2''.times.31/4'' "Snack" sized reclosable plastic
storage bags. Similarly, FIG. 4B provides an 8''.times.81/2'' pouch
for holding 61/2''.times.57/8'' "Sandwich" sized reclosable plastic
storage bags. FIG. 4C provides an 85/8''.times.101/2'' pouch for
holding 7''.times.73/4'' "Quart" sized reclosable plastic storage
bags. While, FIG. 4D provides a 121/2.times.131/4'' pouch for
holding 10 9/16''.times.103/4'' "Gallon" sized reclosable plastic
storage bags. Likewise, FIG. 5 provides a 26''.times.25'' pouch for
holding 24''.times.20'' "XL" sized reclosable plastic storage bags.
Finally, FIG. 6 provides a 26''.times.37'' pouch for holding
25''.times.351/4'' "XXL" sized reclosable plastic storage bags. Not
shown in the Figures, but contemplated by the present disclosure,
and depicted in Table 1, are 81/2''.times.63/4'' pouches for
holding 7''.times.51/4'' "Pint" sized reclosable plastic storage
bags; 81/2''.times.93/4'' pouches for holding 7''.times.8''
"Extra-large Sandwich" sized reclosable plastic storage bags;
141/2''.times.17'' pouches for holding 13''.times.15'' "Jumbo"
sized reclosable plastic storage bags; and 17''.times.161/2''
pouches for holding 15''.times.15'' "Large" sized reclosable
plastic storage bags. It is contemplated that pouches according to
each of these embodiments may be between about 90% and about 110%
in each of the indicated dimensions. In each of these figures, the
pouches have an externally attached connecting structure 118 for
attaching to or connecting with other objects as discussed
above.
[0035] Within other embodiments, pouches may contain a single
grommet as the connecting structure 118 at one or both of the two
corners adjacent the pouch opening to permit the connection to
another object. As indicated in Table 1, above, pouches containing
one or more grommet are typically larger in one or more dimension
as compared to pouches containing an external loop as the
connecting structure 118. For example, FIG. 7A depicts a pouch for
holding a "Snack" sized reclosable plastic storage bag that is
typically about 8''.times.51/2''; FIG. 7B depicts a pouch for
holding a "Sandwich" sized reclosable plastic storage bag that is
typically about 8''.times.81/2''; FIG. 7C depicts a pouch for
holding a "Quart" sized reclosable plastic storage bag that is
typically about 85/8''.times.101/2''; and FIG. 7B depicts a pouch
for holding a "Gallon" sized reclosable plastic storage bag that is
typically about 121/2''.times.131/4''. Not shown in the figures,
but presented in Table 1 is a pouch for holding a "Pint" sized
reclosable plastic storage bag that is typically about
81/2''.times.73/4''; an "Extra Large" sized reclosable plastic
storage bag that is typically about 26''.times.25''; a pouch for
holding an "Extra Extra Large" sized reclosable plastic storage bag
that is typically about 26''.times.37''. Also not shown in the
Figures, but contemplated by the present disclosure, and depicted
in Table 1, are 81/2''.times.101/4'' pouches for holding
7''.times.8'' "Extra-large Sandwich" sized reclosable plastic
storage bags; 141/2''.times.171/2'' pouches for holding
13''.times.15'' "Jumbo" sized reclosable plastic storage bags; and
17''.times.17'' pouches for holding 15''.times.15'' "Large" sized
reclosable plastic storage bags. As indicated above, it is
contemplated that pouches according to each of these embodiments
may be between about 90% and about 110% in each of the indicated
dimensions.
[0036] It will be understood that, depending upon the precise
application contemplated, the dimensions of any of the pouches
described herein that contain a second grommet will be increased
accordingly to accommodate the second grommet while still
dimensioned appropriately to receive the corresponding reclosable
plastic storage bag or resealable storage container. Typically,
pouches containing two grommets will be between about 3/4'' to
about 1'' longer in one dimension than the corresponding pouch
containing one grommet. Because of the larger contents contained
within, pouches dimensioned for one gallon reclosable bags or
larger, may, optionally, contain two grommets on opposite corners
flanking each side of a pouch opening.
[0037] The tote depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 includes dividers 108
that can be adjustably and reversibly positioned within the
enclosure or interior compartment of the tote to subdivide the
enclosure to better accommodate and support individual pouches.
This is shown in both FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 wherein the adjustable
dividers 108 are positioned to create smaller subcompartments or
enclosures that are optimal for holding the disclosed pouches of a
standard size. A variety of structures are known in the art for
reversibly and adjustably attaching the dividers to the base 102 or
sidewalls 104 along their interior aspects. In the embodiment
presented in the FIGURES, the dividers have attachment members or
tabs 124 that interact with the sidewalls of the tote. For example,
in one embodiment, VELCRO.RTM. patches on the outside of the
attachment members interconnect with a corresponding VELCRO.RTM.
band 120 that runs along the interior of the sidewalls. A person of
skill in the art will recognize that a large variety of structures
exist to reversibly attach, adjust, and reposition the dividers.
For example, the dividers can be reversibly attached to the
interior of the tote via buttons, straps, snap-on elements,
adhesives, zippers, tabs fitting into channels, screws, nuts and
bolts, deformable rubber connectors, or a variety of other
attachment means. These devices can be used in connection with
attachment members or tabs such as those shown as 124, or they can
be used directly on the surface of the divider 108. In addition to
connection of the dividers to the sidewalls of the tote, as shown
in FIG. 1, the dividers can also be reversibly attached to one
another to further subdivide the tote compartment and/or can be
reversibly attached to the base 102 (not shown).
[0038] Typically, the tote 100 is dimensioned to optimally
accommodate one or more rows of a standard-sized pouch, having the
dimensions described above, so each pouch can be inserted in
regimented alignment, along the length or width of the tote and be
optimally held and supported in that tote. This sort of optimal,
snug carriage is shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B As can be seen in that
embodiment, a pouch 112 is supported by the base 102 and sidewalls
104 of the tote bag (shown in cross-section), as well as by one or
more dividers 108, which are in front of (not shown) and behind the
pouch, and which are reversibly and adjustably attached to the
sidewalls of the tote 104 through the interaction of the divider's
attachment members 124 with the VELCRO.RTM. strip running
horizontally along the interior compartment or enclosure of the
tote 120.
[0039] In one embodiment, each divider 108 employs an attachment
device for snuggly and securely interacting with the tote and
supporting each pouch in registered alignment. For example, FIG. 1
illustrates an embodiment in which the divider has a VELCRO.RTM.
strip 110 that reversibly attaches the divider to the tote thereby
supporting one or more pouches. This combination of elements
effectively holds, protects, supports, and carries the pouch, and
thus the reclosable plastic storage bag.
[0040] FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 also depict the entire system for securely
holding, storing, and transporting one or more conventional plastic
reclosable storage bags. The system includes the tote 100,
adjustable dividers 108, and one or more pouches 112, to hold,
protect, support, and carry reclosable plastic storage bags. As
discussed above, the tote and pouches are optimally dimensioned to
accommodate one particular standard sized reclosable plastic bag,
so that a row of such plastic bags can be securely carried. In a
further embodiment, the dividers have a structure for interacting
with the pouches, such as the VELCRO.RTM.P strip of 110, which
allows the system to hold, protect, and carry reclosable plastic
storage bags.
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