Selectively Adjustable Volume Patents (Class 383/2)
  • Patent number: 10881177
    Abstract: A bag, in particular a foldable bag, comprises a tube having a closed end and an open end. The tube is of a fabric and includes at least one set of pleats. The at least one set of pleats includes at least five parallel longitudinal folds in alternating directions that extend from the closed end to the open end of the tube. The longitudinal folds of the at least one set of pleats are secured in place at the closed end of the tube. The sections of fabric on opposite sides of each longitudinal fold are arranged the one on top of the other in a folded state of the at least one set of pleats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: GYRE B.V.
    Inventors: Joanna Boothman, Joost Alle De Muinck Keizer
  • Patent number: 10806225
    Abstract: A folding container assembly has a soft-sided wall structure that is collapsible from either a fully expanded condition or from a partially expanded condition, wherein the container assembly defines an interior chamber for storing articles, into a carry pouch format wherein the container assembly is folded down on itself such that the interior chamber of the container assembly is not accessible for use. Accordingly, the folding container assembly has a first configuration wherein the container assembly defines a first interior cavity having a first interior volume for storing articles, a second configuration wherein the container assembly defines a second interior cavity having a second interior volume, wherein the second interior volume is less than the first interior volume, and a third configuration wherein the container assembly is folded down on itself into a compact form such that the interior cavity or chamber is not accessible for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: CALIFORNIA INNOVATIONS INC.
    Inventor: Elena Sitnikova
  • Patent number: 10492568
    Abstract: A closure system for a boot or other footwear includes a tension member that is disposed within the boot and routed or guided about a path within the boot via one or more guides. The closure system also includes an adjustment member that is disposed within the boot and operably coupled with the tension member. The closure system further includes a reel based closure device having a knob that is operable to tension the tension member and to release tension from the tension member. Tensioning of the tension member adjusts a fit of the adjustment member about a foot within the boot to secure the foot within the boot and loosening of the tension member adjusts the fit of the adjustment member about the foot to allow the foot to be more easily removed from the boot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Boa Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Burns, Charles Hamilton, Ilya Minkin, Rebecca Peterson, Aaron Venturini, Tamara White
  • Patent number: 10098426
    Abstract: A foldable bag for holding articles including first and second opposing body panels constructed of a foldable material and connected to each other along a pair of sides and a bottom bridging the pair of sides to define an open mouth. The sides and the bottom of the compartment are foldable to collapse the compartment, and the compartment is maintained in the collapsed configuration in a variety of ways. In one embodiment, fastening straps can be provided proximate the mouth and may be rotatably stored within a housing when the foldable bag is in a collapsed state. The fastening straps may be extend outward beyond the sides to releasably engage fastening members on the first panel proximate the bottom when the foldable bag is in an folded state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: TUMI, INC.
    Inventor: Elisa Cohen
  • Patent number: 10011394
    Abstract: A reusable mailer bag includes a front panel, a rear panel, a pair of side panels, and a bottom panel. The panels together define a carrying volume including an opening opposite the bottom panel. A pair of handles are attached to an interior surface of the carrying volume and are configured for positioning entirely within the carrying volume during shipping. The pair of handles are configured to extend out of the opening to convert the reusable mailer bag for use as a carrying bag. A flap is attached to the rear panel at a first end and is configured to extend across the opening to close the opening. The flap is securable to the front panel at a second end by an adhesive strip. The flap is configured to be removed from the mailer bag after shipping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: Green 2 Green Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Hugh Greenwood, Kenneth Greenfield
  • Patent number: 9738421
    Abstract: A new package for storing bulky goods is disclosed. The package is formed from a bag having a width and depth at its base portion and meeting at a top edge, the top edge having no depth. Due to the top edge having no depth, the width of the material on the top portion of the package extends out further than the width of the material on the base portion. To create a package having streamlined aesthetic that looks nice on a shelf, the excess material in the top portion of the bag is folded into the interior of the bag to form a false side gusset. To allow for such folding the bag, in desirable embodiments, side edges of a first and second web forming the bag angle inward at between about 30 degrees and about 60 degrees at a top portion transition point on the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Reed Carlson Eppelheimer, Stephen Robert Kehn
  • Patent number: 9288966
    Abstract: A flexible pet bowl is provided. The flexible pet bowl may include a main trough and one or more side pockets that may be used to store one or more items, such as bags, food, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Gated Distribution, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel J. Penn
  • Patent number: 9265330
    Abstract: A stadium-styled universal seat cover that converts to a backpack or tote. More specifically, a convertible seat cover having a front wall with first and second lateral edges, and first and second edges. The front wall also has first stitching adjacent to the first edge. The front wall further has a first channel. A rear wall extends from the second edge. The rear wall has third and fourth lateral edges, and a third edge. The rear wall further has second stitching adjacent to the third edge. An engaging wall extends from the third edge. The engaging wall has first and second lateral walls, and a fourth edge. The engaging wall further has third stitching adjacent to the fourth edge; and a cord assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Inventor: Melissa Golin
  • Patent number: 9038679
    Abstract: A protective bag, such as for a handbag, has configurable dimensions so that the protective bag can be conformed to the shape and size of the handbag. The width, depth, height and silhouette of the protective bag can be separately configured. The protective bag may have a rim that can be independently configured. Accessory pockets and removable carriers such as a shoulder strap or a pair of handles may be part of the protective bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Inventor: Andrea Marquez-Bottome
  • Patent number: 9004119
    Abstract: A protective cover for handbags and like objects is provided, which comprises a portable and self-contained storage pouch. The protective cover can be attached to the exterior of a handbag by various mechanisms and can comprise one or more carrying straps. The protective cover can be made from a durable, water resistant and germ resistant material capable of preventing dirt, moisture and harsh chemicals from reaching the handbag. This protective cover can also prevent germ contamination of the handbag or other surfaces by removing it from the handbag and washing it after use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Inventor: Diane Piper
  • Patent number: 8978850
    Abstract: A reconfigurable bag is disclosed. The reconfigurable bag has a center expanding section and two bottom expanding sections, all of which may be moved between stored and open configurations. Opening one or more of the expanding sections changes the shape and configuration of the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Max Mirani Investments, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Bettua, Kiran Joseph
  • Patent number: 8906229
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device comprising: a base (2); a moveable or removable door (20), said device having a closed door position; and in the closed door position, a circuit (8) comprising a bag comprising two flexible films and conveying network connectors, and a press (9) comprising a first shell (16) disposed on said front face (5) of said base (2) and a second shell (17) disposed in said door (20); said bag being clamped between said first shell (16) and said second shell (17) in a state in which conduits of said network for conveying liquid are formed between said films.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: EMD Millipore Corporation
    Inventors: Sebastien Cirou, Rene Reinbigler, Virginie Buisson, Jean-Louis Weissenbach
  • Publication number: 20140355908
    Abstract: An apparatus for carrying objects includes a bag and at least one cord. The bag has a top portion and a bottom portion. The top portion of the bag includes an adjustable mouth and a channel. The cord includes a first end portion coupled to the bottom portion of the bag, a second end portion coupled to the bottom portion of the bag, and a middle portion positioned between the first end portion and the second end portion. The middle portion of the cord includes a first length of cord which extends slidably through the channel and a second length of cord which is positioned outside of the channel. The second length of cord has a substantially larger diameter than the first length of cord.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: Edward Giard, Stephen Cleary, Edward Russell, Michael J. Meyer, Jonathan Brown
  • Patent number: 8870457
    Abstract: A storage pocket (9) having a front panel (19), a rear panel (20), an inner surface (10), an outer surface (11), an upper edge (12), a lower edge (13) and side edges (22). A pliable attachment ring (14) extends through two apertures (15) located along the lower edge of the storage pocket. An opening (21) located along the upper edge allows access to the inner surface of the storage pocket. A loop (16) located on the inner surface may be used in conjunction with the attachment ring to attach multiple storage pockets together while storing articles. The storage pocket may be integral to an article, such as a foldable shopping bag (1), poncho, article of clothing, etc, attached to an existing article, or used as a separate storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Inventors: Mary Jane Deck, Daniel Gatto
  • Patent number: 8794834
    Abstract: A package reclosing strip includes an adhesive layer that extends the full width of a flexible film strip. Formation of a dry edge on the strip, suitable for grasping by the user, is accomplished either by adhering a strip of material such as a dry tape or by the application of a liquid overcoating which chemically deadens the adhesive. The dry edge tape material is preferably made of mono-oriented polypropylene. The film strip is substantially transparent and includes graphics on the underside, beneath the adhesive coating. The graphics show through the film strip, providing visibility of the graphics from the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Sealstrip Corporation
    Inventor: Josephine Anne Forman
  • Patent number: 8777045
    Abstract: A soft sided insulated container assembly includes a first portion having an insulated, soft sided external wall structure, and a second portion that defined a lid co-operable with the first portion. The lid includes an auxiliary access opening and closure member that are smaller than the main opening, and that can be operated one-handed. A rigid work surface is provided, typically immediately adjacent to the secondary closure member, the work surface providing a place for holding or mixing a drink or for preparing a snack. In some embodiments the work surface may be movable relative to the container, whether slidable in a co-planar or parallel planar manner in translation, or folding as in a foldable shelf. The entire container assembly may be foldable or collapsible to a storage condition, and the rigid member, whether fixed or movable, does not impede that folding or collapsing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: California Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Elizabeth Mitchell, Mike Baatz, William Kearns, Christopher Edwards, Melvin Mogil, Richard Stephens
  • Patent number: 8714350
    Abstract: The present invention includes methods and apparatus in which a reusable bag is provided for the collection and return of soiled garments, laundry and/or other clothing items. The bag may be provided in the form of a hamper that is open at the top, with one or more hooks that allow the bag to be hung from a clothing rod, and is provided with engagement devices that allow the bag to be folded up when not in use, and then unfolded to various levels for containment and protection of clean items that have been hung on standard hangers. In some embodiments, garment protection flaps and a detachable accessory bag are provided inside the bag. In other embodiments, convenient handles are provided as part of the hangers which support the bags, the handles being positioned to balance the bag when it is being carried to avoid spilling the contents thereof, the bags having special flaps for engaging the hangers having the handles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Inventor: Stephen E. Berglund
  • Patent number: 8695796
    Abstract: A ball bag having an interior formed of a stretchable material that pulls the bag exterior towards its own center, shaping the bag and locking the balls in place. This technique enables the bag to be used as a ball backpack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Inventor: Jeffrey W. Byers
  • Patent number: 8689973
    Abstract: The present invention includes methods and apparatus in which a reusable bag is provided for the collection and return of soiled garments, laundry and/or other clothing items. The bag may be provided in the form of a hamper that is open at the top, with one or more hooks that allow the bag to be hung from a clothing rod, and is provided with engagement devices that allow the bag to be folded up when not in use, and then unfolded to various levels for containment and protection of clean items that have been hung on standard hangers. In some embodiments, garment protection flaps are provided inside the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Inventor: Stephen Berglund
  • Patent number: 8672546
    Abstract: An article, such as a bag, with an attached storage pouch or pocket is disclosed. The pouch can be directly attached to the article through an attachment, placing the pouch within close proximity, or coincident with a portion of the article. The pouch can be made from an elastic, flexible material. The pouch can be attached in an inverted state to an article. A user can place a portion of his hand in the pouch, compress the article with both hands, and then invert the pouch while encapsulating the compressed article in the pouch. The pouch can have a flap attached to the pouch. The flap can be used to close the opening of the pouch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Flip & Tumble, LLC
    Inventors: Hetal N. Jariwala, Eva E. Bauer, Lale Taneri
  • Publication number: 20140044378
    Abstract: A liner for a shipping container that surrounds cargo and packaging therefore to protect the cargo and packaging from moisture and contamination. The liner includes a bag that can be expanded to line the interior of a shipping container. The bag has an end within an opening, through which cargo can be loaded. In certain embodiments, a skirt is configured to seal the bag to the open end of the container to create an enclosure between the exterior of the bag and the interior of the container. Air can be drawn through an opening in the skirt to create a vacuum thereby expanding the bag to line the walls of the container. A cover is configured to seal the bag opening shut after cargo has been loaded in the bag. A valve enables air to be vacuumed from the interior of the bag to collapse the bag around the cargo and packaging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Dennis Loeschen, Ofer Asraf, JR.
  • Patent number: 8628242
    Abstract: A foldable bag comprising a compartment for holding articles including first and second opposing body panels constructed of a foldable material and connected to each other along a pair of sides and a bottom bridging the pair of sides to define an open mouth formed opposite the bottom. The sides and the bottom of the compartment are foldable to collapse the compartment, and the compartment is maintained in the collapsed configuration in a variety of ways. In one embodiment, fastening straps can be provided proximate the mouth and extend outward beyond the sides to releasably engage fastening members on the first panel proximate the bottom. Alternatively, a reclosable flap member can be coupled to a panel and include a strap defining a retention loop, wherein the compartment is maintained in the collapsed configuration when the sides are disposed within the retention loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Tumi, Inc.
    Inventors: Josh Buller, Paul Scicluna
  • Patent number: 8523435
    Abstract: The invention relates to a packaging bag comprising at least one flap (24, 28) which is folded against one face of the bag body (10) and which is held in position by means of a removable linking element (30, 32). The invention is characterized in that the bag also comprises an element (50) which is designed to ensure that the bag can be opened and reclosed, which extends transversely to the fold line (22) of the flap and which covers the entire width of said flap (24, 28) and at least a substantial part of the bag body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: S2F Flexico
    Inventor: Philippe Doue
  • Patent number: 8517609
    Abstract: A container, or package, that is separable for resizing the container after the contents are partially consumed. One or more mid-package separable seals are positioned between the top and bottom of a package. The seal in the sealed configuration flexibly provides package integrity with an air-tight seal and connection. In the operated configuration, the seal separates the package into two sections, allowing the package to assume a size that is suitable for the volume of material remaining. In one embodiment, the mid-package separable seal includes a sealing strip that is adhesively attached to the outside of the package and covers a tear line/strip formed in the material of the package. Removal of the sealing strip allows the tear line to separate the package into two sections. In another embodiment, a connecting strip is attached to two sections of the package and the connecting strip has an integral tear line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Inventor: Christopher W. Conner
  • Publication number: 20130142454
    Abstract: A double-walled carrier bag (1) has outer and inner walls that are joined at the opening (5) of the bag (1) and form double-walled side panels, each of which has a portion (4) that is folded to reduce the size of the panel and the opening (5) of the bag. A releasable fastener (3) holds each of the panels in its folded condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Inventor: Richard Simmonite
  • Patent number: 8342750
    Abstract: A reusable and refoldable bag includes an integral locking mechanism that enables the bag to stay closed in a compact folded position (the folded position is about one-sixth to one-ninth of the original bag size compared to the bag when it is open and laid flat) when not in use and is easily opened when needed to carry contents. The integral locking mechanism includes a covering feature with a protected adhesive element and a flap with a mating adhesive element. In the folded position, the flap's adhesive element is placed under the covering feature and securely interlocks with the protected adhesive element. The locking mechanism can be disengaged and re-engaged for multiple reuses. The flap couples to a first side of the bag and extends outward from the bag. The covering feature couples to the first face adjacent to a top portion of the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Inventors: Christina Frances Heinlen, Patricia Lettich Heinlen, Katherine Victoria Heinlen
  • Patent number: 8287188
    Abstract: A bag includes a first portion. The first portion is attached to a second portion of the bag. The reusable bag also includes a mailing label having an addressee section preprinted with an address of a recycler. When the bag is in an unpacked state, the first portion is configured to carry items. When the bag is in a packed state, the first portion is secured in the packed state using the second portion such that the mailing label is visible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Hoyord, Angela L. Baer, Sohil Arora
  • Patent number: 8225829
    Abstract: Transferable organizers provide stabilization and ease of location for objects carried in handbags and other bags. The organizers may be independently usable and freestanding, and may be inserts inside an existing bag. At least some walls of the organizer are substantially rigid to protect the contents, make the organizer freestanding, or to conform to the dimensions of the existing bag. At least one wall of each organizer may be expandable by means of an expansion panel that can be stowed when expansion is not needed using a fastener, such as a zipper, snap, or magnetic connection. Expansion panels enable adjustment of the width, length, or height of the organizer. A eyeglass case includes an inwardly extending lip that curls over the lens of the glasses and is adjacent a rigid front section. A shoe organizer includes a cushion flap and a stabilizing flap that protects and positions the shoes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: PurseN, LLC
    Inventor: Hardeep Melamed
  • Patent number: 8209995
    Abstract: A collapsible insulated container has a base wall and a peripheral wall with an open end defining an enclosure. The peripheral wall has at least two layers and is divided into elongate pockets between the layers, with foldable crease lines between adjacent pockets. Each pocket contains a flexible-walled, insulating gel pack which substantially fills the pocket. The crease lines may be defined by stitching securing the outer and inner layers of the container together. The gel packs may be surrounded by matting, foam or mesh material which is sewn into the lines of stitching, or may have integral peripheral rims sewn into the lines of stitching. The container is foldable between an erect, open condition and a storage condition in which it is folded along the crease lines into a substantially flattened package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: PackIt, LLC
    Inventors: Melissa Renee Kieling, Jeannette Marie Brisacher-Dirksen
  • Publication number: 20120097706
    Abstract: The invention relates to a bag of variable volume able to contain fluids and designed to be introduced into a container through the container's neck, said bag consisting of a pouch with one closed end and one open end, the open end being dimensionally stable over temperature ranges of from ?30 to 55° C., to a device incorporating said bag and to a process for filling it.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: POWER CONTAINER CORP.
    Inventors: Chris Nimmo, Olivier Bertaud
  • Patent number: 8136957
    Abstract: A holding apparatus for television remotes, pens/pencils, paper and other personal items intended for bedside use by hospital patients, is herein disclosed, comprising a plurality of pockets or pouches to hold said personal items. According to a preferred embodiment, a center pocket would hold larger items and a pair of outer pockets would hold narrow objects. The apparatus is secured by a pair of straps that originate from the top rear portion of the outer pouches and secures about the railing of the hospital bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventor: Sylvet Balcarran
  • Patent number: 8132601
    Abstract: A tote bag for being partitioned or alternatively expanded. The bag has a partition mode and an expansion mode and includes a front panel, a rear panel, and a pair of side panels. The front panel is attached to the rear panel by the pair of side panels. The pair of side panels fold and attach to each other to form a partition thereby dividing the tote bag into a pair of compartments when the tote bag is in the partition mode thereof and separate from each other and unfold to eliminate the partition thereby expanding the tote bag when the tote bag is in the expansion mode thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Tumi, Inc.
    Inventor: San Chyi Wang
  • Publication number: 20120057809
    Abstract: A foldable bag comprising a compartment for holding articles including first and second opposing body panels constructed of a foldable material and connected to each other along a pair of sides and a bottom bridging the pair of sides to define an open mouth formed opposite the bottom. The sides and the bottom of the compartment are foldable to collapse the compartment, and the compartment is maintained in the collapsed configuration in a variety of ways. In one embodiment, fastening straps can be provided proximate the mouth and extend outward beyond the sides to releasably engage fastening members on the first panel proximate the bottom. Alternatively, a reclosable flap member can be coupled to a panel and include a strap defining a retention loop, wherein the compartment is maintained in the collapsed configuration when the sides are disposed within the retention loop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Inventors: Josh Buller, Paul Scicluna
  • Patent number: 8079502
    Abstract: A sack for compressing compressible material contained therein, the sack including: a pliable body portion (20) for receiving the material, the body portion having a lower base portion (22), wall means (21) and an upper opening (23) for introducing the material into the sack and removing it therefrom; cover means (28) exterior to the body portion and fixed thereto proximate the opening and having cover fastening means (29, 30, 31, 32) for releasably fastening to the body portion proximate the base whereby the cover means covers the opening, and a plurality of straps (25, 26) and/or connectors exterior to the body portion and attached thereto; wherein the cover fastening means and the plurality of straps and/or connectors are operable to compress material in the body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Mont Adventure Equipment Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Andrew Montgomery
  • Patent number: 8079451
    Abstract: Apparatuses convertible between at least a storage container in a first configuration and an activity mat in a second configuration. One apparatus includes a circular lid, a circular base, and at least one zipper pull that zips the lid and base to a wall. When zippered, the apparatus has a generally cylindrical shape. A carrying handle is provided on the lid. When unzippered, the apparatus becomes an activity mat and lies flat. Another apparatus includes two sides, a base, a flap, and at least one zipper pull that zips the sides to the flap. The sides resemble the outline of a car, such that the apparatus when zipped up resembles a car and when unzipped becomes an activity mat and lies flat. Backpack straps on the back allow the apparatus to be worn as a backpack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: International Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Wayne H. Rothschild, Kevin McComb
  • Patent number: 8016090
    Abstract: An insulated container has a front, back, top and bottom. Pairs of mating members are located on the front and pairs of mating members are located on the back to maintain the container in a collapsed state. The mating members on the front are positioned such that the mating members form a connection when the top of the container is folded on top of the front of the container. The mating members on the back are position such that the mating members form a connection when the bottom of the container is fold on top of the back of the container. In some embodiments, the mating members are positioned on portions of handles attached to the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan McCoy, Angela L. Baer
  • Publication number: 20110211773
    Abstract: A package configured to reclose after an initial opening and reduce head space in the package includes a plurality of walls with a pair of opposing wall segments, where each of the opposing wall segments have top and bottom edge portions, a width, a height, and facing inner surfaces. The plurality of walls are sealed to form an interior cavity to receive items therein, the cavity bounded by a bottom wall segment and an initially removably sealed upper mouth. The package further includes a low tack adhesive zone disposed across the entire width and extending from adjacent the mouth toward the bottom wall segment along at least a majority of the height of the facing inner surfaces. The adhesive zones have a greater affinity for adhesion to each other than to the items and permit the package to be repeatedly reopened and reclosed at a plurality of different heights to minimize headspace.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Inventors: Derek J. Romeo, Lynn S. Mann, Paul Anthony Zerfas
  • Publication number: 20110185476
    Abstract: An article of clothing or bag, at least a first dimension of which is adjustable lengthwise, including an adjustment cord and a blocker acting on the cord; the adjustment cord including a captive portion, the length of which is relative to the length the first dimension and a free portion, the blocker being capable of taking a plurality of positions with respect to the cord, thus marking the boundary between the free portion and the captive portion of the cord. A gusset is arranged in the vicinity of the blocker, the gusset including a closure mechanism enabling the gusset to be selectively configured to and from open and closed positions. The free portion of the cord extends through a distal keeper arranged inside the gusset, the distal keeper being positioned at a distance from the blocker such that, when the gusset is in the closed position, most of the length of the free portion is inside the gusset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: SALOMON S.A.S
    Inventors: Nicolas BOISSEAU, Minna RUNDGREN, Luca D'AURIA, Emmanuelle PEGUY-GEIBEN
  • Patent number: 7958920
    Abstract: A compact, user-friendly and reusable shopping bag assembly has a pocket with a cavity having a top opening accommodating a plurality of reusable auxiliary shopping bags. A primary shopping bag is hinged to the pocket for movement between a compact folded position adjacent a side of the pocket to an unfolded position for holding merchandise. A panel assembly having pockets for holding printed materials are attached to the front of the pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Inventor: Tiffany E. Olsson
  • Publication number: 20110103714
    Abstract: A package having an expansion chamber is depicted and described. The package generally includes a collapsed expansion chamber configured to open when a predetermined amount of internal pressure is reached. A pressure sensitive closure mechanism, such as a frangible seal or flexible we film web, is disposed between the main compartment and the expansion chamber and functions to separate the main compartment and the expansion chamber until the predetermined internal pressure is reached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventors: Mark Steele, Greg Melchoir
  • Publication number: 20110091135
    Abstract: A bag of the present invention includes a first side fabric, a second side fabric, and two lateral fabrics connected to each other to form the bag with a room therein and an opening at a top thereof. The first side fabric has a first length, which is longer than a second length of the second side fabric. The bag provides various means for closing and opening the opening of the bag and when the opening is open, the second side fabric will fall outward until the lateral fabrics are bound tight to get a bigger space for storing goods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: LOADINGCO ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Teng-Yao Chang
  • Patent number: 7926702
    Abstract: A gift wrapping enclosure encloses a gift which has been inserted within an interior of a main body formed of flexible material. An end portion of the main body surrounding an open end is folded back to form a cuff. An interior surface is exposed at the cuff, and the exposed cuff surface has a different color, texture or material characteristic from the main body. The main body is constricted at the cuff to close the open end and confine the gift, and is expanded at the cuff to provide access to the interior to remove the gift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Inventor: Jocelyn Childs
  • Patent number: 7870961
    Abstract: A product delivery system is device and method able to keep bag of product seal and delivering a bag product in easy and fast way. By tied up (using a fast locking strap) adjustable frame with seal cover to opened bag. Hang the bag on hook up side down (using a clip). By opening a little the caver (lid or zipper), product will drop down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Inventor: Moti Shai
  • Patent number: 7740212
    Abstract: An apparatus to retain and position tubing of media bags with a bottom gate made of a single piece, with features to hold and retain media bag tubing, a recessed structure where the bottom gate is positioned when installed that places the top of the gate flush with the inside surface of the media bag holder, and locking tabs on the inside surface of the media bag holder that prevent the bottom gate from lifting and allow it to be installed in only the correct orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: ConeCraft, Inc,
    Inventors: James Austin, Anthony Cox, James Hobson
  • Patent number: 7721777
    Abstract: The invention relates to an article carrier and, more specifically, to a customizable and modifiable article carrier built from a plurality of zipper strips. Each strip includes two bands of flexible material adjoined along an adjacent edge. The opposing edges of the bands have a toothed edge operable to lock to a toothed edge on an adjoining strip via a zipping mechanism. A plurality of strips are combined to form an article carrier compartment with optional closures and carrying straps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Bubbafus, LLC
    Inventor: Christopher Costello
  • Patent number: 7682080
    Abstract: A soft sided insulated cooler bag has a base and side panels. The base includes a rigid or semi-rigid reinforcement or batten that serve to provide a relatively hard or stiff edge about which the bag can be panel folded over on itself. The upper edge of the bag has a length that is as great as half the periphery of the bottom panel. The bag can be collapsed to a flat position and then panel folded to a storage position. Retainers are provided to keep the bag in the storage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: California Innovations Inc.
    Inventor: Melvin S. Mogil
  • Patent number: 7665895
    Abstract: A bag formed of a sheet material adapted to be filled with contents and opened at the top for taking out the contents. The bag has fused joints along the lateral edges thereof. A plastically deformable wire-like member is attached inside the fused joints over a length from the output opening side portion to the body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Kao Corporation
    Inventors: Masanori Takita, Hiroshi Yashima, Michiaki Fujita, Tomoaki Shimazu, Motomitsu Hasumi, Hiroshi Nishimura
  • Patent number: 7631376
    Abstract: A tightly rolled sleeping bag. The tightly rolled sleeping bag is rolled using conventional equipment, but pressure is applied to an end of the sleeping bag so as to cause the sleeping bag to be more tightly rolled than previous sleeping bags. Rolling tines for a rolling machine for rolling the sleeping bag are tapered so as to aid in removal of the tightly rolled sleeping bag. A storage sack is provided for holding the sleeping bag. The storage sack is configurable between a first arrangement where the storage sack holds the sleeping bag in the tight configuration, and a second arrangement where the storage sack may be released and expands to hold the sleeping bag in a less tightly rolled configuration. To provide such a function, an expansion section is provided on the storage sack. A closure is provided on the expansion section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: The Coleman Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W. Peterson, Susan L. Michaelis, Timothy M. Holub
  • Patent number: 7597209
    Abstract: A convertible device that converts between an activity mat and a storage container to capture and store numerous articles. Upon reclosing the activity mat, the articles are recaptured into the storage container. The device includes walls and a base, webbing connected between each adjacent wall pair, and a joint connected between the base and walls so that they are foldable into a third configuration wherein the footprint of the folded device is roughly the size of the base. In the third configuration, the walls are stacked relative to the base. The convertible device may further include attachment means for releasably holding the walls in a rigid and upright position in the first configuration. The webbing can be inwardly biased such that when the walls are urged from the second to the first configuration, the webbing folds toward the interior of the convertible device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: International Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Wayne H. Rothschild, Maxwell Bell Rothschild
  • Patent number: 7575376
    Abstract: An apparatus is capable of collapsing into a smaller configuration is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a first sidewall and a second sidewall interconnected by a bottom wall, a front wall, a rear wall, and a top wall to form a collapsible bag. A first zipper track is disposed into the bottom wall connecting between a portion of the bottom wall and a first position. A second zipper track is disposed into the bottom wall opposite to the first zipper track. The second zipper track is located between the portion of the bottom wall and a second position. A zipper slider is provided for connecting together the first zipper track and the second zipper track for coupling of the first zipper track and the second zipper track along the contour of the collapsible bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Luggage America, Inc.
    Inventor: Chris Yu