U.S. patent application number 14/689557 was filed with the patent office on 2015-10-22 for container with hidden panel.
The applicant listed for this patent is QUINTESSENTIAL TOTS, LLC. Invention is credited to Brian A. Douglas.
Application Number | 20150296945 14/689557 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54320852 |
Filed Date | 2015-10-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150296945 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Douglas; Brian A. |
October 22, 2015 |
CONTAINER WITH HIDDEN PANEL
Abstract
An assembled container incorporates a customizable surface. The
assembled container can be of any type, shape, size, and/or
material. The surface can be any surface that may be subjected to
further processing following the assembly of the container, i.e., a
post-container-assembly process. The surface may be partially or
completely detachable from the container, or otherwise isolated
from the container, such that the container is not damaged by any
post-container-assembly process performed on the surface.
Inventors: |
Douglas; Brian A.;
(Naperville, IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
QUINTESSENTIAL TOTS, LLC |
Naperville |
IL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
54320852 |
Appl. No.: |
14/689557 |
Filed: |
April 17, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61981521 |
Apr 18, 2014 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
220/592.2 ;
220/212; 29/428 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 11/20 20130101;
A45C 13/103 20130101; A45C 13/08 20130101; A45C 13/001
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A45C 13/00 20060101
A45C013/00; A45C 13/10 20060101 A45C013/10; A47G 23/04 20060101
A47G023/04; A45C 11/20 20060101 A45C011/20 |
Claims
1. A container comprising: a base portion, and a sidewall extending
from the periphery of the base portion to define an open storage
compartment; a top portion pivotally fastened to the sidewall and
movable between an open position and a closed position for opening
and closing the open storage compartment; and a customizable panel
constructed from a printable material and being hingedly coupled
about a hinge to the top portion, the customizable panel being
movable relative the top portion between a closed position wherein
the customizable panel is proximate the top portion, and an opened
position wherein the customizable panel extends from the top
portion and is isolated from the base portion and the top portion
for any post-container-assembly process performed on an outer
surface of the customizable container.
2. A container as recited in claim 1, wherein the customizable
panel is coupled to the periphery of the top portion.
3. A container as recited in claim 1, wherein the customizable
panel extends from the top portion at least perpendicularly when
the customizable panel is in the opened position.
4. A container as recited in claim 1, wherein the customizable
panel is a printable fabric.
5. A container as recited in claim 1, wherein the container is a
lunchbox.
6. A container as recited in claim 1, wherein at least one of the
base portion and the top portion are insulated.
7. A container as recited in claim 1, further comprising a closure
mechanism to releasably maintain the customizable panel in the
closed portion relative to the top portion.
8. A container as recited in claim 7, wherein the closure mechanism
is a zipper extending at least partially about the periphery of the
top portion.
9. A container as recited in claim 1, wherein the base portion, the
top portion, and the customizable panel are constructed of a
soft-sided material.
10. A container as recited in claim 1, wherein the customizable
panel is integrally formed with the top portion.
11. A container as recited in claim 1, wherein the customizable
panel is removable from the hinge.
12. A method of customizing an assembled container comprising:
receiving a container including a base portion, a sidewall
extending from the periphery of the base portion to define an open
storage compartment, a top portion pivotally fastened to the
sidewall and movable between an open position and a closed position
for opening and closing the open storage compartment, and a
customizable panel constructed from a printable material and being
hingedly coupled about a hinge to the top portion; releasable
detaching at least a portion of the customizable panel from the top
portion; moving the customizable panel to an opened position about
the hinge such that the customizable panel extends from the top
portion; and modifying the customizable panel.
13. A method as recited in claim 12, wherein modifying the
customizable panel comprises transferring a graphic onto the
customizable panel.
14. A method as recited in claim 13, wherein the graphic is at
least one of an image, a photograph, or a pattern.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a non-provisional application claiming
priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/981,521,
filed Apr. 18, 2014, and incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to containers, and
more particularly to a container with a hidden panel.
BACKGROUND OF RELATED ART
[0003] Containers of various sizes, shapes, materials, and purposes
are generally known in the art. In particular, containers with
printable surfaces are also known. For example, lunch bags or boxes
with photographs of one's favorite musician, athlete or even family
member are, and have been, common place for decades. Similarly,
backpacks, briefcases, and over-the-shoulder bags frequently
exhibit photographs, patterns and/or other images reflecting the
carrier's personal tastes and interests.
[0004] However, the act of printing on a printable surface of a
container can subject the container to harsh, potentially damaging,
effects. For example, dye-sublimation printing, i.e., the transfer
of dye onto materials through the application of heat, can melt,
disfigure or otherwise damage a container if proper precautions are
not taken to protect the container. Other printing and processing
techniques that apply heat, harsh chemicals, etc., to a particular
surface of a container may also result in container damage if
proper precautions are not taken. Often times, to avoid these harsh
effects, the surface must be printed or processed first prior to
assembly of the container to avoid any potentially damaging effects
associated with the printing or processing technique used.
[0005] However, it is sometimes not commercially feasible to first
print an image on the printable surface, and then assemble the
container, particularly when different entities perform the
printing and assembly processes. This is especially, although not
exclusively, true in the field of customizable or personalizable
items, in which a customer selects an image or photograph that he
or she desires to be printed on an object of his or her choosing,
e.g., a container, lunch bag, backpack, etc. It is usually more
commercially practicable to first manufacture a substantial
quantity of "blank" articles to be subsequently printed with the
custom graphic or photograph of each customer's choosing. Thus,
there is an identified need for a container with suitable
structural attributes that permit the container to be assembled
first and printed, or processed, second without the printing
technique, or other processing technique, damaging the
container.
[0006] A somewhat related issue is that the printable surface of
the container, after assembly, might be difficult to properly align
in the printing or image transfer apparatus, such that the
subsequent print or image transfer is not of desirable quality.
This is especially true in the case of heavy, bulky, or otherwise
unwieldy containers. Needless to say, the quality of the printing
or image transfer to the container surface is usually of paramount
importance to the customer. Thus, there is an additional need for a
container that has a printable surface that is capable of being
properly aligned in the printing or image transfer apparatus such
that, after printing, the container is undamaged and the printable
surface is of suitable print quality.
SUMMARY
[0007] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of
concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in
the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify
key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter,
nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed
subject matter.
[0008] An assembled container that incorporates a surface is
disclosed herein. The assembled container can be of any type,
shape, size, and/or material. The surface can be any surface that
may be subjected to further processing following the assembly of
the container, i.e., a post-container-assembly process. The surface
may be partially or completely detachable from the container, or
otherwise isolated from the container, such that the container is
not damaged by any post-container-assembly process performed on the
surface.
[0009] In some examples, the surface may be integrated into a panel
or other suitable structure that can partially or completely detach
from the container to enable effective post-container-assembly
processing. Following the post-container-assembly process, the
surface, along with the panel or other structure into which the
surface is integrated, may be reattached to the container via a
closure mechanism. In certain examples, the surface, and any panel
or other structure into which the surface is integrated, is
pivotably connected to the container.
[0010] In other examples, the surface, which may be a printable
surface, is incorporated into a lunch bag. The surface and a panel
into which the surface is integrated, if any, might be segregated
from the rest of the lunch bag by partially or completely detaching
from a second panel such that the lunch bag, and the second panel
in particular, is protected from damage during any post-lunch
bag-assembly process. The second panel may be a hidden panel that
is partially or completely obscured from view when the lunch bag is
subjected to ordinary use. Any suitable surface, lunch bag, and/or
panel geometry and structure that permits the surface to be
sufficiently isolated from the lunch bag during post-lunch
bag-assembly processing such that the lunch bag is not damaged by
the post-lunch bag-assembly process is within the scope of the
present disclosure. In some examples, the lunch bag or container
may be insulated.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] For a better understanding of the present disclosure,
reference may be had to various examples shown in the attached
drawings.
[0012] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of an example lunch bag
having a printable surface.
[0013] FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of the example lunch bag
of FIG. 1, showing a first closure mechanism of the example lunch
bag.
[0014] FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of the example lunch bag
of FIG. 1, showing the base portion of the example lunch bag.
[0015] FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of the example lunch bag
of FIG. 1, showing the compartment of the example lunch bag.
[0016] FIG. 5 depicts an enlarged perspective view of the example
lunch bag of FIG. 1, showing the first closure mechanism of the
example lunch bag partially hiding a second closure mechanism of
the example lunch bag.
[0017] FIG. 6 depicts an enlarged perspective view of the example
lunch bag of FIG. 1, showing the first closure mechanism of the
example lunch bag exposing the second closure mechanism of the
example lunch bag.
[0018] FIG. 7 depicts an enlarged perspective view of the example
lunch bag of FIG. 1, showing a first panel of the example lunch bag
unattached from a second panel of the example lunch bag.
[0019] FIG. 8 depicts a perspective view of the example lunch bag
of FIG. 1, showing an intra-panel compartment disposed between the
first panel and the second panel of the example lunch bag.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] The following description of example apparatus is not
intended to limit the scope of the description to the precise form
or forms detailed herein. Instead, the following description is
intended to be illustrative so that others may follow its
teachings.
[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates an example container, shown as a lunch
bag 100. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the
teachings of the present disclosure also apply to lunch boxes,
food-related containers, and non-food-related containers of various
types, shapes, sizes, and materials, without limitation. The shape
of the lunch bag 100 is primarily defined by a top portion 116, a
base portion 118, and a sidewall portion 104. The shapes of other
containers, e.g., lunch boxes, food containers, food packages,
backpacks, duffle bags, luggage, suitcases, garment bags,
briefcases, over-the-shoulder bags, drums, buckets, boxes,
canisters, barrels, jars, bottles, etc., may be primarily defined
by additional, fewer or different portions than a top portion, a
base portion, and a sidewall portion without departing from the
present disclosure. In this example, the lunch bag 100 is made of a
soft fabric material, but those of ordinary skill in the art will
understand that lunch bags and containers of varying material
types, hard and/or soft, are within the scope of the present
disclosure.
[0022] In this example the lunch bag 100, and more particularly the
top portion 116 is comprised of a first panel 120 having a
printable surface 102. In other example containers, the panel and
surface may not be part of a top portion of the container but
rather may be part of a different portion of the container, e.g., a
base portion, a sidewall portion, etc. The surface shown in the
lunch bag 100 is a printable surface 102, upon which images,
graphics, photographs, and/or patterns may be printed or
transferred. Any surface suitable for any type of
post-container-assembly process is within the scope of the present
disclosure. Printing, dyeing, chemical processing, heat treating,
rhinestone or jewel application, etc., are examples of
post-container-assembly processes. The execution of these and other
types of post-container-assembly processes might subject the lunch
bag 100, in view of its close proximity to the printable surface
102, to potential damage. The first panel 120 of the lunch bag 100
is pivotably connected to the sidewall portion 104 of the lunch bag
100 at a first pivotable connection 122. The first pivotable
connection 122 may be any suitable connection, e.g., a fabric fold,
a line of weakness, perforated fabric, scored fabric, a hinge, a
folded flap, a soft flap, a fabric flap, a flexible connector, a
resilient connector, etc. The example lunch bag 100 is closed via a
first closure mechanism, shown in FIG. 1 as a first zipper 106. The
first zipper 106 connects the first panel 120 to the sidewall
portion 104 of the lunch bag 100. The first zipper 106 has a first
zipper pull tab 108. Any suitable closure mechanism other than a
zipper may be used to close the container, e.g., snaps, buttons,
pressure-sensitive mechanical closures, pressure-sensitive
adhesives, etc. In other examples, the surface and/or the panel may
be partially or completely detachable from the container.
[0023] FIG. 1 also illustrates a carrying mechanism for the example
lunch bag 100. The carrying mechanism shown in FIG. 1 is a handle
110 comprised of a handle strap 114 and a lock 112. The lock
permits the handle 110 to separate into two distinct portions, such
that an object may be attached to the handle 110, e.g., a key ring,
a change purse, etc. The lock may be a fabric hook-and-loop type
fastener, a padlock, a key lock, a combination lock, a knot, a
snap, a zipper, a button, an adhesive, or any other suitable lock.
Other types and quantities of carrying mechanisms, with or without
various types of locks, are within the scope of the present
disclosure, including handles, grips, knobs, straps, etc. By way of
further example, heavy containers may have multiple carrying
mechanisms of sufficient strength to permit carrying the container.
On the other hand, no carrying mechanism may be necessary for
certain container types.
[0024] FIG. 2 illustrates the example lunch bag 100 of FIG. 1,
showing, specifically, the first zipper 106 of the example lunch
bag 100. The first zipper 106 is additionally comprised of first
zipper teeth 202 and first zipper tape 204. In this example, the
first zipper tape 204 is flexible, such that it permits movement of
the respective zipper halves of first zipper 106, as further
discussed below. It will be understood that various zipper types
and other closure mechanisms may be used in other example
containers and/or lunch bags.
[0025] FIG. 3 illustrates the base portion 118 of the example lunch
bag 100 of FIG. 1. In this example, the base portion 118 has a
pocket 302. The pocket 302 may store items that the user desires to
keep separate from the other contents held within the lunch bag
100. The pocket 302 may, but need not, have a pocket closure
mechanism. The pocket closure mechanism shown in FIG. 3 is a pocket
zipper 304. Other pocket closure mechanisms include, by way of
example only, snaps, buttons, pressure-sensitive mechanical
closures, pressure-sensitive adhesives, etc. Persons of ordinary
skill in the art will appreciate that, in other examples, the
pocket 302 may be located anywhere on the base portion 118, or on
any other suitable portion of the lunch bag 100. In still other
examples, a container may incorporate a plurality of pockets in
various locations on the container. Alternatively, a container
might not have any pockets.
[0026] FIG. 4 illustrates the example lunch bag 100 of FIG. 1 in an
opened configuration. When the first zipper 106 is unzipped, the
top portion 116, along with the first panel 120 and the printable
surface 102, can be partially detached from the lunch bag 100 to
provide access to a compartment 402. In some examples, the first
panel 120 may completely detach from the lunch bag 100.
[0027] The compartment 402 is the primary storage region for the
lunch bag 100. The compartment 402 is comprised of a compartment
base 404, a compartment top 408, and a compartment sidewall 406. In
this example, insulation 410 lines the compartment 402 to maintain
a steady temperature for the contents stored in the compartment
402. Other containers, depending on their purposes, may not require
insulation. One of skill in the art will appreciate that additional
compartment features, such as a heating element, an odor
eliminating element or product integrity element, e.g., shock
absorbing material such as foam, may be incorporated into
compartment 402 without departing from the scope of the present
disclosure.
[0028] As further shown in FIG. 4 as well as in FIG. 5, the example
lunch bag 100 also comprises a second panel 416 having a second
closure mechanism, shown as a second zipper 414. The second zipper
414 is partially hidden by the first zipper teeth 202 and the first
zipper tape 204. In this way, the second panel 416 appears to be
one and the same with the first panel 120. In other words, the
second panel 416 is hidden, or at least partially hidden. It will
be understood that in other examples, a second panel of a container
could be completely hidden, partially hidden or not hidden. For
certain containers, a hidden or partially hidden panel might be
desirable for security reasons.
[0029] Referring to FIG. 6, the first zipper tape 204 is shown
pulled back from the second zipper 414 such that the second zipper
414 and its second zipper teeth 502 are no longer hidden from view.
In this configuration, the user can more easily operate the second
closure mechanism. FIG. 6, thus, more clearly shows that the second
panel 416 is a distinct panel from the first panel 120.
[0030] FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate the second panel 416 partially
unattached from the first panel 120. In the example lunch bag 100,
the second panel 416 is pivotably connected to the first panel 120
and the rest of the lunch bag 100 via a second pivotable connection
806. As with the first pivotable connection 122, the second
pivotable connection 806 may be any suitable connection, e.g., a
fabric fold, a line of weakness, perforated fabric, scored fabric,
a hinge, a folded flap, a soft flap, a fabric flap, a flexible
connector, a resilient connector, etc. In other examples, a second
panel may be partially or completely detachable from the container.
The example lunch bag 100 further discloses an intra-panel
compartment 702 disposed between a first inner surface 802 of the
first panel 120 and a second inner surface 804 of the second panel
416. The intra-panel compartment 702 can be of any suitable size or
shape. The intra-panel compartment 702 can be used to store items
that the user desires to keep separate from those items stored in
the compartment 402 of the lunch bag 100. The intra-panel
compartment 702 might be insulated, although it need not be.
[0031] As noted above, certain high value items could be stored in
the intra-panel compartment 702, lunch money, for example. A
would-be thief would have no knowledge of the presence of any items
stored in the intra-panel compartment 702, particularly if the
first zipper tape 204 is positioned such that it hides, or at least
partially hides, the second zipper 414 from plain view.
[0032] FIG. 8 also illustrates how the first panel 120, which
further includes the printable surface 102, may be isolated from
the remainder of the example lunch bag 100. If, for example, it is
desired that a photograph, or other graphic, be transferred onto
the printable surface 102 of the lunch bag 100, then the first
panel 120 and the printable surface 102 can be partially detached
from the lunch bag 100 along the first pivotable connection 122. In
this way, any harsh effects, for example, heat damage, chemical
damage, etc., associated with the printing or image transfer
process will not damage the lunch bag 100. Moreover, it will
often-times be easier to properly align a partially or completely
detached printable surface in a printing press or image transfer
apparatus, resulting in a higher print quality.
[0033] On the other hand, if the first panel 120 and the printable
surface 102 could not be isolated from the second panel 416, then
the heat generated by the printing process could melt the
insulation 410 disposed on the compartment top 408 of the
compartment 402. Print quality may also suffer depending on whether
the lunch bag geometry might make printing press alignment
difficult.
[0034] Thus, by partially detaching, or otherwise isolating, the
first panel 120 and the printable surface 102 from the second panel
416 and the remainder of the lunch bag 100, the lunch bag 100 can
be fully manufactured and assembled prior to printing (or other
post-assembly process). This is often the only commercially
feasible way to manufacture customizable or personalizable items
such as the example lunch bag 100. Moreover, isolating the first
panel 120 and the printable surface 102 from the second panel 416
also helps to ensure that the lunch bag's 100 integrity is
preserved and desirable print quality on the printable surface 102
is obtained. In other examples, a container having a completely
detachable first panel would provide the same benefits.
[0035] Although certain example apparatus have been described
herein, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited
thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all apparatus and
articles of manufacture fairly falling within the scope of the
appended claims either literally or under the doctrine of
equivalents.
[0036] Although certain example methods and apparatus have been
described herein, the scope of coverage of this patent is not
limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all methods,
apparatus, and articles of manufacture fairly falling within the
scope of the appended claims either literally or under the doctrine
of equivalents.
* * * * *