Dispensing Bag with Longitudinal Split

Abstract

An improved dispenser bag, suitable for use as a pastry bag or mortar bag is disclosed. The bag is a flexible and conical-shaped with a first end opening formed by truncation of the bag near the apex of the cone and a second opening at the opposite end. In embodiments the surface of the bag is split a distance longitudinally from the second opening for a distance and can be releasable opened and closed with a fastener. The lateral opening allows easy access to the interior region of the bag for filing and the removal or insertion of a tubular tip. An extended flap member is attached to the inside surface of the bag and is formed to extend inside of, and across, the split, so as to minimize loss of material through the split.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention is directed to a dispenser device such as pastry bag or mortar bag, used to apply viscous liquids such as icing or mortar, and, more particularly, a flexible frusto-conical shaped bag that has a re-sealable extended split or opening extending from the large circular opening along its sidewalls toward a smaller opening. The split facilitates filling of the bag.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Flexible bags have been sued to dispense viscous fluids for many years. For example, decorative icings long have been applied to cakes and other pastries through use of pastry bags. These bags are generally formed in the shape of a cone and constructed of a flexible fabric such as canvass, synthetic resin, or other waterproof or water-resistant cloth. The bags are filled with icing, and as pressure is imposed on the bag, icing is forced out of a hollow nozzle at the top of the cone and through a tubular tip provided in the bag. The tips typically fit within the bag and extend through the opening at the small end of the cone. A further use of such flexible bags is in connection with the application of mortar, wherein the flow of mortar to a surface can be controlled using a flexible bag.

While the use of these bags remains popular, filling the bags with icing or mortar is often difficult because the flexible sidewall will not remain open position to allow easy access to interior of the bag. Since the materials that are dispensed from the bags are dense and viscous, it is sometimes difficult to fill the bags without having filler material adhere to the bag at or near the near the edge of the opening.

One solution to the foregoing problem is providing an external framework in which to rest the bag during the filling operation to support the sidewalls of the bag. For example, the bag can be placed within a rigid cylinder or rigid cone which will support the sidewalls during the filling operation. Another filling technique to address this problem involves folding the bottom of the cone to form a cuff which provides additional support around the edges of the large circular opening at the bottom of the cone. Notwithstanding these solutions, the viscous material nevertheless frequently comes into contact with the top edges of the bags and consequently with the user. Material on the top edges of the bags is undesirable as it comes into contact with the user and generally becomes a mess. The repeated filling of the bag tends to exacerbate this problem. It is often difficult to place a viscous material within the bag though the top opening.

Accordingly, there remains a need for improved manners to easily fill such flexible bags with viscous material. In the case of icing, often the material is prepared by the user in a separate mixing bowl and must be transferred using a spoon or spatula. In the case of mortar, the bags are typically filled using a trowel.

Sometimes it is desirable to change the tip of the bag but in conventional bags tips cannot easily be changed without first substantially emptying the bag of material so the first tip can be removed and a new tip can be installed in its place.

A number of patents have been directed to these problems with respect to pastry bags. For example, the patent to Lewis, U.S. Pat. No. 5,026,194 discloses a bag with a short slit from the top which can be opened and closed to remove a tip. U.S. Pat. No. 299,228 provides an alternative solution this problem by providing a tubular fitting installed within the pastry bag and extending outward therefrom, with a threaded collar engaging the fitting and holding a flanged and conically tapering second fitting between flanges of the tubular fitting and collar, which second fitting, in turn, holds the decorating tip.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,847,523 discloses a conical shaped tubular element within a pastry bag having a threaded end extending from the bag, with the decorating tip supported by a coupler threaded to the tubular element. Other configurations of tubular elements and couplers allow interchangeability of the same-sized decorative tips of different icing tip designs. Because a second conical tubular element can be threadingly coupled to the first tubular element, a second and smaller coupler can be provided to hold a smaller decorative tip.

However, the use of numerous tubular elements and couplers requires additional cleaning, the parts can become lost, and the pressure required on the bag to force the material through the tip is increased. In addition, these solutions do not address the problems associated with filling the bags.

In view of the drawbacks there remains a need for an improved pastry bags that can be easily filled and do not require numerous tubular elements and connectors, yet permit the simple and ready replacement of decorating tips of different sizes and designs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a variable dispenser bag, suitable for use to dispense viscous liquids, which meets the aforementioned needs. The bag may be advantageously used as a pastry bag, a mortar bag or to apply caulk, sealant or putty. A flexible, conical-shaped bag is provided with a first small circular end opening formed by truncation of the bag near the apex of a cone formed by the bag and adapted to receive a tip, and a second larger circular opening at the opposite end at the bottom of the come. In a first embodiment, the sidewall surface of the bag is split a distance longitudinally from the second circular bottom open end toward the apex and in a manner so that the size of the opening can be variable. The split has two opposite edges that can be fastened to one another. In an embodiment, releasable coupling means in the form of a zipper extends along both sides of the split. In other embodiments, a flap member is attached to the inside surface of the bag and is formed to extend inside of, and across the split, so as to preclude or minimize loss of material through the split. In other embodiments, the split transverses the first and second end openings.

It should be appreciated that, in various exemplary embodiments the releasable coupling means may be used including a zipper, male/female snap-release, a Ziplock® type fastening device, buttons, snaps, or other fastening, closure, or attachment means known by those skilled in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a view of an embodiment of a dispenser bag according to the invention.

FIG. 2 depicts a view of a dispenser bag in an open position according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of the dispenser wherein a closure element includes a zipper.

FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of the dispenser wherein a closure element includes a series of snap fittings.

FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the dispenser wherein the closure element is a zipper.

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a further embodiment of the invention with the split in a closed position.

FIG. 7 depicts a front perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 6 with the split in an open position.

FIG. 8 depicts a front perspective view of a further embodiment of the invention wherein a 1.5 inch flap overlaps the inner edge.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Now referring to FIG. 1 a dispenser bag 100 according to the invention is disclosed that includes a flexible body 115 and a ridged tubular element 125 or tip installed within the bag 100 and extending therefrom. The bag depicted in FIG. 1 is intended to be used to dispense icing and is commonly referred to as a pastry bag. The tubular tip has a first opening 141 that is smaller than the round opening 132 at the bottom of the pastry bag and can be inserted through the opening 132 in the bag. The tubular element 125 extends through the opening in bag 132 until the outer sidewalls of the tip seat against the inner sidewalls of the bag 115. The edge of the larger opening 140 is thereby seated within bag 115. The tubular element 125 imposes itself within the bag and will restrict the flow of icing or other viscous materials placed within the bag during use. The bag 115 is flexible and conical-shaped which is generally achieved by truncation of the bag at its small opening 132. The bag is further characterized by a re-sealable split 120 that extends longitudinally from larger opening 134 towards the smaller opening 132 of the bag. As best seen in FIG. 2, the presence of a split allows the bag to widely open and allow for easy and convenient access to the inside surface 130 of the bag. In addition, because the split extends down the side of the bag and terminates at a location near the near small opening 132 of the bag, the feature allows a user convenient access to the tip region. As such, a user can manipulate and/or change the tip without first removing all of the viscous material in the bag. A reinforced region 150 is provided at the location that the split is closed. The split can be fastened together in a number of alternative arrangements as discussed herein.

Now referring to FIG. 3, in an embodiment of the invention the split may be opened and closed using zipper 305 as a primary seal. As reflected in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 3, a bag 31 includes inner flap region 310 that overlaps flap region 315 on the opposite side of the split. Zipper 305 includes a slider 320 that brings the opposite sides of a chain 322 together. Slider 320 moves along the chain to bring the opposite side of the bags together. At the bottom of the zipper 305 is stop 331. One side of the chain is attached to tape 327 which is in turn attached at a location close to the edge of flap 315. The opposite side of the chain is attached to opposite tape 328 that is attached to the exterior sidewall of the bag 301 at a location approximately ¾″ (inches) from flap edge 307. In embodiment the flap may be up to four inches from the location of the primary seal and an overlapping flap and interior surface of said bag form a contact surface. In an embodiment the contact surfaces a made of a vinyl material.

In contemplated embodiments, a water proof zipper made of resin is used to minimize leakage of material. In a further a contemplated embodiment, not shown, a zipper is used in conjunction with a second fastener that is secured together on opposite sides of the split in a fashion that is similar to those used in re-sealable plastic bags such as a Ziplock® brand plastic bag referred to as a channel lock seal. These channel lock seals use a first flexible elongated channel made of synthetic resin which receive a complementary elongate flexible tab on the opposite side of the split. The tab is in the shape of an elongate rod that has a line of attachment on one of the side of the flap. In yet a further contemplated embodiment, the split is only secured together with a channel lock seal. The zipper or other fastener can be attached to bag 305 by sewing the tapes 327 and 328 to the bag or by using other semi-permanent methods such as an adhesive or cement.

Now referring to FIG. 4 in a further embodiment the split 411 of bag 401 may be opened and closed using a series of snap fit or press fit closures 410. The bag 401 includes tubular tip 405. Once again, the leakage of fluid is minimized by the presences of an overlapping flap region. Alternatively a secondary water proof or water resistant seal may be incorporated with a snap fit or press fit closure. Snap closures can be made of metal, or synthetic resin or combinations of different materials and use an interference fit, or press fit to hold the opposite sides of the closure together.

Now referring to FIG. 5, bag 501 reflects a further embodiment of the invention wherein the device does not include a flap structure. Rather, opposite side edges 504 and 505 are brought together, edge to edge, using zipper 510 as the opposite sides of the bag is closed. The sides of the bag near the apex on the cone are permanently affixed at seam 520. A tip 521 is provided to dispense the materials from the bag.

The embodiment depicted in FIG. 6 includes a longitudinal split 603 that may be opened and closed with using a hook and loop fastener 605 such as marketed by the Velcro Corporation. The overlapping region 615 starts at the second opening 620 and generally tapers towards the terminal end 609 of the split 603. As best seen in FIG. 7, in this embodiment a first fastening surface 650 of a hook extension means, and a fabric comprising a plurality of loops 652 are attached to opposite sides of the split 603. This material may be attached to the surface of the bag by cement, adhesive, or sewing and may include heat sealing or thermal plastic materials.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, in a further embodiment 801 when the split is attached together, the edge 807 of the outer flap overlaps the inner flap about 1.5 inches. Permanent Seam 809 extend from the opening near top 805 to a reinforced area.

The use of the bags according to the invention is can avoids some of the inconvenience and mess that is associated with conventional bags such as pastry bags or mortar bags. Further, to install a tip, the various fastening means may be opened and the bag is spread sufficiently to allow removal of the existing tip and insertion of an alternative tip 46 inside the top of the bag. In addition, the present invention which allows the bag to be substantially opened, allows the bags to be easily cleaned.

The flexible bags may be comprised of any sufficiently flexible and durable materials that will allows a user to retain the viscous fluid therein and compress the sidewalls of the bag so that the material is extruded from the top apex opening. Depending on the application suitable materials include cloth, such as canvas, cellulose, paper, synthetic resin, latex, and rubber. In addition, composite materials such as cloth that has been impregnated with a water-resistant material may be advantageously used. In a further embodiment the bag is comprised of a hydrophobic coating on a flexible base material. In yet further embodiments, the flexible bag may be water proof, serving as a complete barrier to water passing through the substrate. In yet further embodiments, the flexible bag described herein may receive an inner tubular bag that contains the viscous materials and the inner bag may be removed when the dispensing is completed.

Such installation and removal of tips may readily occur whether the bag is empty or full. While a round tip is depicted in each of the embodiments, it is contemplated that other tip shapes can be readily accommodated by the bag. In addition, while each of the preferred embodiments depict a longitudinal split that does not extend completely extend from the top and bottom apex openings, in a further embodiments, the split may extend the complete distance to allow the bag to completely open and lie flat.

The bag of the present invention and its various advantages will be understood from the foregoing description and that it will be apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art that that various changes may be made in form, construction and arrangement without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A dispensing bag, as used to hold and dispense a viscous material on a substrate, comprising:

a flexible, conical-shaped bag having a curved surface tapering toward an apex;

said bag having an first end opening formed by truncation of the bag near the apex of said cone and a second end opening opposite the first end, and

a split formed in said surface that longitudinally extends from said second end opening, said split having two opposite sides and said split extends to a location near the first opening, and a resealable closure elements along the sides of said split for opening and closing the opposite sides of the split to allow improved access to an interior region of said bag.

2. The dispensing bag recited in claim 1 further comprising a flap member, said flap member attached to the inside of the bag surface and formed to extend inside of and across the split so as to preclude loss of material through the split.

3. The dispensing bag recited in claim 1 wherein said closure element comprises a zipper and said zipper opens said split from said second opening.

4. The dispensing bag recited in claim 1 wherein said zipper forms a fluid resistant seal.

5. The dispensing bag recited in claim 1 wherein said closure element comprises a hook and loop fastener.

6. The dispensing bag recited in claim 1 further comprising a tubular tip and said bag is adapted to receive and seat said tip.

7. The dispensing bag recited in claim 1 wherein said closure element comprises a plurality of snap fit closures.

8. The dispensing bag recited in claim 1 wherein said closure element comprises a channel lock seal

9. The dispensing bag recited in claim 8 wherein said closure element comprises a fluid tight seal.

10. The bag recited in claim 1, where said overlapping flap and interior surface of said bag form a contact surface and said contact surfaces comprise a vinyl material.

11. A bag comprising a flexible, conical-shaped container having a curved surface tapering toward an apex;

said bag having a first end opening formed by truncation of the bag proximate the apex of the cone and a second opening at the base of said cone;

said bag further comprising a split, said split extending along said surface of said bag and extending from longitudinally from said first end opening to said second openings, and said split having two opposing edges, and

a closure element to releasably open and close said opposing edges.

12. The dispensing bag recited in claim 11 wherein said closure element causes said opposing edges to close said and said opposing edges abut one another opposing edge to opposing edge.

13. The dispensing bag recited in claim 11 wherein said opposing edges overlap one another when said split is closed.

14. The dispensing bag recited in claim 11 wherein said closure element comprises a zipper.

15. The dispensing bag recited in claim 11 wherein said closure element comprises a hook and loop fastener.

16. The dispensing bag recited in claim 11 wherein said closure element comprises a channel lock closure.

17. The dispensing bag recited in claim 11 wherein said closure element comprises a snap fitting closure elements.

18. The bag recited in claim 11 wherein said bag comprises a water resistant material.

19. The bag recited in claim 11 wherein said bag comprises a water proof material.

20. The bag recited in claim 11 further comprising a tubular tip received in said first end opening.