Abstract:
Described herein are devices pertaining to the closure of containers having at least one opening, such as bags. These devices can have at least one connecting structure configured to fit over at least a part of the container&#39;s opening, with the connecting structure being connected to at least two sides of the container. In some embodiments, the closure devices have base structures that the connecting structure can connect to and/or be held in place by. In some embodiments, these base structures are configured such that they substantially conceal the portion of the container to which they are connected. In some embodiments, the base structures have festive shapes, for example, being shaped like a birthday cake or flowers. Coupled with the ability to conceal the underlying container, the closure devices can effectively transform a basic paper bag into an enclosed festive gift bag.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of, and claims the benefit of, U.S. Design application 29/509,019 to Lynne-Marie Beard, entitled BAG CLOSURE DEVICE, filed on Nov. 13, 2014, which is now issued as U.S. Design Pat. No. D758,188. This application also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/080,849 to Lynne-Marie Beard, entitled CLOSURE DEVICE, filed on Nov. 17, 2014. Both of these applications are hereby incorporated herein in their entirety by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to devices for closing bags and other containers, for example, temporary or permanent bag enclosure devices for the construction of gift bags. 
     Summary 
     Described herein are devices pertaining to the closure of containers having at least one opening, such as bags. These devices comprise at least one connecting structure configured to fit over at least a part of the container&#39;s opening, with the connecting structure being connected to at least two sides of the container. In some embodiments, the closure device comprises additional base structures that the connecting structure can connect to and/or be held in place by. 
     The closure device can be temporary (i.e. freely removable and replaceable without damaging the bag) or can be permanent. In some embodiments, the closure device can function as a device that can convert a conventional container, such as a bag, into a gift bag. In some of these embodiments, the closure device at least partially covers and/or seals the opening of the container, thus obscuring the contents inside, for example, a gift. In some embodiments, opening of the container can be accomplished by destroying or removing the closure device, thus allowing one to gain access to the contents of the bag. This allows the closure device to be applied to regular non-gift containers a user may have in his or her possession and convert them into gift containers using closure devices, incorporating features of the present invention. This allows a user to conserve materials by re-using unused containers, as well as obviating the need to purchase expensive gift bags. In the gift bag embodiments, the closure device can comprise an aesthetically pleasing shape and appearance, for example, having one or more base structures resembling a cake for a birthday. 
     In one embodiment, a closure device for a container having at least one opening comprises a first base structure configured to connect to a first side of the container, a second base structure configured to connect to a second side of the container, and at least one connecting structure configured to connect the first base structure and the second base structure, such that the connecting structure is over at least a portion of the at least one opening. 
     In another embodiment, a closure device for a container having at least one opening comprises a connecting structure comprising a first portion and a second portion, a first base structure configured to connect the first connecting structure portion to a first side of the container, and a second base structure configured to connect the second connecting structure portion to a second side of the container, wherein the connecting structure is over at least a portion of the at least one opening. 
     In yet another embodiment, a closure device for a container having at least one opening comprises a first base structure comprising a first connection element, the first base structure configured to connect to a first side of the container, such that the first base structure conceals a substantial portion of the first side of said container, a second base structure comprising a second connection element, the second base structure configured to connect to a second side of the container, such that the second base structure conceals a substantial portion of the second side of said container, and at least one connecting structure configured to connect the first base structure and the second base structure, such that the at least one connecting structure is over at least a portion of the at least one opening. 
     These and other further features and advantages of the invention would be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, taken together with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a top, front, left side perspective view of an embodiment of a closure device incorporating features of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded view of an embodiment of a closure device incorporating features of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a top, front, left side perspective view of a closure device incorporating features of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 4  is a top, front, left side perspective view of a closure device incorporating features of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Throughout this description, the preferred embodiment and examples illustrated should be considered as exemplars, rather than as limitations on the present invention. As used herein, the term “invention,” “device,” “present invention,” or “present device” refers to any one of the embodiments of the invention described herein, and any equivalents. Furthermore, reference to various feature(s) of the “invention,” “device,” “present invention,” or “present device” throughout this document does not mean that all claimed embodiments must include the referenced feature(s). 
     It is also understood that when an element or feature is referred to as being “on” or “adjacent” to another element or feature, it can be directly on or adjacent the other element or feature or intervening elements or features may also be present. It is also understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected” or “coupled” to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly connected” or “directly coupled” to another element, there are no intervening elements present. 
     Relative terms such as “outer”, “above”, “lower”, “below”, “horizontal,” “vertical” and similar terms, may be used herein to describe a relationship of one feature to another. It is understood that these terms are intended to encompass different orientations in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. 
     Although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements or components, these elements or components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element or component from another element or component. Thus, a first element or component discussed below could be termed a second element or component without departing from the teachings of the present invention. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated list items. 
     The terminology used herein is for describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. 
     Embodiments of the invention are described herein with reference to different views and illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments of the invention. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances are expected. Embodiments of the invention should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes of the regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing. 
       FIG. 1  shows a closure device  100  comprising at least one connecting structure  102  (one shown). Closure device  100  can further comprise one or more base structures, for example, a first base portion  104  and a second base portion  106 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . Closure device  100  is shown configured with a container  108  (in this case a bag). The opening  110  of container  108  can be at least partially covered by connecting structure  102  and can be held shut by closure device  100 , as opening  110  is between a first portion  112  of connecting structure  102  and a second portion  114  of connecting structure  102 , such that container  108  is held closed. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the connecting structure  102  can be configured to connect said first base portion  104  and said second base portion  104 . 
     Each of first portion  112  and second portion  114  can be connected to container  108  in one or more of the following ways: 1) connected to different sides of container  108 , such that opening  110  is held at least partially shut (for example opposing sides of container  108  as shown); 2) directly connected to different sides of container  108 , such that opening  110  is held at least partially shut, for example, in embodiments where closure device  100  does not comprise a base structure; 3) connected to one or more base structures, which are in turn connected to different sides of container  108 , such that opening  110  is held at least partially shut; 4) connected to container  108  at different sides, such that first portion  112  and second portion  114  are held in place and/or connected to the sides of the container by one or more base structures, such that opening  110  is held at least partially shut (for example, by being sandwiched between a base structure and a side of the container); and/or 5) any connection configuration that is known in the art. 
     Closure device  100 , including connecting structure  102  and base structures  104 ,  106  can be made from any suitable material that could provide enough support to allow closure device  100  to hold container  108  closed. Some example materials include, but are not limited to: paper, resin, rubber, vinyl, polyurethane, poly vinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene foam, polymers/copolymer substances, acrylic substances, plastic, leather, metal, glass, fiberglass, wood, cloth or a combination thereof. The closure device  100  can be formed by any suitable method known in the art, for example, paper folding, molding, injection molding, stamping and extrusion. 
     If the material chosen for closure device  100  is sturdy enough and the connection to container  108  is freely removable without causing significant damage to container  108  and/or closure device  100 , then closure device  100  can be reusable. In some embodiments, closure device  100  comprises one or more materials that can be easily destroyed by intentional manual manipulation, for example, paper which one can rip or tear. In these embodiments, closure device  100  can transform a common conventional container, such as a bag, into a wrapped gift, wherein one can destroy a portion of connecting structure  102  to allow access to a gift contained within the container  108 . 
     While connecting structure  102  and base structures  104 ,  106  are shown in  FIG. 1  as being roughly linear/rectangular and trapezoidal respectively, it is understood that these features can comprise any known shape, including any regular or irregular polygon. Further novel shapes, for example, in the gift bag embodiments are discussed further below in regard to  FIG. 4 . 
     One or more portions of connecting structure  102  and/or one or more portions of base structures  104 ,  106  can be connected to container  108  in a variety of ways by various connection element including, but not limited to: suction cups, hooks, gripping mechanisms, hook and loop connections (such as Velcro®), male/female connections, adhesives, tapes and any connection configuration known in the art.  FIG. 2  shows one such example of one connection configuration.  FIG. 2  shows a closure device  200 , similar to closure device  100 , comprising a connecting structure  202 , a first base structure  204  and a second base structure  206 . Both first base structure  204  and second base structure  206  are angled in  FIG. 2 , such that the sides that are to be facing the container to be closed are exposed to view. 
     First and second base structures  204 ,  206  are shown comprising first and second adhesive structures  208 ,  210  respectively, which are configured to connect to a portion of a container that is to be closed. In the embodiment shown, adhesive structures  208 ,  210  comprise separate adhesive pads connected to base structures  204 ,  206  which are coated with an adhesive material, such that they can stick to a portion of a container, as discussed above with reference to  FIG. 1 . In some embodiments, a film  211  covers the adhesive surface of one or more of the adhesive structures  208 ,  210 , which blocks access to the adhesive surface and can be removed by, for example, peeling the film off to expose the adhesive surface when closure device  200  is ready to use. 
     Closure device  200  can be manufactured and distributed as a single attached unit or in multiple parts as separate components, for example, as three separate parts (e.g. a connecting structure, a first base structure and a second base structure) or two separate parts (e.g. a connecting structure connected to a first base structure and a separate second base structure, as shown in  FIG. 2 ). One advantage of manufacturing closure device  200  as multiple structures is that the length and looseness of connecting structure  202  can be more precisely controlled. For example, the effective length of the connecting structure  202  can be shortened when closure device  200  is used on a container. 
     In some embodiments, the above-mentioned shortening of the effective length of connecting structure  202  can be accomplished by connecting first base structure  204  to one side of a container, wrapping a desired length of connecting structure  202  over the opening of the container, and then pinning a portion of connecting structure  202  to the opposing side of the container utilizing second base structure  206 . Depending on how long or short one wants connecting structure  202  to effectively be, one can connect second base structure  206  to a variable portion of the length of connecting structure  202  on the side of a container opposing the side of the container to which first base structure  204  is connected. 
     In some embodiments, one of more of base structures  204 ,  206  can comprise a holding portion  212 , which can be used to better contain any excess length of connecting structure  202 . Examples of such holding structures include small folds, recesses, handles or spools that can store excess length. In some embodiments, wherein connecting structure  202  is made of a flexible material, such as paper, the excess length can be easily handled by simply folding or bending connecting structure  202  prior to using base structure  206  to connect connecting structure  202  to the opposing side of the container. 
     The above mentioned adjustable length feature is shown in more detail in  FIG. 3 , which shows a closure device  300 , similar to closure device  200  discussed in  FIG. 2  above. Closure device  300  comprises a connecting structure  302 , a first base structure  304  and a second base structure  306 . Like in  FIG. 2 , first base structure  304  and the connecting structure  302  are connected, while second base structure  306  is a separate structure. Second base structure  306  pins connecting structure  302  to the side  308  of container  310 , which opposes the side  312  to which first base structure  304  is connected. 
     The location along the length of connecting structure  302 , which second base structure  306  pins to opposing side  308  results in connecting structure  302  having a fairly long-length and slack state of looseness. This allows for a wider opening  314  for container  310 . This is useful if container  310  is larger or is containing a larger number of items within it. To adjust the length of connecting structure  302  such that the container  310  is more tightly closed and more closely resembles container  108  in  FIG. 1 , one would simply connect second base structure  306  to a higher point  316  on connecting structure  302  and pin connecting structure  302  to opposing side  308  at the higher point  316 . The additional length of connecting structure  302  that is below higher point  316  could be folded, bent, obscured by base structure  306 , or stored in a holding portion as discussed above. 
       FIG. 4  shows a closure device  400 , similar to the closure devices  100 ,  200 ,  300  already discussed herein with reference to  FIGS. 1-3 . Closure device  400  differs in that it comprises a first base structure  402  and a second base structure  404 , which comprise festive shapes. This is particularly useful in embodiments wherein closure device  400  is utilized as a gift bag. For example, the base structures  402 ,  404  could be shaped like birthday cakes for a birthday gift bag, buckets of golf balls for a retirement party or sheriff&#39;s badges for a policeman&#39;s anniversary. Any number of festive shapes can be implemented for any number of occasions. 
     In some embodiments, the base structures  402 ,  404 , which can include festive shapes, can hide or mask all or some of a portion of the container, for example, the side to which the base structure  402 ,  404  is connected. In these embodiments, the overall look or appearance of a container, for example, a common brown bag, can be concealed to appear to be a gift bag, for example, by having the shape, size or dimensions of the base structures  420 ,  404  match or otherwise correspond to the dimensions of the side of the bag to which the base structures  402 ,  404  are connected. In this way, closure devices incorporating features of the present invention can simultaneously at least partially close a container and at least partially conceal a container&#39;s appearance. In some embodiments, the base structures  402 ,  404  are configured to conceal a substantial portion of the sides of the container to which they are connected. 
     Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred configurations thereof, other versions are possible. Embodiments of the present invention can comprise any combination of compatible features shown in the various figures, and these embodiments should not be limited to those expressly illustrated and discussed. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the invention should not be limited to the versions described above. 
     The foregoing is intended to cover all modifications and alternative constructions falling within the spirit and scope of the invention.