Flexible bags – Compartmented – Including auxiliary compartment
Reexamination Certificate
2000-05-04
2001-10-09
Pascua, Jes F. (Department: 3727)
Flexible bags
Compartmented
Including auxiliary compartment
C383S020000, C383S119000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06299352
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a bag. The bag is particularly useful as a shopping bag.
Shopping bags are a ubiquitous feature of bricks and mortar shopping. Where retail products are of a luxury quality, retailers and customers are interested in transporting the goods in shopping bags which are distinctive and attractive. In addition, it is advantageous in many cases for such shopping bags to be strong and durable. Where the bags are sufficiently attractive and sturdy, customers will wish to reuse them even on occasions other than shopping expeditions.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide a shopping bag.
A more particular object of the present invention is to provide a reinforced shopping bag.
A further object of the present invention is to provide such as bag which is simple in construction, durable and sturdy in use.
It is an additional object of the present invention to provide such a bag which is attractive in appearance and which lends itself to decoration.
These and other objects of the present invention will be apparent from the drawings and descriptions herein.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A bag comprises in accordance with the present invention, a bottom panel and a sidewall connected to the bottom panel about a periphery thereof. The sidewall is folded back on itself and defines a mouth located on a side of the sidewall opposite the bottom panel.
More specifically, the sidewall has at least a first fold and a second fold spaced therefrom to define a circumferentially or perimetrically extending first edge on an outer side of the sidewall and a circumferentially or perimetrically extending second edge on an inner side of the sidewall. The fold edges are disposed in respective planes oriented substantially perpendicularly to a longitudinal or vertical axis of the bag. Thus, in a continuous region including the two folds, the sidewall has a zig-zag or Z-shaped cross-section taken in a longitudinal plane oriented parallel to the axis. The sidewall is folded back on itself at least twice to form a section with at least three coextensive sections of the sidewall.
The two folds further define a circumferentially extending first pocket on the outer side of the bag sidewall and a circumferentially extending second pocket on the inner side of the sidewall. In one embodiment of the invention. The second or inner pocket is accessible from the bottom end of the bag, while the first or outer pocket is accessible from the upper end (the mouth end) of the bag.
Where the second edge is a lower edge, located more proximately than the first edge to the bottom panel of the bag, the outer pocket is partially utilitarian, as the outer pocket provides a compartment for the transport of appropriate items. Whether the outer pocket is open in an upward or a downward direction, the outer pocket is distinctive, thus performing an aesthetic or decorative function. In addition, the folded-over section of the bag serves as a brace which strengthens the bag and maintains it in an opened configuration during use.
Further support is provided, in accordance with another feature of the present invention, by disposing at least one reinforcement board in the second pocket. This board provides the first pocket with a substantially stiff outer wall.
In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, a decorative graphic design is disposed in part on an outer side of the stiff outer wall of the outer pocket. The graphic design preferably includes a portion projecting from a side of the outer edge or fold opposite the inner edge or fold. In the one embodiment of the invention where the outer pocket opens in an upward direction, the projecting portion of the graphic design projects toward the upper end of the bag from the lip or rim of the outer pocket.
This graphic decoration and the projecting thereof beyond the rim or lip of the outer pocket provides an enhanced distinctive look to the bag, and substantially increases the possible variations in appearance.
The graphic design may take virtually any form. It may be representational or abstract. Representational designs exemplarily include illustrations of animals or plants, human figures or visages, and landscape scenes. Abstract designs exemplarily include trademarks and logos, as well as geometric designs. The graphic design may also take a three-dimensional form, such as a relief.
Preferably, a reinforcement element is at least partially coextensive with and connected to the projecting portion of the graphic design for support purposes. The reinforcement element may include a cutout portion of the sidewall contiguous with the first edge. The reinforcement element may further include a board section bonded to the cutout portion of the sidewall. This board section may be continuous or contiguous with the reinforcement board disposed in the second pocket of the bag.
It is generally contemplated that the bag sidewall includes four sidewall panels, i.e., the bag has a rectangular cross-section in a plane taken perpendicular to the vertical axis of the bag. In this case, the reinforcement board is preferably one of at least two reinforcement boards disposed in the second pocket along opposite sidewall panels of the sidewall.
A shopping bag in accordance with the present invention is simple in construction, and yet durable and sturdy in use. Moreover, the bag is attractive and distinctive and replete with countless decorative possibilities.
REFERENCES:
patent: D. 263899 (1982-04-01), Lynn
patent: D. 334839 (1993-04-01), Dancyger
patent: D. 417079 (1999-11-01), Heltzel
patent: 1858159 (1932-05-01), Laymon
patent: 2177972 (1939-10-01), Altheimer
patent: 3746066 (1973-07-01), McIntyre
patent: 4156446 (1979-05-01), Nathan
patent: 4784314 (1988-11-01), Penick
patent: 4993551 (1991-02-01), Lindsay
patent: 5326575 (1994-07-01), Spaulding
patent: 5836095 (1998-11-01), Crowell
Coleman Henry D.
Pascua Jes F.
Sapone William J.
Sudol R. Neil
LandOfFree
Bag with integrally formed perimetrically extending pocket does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Bag with integrally formed perimetrically extending pocket, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Bag with integrally formed perimetrically extending pocket will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2562863