CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 62/004,526, filed on May 29, 2014 and entitled “BAG SYSTEM.” The contents of the above application are hereby incorporated by reference herein.
FIELD OF INVENTION The invention relates generally to containers, and more specifically to systems for dividing contents of and creating separate compartments in a container.
BACKGROUND There is a growing awareness amongst consumers that certain human activities can have a negative impact on the environment. This awareness is causing many consumers to base their purchasing decisions on environmental factors. Indeed, a growing number of state and local governments are enacting legislations to encourage recycling and to ban disposable products such as plastic bags in supermarkets. Environmentalists point out that many disposable bags are not biodegradable and may pose a danger to wildlife, which, in essence, also affects our food chain. To many consumers, reusable bags are an environmentally sound alternative to disposable bags, a trend reflected by the increasing demand for reusable bags. However, many reusable bags suffer from a lack of dividers which may cause contents to roll around, resulting in delicate items getting crushed and disparate items becoming mixed. Therefore, there is a need for practical, economical, and environmentally-friendly ways to separate items within reusable bags. There is also a need for a bag system that is user-friendly and that allows hands-free usage. Moreover, there is a need for a bag system that is adaptable to multiple types of bags and containers, and that is collapsible, stable, and is capable of being easily configured into various configurations for dividing, separating, and protecting bag contents.
The above discussion is merely provided for general background information and is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.
SUMMARY This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used in isolation as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
In one aspect of the present invention, a foldable sheet for compartmentalizing a container is provided. The foldable sheet comprises a plurality of panels and a flap wherein the panels are interconnected and arranged substantially parallel to each other along a longitudinal direction. Each panel has an outer surface and an inner surface and the plurality of panels comprises a first panel, a second panel, a third panel, and a fourth panel. The first panel is connected to the second panel along a first fold line, the third panel is connected to the second panel along a second fold line, the fourth panel is connected to the third panel along a third fold line, and the flap is connected to the fourth panel along a fourth fold line. In addition, the outer surface of one of the panels has one or more fastening components disposed thereon which are configured to engage with corresponding fastening components disposed within a container. Furthermore, the plurality of panels are capable of folding along the first, second, third, and fourth fold lines such that the foldable sheet can be transformed into a folded configuration that resembles a box wherein the first panel and third panel are substantially parallel to each other, the second panel and fourth panel are substantially parallel to each other, and the flap overlaps with and is substantially parallel to the first panel.
In another aspect of the invention, a foldable sheet for compartmentalizing containers is provided. The foldable sheet comprises a plurality of panels and a flap wherein the panels are interconnected and arranged substantially parallel to each other along a longitudinal direction and each panel has an outer surface and an inner surface. The outer surface of one of the panels has one or more fastening components disposed thereon configured to engage with corresponding fastening components disposed within a container. In addition, the plurality of panels capable of folding along a plurality of fold lines such that the foldable sheet can be transformed into a folded configuration that resembles a box.
In yet another aspect of the invention, a compartmentalized container system is provided. The system comprises a container and one or more interconnected panels disposed within the container configured to divide the container into two or more compartments. The system also comprises a first fastening system configured to attach the one or more interconnected panels to the container. The system further comprises a second fastening system configured to removably store one or more of the interconnected panels such that the container is divided into fewer number of compartments.
These and other aspects, embodiments, features, and advantages of the invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims and accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The foregoing aspects and the attendant advantages of the present invention will become more readily appreciated by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
FIGS. 1A and 1B are top and bottom plan views, respectively, of an exemplary foldable sheet in accordance with aspects of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the exemplary sheet of FIGS. 1A and 1B, partially folded;
FIG. 3 is an exploded side perspective view of an exemplary foldable sheet capable of receiving inserts in accordance with aspects of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a top plan view of an exemplary bag in an extended position in accordance with aspects of the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of the exemplary sheet of FIGS. 1A and 1B in a fully folded position;
FIG. 6 is an exploded side perspective view of the sheet of FIGS. 1A and 1B in a partially folded position in the process of being lowered into the bag of FIG. 4 wherein the bag is in an assembled position;
FIGS. 7A and 7B are side perspective and cross-sectional views, respectively, of the exemplary sheet and bag system of FIG. 6;
FIGS. 8A and 8B are side perspective and cross-sectional views, respectively, of two folded sheets of FIG. 5 stacked vertically inside the bag of FIG. 6;
FIGS. 9A and 9B are side perspective and cross-sectional views, respectively, of a foldable sheet in a folded position having openings on the top panel inside the bag of FIG. 6;
FIG. 10 is a side perspective view of a foldable sheet in a folded position having straps;
FIG. 11 is a side perspective view of two folded sheets of FIG. 10 stacked vertically inside a bag;
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a plurality of folded sheets of FIG. 5 stacked inside a box; and
FIGS. 13A and 13B are side perspective and cross-sectional views, respectively, of a bag having a suspension system and containing a folded sheet therein.
Reference symbols or names are used in the figures to indicate certain components, aspects or features shown therein. Reference symbols common to more than one figure indicate like components, aspects or features shown therein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION The subject matter of aspects of embodiments of the present invention is described with specificity herein to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of any patent issuing from this description. Rather, the inventor has contemplated that the claimed subject matter might also be embodied in other ways, to include different elements or combinations of elements similar to the ones described in this document, in conjunction with other present or future technologies.
Embodiments in accordance with the present invention are directed to dividers that can be disposed inside a bag for the purpose of separating the contents inside the bag. Other embodiments are directed to bag systems having a bag and dividers therein. The aforementioned bag or bag system can be any type of bag such as, without limitation, shopping bag, tote bag, paper bag, department store bag, novelty bag, quilted bag, handbag, and the like. In other embodiments, the bag or bag system can be any type of container capable of receiving dividers therein such as, without limitation, basket, suitcase, backpack, luggage, banker's box, drawer, storage box, crate, bins, trunk, footlocker, chest, cooler, and the like. The bag or bag system can be constructed from one or more materials such as, without limitation, canvas, cotton, woven synthetic fiber, rPET (recycled polyethylene terephthalate), polypropylene, plastic, waterproof material (or coated for water resistance), bamboo, jute, and/or paper.
With reference now to the drawings, FIGS. 1A and 1B depict inner and outer surfaces, respectively, of an exemplary foldable sheet 100, in an extended or unfolded position, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Exemplary sheet 100 shown in FIG. 1A comprises four interconnecting portions or panels 110-140 and one flap 150 arranged substantially parallel to each other along a longitudinal axis 104, and arranged substantially parallel to a vertical axis 102. In this exemplary embodiment, the panels comprise a first panel 110, a second panel 120, a third panel 130, and a fourth panel 140. Other embodiments of sheet 100 in accordance with the present invention may comprise fewer or more than four panels and/or one flap. In exemplary sheet 100, panels 110-140 are identical in length and width. However, in other embodiments of sheet 100, one or more of panels 110-140 may have a different length and/or width compared to those of other panels, and flap 150 may also be of various lengths and or widths. In exemplary sheet 100, edges of panels 110-140 proximate to end 114 are substantially flush with each other. In addition, edges of panels 110-140 proximate to end 112 are substantially flush with each other. In other embodiments of sheet 100, one or more edges of panels 110-140 proximate to 114 are not flush with one or more adjacent edges. Similarly in other embodiments of sheet 100, one or more edges of panels 110-140 proximate to end 112 are not flush with one or more adjacent edges. In the exemplary sheet 100, each of the panels 110-140 and flap 150 is substantially rectangular. However, in other embodiments of the present invention, one or more of sheet 100, panels 110-140, and flap 150 may be a different shape including, without limitation, square, elliptical, or circular.
Exemplary embodiment of sheet 100 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B is a single piece of cardboard with four fold lines 116a, 116b, 116c, and 116d that are arranged substantially parallel to each other and spaced apart along the longitudinal axis 104, and substantially parallel to the transverse axis 102. Other embodiments of sheet 100 can be constructed from one or more materials such as, without limitation, cardboard, plastic, aluminum, bamboo, canvas, leather and/or hemp.
Turning briefly to FIG. 3 which depicts an alternative embodiment sheet 300 which is similar to sheet 100 of FIG. 1A except that each of the panels 110-140 and flap 150 has a pocket 310. Each pocket 310 is capable of receiving a rigid insert 315. Insert 315 may be constructed from one or more materials such as, without limitation, cardboard, bamboo, aluminum, rPET (recycled polyethylene terephthalate), polypropylene and/or plastic. In other embodiments, each panel may comprise a plurality of pockets 310. Alternatively, each pocket 310 may receive a plurality of inserts 315. Inserts 315 are preferably substantially stiff, but may also be rigid yet bendable. Sheet 300 may be constructed from one or more materials such as, without limitation, cotton, polyester, jute, hemp, and the like. Sheet 300 may be of various colors, designs, and fabrics, and may also be of various colors, designs and fabrics to match the bag in which the sheet 300 is inserted. Inserts 315 may be removable from the pockets 310. The inserts 315 may also be permanently disposed within the pockets 310, such as by stitching the pockets 310 closed. In embodiments wherein the inserts 315 are removable, the sheet 300 may be washable, wherein the inserts 315 are re-inserted within the pockets 310 after washing. In these embodiments, the pockets 310 may have extra material that may be inserted or tucked into the interior of the pockets to hold the inserts in place, or the pocket may have fasteners disposed on its inner or outer surface such as but not limited to Velcro®, buttons, or snaps to keep the inserts in place within the pockets.
Referring back to FIG. 1A, exemplary sheet 100 is one continuous piece of material divided into different panels by fold lines 116a through 116d. The fold lines comprise a first fold line 116a, a second fold line 116b, a third fold line 116c, and a fourth fold line 116d. The first panel 110 is connected to the second panel 120 along the first fold line 116a. The third panel 130 is connected to the second panel 120 along the second fold line 116b. The fourth panel 140 is connected to the third panel along the third fold line 116c. The flap 150 is connected to the fourth panel 140 along the fourth fold line 116d. There are several known ways in the art to create fold lines, including but not limited to through stamping, perforations, scoring, creasing, or through use of material(s) that would allow bending or flexing of the panels, or folding of the panel(s) onto adjacent panel(s). Other embodiments of the sheet may comprise one or more of panels 110-140 removably attached (such as through use of snaps, Velcro®, male and female components, or other fastening means) to one or more adjacent panels. Other embodiments of the sheet may also comprise a flap that is removably attached to the fourth panel 140. Other embodiments may comprise fewer or more fold lines than those shown in FIG. 1A.
In exemplary sheet 100 shown in FIG. 1A, flap 150 is fixedly coupled to the center of the fourth panel 140's edge proximate to end 108. In alternative embodiments, flap 150 is removably attached to the fourth panel 140. In other embodiments, flap 150's perimeter edge overlaps with the fourth panel 140's edge proximate to end 108. In yet other embodiments, flap 150 is coupled about the upper edge or lower edge of the fourth panel 140 proximate to end 108. In still other embodiments, a plurality of flaps 150 are coupled to the fourth panel 140, or to the panel adjacent to the flaps.
Referring to FIG. 1B, this depicts the outer surface of sheet 100 of FIG. 1A, opposite the surface depicted in FIG. 1A. Fastening components 111 and 113 are disposed on the outer surface of the first panel 110. Fastening components 131 and 133 are disposed on the outer surface of panel 130. Fastening components 141 and 143 are disposed on the outer surface of the fourth panel 140. Aforementioned fastening components function to engage with their corresponding fastening component counterparts disposed on the inner surface of bag 200 (see FIG. 4) to hold sheet 100 steady while in a folded position, further described below with respect to FIGS. 4 and 5. In other embodiments of sheet 100, fewer than two fastening components are disposed on one or more of panels 110, 130, and/or 140. Alternatively, more than two fastening components are disposed on one or more of panels 110, 130, and/or 140. In still other embodiments of sheet 100, one or more fastening components may be disposed on panel 120 and/or flap 150. Fastening components may be constructed from one or more materials suitable for attaching to sheet 100, such as, without limitation, adhesive fasteners, cohesive fasteners, mechanical fasteners, or the like. In one suitable embodiment, fastening components comprise mechanical fastening components, such as Velcro®. Other suitable mechanical fastening components include, without limitation, male and/or female mating components, buckles, buttons and loops, snaps, or the like. Fastening components may be one or more shape including, without limitation, square, circle, triangle, and the like, and may be made from a variety of materials including metal, plastic and/or fabric.
Referring now to FIG. 2, this figure depicts exemplary sheet 100 in a semi-folded position. The first panel 110 and the third panel 130 are folded toward each other about fold lines 116a and 116b which, respectively, transversely separate panels 110 and 120, and panels 120 and 130. The fourth panel 140 and the third panel 130 fold toward each other about fold line 116d which transversely separates panels 140 and 130. At the end of the folding process, exemplary sheet 100 will be in a folded position substantially similar to sheet 100 as shown in FIG. 5.
Turning to FIG. 4, this figure depicts the inner surface of an exemplary bag 200 in an extended or unassembled position. Bag 200 has front panel 210, back panel 230, first side panel 220, second side panel 240, and bottom panel 250. Fastening components 211 and 213 are disposed on the inner surface of front panel 210. Fastening components 231, 233, 241, and 243 are disposed on the inner surface of back panel 230. Fastening components 211, 213, 231, 233, 241, and 243 are sized and oriented to engage with their corresponding fastening component counterparts disposed on the outer surface of sheet 100 (i.e. 111, 113, 131, 133, 141, 143, respectively), discussed in greater detail below with respect to FIG. 5. Fastening components function to secure sheet 100 to bag 200 to help prevent sheet 100 from shifting or collapsing whilst disposed within bag 200. In other embodiments of bag 200, there can be fewer or more fastening components on panels 210 and/or 230. In some embodiments, there are one or more fastening components on panels 220, 240, and/or 250. The number, location and configuration of fastening components may be varied in securing sheet 100 to bag 200. Fastening components may be one or more shapes including, without limitation, square, circle, and/or triangle. Fastening components may be one or more of, without limitation, Velcro®, hook and loop, magnet, snap-fit, buttons, paper twist, and the like. In an exemplary embodiment, one or more panels of the sheet 100 may be permanently affixed (such as but not limited to by stitching, stapling, or gluing) to the interior portion of the bag 200, so that the sheet may be unfolded into its use configuration and folded into its storage configuration (and vice-versa) without removing it from the bag 200. For instance, sheet 100 may be stitched onto the interior portion of bag 200 where fastening components 111 and 113 and corresponding fastening components 211 and 213, are located. Sheet 100 may also be stitched onto the interior portion of bag 200 where fastening components 131 and 133 and corresponding fastening components 231 and 233, are located. The sheet 100 may be permanently affixed to the bag 200 (such as by stitching) on any location (such as the 116c fold line), so that the sheet may be unfolded into its use configuration or folded into its storage configuration (and vice-versa) without having to remove the sheet 100 from the bag 200.
Bag 200 can be assembled into a use position substantially similar to the one shown in FIG. 6. Bag 200 may be any type of bag such as, without limitation, shopping bag, tote bag, paper bag, department store bag, novelty bag, handbag, and the like. Bag 200 may be constructed from one or more material such as, without limitation, paper, cloth, canvas, leather, bamboo, jute, and/or plastic. In alternative embodiments, bag 200 may be a container such as, without limitation, banker's box, luggage, backpack, and the like.
FIG. 5 depicts exemplary sheet 100 of FIG. 2 in a folded position which substantially resembles a box having openings at the two opposing longitudinal ends 106 and 108. A negative space is created by the folded panels 110-114. In other embodiments, there can be additional panels to cover the longitudinal ends 106 and 108 thereby fully enclosing the aforementioned negative space inside folded sheet 100. In other embodiments, panel 120 has a fold line to facilitate folding of the sheet 100 when it is positioned within the bag 200, when the bag 200 is folded flat for storage, packing or shipping. The fold line runs substantially parallel to the left and right edges of the panel that is flush with the bottom of the bag, such as panel 120. When the sheet 100 is in a folded configuration inside the folded bag 200, it is flush with the bag 200, and thus the bag 200 incorporating the sheet 100 takes up less storage space. In other embodiments, the sheet 100 is adapted for insertion (whether permanently or removably affixed) into various commercially available bags such as but not limited to shopping bags, tote bags, paper bags, department store bags, novelty bags, and handbags.
Briefly turning to FIG. 6, this figure depicts an exploded view of a bag-sheet system comprising a sheet 100 of FIG. 1 in a semi-folded configuration and bag 200 of FIG. 4 in an assembled or use position. Sheet 100 is disposed inside bag 200 and removably attached to bag 200 via fastening components previously discussed with respect to FIGS. 4 and 5. As also discussed above, in other embodiments of the present invention, sheet 100 is disposed within bag 200 wherein sheet 100 is permanently attached to bag 200. Permanent attachment can be via one or more of fastening methods such as, without limitation, stitching, sewing, stapling, gluing, and the like.
Now with reference to both FIGS. 4 and 5, when folded sheet 100 is disposed inside assembled bag 200 (assembled as shown in FIG. 6), fastening components 111 and 113 are sized and oriented to engage with fastening components 211 and 213, respectively. In addition, fastening components 131 and 133 (not shown) engage with fastening components 231 and 233, respectively. For instance, in the exemplary embodiment, fastening component 111 comprises hook fasteners and fastening component 211 comprises complementary loop fasteners such that when engaged fastening components 111 and 211 attach to each other until pulled apart with force. As discussed previously, other embodiments of the invention may deploy one or more other types of fasteners such as, without limitation, snap-fit, button, magnet, glue, and the like. Once the fasteners engage, panels 110 and 130 will stay in place against panels 210 and 230, respectively, such that panels 110, 130, 210, and 230 remain in place and panel 110 is substantially parallel to panel 130, and panel 120 is substantially parallel to panel 140 as shown in FIG. 5.
With continued reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the last step of converting sheet 100 into a fully folded position involves lowering the fourth panel 140 down until it is flat and substantially parallel to the second panel 120 and flap 150 is tucked into the space between first panel 110 and panel 210, such that the flap 150 overlaps with and is substantially parallel to the first panel 110. For example, FIGS. 7A and 7B depict a fully folded sheet 100 of FIG. 6 disposed within bag 200 of FIG. 6 thereby creating two compartments within bag 200 such that items can be placed both under and on top of panel 140. Referring back to FIGS. 4 and 5, exemplary sheet 100 has a looped pull-string 510 disposed on panel 140 to facilitate lifting of the fourth panel 140. In other embodiments, instead of a loop, element 510 may be a hole for inserting one's finger (such as the example shown in FIG. 9A), a knob suitable for gripping with fingers, a handle, or any other type of device suitable for performing the task of lifting panel 140 upwards. Examples of looped pull strings include but are not limited to rope, twisted paper, die cut, ribbons, and yarn.
Turning to FIG. 7A which depicts a side perspective view of bag 200 with a folded sheet 100 therein. In the exemplary embodiment, panel 140 is lifted up and stowed against the inner surface of panel 230 of bag 200. Panel 140 is kept in an upright position by engaging fastening components 141 and 143 that are disposed on the outer surface of panel 140 of sheet 100 with fastening components 241 and 243, respectively, that are disposed on the inner surface of panel 230 of box 200. In other embodiments, panel 140 may be held up by tucking flap 150 underneath seam 251 of panel 230 of bag 200. Seam 251 runs along the upper perimeter of bag 200 adjacent panels 210-240. Some embodiments deploy both fastening and tucking methods for holding flap 150 and by extension panel 140 upright and in place. In other embodiments, flap 150 may be folded against panel 140 and panel 140 may then be tucked underneath seam 251. By tucking flap 150 underneath the seam 251, bag 200 is converted into a regular bag without compartments. Alternatively, as discussed below, if two or more folded sheets 100 are stacked on top of each other within a bag, tucking flap 150 underneath the seam 251 opens up the top portion of the bag 200.
Turning now to FIGS. 8A and 8B, these figures depict stacking a plurality of folded sheets 100 of FIG. 5 in the folded position inside a bag 800, with the top sheet 100 creating a top lid for the bag. Bag 800 is similar to bag 200 shown in FIG. 6 except for additional fastening components that function to engage with corresponding fastening components disposed on one or more stacked sheets 100 of FIG. 5. For instance, in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 8A, the bottom sheet 100 is in a folded position and is coupled to the inside surfaces of bag 800 via fastening components as shown. Specifically fastening components 113 and 213 engage and fastening components 111 and 211 engage to hold bottom sheet 100 against bag 800. Another sheet 100 in the folded position is stacked on top of the bottom sheet 100. The top sheet 100 is coupled to the inside surfaces of bag 800 via fastening components as shown. Specifically fastening components 113 and 813 engage and fastening components 111 and 811 engage to hold top sheet 100 against bag 800. In other embodiments, a plurality of folded sheets 100 may be on the top and/or on the bottom oriented side by side wherein the plurality of folded sheets 100 are coupled to each other via fastening components. In some embodiments, there may be more than two levels of stacked sheet 100 in the folded position disposed inside bag 800. Fastening components may be, without limitation, one or more of hook and loop, double-sided tape, magnet, snap-fit, and the like. The plurality of folded sheets 100 as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B may be fastened onto the bag 800 using various fastening configurations as discussed above. FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 8A and shows contents inside bag 800 separated by panels of the top and bottom sheets 100.
FIGS. 9A and 9B depict an embodiment of the present invention wherein folded sheet 900 configured to hold cups or bowl-shaped containers are disposed inside bag 200. Similar to sheet 100 of FIG. 5, sheet 900 comprises interconnecting panels capable of being folded into a box-like configuration. Sheet 900 is removably coupled to bag 200 via fastening components. Specifically, fastening components 911 and 913 disposed on a side panel of sheet 900 engage with corresponding fastening components 211 and 213, respectively, disposed on an inside wall of bag 200. There are also fastening components disposed on the opposing outer panel and inside wall of sheet 900 and bag 200, respectively, not shown in the exemplary drawing. In other embodiments, there are no fastening components disposed on any of the panels. There are openings 941 disposed on the upper panel 940 of sheet 900 sized and oriented to accommodate cup or bowl-shaped containers 945. Other embodiments comprise one or more openings 941 on one or more panels of sheet 900 (e.g., side panel, flap, etc.). Containers 945 may include, without limitation, coffee cups, mugs, bowls, plates, glasses, and the like. In alternative embodiments, openings 941 may also accommodate other objects, including, without limitation, fruit and vegetables, and fragile objects such as eggs, brittle objects such as vases or glass bottles, and other objects where separation and/or restriction of movement is desired. In addition, there is an opening 954 on the top panel 940 of sheet 900 proximate to the edge, sized and oriented to receive a finger to facilitate lifting the top panel of sheet 900. Other embodiments comprise other methods for raising the top panel of sheet 900 such as, without limitation, pull-string, handle, knob, two or more openings sized to accommodate multiple fingers, and the like. Alternative embodiments comprise a plurality of openings 954 and/or disposed on one or more panels of sheet 900 (e.g., side panel, flap, etc.). FIG. 9B depicts a cross-sectional view of FIG. 9A showing the contours of bag 200, sheet 900, and two exemplary containers 945 disposed inside openings 941. Other embodiments comprise fewer or more than two openings 941 wherein one or more opening 941 are sized differently to accommodate containers 945 of different types and/or sizes.
FIG. 10 is a side perspective view of an exemplary foldable sheet 1000 in a folded position having a strap 1060 attached thereto. Similar to sheet 100, sheet 1000 comprises interconnecting panels 1010-1040 and flap 1050 capable of being folded into a box-like configuration. There is a fastening component 1051 disposed on the inside of flap 1050 (shown by dotted line). There is a corresponding fastening component 1052 disposed on the outside of panel 1010. Fastening components 1051 and 1052 engage to couple flap 1050 to panel 1010. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 10, flap 1050 is removably attached to panel 1010 via the fastening components 1051 and 1052. The fastening component can be any device such as, without limitation, hook and loop, snap-fit, button, magnet, and the like. In other embodiments, flap 1050 is permanently attached to panel 1010 by a method such as, without limitation, gluing, stitching, sewing, and the like. An item 1080 such as, for instance, a casserole dish, can be inserted into folded sheet 1000 through opening 1090. Strap 1060 is fixedly attached to the bottom panel 1020 of sheet 1000 by a method such as, without limitation, gluing, stitching, sewing, and the like. In other embodiments, strap 1060 is removably attached to either the outer surface or inner surface of bottom panel 1020 by a fastening component such as, without limitation, a button, a knot, a hook and loop system, and the like. Strap 1060 runs across the length of the sheet and has two looped ends 1061 and 1062. Strap 1060 may comprise one or more straps and portions of the strap may split off into two or more straps. When the user pulls on both looped ends 1061 and 1062, the strap 1060 becomes taut thereby forming a barrier across opening 1090 which produces the effect of preventing item 1080 from sliding out of opening 1090. The structure and volume of item 1080 prevents side panels 1030 and 1010 from collapsing completely because the sides of item 1080 proximate to panels 1030 and 1010 effectively prop up panels 1030 and 1010. Item 1080 can be any type of object such as, with limitation, oven tray, pizza box, glass dish, pan, baking dish, and the like. In other embodiments, sheet 1000 can be covered in an insulating material suitable for transporting food items such as, without limitation, quilt, foil, thermal fabric, and the like. Alternatively, similar to sheet 300, sheet 1000 can be constructed from a soft material comprising one or more pockets in which rigid inserts are disposed. In operation, folded sheet 1000 with content 1080 therein can be carried by the user via strap 1060.
FIG. 11 depicts a plurality of folded sheets 1000 with contents 1080 therein stacked together inside a bag 1100. Bag 1100 can be any container such as, without limitation, a quilted bag, duffle bag, canvas bag, and the like. The bag may further include drawstrings, straps or a flap.
FIG. 12 shows a plurality of folded sheets 100 of FIG. 5 disposed inside a box 1200. Box 1200 can be any box such as, without limitation, banker's box, moving box, crate, shoe box, and the like. The exemplary embodiment shows two levels of sheets 100 in folded positions stacked vertically and horizontally. There is a large sheet 100 on the bottom and two smaller folded sheets 100 stacked on top of the large sheet 100. The folded sheets 100 are removably attached to box 1200 via fastening components 1210. In the exemplary embodiment, fastening components 1210 are double-sided tapes wherein both sides are coated with adhesives, which may be attached to portions of the outer sheet and/or interior of the box. Fastening components 1210 are initially only attached to the outer surface of the panels of sheets 100 as shown. Specifically, one side of fastening component 1210 is attached to sheet 100 and the other side of fastening component 1210 is covered by a removable liner. When placed inside box 1200, the user removes the removable liner thereby causing fastening components 1210 to come in contact with and become removably attached to the inner surface of box 1200. In some embodiments, additional fastening components 1210 are disposed on one or more of the folded sheets 100 for the purpose of attaching to adjacent sheets 100. For instance, additional fastening components 1210 can be disposed on the side panel of the one of the top sheets 100 proximate to the side panel of the other top sheet 100 thereby causing the two side panels to attach. In some embodiments, fastening components permanently attach sheet 100 to box 1200 or sheets 100 to each other. Fastening components 1210 may include, without limitation, one or more adhesive strips, including double-sided adhesive strips, in various widths, lengths and sizes. Other suitable fastening components 1210 may include, without limitation, hook and loop, glue, snap-fit, and the like.
FIGS. 13A and 13B depict bag 1300 having a folded sheet 100 of FIG. 5 therein and a suspension system 1310 disposed thereon. Suspension system 1310 comprises a fastening system 1320 proximate to bag 1300 and a grip 1330 distal to bag 1300. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 13A, bag 1300 is similar to bag 200 shown in FIG. 6 and fastening system 1320 is a drawstring. Other embodiments use another type of fastening system such as, without limitation, zipper, hook and loop, magnet, snap-fit, knots, and the like. Pulling on the drawstring fastening system 1320 folds and compresses the opening 1340 of bag 1300 until opening 1340 is substantially closed. In the exemplary embodiment, the drawstring is one continuous string with a loop at the distal end capable of attaching to a hook. In some embodiments, grip 1330 can be any device such as, without limitation, hook (including multi-prong hooks), hanger, loop, and the like. In alternative embodiments, fastening system 1320 is connected to an extension such as a string, wire, or the like, having a hook at the end for attaching to rails, racks, or the like. FIG. 13B shows bag 1300 carrying items 1350. Items 1350 can be any item such as, without limitation, clothing, costume, shoes, makeup, props, and the like. The fastening system 1320 can be unfastened when item 1350 inside folded sheet 100 needs to be extracted. To extract content 1350, the user may lift panel 140 to an upright position as shown by dotted lines. Alternatively, the user may first extract the folded sheet 100 from within bag 1300, then extract item 1350 from within sheet 100.
The methods and systems described herein are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein. For example, components of each system and/or steps of each method may be used and/or practiced independently and separately from other components and/or steps described herein. In addition, each component and/or step may also be used and/or practiced with other assemblies and methods.
Although specific embodiments of the invention have been described, various modifications, alterations, alternative constructions, and equivalents are also encompassed within the scope of the invention.
The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. It will, however, be evident that additions, subtractions, deletions, and other modifications and changes may be made thereunto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims.
