Abstract:
Opening and then retaining a bag in an open state is achieved by mounting resilient straps parallel to each other on opposite sides of the bag proximate to the bag opening. A compressive force applied to the opposite ends of the two straps will cause them to bow outwardly and thereby open the bag so that materials and items may be deposited in the bag. Removal of the compressive force allows the straps to straighten, closing the bag, so that the bag may then be sealed using any of a variety of well-known closure mechanisms.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCED TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    Not applicable 
       STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not applicable 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    I. Field of the Invention 
         [0004]    The present invention relates to resealable plastic bags. More specifically, the present invention relates to mechanisms for opening and then holding such a plastic bag open with one hand while placing items into the bag. 
         [0005]    II. Discussion of Related Art 
         [0006]    Plastic bags are well known in the prior art. Some published estimates indicate more than a trillion plastic bags are used worldwide each year. 
         [0007]    Plastic bags are popular for many reasons. They are inexpensive to produce in a variety of sizes. They are easily labeled. They are generally moisture impervious. As such, when the bags are sealed, items in the bag are protected from moisture from the outside. Likewise, when moist items or even liquids are placed in the bag and the bag is properly sealed, moisture cannot escape. 
         [0008]    One suitable mechanism for sealing a plastic bag well known in the prior art is known as a zip-lock. An example of such a zip-lock is shown in  FIG. 1 . As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the opening  7  of the bag  1  has two sides  2  and  4  which are brought into parallel alignment with each other. Side  2  has a receiving structure  6  extending along the entire length of side  2 . The receiving structure  6  has an elongate channel  8  defined by a pair of walls  10  and  12 . Each wall has a locking element  14  extending toward the center of the channel  8 . Side  4  has an elongate projection  18  extending the entire length of side  4  and comprising a neck  20  and a head  22 . The head  22  is wider than the neck  20  such that ledges  24  and  26  exist at the intersection of the head  22  and neck  20 . The head  22  is sized to be forced into the elongate channel  8  such that the ledges  24  and  26  engage the locking elements  14  to capture the head  22  in the receiving structure  6 . The tolerances are such that no substantial amount of fluid can pass through the opening of the bag when the elongate projection  18  is fully mated with the elongate receiving structure  6 . The bag can be opened by pulling the head  22  out of the elongate channel  8 . The bag is resealed by inserting the head  22  back into the elongated channel  22  along the entire length of the opening. 
         [0009]    Bags having the zip lock closure mechanism disclosed above are used for a variety of purposes. In the kitchen, such bags are used to store foods, marinate meats, store mixtures including liquids such as soups, chili and gravy, among a variety of other tasks. Such bags are used to store baby food, baby supplies and diapers (wet or dry). Such bags are used in the shop to store small parts (such as screws, nails, nuts, bolts and washers), tools and paint brushes, even when wet with paint. Such bags are also used to store cleaning supplies and chemicals, and chemicals used to treat lawns and swimming pools. The utility of such bags makes them well suited for a variety of uses. 
         [0010]    Unlike other plastic containers having rigid walls, plastic bags have thin, flexible walls. This offers a number of advantages related to compact storage. However, there is also one significant disadvantage. Holding the bag open when placing items in the bag can be a problem. This is particularly true when placing items in the bag (like a wet paint brush or wet paint roller or a soiled baby diaper) when it is undesirable for a portion of the item to contact with the outside of the bag, structures surrounding the baa or the clothing or skin of the person using the bag. This is also true when trying to deposit liquids or powders in a bag without spilling. Thus, there is a real need for a mechanism which permits a bag to be held open with one hand so the other hand of the user may be employed to place or pour items into the bag. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    The present invention is used in conjunction with a plastic bag having a mechanism that is able to seal and reseal the bag. The present invention comprises a pair of straps adhered to opposite sides of the bag proximate the bag opening and the mechanism used to seal and reseal the bag. The straps extend substantially the entire width of the bag and at least one of the straps may be provided with at least one end extending beyond an edge of the bag. The straps also each have a downwardly extending stop adjacent at least one edge of the bag. A stabilization pad may be placed over the outside edge of the stop. The straps may also include a living hinge or be made of a material which is of a thickness that causes the two straps to bow outwardly in the middle away from each other when a compressive force is applied to the two ends of the straps. 
         [0012]    When in use, the stops of the straps along one edge of the bag are placed in contact with the edge of a surface such as a table top, counter top or sink. The user, using one hand, then pushes on the opposite end of the two straps creating a compressive force between the surface and the user&#39;s hand. This causes the straps to bow outwardly away from each other and the bag to open. One or more items may then be placed in the bag. If the bag is sufficiently narrow, this compressive force may be applied by squeezing the two ends of the straps between the thumb and forefinger of one hand of the user. When the compressive force is removed, the straps return back to a straight, rather than bowed, orientation drawing the bag closed. The bag is then sealed using the zip lock or similar bag sealing mechanism. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0013]      FIG. 1  is a cross sectional view which shows a bag sealing mechanism well known in the prior art. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a cross sectional view like that of  FIG. 1  to which an embodiment of a mechanism for holding the bag open has been added. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a first side elevational view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a side view of the strap shown in  FIG. 3 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a second side elevational view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is a side view of the strap shown in  FIG. 5 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is a first side view of a first alternative embodiment. 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is a side view of the strap shown in  FIG. 7 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  is a second side view of the first alternative embodiment shown in  FIG. 7 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  is a side view of the strap shown in  FIG. 9 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 11  is a side view of a first strap of a second alternative embodiment. 
           [0024]      FIG. 12  is a side view of a second strap of the second alternative embodiment of  FIG. 11 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 13  is a side view of the strap shown in  FIG. 4  with an engagement pad coupled to the stop. 
           [0026]      FIG. 14  is a side view of the strap shown in  FIGS. 8 and 18  with engagement pads coupled to the stops. 
           [0027]      FIG. 15  is a side elevational view showing how the working end of the straps of  FIGS. 3, 4, 7-10 or 13 and 14  cooperate with a tabletop, countertop or inside edge of a sink. 
           [0028]      FIG. 16  is a top view showing how the working end of the straps shown in  FIGS. 3, 4, 7-10, 13 and 14  cooperate with a tabletop, countertop or inside edge of a sink before the bag is opened. 
           [0029]      FIG. 17  is a top view like that of  FIG. 16  but with the bag open. 
           [0030]      FIG. 18  is a top view showing how the working end of the straps shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12  cooperate with a tabletop, countertop or inside edge of a sink with the bag opened. 
           [0031]      FIG. 19  is a top view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3  with an engagement pad coupled to the stops. 
           [0032]      FIG. 20  is a side view of one of the straps and the engagement pad shown in  FIG. 19 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0033]    The following discussion is presented to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use the present teachings. Various modifications to the illustrated embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the principles described herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the present invention. Thus, the present invention is riot intended to be limited to embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. The following detailed description is to be read with reference to the figures, in which like elements in different figures have like reference numerals. The figures, which are not necessarily to scale, depict selected embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Skilled artisans will recognize many useful alternatives to the teachings and the examples provided herein falling within the scope of the invention exist and may be employed without deviating from the invention. 
         [0034]      FIGS. 2-6  are presented to show a first embodiment of the present invention. These drawings show a bag  1  having sides  2  and  4  which are bonded together at edges  3  and  5 . The top  7  is able to open and close and is adapted to allow items to be placed into or removed from the bag  1 . In close proximity to top  7  is a zip lock style sealing mechanism comprising a receiving structure  6  formed as a part of or attached to side  2  and a projection  18  formed as a part of or attached to side  4 , The receiving structure  6  is elongate and extends substantially the entire width of side  2  from edge  3  to edge  5 . Likewise, the projection  18  is elongate and extends substantially the entire width of side  4  of the bag  1  from edge  3  to edge  5 . The projection  18  is mated with the receiving structure along the entire width of the bag as illustrated in  FIG. 2  to seal the opening  7 . To open the bag  1 , the projection  18  is pulled out of the receiving structure  6 . Bags having a receiving structure and project different than those specifically shown in  FIG. 2  are well known in the prior art. The reader should therefore understand that any suitable receiving structure and projection, and any other closure mechanism, is with the scope of the invention and there is no intention to limit the scope of the invention to the specific closure mechanism shown. 
         [0035]      FIGS. 2-6  also show features that permit the bag  1  to be readily opened and held open using one hand of a user. These features include a strap  40  adhered to or otherwise coupled to side  2  of the bag  1  and a strap  50  adhered to or otherwise coupled to side  4  of the bag. Straps  40  and  50  may also be integrally formed with the bag  1 . As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , strap  40  includes a main section  42  which extends from edge  3  to edge  5  and is mounted proximate the top opening  7  of the bag. The strap  40  also includes a stop  44  adjacent edge  3  of the bag  1  which projects downwardly from the main section  42 . Stop  44  has an engagement surface  45  which extends generally parallel to edge  3 . Strap  40  also includes an extension  46  which extends outwardly past the edge  3  of the bag  1  from the main section  42  and stop  44  of the strap  40 . Extension  46  has a bottom engagement surface  47 . 
         [0036]    As shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , strap  50  has a main section  52  which extends the width of side  4  between edges  3  and  5 . The strap  50  has a stop  54  adjacent edge  3 . Stop  54  has an engagement surface  56 . Engagement surface  56  is generally parallel to edge  3  and engagement surface  45  of stop  44 . 
         [0037]      FIGS. 7-10  show a second embodiment in which straps  140  and  150  have the same shape. Strap  140  is coupled to side  2  of the bag  1  while strap  150  is coupled to side  4  of the bag  1 . As shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , strap  140  has a main section  142  extending between two stops  144  and  144 ′. The stops  144  and  144 ′ each have an engagement surface  145  and  145 ′ parallel to or along the same line as the associated edge  3  or  5  of bag  1 . The strap  140  also has extensions  146  and  146 ′ extending beyond the sides  3  and  5  of the bag  1 . The extensions  146  and  146 ′ have lower engagement surfaces  147  and  147 ′. As shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , strap  150  has a main section  152 , stops  154  and  154 ′ at opposite ends of the main section and extensions  156  and  156 ′ extending beyond the edges  5  and  3  from the main section  152  and stops  154  and  154 ′. The stops  154  and  154 ′ have outer engagement surfaces  155  and  155 ′. The extensions  156  and  156 ′ have lower engagement surfaces  157  and  157 ′. 
         [0038]      FIGS. 11 and 12  each show another embodiment of the straps. The strap  240  shown in  FIG. 11  is intended to replace strap  140  shown in  FIG. 7  and mounted at the same location shown in  FIG. 7  on side  2  of bag  1 . Likewise, the strap  250  shown in  FIG. 12  is intended to replace strap  150  shown in  FIG. 9  and mounted to the bag  1  at the same location. Strap  240  has a main section  242 , a pair of stops  244  and  244 ′ having engagement surfaces  245  and  245 ′, and a pair of extensions  246  and  246 ′ having engagement surfaces  247  and  247 ′. The engagement surfaces  246  and  246 ′ also each include an arch section  248  and  248 ′. Strap  250  has a main section  252 , and stop sections  254  and  254 ′ having engagement surfaces  255  and  255 ′. Strap  250  also has extensions  256  and  256 ′ having engagement surfaces  257  and  257 ′. In this embodiment, the extensions  256  and  256 ′ are adapted to pass through the arches  248  and  248 ′ of strap  240  shown in  FIG. 11 . 
         [0039]      FIG. 13  shows still another embodiment of a strap similar to that shown in  FIG. 4 . In this embodiment, an engagement pad  300  has been added which wraps around the stop  44  and covers a portion of engagement surface  45 . This pad may be coated with an adhesive or made of a frictitious material. This pad may also provide an increased area of thickness to the apparatus which will also inhibit slipping of the straps when engaged with a tabletop, countertop, inside edge of a sink or other stable structure. This may be achieved as shown in  FIGS. 19 and 20 . Here, the pad  300  is shown extending perpendicularly from the longitudinal direction of the straps  40  and  50  and the sides  2  and  4  of the bag. 
         [0040]      FIG. 14  shows similar pads  300  and  300  coupled to the stops  155  and  155 ′ of  FIG. 10  and similar pads  302  and  302 ′ coupled to extensions  156  and  156 ′ so as to cover engagement surfaces  157  and  157 ′. Alternatively, the engagement pads, rather than wrapping around the stop may extend perpendicularly from one or both sides of the stop to provide an engagement surface which is wider than the end of the strap. 
         [0041]      FIGS. 15-17  illustrate how the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 3-6 and 7-10  are used to open and then retain the top opening  7  of the bag  1  in the open position.  FIG. 15  shows a tabletop  400  supported by legs such as legs  402 . While a tabletop is illustrated, any other suitable structure, such as a countertop, shelf, workbench or inside edge of a sink may be used instead. To open the bag, the strap  40  is placed in proximity to the edge of the tabletop  400  such that the engagement surface  47  of extension  46  engages the top surface  406  of the tabletop  400  and the engagement surface  45  of the stop  44  engages the edge  408  of the tabletop  400 . This will similarly bring engagement surface  55  of stop  55  of strap  52  into engagement with the edge  408  of the tabletop  400 . When engagement pads such as  300  are employed, the pads reside between the side edge  408  of the tabletop  400  and the engagement surfaces  45  and  55  to prevent or inhibit the engagement surfaces  45  and  55  from sliding along the tabletop  400 . Likewise, pads such as  302 ′ residing between engagement surface  47  and the top surface  406  of the tabletop  400  can help inhibit or prevent such sliding. 
         [0042]    With the straps  40  and  50  positioned as illustrated in  FIGS. 15-17 , a user with her or his hand pushes on the opposite end of the straps  40  and  50 . Thus, a compressive force is supplied between the tabletop  400  and the user&#39;s hand. This causes the straps  40  and  50  to bow outwardly and the bag  1  to open as shown in  FIG. 17 . When the bag  1  is open, engagement between the extension  46  and the tabletop prevents edge  3  of the bag  1  from falling. The user holding the other end of the straps  40  and  50  prevents edge  5  from falling. To allow the bag to close, the user relieves the compressive force and the straps  40  and  50  return to their straight, parallel orientation shown in  FIG. 16 . 
         [0043]      FIG. 18  shows the embodiment of  FIGS. 11 and 12  being employed with a tabletop, countertop, workbench, sink or other stable surface to hold the bag  1  open. Note how extension members  246  and  256  cross. This is because extension member  256  passes through the arch  248  of extension member  246 . 
         [0044]    Those skilled in the art will recognized from the foregoing that the straps of the various embodiments may be made of plastics, metals or other materials which are stiff enough to support the bag  1  in the open position, flexible enough to permit the strap to bow when a compressive force is applied and resilient enough to return to a straight orientation when the compressive force is removed. Those skilled in the art will also recognize that the dimensions of the strap may be altered based on the materials used and adapted for bags of varying sizes. As such, the invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed herein, but also covers a full range of equivalents. 
         [0045]    Further, while the drawings show the apparatus being employed in combination with a tabletop, in many situations the apparatus may be advantageously used by placing the bag in a sink with the extension members in contact with the top rim of the sink and the engagement surfaces of the stops in contact with the wall of the sink at a corner of the sink. The angle of the sink corner prevents the stops from sliding along the sink. Further, the sink will catch any spillage which may occur when placing liquids or powders in the bag. 
         [0046]    Also, in the case of a sufficiently narrow bag, the compressive force used to open the bag and then hold it open may be supplied by the thumb and forefinger of one hand of the user. The user&#39;s other hand may then be employed to deposit material or other items into the bag. 
         [0047]    The foregoing discussion of various embodiments of the invention is not intended to be limiting. They are instead intended to describe the invention in sufficient detail to enable one of ordinary skill in the art. The scope of the invention is only limited by the following claims.