Abstract: A carry container is interchangeable between a closed position and an open position, wherein the container converts into a protective mat, such as a placemat, and becomes a barrier against germs. In one embodiment, the carry container includes an outer shell including a bottom panel and four side panels extending from the bottom panel and being configured to releasably attach to each of the two neighboring side panels using a fastener to form a container for carrying one or more items, such as food items. An inner lining formed by a generally square sheet is attached to an inner facing side of the outer shell and defines the protective mat when the outer shell is in an open position and flat on a surface. The container can be easily converted between the closed position (lunch box) and fully open position (protective mat). A larger version for the container is also described with a portion of the inner liner folded in the closed position.

Abstract: A carry container is interchangeable between a closed position and an open position, wherein the container converts into a protective mat, such as a placemat, and becomes a barrier against germs. In one embodiment, the carry container includes an outer shell including a bottom panel and four side panels extending from the bottom panel and being configured to releasably attach to each of the two neighboring side panels using a fastener to form a container for carrying one or more items, such as food items. An inner lining formed by a generally square sheet is attached to an inner facing side of the outer shell and defines the protective mat when the outer shell is in an open position and flat on a surface. The container can be easily converted between the closed position (lunch box) and open position (protective mat).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for freezing the contents of a freezer storage bag are disclosed. A cooling duct is mounted with or without spacers inside of a freezer storage bag that contains a liquid that can be frozen. A liquid coolant is first fed to a heat exchanger thereby forming a gaseous coolant. The gaseous coolant is fed to a manifold and from the manifold to at least one cooling duct present in the freezer storage bag. The gaseous coolant is circulated through the cooling duct thereby imparting freezing to the liquid in the freezer storage bag.

Abstract: Systems and devices cool content of individual beverage containers without sacrificing portability and cooling performance, and/or maintaining beverage containers cold. Exemplary implementations provide container having enclosed vertical double-wall structure with integral horizontal base defining interior space within enclosed vertical double-wall structure, or having wall structure formed from sheet of flexible material folded to form base and sealed along opposite sides of sheet to define interior space within wall structure and also having interior pocket formed by interior wall attached to interior surface wall structure. Interior space within wall structure is capable of accommodating at least one beverage container. Cooling material is sealed inside the double-wall structure, or removably placed inside interior pocket, to cool and/or maintain cold content of beverage container placed in interior space of container.

Abstract: A carry container is interchangeable between a closed position and an open position, wherein the container converts into a protective mat, such as a placemat, and becomes a barrier against germs. In one embodiment, the carry container includes an outer shell including a bottom panel and four side panels extending from the bottom panel and being configured to releasably attach to each of the two neighboring side panels using a fastener to form a container for carrying one or more items, such as food items. An inner lining formed by a generally square sheet is attached to an inner facing side of the outer shell and defines the protective mat when the outer shell is in an open position and flat on a surface. The container can be easily converted between the closed position (lunch box) and fully open position (protective mat). A larger version for the container is also described with a portion of the inner liner folded in the closed position.

Abstract: An insulated shipping liner includes a flexible sealed sack having a first layer and second layer sealed together about their outer peripheral edges to form a housing. An insulating layer made from a single sheet of foam material is located within the housing and is configured to be folded such that a first side portion, second side portion and middle portion create a substantially rectangular box form, with the first and second side portions defining opposing sides of the box form, the middle portion defining a bottom of the box form, the substantially rectangular top flap defining at least part of a top of the box form, and the opposing substantially rectangular first and second side flaps defining at least part of other opposing sides of the box form. The box form can be placed in a container to form an insulated container for shipping and/or storage.

Abstract: An insulated drink holder with various attachments that aid in personal survival. The drink holder is dimensioned to receive a beverage within its interior. The drink holder includes a handle, a light, and a compass. It further includes a removable, mirrored storage cap for retaining small items and which has a magnet. If the drink holder receives a bottle it can have a zipper to selectively tightened the holder on the bottle. The drink holder includes a battery to power the light and a switch to selectively apply power.

Abstract: A collapsible insulated bag designed to allow items retained within an inner pouch thereof to remain within predetermined temperature ranges for predetermined periods of time and wherein the bags are designed to be easily compressed or compacted for storage or shipment to end users. The bags include at least an outer reflective layer, an intermediate open foam layer and the inner pouch layer.

Abstract: The present invention is a washable and reusable storage bag comprising a plastic coated canvas made from cotton and polyethylene. The storage bag comprises a front panel having a zipper and a back panel, a bottom edge and a top edge, and two side edges. The bag further comprises a rectangular transparent polyurethane window in the front panel, preferably in the shape of a rectangle. Two opposing sides of the transparent polyurethane window are heat sealed to the plastic coated canvas to create a liquid tight seal between the transparent polyurethane window and the plastic coated canvas. The outside of the storage bag can be customized with, e.g., designs, branding, and/or advertising. The storage bags can be hand washed, put in the dishwasher or put in the washing machine and clothes dryer.

Abstract: A flexible storage bag defines an inner storage area within which is provided a flexible barrier. A user can select a first storage mode wherein the flexible barrier is positioned to one side such that only a single storage zone is available for storing products; or a dual storage mode wherein the barrier divides the storage area into first and second storage zones. The bag preferably includes an upper closure assembly having a loop extending therefrom to aid a user in sealing the bag, as well as potentially hanging the bag from a hook. The bag optionally includes a lower closure assembly on the flexible barrier for selectively sealing one of the multiple storage zones. Offset tabs may be provided to aid a user in opening the bag. In some embodiments, the bag includes a graphical image puzzle constituting multiple graphic images that combine to form a completed image.

Abstract: A carrying bag (10) with a shoulder-strap (22) and a zipper (14) with zipper-rider (16) for closing/opening the bag. The shoulder-strap (22) is provided with a loop (24) at one end and a key-operated locking device (26) at the other end thereof. Means (36) are provided for fastening the loop (24) to an inside wall of the bag. Means (48) are provided for securing the zipper-rider (16) by the locking device (26) to an outside wall of the bag (10) for preventing the un-zipping of the bag.

Abstract: An enclosure liner is provided which includes a bag, which bag has a top panel, two side panels, a back panel, and a bottom panel. The front panel forms an access to enable items to be placed within, and withdrawn from, the interior of the liner, and a closure, such as a zipper, is attached to the periphery of the access to enable the liner to be sealed shut. Pockets to accommodate the hooks often found in conventional lockers are strategically placed and are sized to allow clothes and other items to be hung from the pocket-covered hooks. A plurality of magnets suspend the liner within the enclosure and a pad forms a floor suitable for storing shoes and other like articles.

Abstract: The present invention is a washable and reusable storage bag comprising a plastic coated canvas made from cotton and polyethylene. The storage bag comprises a front panel having a zipper and a back panel, a bottom edge and a top edge, and two side edges. The bag further comprises a rectangular transparent polyurethane window in the front panel, preferably in the shape of a rectangle. Two opposing sides of the transparent polyurethane window are heat sealed to the plastic coated canvas to create a liquid tight seal between the transparent polyurethane window and the plastic coated canvas. The outside of the storage bag can be customized with, e.g., designs, branding, and/or advertising. The storage bags can be hand washed, put in the dishwasher or put in the washing machine and clothes dryer.

Abstract: In a piece of luggage, particularly a suitcase (1), comprising luggage parts which are connected to each other via a zipper (10), it is provided that the piece of luggage has a frame element (6), and that the frame element (6) on at least one outer edge extending along the frame element (6) has a receiving profile (28) for an edge profile (22) of a zipper (10) or of a suitcase shell (28).

Abstract: A compartmented bag having a cavity, comprising a coiled strap having at least one compartment thereon, and a fastener about a circumference of the strap linking adjoining coiled edges of the strap.

Abstract: A non-self supporting containment bag used in conjunction with a dumpster container. The bag and liner each have a zipper, where the zippers are centered on the bag top, and in use, the bag top is usually inverted to access the interior of the bag.

Abstract: An improved flexible storage container [1000] is sized and shaped to hold and store a specific item, such as a handbag. It employs a front wall [1100], a rear wall [1130], and side walls [1150] which are made of a breathable material. Moisture is allowed to pass in or out of the container to keep moisture equilibrium. Pockets [1113, 1153] inside of the walls [1100, 1130] may be used to hold front and side supports [1115, 1155] to make the storage container [1000] more rigid. A hypoallergenic barrier [1200] which acts as a liner inside of container [1000] employs material having a tight weave with pores 10 microns or smaller to keep out dust, dust mites or other allergenic materials. The storage container [1000] is capable of storing items for long periods of time with little or no change to the item. It also minimizes allergic reactions to those using the items after storage.

Abstract: A combined, flexible and floppy laundry, travel, storage/display bag structure for socks and like small clothing articles, including (a) a machine-launderable/dryable, open-mesh, fabric bag having front and back sides, and spaced top, bottom and lateral edges, (b) located intermediate the bag's top and bottom edges, an elongate openable/closeable closure structure joined to and extending laterally across the bag's front side and between its lateral edges, and furnishing user-selective access to the inside of the bag, and (c) plural, releasable, clothing-article-holding structures mounted inside the bag on its back side, made manually accessible, via the closure structure, for operative gripping and releasing, within the bag, of user-selected clothing articles.

Abstract: A thick portion is formed thick at an end of a female belt-like base near a containing space. To the thick portion near the containing space, a cut portion thinner than the female belt-like base is provided. To the cut portion near the containing space, a seal base that is thicker than the female belt-like base and is sealed to an inner surface of a bag body to which a male belt-like base is attached, is provided. Seal strength of the thick portion to the inner surface is lower than that of the seal base. The cut portion is provided to have a lower seal strength than that of the seal base. An area surrounded by the thick portion, the cut portion, the seal base and the inner surface becomes hermetically sealed. Even when external pressure is applied on the bag body, damages to the cut portion can be prevented.

Abstract: A method for heat-bonding together a film and a zipper tape using a heat bonding device including a guide unit which has at a first flat surface a linearly extending first groove for guiding an engaging elements of a zipper tape, the groove being slightly wider than a width of the engaging elements and slightly shallower than a height of the zipper tape, and which has cooling means for keeping a vicinity of the first groove cold, and a first heating unit that is disposed facing the first flat surface of the guide unit, has a third flat surface that is so shaped as to cover the first groove, and has a mechanism such that the third flat surface approaches and is separated from the position of the first flat surface.

Abstract: A protective cover for natural fiber apparel to protect the apparel from moths, moth larvae, and other pests is disclosed. The protective cover encloses not only natural fiber apparel, but also a hanger from which the apparel is hung. A substantial portion of the protective cover is made from a fabric that prevents moths and other insects from penetrating the protective cover and depositing eggs or consuming the apparel therein. At the same time, this fabric allows air to travel therethrough. A window is incorporated into the body of the protective cover to allow users to view the one or more apparel items protected by the protective cover. The protective cover also includes a zipper along its outer edge to allow access to the apparel contained within.

Abstract: A flexible container comprises a mesh material layer and a thermoplastic layer that forms a wall of the flexible container and is disposed external to the mesh material layer. A flexible handle is disposed external to the mesh material layer. The mesh material layer, the thermoplastic layer, and the flexible handle are joined by a set of stitching disposed therethrough.

Abstract: A zipper for a reclosable bag including an elongated groove profile having two arms which form a general U-shape to define an opening to a channel, and an elongated rib profile opposing the groove profile, wherein a plurality of first segments of the rib profile alternate with a plurality of second segments of the rib profile to create a structural discontinuity along a length thereof, wherein during interlocking the groove and rib profiles, an audible clicking sound of at least 50 dB on average is created during opening and closing.

Abstract: The Adaptable Gift Bag is a bag made of relatively opaque, stretchy material, not paper or netting, so that it can fit over various sizes and shapes of gift items and present a smooth, attractive appearance. The Adaptable Gift Bag is typically made of a single sheet of material folded over and sewn along one or two sides so that it has one open end, but in alternate embodiments it could have two open ends. The open end can be closed around the gift by gathering and tying with traditional ribbon or cord, by attaching a drawstring, or alternatively can be twisted and stretched back over the gift for a unique finished appearance. The Adaptable Gift Bag may be lined (e.g., with a different material), may include a zipper for easier removal from the gift item, and/or may include strategically placed elastic bands in its interior for a better fit (esp. at the corners). Using a shimmery, sparkly, or iridescent material provides a festive appearance for the finished gift.

Abstract: A zipper for a luggage includes a first tape, a second tape and interlockable teeth. The first tape has a shielding section for covering an end edge of a first half shell of the luggage, and a mounting section and an extension section connected with the shielding section respectively. The second tape has a shielding section for covering an end edge of a second half shell of the luggage, and a mounting section and an extension section connected with the shielding section of the second tape respectively. The teeth are mounted on the extension sections of the first and second tapes in two rows. By means of using the zipper in production of the luggage, the process of making the luggage can be simplified and the zipper can be well aligned with the half shells of the luggage, enhancing the yield rate in production of the luggage.

Abstract: A heat-shrinkable anti-fomitic device incorporating anti-microbial metal wherein the device, in the form of a bag or tube, forms a cover for an object, preventing cross-infection by bacteria and other pathogens that may reside on the object. Anti-microbial metal ions from the cover further reduce future cross-infection from the object by killing pathogens. The anti-microbial, heat-shrinkable, anti-fomitic device can have a sterile interior that is sealed or stored flat during manufacture to maintain sterility. Therefore, no outer wrapping for the anti-fomitic device is required. The anti-fomitic device can be inverted when used to cover the object to present an outer surface that is initially sterile. A plurality of such devices can be heat shrunk to an object such that removal of the outer layer will further prevent cross contamination. Heat shrink film materials for the coverings/bags serve as a barrier to the transmission of pathogens and conform closely to the covered object.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a moving device in the form of a bag having an aperture allowing furniture to be placed therein, a closure for the aperture (such as a “hook and loop” fastener, buttons, a zipper, or other suitable device), and at least one tensioning strap to tighten the bag around the furniture. The bag can be made of a flexible and/or waterproof material, and can include additional padding. In some embodiments, the bag can be shaped as a prism, but can also take other shapes. The tensioning strap(s) can extend partially or entirely around the bag, and can be fastened using a hook and loop fastener, bucket or other suitable device. In some embodiments, at least one longitudinal tensioning strap and at least one lateral tensioning strap are provided. The bag can also include one or more handles, one or more transparent viewing windows, and a document pouch.

Abstract: The collapsible balikbayan box apparatus is especially suited to surrounding and transporting a square cornered cardboard balikbayan box. The pliable ends, front, and back provide for collapse when the apparatus is not laden. The top is permanently affixed to the back and removably affixed to the two ends and the front. A unique hook latch provides for latch and release via stretching the pliable front and top. The rigid, removable bottom insert provides greater apparatus rigidity in use. Partially recessed wheels are fitted to the bottom. Straps encircle the bottom and extend up a majority of the sides, where the straps and handles are reinforced, so that the apparatus can be pulled or carried by the straps.

Abstract: A collapsible, soft-sided, insulated cooler or other container having a top, a sidewall having a sidewall top connected to the rim of the top and a bottom connected at a sidewall bottom, opposite the top. The top includes a zipper or other closure that extends from a first point to a second point on the rim of the top in a line along a radial segment, traversing a central region of the top. The sidewall comprises an inner layer, an outer shell and an insulating material disposed therebetween. The sidewall further includes a spring wire that extends between the bottom and top of the container that biases the cooler to a fully expanded configuration for use and that is compressible for storage by pressing down on the top.

Abstract: A sheet of material in a generally rectangular configuration has first and second side edges and first and second end edges. The first and second end edges define an opening. A fold between the end edges forms panels with a chamber formed between the panels. Coupling components couple the panels of the sheet to form a pouch. A fastener separably couples the first and second end edges.

Abstract: A BigFoot™ Bag material containment system which provides a material container (2) having a flexible layer (26) which can be established in a substantially planar configuration (3) on a support surface (4) for loading material (5) and which operably conforms by closure (15) to provide an enclosed space (20) to contain the loaded material (5).

Abstract: An encapsulating bag for contamination control on gas cylinders employs a main body of fabric such as polyester or flouropolymer having a weave sufficiently tight to preclude contaminant transmission. A bottom boot engages a lower portion of the main body to cover the bottom of the cylinder. A separation closure means such as a non-metal zipper is incorporated into the main body for opening the main body for insertion of the cylinder. A cuff is attached to a top circumference of the bag main body for close engagement of a top boss of the cylinder to preclude contaminant escape. An ESD button is incorporated in the body of the bag for attachment of a conducting lead for grounding connection.

Abstract: A bag defining an interior space and an opening. The bag includes a closing member which is connected to the body. The closing member is movable between a first position, which allows access to the interior space of the body through the opening, and a second position which prevents access to the interior space of the body through the opening. The bag includes a handle and a lockable member connected to the body. The handle includes at least one removable end. The lockable member is adapted to secure and lock the closing member and the removable end of the handle to the body when the closing member is moved to the second position to protect the bag and the items contained in the bag from being taken.

Abstract: A bag can include walls formed of a material having multiple layers, which can include two polyolefin layers and a paper layer. The bag can be formed into a sewn-open-mouth configuration in which a stitching element extends through a wall of the bag. The bag can include a grease-resistant seal that substantially prevents grease from escaping from the bag via an opening in the wall through which the stitching element extends.

Abstract: Soft-sided luggage having means for preventing unauthorized access through the zipper is disclosed herein. Preferred means for preventing unauthorized access through the zipper include a rigid barrier attached internally to a first side of the luggage, positioned alongside and extending to the length of the zipper track, and extending past the plane of the zipper towards the second side of the luggage. Further security features can also be used with soft luggage provided herein, including padlocks, and flaps crossing the zipper plane, for example.

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.

Abstract: An evacuable, reclosable bag including a receptacle having an interior volume and a mouth; a closure operable to open and close the mouth; a one-way valve penetrating a wall of the receptacle; and a filter attached to the same receptacle wall. The filter is arranged so that any air flowing from the interior volume outward through the one-way valve must flow through the filter before flowing through the valve. The filter may be a mesh or fabric (woven or nonwoven) having openings sized to prevent the passage of particulate matter placed inside the bag.

Abstract: A flexible, reclosable bag includes a first bag web, a second bag web, and a pocket-forming web, which form a flexible, reclosable bag having a pocket for inserting a thermal influencing material. The pocket-forming web may contain a cut, thereby forming an opening in the pocket. The pocket and/or the flexible, reclosable bag may include a fastener, such as a zipper tape fastener or a zipper slider fastener. Additionally, a method for making a flexible, reclosable bag having a pocket for receiving a thermal influencing material is disclosed.

Abstract: A hard suitcase includes a base portion and a lid portion each formed of a plastics material of such characteristic that the base and lid portions retain their intended shape. The hard suitcase also includes a zip fastener arrangement that is stitched to the base and lid portions. The zip fastener arrangement has an expandability feature to permit volume expansion of the hard suitcase.

Abstract: A flexible bag having a reclosable zipper construction in which material is provided on the inside face of one or both zipper flanges that results in a weak seal area or an unsealed area when the side seals are made. The weak seal area or unsealed area is located on the product side of the zipper closure profiles. Elevated pressure inside the bag will cause the weak seal area of the side seal to fail as intended or will cause the zipper flanges in the unsealed area to separate, resulting in a venting action during cooking of the bag contents. For example, steam inside the bag can escape through the vent or vents while the zipper remains closed. Preferably the bag has a bottom gusset so that it can stand upright in a microwave oven. The bag may be opened to add contents, resealed and then heated.

Abstract: A flexible bag assembly for containment and dispersal of liquids includes a bag having flexible front and back panels, and a peripheral side panel structure interconnecting the front and back panels at sealed seams, the panels defining a chamber for retaining the liquid, a water-proof zipper disposed in the front panel, a detachable cover member fixable to an outside surface of the front panel and adapted to cover the zipper, and a closeable and openable tube extending from within the chamber, through one of the panels and outwardly therefrom, the tube being adapted to facilitate the selective dispersal of the liquid from the bag.

Abstract: An openable closure assembly including: a) a base having two end edges, a front longitudinal side and a back longitudinal side, a top surface and a bottom surface; b) an opening mechanism mounted on the top surface of the base adjacent to and spaced from both of the longitudinal side edges; c) at least one gripping aid joined to an end edge of the opening mechanism. Also disclosed are packages comprising the closure assembly. Additionally disclosed are securement loops which can be attached to the package bottom panel and into which the gripping aids can be inserted.

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.

Abstract: Methods for manufacturing airtight storage containers (e.g., bags or pouches) made from thermoplastic web material and having heat-sealed margins along a perimeter. To ensure that the storage containers are airtight, an unheated rib is pressed along each heat seal while the web material in the region of each heat seal is still in a softened and pliable state. As a result of the pressure applied, the rib deforms the contacted portion of the heat-sealed web material, leaving an indentation upon cooling of the web material that serves as an air leakage barrier. This air leakage barrier ensures that any air leakage pathway across the heat seal region is closed.

Abstract: The invention provides a multicompartment bag comprising a front sheet and a back sheet that are affixed to each other along adjacent peripheral edges, and that includes a line of separation in one of the sheets that defines first and second compartments disposed on opposite sides of the line of separation. Each compartment includes an interior space and an opening that is defined by a portion of the front sheet along the line of separation that is not affixed to the back sheet. Each compartment includes a resealable closure that is disposed adjacent to the openings of each compartment. The multicompartment bag is capable of being reversibly folded into a closed position in which the back sheet is folded to form an exterior surface that extends over and substantially covers the openings of the first and second compartments to thereby help prevent items in the compartments from accidentally spilling out of the compartments.

Abstract: In a plastic zipper 1 having a pair of engaging portions 1A and 1B formed on surfaces of plastic films F, a plastic zipper having preventing function against unfairly unsealing is provided wherein a tear tape 5 is detachably welded to the top surfaces at mouth side of the plastic zipper in a longitudinal direction of the plastic zipper, and thus, it can be ascertained at a glance that it is unsealed unfairly or erroneously. The plastic zipper is guided between two guide rails 3A and 3B, disposed in parallel to each other and forming a space therebetween, and pairs of guide rollers 2A and 2B, and a tear-tape having easily peelable plastic layer formed on one surface thereof is guided to the space between the guide rails 3A and 3B, and then, both of them are welded together by hot stamping by means of a heating member.

Abstract: A portable food delivery container includes a food storage compartment, a control compartment, and a temperature control source. A control compartment lies adjacent to and in thermal conductivity with the food storage compartment. A modular removable temperature control source is disposed within the control compartment, where the temperature control source effects transfer of thermal energy between the food storage compartment and the control compartment to maintain the food storage compartment at a temperature other than the ambient temperature.

Abstract: A theft deterrent backpack including at least two panels forming a main compartment. The at least two panels include at least a back panel and a second panel, other than the back panel. The backpack also includes a releasable securing device for accessing the main compartment; the releasable securing device, for example, a zipper, having a beginning end and a terminating end. Preferably, the terminating end of the releasable securing device is disposed on the back panel and the beginning end is disposed on the second panel such as the front panel, side panel or bottom panel. When the backpack is worm, positioning of the releasable securing device in such a configuration deters access to the terminating end of the releasable securing device and hence access to the main compartment.

Abstract: Fastening systems include one or more fastening members, sliders, stop blocks and/or top stops. Fastening members described include a variety of inventive features, including structures associated with the head portion, transition portion, and tail portion. Sliders include friction reducing structures and locking features. Stop blocks provide bottom stops for various articles, and serve to anchor a fastening member. Top stops provide a containment structure for limiting slider travel. A variety of methods are also described.

Abstract: A clothing receptacle is provided which includes an interactive feature calculated to generate an interest among children inducing them to place their dirty clothing into a bag. The bag may be closed after it is filled with dirty clothes and transported to the laundry room where it may be placed into both the washer and dryer while the clothes remain in its interior throughout the laundering process.