U.S. patent application number 13/685837 was filed with the patent office on 2013-03-21 for bags incorporating recycled sign material.
This patent application is currently assigned to RAREFORM LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Rareform LLC.. Invention is credited to Alec Avedissian.
Application Number | 20130071046 13/685837 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47880724 |
Filed Date | 2013-03-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130071046 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Avedissian; Alec |
March 21, 2013 |
Bags Incorporating Recycled Sign Material
Abstract
Bags incorporating recycled sign material are described. The
bags can comprise one or multiple layers, including an optional
padding layer. The bags can comprise an advertisement of an entity
associated with a manufacturer of the bags, thereby allowing
entities to prolong the benefits associated with an advertisement.
Contemplated bags can also have multiple functions, including for
example, storage, transport, safe keeping, seat cushioning and
drying mat.
Inventors: |
Avedissian; Alec;
(Camarillo, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Rareform LLC.; |
Camarillo |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
RAREFORM LLC
Camarillo
CA
|
Family ID: |
47880724 |
Appl. No.: |
13/685837 |
Filed: |
November 27, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61693660 |
Aug 27, 2012 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
383/4 ; 383/109;
383/113; 383/42; 383/72 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 29/02 20130101;
B65D 33/00 20130101; B65D 31/04 20130101; B65D 33/2591 20130101;
B65D 33/28 20130101; B65D 31/00 20130101; B65D 31/02 20130101; B65D
33/14 20130101; B65D 33/16 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
383/4 ; 383/109;
383/113; 383/42; 383/72 |
International
Class: |
B65D 30/08 20060101
B65D030/08; B65D 33/00 20060101 B65D033/00; B65D 33/28 20060101
B65D033/28; B65D 30/00 20060101 B65D030/00; B65D 33/16 20060101
B65D033/16 |
Claims
1. A bag comprising: an interior lining and an exterior lining;
wherein the interior lining comprises a first material, an exterior
lining comprises a second material; wherein the interior lining and
exterior lining sandwich a padding layer; and wherein at least one
of the first and second materials comprises a recycled sign
material.
2. The bag of claim 1, wherein the first material comprises
recycled sign material.
3. The bag of claim 1, wherein both the first and second materials
comprise recycled sign material.
3. The bag of claim 1, wherein the padding layer comprises at least
one of a foam and a gel.
4. The bag of claim 1, wherein the recycled sign material is a
synthetic material comprising a polyvinyl chloride.
5. The bag of claim 1, wherein the recycled sign material is
substantially water-proof.
6. The bag of claim 1, wherein the recycled sign material comprises
a plastic having a UV-protectant additive.
7. The bag of claim 1, wherein the recycled sign material comprises
three layers, and wherein the three layers collectively comprise
two vinyl layers sandwiching a polyester mesh material.
8. The bag of claim 1, wherein the recycled sign material comprises
at least one of a logo or trademark of an entity associated with a
manufacturer of the bag.
9. The bag of claim 1, wherein the recycled sign material comprises
at least one of a waterproof polymer tarp, and a polyester tarp
coated with urethane.
10. The bag of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and
second materials comprises a polymer, and wherein the polymer is at
least one of a polyethylene, a polyester, a woven polypropylene,
and a vinylic polymer.
11. The bag of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and
second materials comprises at least one of a cotton, a canvas, a
natural rubber, and a polyamide.
12. A bag comprising: an interior lining attached to an exterior
lining; wherein the interior lining comprises a first material;
wherein the exterior lining comprises a second material different
from the first material; wherein at least one of the interior
lining and the exterior lining comprises a recycled sign material;
wherein at least one of the interior lining and the exterior lining
comprises a first outer perimeter portion and a second outer
perimeter portion; and wherein at least one of the first and second
outer perimeter portions comprises a first fastener.
13. The bag of claim 12, further comprising a second fastener,
wherein the first fastener comprises a first drawstring that
extends across a first outer perimeter portion, and wherein the
second fastener comprises a second drawstring that extends across a
second outer perimeter portion.
14. The bag of claim 12, wherein the first fastener comprises a
zipper, and wherein the bag is configured for use as a bag and a
drying mat simultaneously.
15. A water-board bag comprising: an interior lining coupled with
an exterior lining; wherein at least one of the interior lining and
exterior lining comprises a recycled billboard material; wherein
the exterior lining comprises a length, a width, and a depth;
wherein the length is at least 35 inches; wherein a length to width
ratio is at least 5:1; and wherein a length to depth ratio is at
least 10:1.
16. The bag of claim 15, further comprising a padding layer,
wherein the padding layer is sandwiched between the interior lining
and the exterior lining.
17. The bag of claim 15, wherein each of the interior lining and
exterior lining comprises recycled billboard material.
18. The bag of claim 17, wherein the bag is reversible.
19. The bag of claim 15, further comprising a drying later
removably coupled with the interior lining.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S.
Provisional Application No. 61/693,660, filed on Aug. 27, 2012.
This and all other extrinsic materials discussed herein are
incorporated by reference in their entirety. Where a definition or
use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or
contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the
definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition
of that term in the reference does not apply.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The field of the invention is bags incorporating recycled
sign material, and more specifically bags incorporating recycled
billboard sign material.
BACKGROUND
[0003] The background description includes information that may be
useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an
admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art
or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any
publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0004] Various companies are placing an increased emphasis on
utilizing old products to generate new revenue streams. Repurposed
Materials.TM., for example, sells used vinyl from billboards as
construction tarps
(http://greenbuildingelements.com/2011/01/31/recycling-billboard-vinyl-as-
-a-building-tarp/). Companies like Yak Pak.TM. and TerraCycle.TM.
are working together to provide messenger bags using old billboard
vinyl material
(http://www.terracycle.com/en-US/products/yak-pak-billboard-back-
pack.html). Similarly, Vaho.TM., a Spanish company, has created
various types of backpacks, tote and messenger bags that
incorporate recycled materials (http://vaho.ws/en/proyectos).
[0005] Unfortunately, each of these companies has apparently failed
to appreciate and utilize many of the benefits (e.g., size,
waterproof properties, etc.) and uses that can be associated with
recycled signage materials.
[0006] Thus, there is still a need for improved products that
utilize recycled sign materials.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The inventive subject matter provides apparatus, systems and
methods in which a bag or other accessory comprises a recycled sign
material.
[0008] In one aspect of the inventive subject matter, a bag can
comprise a recycled sign material and a second material (e.g.,
recycled sign material, cotton, canvas, leather, polyester, etc.).
The two materials (and possibly other materials) can compose two or
more separate layers, or can compose a single layer. 1, 5, 10, 25,
50, 75, or even 90 or more percent of at least one side of a layer
or lining's visible surface (as defined by a length and a width)
can comprise a recycled sign material. Where a bag comprises at
least two layers, it can further comprise an optional padding layer
(e.g., a gel, a foam, a gauze, etc.) sandwiched between the
recycled sign material and second material. It is contemplated that
each of the layers of a bag can comprise recycled sign material for
increased durability along interior and exterior linings of the
bag.
[0009] The bag can be any suitable type of bag, including for
example, a tote bag, a backpack, a laptop bag, a lunch bag, a
suitcase, an instrument case, an instrument bag, a travel bag, a
water-board or water sport accessory bag (e.g., for storing or
transporting surfboards, boogie boards, paddle board, paddle,
etc.), or any other commercially suitable bag. It is contemplated
that some bags can be reversible (i.e., the interior layer or
surface can be used as an exterior layer or surface) for increased
versatility. Each bag can have at least a length, a width and a
depth, and bags of all suitable shapes and sizes are contemplated.
Some bags, especially water-board or water sport accessory bags can
have a length of at least 20, 25, 30, or even 35 or more inches
long. A bag can also have a length to width ratio or a length to
depth ratio of at least 3:1, 5:1, 10:1, or even 20:1 or more.
[0010] In another aspect of the inventive subject matter, a bag
comprising recycled sign material can be associated with a company
whose advertisement appears on the recycled sign material. Thus, a
retail chain such as Whole Foods.TM. can use the used and expensive
advertisements already paid for to supply bags (e.g., grocery bags,
freezer bags, backpacks, tote bags, etc.) to their customers. This
can allow the retail chain to provide high quality bags at a
reasonable price, while continuing to obtain the benefits of
advertising through its customers.
[0011] In yet another aspect of the inventive subject matter, a bag
comprising a recycled sign material and a fastener (e.g., a zipper,
drawstring(s), buttons, hook and loop fastener, etc.) can be
configured to substantially flatten for use as a mat (e.g., a
drying mat, etc.). The bag can comprise an optional padding layer,
which is preferably a thin and flexible. It is contemplated that
the bag can be used to carry a bathing suit, suntan lotion,
clothes, socks, or any other suitable item(s), and simultaneously
or alternatively be used to stand on, sit on, or change clothes
on.
[0012] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the
inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the
following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with
the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent
like components.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is one embodiment of the inventive subject
matter.
[0014] FIG. 2 is another embodiment of the inventive subject
matter.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a paddle bag of the inventive subject matter.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a schematic of a top portion of the bag of FIG.
3.
[0017] FIG. 5 is another embodiment of the inventive subject
matter.
[0018] FIG. 6 is a schematic of a bag having a padding layer.
[0019] FIG. 7 is a schematic of a portion of a bag having a
grommet.
[0020] FIG. 8 is another embodiment of the inventive subject matter
configured to substantially flatten.
[0021] FIG. 9 is an embodiment of a tote bag of the inventive
subject matter.
[0022] FIG. 10 is an embodiment of a backpack of the inventive
subject matter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] The following discussion provides many example embodiments
of the inventive subject matter. Although each embodiment
represents a single combination of inventive elements, the
inventive subject matter is considered to include all possible
combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus if one embodiment
comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment comprises
elements B and D, then the inventive subject matter is also
considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or
D, even if not explicitly disclosed.
[0024] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims
that follow, the meaning of "a," "an," and "the" includes plural
reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as
used in the description herein, the meaning of "in" includes "in"
and "on" unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0025] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended
to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each
separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated
herein, each individual value is incorporated into the
specification as if it were individually recited herein. All
methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order
unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted
by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language
(e.g. "such as") provided with respect to certain embodiments
herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and
does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise
claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as
indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the
invention.
[0026] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the
invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations.
Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in
any combination with other members of the group or other elements
found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or
deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or
patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the
specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified
thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used
in the appended claims.
[0027] As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise,
the term "coupled to" is intended to include both direct coupling
(in which two elements that are coupled to each other contact each
other) and indirect coupling (in which at least one additional
element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms
"coupled to" and "coupled with" are used synonymously.
[0028] FIG. 1 shows a front view of one embodiment of a bag of the
inventive subject matter. Bag 100 comprises a surfboard bag having
a length 110, a width 120 and a depth (not shown but would be
apparent from a side view). Bag 100 includes an exterior layer 140
made at least in part from a recycled material, as well as an
interior layer (not shown) and outer perimeter lining 150 (around
an outer perimeter of the bag) that is made at least in part from a
second material. Bag 100 further comprises a zipper 130 that
extends across at least 90% of the length 110, and a hanger 160
that is configured to accept a rod, hook, or other suitable
protrusion.
[0029] As used herein, the term "recycled" is used broadly to
include upcycling and downcycling. The recycled sign material is
preferably obtained from a billboard sign. Materials used on
billboard signs sometimes include two vinyl layers and a polyester
mesh material (e.g., sandwiched therein, etc.). However, all
suitable recycled sign materials of 1, 2, or even 10 layers are
contemplated. Some recycled materials can have three layers, and at
least one of these layers can comprise at least one of a
polyethylene, a cross linked polyethylene foam and a neoprene
material. These include materials having any degree of flexibility,
pliability or stiffness, including for example, a synthetic
material comprising a polyvinyl chloride, a waterproof material
(e.g., materials incorporating a rubber, a polyvinyl chloride, a
polyurethane, a silicone elastomer, a fluoropolymer, a wax, etc.),
a substantially waterproof material or coating (e.g., at least 800
mm waterproof), an at least 1,000 mm waterproof material of
coating, an at least 2,000 mm waterproof material or coating, an at
least 3,000 mm waterproof material coating, an at least 5,000 mm
waterproof material or coating, a metal, a plastic having a
UV-protectant additive, a polyethylene, a polyester (either coated
or uncoated with urethane), a polyester tarp coated with urethane,
a woven polypropylene, a vinylic polymer, or a waterproof polymer
tarp.
[0030] The second material (and possibly third, fourth, fifth, or
even sixth or further materials) can comprise any suitable
material(s), including for example, a recycled sign material, a
leather, a cotton, a natural rubber, a synthetic rubber, a
vulcanized rubber, a mesh, a webbing, a wire, a polyester, a paper,
a suede, a metal, a canvas, a duck canvas, a duck cloth, a neoprene
or a polyamide.
[0031] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the
inventive subject matter. Bag 200 is a backpack that comprises
three different types of material that compose at least two
different layers. The first material is a thin nylon that composes
the interior lining 210 of the backpack 200. The second material is
a recycled sign material that is flexible, waterproof, and mildew
resistant. This second material composes a first portion of the
exterior lining 220. The third material is a canvas material that
composes a second portion of the exterior lining 230.
[0032] In some embodiments, an interior lining could further
comprise a recycled sign material to increase the durability of the
interior lining. For example, if the bottom portion of the interior
lining comprised a recycled sign material, the interior lining
would likely not tear even if sharp corners of a book or other
object were repeatedly rubbing against those portions.
[0033] FIG. 3 shows a portion of paddle bag of the inventive
subject matter. Paddle bag 300 is configured to store, transport
and protect a paddle or other long or substantially flat object(s).
Paddle bag comprises a length 360 that is at least 10 times greater
than a width 370, and at least 20 times greater than a depth (not
shown).
[0034] Bag 300 comprises an exterior layer that includes a recycled
sign material 310 having logos 315A-C, an outer perimeter lining
320 that comprises a second recycled sign material, a zipper 330, a
strap 340, and a strap cushion 350. Strap cushion 350 can comprise
any suitable material or materials, including for example a
recycled sign material, a canvas, a nylon, a cotton, a rubber
gripping material, a padding (e.g., foam, gel, polyethylene, cross
linked polyethylene foam, neoprene, etc.), or any other
commercially suitable material.
[0035] When zipper 330 is unzipped (See FIG. 4), interior lining
380 can be exposed. Interior lining 380 can comprise a third
recycled sign material, which can include matter protected by
intellectual property (e.g., trademark or copyrighted work, etc.).
In such a scenario, care should be taken to avoid infringement upon
the trademark or copyright (e.g., obtain a license, use portions
not incorporating the trademark or copyrighted work, use a back
side of the sign, etc.). Other contemplated materials can comprise,
among other materials, velvet, velveteen, fur, suede, poly-ethylene
resin, an adhesive, leather, or silk.
[0036] In some aspects of the inventive subject matter, it is
contemplated that a retailer or service provider, such as a grocery
store chain, can further utilize a billboard sign or other sign
that was created for advertisement purposes. For example, where a
jewelry store chain has expended a great deal of money to create a
billboard advertisement, the company can request that the
advertisement material be returned to them when it is scheduled to
be taken down or covered up, and use that signage material to
create bags or jewelry boxes that can serve as a promotional tool
or purchasable inventory items. As another example, Mac.TM.
cosmetics can utilize their own advertisements comprising an image
of a model, singer or actress to promote its goods to consumers
driving on a specific street (e.g., via a billboard sign, etc.).
Mac.TM. can then obtain these signs and turn them into make-up
bags, brush bags, make-up cases, cases for compacts, make up
palettes, or any other bag or case that can be given or sold to its
customers. These bags and cases can be made of expensive and
durable material that would have otherwise been wasted, and
optionally be sold at a low price because it will also serve as an
advertisement medium for the company.
[0037] Another example of a retailer further utilizing a billboard
sign can relate to a retailer of computing devices, such as
Apple.TM., Microsoft.TM., or HP.TM.. These companies can have
various billboard advertisements, bus stop advertisements and other
advertisements being displayed using various recyclable sign
materials at any given time. Some of these companies also sell
laptop cases, mobile phone cases, tablet cases, laptop bags, and so
forth, often involving third party manufacturers and retailers.
These cases can be very expensive because of the types of materials
required to protect computing devices and the consumer desire to
protect their valuable electronic goods. The companies could
recycle their prior displayed advertisements and use them to make
the cases and bags described above. Moreover, these companies could
simply have billboard material printed with their logo, trademark,
advertisement, imagery, etc. and use them to create bags and cases
without ever using them as displayed billboard signs. The company
would still be advertising their products and brands via the
consumers carrying these bags and cases, and would not be required
to pay to lease a billboard space.
[0038] It is contemplated that each bag can be unique (i.e.,
visually different from other bags), or standardized (i.e.,
comprising the same logo, image, text, or designs).
[0039] FIG. 5 is a schematic of a water-board (e.g., boogie board,
surfboard, etc.) bag of the inventive subject matter. Bag 500
comprises an interior pocket 510, and a zipper 520 that extends
across a portion of a length 530 and a width 540 thereof. Bag 500
further comprises a removable interior addition 550 that can be
secured to an interior lining of bag 500 via any suitable fastener
560 (e.g., hook and loop, buttons, snaps, zipper, tie-down,
etc.).
[0040] A removable interior addition (e.g., 550) can be any
suitable size and shape and can comprise any suitable material. In
some embodiments, the addition can be provided for decorative
purposes. In some other embodiments, the addition can be provided
for the purpose of drying off an item (e.g., an item to be placed
in bag 500). For example, a terrycloth addition configured to cover
substantially all of an interior lining can be provided. When a wet
surfboard or other item is placed within bag 500, the terrycloth
addition can be configured to soak up any water that may have
remained on the board. Once the board is removed, the terrycloth
addition can be removed from bag 500 and washed in any suitable
manner (e.g., machine wash, hand wash, dry clean, etc.). Before the
bag is used again, the addition can again be removeably fastened
along an interior lining of the bag 500.
[0041] It is also contemplated that a removable exterior addition
can be provided that is configured to removeably couple with an
exterior lining of a bag. Moreover, a non-removable portion of a
bag can comprise a terrycloth or other drying material.
[0042] FIG. 6 is a schematic of a bag of the inventive subject
matter than comprises an optional padding layer. Bag 600 comprises
a guitar bag of the inventive subject matter. Guitar bag 600
comprises recycled sign material 610 and second material 620 that
sandwiches a padding material 630. While padding material 630 is
typically not exposed, a portion of bag 600 was cut to expose the
various layers thereof. A guitar of any other suitable instrument
can be placed in interior compartment 660. Once zipper 640 is
fastened, it is contemplated that recycled sign material 610 can
protect the guitar against water and other damage, while padding
630 can provide further protection against an impact. Bag 600 can
further comprise a grommet 650 or other accessory configured to
accept a hanger, clip, carabiner or other suitable device (as shown
in FIG. 7).
[0043] FIG. 8 is a schematic of a bag of the inventive subject
matter having at least two functionalities. Bag 800 comprises an
interior/top layer 810 and an exterior/bottom layer 820, each of
which can comprise a recycled sign material (or any other
contemplated material). In this example, a first drawstring 830 is
threaded through a first outer perimeter portion 840 of bag 800,
while a second drawstring 835 is threaded through a second outer
perimeter portion 845 of bag 800. In other embodiments, an outer
perimeter portion or some other portion can comprise a zipper that
couples an interior layer and an exterior layer, or provides an
opening in a single layer.
[0044] In embodiments that comprise one or more drawstrings (and
some other embodiments), it is contemplated that a substantially
flat bag (e.g., a bag having a length to depth ratio of more than
5:1, 10:1, 25:1, or even 100:1 or more) or sheet of material can be
folded to form a bag via a pulling of the drawstring(s). Thus, the
device can be used as a bag to carry a swimsuit, goggles, towel, or
any other items to a location, and then be flattened/loosened for
use as a drying mat, seat cushion (e.g., when a padding layer is
included between the interior and exterior layers, etc.), or any
other suitable mat or seat.
[0045] In embodiments that comprise one or more zippers, it is
contemplated that the bag can be used to store, transport or
protect items stored in the bag, and also serve as a cushion or a
mat at the same time. In such embodiments, an item inserted into
the bag (e.g., in a compartment opened by the zipper, etc.) can
serve as a padding or cushion for a user.
[0046] It is contemplated that bags having multiple functionalities
can be used to carry a bathing suit, suntan lotion, clothes, socks,
or any other suitable item(s), and simultaneously or alternatively
be used to stand on, sit on, or change clothes on.
[0047] FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 each show a different bag of the
inventive subject matter. Bag 900 comprises a tote bag that
includes a laptop compartment 910, and bag 1000 comprises a
backpack of the inventive subject matter.
[0048] It is contemplated that a bag according to the inventive
subject matter could be manufactured in any commercially suitable
way. For example, each of the materials used could be cut according
to at least one template. Each of the cut materials, along with any
fasteners, logos, or other additions, could then be sewn, glued, or
otherwise coupled with one another.
[0049] It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many
more modifications besides those already described are possible
without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive
subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the
spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the
specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in
the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In
particular, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" should be
interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a
non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements,
components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with
other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly
referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at least one
of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C . . .
and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element
from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.
* * * * *
References