Multi-function drawstring

Abstract

A multi-function drawstring that may be used on various containers and for various purposes comprising a drawstring that is slidably enclosed in a flexible cover which encloses substantially the entire length of the drawstring. The flexible cover may have perforations or openings at various positions to enable the drawstring to be exposed and pulled. An adhesive means may be applied to one or more sides of the flexible cover to enable the multi-function drawstring to be affixed to various surfaces and at various positions.

Description

BACKGROUND

1. Field of Invention

The present invention relates generally to a drawstring. More specifically, the present invention relates to a drawstring enclosed in a flexible cover.

2. Description of Related Art

Strings, ropes, and various tying implements have been used to close bags and similar containers. Generally, the string or rope is wrapped around the bag near the opening of the bag and tightened to close the opening of the bag. The string or rope is separate from the bag and may be misplaced. More conveniently, the string or rope may be enclosed around the open edge of the bag so that it remains with the bag and will not be misplaced. Generally, the open edge of the bag is folded over and affixed to the bag to form a channel around the open end of the bag. The string or rope is placed inside the channel with a portion of the string or rope exposed from the channel to enable it to be pulled tight and close the open end of the bag thus forming a drawstring.

One common application of the drawstring is for trash bags. Generally, a large plastic trash bag is formed with a channel around its open end with a plastic cord placed in the channel. The plastic cord is exposed at one or more locations around the channel to enable it to be pulled to close the open end of the trash bag. Initially, the open end of the trash bag is open with the plastic cord relaxed within the channel around the open end of the trash bag. When the trash bag is full and ready to be removed for disposal, the plastic cord is pulled through one or more of the openings in the channel to tighten and close the open end of the trash bag. A knot may also be tied on the plastic cord to prevent it from relaxing and to prevent the end of the trash bag from reopening.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a multi-function drawstring that may be used on various containers and for various purposes. The drawstring is slidably enclosed in a flexible cover that encloses substantially the entire length of the drawstring. The flexible cover may have perforations or openings at various positions to enable the drawstring to be exposed and pulled. An adhesive means may be applied to one or more sides of the flexible cover to enable the multi-function drawstring to be affixed to various surfaces and at various positions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows the preferred embodiment of the multi-function drawstring.

FIG. 2 shows the multi-function drawstring with the drawstring being pulled during application.

FIG. 3 shows a front view of the preferred embodiment of the multi-function drawstring.

FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of the multi-function drawstring with perforated flaps.

FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of the multi-function drawstring with perforated holes.

FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of the multi-function drawstring with perforated sections and cut-outs.

FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of the multi-function drawstring with adhesive applied to perforated flaps.

FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of the multi-function drawstring with adhesive applied around perforated holes.

FIG. 9 shows another embodiment of the multi-function drawstring with adhesive applied to one side.

FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of the multi-function drawstring with drawstring weaving through the cover and with adhesive applied on the cover.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The following description and figures are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting. Other embodiments of this invention will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of this description.

The present invention is a multi-function drawstring that may be used on various containers and for various purposes. FIGS. 1 and 3 show the preferred embodiment of the multi-function drawstring. In the preferred embodiment, the drawstring 1 is slidably enclosed in a flexible cover 2 that encloses substantially the entire length of the drawstring 1. The drawstring 1 is preferably made of plastic but may also be made of other materials, such as metallic wire, cotton, or leather. As the drawstring 1 is pulled outward, the flexible cover 2 may be forced to collapse upon itself and contract to a shorter length as shown in FIG. 2. Optionally, an adhesive means may be affixed to the drawstring 1 to enable the drawstring 1 to be affixed to the flexible cover 2 after it is pulled away from the flexible cover 2 or a surface. The adhesive means may be an adhesive such as glue or a adhesive surface covered with a removable backing that can be removed to expose the adhesive surface or the adhesive means may be a hook-and-loop type of attachment.

The flexible cover 2 is preferably made of plastic but may also be made of other materials, such as paper, cotton, or leather. The flexible cover 2 may be fabricated by affixing together the two longitudinal edges along an elongated strip of material to form a tubular form. The flexible cover 2 may have openings 4 or perforations 5 perpendicular to its length at various positions to enable the drawstring 1 to be exposed and pulled outward at any desired locations. The openings 4 may further be covered with a removable seal to enclose the drawstring 1 in the flexible cover 2.

An adhesive means 3 may further be applied to one or more sides of the flexible cover 2 to enable the multi-function drawstring to be affixed to various surfaces and at various positions. The adhesive means 3 may be an adhesive such as glue or the adhesive means may be a hook-and-loop type of attachment. The adhesive means 3 enables the multi-function drawstring to be affixed to any desirable surface in any orientation and position. This multi-function function drawstring may be affixed to the open end of any bag to enable the bag to have a convenient closing means to quickly and easily close and reopen the open end of the bag.

FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of the multi-function drawstring. In this embodiment, the perforations in the flexible cover 2 are not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis but rather are in the form of semi-circles. The semi-circle flap 6 may be opened by peeling the flexible cover 2 open at the perforation to expose the enclosed drawstring 1. Once exposed, the drawstring 1 may be pulled to contract the flexible cover 2.

FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of the multi-function drawstring. In this embodiment, the perforations in the flexible cover 2 are in the form of circles. The circular flap 7 may be opened and removed by peeling the flexible cover 2 open at the perforation to expose the enclosed drawstring 1. Once exposed, the drawstring 1 may be pulled to contract the flexible cover 2.

FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of the multi-function drawstring. In this embodiment, in addition to the perpendicular perforations 5 in the flexible cover 2 shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, circular openings 4 are formed in the flexible cover 2. The flexible cover 2 may be opened by opening the flexible cover 2 at the perforation 5 to expose the enclosed drawstring 1. Once exposed, the drawstring 1 may be pulled to contract the flexible cover 2. Alternatively, the enclosed drawstring 1 may be pulled from the existing circular openings 4.

FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of the multi-function drawstring. In this embodiment, the perforations in the flexible cover are in the form of semi-circles. Adhesive means 8 are affixed to the semi-circle flaps 6. The multi-function drawstring may be affixed to a surface at the semi-circles 6, and when it is removed from the surface, the semi-circle flaps 6 will be pulled away from the multi-function drawstring thereby exposing the enclosed drawstring 1. Once exposed, the drawstring 1 may be pulled to contract the flexible cover 2.

FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of the multi-function drawstring. In this embodiment, one or more circular openings 4 are formed on the flexible cover 2. An adhesive means 9 is applied to a surface of the flexible cover 2 opposite the circular openings 4 to enable it to be attached to a surface. The drawstring 1 may be pulled to contract the flexible cover 2 and the surface that it is attached to.

FIG. 9 shows another embodiment of the multi-function drawstring. In this embodiment, an adhesive means 9 is applied to a surface of the flexible cover 2 that encloses the drawstring 1 to enable the multi-function drawstring to be attached to a surface. The multi-function drawstring may be cut to any desired length to be attached to a surface. The drawstring 1 may be pulled from both ends of the flexible cover 2 to contract the flexible cover 2 and the surface that it is attached to.

FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of the multi-function drawstring. In this embodiment, an adhesive means 9 is applied to a surface of the flexible cover 2 that encloses the drawstring 1 to enable the multi-function drawstring to be attached to a surface. Multiple elongated slots 10 are formed on the flexible cover 2 opposite the side the adhesive means 9 is applied to exposing the enclosed drawstring 1. The multi-function drawstring may be cut to any desired length to be attached to a surface. The drawstring 1 may be pulled from the flexible cover 2 to contract the flexible cover 2 and the surface that it is attached to.

Although the invention has been described in terms of particular embodiments and applications, one of ordinary skill in the art, in light of this teaching, can generate additional embodiments and modifications without departing from the spirit of or exceeding the scope of the claimed invention. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the drawings and descriptions herein are proffered by way of example to facilitate comprehension of the invention and should not be construed to limit the scope thereof.

Claims

1. A multi-function drawstring comprising:

a flexible cover; and

a drawstring slidably enclosed in said flexible cover;

wherein perforations are formed on said flexible cover to enable the opening of the flexible cover to expose said drawstring.

2. A multi-function drawstring as in claim 1, wherein said perforations are lines perpendicular to an axis of said flexible cover.

3. A multi-function drawstring as in claim 1, wherein said perforations are semi-circles.

4. A multi-function drawstring as in claim 1, wherein said perforations are circles.

5. A multi-function drawstring as in claim 1, wherein an adhesive means is affixed to said flexible cover.

6. A multi-function drawstring as in claim 1, wherein an adhesive means is affixed to said drawstring.

7. (canceled)

8. (canceled)

9. (canceled)

10. (canceled)

11. (canceled)

12. (canceled)

13. (canceled)

14. (canceled)

15. (canceled)