U.S. patent application number 13/439105 was filed with the patent office on 2012-10-25 for tote bag with interchangeable ornamental securing mechanism and system therefore.
This patent application is currently assigned to DIVA V.. Invention is credited to VERONICA VAN ROOYEN.
Application Number | 20120267383 13/439105 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46209304 |
Filed Date | 2012-10-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120267383 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
VAN ROOYEN; VERONICA |
October 25, 2012 |
TOTE BAG WITH INTERCHANGEABLE ORNAMENTAL SECURING MECHANISM AND
SYSTEM THEREFORE
Abstract
A securing system for a container includes a securing system and
an ornamental system selectively securable thereto for operably
enabling a multitude of adaptive attractant features for greater
expression of individuality. The securing system includes opposing
elements effective to releasably secure opposing open side elements
of the container against an unintended opening. The ornamental
system includes an attractant feature and may optionally include
additional attractant systems for presentation of a sound, a scent,
a motion, or a secure access function.
Inventors: |
VAN ROOYEN; VERONICA;
(Ontario, CA) |
Assignee: |
DIVA V.
Toronto
CA
|
Family ID: |
46209304 |
Appl. No.: |
13/439105 |
Filed: |
April 4, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61476965 |
Apr 19, 2011 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
220/694 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 13/08 20130101;
A45C 13/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/694 |
International
Class: |
B65D 25/00 20060101
B65D025/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 18, 2011 |
CN |
201120471894.4 |
Claims
1. A securing attractant system, comprising: a securing system;
said securing system including means for operably and removably
securing opposing container sides of an external container during a
use thereof; an ornamental attractant system; and said ornamental
attractant system being one of fixed and removably secured to a
portion of said securing system during said use.
2. A securing attractant system, according to claim 1, wherein:
said means for operably and removably securing includes a first
closing member and a second closing member; and said means for
operably and removably securing further comprising: means for
releasably urging said first closing member toward said second
closing member.
3. A securing attractant system, according to claim 3, wherein:
said means for releasably urging contains at least one of a spring
and a magnet.
4. A securing attractant system, according to claim 1, wherein:
said ornamental attractant system, further comprises at least one
of a group comprising: a visual attractant, a light attractant, a
motion attractant, an audio attractant, a scent attractant, and a
combination of said visual, motion, and audio attractants.
5. A securing attractant system, according to claim 4, wherein:
said at least one is said visual attractant and further comprises,
at least one of a group comprising: a textile attractant, a light
attractant, a sculptural attractant, a plush attractant, and a
combination of said textile, sculptural, and said plush
attractants.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application relates to and claims priority from U.S.
Provisional Ser. No. 61/476,965 filed Apr. 19, 2012, and Chinese
Utility Model Ser. No. 201120471894.4 filed Nov. 18, 2011, the
entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by
reference.
FIGURE SELECTED FOR PUBLICATION
[0002] FIG. 1
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 1. Field of the Invention
[0004] The present invention generally relates to an ornamental
system for securing containers having an open portion. In
particular, the invention relates to a system or kit for use with a
container or tote container or bag and containing an
ornamental/attractant securing unit for securing an open portion
thereof and operably enabling a multitude of adaptive attractant
features for greater expression of individuality.
[0005] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0006] The term "tote" meaning "to carry" can be traced to the
17.sup.th century, but it was not used to describe bags until early
20.sup.th century. Generally, a tote is a container of some kind
that is configured to hold diverse day-to-day objects including,
but not limited to books, umbrellas, and other recreational gear.
The tote bag may also be used as a supporting volume for
transporting food items, beverages and other relatively small items
typically piled upon one another in the tote. In other words, the
tote bag is an everyday carrier for a variety of rather prosaic
objects and items. Such tote bags may be provided as so-called gift
bags, colored bags of paper formed for holding gifts or the
like.
[0007] It is not uncommon to secure the access to the interior of a
tote bag. A myriad of securing mechanisms for tote bags are
disclosed in various publications. Perhaps one of the most known
configurations has a clip which is not usually a decorative item
and makes the entire tote bag look rather dull. Other securing
mechanisms may be configured as, for example, magnets. Once again,
inasmuch as Applicants are aware, none of magnet-based securing
configuration may simultaneously function as a decorative
element.
[0008] A need therefore exists for an aesthetically appealing but
still functional tote bag configured with a securing mechanism.
[0009] Another need exists for a tote bag with a securing mechanism
configured with a decorative component which serves to prevent
immediate visual recognition of the securing mechanism.
[0010] A further need exists for a tote bag provided with a
replaceable securing mechanism provided with a decorative
component.
[0011] Still a further need exists for a kit including a plurality
of structurally interchangeable but aesthetically different
securing mechanisms for a tote bag.
[0012] Accordingly, there is a need for an improved ornamental
securing mechanism for which optionally the parts may also be
interchangeably modified to match a user's demand.
ASPECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] These and other needs are satisfied by a tote bag with a
securing mechanism configured in accordance with the present
invention. One of many salient features of the invention includes
the securing mechanism removably mountable to the top lips of the
tote bag so as to detachably and releasably seal the lips together.
The securing mechanism is configured with a decorative component
operative to shield the securing mechanism from being immediately
recognized thus providing the tote bag with an attractant aesthetic
appeal.
[0014] A securing system for a container includes a securing system
and an ornamental system selectively securable thereto for operably
enabling a multitude of adaptive attractant features for greater
expression of individuality. The securing system includes opposing
elements effective to releasably secure opposing open side elements
of the container against an unintended opening. The ornamental
system includes an attractant feature and may optionally include
additional attractant systems for presentation of any one or a
combination of a sound, a scent, a visual attractant indicia, a
motion, or optionally a secure access function.
[0015] The inventive securing mechanism may be configured as a clip
having two arms and a hinge unit resiliently biasing the arms
toward one another. Still a further configuration of the securing
mechanism includes differently polarized magnets removably or
permanently attached to the top lips of the tote bag and securable
to the ornamental element. Another configuration of the disclosed
securing mechanism may be as simple as liners of Velcro@ removably
attachable to the top lips of the disclosed tote bag.
[0016] The inventive system will also be recognized to enable a
collectability and a reusability of adaptively either the
attractant member on other securing mechanisms, or collective use
(attractant and securing mechanism) reusability and collectability.
In this way, the system can be retained between uses, sold as theme
kits (e.g., holiday kits, celebration kits, birthday kits etc.) or
similarly collected in that way and re-used as a user desires.
[0017] The above and other configurations of the disclosed securing
mechanism and system each are provided with a decorative component
or components which while providing a reliable element masking the
securing mechanism are visually appealing. The other aspects,
features and advantages of the present invention will become
apparent from the following description read in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals
designate the same elements.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] The invention may be better understood by reference to the
detailed description of specific embodiments presented herein in
combination with the following drawings, in which:
[0019] FIG. 1 is a front side elevational view of one of numerous
alternative embodiments of the present invention, shown here on a
representative disclosed tote bag.
[0020] FIG. 2 is a close side elevational view of the exemplary
configuration of the inventive system according to FIG. 1.
[0021] FIG. 3 is a rear side elevational view of the securing
mechanism of FIG. 2 without the disclosed tote bag.
[0022] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the inventive embodiment of
FIG. 1, wherein the securing system operably and releasably secures
sides of the tote bag.
[0023] FIG. 5 is a close side elevational view of FIG. 4 wherein
the securing system and the ornamental features are shown in close
association with the opening of the tote bag.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0024] Reference will now be made in detail to several embodiments
of the invention that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings
which are not to precise scale. Wherever possible, same or similar
reference numerals are used in the drawings and the description to
refer to the same or like parts or steps. The drawings are in
simplified form, here representing exemplary photographed systems
or kits, and are not to precise scale. For purposes of convenience
and clarity only, directional terms, such as top, bottom, up, down,
over, above, below, or near etc. may be used with respect to the
drawings. These and similar directional or distant terms should not
be construed to limit the scope of the invention in any manner. The
words "connect," "couple," and similar terms with their
inflectional morphemes do not necessarily denote direct and
immediate connections, but also include connections through mediate
elements or devices. It will be further recognized that elements
discussed in the context of one alternative embodiment, may be
adaptively and alternatively combined with ones of other
alternative embodiments without departing from the scope or spirit
of the present invention.
[0025] The present invention is an improved tote bag system that
incorporates a decorative element or system configured in
combination with and operative to mask the presence of a securing
mechanism. The inventive tote bag allows for greater versatility,
attractiveness, and finishing so that a single bag can serve a
multitude of purposes and provide for greater expression of
individuality.
[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates the inventive tote bag 10 provided with a
securing mechanism which has a decorative or ornamental element or
system or feature or means noted at 14 camouflaging the securing
mechanism so that the latter cannot be immediately observed from an
outside or distant location and thereby prevents an immediate
visual recognition of the securing mechanism.
[0027] In this alternative embodiment, tote bag 10 is configured
with a pair of separate opposing flexible material front side
sections, with the front side section being denoted at 12. The side
sections are joined together about a perimeter but being separated
along at least a portion of a top edge so as to define an opening
between top lips 18, 18 providing the access into the interior of
bag 10. Optionally, inventive tote bag 10 may be configured with a
single piece of material folded so as to define the top and rear
side sections with an open top. A variety of non-limited materials
can be used for configuring tote bag 10. For example, the material
may include, without any limitation, a fabric, paper, plastic,
neoprene, and/or the like. A myriad of configurations of the bag's
exterior and interior, respectively, are contemplated within the
scope of the invention. A handle 16 (shown here as flexible string
or rope) is operably coupled to the respective top lips 18, 18 can
also have a variety of configurations. For example, as illustrated,
handle 16 includes two straps each coupled to side section 12.
[0028] At least front side section 12 of tote bag 10 is configured
with an optionally removable decorative or ornamental component 14.
Again, myriad differently configured decorative or ornamental
components or elements 14 can be used within the scope of this
invention, and those which are further disclosed represent only a
small fraction of the alternative embodiments within the scope and
spirit of the present invention. Therefore, this disclosure is not
limited to the scope of the images. However, decorative component
14 is used here not only for ornamental, aesthetical, or attractant
(e.g., advertising) purposes. It is functionally configured to
block or limit the view of a securing mechanism disclosed herein
below.
[0029] In particular, decorative component 14, as illustrated in
this exemplary embodiment, has a shape of flower with a stem
extending along front side section 12 and may include any material
such as a simple felt flower, gemstone cluster with an attached
bow, surrounding puff ball, glittery light, projecting gift-card
clip, sound generator, scent generator and etc. Portions of the
felt flower 14 extend over top lips 18 to cover a securing
mechanism 24, as will be discussed herein below. Optionally, the
decorative component 14 may be permanently attached to tote bag 10,
such as glued to front side section 12. Alternatively, decorative
component 14 may be removably coupled to bag 10. Furthermore, as
will be disclosed below, decorative component 14 may be optionally
permanently or detachably coupled to securing mechanism 24. The
detachable coupling (not shown) of decorative component 14 may have
a variety of operative configurations such as snaps, rivets,
spring-clip, adhesive, Velcro.RTM. and the like for removably
securing decorative element 14 to securing mechanism 24. For an
additional alternative embodiment, the central region of decorative
component 14 may be further enhanced with an additional ornamental
attractant element 22 (FIG. 1) adding to the overall appeal of tote
bag 10. The opposite side of element 22 may be formed as a snap
removably coupled to front side section 12 of the tote or
optionally may be secured to the front face of decorative element
14. While decorative component 14 is shown to be coupled to the
front side section of securing mechanism 24, the scope of the
invention includes a tote bag with two identical or differently
configured decorative component coupled to respective front and
back side sections, and thus be ornamentally visible from opposing
sides of tote 10.
[0030] FIG. 2 illustrates one of several alternative operable
configurations of securing mechanism 24 operative to close the bag
opening and thus prevent an easy access into the interior of bag 10
as well as prevent items stored inside from incidentally falling
out. As illustrated, securing mechanism 24 is provided as a simple
spring clip or spring member provided with two opposing arms or
wings 26, 26 and a hinge means 19 which is configured to bias for
example bottom portions of respective arms 26, 26 towards one
another. The clip itself may be configured as a binder clip,
clothes pin, and spring clip. A different concept of the securing
mechanism configuration relates to a magnetic securing mechanism.
The latter may be configured with a magnetic member and a metal or
second magnetic member joined by a flexible line or tab-hinge
member, thereby operably functioning as a `magnetic clip` system.
Further alternatively, securing mechanism may be provided with two
opposing and non-linked magnetically attractant members (one or
both a magnet, and optionally a ferrous material e.g., metal),
whereby the decorative element is secured to one of the securing
mechanisms and the lips of tote 10 are urged together solely by
opposing magnetic coupling urges. Regardless of the design of
securing mechanism 24, aesthetic and even security reasons often
require adaptively camouflaging the mechanism.
[0031] In accordance with the invention, decorative component 14 is
configured to be at optimally at least 1/2 greater than, and
desirably larger than securing mechanism 24 so as to prevent
immediate visual recognition of the latter. In particular, the
present exemplary embodiment provides decorative component 14
having a protrusion 30 extending not only above the top lips of bag
10, but this part also extends over the top ends of the clip.
Obviously, the clip is not visible or at least not immediately
recognized by someone looking at the front section of bag 10.
[0032] Referring further to FIGS. 3-5, alternative views of a
similar coupling means (shown as a spring clip 19 in FIG. 2)
between the securing mechanism and decorative component are
contemplated within the scope of the invention. For example,
decorative component 14 and securing mechanism 24 may be fixed to
one another by a fastening means including, for example, but not
limited to glue. Alternatively, the fastening means may be
configured as a snap, sliding engagement etc. In accordance with
the latter, differently shaped and sized decorative components 14
may be easily used in combination with the same securing mechanism.
Alternatively, decorative component 14 may be detachably coupled to
securing mechanism 24.
[0033] Speaking of different configurations, the scope of the
invention includes a kit provided with differently shaped and
dimensioned decorative components and securing mechanisms. The kit
allows the user to select different combinations of the securing
and decorative components.
[0034] Returning to the decorative component, the configuration of
the latter may include any shape and size, provided the design is
within the scope and spirit of the present invention. For example,
decorative mechanism may include a means for generating light
containing a light emitter, a power supply (battery) and a switch
or operating mechanism of a kind known to those of skill in the
art. The light emitter may have one or a plurality of LEDs. It is
contemplated that the light mechanism is energized by a local
battery which in turn can be triggered by a switch, by motion
sensor etc. It is further contemplated that there may be
alternative flashing sequences, or colors, as a form of
attraction.
[0035] In a further modification, the inventive decorative
component may adaptively and operatively include a sound and/or a
motion generating unit. Again, distantly triggered or locally
triggered, the sound and/or motion generating unit may reproduce
musical pieces, voices, easily recognizable sounds, or may cause a
motion-mechanism (e.g., a dancing-seasonal figure (Santa, Valentine
Heart) to move through a repeated sequence. The unit may even be
configured to allow the user to record a personal audio message for
reply by a second user.
[0036] The inventive decorative component may also alternatively be
provided with a combination of pockets differently designed and
dimensioned to receive adaptive or supplemental items (in addition
to the contents of the tote). The pockets may contain fortunes,
sayings, messages, novelty and gift items, candies. Some sort of
additional `treat` or `teaser` is also contemplated within the
scope of the invention. In addition, the inventive decorative
component may include a timer coupled to a recorder informing the
user that an appropriate and previously stored time for revealing
the gift has come. At that point, user may open a pocket or tote,
or optionally the mechanism may even automatically open to allow
the user to pull out the gift (e.g., an audio recording of " . . .
wait until I get home to open the gift . . . ").
[0037] Still a further configuration may include a scent-releasable
mechanism. Scents may be released in different manners such as by
mistering, scratching, or a mechanism containing a solid or gel
scent+a warming/releasing mechanism etc. The mechanism may be
configured as a flat element, multi-dimensional element, a blower
fan may be incorporated etc. within the meaning and scope of the
present invention to attract a user.
[0038] The present invention is not restricted to the particular
configurations described and illustrated. The described embodiments
are not exclusive, and the scope of the invention includes further
different configurations and structures. It is apparent that
departures from specific structures and configurations described
and shown will suggest themselves to those skilled in the related
art and may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of
the present invention. Accordingly, the invention should be
construed to cohere with all modifications that may fall within the
scope of the following brief description of the inventive main
features.
Brief Description of Main Features of the Invention
[0039] A hand-held bag comprises a body defining an interior and
provided with an access to the interior, a securing mechanism
operative to temporarily restrict or prevent the access to the
interior, and a decorative component configured to prevent
immediate recognition of the securing mechanism. It will be
recognized that the decorative component can be of any attractant
type, including, without limitation a textile, printed, film, plush
vehicle, or three-dimensional object. For example, as in FIG. 1, a
combined attractant includes a textile item and a formed
three-dimensional jewel object. Alternatively, a small plush
character or fuzzy item or rigid three-dimensional sculptural item
may be employed. Organic items (e.g., flowers) may also be provided
and are within the scope and spirit of the present invention.
[0040] A hand-held bag comprises a body defining an interior and
provided an access to the interior, a securing mechanism operative
to temporarily restrict or prevent the access to the interior, and
a decorative component configured to prevent immediate recognition
of the securing mechanism, the securing mechanism comprises a clip
selected from the group consisting of a binder clip, clothes pin,
spring clip paper, and others.
[0041] A hand-held bag comprises a body defining an interior and
provided with an access to the interior, a securing mechanism
operative to temporarily restrict or prevent the access to the
interior, and a decorative component configured to prevent
immediate recognition of the securing mechanism, the securing
mechanism comprises a magnetic clip including a combination of one
magnetic and one metal components or two magnetic components.
[0042] A hand-held bag comprises a body defining an interior and
provided with an access to the interior, a securing mechanism
operative to temporarily restrict or prevent the access to the
interior, and a decorative component configured to prevent
immediate recognition of the securing mechanism, the securing
mechanism comprises a magnetic clip including a combination of one
magnetic and one metal components or two magnetic components/
[0043] A hand-held bag comprises a body defining an interior and
provided with an access to the interior, a securing mechanism
operative to temporarily restrict or prevent the access to the
interior, and a decorative component configured to prevent
immediate recognition of the securing mechanism, the decorative
component is either fixed to the body or detachably coupled
thereto.
[0044] A hand-held bag comprises a body defining an interior and
provided with an access to the interior, a securing mechanism
operative to temporarily restrict or prevent the access to the
interior, and a decorative component configured to prevent
immediate recognition of the securing mechanism, the securing
mechanism is either fixed to the body or detachably coupled
thereto.
[0045] A hand-held bag comprises a body defining an interior and
provided with an access to the interior, a securing mechanism
operative to temporarily restrict or prevent the access to the
interior, and a decorative component configured to prevent
immediate recognition of the securing mechanism, the decorative
component and locking mechanism are either fixed to one another or
detachably coupled to one another.
[0046] A hand-held bag comprises a body defining an interior and
provides an access to the interior, a securing mechanism operative
to temporarily restrict or prevent the access to the interior, and
a decorative component configured to prevent immediate recognition
of the securing mechanism, the decorative component has a plurality
of configurations and is selected from the group comprising one of
decorative ornaments made from plastic, fabric or paper, metal,
wood and/or or a combination thereof.
[0047] A hand-held bag comprises a body defining an interior and
provided with an access to the interior, a securing mechanism
operative to temporarily restrict or prevent the access to the
interior, and a decorative component configured to prevent
immediate recognition of the securing mechanism, the decorative
component has a plurality of configurations and is selected from
the group comprising a sound unit, motion unit, sound generating,
light emitting, scent-emitting unit and/or a combination of
these.
[0048] A hand-held bag comprises a body defining an interior and
provided with an access to the interior, a securing mechanism
operative to temporarily restrict or prevent the access to the
interior, and a decorative component configured to prevent
immediate recognition of the securing mechanism, the decorative
component has a plurality of configurations and selected from the
group comprising an arrangement of differently shaped and
dimensioned pockets, each pocket may comprise a gift, teaser
etc.
[0049] A kit for a hand-held bag comprises one or more securing
mechanisms each operative to temporarily restrict or prevent the
access to an interior of the hand-held bag, and one or a plurality
of decorative components, the securing mechanisms and decorative
components are configured are selectively coupleable to one another
so that the decorative component prevents immediate recognition of
the securing mechanism.
* * * * *