US20160159527A1 - Bag opening apparatus - Google Patents
Bag opening apparatus Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20160159527A1 US20160159527A1 US14/561,266 US201414561266A US2016159527A1 US 20160159527 A1 US20160159527 A1 US 20160159527A1 US 201414561266 A US201414561266 A US 201414561266A US 2016159527 A1 US2016159527 A1 US 2016159527A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- bag
- strap
- edge
- straps
- main section
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D33/00—Details of, or accessories for, sacks or bags
- B65D33/007—Details of, or accessories for, sacks or bags for facilitating the separation of the two walls, e.g. walls of inequal height, tabs; for maintaining the mouth of the sack or bag open
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D33/00—Details of, or accessories for, sacks or bags
- B65D33/16—End- or aperture-closing arrangements or devices
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D33/00—Details of, or accessories for, sacks or bags
- B65D33/16—End- or aperture-closing arrangements or devices
- B65D33/25—Riveting; Dovetailing; Screwing; using press buttons or slide fasteners
- B65D33/2508—Riveting; Dovetailing; Screwing; using press buttons or slide fasteners using slide fasteners with interlocking members having a substantially uniform section throughout the length of the fastener; Sliders therefor
Definitions
- the present invention relates to resealable plastic bags. More specifically, the present invention relates to mechanisms for opening and then holding such a plastic bag open with one hand while placing items into the bag.
- Plastic bags are well known in the prior art. Some published estimates indicate more than a trillion plastic bags are used worldwide each year.
- Plastic bags are popular for many reasons. They are inexpensive to produce in a variety of sizes. They are easily labeled. They are generally moisture impervious. As such, when the bags are sealed, items in the bag are protected from moisture from the outside. Likewise, when moist items or even liquids are placed in the bag and the bag is properly sealed, moisture cannot escape.
- FIG. 1 One suitable mechanism for sealing a plastic bag well known in the prior art is known as a zip-lock.
- FIG. 1 An example of such a zip-lock is shown in FIG. 1 .
- the opening 7 of the bag 1 has two sides 2 and 4 which are brought into parallel alignment with each other.
- Side 2 has a receiving structure 6 extending along the entire length of side 2 .
- the receiving structure 6 has an elongate channel 8 defined by a pair of walls 10 and 12 . Each wall has a locking element 14 extending toward the center of the channel 8 .
- Side 4 has an elongate projection 18 extending the entire length of side 4 and comprising a neck 20 and a head 22 .
- the head 22 is wider than the neck 20 such that ledges 24 and 26 exist at the intersection of the head 22 and neck 20 .
- the head 22 is sized to be forced into the elongate channel 8 such that the ledges 24 and 26 engage the locking elements 14 to capture the head 22 in the receiving structure 6 .
- the tolerances are such that no substantial amount of fluid can pass through the opening of the bag when the elongate projection 18 is fully mated with the elongate receiving structure 6 .
- the bag can be opened by pulling the head 22 out of the elongate channel 8 .
- the bag is resealed by inserting the head 22 back into the elongated channel 22 along the entire length of the opening.
- Bags having the zip lock closure mechanism disclosed above are used for a variety of purposes. In the kitchen, such bags are used to store foods, marinate meats, store mixtures including liquids such as soups, chili and gravy, among a variety of other tasks. Such bags are used to store baby food, baby supplies and diapers (wet or dry). Such bags are used in the shop to store small parts (such as screws, nails, nuts, bolts and washers), tools and paint brushes, even when wet with paint. Such bags are also used to store cleaning supplies and chemicals, and chemicals used to treat lawns and swimming pools. The utility of such bags makes them well suited for a variety of uses.
- plastic bags Unlike other plastic containers having rigid walls, plastic bags have thin, flexible walls. This offers a number of advantages related to compact storage. However, there is also one significant disadvantage. Holding the bag open when placing items in the bag can be a problem. This is particularly true when placing items in the bag (like a wet paint brush or wet paint roller or a soiled baby diaper) when it is undesirable for a portion of the item to contact with the outside of the bag, structures surrounding the baa or the clothing or skin of the person using the bag. This is also true when trying to deposit liquids or powders in a bag without spilling. Thus, there is a real need for a mechanism which permits a bag to be held open with one hand so the other hand of the user may be employed to place or pour items into the bag.
- the present invention is used in conjunction with a plastic bag having a mechanism that is able to seal and reseal the bag.
- the present invention comprises a pair of straps adhered to opposite sides of the bag proximate the bag opening and the mechanism used to seal and reseal the bag.
- the straps extend substantially the entire width of the bag and at least one of the straps may be provided with at least one end extending beyond an edge of the bag.
- the straps also each have a downwardly extending stop adjacent at least one edge of the bag.
- a stabilization pad may be placed over the outside edge of the stop.
- the straps may also include a living hinge or be made of a material which is of a thickness that causes the two straps to bow outwardly in the middle away from each other when a compressive force is applied to the two ends of the straps.
- the stops of the straps along one edge of the bag are placed in contact with the edge of a surface such as a table top, counter top or sink.
- the user using one hand, then pushes on the opposite end of the two straps creating a compressive force between the surface and the user's hand. This causes the straps to bow outwardly away from each other and the bag to open.
- One or more items may then be placed in the bag. If the bag is sufficiently narrow, this compressive force may be applied by squeezing the two ends of the straps between the thumb and forefinger of one hand of the user. When the compressive force is removed, the straps return back to a straight, rather than bowed, orientation drawing the bag closed. The bag is then sealed using the zip lock or similar bag sealing mechanism.
- FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view which shows a bag sealing mechanism well known in the prior art.
- FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view like that of FIG. 1 to which an embodiment of a mechanism for holding the bag open has been added.
- FIG. 3 is a first side elevational view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 4 is a side view of the strap shown in FIG. 3 .
- FIG. 5 is a second side elevational view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 6 is a side view of the strap shown in FIG. 5 .
- FIG. 7 is a first side view of a first alternative embodiment.
- FIG. 8 is a side view of the strap shown in FIG. 7 .
- FIG. 9 is a second side view of the first alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 7 .
- FIG. 10 is a side view of the strap shown in FIG. 9 .
- FIG. 11 is a side view of a first strap of a second alternative embodiment.
- FIG. 12 is a side view of a second strap of the second alternative embodiment of FIG. 11 .
- FIG. 13 is a side view of the strap shown in FIG. 4 with an engagement pad coupled to the stop.
- FIG. 14 is a side view of the strap shown in FIGS. 8 and 18 with engagement pads coupled to the stops.
- FIG. 15 is a side elevational view showing how the working end of the straps of FIGS. 3, 4, 7-10 or 13 and 14 cooperate with a tabletop, countertop or inside edge of a sink.
- FIG. 16 is a top view showing how the working end of the straps shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 7-10, 13 and 14 cooperate with a tabletop, countertop or inside edge of a sink before the bag is opened.
- FIG. 17 is a top view like that of FIG. 16 but with the bag open.
- FIG. 18 is a top view showing how the working end of the straps shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 cooperate with a tabletop, countertop or inside edge of a sink with the bag opened.
- FIG. 19 is a top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 with an engagement pad coupled to the stops.
- FIG. 20 is a side view of one of the straps and the engagement pad shown in FIG. 19 .
- FIGS. 2-6 are presented to show a first embodiment of the present invention.
- These drawings show a bag 1 having sides 2 and 4 which are bonded together at edges 3 and 5 .
- the top 7 is able to open and close and is adapted to allow items to be placed into or removed from the bag 1 .
- a zip lock style sealing mechanism comprising a receiving structure 6 formed as a part of or attached to side 2 and a projection 18 formed as a part of or attached to side 4 ,
- the receiving structure 6 is elongate and extends substantially the entire width of side 2 from edge 3 to edge 5 .
- the projection 18 is elongate and extends substantially the entire width of side 4 of the bag 1 from edge 3 to edge 5 .
- the projection 18 is mated with the receiving structure along the entire width of the bag as illustrated in FIG. 2 to seal the opening 7 .
- the projection 18 is pulled out of the receiving structure 6 .
- Bags having a receiving structure and project different than those specifically shown in FIG. 2 are well known in the prior art. The reader should therefore understand that any suitable receiving structure and projection, and any other closure mechanism, is with the scope of the invention and there is no intention to limit the scope of the invention to the specific closure mechanism shown.
- FIGS. 2-6 also show features that permit the bag 1 to be readily opened and held open using one hand of a user. These features include a strap 40 adhered to or otherwise coupled to side 2 of the bag 1 and a strap 50 adhered to or otherwise coupled to side 4 of the bag. Straps 40 and 50 may also be integrally formed with the bag 1 . As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , strap 40 includes a main section 42 which extends from edge 3 to edge 5 and is mounted proximate the top opening 7 of the bag. The strap 40 also includes a stop 44 adjacent edge 3 of the bag 1 which projects downwardly from the main section 42 . Stop 44 has an engagement surface 45 which extends generally parallel to edge 3 . Strap 40 also includes an extension 46 which extends outwardly past the edge 3 of the bag 1 from the main section 42 and stop 44 of the strap 40 . Extension 46 has a bottom engagement surface 47 .
- strap 50 has a main section 52 which extends the width of side 4 between edges 3 and 5 .
- the strap 50 has a stop 54 adjacent edge 3 .
- Stop 54 has an engagement surface 56 .
- Engagement surface 56 is generally parallel to edge 3 and engagement surface 45 of stop 44 .
- FIGS. 7-10 show a second embodiment in which straps 140 and 150 have the same shape. Strap 140 is coupled to side 2 of the bag 1 while strap 150 is coupled to side 4 of the bag 1 . As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 , strap 140 has a main section 142 extending between two stops 144 and 144 ′. The stops 144 and 144 ′ each have an engagement surface 145 and 145 ′ parallel to or along the same line as the associated edge 3 or 5 of bag 1 . The strap 140 also has extensions 146 and 146 ′ extending beyond the sides 3 and 5 of the bag 1 . The extensions 146 and 146 ′ have lower engagement surfaces 147 and 147 ′. As shown in FIGS.
- strap 150 has a main section 152 , stops 154 and 154 ′ at opposite ends of the main section and extensions 156 and 156 ′ extending beyond the edges 5 and 3 from the main section 152 and stops 154 and 154 ′.
- the stops 154 and 154 ′ have outer engagement surfaces 155 and 155 ′.
- the extensions 156 and 156 ′ have lower engagement surfaces 157 and 157 ′.
- FIGS. 11 and 12 each show another embodiment of the straps.
- the strap 240 shown in FIG. 11 is intended to replace strap 140 shown in FIG. 7 and mounted at the same location shown in FIG. 7 on side 2 of bag 1 .
- the strap 250 shown in FIG. 12 is intended to replace strap 150 shown in FIG. 9 and mounted to the bag 1 at the same location.
- Strap 240 has a main section 242 , a pair of stops 244 and 244 ′ having engagement surfaces 245 and 245 ′, and a pair of extensions 246 and 246 ′ having engagement surfaces 247 and 247 ′.
- the engagement surfaces 246 and 246 ′ also each include an arch section 248 and 248 ′.
- Strap 250 has a main section 252 , and stop sections 254 and 254 ′ having engagement surfaces 255 and 255 ′. Strap 250 also has extensions 256 and 256 ′ having engagement surfaces 257 and 257 ′. In this embodiment, the extensions 256 and 256 ′ are adapted to pass through the arches 248 and 248 ′ of strap 240 shown in FIG. 11 .
- FIG. 13 shows still another embodiment of a strap similar to that shown in FIG. 4 .
- an engagement pad 300 has been added which wraps around the stop 44 and covers a portion of engagement surface 45 .
- This pad may be coated with an adhesive or made of a frictitious material.
- This pad may also provide an increased area of thickness to the apparatus which will also inhibit slipping of the straps when engaged with a tabletop, countertop, inside edge of a sink or other stable structure. This may be achieved as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 .
- the pad 300 is shown extending perpendicularly from the longitudinal direction of the straps 40 and 50 and the sides 2 and 4 of the bag.
- FIG. 14 shows similar pads 300 and 300 coupled to the stops 155 and 155 ′ of FIG. 10 and similar pads 302 and 302 ′ coupled to extensions 156 and 156 ′ so as to cover engagement surfaces 157 and 157 ′.
- the engagement pads rather than wrapping around the stop may extend perpendicularly from one or both sides of the stop to provide an engagement surface which is wider than the end of the strap.
- FIGS. 15-17 illustrate how the embodiments shown in FIGS. 3-6 and 7-10 are used to open and then retain the top opening 7 of the bag 1 in the open position.
- FIG. 15 shows a tabletop 400 supported by legs such as legs 402 . While a tabletop is illustrated, any other suitable structure, such as a countertop, shelf, workbench or inside edge of a sink may be used instead.
- the strap 40 is placed in proximity to the edge of the tabletop 400 such that the engagement surface 47 of extension 46 engages the top surface 406 of the tabletop 400 and the engagement surface 45 of the stop 44 engages the edge 408 of the tabletop 400 . This will similarly bring engagement surface 55 of stop 55 of strap 52 into engagement with the edge 408 of the tabletop 400 .
- pads When engagement pads such as 300 are employed, the pads reside between the side edge 408 of the tabletop 400 and the engagement surfaces 45 and 55 to prevent or inhibit the engagement surfaces 45 and 55 from sliding along the tabletop 400 . Likewise, pads such as 302 ′ residing between engagement surface 47 and the top surface 406 of the tabletop 400 can help inhibit or prevent such sliding.
- FIG. 18 shows the embodiment of FIGS. 11 and 12 being employed with a tabletop, countertop, workbench, sink or other stable surface to hold the bag 1 open. Note how extension members 246 and 256 cross. This is because extension member 256 passes through the arch 248 of extension member 246 .
- the straps of the various embodiments may be made of plastics, metals or other materials which are stiff enough to support the bag 1 in the open position, flexible enough to permit the strap to bow when a compressive force is applied and resilient enough to return to a straight orientation when the compressive force is removed.
- the dimensions of the strap may be altered based on the materials used and adapted for bags of varying sizes. As such, the invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed herein, but also covers a full range of equivalents.
- the apparatus may be advantageously used by placing the bag in a sink with the extension members in contact with the top rim of the sink and the engagement surfaces of the stops in contact with the wall of the sink at a corner of the sink.
- the angle of the sink corner prevents the stops from sliding along the sink. Further, the sink will catch any spillage which may occur when placing liquids or powders in the bag.
- the compressive force used to open the bag and then hold it open may be supplied by the thumb and forefinger of one hand of the user. The user's other hand may then be employed to deposit material or other items into the bag.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Purses, Travelling Bags, Baskets, Or Suitcases (AREA)
Abstract
Opening and then retaining a bag in an open state is achieved by mounting resilient straps parallel to each other on opposite sides of the bag proximate to the bag opening. A compressive force applied to the opposite ends of the two straps will cause them to bow outwardly and thereby open the bag so that materials and items may be deposited in the bag. Removal of the compressive force allows the straps to straighten, closing the bag, so that the bag may then be sealed using any of a variety of well-known closure mechanisms.
Description
- Not applicable
- Not applicable
- I. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates to resealable plastic bags. More specifically, the present invention relates to mechanisms for opening and then holding such a plastic bag open with one hand while placing items into the bag.
- II. Discussion of Related Art
- Plastic bags are well known in the prior art. Some published estimates indicate more than a trillion plastic bags are used worldwide each year.
- Plastic bags are popular for many reasons. They are inexpensive to produce in a variety of sizes. They are easily labeled. They are generally moisture impervious. As such, when the bags are sealed, items in the bag are protected from moisture from the outside. Likewise, when moist items or even liquids are placed in the bag and the bag is properly sealed, moisture cannot escape.
- One suitable mechanism for sealing a plastic bag well known in the prior art is known as a zip-lock. An example of such a zip-lock is shown in
FIG. 1 . As illustrated inFIG. 1 , theopening 7 of thebag 1 has twosides Side 2 has areceiving structure 6 extending along the entire length ofside 2. Thereceiving structure 6 has anelongate channel 8 defined by a pair ofwalls 10 and 12. Each wall has alocking element 14 extending toward the center of thechannel 8.Side 4 has anelongate projection 18 extending the entire length ofside 4 and comprising aneck 20 and ahead 22. Thehead 22 is wider than theneck 20 such that ledges 24 and 26 exist at the intersection of thehead 22 andneck 20. Thehead 22 is sized to be forced into theelongate channel 8 such that the ledges 24 and 26 engage thelocking elements 14 to capture thehead 22 in thereceiving structure 6. The tolerances are such that no substantial amount of fluid can pass through the opening of the bag when theelongate projection 18 is fully mated with theelongate receiving structure 6. The bag can be opened by pulling thehead 22 out of theelongate channel 8. The bag is resealed by inserting thehead 22 back into theelongated channel 22 along the entire length of the opening. - Bags having the zip lock closure mechanism disclosed above are used for a variety of purposes. In the kitchen, such bags are used to store foods, marinate meats, store mixtures including liquids such as soups, chili and gravy, among a variety of other tasks. Such bags are used to store baby food, baby supplies and diapers (wet or dry). Such bags are used in the shop to store small parts (such as screws, nails, nuts, bolts and washers), tools and paint brushes, even when wet with paint. Such bags are also used to store cleaning supplies and chemicals, and chemicals used to treat lawns and swimming pools. The utility of such bags makes them well suited for a variety of uses.
- Unlike other plastic containers having rigid walls, plastic bags have thin, flexible walls. This offers a number of advantages related to compact storage. However, there is also one significant disadvantage. Holding the bag open when placing items in the bag can be a problem. This is particularly true when placing items in the bag (like a wet paint brush or wet paint roller or a soiled baby diaper) when it is undesirable for a portion of the item to contact with the outside of the bag, structures surrounding the baa or the clothing or skin of the person using the bag. This is also true when trying to deposit liquids or powders in a bag without spilling. Thus, there is a real need for a mechanism which permits a bag to be held open with one hand so the other hand of the user may be employed to place or pour items into the bag.
- The present invention is used in conjunction with a plastic bag having a mechanism that is able to seal and reseal the bag. The present invention comprises a pair of straps adhered to opposite sides of the bag proximate the bag opening and the mechanism used to seal and reseal the bag. The straps extend substantially the entire width of the bag and at least one of the straps may be provided with at least one end extending beyond an edge of the bag. The straps also each have a downwardly extending stop adjacent at least one edge of the bag. A stabilization pad may be placed over the outside edge of the stop. The straps may also include a living hinge or be made of a material which is of a thickness that causes the two straps to bow outwardly in the middle away from each other when a compressive force is applied to the two ends of the straps.
- When in use, the stops of the straps along one edge of the bag are placed in contact with the edge of a surface such as a table top, counter top or sink. The user, using one hand, then pushes on the opposite end of the two straps creating a compressive force between the surface and the user's hand. This causes the straps to bow outwardly away from each other and the bag to open. One or more items may then be placed in the bag. If the bag is sufficiently narrow, this compressive force may be applied by squeezing the two ends of the straps between the thumb and forefinger of one hand of the user. When the compressive force is removed, the straps return back to a straight, rather than bowed, orientation drawing the bag closed. The bag is then sealed using the zip lock or similar bag sealing mechanism.
-
FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view which shows a bag sealing mechanism well known in the prior art. -
FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view like that ofFIG. 1 to which an embodiment of a mechanism for holding the bag open has been added. -
FIG. 3 is a first side elevational view of the embodiment shown inFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 4 is a side view of the strap shown inFIG. 3 . -
FIG. 5 is a second side elevational view of the embodiment shown inFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 6 is a side view of the strap shown inFIG. 5 . -
FIG. 7 is a first side view of a first alternative embodiment. -
FIG. 8 is a side view of the strap shown inFIG. 7 . -
FIG. 9 is a second side view of the first alternative embodiment shown inFIG. 7 . -
FIG. 10 is a side view of the strap shown inFIG. 9 . -
FIG. 11 is a side view of a first strap of a second alternative embodiment. -
FIG. 12 is a side view of a second strap of the second alternative embodiment ofFIG. 11 . -
FIG. 13 is a side view of the strap shown inFIG. 4 with an engagement pad coupled to the stop. -
FIG. 14 is a side view of the strap shown inFIGS. 8 and 18 with engagement pads coupled to the stops. -
FIG. 15 is a side elevational view showing how the working end of the straps ofFIGS. 3, 4, 7-10 or 13 and 14 cooperate with a tabletop, countertop or inside edge of a sink. -
FIG. 16 is a top view showing how the working end of the straps shown inFIGS. 3, 4, 7-10, 13 and 14 cooperate with a tabletop, countertop or inside edge of a sink before the bag is opened. -
FIG. 17 is a top view like that ofFIG. 16 but with the bag open. -
FIG. 18 is a top view showing how the working end of the straps shown inFIGS. 11 and 12 cooperate with a tabletop, countertop or inside edge of a sink with the bag opened. -
FIG. 19 is a top view of the embodiment shown inFIG. 3 with an engagement pad coupled to the stops. -
FIG. 20 is a side view of one of the straps and the engagement pad shown inFIG. 19 . - The following discussion is presented to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use the present teachings. Various modifications to the illustrated embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the principles described herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the present invention. Thus, the present invention is riot intended to be limited to embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. The following detailed description is to be read with reference to the figures, in which like elements in different figures have like reference numerals. The figures, which are not necessarily to scale, depict selected embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Skilled artisans will recognize many useful alternatives to the teachings and the examples provided herein falling within the scope of the invention exist and may be employed without deviating from the invention.
-
FIGS. 2-6 are presented to show a first embodiment of the present invention. These drawings show abag 1 havingsides edges bag 1. In close proximity to top 7 is a zip lock style sealing mechanism comprising a receivingstructure 6 formed as a part of or attached toside 2 and aprojection 18 formed as a part of or attached toside 4, The receivingstructure 6 is elongate and extends substantially the entire width ofside 2 fromedge 3 toedge 5. Likewise, theprojection 18 is elongate and extends substantially the entire width ofside 4 of thebag 1 fromedge 3 toedge 5. Theprojection 18 is mated with the receiving structure along the entire width of the bag as illustrated inFIG. 2 to seal theopening 7. To open thebag 1, theprojection 18 is pulled out of the receivingstructure 6. Bags having a receiving structure and project different than those specifically shown inFIG. 2 are well known in the prior art. The reader should therefore understand that any suitable receiving structure and projection, and any other closure mechanism, is with the scope of the invention and there is no intention to limit the scope of the invention to the specific closure mechanism shown. -
FIGS. 2-6 also show features that permit thebag 1 to be readily opened and held open using one hand of a user. These features include astrap 40 adhered to or otherwise coupled toside 2 of thebag 1 and astrap 50 adhered to or otherwise coupled toside 4 of the bag.Straps bag 1. As shown inFIGS. 3 and 4 ,strap 40 includes amain section 42 which extends fromedge 3 to edge 5 and is mounted proximate thetop opening 7 of the bag. Thestrap 40 also includes astop 44adjacent edge 3 of thebag 1 which projects downwardly from themain section 42.Stop 44 has anengagement surface 45 which extends generally parallel toedge 3.Strap 40 also includes anextension 46 which extends outwardly past theedge 3 of thebag 1 from themain section 42 and stop 44 of thestrap 40.Extension 46 has abottom engagement surface 47. - As shown in
FIGS. 5 and 6 ,strap 50 has amain section 52 which extends the width ofside 4 betweenedges strap 50 has astop 54adjacent edge 3.Stop 54 has anengagement surface 56.Engagement surface 56 is generally parallel toedge 3 andengagement surface 45 ofstop 44. -
FIGS. 7-10 show a second embodiment in which straps 140 and 150 have the same shape.Strap 140 is coupled toside 2 of thebag 1 whilestrap 150 is coupled toside 4 of thebag 1. As shown inFIGS. 7 and 8 ,strap 140 has amain section 142 extending between twostops stops engagement surface edge bag 1. Thestrap 140 also hasextensions sides bag 1. Theextensions lower engagement surfaces FIGS. 9 and 10 ,strap 150 has amain section 152, stops 154 and 154′ at opposite ends of the main section andextensions edges main section 152 and stops 154 and 154′. Thestops extensions lower engagement surfaces -
FIGS. 11 and 12 each show another embodiment of the straps. Thestrap 240 shown inFIG. 11 is intended to replacestrap 140 shown inFIG. 7 and mounted at the same location shown inFIG. 7 onside 2 ofbag 1. Likewise, thestrap 250 shown inFIG. 12 is intended to replacestrap 150 shown inFIG. 9 and mounted to thebag 1 at the same location.Strap 240 has amain section 242, a pair ofstops engagement surfaces extensions engagement surfaces arch section Strap 250 has amain section 252, and stopsections engagement surfaces Strap 250 also hasextensions engagement surfaces extensions arches strap 240 shown inFIG. 11 . -
FIG. 13 shows still another embodiment of a strap similar to that shown inFIG. 4 . In this embodiment, anengagement pad 300 has been added which wraps around thestop 44 and covers a portion ofengagement surface 45. This pad may be coated with an adhesive or made of a frictitious material. This pad may also provide an increased area of thickness to the apparatus which will also inhibit slipping of the straps when engaged with a tabletop, countertop, inside edge of a sink or other stable structure. This may be achieved as shown inFIGS. 19 and 20 . Here, thepad 300 is shown extending perpendicularly from the longitudinal direction of thestraps sides -
FIG. 14 showssimilar pads stops FIG. 10 andsimilar pads extensions -
FIGS. 15-17 illustrate how the embodiments shown inFIGS. 3-6 and 7-10 are used to open and then retain thetop opening 7 of thebag 1 in the open position.FIG. 15 shows atabletop 400 supported by legs such aslegs 402. While a tabletop is illustrated, any other suitable structure, such as a countertop, shelf, workbench or inside edge of a sink may be used instead. To open the bag, thestrap 40 is placed in proximity to the edge of thetabletop 400 such that theengagement surface 47 ofextension 46 engages thetop surface 406 of thetabletop 400 and theengagement surface 45 of thestop 44 engages theedge 408 of thetabletop 400. This will similarly bringengagement surface 55 ofstop 55 ofstrap 52 into engagement with theedge 408 of thetabletop 400. When engagement pads such as 300 are employed, the pads reside between theside edge 408 of thetabletop 400 and the engagement surfaces 45 and 55 to prevent or inhibit the engagement surfaces 45 and 55 from sliding along thetabletop 400. Likewise, pads such as 302′ residing betweenengagement surface 47 and thetop surface 406 of thetabletop 400 can help inhibit or prevent such sliding. - With the
straps FIGS. 15-17 , a user with her or his hand pushes on the opposite end of thestraps tabletop 400 and the user's hand. This causes thestraps bag 1 to open as shown inFIG. 17 . When thebag 1 is open, engagement between theextension 46 and the tabletop preventsedge 3 of thebag 1 from falling. The user holding the other end of thestraps edge 5 from falling. To allow the bag to close, the user relieves the compressive force and thestraps FIG. 16 . -
FIG. 18 shows the embodiment ofFIGS. 11 and 12 being employed with a tabletop, countertop, workbench, sink or other stable surface to hold thebag 1 open. Note howextension members extension member 256 passes through thearch 248 ofextension member 246. - Those skilled in the art will recognized from the foregoing that the straps of the various embodiments may be made of plastics, metals or other materials which are stiff enough to support the
bag 1 in the open position, flexible enough to permit the strap to bow when a compressive force is applied and resilient enough to return to a straight orientation when the compressive force is removed. Those skilled in the art will also recognize that the dimensions of the strap may be altered based on the materials used and adapted for bags of varying sizes. As such, the invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed herein, but also covers a full range of equivalents. - Further, while the drawings show the apparatus being employed in combination with a tabletop, in many situations the apparatus may be advantageously used by placing the bag in a sink with the extension members in contact with the top rim of the sink and the engagement surfaces of the stops in contact with the wall of the sink at a corner of the sink. The angle of the sink corner prevents the stops from sliding along the sink. Further, the sink will catch any spillage which may occur when placing liquids or powders in the bag.
- Also, in the case of a sufficiently narrow bag, the compressive force used to open the bag and then hold it open may be supplied by the thumb and forefinger of one hand of the user. The user's other hand may then be employed to deposit material or other items into the bag.
- The foregoing discussion of various embodiments of the invention is not intended to be limiting. They are instead intended to describe the invention in sufficient detail to enable one of ordinary skill in the art. The scope of the invention is only limited by the following claims.
Claims (11)
1. For a bag having first and second sides joined together at first and second edges and a top, an apparatus for opening the top and holding the top open comprising:
(a) a first strap having two ends and extending along the first side of the bag proximate the top of the bag, said first strap having a main section which extends from the first edge to the second edge, a stop adjacent the first edge protecting downwardly from the main section of the first strap and an extension extending outwardly past the first edge from the main section of the first strap; and
(b) a second strap having two ends extending along the second side of the bag proximate the top of the bag, said second strap having a main section which extends from the first edge to the second edge of the bag, and a stop adjacent the first edge of the bag projecting downwardly from the main section of the second strap
wherein said first and second straps are adapted to bow outwardly away from each other when a compressive force is applied at the two ends of the straps and such bowing causes the top to open and be held open.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first and second straps are made of a resilient material which causes the straps to straighten thereby closing the top of the bag when the compressive force is no longer present.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the second strap also has an extension extending outwardly past the first edge.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the extension of the first strap and the extension of the second strap are adapted to cross each other when the compressive force is applied.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least one of the first and second straps has a stop adjacent the second edge of the bag projecting downwardly from the main section.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least one of the first and second straps has a stop adjacent to the second edge of the bag projecting downwardly from the main section and an extension projecting outwardly past the second edge from the main section.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 further including an engagement pad coupled to the stop.
8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the engagement pad wraps around the stop.
9. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the engagement pad extends perpendicularly from the stop.
10. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the engagement pad has a surface coated with a material which produces friction.
11. For a bag having first and second sides joined together at first and second edges and a top, an apparatus for opening the top and holding the top open comprising:
(a) a first strap having two ends and extending along the first side of the bag proximate the top of the bag, said first strap having a main section which extends from the first edge to the second edge, and a stop adjacent the first edge projecting downwardly from the main section of the first strap;
(b) a second strap having two ends extending along the second side of the bag proximate the top of the bag, said second strap having a main section which extends from the first edge to the second edge of the bag, and a stop adjacent the first edge of the bag projecting downwardly from the main section of the second strap; and
(c) an engagement pad coupled to and extending perpendicularly from the stop of at least one of the first and second straps;
wherein said first and second straps are adapted to bow outwardly away from each other when a compressive force is applied at the two ends of the straps and such bowing causes the top to open and be held open.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/561,266 US20160159527A1 (en) | 2014-12-05 | 2014-12-05 | Bag opening apparatus |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/561,266 US20160159527A1 (en) | 2014-12-05 | 2014-12-05 | Bag opening apparatus |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20160159527A1 true US20160159527A1 (en) | 2016-06-09 |
Family
ID=56093614
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/561,266 Abandoned US20160159527A1 (en) | 2014-12-05 | 2014-12-05 | Bag opening apparatus |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20160159527A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20230255334A1 (en) * | 2022-02-16 | 2023-08-17 | Yeti Coolers, Llc | Container with resealable closure |
US11958676B2 (en) | 2017-03-08 | 2024-04-16 | Yeti Coolers, Llc | Container with magnetic closure |
US11992103B2 (en) | 2017-03-08 | 2024-05-28 | Yeti Coolers, Llc | Container with magnetic closure |
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US2873905A (en) * | 1955-10-03 | 1959-02-17 | Harvey R Denton | Bag and header therefor including bag supporting means |
US6052918A (en) * | 1999-07-09 | 2000-04-25 | James G. Oletzke | Portable unitary drying device |
US20030222040A1 (en) * | 2002-01-11 | 2003-12-04 | Tom Boysen | Storage apparatus mountable onto a support structure for hanging clothing-related articles |
US7081078B2 (en) * | 2000-01-14 | 2006-07-25 | Molins Plc | Infusion packages and corresponding manufacturing methods |
US20100230407A1 (en) * | 2009-03-10 | 2010-09-16 | Savage Danielle Z | Flexible package and method thereof |
US20110303626A1 (en) * | 2010-06-14 | 2011-12-15 | Thomas Arthur Roenne | Sink rack and system for supporting large frying pans horizontally within the confines of a kitchen sink |
-
2014
- 2014-12-05 US US14/561,266 patent/US20160159527A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2873905A (en) * | 1955-10-03 | 1959-02-17 | Harvey R Denton | Bag and header therefor including bag supporting means |
US6052918A (en) * | 1999-07-09 | 2000-04-25 | James G. Oletzke | Portable unitary drying device |
US7081078B2 (en) * | 2000-01-14 | 2006-07-25 | Molins Plc | Infusion packages and corresponding manufacturing methods |
US20030222040A1 (en) * | 2002-01-11 | 2003-12-04 | Tom Boysen | Storage apparatus mountable onto a support structure for hanging clothing-related articles |
US20100230407A1 (en) * | 2009-03-10 | 2010-09-16 | Savage Danielle Z | Flexible package and method thereof |
US20110303626A1 (en) * | 2010-06-14 | 2011-12-15 | Thomas Arthur Roenne | Sink rack and system for supporting large frying pans horizontally within the confines of a kitchen sink |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11958676B2 (en) | 2017-03-08 | 2024-04-16 | Yeti Coolers, Llc | Container with magnetic closure |
US11992103B2 (en) | 2017-03-08 | 2024-05-28 | Yeti Coolers, Llc | Container with magnetic closure |
US20230255334A1 (en) * | 2022-02-16 | 2023-08-17 | Yeti Coolers, Llc | Container with resealable closure |
US11992104B2 (en) * | 2022-02-16 | 2024-05-28 | Yeti Coolers, Llc | Container with resealable closure |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |