Abstract:
An embodiment of the present invention is directed to a device for hanging a storage bag having a resealable mechanical seal. The device includes an elongate body. The body includes at least two opposing flaps, a longitudinal slit passing a distance between the opposing flaps and having a width that is narrower than the mechanical seal of the storage bag, and a tapered opening at an edge of the body. The tapered opening is adapted to guide a leading edge of the storage bag that is below the mechanical seal into the slit.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Resealable storage bags with mechanical closure means, such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,403,094, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference, are widely used in today&#39;s households. They can be used to store both food and non-food items. They are often used to store smaller servings of food items in a refrigerator or a freezer. 
     One drawback of such resealable bags is that when full, they themselves can consume a disproportionate amount of shelf space when stored in cupboard, pantry, refrigerator, freezer, or the like. This is due to the fact when these bags are stored, they often lie flat. It is often undesirable to stack other items on top of these bags, because that may result in flattening on the item(s) stored in the bag, or the added weight may force the bag open, thereby spilling its contents (e.g. spaghetti) on the shelf. Moreover, it will be appreciated that while a resealable bag lies flat on a shelf, the vertical space above the bag is essentially wasted. 
     SUMMARY 
     This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
     An embodiment of the present invention is directed to a device for hanging a storage bag having a resealable mechanical seal. The device includes an, elongate body. The body includes at least two opposing flaps, a longitudinal slit passing a distance between the opposing flaps and having a width that is narrower than the mechanical seal of the storage bag, and a tapered opening at an edge of the body. The tapered opening is adapted to guide a leading edge of the storage bag that is below the mechanical seal into the slit. 
     The above device may be installed within, for example, a refrigerator, a cupboard, or the like. Also, several of the above devices may be attached to form a system of hanging devices. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of embodiments of the invention: 
         FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of a resealable storage bag hanging device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 1B  is a bottom view of the resealable storage bag hanging device of  FIG. 1A , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 1C  is a side view of the resealable storage bag hanging device of  FIG. 1A , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 1D  is a top view of the resealable storage bag hanging device of  FIG. 1A , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 1E  is a front view of the resealable storage bag hanging device of  FIG. 1A , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 1F  is a rear view of the resealable storage bag hanging device of  FIG. 1A , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of a resealable storage bag hanging device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2B  is a bottom view of the resealable storage bag hanging device of  FIG. 2A , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2C  is a side view of the resealable storage bag hanging device of  FIG. 2A , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2D  is a top view of the resealable storage bag hanging device of  FIG. 2A , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2E  is a front view of the resealable storage bag hanging device of  FIG. 2A , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2F  is a rear view of the resealable storage bag hanging device of  FIG. 2A , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a resealable storage bag being inserted into a hanging device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a resealable storage bag hanging device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5A  is a top view of a resealable storage bag hanging device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5B  is a side view of the resealable storage bag hanging device of  FIG. 5A , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6A  is a top view of a resealable storage bag hanging device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6B  is a side view of the resealable storage bag hanging device of  FIG. 6A , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7A  is a bottom view of a resealable storage bag hanging system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7B  is a front view of the resealable storage bag hanging system of  FIG. 7A , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8A  is a front view of a resealable storage bag hanging system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8B  is a top view of the resealable storage bag hanging system of  FIG. 8A , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8C  is a side view of the resealable storage bag hanging system of  FIG. 8A , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9A  is a side view of a resealable storage bag hanging system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9B  is a top view of the resealable storage bag hanging system of  FIG. 9A  in an open position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9C  is a perspective view of the resealable storage bag hanging system of  FIG. 9A  in a folded position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in conjunction with the preferred embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the invention to these embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims. Furthermore, in the detailed description of the present invention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well known components have not been described in detail as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present invention. 
     Briefly stated, embodiments provide for a device that allows for a resealable storage bags—and particularly those with mechanical storage means, such as a mechanical zipper—to be hung from virtually any flat surface, including but not limited to shelves in cupboards, pantries, refrigerators, freezers, etc. By hanging storage bags vertically, rather than laying them horizontally on a shelf, embodiments allow for efficient use of often unused vertical space above a shelf. This also frees up shelf or counter space for other items. 
       FIGS. 1A-1F  and  FIGS. 2A-2D  respectively illustrate various views of alternative embodiments of hanging devices  10  and  50  for resealable storage bags, in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. As shown, the hanging devices  10  and  50  each comprise a main body  12 . In the illustrated embodiments, each body  12  is a hollow, elongate member that defines a channel  20  therethrough. The body  12  may be formed from plastic, aluminum, steel, or any other suitable material. The channel  20  should be large enough to accommodate a portion of a resealable storage bag  24  that includes the mechanical zipper  22  and above. 
     Each body  12  includes two longitudinal, opposing flaps  18 , between which a narrow slit  16  passes. As shown in  FIGS. 1A-1F , the opposing flaps  18  may be planarly aligned and together comprise one side (e.g. a bottom face) of the body  12 , wherein the slit  16  is formed generally down the center of such side. Alternatively, as shown in  FIGS. 2A-2F , the opposing flaps  18  may also be non-coplanar, such that the slit  16  is formed at an intersection between the opposing flaps. In both of the illustrated embodiments, at least one end of the body includes a tapered portion  14  that narrows into the slit  16 . The slit  16  should be wide enough to permit the main body of a resealable storage bag  24  to pass therethrough without damaging the bag  24 , yet narrow enough to prevent a mechanical zipper  22  of the bag  24  from falling through the slit  16 , even when the bag  24  is storing heavy contents. To that end, the opposing flaps  18  should be sufficiently resilient to keep the bag  24  clamped and prevent the mechanical zipper  22  of the bag  24  from falling through the slit  16 . The slit  16  is also preferably long enough to accommodate the entire length of the bag  24 , but is not limited as such. In one embodiment, the slit  16  is long enough to accommodate multiple bags  24 . 
     In one embodiment, the devices  10  and  50  may each include one or more attachment members  26  disposed on a side of the device  10  or  50 , for attaching the device  10  or  50  to a surface. The attachment members  26  may include magnets, double-sided tape, an adhesive, a hook or hanger, or any other suitable means for attachment to the target surface. Although the attachment members  26  are shown as being disposed along the top of the devices  10  and  50 , it will be appreciated that the attachment members can also be disposed on other sides of the devices  10  and  50  as well. Further, depending on the specific type of attachment members  26 , the devices  10  and  50  may be removably attached to a surface. 
     In another embodiment, the devices  10  and  50  may be a feature that is molded into a surface, such as the underside of a refrigerator or cupboard shelf. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a resealable storage bag  24  being inserted into hanging device  10  according to an embodiment of the present invention. It will be appreciated that hanging device  50  may be used in much the same way. As shown, a leading edge of the bag  24  is inserted into the tapered opening  14  of the slit  16 . The bag  24  is inserted so that the mechanical zipper  22  is inserted above the opposing flaps  18  and into the channel  20 . Once the bag  24  is inserted, the opposing flaps cooperate with the mechanical zipper  22  to hold the bag  24  in place vertically. 
       FIG. 4 ,  FIGS. 5A-B  and  FIGS. 6A-B  respectively illustrate various views of additional alternative embodiments of hanging devices  60 ,  70  and  80  for resealable storage bags, in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. As shown, the hanging device  60 ,  70  and  80  each comprise two opposing members  62  and  64 . As shown in  FIGS. 5A-B  and  FIGS. 6A-B , one of the opposing members  62  and  64  may be formed by a surface to which the device is attached. In the illustrated embodiments, the opposing members  62  and  64  are connected at a joint  66 , which allows the opposing members  62  and  64  to move relative to one another into open and clamped positions, creating a variably shaped opening  68 . When opposing members  62  and  64  are in the open position, opening  68  expands. When opposing members  62  and  64  are in the clamped position, opening  68  becomes smaller. In the clamped position, opening  68  should be wide enough to accommodate the main body of a resealable storage bag  24  without damaging the bag  24 , yet narrow enough to prevent a mechanical zipper  22  of the bag  24  from falling through the opening  68 . To that end, the opposing members  62  and  64  should be sufficiently resilient to keep the bag  24  clamped and prevent the mechanical zipper  22  of the bag  24  from falling through the opening  68 . The opposing members  62  and  64  are also preferably long enough to accommodate the entire length of the bag  24 , but are not limited as such. In various embodiments, the opposing members  62  and  64  are long enough to accommodate multiple bags  24 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , the illustrated device  60  may include mating elements  72  and  74  disposed on the intersecting surfaces of opposing members  62  and  64 , for clamping the resealable storage bag  24  more securely. While not similarly depicted in  FIGS. 5A-6B , it will be appreciated that similar mating elements  72  and  74  may be used with devices  70  and  80 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 5A-B  and  6 A-B respectively, the opening and closing of opposing members  62  and  64  may be controlled by a handle  82  and  84 , wherein pressing or pushing on the handles  82  and  84  will cause opposing members  62  and  64  to open, while releasing the handles  82  and  84  will cause opposing members  62  and  64  to close, thereby applying a clamping force on a subject storage bag  24  (not shown). Again, the force applied by the opposing members  62  and  64  should be sufficient to securely hold the storage bag  24  without damaging it. 
     In one embodiment, the devices  60 ,  70  and  80  may include one or more attachment members  26  (not shown) disposed on a side of devices  60 ,  70  and  80 , for attaching devices  60 ,  70  and  80  to a surface—preferably a vertical surface. The attachment members  26  may include magnets, double-sided tape, an adhesive, a hook or hanger, or any other suitable means for attachment to the target surface. It will be appreciated that the attachment members  26  can also be disposed on various sides of the devices  60 ,  70  and  80 . Further, depending on the specific type of attachment members, the attachment members  26  may be removably attached to a surface. 
       FIG. 7A-B ,  FIGS. 8A-C , and  FIGS. 9A-C  illustrate embodiments of the present invention, wherein a plurality of hanging devices  10  are arranged in various configurations to form various systems of hanging devices  100 ,  200  and  300 . It will be appreciated that hanging devices  50 ,  60 ,  70  and  80  may be used in much the same way in alternative systems. Each hanging device  10  is attached to at least one common attachment member  94  by means of attachment elements  92 . In one embodiment, the attachment elements  92  may be hinges. In another embodiment, the attachment elements  92  may be ratcheting joints. 
     As shown in  FIG. 7A-B , in system  100 , the hanging devices  10  may be arranged in a horizontal alignment, hanging devices  10  are independently affixed to various attachment elements  92  on a single horizontal surface  94 . In system  100 , the various attachment elements  92  are arranged such that their respective axes are generally vertically parallel, and each hanging device  10  rotates on a separate axis. Additionally, the hanging devices  10  rotate at the attachment elements  92 , allowing the user to browse, or flip through the resealable bags  24 . When the bags  24  are not being browsed, they can all be pushed to one side, thereby conserving space. 
     Alternatively,  FIGS. 8A-C  show that the hanging devices  10  of system  200  may be arranged in a vertical alignment, wherein various attachment elements  92  affix each hanging device  10  to a common vertical surface  94 . The various attachment elements are vertically aligned and the devices  10  rotate on a substantially common axis. The resealable bags  24  thus hang above and below one another. When not in use, the devices  10  may be stacked so they are substantially vertically aligned, in a space conserving configuration. Additionally, a user may rotate the devices  10  upon their shared axis, creating a fan-like configuration. 
     As shown in  FIG. 9A-C , the system  300  may include two or more attachment members  94  attached to each hanging device  10 . The hanging devices  10  may be attached to the attachment elements  94  by two or more attachment points  92 . As shown in  FIG. 9A , one of the attachment elements  92  may be attached to a surface. In the illustrated embodiment, a first attachment member  94  remains fixed, while a second attachment member  94  is movable. As the second attachment member  94  moves, it remains parallel with the first attachment member  94 , maintaining a parallelogram shape.  FIG. 9B  shows the system  300  in an open position while  FIG. 9C  shows the system  300  in a closed position. System  300  creates a stable yet flexible system for arranging resealable bags  24 . 
     Thus, embodiments provide for hanging devices that allow for resealable storage bags to be hung from virtually any flat surface. By utilizing a hanging device according to an embodiment, a consumer is able to better maximize his or her storage space in his or her home. Further, embodiments provide for various storage systems comprising a plurality of hanging devices, which allow users to better organize his or her resealable bags and further maximize his or her storage space. 
     The previous description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.