Abstract:
A means for retaining a resealable bag in an open position for filling purposes is described which includes a surround having an interior dimension less than a nominal width of one side of an unfilled and sealed bag. A pair of cut-outs formed into the surround are shaped and sized to guide edges of a bag during insertion into the surround, retain the upper corners of the bag to prevent axial movement of the bag once inserted, and bias the mouth of the bag in a open position to receive contents.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of Provisional Patent Application No. 61/504,338 filed Jul. 5, 2011. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not applicable 
     THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT 
     Not applicable 
     INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC 
     Not applicable 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to means for holding a bag in an open position for filling, and more specifically to a means for biasing a freezer bag, or Ziploc® type bag in an upright and open position for filling. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Resealable bags, also known as freezer bags or Ziploc type bags come in a variety of designs, but share the feature of being resealable between uses. Typically, such bags have a closure means such as a trough or groove on one side of the opening reversibly couplable to a ridge on the other side. This particular construction, because of the typical corrugations forming the couplable portions, results in a bag with greater stiffness and less flexibility about the opening than in other regions of the bag. The couplable portions resist crumpling, whereas the other regions of the bag crumple easily. 
     Various means of holding a resealable bag in an open position have been described. U.S. Pat. No. 5,275,363 to Dennis, teaches a spring loaded clamp with opposing arms that hold such a bag in an open position. 
     While no doubt the foregoing invention works for its intended use, it would be desirable to provide a system that could be used in various bag filling operations. It would be most desirable to provide a bag holding system that can scale from a single bag to multiple bags supported in an open position in a series. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is a system for holding a resealable bag in an open position using the natural tendency of a resealable bag to resist deformation about the opening. The invention includes at least a generally tubular surround with at least one open end, and having two opposing cut-outs or indentations at an open end of the tubular surround. While in the particular embodiment depicted herein the tubular surround is generally a cylindrical channel, it is conceivable, although less desirable that the surround be of another shape and accordingly other profiles such as an elliptical channel or rounded rectangular channel are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. Although the cut-outs of within the surrounds are depicted as typically v-shaped, other tapering shapes will suggest themselves to those having skill in the art. Accordingly, it is not intended that the surround and cut-out portions of the invention be limited to the particular shapes depicted herein. 
     In one aspect of the present invention, the surround is a section of cylindrical plastic tubing, channel or pipe having a inside diameter (ID) less than the width of an unfilled resealable bag as measured when the bag in a flat position. The cut-outs provide a seat for the upper corners of the resealable bag when the bag is inserted into the surround. Because the surround possesses an ID less than the bag width as described above, the bag, once inserted, is held in an open position due to biasing that occurs about the bag opening that corresponds to the coupling means when the bag is inserted into the surround. Each of the cut-outs are widest at the top of the surround and taper inwardly. The taper terminus can be somewhat rounded or a vertex of adjacent sides of the tapered cut-out. The surround can be closed at one end or open at both ends. 
     In another aspect of the present invention, a method is described whereby a bag is filled by initially inserting the bag into a surround by means of a plunger, whereupon the corners of the bag are seated within the cut-outs and the bag is held therein in an open position for filling. 
     In yet another aspect of the invention, more than one surround is grouped together by means of a frame so that multiple bags can be filled at the same time. A funneling means is positioned above the surround, with a shielding means moveable between the opening of the surround/bag and the funneling means. 
     In order to use the system, a surround is selected having an ID appropriate for a particular width of resealable bag, or a range of bag widths. Preferably, a chart (not shown) accompanies the system which assists in matching surrounds to bag width. The surround; either singly, or a group of surrounds, is placed on a flat surface with the opening(s) facing up. A resealable bag is inserted into the surround so that the uppermost corners of the bag are seated within the cut-outs. A means for inserting an open bag into the surround is provided for use with the system which can be a plunger  20  that is initially inserted partway into an open bag prior to insertion into the surround and after which, the bag with plunger are inserted into the surround. The corners of the bag are then retained by the cut-outs and the plunger is withdrawn leaving the bag in place. The bag may be placed on the plunger manually, or automated means (not shown) may be used to insert the plunger into the bag opening. Regarding the shape of the plunger, it is preferable that a tapered end  20   b  of the plunger be slightly blunted to avoid damaging the bag. Taper angle  20   a  can be any angle to best facilitate placement in the bag interior. The bag, now secured within the surround open position via the biasing provided by the surround can be filled. Once filled, the bag can be removed from the surround and sealed, or remain in place for additional filling operations. 
     The present invention provides a means for filling a plurality of bags concurrently with an identical grouping of contents. The invention is useful for concurrently packaging disparate items which are packaged together for any particular purpose; for example, packages of hardware items and fasteners used for home assembly of purchased items, candy sample bags, wildflower seeds, and for individuals having a complicated daily dose regime of medications, whereby a series of bags containing a daily dose regime can be filled at the same time with contents drawn from different containers. It is to this last use, that several non-limiting examples disclosed herein are directed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a side plan view of a surround  12  for use with the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a top plan view of the surround  12  of ( FIG. 1 ); 
         FIG. 3  is a side plan view of a typical resealable bag  16  with coupling means  18 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view demonstrating the biasing of the resealable bag  16  of ( FIG. 3 ) in an open position; 
         FIG. 5  is a side plan view of the surround  12  of ( FIG. 1 ) containing a resealable bag  16 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a top plan view of the surround  12  depicting biasing of a held bag  16  within annulus  12   a  with corner and seam  19  nested within the cut-outs  14 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a top plan view of the surround  12  depicting biasing of a held bag  16  within annulus  12   a  with a chamfered cut-out  14 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a side view of an exemplary plunger  20  useable with the current invention; 
         FIG. 9  is an end view of the plunger shown in ( FIG. 8 ); 
         FIG. 10  in a perspective view depicts an embodiment according to the present invention having a series of surrounds  22  formed within a supportive frame; 
         FIG. 11  depicts the underside of the embodiment shown in ( FIG. 10 ); 
         FIG. 12  is a top plan view of the embodiment of ( FIG. 10 ); 
         FIG. 13  is a detail view of an individual surround  12  with annulus  12   a  taken from a series of surrounds  22  formed within a frame shown in ( FIG. 12 ); 
         FIG. 14  is a top plan view of a funneling means  24  having a series of funnels  24   a  which is removably positionable above the surrounds shown in ( FIG. 10 ); 
         FIG. 15  is a top perspective view of the funneling means  24  depicted in ( FIG. 14 ); 
         FIG. 16  depicts an underside of the funneling means shown in ( FIG. 15 ); 
         FIG. 17  is a detail view of a single funnel  24   a  of the funneling means  24  shown in ( FIG. 16 ) and registration tab  28   a  extending from the underside of the funneling means; 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of one embodiment according to the present invention showing funneling means  24  attached atop the frame having a series of surrounds  22 ; 
         FIG. 19  is a side elevation of the hingeably attached frame and funneling means  24  shown in ( FIG. 18 ); 
         FIG. 20  in top partial view, depicts the hingeably attached frame and funneling means in an open position with a shielding means  26  adjacent the funneling means  24 , and positioned between the funneling means and the series of surrounds  22  when the assembly is in a closed position previously shown in ( FIG. 18 ); 
         FIG. 21  is a perspective view of the shielding means  26  of ( FIG. 20 ) when separated from the frame; 
         FIG. 22  is a detail view showing the shielding means  26  of ( FIG. 20 ) slidably interlocked with the funneling means  24  by means of registration tabs  28  where the apertures of shielding means  26   a  are slidably positioned in a space corresponding to the regions between the funnel apertures  24   a;    
         FIG. 22   a  is an enlarged perspective view of the registration tab which in the particular embodiment is shaped somewhat like a bolt with a top of relatively larger diameter. The tab has a cross-shaped aperture passing longitudinally through the tab. 
         FIG. 23  shows is a bottom perspective view showing the shielding means  26  of ( FIG. 20 ) slidably interlocked with the funneling means, and positioned where solid sections of the shielding are simultaneously occluding the surround apertures and the funnel apertures; 
         FIG. 24  shows the shielding means of ( FIG. 20 ) slidably interlocked with the funneling means, now slid outwardly, and positioned where apertures of the shielding means  26  are coaxially aligned with the surround apertures  22  and the funnel apertures (not visible); 
         FIG. 25  is a top perspective view of the system depicted in ( FIGS. 19-20 ) in which a series of objects have been placed within the funneling means and supported by the shielding means when in a position blocking passage between the funnels and the surrounds; 
         FIG. 26  is a top perspective view of the system depicted in ( FIG. 25 ) in which the shielding means has been slid into a position permitting passage between the funnels and the surrounds, and thereby depositing the objects into bag openings. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Reference Listing 
     
         
           12  surround 
           12   a  surround annulus 
           14  cut-out 
           16  resealable bag 
           18  coupling means 
           19  bag corner and seam 
           20  plunger 
           22  surround series 
           24  funneling means 
           24   a  funnel aperture 
           26  shielding means 
           26   a  shield aperture 
           26   b  registration slots 
           28  registration tabs 
           28   a  registration pegs 
         w′ resealable bag width 
       
    
     DEFINITIONS 
     In the following description, the term “series” refers to any number of “surrounds” greater than one, grouped or held together in a frame for filling purposes. Unless otherwise explained, any technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The singular terms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Similarly, the word “or” is intended to include “and” unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of this disclosure, suitable methods and materials are described below. The term “comprises” means “includes.” Publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein, if any, are incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes. In case of conflict, the present specification, including explanations of terms, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting. 
     Referring generally to  FIGS. 1-9 ; a preferred embodiment of a system for holding a resealable bag in an open position includes a surround  12  which is typically a length of cylindrical tubing, having a pair of cut-outs  14  in the side wall of the surround. The cut-outs are preferably v-shaped and tapering. The inside diameter of the surround is less than the width of the resealable bag intended for holding, so that once a bag  16  is inserted so that the corners with seams  19  are seated within the v-shaped cut-outs, (1) the bag is biased in an open position, and (2) the bag is at least supported by the bottom edge of the cut-out residing underneath an edge of coupling means  18  of the bag  16 . 
     The cut-outs taper so that the bag can be guided easily into a seated position for support and filling purposes. The v-shaped cut-outs may be perpendicular to the surround, or angled so that the dimensions of the outwardly exposed profile of the cut-out may be larger or smaller than the inwardly exposed profile of the cut-out. Preferably, each v-shaped cut-out may be chamfered toward the center of the surround so that a sharper edge is created on the exterior face of the surround, and a flared edge created on the interior face of the surround so as to accommodate the bulge created at the bag corners by the zippered opening. 
     An example of resistance to deformation and crumpling found in resealable bags is depicted in ( FIG. 4 ) in which the seam portion along with the thicker coupling portions of the bag, resist deformation and permit the bag to be biased in an open position by forcing the uppermost corners of the bag together. 
     Any suitable material may be used in the construction of the surround; including, but not limited to plastics, metals, paperboard and glass. The cut-outs may be mechanically removed from a tubular member, or formed in situ by injection molding or other common processes. The invention is not limited by a particular brand or manufacture of resealable bag; the characteristics of which are generally similar enough to work well with the invention. 
     A series of surrounds is depicted in  FIGS. 10-13  being formed within a framework. Although preferably, the frame has legs for self support, it will be appreciated by those having skill in the art that the frame with surrounds can be used as a sub-element part of a larger packaging system. The surrounds  12  can be molded unitarily with the frame, or can be removed from the frame as individual elements. Conceivably, a frame can comprise a series of apertures into which the surrounds are removably placed, forming a grouping or series of surrounds  22 , and the surrounds can have differing internal dimensions while maintaining a uniform outside dimension in order to fit into frame apertures. 
       FIGS. 14-17  depict a funneling means  24  which possesses a series of funnels having an frustroconical shape and apertures  24   a . When filling bags held by the surrounds  22 , the funnel apertures  24   a  are coaxially aligned with the surround openings. While the particular embodiment shown depicts the funneling means as being hingeably attached to the frame and the truncated ends of the funneling means separated from the open ends of the surround by a space, other alignment means for positioning the funneling means into a filling position will suggest themselves to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, any common alignment means is considered to be encompassed by the invention. For example, the funneling means can be situated above the surrounds with any attachment means or no attachment means to the surround or frame, if any is present. 
       FIGS. 18-22  depict a preferred embodiment according to the present invention in which the funneling means  24  is brought into alignment with the series of surrounds  22  formed in the frame by a hingeable connection. A generally planar shielding means  26  having apertures  26   a  with solid regions between the apertures is positioned between the funneling means and the surrounds. Each surround annulus  12   a  and each funnel aperture  24   a  is brought in and out of coaxial alignment during a filling operation. The shielding means is slidably moved between a closed position in which solid regions of the shielding means are occluding the openings of the surrounds, and an open position in which the apertures of the shielding means are coaxially aligned with the funnel apertures  24   a  and the surround apertures. Preferably, the shielding means is retained in a slidable configuration by registration tabs  28  which reversibly couple the shielding means to the underside of the funneling means. The registration tabs resemble round headed pins having a longitudinal cross-shaped through-aperture which is reversibly mated to correspondingly shaped pegs  28   a  formed into the underside of the funneling means. The heads of the tabs face outwardly and toward the open ends of the surrounds when the shielding means is coupled to the funneling means, with the lesser diameter portion of the registration tabs passing through, and residing within slots formed into the funneling means to provide a guiding means for slidable movement.  FIG. 19  is a side elevation showing from top down, the hinged funneling means  24 , shielding means  26 , and surrounds  12 .  FIG. 20  is a view that shows the funneling means with affixed shielding means  26  completely pivoted away from the surrounds exposing the top of the surround series  22 . The relationship between the slidable positions of the shielding means relative to the apertures of the funneling means and the series of surrounds can be seen in  FIGS. 23 and 24  which both depict a bottom perspective view of the assembly. In  FIG. 23  the shield is in a closed position blocking passage between the surround apertures and the funnel openings. In  FIG. 24  the shield has been slid outwardly by means of a handle portion, thereby placing the shield apertures into coaxial alignment with both the surround apertures and the funnel openings permitting objects to pass from the funnels into bags which would normally be held in an open position by the surrounds. The shielding means can be made of any suitably rigid material, preferably of a opaque dark color so that items placed thereon can readily be seen and differentiated. 
     Moving to the top perspective views of  FIGS. 25 and 26 , a stepwise example for filling a series of bags is shown following the insertion of a bag into each surround within the series.  FIG. 25  shows the funneling means  24  positioned above the series of surrounds  22 , with shielding means  26  in a position blocking passage between the surround openings and the funnels. A number of miscellaneous items have been placed within the apertures  24   a  of the funneling means and are supported therein by the solid regions of the shielding means. In  FIG. 26  the shielding means has moved to a position in which the apertures of the shielding means are now aligned with the surround/bag openings, permitting the miscellaneous items to fall into the bags. The bags, now filled, are ready to be removed, or retained in place for additional filling operations. 
     While the invention has been described by the embodiments given, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular forms set forth. Accordingly, the description herein is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.