Patent Publication Number: US-2012030911-A1

Title: System, method and apparatus for gift bag binding

Description:
I. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to an improvement in gift bag packaging and particularly to binding and packaging gift bags for storage, display and transport. 
     II. DESCRIPTION OF THE TECHNICAL FIELD 
     In recent years, there has been a tremendous growth in the manufacture and sale of containers, particularly decorative containers for receiving and holding objects, such as gift objects. One form of such containers is a decorative bag that is adapted to receive a gift item, which eliminates the need to place the items in separate boxes that are usually subsequently wrapped with gift wrapping paper. Instead, gift items may be “wrapped” in the bag and hidden from view using such items as tissue paper, confetti, bag stuffing, shredded ribbons, and the like. 
     As these gift items are of varying sizes the decorative gift bags used to house these items are also of varying sizes. Typically these decorative or gift bags have ornamental designs on their surface containing indicia relating to a season, event or in some way relevant and/or endearing to the intended recipient of the gift. If decorative bags are sold or displayed as a unit, due to the varying sizes of these bags, it is difficult to package the bags in such a way that a plurality of varying size gift bags are securely bound and the ornamental design of a bag overlapping bags are visible to a consumer. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,377,013 issued to Cheung discloses an adjustable and detachable binding device that includes an elongated binding member, a plurality of locking holders spacedly and integrally formed along a tail portion of the binding member, and a loop locker integrally formed at a head portion of the binding member to detachably engage with one of the locking holders to form a binding loop of the binding member for fittingly binding up an object. The loop locker is shaped and sized that enables the loop locker to be detachably engaged with the respective locking holder, so as to adjust a diameter of the binding loop of the binding member with respect to the object. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,913,179 issued to Rhee discloses an adjustable, pliable tie strap comprising a series of longitudinal slot means at one end of the strap and a tongue portion at the opposite end containing notch means. The tongue portion can be inserted in any of the said slots for tying or securing an object. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,878,520 issued to Milbrandt, et al. discloses an advertising band for quick and easy locking, unlocking and re-locking about merchandise is a flexible strip having a lead end section, a body section, and a tail end section. The lead end section is equipped with a lock aperture having a maximum dimension in the longitudinal direction and a minimum dimension transverse thereto. The body section has a substantial length and transverse width for displaying advertising information. Its length is at least as great as the combined length of both the lead and the tail end sections. The tail end section has laterally paired locking members separated by neck members along its length. It is easily pulled through the aperture to lock any pair of the locking members against the minimum dimension edges of the aperture and yet is easily and quickly unlocked from the aperture by aligning its locking members with the maximum dimension of the aperture and pulling it free from the aperture. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,045,263 issued to Keller, et al. discloses a gift package that comprises a bag having generally parallel front and rear walls, each having a top edge, a bottom edge, and two lateral edges, a pair of generally parallel side walls, each having a top edge, a bottom edge, and two lateral edges, wherein the lateral edges of the front and rear walls are joined to the lateral edges of the side panels, and a bottom panel having two pairs of generally parallel lateral edges, wherein the lateral edges of the bottom panel are joined to the bottom edges of the front, rear, and side walls to form a container having an opening defined by the top edges of the front, rear, and side walls, and wherein the bag has an expanded state and a collapsed state, where an area of the bag opening is larger when the bag is in its expanded state than when the bag is in its collapsed state. The gift bag further comprises a bag topper comprising a resilient member having a length and a width, wherein the resilient member has a relaxed state and a compressed state, wherein the bag topper in the compressed state is smaller in at least one of the length and width than when the bag topper is in the relaxed state, so that the bag topper urges the opening of the bag toward the expanded state of the bag as the bag topper moves from the compressed state of the bag topper to the relaxed state of the bag topper. 
     III. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide means to efficiently bind and store a plurality of decorative gift bags. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a means to bind, package and display a plurality of gift bags of differing sizes where at least one of each size gift bag is visible in the display. 
     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for binding and packaging a plurality of gift bags of varying size for transport in an efficient self contained package. 
     It is still another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for binding and packaging a plurality of gift bags that does not obstruct a design, logo or ornamental indicia incorporated on the outer surface of the gift bag. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that allows the efficient packaging of a plurality of bound gift bags of varying size in a package no larger than the area defined by the largest gift bag of the plurality. 
     It is still yet another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for binding and packaging a plurality of gift bags that is adjustable for different sized and/or different quantities of gift bags. 
     It is still another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for binding a plurality of gift bags wherein the binding apparatus facilitates easily and efficient use in a retail display. 
     It is still another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for binding a plurality of gift bags wherein the structure of the binding apparatus does not impede a shopper&#39;s view of the ornamental features of the bound collection of bags. 
     These and other objects of the invention are achieved in part by the disclosed adjustable binding device for attaching a plurality of decorative or gift bags together including a binding member, which has a length substantially longer than the body diameter of the largest of said plurality of gift bags being bound. The binding member includes a head end, an opposed tail, and an elongated body portion with two longitudinal edges. The head end, and a tail portion of the binding member include corresponding engagement apparatus disposed thereon to demountably fix the binding member&#39;s head end to the tail portion. A plurality of engaging members are spacedly formed along two longitudinal edges of the elongated body defining a plurality of corresponding sets of engaging steps on the binding member. Each of the engaging steps has a guiding edge and a locking edge inwardly and inclinedly extended from the respective longitudinal edge of the body portion of the binding member. The engaging steps of the binding member are disposed to engage at least one strap of a first gift bag of a plurality of gift bags and secure the first gift bag to a second overlapping gift bag of the plurality of gift bags engaged on a second step of said binding member. The engaging steps are disposed to orient the first and second gift bags to expose a portion of the body surface of the first gift bag and second overlapping gift bag. 
     Still other objects of the invention are achieved by the disclosed method for securing a plurality of gift bags having handles thereon for storage and display, including the steps of providing a binding member having a head end, an opposed tail, and an elongated body portion with two longitudinal edges; the head end, and a tail portion of said binding member having corresponding engagement apparatus disposed thereon to demountably fix the binding members head end to the tail portion. The binding member preferably has a plurality of engaging members spacedly formed along two longitudinal edges of said elongated body to define a plurality of sets of corresponding engaging steps on the binding member. Each of said engaging steps has a guiding edge and a locking edge inwardly and inclinedly extended from the respective longitudinal edge of the body portion of the binding member. The method also includes providing a plurality of gift bags, each of the gift bags having a handle portion attached to and a sack portion, defining a void in the space between the handle portion and sack portion, and inserting the binding member head through the void between the handle and the sack of a first bag of the plurality of gift bags. 
     The method also includes the step of engaging the handle of the first gift bag of the plurality of bags with a pair of engaging steps defined on the binding member positionally affixing the first gift bag on the elongated body. 
     The method also includes the step of inserting the binding member head through the void between the handle and the sack of at least a second bag of the plurality of gift bags and engaging the handle of at least a second gift bag of the plurality of gift bags with a pair of engaging steps defined on the binding member positionally affixing at least a second gift bag on the elongated body. The method also includes the step of wrapping the elongated body around the sack portion of each of the plurality of bags disposed in a stack, and engaging the corresponding engagement apparatus disposed on the head and tail portion of the binding member to demountably fix the binding members head end to the tail portion. As a result the first and at least a second bag is bound to the binding strip and suspended on pairs of engaging steps orienting the first and at least a second gift bag to expose a portion of the body surface of each gift bag. 
     For definitional purposes and as applicable the term “gift bag” as used herein is intended to mean any decorative bag, container, pouch and the like whether constructed of paper, plastic nylon or fabric having a sack portion and at least one strap, string, fabric, synthetic or paper handle disposed on said sack portion to facilitate carrying said bag. 
     As used herein “connected” includes physical, whether direct or indirect, permanently affixed or adjustably mounted. Thus, unless specified, “connected” is intended to embrace any operationally functional connection. 
     As used herein “substantially,” “generally,” and other words of degree are relative modifiers intended to indicate permissible variation from the characteristic so modified. It is not intended to be limited to the absolute value or characteristic which it modifies but rather possessing more of the physical or functional characteristic than its opposite, and preferably, approaching or approximating such a physical or functional characteristic. 
     In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which are shown by way of illustration to the specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. The following illustrated embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes based on presently known structural and/or functional equivalents may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. 
    
    
     
       IV. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates the front view of an embodiment of the gift bag binding having a plurality of triangular shaped engaging steps for engaging gift bags. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates the rear view of the embodiment of the gift bag binding in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  illustrates the gift bag binding apparatus engaged and binding a plurality of decorative gift bags of varying sizes. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a front view of another embodiment of the gift bag binding apparatus. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a close up view of the engaging steps of the gift bag binding embodiment in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  illustrates an embodiment of the gift bag binding apparatus having a plurality of rectangular shaped steps for engaging gift bags. 
     
    
    
     V. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring now to the figures, wherein like reference numbers denote like components, elements, or features through the various illustrated embodiments discussed in detail below, the invention is an apparatus, system and method for the binding of a plurality of gift bags or the like for display, transportation, or storage. While specific implementations of the disclosed technology are discussed, it should be understood that this is done for illustration purposes only. A person skilled in the relevant art will recognize that other components and configurations may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 
     Turning now to the figures wherein like reference numbers denote like elements,  FIG. 1  illustrates the front view of an embodiment of the gift bag binding having a plurality of triangular shaped steps for engaging gift bags. As illustrated in the figure, this embodiment of the inventive binding includes an adjustable binding  100  for attaching a plurality of gift bags together including a binding member  101 , which has a length substantially longer than the body diameter of the largest of the plurality of gift bags being bound. Referring now to  FIG. 2 , illustrating the rear view, and with continued reference to  FIG. 1 , the binding member  101  has a head end  120 , an opposed tail,  130  and an elongated body portion  110  with two longitudinal edges  111 . 
     The head end  120 , and a tail portion  130  of the binding member  101  have corresponding engagement apparatus disposed thereon  125 ,  135 . The engagement apparatus  125 ,  135  disposed on the head end  120  and tail portion  130  are typically configured to demountably affix the binding member&#39;s head end  120  to the tail portion  130 . The engagement apparatus may be in the form or Velcro, corresponding hook and loop, hook and slot, or other cooperating engagement apparatus known in the art. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the engagement apparatus of the embodiment shown features a hook  135  and a plurality of corresponding grooves or slots  125  sized and disposed to receive and engage the hook  135  and bind the head end  120  to the tail portion  130 . The plurality of corresponding slots  125 , are disposed at intervals on the head end  120  of the binding member  101  and facilitate adjustment of the size of the binding  100  to allow use with different sizes, and/or numbers of gift bags. 
     A plurality of engaging members  104  are spacedly formed along two longitudinal edges  111  of the elongated body  110  and define a plurality of sets of corresponding engaging steps  105  on the binding member.  FIG. 5  illustrates a close up view of the engaging members  104  disposed on the longitudinal edges  111  of the body  110 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 5  with continued reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , each of the engaging members  104  has a (supporting) locking edge  106  extending horizontally out from the elongated body  110 , and a guiding edge  115  inwardly extended from the respective longitudinal  111  edge of the body portion  110  of the binding member  101 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , with continued reference to  FIG. 1 , the engaging steps  105  of the binding member  101  are sized and disposed to engage one or more straps  333  of a first gift bag  330  of the plurality of gift bags, and secures the first gift bag  330  to a second overlapping gift bag  350  of the plurality of gift bags on the binding member  101 . The second overlapping gift bag  350  is engaged to a second step  105 ′ of the binding member  101 . The engaging steps  105  are typically sized and disposed to orient the first and second gift bags  330 ,  350  to expose a portion of the body surface of the first gift bag  330  and a portion of the body surface of the second overlapping gift bag  350 . 
     A plurality of engaging steps are typically disposed at intervals along the elongated body  110  of the binding member  101  to accommodate several bag sizes. The intervals between the steps may be consistent or they may feature different spacing. In addition, the plurality of sets of corresponding engaging steps disposed on the body  110  of the binding member  100  may be of identical or differing sizes to further accommodate different sizes and different quantities of gift bags. 
     The guiding edge  115  of the engaging step  105  is preferably inclinedly extended from the respective longitudinal edge  111  of the body portion  110  of the binding member  101 , however in other embodiments the guiding edge may be extended without a substantial inclined edge. Embodiments such as the one shown in  FIG. 1  feature a gradually inclined edge. The gradual incline provides for positive seating and retention of each gift bag bound by the binding member. The positive seating retains or holds one or more gift bags in place on the binding. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates yet another embodiment of the gift bag binding apparatus. The embodiment of  FIG. 4  features a guiding edge  115  of the engaging step  105  that is inclinedly extended from the respective longitudinal edge  111  of the body portion  110  of the binding member  101  at a greater angle than the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . This feature provides for a greater longer longitudinal edge  111  area and allows the bag binding to hold a greater number of gift bags and also allows the bags to be held in a looser configuration. An embodiment in which the guiding edge does not feature a substantially inclined edge in relation to the elongated body  110  is shown in  FIG. 6 . 
     Preferably the binding member  101  is constructed of a semi-rigid or flexible material. The binding member is preferably constructed of a transparent material, providing a largely unobstructed view of the bags that are bound therewith. The binding member&#39;s engagement apparatus may include Velcro, a tongue and a corresponding groove, adhesives or other engagement means. The corresponding engagement apparatus may disposed on either the head or the tail, or both and provide means to adjust the circumference of the binding to adjust and tailor the binding to engage gift bags of varying quantities, sizes and shapes. 
     Other embodiments of the invention disclose a method for securing a plurality of gift bags having handles thereon for storage and display. The method includes the steps of providing a binding member having a head end, an opposed tail, and an elongated body portion with two longitudinal edges. The head end, and a tail portion of the binding member having corresponding engagement apparatus disposed thereon to demountably fix the binding members head end to the tail portion. The binding member includes a plurality of engaging members spacedly formed along two longitudinal edges of the elongated body, defining a plurality of sets of corresponding engaging steps on the binding member. Each of the engaging steps has a locking edge and a guiding edge inwardly extended from said respective longitudinal edge of said body portion of said binding member. 
     The method also includes inserting the binding member head through the void between the handle and the sack of a first bag of the plurality of gift bags and engaging the handle of the first gift bag of the plurality of bags with a pair of engaging steps defined on the binding member positionally affixing the first gift bag on the elongated body. 
     The method also includes the step of inserting said binding member head through the void between the handle and the sack of at least a second bag of the plurality of gift bags and engaging the handle of at least a second gift bag of the plurality of gift bags with a pair of engaging steps defined on the binding member positionally affixing at least a second gift bag on the elongated body. 
     The methods further includes wrapping the elongated body around the sack portion of each of the plurality of bags disposed in a stack and engaging the corresponding engagement apparatus disposed on the head and tail portion of the binding member to demountably fix the binding member&#39;s head end to the tail portion. The first and at least a second bag are bound to the binding strip and suspended on pairs of engaging steps orienting the first and at least a second gift bag to expose a portion of the body surface of each gift bag. In yet another embodiment the method also includes the step of inserting said binding member head through the void defined between the handle portion and the sack portion of a plurality of gift bags of different sizes and hanging the secured plurality of gift bags for display and adjusting the size of the binding member by changing the groove engaged by the corresponding tongue. 
     Although specific example embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, those of ordinary skill in the art appreciate that other variations, aspects, or embodiments may be contemplated, and/or practiced without departing from the scope or the spirit of the appended claims, for example the disclosed apparatus may be used to organize and bind a plurality of shopping bags for display, storage or transport.