Abstract: A luggage container includes: a main compartment having a front side and a backside; a cover portion coupled to the main compartment to cover the front side of the main compartment and configured to be open or closed via a first opening/closing mechanism element to expose or cover the main compartment; an expandable portion extendingly coupled to the main compartment, the expandable portion comprising a second opening/closing mechanism element; a storage compartment including an opening portion formed at the expandable portion and a pocket portion extending from the opening portion such that the pocket portion of the storage compartment is located in the main compartment; and a strap having a first locking structure and a second locking structure that are configured to be locked or unlocked, the strap coupled to an inner portion of the storage compartment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements for shopping and merchandise bags with integral handles. Disclosed is a bag with integral handles and closure elements located below the integral handles. Further disclosed is a process for manufacturing a reclosable bag with integral handles. The handles and bag may be formed from a wave-cut polymeric tube. In addition, the handles of the bag may be formed from a wave-cut polymeric tube while the body of the bag is formed from a side-gusseted polymeric tube. The disclosed bags and methods to make such bags provide cost effective solutions for providing reclosable bags with integral handles.

Abstract: A container insert and a container assembly are provided. The container insert includes a main insert portion sized to be inserted into a container. The main insert portion includes an internal volume. The container insert further includes at least one insert handle extending from the main insert portion.

Abstract: A luggage container includes: a main compartment; a cover portion coupled to the main compartment and configured to be open or closed via a first opening/closing mechanism element to expose or cover the main compartment; an expandable portion extendingly coupled to the main compartment, the expandable portion comprising a second opening/closing mechanism element; and a storage compartment comprising an opening portion formed at the expandable portion and a pocket portion extending from the opening portion such that the pocket portion of the storage compartment is located in the main compartment.

Abstract: The present application discloses example optical transmission apparatuses, where one example apparatus includes a filter, a router, and an optical multiplexer. The filter is connected to the router, and the router is connected to the optical multiplexer. The filter performs parity optical demultiplexing on 2N input optical signal groups by using 2N comb filters to obtain 2N odd optical signal groups and 2N even optical signal groups, and sends the 2N odd optical signal groups and the 2N even optical signal groups to the router. The router separately routes the 2N odd optical signal groups and the 2N even optical signal groups to the optical multiplexer by using at least four AWGRs. The optical multiplexer performs, by using 2N optical multiplexers, optical multiplexing on 4N optical signal groups output by the router to obtain 2N output optical signal groups.

Abstract: A device for selectively retaining a package opening in a gaping configuration and a package including the device applied to a package body. The device includes a circumferential strip with side seams formed as hinges. One or more tabs extend in a first axial direction from an upper edge of the circumferential strip at the side seams. Each tab is coupled to the circumferential strip with a hinge. The tabs are pivotable about the hinges in opposite directions away from the opening axis to respective folded-out positions, which inhibits the device from folding at the side seams and retains a gaping open configuration of the device and package.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for holding bags in a dishwasher rack for cleaning by a dishwasher. The apparatus comprises a flexible base with optional vertical supports for holding the opening of a reusable bag open, configured for biased engagement of prongs in the dishwasher rack. This invention holds the bag open, in place and upright while in the dishwasher to prevent collapse and to facilitate cleaning and re-use.

Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein relates to a storage apparatus having multiple compartments. In one aspect, a multi-compartment bag can be formed of a flexible material, and each compartment of the multi-compartment bag can have two or more seams and one resealable opening edge. The seams in each compartment can include at least one tearable seam that can include at least a perforated seam configured to physically separate one of the compartments from the multi-compartment bag. In another aspect, a multi-compartment container can be formed of a rigid material having one or more removable lids, an upper portion, and a lower portion. The upper portion and the lower portion can each have a plurality of compartments. The upper portion can be separated from the lower portion by an intermediate layer.

Abstract: An apparatus including a bag is disclosed. The bag includes a first panel, a second panel, a first fastener located on the first panel, and a second fastener located on the second panel. The bag is able to move between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, the first fastener is releasably secured to the second fastener. In the open position, the first fastener is not in contact with the second fastener. Some embodiments also include a bag stand and a catch.

Abstract: An improved storage bag comprises a bag body that defines an opening at a top thereof and two folding lines respectively at two opposing sides thereof. The bag body is provided with two handles respectively at the two opposing sides above the folding lines, so that when the bag body is extended into shape, the handles can be folded relative to the bag body along the folding lines to be overlapped horizontally. The bag body is provided with at least one support bar at each of the two opposing sides. Each support bar extends from a bottom of the bag body to an underside of one of the handles. The support bars can engage with the underside of one of the handles to support the bag body in the extended shape, thereby preventing the bag body from a collapse when the storage bag is in use.

Abstract: A handle system for carrying and installing a plurality of empty ice bags in an ice bagging assembly is disclosed herein. The handle may comprise any system for effectively transporting empty ice bags and loading the ice bags into an ice bagging assembly. Implementations of the handle system may comprise a post member and a cover member. The post member may include a handle and a plurality of posts protruding from one side of the post member. The cover member may include a cover support bar with a plurality of reentrant openings aligned with the plurality of posts when the cover member is mated with the post member. The plurality of reentrant openings that each extend through the cover member and are sized to receive a portion of one of the plurality of posts.

Abstract: A tamper-evident evidence bag including a blank having first and second planar shaped and pivotally connected panels. The bag has an open perimeter edge and is secured to first selected lacing surfaces of the pivotally connected panels and such that an interior of the bag is communicable through an aperture defined between the panels. The first and second panels are folded from an open position, in which they panels are established in a substantially parallel relationship, to a closed position in which opposingly facing surfaces of are adhered against one another and in order to maintain, in tamper-evident fashion, items placed within the bag enclosure. Additional tamper-evident resealing structure is located along at least one facing side of the associated bag material, allowing documentable re-entry of the pre-sealed evidence bag.

Abstract: A reusable packaging system includes a series of four bags, each designed to be reusable and capable of standing upright when in an open state. The bags are constructed so that they will fit in an open state within a shopping cart, and differ progressively in size so that they can be nested inside of each other for storage. The nested bags are then folded to form a compact, single package which can be easily transported by a user to a store for shopping.

Abstract: Handbag or carrying case includes a body defining a retaining compartment for retaining objects and having apertures on opposed sides, and elongate straps each having opposite end regions and at least two apertures, one proximate each end region. Snap fasteners attach the straps to the first and second sides via aligning pairs of apertures, i.e., one apertures on a side of the body and one aperture on the strap. The snap fasteners may be decorative snap fasteners. Use of the snap fasteners provides for variable attachment of the straps to the body and therefore enables each user of the carrying case to position the straps as they desire.

Abstract: A reusable packaging system includes a series of four bags, each designed to be reusable and capable of standing upright when in an open state. The bags are constructed so that they will fit in an open state within a shopping cart, and differ progressively in size so that they can be nested inside of each other for storage. The nested bags are then folded to form a compact, single package which can be easily transported by a user to a store for shopping.

Abstract: A tamper-evident evidence bag including a blank having first and second planar shaped and pivotally connected panels. The bag has an open perimeter edge and is secured to first selected lacing surfaces of the pivotally connected panels and such that an interior of the bag is communicable through an aperture defined between the panels. The first and second panels are folded from an open position, in which they panels are established in a substantially parallel relationship, to a closed position in which opposingly facing surfaces of are adhered against one another and in order to maintain, in tamper-evident fashion, items placed within the bag enclosure. Additional tamper-evident resealing structure is located along at least one facing side of the associated bag material, allowing documentable re-entry of the pre-sealed evidence bag.

Abstract: Various aspects of the invention provide handles that can be attached to wire-like members. In one exemplary embodiment, a handle generally includes a handle portion, a retaining member, and a key member. The handle portion has a channel and an aperture extending from at least one outer surface of the handle portion into the channel. The channel is configured to receive at least a portion of a wire-like member therein. The retaining member is configured to be received within the channel. The retaining member has an aperture. The key member is configured to be engaged within the handle portion's aperture and the retaining member's aperture. Engagement of the key member within the retaining member's aperture can inhibit the egress of the retaining member from the channel to operatively trap at least a portion of a wire-like member within the channel, and, thereby, attach the handle portion to the wire-like member.

Abstract: Various aspects of the invention provide handles that can be attached to wire-like members. In one exemplary embodiment, a handle generally includes a handle portion, a retaining member, and a key member. The handle portion has a channel and an aperture extending from at least one outer surface of the handle portion into the channel. The channel is configured to receive at least a portion of a wire-like member therein. The retaining member is configured to be received within the channel. The retaining member has an aperture. The key member is configured to be engaged within the handle portion's aperture and the retaining member's aperture. Engagement of the key member within the retaining member's aperture can inhibit the egress of the retaining member from the channel to operatively trap at least a portion of a wire-like member within the channel, and, thereby, attach the handle portion to the wire-like member.

Abstract: An ergonomic handle that includes a male portion and a female portion. The male portion nest in the female portion to form a single, preferably rigid, form. The stiffness of the handle spreads the load of the case more evenly across all the fingers thereby helping to reduce fatigue.

Abstract: A carrying case for electronic equipment, such as a portable computer, includes back, front, top, bottom and side walls defining an interior including a compartment for receiving electronic equipment defined between a wall surface and a floating panel of the carrying case. The floating panel is selectively movable linearly toward and away from the wall surface to adjust the size of the compartment in accordance with the size of the electronic equipment received therein. A securing mechanism within the interior resiliently biases the floating panel toward the wall surface and provides a shock or impact absorbing effect for the electronic equipment. The carrying case has a handle including first and second handle portions rotatable between an engaged position wherein the handle portions are in abutment and a disengaged position wherein the handle portions are separated from one another. The first and second handle portions are configured to automatically matingly engage one another when rotated into abutment.

Abstract: A reusable packaging assembly is disclosed for the transport of furniture or the like, which assembly includes a durable and flexible tube-like member 11 adapted to receive the furniture therein and support the weight of the furniture; the packaging assembly being adapted to be grasped by a lifter at each end thereof for lifting the furniture. The tube-like member is open at each end and has a pocket 18 at one end of the tube-like member adapted to receive the assembly when stuffed therein to thereby constitute a carry bag or the like for the assembly when not in use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shopping bag which is attachable to a cart for thereby effectively carrying items in a shop, which includes a handle frame 11 having at least two fixing frames 13 attached to each of both handle frames 11 of a shopping bag for thereby fixing the shopping bag 10 to a cart, a coin storing member 15 for storing a coin in the handle frame 11 of a shopping bag which coin is used for unlocking a cart from a locked state, and handle; a Velcro tape 14 which is attached to an upper side of the shopping bag for closing an entrance of the shopping bag 18; and an outer layer pocket 20 for storing items bought.

Abstract: Cooperating strips respectively having loop-type and hook-type connector surfaces are passed through loops forming handles of carrying bags to retain the carrying bags as a group. The ends of the strips, which are typically taken from supply rolls have saw tooth ends, and are heat sealed for protection against fraying. In one embodiment, the strips are aligned end to end. In another embodiment, the loop-type and hook-type connections are staggered so that a first end of one of the strips lies intermediate the ends of the other strip, and whereby the opposite end of the first strip, after being passed through the handles of the bags is brought around so as to lie adjacent to the first end of the first strip. A method is provided for forming the hook-type and loop-type strips to prevent fraying due to use.

Abstract: An acousto-optic filter includes an optical fiber with a first region and a second region. A first acoustic wave generator is coupled to optical fiber. The first acoustic wave generator produces a first acoustic wave that travels in a first direction in the first region. A backward-propagating wave is generated in response to propagation of the first acoustic wave along the optical fiber. The backward-propagating wave travels in an opposite direction relative to the first acoustic wave. A first acoustic wave propagation member is coupled to the optical fiber. A second acoustic wave generator is coupled to the optical fiber at the second region. The second acoustic wave generator produces a second acoustic wave that combines with the backward propagating acoustic wave.

Abstract: A receptacle adapted to be carried by a person's hand during ambulatory activities is operative to receive items to be carried by the person. The receptacle is comprised of a container, a handle, and a light supported by the handle. The container has an interior and a mouth region to give a person access to the interior. The handle is secured to the container and adapted to be carried by a person's hand such that the container depends downwardly from the handle.

Abstract: A flexible bag includes a front wall and a rear wall that are sealed together at their longitudinal side edges. A lower end of the bag is closed, while an upper end of the bag forms a mouth that can be repeatably opened and closed. A flexible wire is embedded in each of the sealed side edges and extends along the length of the bag. After inserting one or more items in the bag, either side of the upper end of the bag is clasped and the bag is rotated around an axis parallel with the bag upper end in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. Rotation of the bag in this manner causes the wires and the material in which they are embedded to coil around the axis and seal the upper end of the bag. Tabs that are formed during this process can then be bent upward and connected together to form a handle which can then be heat sealed. In this manner, the bag cannot be opened until the seal is broken.

Abstract: A bag of flexible material has a pair of opposing flat stiffener strips of stiffer material than the bag extending from the open end of the bag. The strips are joined together at least at one end. A closure device is formed on the inner face of each strip for releasably closing the open end of the bag. A handle flap extends upwardly from the upper edge of the strips at least at the one, joined end of the strips, and is integrally formed with the strips. A fold line joins the handle flap to the strips. The bag can be held open by urging opposite ends of the strips towards each other, and the handle flap can be bent downwardly about the fold line to secure the bag in an open condition.

Abstract: A tool storage bag is provided for storing tools and accessories at a work site. The tool storage bag has straps that allow for even distribution of the load during transit. The bag also includes a wear-resistant pocket design and a reinforced bottom construction.

Abstract: An assemblable handle includes two elements made of synthetic material, each element connected to a strap that forms a loop. A male element has the general shape of an inverted “T” in cross section and includes a sole and a lengthwise rib. A female element has the general shape of an inverted “U” in cross section with an inside cavity capable of fitting elastically onto the lengthwise rib of the male element.

Abstract: A device to aid in study and learning including a fabric bag having external pockets with transparent outer panels for holding study materials, such as homework or other papers associated with a course of study, and accessories for writing on and working with the study materials. The bag is made to the size of a standard breakfast cereal box so that the box can be placed inside of the bag so as to provide both support for the bag—so that the study materials are displayed upright for ready viewing—and a writing surface, so that the study material may be worked with by marking on the transparent outer panels. Closing straps are provided such that the straps may be secured out of the way for unhampered pouring of the contents of the box. Methods of use facilitate assisted study, such as a parent assisting a child during the breakfast hour, as well as individual study and study by two individuals concurrently.

Abstract: An optical attenuator for use in optical power regulation uses a shutter to control the insertion loss of a gap in a pair of substantially coaxially aligned waveguides, for example a pair of optical fibers. The shutter is part of a MEMS accuator device and is coupled to the movable one of a pair of spaced plates, the movable plate being movable by a voltage applied between the pair of plates. To regulate the power, a small portion of the optical power is abstracted and used to derive a control voltage that is applied to the optical attenuator for varying the attenuation inserted in the optical wave path.

Abstract: A mating closure system includes a first closure element and a second closure element, where at least one of the closure elements includes a cut-out opening. Preferably both closure elements include matching cut-out openings. The cut-out opening may be formed in a variety of shapes, but an arc or elongated oval is preferred. The first closure element is placed adjacent an opening of a bag. The second closure element is displaced from the opening, such that when the bag portion adjacent the opening is folded down the first and second closure elements mate with the cut-out openings substantially aligning to form a handle with a resulting notch for accommodating a user's fingers.

Abstract: A suspension bag for a suspension filing system is described wherein elongate plastic closure bars are used and affixed to upper edges of plastic bags. The closure bars releasably interlock with each other and are separable for a sufficient distance to form a bag opening for the insertion of articles to be stored in the suspension bag. A sufficient bag opening can be achieved by reducing the length of the upper bag portion that is attached to the closure bars or by providing corner cut outs or with the use of gussets. The bags are preferably formed of transparent material though opaque materials could be used.

Abstract: A fluid impermeable bag for enclosing a lower portion of a residential heating oil reservoir. The secondary containment has an open upper end, a stiff rim around the open upper end and straps extending from the stiff rim above the open upper end for circling an upper portion of a reservoir. The bag is made of a flexible material whereby the bag is collapsible for installation on a new tank or for retrofitting a reservoir in service. In a second aspect of the invention, a flap is detachably affixed to the rim of the bag and is extendible for covering the upper portion of a reservoir installed outdoors. The bag of the present invention is mountable under a heating oil reservoir and is particularly appropriate for preventing environmental spills of all sizes due to common deteriorations of these reservoirs.

Abstract: A hanger handle for a recloseable bag is disclosed which comprises two complementary flexible side members shaped so that when fitted together they create a single, matched handle. Each complementary side member has a bottom edge strip to which an upwardly extending grip portion of a predominantly inverted, squat W-shape with a hook portion extending upward from one side of the grip portion to above the middle of the inverted, squat W-shape. Each complementary side member is also fitted with fasteners which enable the bag to be closed and the fasteners have a complementary tip-bevel shape with a lip for snapping the bag closed and securing it. Further, each complementary side member can optionally be equipped with recesses at offset points to provide tabs for finger and/or thumb access to open the handle.

Abstract: A reversible pouch for carrying food containers such as casserole dishes, cake pans, and the like, includes a body which is fully reversible and two sets of handles to be used depending on which configuration is chosen. In the preferred embodiment, four flaps are provided which may be folded in a variety of ways. By selecting different colors, patterns or textures for the two sides of the pouch and for one or more sets of the flaps, a wide variety of decorative combinations are provided. For example, by appropriate selections of design and/or color, one configuration of the pouch would be suitable for summer picnics, while in another configuration, the pouch would be appropriate for use during the Christmas holidays.

Abstract: A resealable container including a body portion with front and rear panels on which interlocking closure strips are mounted to facilitate opening and resealing the container. A handle is formed by a pair of handle pieces, one of the handle pieces being secured to each of the resealable closure strips such that application of force to the handle pieces for lifting the container does not result in application of forces of sufficient magnitude for separating the closure strips which would result in opening the container. One or more handles are formed on the bottom of the container to facilitate pouring contents of the container.

Abstract: A detachable organizing apparatus which is mounted to children furniture for holding and providing easy access to a plurality of children accessories. The detachable organizing apparatus is easily adaptable to a number of different children furniture such as a crib, highchair and playpen. The organizing apparatus comprises an exterior container, a detachable inner liner or bag and a plurality of straps. The straps are generally employed to secure the organizing apparatus to a horizontal member of a children furniture. To effect easy removal of the organizing apparatus, the straps are equipped with quick release clips such as parachute clips. The inner liner is generally constructed from a washable fabric.

Abstract: A grocery bag or the like having a closure member which securely closes the mouth of the bag so as to prevent items contained therein from falling out when the bag is tipped over. Closure is accomplished by a thin flexible strap attached to the front wall of the bag just below the bag mouth defining an opening between the strap and bag wall. The user may close the bag by inserting the hand through the opening defined by the strap and the bag front wall, grasping the bag handles and pulling the handles through the opening.

Abstract: A beach accessory carry bag which is particularly suited for beach use. The beach carry bag includes a compact, lightweight carry case which can be carried long distances from a motor vehicle in a beach parking lot to a remote beach location. The beach carry bag also generally includes a thermally insulated storage compartment for storage of refrigerated, cooled beverages and perishable foods therein. Within the beach carry bag there is also provided a plurality of small non-insulated compartments for carrying beach accessories, such as sun tan lotion, insect repellent, car keys and sunglasses, and one or more larger compartments for storage of street clothes therein. Expandable, collapsible end compartments may be provided for storage of footwear, such as sneakers or shoes, therein. A lower slot pocket storage compartment is provided for insertion of a flat fabric beach towel or mat therein, wherein the beach towel or mat has an inflatable rest portion which can be deflated for storage after use.

Abstract: According to the invention a multimode traveling bag is provided which can be carried as a hand carrying bag, a back pack, shoulder bag or over the head bag. The invention provides these multimode operations while limiting the number of handles and straps. Preferably a handle and strap are provided which are neatly positioned along the body of the bag when not in use. The traveling bag desirably has a single strap affixed at each end of the strap to the left and right side of the traveling bag. The strap should be of sufficient length so that the attached strap can be placed over the head of the user when the user desires to carry the bag over his head and support the bag by the opposite shoulder.

Abstract: According to the invention a multimode traveling bag is provided which can be carried as a hand carrying bag, a back pack, shoulder bag or over the head bag. The invention provides these multimode operations while limiting the number of handles and straps. Preferably a single handle and strap are provided which are neatly positioned along the body of the bag when not in use. The traveling bag desirably has a single strap affixed at each end of the strap to the left and right side of the traveling bag. The strap should be of sufficient length so that the attached strap can be placed over the head of the user when the user desires to carry the bag over his head and support the bag by the opposite shoulder.

Abstract: A reusable lunch bag with a pair of handles that are adapted to secure the bag in a closed position. The bag has a front wall that is separated from a back wall by a pair of side walls. The front, back and side walls are attached to a bottom wall. The walls define a cavity within the bag. The side walls and bottom wall are adapted to be collapsed so that the bag can be pressed into a flat position. The bag is typically constructed from a foam that is encapsulated by vinyl material, which together create a thermal barrier. The lunch bag also has a first handle that extends from the front wall and a second handle that extends from the back wall. The second handle has a flap which wraps around the outer surface of the first handle, so that the flap is adjacent to the outer surface of the second handle. The inner surface of the flap and the outer surface of the second handle have hook and loop material which secure the handle and bag in a closed position.

Abstract: This invention relates to an interengaging handle having a first handle member and a second handle member capable of interengagingly receiving the first handle member. A flexible connecting strap is attached to the handle members through longitudinal bores passing the length of the handle members. A connecting strap is passed through the longitudinal bore of the first handle member and is fixed in a position relative to the first handle member by forming a transverse hole through the first handle member that passes through the longitudinal bore and the connecting strap. A rivet is then placed in the transverse hole fixing the connecting strap in position. Stabilizer flanges may also be formed at or near the ends of the first handle member and the second handle member to orient forces directed along the connecting strap downward and outward away from the axis of the handle assembly.

Abstract: A child's rest mat comprising a fabric covered foam pad having longitudinally spaced fold lines, and handles at opposed fold lines in the folded condition of the mat, the handles having interlocking tabs to maintain the mat folded for carrying.

Abstract: A lightweight blanket with insulating properties being made of a sheet of pliable material and having a number of internal pockets, is convertible to and from a tote by folding portions of the sheet over and upon one another about transverse and longitudinal folds. Carrying handles are positioned in registry with one another and fastened together after folding the sheet portions and used as a convenient grip for carrying the tote.

Abstract: A flexible intermediate container has at least one improved lifting loop formed by joining integral extensions of a side wall structures. The extensions are at their upper free ends cut to form at least two flaps which are positioned above or below the extensions on both sides of a folding line or seam, thus forming a lifting loop joint comprising frictional area of overlapping layers of fabric material. Friction therebetween is secured by a frictional agent such 2500 glue or hot-melt and/or by a mechanical device. The lifting loop can be gathered together and surrounded by at least one band or sleeve.

Abstract: A multi-use handbag is disclosed having a main storage body, at least one handle and at least one locking flap secured to one or more corners of the main storage area to an engagement member disposed along the lateral side of the handbag. Various configurations are obtainable by selective connection of the handles to the body and selective connection of the locking flaps to the engagement member.

Abstract: A portable packing bag made of plastic film for carrying flexible and/or folded products includes rectangular front and rear side panel sections which are (a) joined, one to the other, at their vertical edges to provide lateral side panel sections, (b) joined at their upper edges to provide a top cover section, and (c) initially unconnected at their lower edges to permit the bag to be filled but are thereafter joined at such edges, after filling, to form a completely closed bag. The cover section or gusset has upstanding edges that define a shallow trough at the top of the bag. The bag further includes a handle formed as a U-shaped loop which includes across the cover section and is attached to the opposite inner sides of the upstanding edges of the trough. The handle itself is formed of a pair of substantially equal sections which are joined, to form the U-shaped loop, along a seam at the apex of the loop.

Abstract: A carrying case is disclosed which is in the nature of a soft-sided bag formed of thermally insulating flexible sheet material. A frame inside the bag holds it open for insertion of cardboard cartons each adapted to contain a hot pizza. At the opening of the bag are a plurality of flaps which fold over each and are adapted to be secured to each other by means of buckles and/or Velcro fasteners in order to retain the contents in place and prevent heat loss.