Abstract:
A securing system for a container includes a securing system and an ornamental system selectively securable thereto for operably enabling a multitude of adaptive attractant features for greater expression of individuality. The securing system includes opposing elements effective to releasably secure opposing open side elements of the container against an unintended opening. The ornamental system includes an attractant feature and may optionally include additional attractant systems for presentation of a sound, a scent, a motion, or a secure access function.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application relates to and claims priority from U.S. Provisional Ser. No. 61/476,965 filed Apr. 19, 2012, and Chinese Utility Model Ser. No. 201120471894.4 filed Nov. 18, 2011, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIGURE SELECTED FOR PUBLICATION 
       [0002]    
       FIG. 1 
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0004]    The present invention generally relates to an ornamental system for securing containers having an open portion. In particular, the invention relates to a system or kit for use with a container or tote container or bag and containing an ornamental/attractant securing unit for securing an open portion thereof and operably enabling a multitude of adaptive attractant features for greater expression of individuality. 
         [0005]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0006]    The term “tote” meaning “to carry” can be traced to the 17 th  century, but it was not used to describe bags until early 20 th  century. Generally, a tote is a container of some kind that is configured to hold diverse day-to-day objects including, but not limited to books, umbrellas, and other recreational gear. The tote bag may also be used as a supporting volume for transporting food items, beverages and other relatively small items typically piled upon one another in the tote. In other words, the tote bag is an everyday carrier for a variety of rather prosaic objects and items. Such tote bags may be provided as so-called gift bags, colored bags of paper formed for holding gifts or the like. 
         [0007]    It is not uncommon to secure the access to the interior of a tote bag. A myriad of securing mechanisms for tote bags are disclosed in various publications. Perhaps one of the most known configurations has a clip which is not usually a decorative item and makes the entire tote bag look rather dull. Other securing mechanisms may be configured as, for example, magnets. Once again, inasmuch as Applicants are aware, none of magnet-based securing configuration may simultaneously function as a decorative element. 
         [0008]    A need therefore exists for an aesthetically appealing but still functional tote bag configured with a securing mechanism. 
         [0009]    Another need exists for a tote bag with a securing mechanism configured with a decorative component which serves to prevent immediate visual recognition of the securing mechanism. 
         [0010]    A further need exists for a tote bag provided with a replaceable securing mechanism provided with a decorative component. 
         [0011]    Still a further need exists for a kit including a plurality of structurally interchangeable but aesthetically different securing mechanisms for a tote bag. 
         [0012]    Accordingly, there is a need for an improved ornamental securing mechanism for which optionally the parts may also be interchangeably modified to match a user&#39;s demand. 
       ASPECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0013]    These and other needs are satisfied by a tote bag with a securing mechanism configured in accordance with the present invention. One of many salient features of the invention includes the securing mechanism removably mountable to the top lips of the tote bag so as to detachably and releasably seal the lips together. The securing mechanism is configured with a decorative component operative to shield the securing mechanism from being immediately recognized thus providing the tote bag with an attractant aesthetic appeal. 
         [0014]    A securing system for a container includes a securing system and an ornamental system selectively securable thereto for operably enabling a multitude of adaptive attractant features for greater expression of individuality. The securing system includes opposing elements effective to releasably secure opposing open side elements of the container against an unintended opening. The ornamental system includes an attractant feature and may optionally include additional attractant systems for presentation of any one or a combination of a sound, a scent, a visual attractant indicia, a motion, or optionally a secure access function. 
         [0015]    The inventive securing mechanism may be configured as a clip having two arms and a hinge unit resiliently biasing the arms toward one another. Still a further configuration of the securing mechanism includes differently polarized magnets removably or permanently attached to the top lips of the tote bag and securable to the ornamental element. Another configuration of the disclosed securing mechanism may be as simple as liners of Velcro@ removably attachable to the top lips of the disclosed tote bag. 
         [0016]    The inventive system will also be recognized to enable a collectability and a reusability of adaptively either the attractant member on other securing mechanisms, or collective use (attractant and securing mechanism) reusability and collectability. In this way, the system can be retained between uses, sold as theme kits (e.g., holiday kits, celebration kits, birthday kits etc.) or similarly collected in that way and re-used as a user desires. 
         [0017]    The above and other configurations of the disclosed securing mechanism and system each are provided with a decorative component or components which while providing a reliable element masking the securing mechanism are visually appealing. The other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals designate the same elements. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]    The invention may be better understood by reference to the detailed description of specific embodiments presented herein in combination with the following drawings, in which: 
           [0019]      FIG. 1  is a front side elevational view of one of numerous alternative embodiments of the present invention, shown here on a representative disclosed tote bag. 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  is a close side elevational view of the exemplary configuration of the inventive system according to  FIG. 1 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 3  is a rear side elevational view of the securing mechanism of  FIG. 2  without the disclosed tote bag. 
           [0022]      FIG. 4  is a top plan view of the inventive embodiment of  FIG. 1 , wherein the securing system operably and releasably secures sides of the tote bag. 
           [0023]      FIG. 5  is a close side elevational view of  FIG. 4  wherein the securing system and the ornamental features are shown in close association with the opening of the tote bag. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0024]    Reference will now be made in detail to several embodiments of the invention that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings which are not to precise scale. Wherever possible, same or similar reference numerals are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts or steps. The drawings are in simplified form, here representing exemplary photographed systems or kits, and are not to precise scale. For purposes of convenience and clarity only, directional terms, such as top, bottom, up, down, over, above, below, or near etc. may be used with respect to the drawings. These and similar directional or distant terms should not be construed to limit the scope of the invention in any manner. The words “connect,” “couple,” and similar terms with their inflectional morphemes do not necessarily denote direct and immediate connections, but also include connections through mediate elements or devices. It will be further recognized that elements discussed in the context of one alternative embodiment, may be adaptively and alternatively combined with ones of other alternative embodiments without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention. 
         [0025]    The present invention is an improved tote bag system that incorporates a decorative element or system configured in combination with and operative to mask the presence of a securing mechanism. The inventive tote bag allows for greater versatility, attractiveness, and finishing so that a single bag can serve a multitude of purposes and provide for greater expression of individuality. 
         [0026]      FIG. 1  illustrates the inventive tote bag  10  provided with a securing mechanism which has a decorative or ornamental element or system or feature or means noted at  14  camouflaging the securing mechanism so that the latter cannot be immediately observed from an outside or distant location and thereby prevents an immediate visual recognition of the securing mechanism. 
         [0027]    In this alternative embodiment, tote bag  10  is configured with a pair of separate opposing flexible material front side sections, with the front side section being denoted at  12 . The side sections are joined together about a perimeter but being separated along at least a portion of a top edge so as to define an opening between top lips  18 ,  18  providing the access into the interior of bag  10 . Optionally, inventive tote bag  10  may be configured with a single piece of material folded so as to define the top and rear side sections with an open top. A variety of non-limited materials can be used for configuring tote bag  10 . For example, the material may include, without any limitation, a fabric, paper, plastic, neoprene, and/or the like. A myriad of configurations of the bag&#39;s exterior and interior, respectively, are contemplated within the scope of the invention. A handle  16  (shown here as flexible string or rope) is operably coupled to the respective top lips  18 ,  18  can also have a variety of configurations. For example, as illustrated, handle  16  includes two straps each coupled to side section  12 . 
         [0028]    At least front side section  12  of tote bag  10  is configured with an optionally removable decorative or ornamental component  14 . Again, myriad differently configured decorative or ornamental components or elements  14  can be used within the scope of this invention, and those which are further disclosed represent only a small fraction of the alternative embodiments within the scope and spirit of the present invention. Therefore, this disclosure is not limited to the scope of the images. However, decorative component  14  is used here not only for ornamental, aesthetical, or attractant (e.g., advertising) purposes. It is functionally configured to block or limit the view of a securing mechanism disclosed herein below. 
         [0029]    In particular, decorative component  14 , as illustrated in this exemplary embodiment, has a shape of flower with a stem extending along front side section  12  and may include any material such as a simple felt flower, gemstone cluster with an attached bow, surrounding puff ball, glittery light, projecting gift-card clip, sound generator, scent generator and etc. Portions of the felt flower  14  extend over top lips  18  to cover a securing mechanism  24 , as will be discussed herein below. Optionally, the decorative component  14  may be permanently attached to tote bag  10 , such as glued to front side section  12 . Alternatively, decorative component  14  may be removably coupled to bag  10 . Furthermore, as will be disclosed below, decorative component  14  may be optionally permanently or detachably coupled to securing mechanism  24 . The detachable coupling (not shown) of decorative component  14  may have a variety of operative configurations such as snaps, rivets, spring-clip, adhesive, Velcro® and the like for removably securing decorative element  14  to securing mechanism  24 . For an additional alternative embodiment, the central region of decorative component  14  may be further enhanced with an additional ornamental attractant element  22  ( FIG. 1 ) adding to the overall appeal of tote bag  10 . The opposite side of element  22  may be formed as a snap removably coupled to front side section  12  of the tote or optionally may be secured to the front face of decorative element  14 . While decorative component  14  is shown to be coupled to the front side section of securing mechanism  24 , the scope of the invention includes a tote bag with two identical or differently configured decorative component coupled to respective front and back side sections, and thus be ornamentally visible from opposing sides of tote  10 . 
         [0030]      FIG. 2  illustrates one of several alternative operable configurations of securing mechanism  24  operative to close the bag opening and thus prevent an easy access into the interior of bag  10  as well as prevent items stored inside from incidentally falling out. As illustrated, securing mechanism  24  is provided as a simple spring clip or spring member provided with two opposing arms or wings  26 ,  26  and a hinge means  19  which is configured to bias for example bottom portions of respective arms  26 ,  26  towards one another. The clip itself may be configured as a binder clip, clothes pin, and spring clip. A different concept of the securing mechanism configuration relates to a magnetic securing mechanism. The latter may be configured with a magnetic member and a metal or second magnetic member joined by a flexible line or tab-hinge member, thereby operably functioning as a ‘magnetic clip’ system. Further alternatively, securing mechanism may be provided with two opposing and non-linked magnetically attractant members (one or both a magnet, and optionally a ferrous material e.g., metal), whereby the decorative element is secured to one of the securing mechanisms and the lips of tote  10  are urged together solely by opposing magnetic coupling urges. Regardless of the design of securing mechanism  24 , aesthetic and even security reasons often require adaptively camouflaging the mechanism. 
         [0031]    In accordance with the invention, decorative component  14  is configured to be at optimally at least ½ greater than, and desirably larger than securing mechanism  24  so as to prevent immediate visual recognition of the latter. In particular, the present exemplary embodiment provides decorative component  14  having a protrusion  30  extending not only above the top lips of bag  10 , but this part also extends over the top ends of the clip. Obviously, the clip is not visible or at least not immediately recognized by someone looking at the front section of bag  10 . 
         [0032]    Referring further to  FIGS. 3-5 , alternative views of a similar coupling means (shown as a spring clip  19  in  FIG. 2 ) between the securing mechanism and decorative component are contemplated within the scope of the invention. For example, decorative component  14  and securing mechanism  24  may be fixed to one another by a fastening means including, for example, but not limited to glue. Alternatively, the fastening means may be configured as a snap, sliding engagement etc. In accordance with the latter, differently shaped and sized decorative components  14  may be easily used in combination with the same securing mechanism. Alternatively, decorative component  14  may be detachably coupled to securing mechanism  24 . 
         [0033]    Speaking of different configurations, the scope of the invention includes a kit provided with differently shaped and dimensioned decorative components and securing mechanisms. The kit allows the user to select different combinations of the securing and decorative components. 
         [0034]    Returning to the decorative component, the configuration of the latter may include any shape and size, provided the design is within the scope and spirit of the present invention. For example, decorative mechanism may include a means for generating light containing a light emitter, a power supply (battery) and a switch or operating mechanism of a kind known to those of skill in the art. The light emitter may have one or a plurality of LEDs. It is contemplated that the light mechanism is energized by a local battery which in turn can be triggered by a switch, by motion sensor etc. It is further contemplated that there may be alternative flashing sequences, or colors, as a form of attraction. 
         [0035]    In a further modification, the inventive decorative component may adaptively and operatively include a sound and/or a motion generating unit. Again, distantly triggered or locally triggered, the sound and/or motion generating unit may reproduce musical pieces, voices, easily recognizable sounds, or may cause a motion-mechanism (e.g., a dancing-seasonal figure (Santa, Valentine Heart) to move through a repeated sequence. The unit may even be configured to allow the user to record a personal audio message for reply by a second user. 
         [0036]    The inventive decorative component may also alternatively be provided with a combination of pockets differently designed and dimensioned to receive adaptive or supplemental items (in addition to the contents of the tote). The pockets may contain fortunes, sayings, messages, novelty and gift items, candies. Some sort of additional ‘treat’ or ‘teaser’ is also contemplated within the scope of the invention. In addition, the inventive decorative component may include a timer coupled to a recorder informing the user that an appropriate and previously stored time for revealing the gift has come. At that point, user may open a pocket or tote, or optionally the mechanism may even automatically open to allow the user to pull out the gift (e.g., an audio recording of “ . . . wait until I get home to open the gift . . . ”). 
         [0037]    Still a further configuration may include a scent-releasable mechanism. Scents may be released in different manners such as by mistering, scratching, or a mechanism containing a solid or gel scent+a warming/releasing mechanism etc. The mechanism may be configured as a flat element, multi-dimensional element, a blower fan may be incorporated etc. within the meaning and scope of the present invention to attract a user. 
         [0038]    The present invention is not restricted to the particular configurations described and illustrated. The described embodiments are not exclusive, and the scope of the invention includes further different configurations and structures. It is apparent that departures from specific structures and configurations described and shown will suggest themselves to those skilled in the related art and may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the invention should be construed to cohere with all modifications that may fall within the scope of the following brief description of the inventive main features. 
       Brief Description of Main Features of the Invention 
       [0039]    A hand-held bag comprises a body defining an interior and provided with an access to the interior, a securing mechanism operative to temporarily restrict or prevent the access to the interior, and a decorative component configured to prevent immediate recognition of the securing mechanism. It will be recognized that the decorative component can be of any attractant type, including, without limitation a textile, printed, film, plush vehicle, or three-dimensional object. For example, as in  FIG. 1 , a combined attractant includes a textile item and a formed three-dimensional jewel object. Alternatively, a small plush character or fuzzy item or rigid three-dimensional sculptural item may be employed. Organic items (e.g., flowers) may also be provided and are within the scope and spirit of the present invention. 
         [0040]    A hand-held bag comprises a body defining an interior and provided an access to the interior, a securing mechanism operative to temporarily restrict or prevent the access to the interior, and a decorative component configured to prevent immediate recognition of the securing mechanism, the securing mechanism comprises a clip selected from the group consisting of a binder clip, clothes pin, spring clip paper, and others. 
         [0041]    A hand-held bag comprises a body defining an interior and provided with an access to the interior, a securing mechanism operative to temporarily restrict or prevent the access to the interior, and a decorative component configured to prevent immediate recognition of the securing mechanism, the securing mechanism comprises a magnetic clip including a combination of one magnetic and one metal components or two magnetic components. 
         [0042]    A hand-held bag comprises a body defining an interior and provided with an access to the interior, a securing mechanism operative to temporarily restrict or prevent the access to the interior, and a decorative component configured to prevent immediate recognition of the securing mechanism, the securing mechanism comprises a magnetic clip including a combination of one magnetic and one metal components or two magnetic components/ 
         [0043]    A hand-held bag comprises a body defining an interior and provided with an access to the interior, a securing mechanism operative to temporarily restrict or prevent the access to the interior, and a decorative component configured to prevent immediate recognition of the securing mechanism, the decorative component is either fixed to the body or detachably coupled thereto. 
         [0044]    A hand-held bag comprises a body defining an interior and provided with an access to the interior, a securing mechanism operative to temporarily restrict or prevent the access to the interior, and a decorative component configured to prevent immediate recognition of the securing mechanism, the securing mechanism is either fixed to the body or detachably coupled thereto. 
         [0045]    A hand-held bag comprises a body defining an interior and provided with an access to the interior, a securing mechanism operative to temporarily restrict or prevent the access to the interior, and a decorative component configured to prevent immediate recognition of the securing mechanism, the decorative component and locking mechanism are either fixed to one another or detachably coupled to one another. 
         [0046]    A hand-held bag comprises a body defining an interior and provides an access to the interior, a securing mechanism operative to temporarily restrict or prevent the access to the interior, and a decorative component configured to prevent immediate recognition of the securing mechanism, the decorative component has a plurality of configurations and is selected from the group comprising one of decorative ornaments made from plastic, fabric or paper, metal, wood and/or or a combination thereof. 
         [0047]    A hand-held bag comprises a body defining an interior and provided with an access to the interior, a securing mechanism operative to temporarily restrict or prevent the access to the interior, and a decorative component configured to prevent immediate recognition of the securing mechanism, the decorative component has a plurality of configurations and is selected from the group comprising a sound unit, motion unit, sound generating, light emitting, scent-emitting unit and/or a combination of these. 
         [0048]    A hand-held bag comprises a body defining an interior and provided with an access to the interior, a securing mechanism operative to temporarily restrict or prevent the access to the interior, and a decorative component configured to prevent immediate recognition of the securing mechanism, the decorative component has a plurality of configurations and selected from the group comprising an arrangement of differently shaped and dimensioned pockets, each pocket may comprise a gift, teaser etc. 
         [0049]    A kit for a hand-held bag comprises one or more securing mechanisms each operative to temporarily restrict or prevent the access to an interior of the hand-held bag, and one or a plurality of decorative components, the securing mechanisms and decorative components are configured are selectively coupleable to one another so that the decorative component prevents immediate recognition of the securing mechanism.