Abstract:
A bag expander is preliminarily inserted into a bag when the bag is in a compressed condition, such as for shipping and/or storage. The expander is expanded within the bag when the bag is to be expanded such as for purposes of display for sale. The expander includes side walls which are positionable against the bag interior and coupling members articularly connected together and to the side walls. One or more rubber bands or other spring mechanisms are coupled to the members to urge them apart when the expansion is desired. The members are folded when the bag is compressed and expanded by the rubber band or the like to expand the bag to its expanded displayable condition. Sliding mechanisms are connected either (a) on and within the interior of the members or (b) between the members and the side walls to provide a selected sliding movement (a) amongst the members themselves or (b) between the members and the side walls to enable the expander to be placed in its collapsed or extended position.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/161,183 filed 13 May 2015 entitled “Bag Expanders.” 
     
    
     REFERENCE REGARDING FEDERAL SPONSORSHIP 
       [0002]    Not Applicable 
       REFERENCE TO MICROFICHE APPENDIX 
       [0003]    Not Applicable 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0005]    The present invention relates an apparatus and method for permitting the shipment of flexible sided bags such as cosmetic bags, purses, soft-sided luggage and handbags from a flattened condition to an expanded condition, e.g., to present an attractive appearance at the point of sale, by bag expender implementation contained within the bag. 
         [0006]    2. Description of Related Art and Other Considerations 
         [0007]    In shipping of merchandise, freight payments are made, not only with respect to weight, but also with respect to volume. Commercial transport of goods is normally charged by volume as well as by weight of the goods. Articles, such as bags, are conventionally collapsed at the point of manufacture for transport and, therefore, can provide a distributor with significant cost savings. The disadvantage of such collapsible goods, however, is that on reaching their destination they invariably need to be expanded so as to present an attractive appearance and thereby enhance sale prospects. At the point of sale, purchasers of collapsible goods normally spend an inordinate amount of time filling the goods with costly inserts and foam material so the goods can be presented in an expanded form. In addition to display, when the insert is used like a shoe tree, e.g., for an expensive handbag or the like, an expander expands the bag to help the bag retain its shape. 
         [0008]    A number of devices have been proposed in the past to try to alleviate the above problems but most have either proved ineffective, relatively cumbersome and/or expensive to implement. Examples include those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,077,451, 4,141,399, 4,142,564, 4,993,846, 5,259,674 and 5,350,241. By providing a device which may be inserted in the bag at the point of manufacture and which may be expanded at the point of display and sale, the bag can be shipped flat and erected for a suitable attractive appearance at the point of sale. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    These and other problems are successfully addressed and overcome by the present invention. The expander includes side walls which are positionable against the bag interior, members articularly connected together and to the side walls, a sliding mechanism connected either within the interior of the members or between members and the side walls to provide a selected sliding movement amongst the members themselves or between the members and the side walls. The sliding mechanism enables the expander to be deployed in a collapsed or extended position. The members are in a folded condition when the bag is compressed and, with the aid of a rubber band, spring or the like, the members enable the bag to be deployed to its expanded condition. 
         [0010]    Several advantages are derived from this arrangement. Commercial costs of transport are significantly reduced over what was previously done. Display of the goods at the point of sale is facilitated with ease and in a timely manner. Should the goods need to be maintained in shape, such can be done easily. 
         [0011]    Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an effective and inexpensive expanding device for collapsible articles. 
         [0012]    Other aims and advantages, as well as a more complete understanding of the present invention, will appear from the following explanation of exemplary embodiments and the accompanying drawings thereof. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]      FIG. 1  is an isometric presentation of a first embodiment of the bag expander as compressed and contained in a receptacle or bag, which is depicted in phantom or dashed lines. Expansion of the bag expander is effected by an expansion motivator represented, as an example, in the form of a rubber band. The indicia utilized hereinafter in the first embodiment ranges within a 100 series. Indicia applicable to this and further embodiments are generally identified as residing within the range of a 40-99 series. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a top view of the first embodiment of  FIG. 1  within the receptacle or bag, as fully compressed. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is an isometric presentation of the first embodiment of  FIG. 1  within the receptacle or bag, as fully expanded. 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a top view of the first embodiment of  FIG. 1  within the receptacle or bag, as fully expanded. 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is an isometric presentation in partial view of the first embodiment of the bag expander as expanded. 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is an isometric presentation in partial view of the sliding mechanism of  FIG. 1 , taken along line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 3 ; however, this sliding mechanism is also employable in subsequent embodiments of the bag expander. 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is an isometric presentation view of a side wall used in the first and subsequent embodiments of the bag expander. 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is an isometric presentation an axle pin used in the first and subsequent embodiments of the bag expander. 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  is an isometric presentation a member used in the first embodiment of the bag expander. 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  is an isometric presentation of a second embodiment of the bag expander as compressed and contained in a receptacle or bag, which is depicted in phantom or dashed lines. Expansion of the bag expander is effected by an expansion motivator represented, as an example, in the form of a rubber band. The indicia utilized hereinafter in the second embodiment ranges within a 200 series. 
           [0023]      FIG. 11  is a top view of the second embodiment of  FIG. 10  within the receptacle or bag, as fully compressed. 
           [0024]      FIG. 12  is an isometric presentation of the second embodiment of  FIG. 10  within the receptacle or bag, as fully expanded. 
           [0025]      FIG. 13  is a top view of the second embodiment of  FIG. 10  within the receptacle or bag, as fully expanded. 
           [0026]      FIG. 14  is an exploded, isometric presentation of a pair of members used in the second embodiment of the bag expander. 
           [0027]      FIG. 15  is an isometric presentation of a third embodiment of the bag expander as expanded, which is to be contained in a receptacle or bag as depicted in prior figures. Expansion of the bag expander is effected by an expansion motivator represented, as an example, in the form of a rubber band. The indicia utilized hereinafter in the third embodiment ranges within a 300 series. 
           [0028]      FIG. 16  is a top view of the third embodiment of  FIG. 15  as fully compressed. 
           [0029]      FIG. 17  is a top view of the third embodiment of  FIG. 15  as fully expanded. 
           [0030]      FIG. 18  is an isometric presentation of a fourth embodiment of the bag expander as expanded, which is to be contained in a receptacle or bag as depicted in prior figures. Expansion of the bag expander is effected by an expansion motivator represented, as an example, in the form of a rubber band. The indicia utilized hereinafter in the fourth embodiment ranges within a 400 series. 
           [0031]      FIG. 19  is a top view of the fourth embodiment of  FIG. 18  as fully compressed. 
           [0032]      FIG. 20  is a top view of the fourth embodiment of  FIG. 18  as fully expanded. 
           [0033]      FIG. 21  is an isometric presentation of a fifth embodiment of the bag expander as expanded, which is to be contained in a receptacle or bag as depicted in prior figures. Expansion of the bag expander is effected by an expansion motivator represented, as an example, in the form of a rubber band. The indicia utilized hereinafter in the fifth embodiment ranges within a 500 series. 
           [0034]      FIG. 22  is a top view of the fifth embodiment of  FIG. 21  as fully compressed. 
           [0035]      FIG. 23  is a top view of the fifth embodiment of  FIG. 21  as fully expanded. 
           [0036]      FIG. 24  is an isometric presentation of a sixth embodiment of the bag expander as expanded, which is to be contained in a receptacle or bag as depicted in prior figures, and additionally illustrating a first differently configured slot component of its sliding mechanism. The indicia utilized hereinafter in the sixth embodiment ranges within a 600 series. 
           [0037]      FIG. 25  is a side view of a side wall and its first differently configured slot component of the sixth embodiment shown in  FIG. 24 . 
           [0038]      FIG. 26  is an isometric presentation of a seventh embodiment of the bag expander as expanded, which is to be contained in a receptacle or bag as depicted in prior figures but, while similar to that depicted in  FIG. 24 , additionally illustrating a second differently configured slot component of its sliding mechanism. The indicia utilized hereinafter in the seventh embodiment ranges within a 700 series. 
           [0039]      FIG. 27  is a side view of a side wall and its first differently configured slot component of the seventh embodiment shown in  FIG. 26 . 
           [0040]      FIG. 28  is an isometric presentation of a second expansion motivator, configured as a single spring, useful particularly in the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 24 and 26 , rather than as embodied as a rubber band as shown in prior embodiments. 
           [0041]      FIG. 29  is an isometric presentation of a second expansion motivator, configured as a double spring, useful particularly also in the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 24 and 26 , rather than as embodied as a rubber band as shown in prior embodiments. 
           [0042]      FIG. 30  is an isometric presentation of a third expansion motivator, configured as a leaf spring, useful particularly in the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 24 and 26 , rather than as embodied as a rubber band as shown in prior embodiments. 
           [0043]      FIG. 31  is an isometric presentation of an eighth embodiment of the bag expander as expanded, which is to be contained in a receptacle or bag as depicted in prior figures and illustrating a second sliding mechanism. Expansion of the bag expander is effected by an expansion motivator represented, as an example, in the form of a rubber band. The indicia utilized hereinafter in the eight embodiment ranges within an 800 series. 
           [0044]      FIG. 32  is a top view of the eighth embodiment as shown in  FIG. 31  as fully compressed, which is to be contained in a receptacle or bag as depicted in prior figures. 
           [0045]      FIG. 33  is a top view of the eighth embodiment as shown in  FIG. 31  as fully expanded, which is to be contained in a receptacle or bag as depicted in prior figures. 
       
    
    
       [0046]    Where, however, a component is useful for incorporation within more than one embodiment as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-33 , that component may be identified within the indicia or numerical range of a two digit series, viz., 40-99. Specific or individual embodiments are denoted within three digit indicia or numerical ranges, that is, referenced within their respective 100 through 800 series. It is to be understood and intended, notwithstanding, that such employment of indicia or reference numerals is to be for descriptive and not limiting purposes. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0047]    Accordingly, as depicted in  FIGS. 1-9  a bag expander  100  is shown as contained or otherwise positioned within a receptacle or bag  80 , which is depicted in phantom or dashed lines. Bag  80 , as modeled from U.S. Pat. No. 5,350,241 (which is referenced herein as if stated in haec verba), includes a zipper  80   a , a zipper closed end  80   b , a zipper tab  80   c  at the other or openable end opposed to end  80   b  and a gusset or gusset area  80   d . The bag expander includes a pair of side walls  104  coupled together by several connecting members  106  (e.g., see  FIGS. 3-5 and 9 ); in this embodiment members  106  cross one another. Side walls  104  may comprise a frame  105   a  supported by links  105   b  as shown in the  FIG. 1  embodiment (e.g., see  FIGS. 1 and 7 ) or as the similar embodiments in subsequent embodiments or solid pieces  605  and  705  as embodied in  FIGS. 24-27 . As best shown in  FIG. 9  and partially shown in  FIG. 5 , each connecting member terminates at its opposed ends with alternately-directed generally C-shaped closures  108 . Closures  108  are adapted to engage axle pins  40  as illustrated in detail in  FIG. 8 . Axle pins  40  are positioned between mating members  106  and side walls  104  and, because of their more universal use, are adaptable to other embodiments as will be hereinafter described. The axle pins include a pair of parallely extending legs  42  joined together by a plurality of spaced connecting pieces  44 . Each leg  42  terminates in an end  46  from which a projection  47  projects. Ends  46  on spaced axle pins, as selectively used, provide spaced connecting points for expansion motivators  48 , here embodied as rubber bands  50 . Projections  47  prevent the rubber bands from slipping off from ends  46 . 
         [0048]    For definition purposes, indicium  48  is used to generally denote an expansion motivator, however it may be composed as a specific component, here in several embodiments ( FIGS. 1-23 and 31-33 ) as a rubber band  50 . In further embodiments, viz.,  FIGS. 28-30 , the specific expansion motivator (a spring) will be designated as “x ( 48 )” where the letter “x” indicium will be later identified as a numeral indicium. Accordingly, when a specific expansion motivator is depicted in the drawings, its specific indicium will first be presented with the generally denoted expansion motivator in parenthesis, to wit, for a rubber band “ 50  ( 48 )” and for a spring “x ( 48 ).” 
         [0049]    Returning now to the first embodiment and to bag expander  100 , legs  42  have at least a partial circular cross-section so as to provide an attaching point mechanism that enable C-shaped closures  108  to be pivotally connected to side walls  104 , as will be presently described. Preferably centered on a leg  42  is a promontory  52 , which is shaped as having one of a T-configuration or L-configuration, for example, and which is used as a connection component for coupling connecting members  106  to side walls  104  (e.g., see  FIG. 6 ). 
         [0050]    As readily viewed in  FIG. 6 , the pivotal coupling of selected connecting members  106  to side walls  104  is effected and completed by the providing of slots  54  formed within links  105   b  of side walls  104 . Each slot  54  has an entry  58  for enabling its mating promontory  52  to enter and engage in a sliding coupling therebetween. As a result of this sliding coupling, bag expander  100  as well as all bag expanders in subsequently described and depicted embodiments can expand or contract between its compressed and expended states as respectively illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2  and in  FIGS. 3 and 4  and as suggested by arrow-headed lines  116  of  FIG. 4 . 
         [0051]    Here, for purposes of defining the sliding mechanism, slot  54  is used to generally denote one sliding mechanism component and promontory or tongue  52  as its mating sliding mechanism component, however the sliding mechanism may be composed. Thus, in several embodiments ( FIGS. 1-27 ) slot  54  is configured as ending with opening  58  which is T-shaped ( FIGS. 1-23 ). In further embodiments,  FIGS. 24-27 , the specific opening (a V-shaped opening) is identified by indicium  60 . 
         [0052]    As best shown in  FIGS. 5 and 9 , crossing connecting members  106  are articulately connected at their centers by a hinged coupling or joint  110  comprising a pin  112  and an opening  114 . 
         [0053]    Reference is now directed to the second embodiment comprising a bag extender  200  as illustrated in  FIGS. 10-14 . Bag expander  200  includes generally placed parallel sides  204  formed from a peripheral frame  205   a  and connecting links  205   b . Sides  204  are coupled together by members  206 , which are joined and articulated by a hinged coupling  210  into a configuration that has the shape of a diamond or half diamond (or triangle).  FIG. 14  details elements of hinged coupling  210  including a pin  212  articulatedly joining members  206  in their openings  214 . The respective coupling of members  206  to sides  204  are effected by the sliding mechanism which, as previously described, comprise slots  54  and entry openings  58  as also formed in this second embodiment in selected links  205   b , and promontories or tongues  52 . Expansion motivators  48 , corporealized as rubber bands  50 , couple modifications of axle pins  40  at their ends  46  and enable the bag expander to expand from being compressed as shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11  to being fully deployed as illustrated in  FIGS. 12 and 13  and to expand bag  80  and as suggested by arrow-headed lines  216  (see  FIG. 13 ). 
         [0054]    Reference is further directed to the third embodiment comprising bag extender  300  as illustrated in  FIGS. 15-17 . Bag expander  300  includes generally placed parallel sides  304  formed from a peripheral frame  305   a  and connecting links  305   b . Sides  304  are coupled together by members  306 , which are each joined and articulated by a hinged coupling  310  into a configuration that has the shape of parallel positioned double diamonds. The respective coupling of members  306  to sides  304  are effected by the sliding mechanism which, as previously described, comprise slots  54  and entry openings  58  as formed in selected links  305   b , and promontories or tongues  52 . Expansion motivators  48 , which are corporealized as rubber bands  50 , couple modifications of axle pins  40  at their ends  46  and enable the bag expander to expand from being compressed as shown in  FIG. 16  to being fully deployed as illustrated in  FIGS. 15 and 17  and thereby to expand a bag. 
         [0055]    Reference to the fourth embodiment comprising bag extender  400  is illustrated in  FIGS. 18-20 . This embodiment is similar to that as described with respect to  FIGS. 10-14 ; however, its members  406  are coupled into a serially connected diamond configuration, with its end members having a full diamond or triangular (half diamond) shape, and being coupled to its sides  404  by the sliding mechanism which, as previously described and illustrated, comprise slots  54  and entry openings  58  as formed in selected links  405   b , and promontories or tongues  52 . Expansion motivators  48 , corporealized as rubber bands  50 , couple several of the modifications of axle pins  40  at their ends  46  and enable the bag expander to expand from being compressed as shown in  FIG. 19  to being fully deployed as illustrated in  FIGS. 18 and 20  and to expand a bag and as suggested by arrow-headed lines  416  (see  FIG. 20 ). 
         [0056]    Reference is now directed to the fifth embodiment configured as a bag extender  500  as illustrated in  FIGS. 21-23 . Its members  506  are crossed at hinged couplings  510 . This embodiment has a configuration which has similarities to those disclosed in the first ( FIGS. 1-9 ) and third ( FIGS. 15-17 ) embodiments. Here, crossed members  106  of the first embodiment, which are disposed in a single arrangement, in the fifth embodiment of  FIGS. 21-23  are parallely coupled to sides  504 . Similarly as before presented, crossing members  506  are coupled to its sides  504  by the sliding mechanism which, as previously described, comprise slots  54  and entry openings  58  as formed in selected links  505   b , and promontories or tongues  52 . Expansion motivators  48 , corporealized as rubber bands  50 , couple several of the modifications of axle pins  40  at their ends  46  and enable the bag expander to expand from being compressed as shown in  FIG. 22  to being fully deployed as illustrated in  FIGS. 21 and 23  and to expand a bag and as suggested by arrow-headed lines  516  as shown in  FIG. 23 . 
         [0057]    The sixth embodiment, comprising a bag extender  600 , is shown in  FIGS. 24 and 25 . Its implementation is directed more to a more high-end market that the previously described and illustrated embodiments, such as may be contemplated as luxury items. Accordingly, side walls  604  may be constructed of polished wood or the like, and its connecting members  606  of metal, whether polished, lacquered or otherwise. As also before, connecting members  606  are coupled to side walls  604  by sliding mechanisms comprising promontories or tongues  52  on pin legs similar to previously described and illustrated axle pin legs  42  and slots  54 . As an alternate to previously disclosed T-shaped slot entry opening  58 , V-shaped slot entry openings  60  may be employed for receiving promontories or tongues  52 . Otherwise, this sixth embodiment is similar to those previously described and illustrated. 
         [0058]    In the seventh embodiment of  FIGS. 26 and 27 , a bag extender  700  is similarly illustrated as that described with respect to that of  FIGS. 24 and 25 , with the addition of stops  62  placed within slots  54  formed in side walls  704  so as to prevent undesired sliding of promontories or tongues  52  in the slots. 
         [0059]      FIGS. 28-30  depict alternates of generalized expansion motivator  48  as embodied in previously described rubber bands  50 .  FIGS. 28-30  configure the expansion motivator as springs, specifically a single spring  70 , a double spring  72  and a leaf spring  74 . In  FIG. 28 , a hinged coupling  710   a  includes alternating pin-enclosure extensions  706   a  extending from crossing members  706  and a pin  76   a  extending through extensions  706   a . Single spring  70  is centrally mounted about pin  76   a  and urges connecting members  706  to be biased apart through the intermediary of spring terminal extensions  70 ′. In  FIG. 29 , a hinged coupling  710   b  includes alternating pin-enclosure extensions  706   b  extending from crossing members  706  and a pin  76   b  extending through extensions  706   b . Double spring  72  is centrally mounted about pin  76   b  and urges connecting members  706  to be biased apart through the intermediary of spring terminal extensions  72 ′. In  FIG. 30 , a hinged coupling  710   c  rotatably couples members  706  together. Slots  706   c  are provided in members  706  through which extensions  74 ′ of leaf spring  74  extend so that leaf spring  74  can urge connecting members  706  to be biased apart. While the specific expansion motivators of  FIGS. 28-30  have been described as useful for the sixth and seventh embodiments of  FIGS. 24-27 , it is to be understood that they can equally be adapted to the first through seventh embodiments. 
         [0060]    From the immediately preceding discussion, it is apparent that the earlier presented discussion, relating to the designations concerning “x ( 48 )” where the letter “x” indicium was to be later identified as a numeral indicium, now has been satisfied with respect to the depiction of the specific expansion motivators as, for example, a rubber band “ 50  ( 48 )” and for a spring “x ( 48 ).” 
         [0061]    Reference is now directed to the eighth embodiment comprising a bag extender  800  as illustrated in  FIGS. 31-33 , and presents a sliding mechanism or coupler alternate to that previously espoused. Bag expander  800  comprises side walls  804 , members  806  joining the side walls, and a sliding mechanism coupling  810  between members  806 . Members  806  are connected at one of their ends (first termini) by a tab  820  affixed by elements  822  secured within holes provided in selected links  805   b  of frames  804  in a manner similar to that previously described and illustrated. At the end or second termini of members  806 , opposite from member tabs  820 , are a pair of sleeves or couplers  824 . An interjacent member or slide  826  is interjacently positioned between sleeves  824  and is disposed to slide therewithin. Accordingly, the interaction between sleeves  824  and interjacent member or slide  826  provides the sliding mechanism of this eighth embodiment. While member  806  is depicted as a single moulded plastic piece and as comprising a central portion  828  coupling tabs  820  and sleeves  824  joined by a thin element, member  806  can be otherwise formed. Sleeves  824  and slides  826  are formed with ends  846  having projections  847 , similar to those of axle pins  40 . Expansion motivators  48 , corporealized as rubber bands  50 , couple several of ends  846  between sleeves  824  and slides  826  and enable the bag expander to expand from being compressed as shown in  FIG. 32  to being fully deployed as illustrated in  FIG. 33  and to expand a bag and as suggested by arrow-headed lines  816  as depicted in  FIG. 33 . 
         [0062]    Although the invention has been described with respect to particular embodiments thereof, it should be realized that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.