ORGANIZER STRAP FOR FOOD CONTAINERS.

Abstract

The present invention relates to an organizer strap for food containers. The organizer strap includes a first strap, a second strap, and a plurality of loop straps. The first strap and the second strap are coupled together in an “X” or “+” shaped configuration. The plurality of loop straps are configured to attach with the first strap and the second strap at one or more portions along the length of the first strap and the second strap. A fastening means includes four buckle members and a lock member. Each of the four buckle members is provided at each end portion of the first strap and the second strap respectively. The lock member is configured to receive the four buckle members allowing attachment of the end portions of the first strap and the second strap with the lock member to provide complete encirclement of the food containers both lengthwise and widthwise.

Description

CLAIM FOR PRIORITY

This application claims priority from prior utility provisional application with the application number 63,356,172 filed on Jun. 28, 2022. The entire collective teachings thereof being herein incorporated by reference.

Cross-Reference to Related Applications

Not applicable.

Statement Regarding Federally Sponsored Research or Development

Not Applicable.

Reference to a Sequence Listing, a Large Table, or a Computer Program Listing Appendix on Read-Only Optical Disc (if Applicable)

Not Applicable.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention generally relates to an organizer strap, and more specifically, an organizer strap assembly designed for securing and organizing multiple plastic and glass food containers in a group to save space when they are stored.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The need to contain, store, and organize food products has been around since the early days of humankind. People across civilizations have been storing and organizing food in containers for millennia. The organization of food containers has varied. In the present day, people store food for money, etc.

For instance, the ancient Egyptians often used a method known as “banking” in order to organize and preserve much of their foods. The process consisted of digging a hole in the ground and then lining it with wood, leaves or possibly straw so as to make a sort of barrier between the food and the soil. Caves represented the more natural form of “banking” and were used whenever they were available to organize and preserve food. Pests such as insects, damage as a result of moisture or weather, mold or fungus would often lower the quality of the saved foods and these hindrances had to be taken into account when planning for future food storage for these ancient civilizations.

However, because of the diversity in food containers, you can also run into issues. While you can stack and store containers on top of one another, you run the risk of damaging or breaking the containers, if they are not secured well enough for the containers to stay together. Food containers also take up a lot of space in your kitchen cabinets and refrigerator. You have to lay them on the shelf next to each other, which can take up a lot of space in order to keep them well organized and prevent any material damage.

While people's countertops may be spotless and their pantry closet hyper-organized, the one area of your kitchen that is probably a mess is that drawer where you stash your plastic or glass food containers. No matter how hard most people try to organize their food containers and food storage of all shapes and sizes, the mismatched containers never seem to fit inside each other, not to mention the lids tend to spill all over the place.

Sometimes coming back from grocery shopping and putting food away can become a puzzle fitting everything in. Placing all your food by type in storage containers can help with organizing your food products for later use. It may also help people identify food faster because of the organization of the containers.

Generally, food containers are designed to be stackable. If your food containers came in a variety pack, people tend to create a nestled stack for each shape. Smaller containers of a similar shape (i.e., round with round, square with square) are often placed within those of a larger size. Afterward, the lids are divided by shape and size. Depending on the available space, the lids are placed either vertically or flat on the shelf. To take a step further, some place round lids alongside round containers, square lids alongside square containers, and so on. However, this requires a lot of time, ingenuity, patience, and cabinet space. In today's day and age, most people lack at least one of those attributes.

Many storage items are used as a group or set such as, for example, but not limited to, food storage containers, food packaging containers typically comprising a three- or four-piece set with different sizes based upon the utility.

Typically, materials such as ties, and ribbons are used to group the items. These materials often require manual knots or other fastening devices to lock the items in place which may be difficult for a user to organize the storage items. In addition, these materials are often not reusable and do not provide secure means of keeping multiple items together.

The key is finding the right food organizational system that works. Whether that means creating separate homes for the lids and containers or using bins to stow sets (containers and lids) by size. It is up to the person and the amount of space there is available.

To fulfill this need in the market, one such invention is disclosed in the prior art a luggage and box strap with handle (U.S. Pub. No. US20090200347A1). The prior art discloses a versatile strap device to one-hand-carry single or multiple cartons, boxes, luggage, or the like. The straps are adjustable with durable quick release buckle closure and fit variety-sized cartons, boxes, luggage, or the like. The strap device consists of a pair of cross straps with a grip handle that encircles the luggage, boxes, or the like for secure handling when hand carried. However, this prior art fails to provide a secure packing suitable for food containers having a smooth surface as the food containers may slip out of the straps while handling. As such, this invention in the prior art is severely limited and unable to fulfill all the needs related to an organizer strap for food containers to securely organize multiple food containers in an intact manner.

There is another invention disclosed in the prior art as a bedding set organizer and method (U.S. Pub. No. US20120074021A1). The prior art discloses an organizer i.e. linen set organizer with a set of perpendicularly oriented intersecting multiple straps having fastening elements on the distal ends to releasably fasten the straps around a linen set and secure the set. The straps bear identifying indicia for easy identification of the bundled content with Velcro attachment. However, this prior art fails to provide a secure packing suitable for food containers having a smooth surface as the food containers may slip out of the straps while handling. As such, this invention in the prior art is severely limited and unable to fulfill all the needs related to an organizer strap for food containers to securely organize multiple food containers in an intact manner.

There is yet another invention disclosed in the prior art as apparatus for securing and carrying a package (U.S. Pub. No. US20080042460A1). The prior art relates to an apparatus for securing and carrying a package. The apparatus generally comprises a handle portion and two straps. The straps are disposed perpendicular to one another and the ends of each strap, respectively, are releasably connected after being passed around a package. The releasable connections may comprise a variety of quick-release fasteners. However, this prior art fails to provide a secure packing suitable for food containers as the connections are releasable and provided with quick-release fasteners. As such, this invention in the prior art is severely limited and unable to fulfill all the needs related to an organizer strap for food containers to securely organize multiple food containers in an intact manner.

Accordingly, it is apparent that a need exists for an organizer strap for plastic and glass food containers that can resolve many of the challenges of the existing organizer straps.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an organizer strap for plastic and glass food containers that includes a first strap, a second strap, and a plurality of loop straps. Each of the first strap and the second strap include a mid-portion and two end portions. The mid-portion of the first strap and the mid-portion of the second strap are configured to intersect at a first attachment portion. The plurality of loop straps is attached to the first strap and the second strap at one or more portions along the length of the first strap and the second strap. The first attachment portion is used for coupling the first strap and the second strap together in an “X” or “+” configuration with an attachment unit. The attachment unit allows the first strap to pivot relative to the second strap such that the first strap can be positioned directly over the second strap. The first strap, the second strap, and the plurality of loop straps are made of an elastic material.

The organizer strap includes a fastening means comprising four buckle members and a lock member. Each of the four buckle members is provided at each end portion of the first strap and the second strap respectively. The lock member is configured to receive the four buckle members allowing attachment of the end portions of the first strap and the second strap with the lock member to provide complete encirclement of the food containers both lengthwise and widthwise. The fastening means may include hook-and-pile fasteners. The hook engages with the pile allowing attachment of the end portions of the first strap and the second strap. The hook comprises a substrate that features projecting mechanical engaging members capable of penetrating and engaging a confronting pile. The pile comprises a hook-ensnaring fiber material that requires substantial force to separate after engagement. The fastening means may be a Velcro strap, buckle, hook, buttons, or any other connection means capable of securing the first strap and the second strap ends together.

The organizer strap of the present invention is capable of storing containers that are placed in various other configurations allowing the user to have more flexibility in the functionality of the invention. The user is not required to stack the containers of same size or dimensions on top of each other in a vertical configuration in order for the invention to work. The user may also stack containers of different size, shape and dimensions in different positions while still enjoying the full functionality of the invention.

The organizer strap of the present invention helps users organize food containers, namely, plastic or glass containers, while they are being stored. The straps are structured to secure the food containers as well as organize the food containers saving space while in storage. The straps are attached to sufficiently wrap around the food containers and keep them secured therein. The food containers secured with the organizer strap of the present invention remain secured as long as the user desires.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A clear understanding of the key features of the invention summarized above may be had by reference to the appended drawings, which illustrate the method and system of the invention, although it will be understood that such drawings depict preferred embodiments of the invention and, therefore, are not to be considered as limiting its scope with regard to other embodiments which the invention is capable of contemplating. Accordingly:

FIG. 1 illustrates an organizer strap for food containers according to various embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates the organizer strap for food containers of FIG. 1 including the first strap and the second strap according to various embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates the lock member of the organizer strap for food containers of FIG. 1 according to various embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates the fastening means of the organizer strap for food containers of FIG. 1 according to various embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates the organizer strap for food containers of FIG. 1 storing food containers placed in different configurations according to various embodiments of the present invention.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well as the singular forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

In describing the invention, it will be understood that a number of techniques and steps are disclosed. Each of these has individual benefit and each can also be used in conjunction with one or more, or in some cases all, of the other disclosed techniques. Accordingly, for the sake of clarity, this description will refrain from repeating every possible combination of the individual steps in an unnecessary fashion.

Nevertheless, the specification and claims should be read with the understanding that such combinations are entirely within the scope of the invention and the claims. An organizer strap for food containers is discussed herein. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be evident, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. The present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated by the figures or description below. The present invention will now be described by referencing the appended figures representing preferred embodiments.

FIG. 1 illustrates an organizer strap for food containers according to various embodiments of the present invention. The organizer strap 100 includes a first strap 102, a second strap 104, and a plurality of loop straps 106A-N. The first strap 102 and the second strap 104 include a mid-portion and two end portions respectively. The mid-portion of the first strap 102 and the second strap 104 are configured to intersect at a first attachment portion. The first attachment portion is configured to couple the first strap 102 and the second strap 104 together in an “X” or “+” shaped configuration with an attachment unit. The plurality of loop straps 106A-N are configured to attach with the first strap 102 and the second strap 104 at one or more portions along the length of the first strap 102 and the second strap 104.

FIG. 1 illustrates a fastening means comprising four buckle members 108A-D and a lock member 110. Each of the four buckle members is provided at each end portion of the first strap 102 and the second strap 104 respectively. The lock member 110 is configured to receive the four buckle members 108A-D allowing attachment of the end portions of the first strap 102 and the second strap 104 with the lock member 110 to provide complete encirclement of the food containers both lengthwise and widthwise.

FIG. 2 illustrates the organizer strap for food containers of FIG. 1 including the first strap and the second strap according to various embodiments of the present invention. The organizer strap 200 includes the first strap 102, the second strap 104, the fastening means comprising buckle members 108A, 108C-D and the lock member 110. The functioning of the components are described in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates the lock member of the organizer strap for food containers of FIG. 1 according to various embodiments of the present invention. The lock member 110 is designed to include four provisions to receive the four buckle members 108A-D respectively. The functioning of the components are described in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 illustrates the fastening means of the organizer strap for food containers of FIG. 1 according to various embodiments of the present invention. The fastening means includes the four buckle members 108A-C and the lock member 110. The functioning of the components are described in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 illustrates the organizer strap for food containers of FIG. 1 storing food containers placed in different configurations according to various embodiments of the present invention. The organizer strap including the first strap 102, the second strap 104, and the loop strap 106A hold food containers with different size, shape and dimensions in different positions.

While the present invention has been described in terms of particular embodiments and applications, in both summarized and detailed forms, it is not intended that these descriptions in any way limit its scope to any such embodiments and applications. It will be understood that many substitutions, changes and variations in the described embodiments, applications and details of the method and system illustrated herein and of their operation can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of this invention.

Claims

1. An organizer strap for food containers, wherein the organizer strap comprises:

a first strap and a second strap,

wherein the first strap and the second strap comprise a mid-portion and two end portions respectively,

wherein the mid-portion of the first strap and the second strap are configured to intersect at a first attachment portion,

wherein the first attachment portion is configured to couple the first strap and the second strap; and

a fastening means comprising four buckle members and a lock member,

wherein each of the four buckle members is provided at each end portion of the first strap and the second strap respectively,

wherein the lock member is configured to receive the four buckle members allowing attachment of the end portions of the first strap and the second strap with the lock member to provide complete encirclement of the food containers both lengthwise and widthwise.

2. The organizer strap of claim 1, wherein the first attachment portion couples the first strap and the second strap together in an “X” or “+” shaped configuration with an attachment unit.

3. The organizer strap of claim 2, wherein the attachment unit facilitates the first strap to pivot relative to the second strap allowing to position the first strap directly over the second strap.

4. The organizer strap of claim 1, wherein the organizer strap further comprises a plurality of loop straps that are configured to attach with the first strap and the second strap at one or more portions along the length of the first strap and the second strap.

5. The organizer strap of claim 4, wherein the first strap, the second strap, and the plurality of loop straps are made of an elastic material.

6. The organizer strap of claim 1, wherein the fastening means comprises hook-and-pile fasteners, wherein the hook engages with the pile allowing attachment of the end portions of the first strap and the second strap.

7. The organizer strap of claim 1, wherein the food containers comprise glass or plastic food containers.

8. An organizer strap for food containers, wherein the organizer strap comprises:

a first strap and a second strap,

wherein the first strap and the second strap comprise a mid-portion and two end portions respectively,

wherein the mid-portion of the first strap and the second strap are configured to intersect at a first attachment portion,

wherein the first attachment portion is configured to couple the first strap and the second strap together in an “X” or “+” shaped configuration with an attachment unit; and

a fastening means comprising four buckle members and a lock member,

wherein each of the four buckle members is provided at each end portion of the first strap and the second strap respectively,

wherein the lock member is configured to receive the four buckle members allowing attachment of the end portions of the first strap and the second strap with the lock member to provide complete encirclement of the food containers both lengthwise and widthwise.

9. The organizer strap of claim 8, wherein the organizer strap further comprises a plurality of loop straps that are configured to attach with the first strap and the second strap at one or more portions along the length of the first strap and the second strap.

10. The organizer strap of claim 9, wherein the first strap, the second strap, and the plurality of loop straps are made of an elastic material.

11. The organizer strap of claim 8, wherein the fastening means comprises hook-and-pile fasteners, wherein the hook engages with the pile allowing attachment of the end portions of the first strap and the second strap.

12. The organizer strap of claim 8, wherein the attachment unit facilitates the first strap to pivot relative to the second strap allowing to position the first strap directly over the second strap.

13. The organizer strap of claim 8, wherein food containers comprise glass or plastic food containers.

14. An organizer strap for food containers, wherein the organizer strap comprises:

a first strap, a second strap, and a plurality of loop straps,

wherein the first strap and the second strap comprise a mid-portion and two end portions respectively,

wherein the mid-portion of the first strap and the second strap are configured to intersect at a first attachment portion,

wherein the first attachment portion is configured to couple the first strap and the second strap together in an “X” or “+” shaped configuration with an attachment unit,

wherein the plurality of loop straps are configured to attach with the first strap and the second strap at one or more portions along the length of the first strap and the second strap; and

a fastening means comprising four buckle members and a lock member,

wherein each of the four buckle members is provided at each end portion of the first strap and the second strap respectively,

wherein the lock member is configured to receive the four buckle members allowing attachment of the end portions of the first strap and the second strap with the lock member to provide complete encirclement of the food containers both lengthwise and widthwise.

15. The organizer strap of claim 14, wherein the fastening means comprises hook-and-pile fasteners, wherein the hook engages with the pile allowing attachment of the end portions of the first strap and the second strap.

16. The organizer strap of claim 14, wherein the attachment unit facilitates the first strap to pivot relative to the second strap allowing to position the first strap directly over the second strap.

17. The organizer strap of claim 14, wherein the first strap, the second strap, and the plurality of loop straps are made of an elastic material.

18. The organizer strap of claim 14, wherein food containers comprise glass or plastic food containers.