Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
2130847
BASKET LINER HAVING A BONDING MATERIAL
THEREON AND METHOD
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention generally relates to basket liners and,
more particularly, to basket liners having a bonding
material thereon, and methods of using same.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In one aspect the present invention provides an
article comprising: a basket liner, made by forming at
least one sheet of material into a predetermined shape for
both lining a basket and receiving an object, wherein the
basket liner comprises a base having a closed lower end and
an open upper end and an outer periphery forming an outer
surface, the open upper end intersected by an object
opening extending therethrough, said object opening forming
an inner surface, a bonding material disposed upon a
portion of the outer surface, wherein the sheet of material
is flexible, wherein folds are formed in the sheet of
material such that both the outer surface of the basket
liner and the inner surface of the basket liner contain
folds, whereby the formed basket liner is flexible and may
be substantially flattened and then unflattened to assume
the original shape of the formed basket liner without
substantial loss of the preformed shape thereby providing
the flexible yet shape-sustaining nature of the formed
basket liner, wherein the forming of the basket liner is
accomplished by forming a portion of the sheet of material
into a plurality of folds to form the base of the basket
liner, said folds cooperating to retain the basket liner in
the formed shape, and wherein the base is able to stand
upright on the closed lower end thereof.
X1308 ~ 7
In yet another aspect, the present invention provides
an article comprising: a basket liner, made by forming at
least one sheet of material into a predetermined shape for
both lining a basket and receiving an object, wherein the
basket liner comprises a base having a closed lower end and
an open upper end and an outer periphery forming an outer
surface, the open upper end intersected by an object
opening extending therethrough, said object opening forming
an inner surface, a bonding material disposed upon a
portion of the outer surface, wherein the sheet of material
is flexible, wherein folds are formed in the sheet of
material such that both the outer surface of the basket
liner and the inner surface of the basket liner contain
folds, a substantial portion of the folds extending over
different distances and at various and arbitrary angles,
whereby the formed basket liner is flexible and may be
substantially flattened and then unflattened to assume the
original shape of the formed basket liner without
substantial loss of the preformed shape thereby providing
the flexible yet shape-sustaining nature of the formed
basket liner, wherein the forming of the basket liner is
accomplished by forming a portion of the sheet of material
into a plurality of folds to form the base of the basket
liner, said folds cooperating to retain the basket liner in
the formed shape, and wherein the base is able to stand
upright on the closed lower end thereof.
In yet another aspect, the present invention provides
an article comprising: a basket liner, made by forming at
least one sheet of material into a predetermined shape for
both lining a basket and receiving an object, wherein the
basket liner comprises a base having a closed lower end and
~1 3084 7
an open upper end and an outer periphery forming an outer
surface, the open upper end intersected by an object
opening extending therethrough, said object opening forming
an inner surface, a decorative border extending outwardly
from the open upper end of the base, a bonding material
disposed upon a portion of the outer surface, wherein the
sheet of material is flexible, wherein folds are formed in
the sheet of material such that both the outer surface of
the basket liner and the inner surface of the basket liner
contain folds, whereby the formed basket liner is flexible
and may be substantially flattened and then unflattened to
assume the original shape of the formed basket liner
without substantial loss of the preformed shape thereby
providing the flexible yet shape-sustaining nature of the
formed basket liner, wherein the forming of the basket
liner is accomplished by forming a portion of the sheet of
material into a plurality of folds to form the base of the
basket liner, said folds cooperating to retain the basket
liner in the formed shape, and wherein the base is able to
stand upright on the closed lower end thereof.
In yet another aspect, the present invention provides
an article comprising: a basket liner, made by forming at
least one sheet of material into a predetermined shape for
both lining a basket and receiving an object, wherein the
basket liner comprises: a base having a closed lower end
and an open upper end and an outer periphery forming an
outer surface, the open upper end intersected by an object
opening extending therethrough, said object opening forming
an inner surface, a bonding material comprising an adhesive
disposed upon a portion of theouter surface, wherein the
sheet of material is flexible, wherein folds are formed in
21 308 4 7
2B
the sheet of material such that both the outer surface of
the basket liner and the inner surface of the basket liner
contain folds, whereby the formed basket liner is flexible
and may be substantially flattened and then unflattened to
assume the original shape of the formed basket liner
without substantial loss of the preformed shape thereby
providing the flexible yet shape-sustaining nature of the
formed basket liner, wherein the forming of the basket
liner is accomplished by forming a portion of the sheet of
material into a plurality of folds to form the base of the
basket liner, said folds cooperating to retain the basket
liner in the formed shape, and wherein the base is able to
stand upright on the closed lower end thereof.
In yet another aspect, the present invention provides
an article comprising: a basket liner, made by forming at
least one sheet of material into a predetermined shape for
both lining a basket and receiving an object, wherein the
basket liner comprises a base having a closed lower end and
an open upper end and an outer periphery forming an outer
surface, the open upper end intersected by an object
opening extending therethrough, said object opening forming
an inner surface, a bonding material comprising a cohesive
disposed upon a portion of the outer surface, wherein the
sheet of material is flexible, wherein folds are formed in
the sheet of material such that both the outer surface of
the basket liner and the inner surface of the basket liner
contain folds, whereby the formed basket liner is flexible
and may be substantially flattened and then unflattened to
assume the original shape of the formed basket liner
without substantial loss of the preformed shape thereby
providing the flexible yet shape-sustaining nature of the
2C 2 ~ 3 08 4 7
formed basket liner, wherein the forming of the basket
liner is accomplished by forming a portion of the sheet of
material into a plurality of folds to form the base of the
basket liner, said folds cooperating to retain the basket
liner in the formed shape, and wherein the base is able to
stand upright on the closed lower end thereof.
In yet another aspect, the present invention provides
an article comprising: a basket liner, made by forming at
least one sheet of material into a predetermined shape for
both lining a basket and receiving an object, wherein the
basket liner comprises a base having a closed lower end and
an open upper end and an outer periphery forming an outer
surface, the open upper end intersected by an object
opening extending therethrough, said object opening forming
an inner surface, a bonding material disposed upon a
portion of the outer surface, wherein the sheet of material
is flexible, wherein folds are formed in the sheet of
material such that both the outer surface of the basket
liner and the inner surface of the basket liner contain
folds, whereby the formed basket liner is flexible and may
be substantially flattened and then unflattened to assume
the original shape of the formed basket liner without
substantial loss of the preformed shape thereby providing
the flexible yet shape-sustaining nature of the formed
basket liner, wherein the forming of the basket liner is
accomplished by forming a portion of the sheet of material
into a plurality of folds to form the base of the basket
liner, said folds cooperating to retain the basket liner in
the formed shape.
In yet another aspect, the present invention provides
a basket liner assembly, comprising: a basket having an
,,-.;.
21 3 08 4 7
2D
inner surface; and a preformed basket liner made by forming
at least one sheet of flexible material into a
predetermined shape for both lining a basket and receiving
an object, wherein the basket liner comprises a base having
a closed lower end and an open upper end and an outer
periphery forming an outer surface, the open upper end
intersected by an object opening extending therethrough,
said object opening forming an inner surface, a bonding
material disposed upon a portion of the outer surface,
wherein the sheet of material is selected from the group
consisting of polymer film, foil and combinations thereof,
the sheet of material being flexible and substantially non-
shape sustaining, wherein folds are formed in both the
outer surface of the basket liner and the inner surface of
the basket liner, whereby the formed basket liner is
flexible and may be substantially flattened and then
unflattened to assume the original shape of the formed
basket liner without substantial loss of the preformed
shape thereby providing the flexible yet shape-sustaining
nature of the formed basket liner, wherein the forming of
the sheet of material is accomplished by forming a portion
of the sheet of material into a plurality of overlapping
folds to form the base of the basket liner, said folds
cooperating to retain the basket liner in the formed shape,
wherein the base is able to stand upright on the closed
lower end thereof before the liner is disposed in the
basket, and wherein the preformed basket liner is disposed
in the basket with the outer surface of the liner adjacent
the inner surface of the basket, the preformed basket liner
remaining upright when disposed adjacent the inner surface
of the basket, the outer surface of the basket liner
~1 3084 7
bondingly engaging at least a portion of the inner surface
of the basket.
In yet another aspect, the present invention provides
a basket liner assembly, comprising: a basket having an
inner surface; and a preformed basket liner made by forming
at least one sheet of flexible material into a
predetermined shape for both lining a basket and receiving
an object, wherein the basket liner comprises a base having
a closed lower end and an open upper end and an outer
periphery forming an outer surface, the open upper end
intersected by an object opening extending therethrough,
said object opening forming an inner surface, a bonding
material disposed upon a portion of the outer surface,
wherein the sheet of material is flexible and substantially
non-shape sustaining, wherein folds are formed in both the
outer surface of the basket liner and the inner surface of
the basket liner, whereby the formed basket liner is
flexible and may be substantially flattened and then
unflattened to assume the original shape of the formed
basket liner without substantial loss of the preformed
shape thereby providing the flexible yet shape-sustaining
nature of the formed basket liner, wherein the forming of
the sheet of material is accomplished by forming a portion
of the sheet of material into a plurality of folds to form
the base of the basket liner, said folds cooperating to
retain the basket liner in the formed shape, wherein the
base is able to stand upright on the closed lower end
thereof before the liner is disposed in the basket, and
wherein the preformed basket liner is disposed in the
basket with the outer surface of the liner adjacent the
inner surface of the basket, the preformed basket liner
2F 21 3 0 8 4 7
remaining upright when disposed adjacent the inner surface
of the basket, the outer surface of the basket liner
bondingly engaging at least a portion of the inner surface
of the basket.
In yet another aspect, the present invention provides
a basket liner assembly, comprising: a basket having an
inner surface; and a preformed basket liner made by forming
at least one sheet of flexible material into a
predetermined shape for both lining a basket and receiving
an object, wherein the basket liner comprises a base having
a closed lower end and an open upper end and an outer
periphery forming an outer surface, the open upper end
intersected by an object opening extending therethrough,
said object opening forming an inner surface, a bonding
material disposed upon a portion of the outer surface,
wherein the sheet of material is flexible and substantially
non-shape-sustaining. wherein folds are formed in both the
outer surface of the basket liner and the inner surface of
the basket liner, a substantial portion of the folds
extending over different distances and at various and
arbitrary angles, whereby the formed basket liner is
flexible and may be substantially flattened and then
unflattened to assume the original shape of the formed
basket liner without substantial loss of the preformed
shape thereby providing the flexible yet shape-sustaining
nature of the formed basket liner, wherein the forming of
the sheet of material is accomplished by forming a portion
of the sheet of material into a plurality of overlapping
folds to form the base of the basket liner, said folds
cooperating to retain the basket liner in the formed shape,
wherein the base is able to stand upright on the closed
21 3 08 4 7
2G
lower end thereof before the liner is disposed in the
basket, and wherein the preformed basket liner is disposed
in the basket with the outer surface of the liner adjacent
the inner surface of the basket, the preformed basket liner
remaining upright when disposed adjacent the inner surface
of the basket, the outer surface of the basket liner
bondingly engaging at least a portion of the inner surface
of the basket.
In yet another aspect, the present invention provides
a basket liner assembly, comprising: a basket having an
inner surface; and a preformed basket liner made by forming
at least one sheet of flexible material into a
predetermined shape for both lining a basket and receiving
an object, wherein the basket liner comprises a base having
a closed lower end and an open upper end and an outer
periphery forming an outer surface, the open upper end
intersected by an object opening extending therethrough,
said object opening forming an inner surface, a bonding
material disposed upon a portion of the outer surface,
wherein the sheet of material is flexible and substantially
non-shape-sustaining. wherein folds are formed in both the
outer surface of the basket liner and the inner surface of
the basket liner, a substantial portion of the folds
extending over different distances and at various and
arbitrary angles, whereby the formed basket liner is
flexible and may be substantially flattened and then
unflattened to assume the original shape of the formed
basket liner without substantial loss of the preformed
shape thereby providing the flexible yet shape-sustaining
nature of the formed basket liner, wherein the forming of
the sheet of material is accomplished by forming a portion
21 3 08 4 7
2H
of the sheet of material into a plurality of overlapping
folds to form the base of the basket liner, said folds
cooperating to retain the basket liner in the formed shape,
wherein the base is able to stand upright on the closed
lower end thereof before the liner is disposed in the
basket, and wherein the preformed basket liner is disposed
in the basket with the outer surface of the liner adjacent
the inner surface of the basket, the preformed basket liner
remaining upright when disposed adjacent the inner surface
of the basket, the outer surface of the basket liner
bondingly engaging at least a portion of the inner surface
of the basket.
In yet another aspect, the present invention provides
a basket liner assembly comprising: a basket having an
inner surface; and a preformed basket liner made by forming
at least one sheet of flexible material into a
predetermined shape for both lining a basket and receiving
an object, wherein the basket liner comprises a base having
a closed lower end and an open upper end and an outer
periphery forming an outer surface, the open upper end
intersected by an object opening extending therethrough,
said object opening forming an inner surface, a decorative
border extending outwardly from the open upper end of the
base, a bonding material disposed upon a portion of the
outer surface of the base, wherein the sheet of material is
flexible and substantially non-shape sustaining, wherein
folds are formed in both the outer surface of the basket
liner and the inner surface of the basket liner, whereby
the formed basket liner is flexible and may be
substantially flattened and then unflattened to assume the
original shape of the formed basket liner without
2130847
2I
substantial loss of the preformed shape thereby providing
the flexible yet shape-sustaining nature of the formed
basket liner, wherein the forming of the sheet of material
is accomplished by forming a portion of the sheet of
material into a plurality of folds to form the base of the
basket liner, said folds cooperating to retain the basket
liner in the formed shape, wherein the base is able to
stand upright on the closed lower end thereof before the
liner is disposed in the basket, and wherein the preformed
basket liner is disposed in the basket with the outer
surface of the liner adjacent the inner surface of the
basket, the preformed basket liner remaining upright when
disposed adjacent the inner surface of the basket, the
outer surface of the basket liner bondingly engaging at
least a portion of the inner surface of the basket.
In yet another aspect, the present invention provides
a basket liner assembly comprising: a basket having an
inner surface; and a preformed basket liner made by forming
at least one sheet of flexible material into a
predetermined shape for both lining a basket and receiving
an object, wherein the basket liner comprises a base having
a closed lower end and an open upper end and an outer
periphery forming an outer surface, the open upper end
intersected by an object opening extending therethrough,
said object opening forming an inner surface, a bonding
material comprising an adhesive disposed upon a portion of
the outer surface of the base. wherein the sheet of
material is flexible and substantially non-shape
sustaining, wherein folds are formed in both the outer
surface of the basket liner and the inner surface of the
basket liner, whereby the formed basket liner is flexible
21 3084 7
2J
and may be substantially flattened and then unflattened to
assume the original shape of the formed basket liner
without substantial loss of the preformed shape thereby
providing the flexible yet shape-sustaining nature of the
formed basket liner, wherein the forming of the sheet of
material is accomplished by forming a portion of the sheet
of material into a plurality of folds to form the base of
the basket liner, said folds cooperating to retain the
basket liner in the formed shape, wherein the base is able
to stand upright on the closed lower end thereof before the
liner is disposed in the basket, and wherein the preformed
basket liner is disposed in the basket with the outer
surface of the liner adjacent the inner surface of the
basket, the preformed basket liner remaining upright when
disposed adjacent the inner surface of the basket, the
outer surface of the basket liner adhesively engaging at
least a portion of the inner surface of the basket.
In yet another aspect, the present invention provides
a basket liner assembly comprising: a basket having an
inner surface, a bonding material comprising a cohesive
being disposed on at least a portion of the inner surface;
and a preformed basket liner made by forming at least one
sheet of flexible material into a predetermined shape for
both lining a basket and receiving an object, wherein the
basket liner comprises a base having a closed lower end and
an open upper end and an outer periphery forming an outer
surface, the open upper end intersected by an object
opening extending therethrough, said object opening forming
an inner surface, a bonding material comprising a cohesive
disposed upon a portion of the outer surface of the base,
wherein the sheet of material is flexible and substantially
~1 3084 7
2K
non-shape sustaining, wherein folds are formed in both the
outer surface of the basket liner and the inner surface of
the basket liner, whereby the formed basket liner is
flexible and may be substantially flattened and then
unflattened to assume the original shape of the formed
basket liner without substantial loss of the preformed
shape thereby providing the flexible yet shape-sustaining
nature of the formed basket liner, wherein the forming of
the sheet of material is accomplished by forming a portion
of the sheet of material into a plurality of folds to form
the base of the basket liner, said folds cooperating to
retain the basket liner in the formed shape, wherein the
base is able to stand upright on the closed lower end
thereof before the liner is disposed in the basket, and
wherein the preformed basket liner is disposed in the
basket with the outer surface of the liner adjacent the
inner surface of the basket, the preformed basket liner
remaining upright when disposed adjacent the inner surface
of the basket, the cohesive on the outer surface of the
basket liner cohesively engaging at least a portion of the
cohesive on the inner surface of the basket.
In yet another aspect, the present invention provides
an article comprising a basket liner, made by forming at
least one sheet of material into a predetermined shape for
both lining a basket and receiving an object, wherein the
basket liner comprises: a base having a closed lower end
and an open upper end and an outer periphery forming an
outer surface, the open upper end intersected by an object
opening extending therethrough, said object opening forming
an inner surface, a bonding material disposed upon a
portion of the outer surface, wherein the sheet of material
~13p847
2L
is selected from the group consisting of a relatively thin
polymer film, a relatively thin foil, and combinations
thereof, the sheet of material which normally is flexible
and substantially non-shape-sustaining, wherein the formed
basket liner is flexible and may be substantially flattened
and then unflattened to assume the original shape of the
formed basket liner without substantial loss of the
preformed shape thereby providing the flexible yet shape-
sustaining nature of the formed basket liner, wherein the
forming of the sheet is accomplished by substantially
permanently fixing a portion of the sheet into a plurality
of overlapping folds to form the base of the basket liner
and for cooperating to retain the basket liner in the
formed shape, and wherein the sheet of material has a
thickness of less than about 1.5 mil (0.038 mm).
In yet another aspect, the present invention provides
a basket liner assembly, comprising: a basket; and a basket
liner, made by forming at least one sheet of material into
a predetermined shape for both lining a basket and
receiving an object, wherein the basket liner comprises a
base having a closed lower end and an open upper end and an
outer periphery forming an outer surface, the open upper
end intersected by an object opening extending
therethrough, said object opening forming an inner surface,
a bonding material disposed upon a portion of the outer
surface, wherein the sheet of material is selected from the
group consisting of a relatively thin polymer film, a
relatively thin foil, and combinations thereof, the sheet
of material which normally is flexible and substantially
non-shape-sustaining, wherein the formed basket liner is
flexible and may be substantially flattened and then
21 3 O8 ~ ~
2M
unflattened to assume the original shape of the formed
basket liner without substantial loss of the preformed
shape thereby providing the flexible yet shape-sustaining
nature of the formed basket liner, wherein the forming of
the sheet is accomplished by substantially permanently
fixing a portion of the sheet into a plurality of
overlapping folds to form the base of the basket liner and
for cooperating to retain the basket liner in the formed
shape, and wherein the sheet of material has a thickness of
less than about 1.5 mil (0.038 mm).
In yet another aspect, the present invention provides
a basket liner assembly, comprising: a basket; and a basket
liner, made by forming at least one sheet of material into
a predetermined shape for both lining a basket and
receiving an object, wherein the basket liner comprises a
base having a closed lower end and an open upper end and an
outer periphery forming an outer surface, the open upper
end intersected by an object opening extending
therethrough, said object opening forming an inner surface,
a bonding material disposed upon a portion of the outer
surface, wherein the sheet of material is flexible and
substantially non-shape-sustaining, wherein the formed
basket liner is flexible and may be substantially flattened
and then unflattened to assume the original shape of the
formed basket liner without substantial loss of the
preformed shape thereby providing the flexible yet shape-
sustaining nature of the formed basket liner, wherein the
forming of the sheet is accomplished by substantially
permanently fixing a portion of the sheet into a plurality
of overlapping folds to form the base of the basket liner,
said formed folds cooperating to retain the basket liner in
2N 2130847
the formed shape.
In yet another aspect, the present invention provides
a method for lining a basket, comprising: providing a
basket having an inner surface; providing a pre-formed
basket liner, said basket liner made by forming at least
one sheet of flexible material into a predetermined shape
for both lining a basket and receiving an object, wherein
the basket liner comprises a base having a closed lower end
and an open upper end and an outer periphery forming an
outer surface, the open upper end intersected by an object
opening extending therethrough, said object opening forming
an inner surface, a bonding material comprising an adhesive
disposed upon a portion of the outer surface, wherein folds
are formed in both the outer surface of the basket liner
and the inner surface of the basket liner, whereby the
formed basket liner is flexible and may be substantially
flattened and then unflattended to assume the original
shape of the formed basket liner without substantial loss
of the preformed shape thereby providing the flexible yet
shape-sustaining nature of the formed basket liner, wherein
the forming of the liner is accomplished by forming a
portion of the sheet into a plurality of folds to form the
base of the basket liner, said folds cooperating to retain
the basket liner in both the flexible and formed shape,
wherein the base is able to stand upright on the closed
lower end thereof; disposing the preformed basket liner
into the basket; adapting the basket liner to the basket,
wherein a basket liner of a size and shape different from
the size and shape of the basket conforms to fit into the
inner surface of the basket; and bondingly connecting at
least a portion of the outer surface of the basket liner to
21 3084 7
3
at least a portion of the inner surface of the basket such
that at least a portion of the adhesive on the outer
surface of the basket liner is adjacent to and in
connecting engagement with at least a portion of the inner
surface of the basket, the preformed basket liner remaining
upright when connected to the basket.
In yet another aspect, the present invention provides
a method for lining a basket, comprising: providing a
basket having an opening therein forming an inner surface;
providing a pre-formed basket liner, said basket liner made
by forming at least one sheet of flexible material into a
predetermined shape for both lining a basket and receiving
an object, wherein the basket liner comprises a base having
a closed lower end and an open upper end and an outer
periphery forming an outer surface, the open upper end
intersected by an object opening extending therethrough,
said object opening forming an inner surface, a bonding
material disposed upon a portion of the outer surface, the
base further comprising a decorative border extending
outwardly from the open upper end thereof, wherein folds
are formed in both the outer surface of the basket liner
and the inner surface of the basket liner, whereby the
formed basket liner is flexible and may be substantially
flattened and then unflattended to assume the original
shape of the formed basket liner without substantial loss
of the preformed shape thereby providing the flexible yet
shape-sustaining nature of the formed basket liner, wherein
the forming of the liner is accomplished by forming a
portion of the sheet into a plurality of folds to form the
base of the basket liner, said folds cooperating to retain
the basket liner in both the flexible and formed shape;
~13p847
3A
wherein the base is able to stand upright on the closed
lower end thereof; disposing the preformed basket liner
into the basket; adapting the basket liner to the basket,
wherein a basket liner of a size and shape different from
the size and shape of the basket conforms to fit into
theinner surface of the basket; and bondingly connecting at
least a portion of the outer surface of the basket liner to
at least a portion of the inner surface of the basket, the
preformed basket liner remaining upright when connected to
the basket a portion of the decorative border extending
outwardly away from the opening in the basket.
In yet another aspect, the present invention provides
a method for lining a basket, comprising: providing a
basket having an inner surface, said inner surface having a
cohesive disposed thereon; providing a pre-formed basket
liner, said basket liner made by forming at least one sheet
of flexible material into a predetermined shape for both
lining a basket and receiving an object, wherein the basket
liner comprises a base having a closed lower end and an
open upper end and an outer periphery forming an outer
surface, the open upper end intersected by an object
opening extending therethrough, said object opening forming
an inner surface, a bonding material comprising a cohesive
disposed upon a portion of the outer surface, wherein folds
are formed in both the outer surface of the basket liner
and the inner surface of the basket liner, whereby the
formed basket liner is flexible and may be substantially
flattened and then unflattended to assume the original
shape of the formed basket liner without substantial loss
of the preformed shape thereby providing the flexible yet
shape-sustaining nature of the formed basket liner, wherein
21 3 08 4 7
3B
the forming of the liner is accomplished by forming a
portion of the sheet into a plurality of folds to form the
base of the basket liner, said folds cooperating to retain
the basket liner in both the flexible and formed shape,
wherein the base is able to stand upright on the closed
lower end thereof; disposing the preformed basket liner
into the basket; adapting the basket liner to the basket,
wherein a basket liner of a size and shape different from
the size and shape of the basket conforms to fit into the
inner surface of the basket; and bondingly connecting at
least a portion of the outer surface of the basket liner to
at least a portion of the inner surface of the basket such
that at least a portion of the cohesive on the outer
surface of the basket liner is adjacent to and in
connecting engagement with at least a portion of the
cohesive on the inner surface of the basket, the preformed
basket liner remaining upright when connected to the
basket.
In yet another aspect, the present invention provides
a method for lining a basket, comprising: providing a
basket having an inner surface; providing a pre-formed
basket liner, said basket liner made by forming at least
one sheet of flexible material into a predetermined shape
for both lining a basket and receiving an object, wherein
the basket liner comprises a base having a closed lower end
and an open upper end and an outer periphery forming an
outer surface, the open upper end intersected by an
objectopening extending therethrough, said object opening
forming an inner surface, a bonding material disposed upon
a portion of the outer surface, wherein folds are formed in
both the outer surface of the basket liner and the inner
21 3 08 4 7
3C
surface of the basket liner, a substantial portion of the
folds extending over different distances and at various and
arbitrary angles, whereby the formed basket liner is
flexible and may be substantially flattened and then
unflattended to assume the original shape of the formed
basket liner without substantial loss of the preformed
shape thereby providing the flexible yet shape-sustaining
nature of the formed basket liner, wherein the forming of
the liner is accomplished by forming a portion of the sheet
into a plurality of folds to form the base of the basket
liner, said folds cooperating to retain the basket liner in
both the flexible and formed shape, wherein the base is
able to stand upright on the closed lower end thereof;
disposing the preformed basket liner into the basket;
adapting the basket liner to the basket, wherein a basket
liner of a size and shape different from the size and shape
of the basket conforms to fit into the inner surface of the
basket; and bondingly connecting at least a portion of the
outer surface of the basket liner to at least a portion of
the inner surface of the basket such that at least a
portion of the bonding material on the outer surface of the
basket liner is adjacent to and in connecting engagement
with at least a portion of the inner surface of the basket,
the preformed basket liner remaining upright when connected
to the basket.
In yet another aspect, the present invention provides
a method for lining a basket, comprising: providing a
basket having an inner surface; providing a pre-formed
basket liner, said basket liner made by forming at least
one sheet of flexible material into a predetermined shape
for both lining a basket and receiving an object, wherein
2~ 3084 7
the basket liner comprises a base having a closed lower end
and an open upper end and an outer periphery forming an
outer surface, the open upper end intersected by an object
opening extending therethrough, said object opening forming
an inner surface, a bonding material disposed upon a
portion of the outer surface, wherein folds are formed in
both the outer surface of the basket liner and the inner
surface of the basket liner, whereby the formed basket
liner is flexible and may be substantially flattened and
then unflattended to assume the original shape of the
formed basket liner without substantial loss of the
preformed shape thereby providing the flexible yet shape-
sustaining nature of the formed basket liner, wherein the
forming of the liner is accomplished by forming a portion
of the sheet into a plurality of folds to form the base of
the basket liner, said folds cooperating to retain the
basket liner in both the flexible and formed shape, wherein
the base is able to stand upright on the closed lower end
thereof; disposing the preformed basket liner into the
basket; adapting the basket liner to the basket, wherein a
basket liner of a size and shape different from the size
and shape of the basket conforms to fit into the inner
surface of the basket; and bondingly connecting at least a
portion of the outer surface of the basket liner to at
least a portion of the inner surface of the basket such
that at least a portion of the bonding material on the
outer surface of the basket liner is adjacent to and in
connecting engagement with at least a portion of the inner
surface of the basket, the preformed basket liner remaining
upright when connected to the basket.
In yet another aspect the present invention comprises
230847
a basket liner assembly, comprising: a basket; and a
basket liner, made by forming at least one sheet of
material into a predetermined shape for both lining a
basket and receiving an object, wherein the basket liner
comprises a base having a closed lower end and an open
upper end and an outer periphery forming an outer surface,
the open upper end intersected by an object opening
extending therethrough, said object opening forming an
inner surface, a bonding material disposed upon a portion
of the outer surface, wherein the sheet of material is
flexible and substantially non-shape-sustaining, wherein
the formed basket liner is flexible and may be
substantially flattened and then unflattened to assume the
original shape of the formed basket liner without
substantial loss of the preformed shape thereby providing
the flexible yet shape-sustaining nature of the formed
basket liner, wherein the forming of the sheet is
accomplished by substantially permanently fixing a portion
of the sheet into a plurality of overlapping folds to form
the base of the basket liner, said formed folds cooperating
to retain the basket liner in the formed shape.
In still yet another aspect the present invention
provides a method for lining a basket, comprising:
providing a basket; providing a pre-formed basket liner,
said basket liner made by forming at least one sheet of
material into a predetermined shape for both lining a
basket and receiving an object, wherein the basket liner
comprises a base having a closed lower end and an open
upper end and an outer periphery forming an outer surface ,
the open upper end intersected by an object opening
extending therethrough, said object opening forming an
3F 2~ 3084 7
inner surface, a bonding material disposed upon a portion
of the outer surface, wherein the sheet of material is
flexible and substantially non-shape-sustaining, wherein
the formed basket liner is flexible and may be
substantially flattened and then unflattened to assume the
original shape of the formed basket liner without
substantial loss of the preformed shape thereby providing
the flexible yet shape-sustaining nature of the formed
basket liner, wherein the forming of the sheet is
accomplished by substantially permanently fixing a portion
of the sheet into a plurality of overlapping folds to form
the base of the basket liner, said formed folds cooperating
to retain the basket liner in the formed shape; and
disposing the preformed basket liner into the basket.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the basket liner of
the present invention.
Figure 2 is a perspective view of a basket used in
conjunction with the present invention, the cross-hatching
representing the texture and contour of both the inner and
outer surfaces of the basket.
213084'7
""...' 4
Figure 3 is a perspective view of the basket liner of
Figure 1, partially disposed in the basket of Figure 2.
Figure 4 is a perspective view of the basket liner of
Figure 1, disposed in the basket of Figure 2.
Figure 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment
of the basket liner of the present invention, this modified
basket liner having no skirt.
Figure 6 is a perspective view of a modified basket
used in conjunction with the present invention as shown in
Figure 5.
Figure 7 is a perspective view of the basket liner of
Figure 5, partially disposed in the basket of Figure 6.
Figure 8 is a perspective view of the basket liner of
Figure 5, disposed in the basket of Figure 6.
Figure 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional partial view
of Figure 8 taken along the lines 9-9 of Figure 8.
Figure 10 is a perspective view of yet another
embodiment the basket liner of the present invention, the
modified basket liner shown partially disposed in a basket
substantially similar to the one shown in Figure 6.
Figure 11 is a perspective view of the modified basket
liner shown in Figure 10, disposed in the basket substantially
similar to the basket shown in Figure 6.
Figure 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional partial view
of Figure 11 taken along the lines 12-12 of Figure 11.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Embodiments and Method of Figures 1-4
Basket liners are used to isolate the contents of a
basket from the basket itself. In the past, basket liners have
been made from cloth, or similar materials, and hand-sewn into
a basket, and have been formed from plastic into a short, bowl-
shaped, non-flexible bowls or saucers which are used as basket
liners, and have been disposed in a basket. These forms of
basket liners have a number of problems.
First, basket liners made from cloth are usually sewn
into baskets made in third world countries. The cloth liners
z~~os~~
frequently are poorly sewn, and rip out during shipment and/or
use. Further, in third world countries, where a large number of
the commercially available baskets are made, the cloth lining
material is frequently sewn into the basket by the same person
5 who made the basket. Therefore, labor costs, and concerns
regarding sanitary conditions of both the basket and the liner
arise. Next, when a non-flexible plastic bowl or saucer is
disposed in the basket, it is often difficult to nest (stack one
basket inside the next, and so on) the baskets together for
shipment. Further, the plastic bowl or saucer frequently falls
out of the basket. And because of its rigidity and lack of
significant flexibility, the plastic bowl or saucer cracks,
thereby defeating the purpose of isolating the contents of the
basket from the basket. Finally, the non-flexible plastic bowl
or saucer is usually considerably more expensive than sheet
material.
The present invention contemplates the use of a
flexible sheet of material pre-formed into the shape of a basket
liner. The present basket liner is characteristically
substantially flexible and non-tearable, and capable of being
made in many different shapes and sizes to conform to the shape
and size of the inner periphery of many different baskets. The
basket liner disclosed herein also may have a bonding material
disposed upon at least a portion of the outer periphery of the
basket liner, thereby permitting a connection between the inner
periphery and the inner surface of the basket and the outer
periphery and the outer surface of the basket liner. Such a
connection permits easier nesting (stacking) of baskets having
basket liners disposed therein for shipment. Such basket liners
may be pre-formed in sanitary conditions, and may be maintained
in sanitary conditions, before being disposed in a basket.
Finally the costs of making the presently disclosed basket
liners and disposing such basket liners in a basket is less.
The present basket liner is made from sheet material, as opposed
to a more expensive plastic. And, the present basket liner may
be rapidly disposed in a basket via an automated method, or
213084'7
'"'' 6
rapidly by hand, as opposed to having to be substantially formed
and sewn into a basket, thereby saving time and labor costs.
Referring to Figures 1-4, designated generally by the
reference numeral 10 is a basket liner which is pre-formed and
constructed from a sheet of material 12 in accordance with the
present invention for lining at least a portion of a basket.
The basket liner 10 has an upper end 14, a lower end 16, and an
outer periphery 18 which forms an outer surface 20, an opening
22 being formed in the basket liner 10 with a portion of the
opening 22 intersecting the upper end 14 of the basket liner 10
forming an inner periphery 24 and an inner surface 26. The
portion of the basket liner l0, extending from the upper end 14
to the lower end 16 is termed the base 28. Attached to the base
28, at the opening 22, is a skirt 30. The skirt 30 shown herein
is square, and pleated, but it will be appreciated that any
shape or size of skirt 30 may be connected to the base 28, and
extend from the base 28. It will also be understood that the
skirt 30 can be formed from a portion of the sheet of material
12, or the skirt 30 may be formed from another sheet of material
12 which is attached to the base 30 near the opening 22, such
attachment being made via bonding material, heat sealing the
skirt 30 to the base 28, or by any other method known in the
art. The skirt 30 shown in Figures 1, 3, and 4, has an upper
surface 32 which is contiguous with the inner surface 26 of the
base 28, a lower surface 34 which is contiguous with the outer
surface 20 of the base 28, and an outer periphery 36.
The skirt 30 may be decorative, that is, have any
manner of decorative material used therein. Further, decorative
designs may be utilized, such as a ruffled design in the skirt,
a scalloped design around the edge of the skirt (not shown), or
any other designs known in the art. It will be appreciated that
the basket liner 10 may be formed without a skirt 30, having
only a base 28, as shown in Figures 5-12.
Referring back to Figures 1-4, it will be understood
that the basket liner 10 is preformed from a sheet of material
7 2130847
12, and will retain its preformed shape. The basket liner
10, is also substantially flexible, and substantially non-
tearable.
The base 28 of the basket liner 10 has formed therein
overlapping folds 37 (only one such overlapping fold being
designated with reference numeral 37 in Figure 1). The
overlapping folds 37 extend at different angles and over
different lengths, being generally asymmetrical and non-
geometric in form. The skirt 30 of the basket liner 10 may
also have overlapping folds 37.
Materials and methods of forming a sheet of material
12 into an article, such an article including a basket
liner, is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,773,182, entitled,
"Article Forming System," U.S. Patent No.4,897,031,
entitled, "Article Forming System," and U.S. Patent No.
5,208,027, entitled "Article Forming System."
It will be appreciated that the basket liner 10 may
form any shape or size, including, but not by way of
limitation, any geometric, non-geometric, asymmetric of
fanciful shape and/or size. It will also be appreciated
that the base 28 of the basket liner 10 and/or the skirt 30
of the basket liner 10 may vary in size and/or in shape.
The "base," as used herein, includes both the portions of
the basket liner 10 extending generally between the lower
end 16 and the upper end 14 of the basket liner 10 as well
as the portions extending about the outer periphery 18 and
the outer surface 10, which may follow the contours of the
inner surface 52 of a basket 38 (in this instance, as shown
in Figures 3-4, the frusto-conical shape of the basket),
before extending into a skirt 30. Alternatively, however,
the basket liner 10 may comprise a size and/or shape which
does not conform or correspond precisely to the size and/or
shape of the basket 38 it will be disposed in. Such
alternative and differing sizes and shapes of the basket
liner 10 may be used to create unique design appearances
within the basket 38 using one or more basket liners 10
(for instance, a
213084'
8
heart-shaped basket liner is disposed in a square basket for
Valentine s Day) .
One type of basket is shown in Figures 2-4, and is
generally designated by the numeral 38. The basket 38 has an
upper end 40, a lower end 42, and an outer periphery 44 which
forms an outer surface 46, an opening 48 being formed in the
basket 38 with a portion of the opening 48 intersecting the
upper end 40 of the basket 38 forming an inner periphery 50 and
an inner surface 52. This portion of the basket 38, extending
l0 from the upper end 40 to the lower end 42 and including, but not
limited to, the inner periphery 5o and the inner surface 52 is
the base 54. The basket has contours 55 (only one contour
designated by the reference numeral 55 in Figure 2) which
comprises contours 55 formed within the basket 38, and which are
at least partially exposed upon the inner surface 52 of the
basket 38. Such contours include, but not by way of limitation,
textures, shapes, or any combination thereof. The basket opening
48 is sized and shaped for receiving items (not shown), and the
items are retained in the basket opening 48 by the basket 38.
Baskets 38 may be made from a variety of materials. Such
materials include, but not by way of limitation, wicker, wood,
fiber (natural or synthetic), paper, grain, plastic, metal,
glass, burlap, leather, or combinations thereof. Examples of
baskets 38 which are used in accordance with the present
invention include, but are not limited to, fruit baskets, gift
baskets, Easter baskets, and picnic baskets. Further, the term
"basket" as used herein includes trays, such as food trays,
display trays, and produce trays. Another type of basket
contemplated by the present invention are baskets used to
contain a pot, such as a flower pot, which may contain living
plants within the pot. The term "flower pot" means any type of
floral container used to hold plants. In a further alternative,
the basket 38 may contain a floral grouping (not shown).
"Floral grouping" as used herein means cut fresh
flowers, artificial flowers, other fresh and/or artificial
plants or other floral materials and may include other secondary
213084
"'..' 9
plants and/or ornamentation which add to the aesthetics of the
overall floral grouping. The floral grouping comprises a flower
portion which may comprise either a bloom or foliage portion
(not shown), and a stem portion (not shown). However, it will
be appreciated that the floral grouping may consist of only a
single bloom or only foliage (not shown).
The basket 38 may comprise any size or shape. That
is, the basket 38 may form any geometric shape, non-geometric
shape, asymmetrical shape, fanciful shape (such as a heart or a
flower), or any combination thereof.
Referring to Figures 1, and 3-4, the basket liner 10
is formed from a sheet of material 12 (not shown). The sheet of
material 12 generally has an upper surface 62, a lower surface
64, and an outer periphery 66 (the sheet of material 12 being
shown in Figure 1 only after being formed into a basket liner
10) .
The sheet of material 12 has a thickness in a range
from about 0.1 mils to about 30 mils. Preferably, the sheet of
material 10 has a thickness in a range from about 0.1 mils to
about 5 mils.
The sheet of material 12 may be any shape, a square
shape being generally suggested in Figure 1 only by way of
example. The sheet of material 12, however, may be square,
rectangular, circular or any other geometric shape. Further,
the sheet of material 12 may be any non-geometric or fanciful
shape, such as heart shaped, for example only. It will be
appreciated that the shape of the sheet of material 12 does not
necessarily need to conform with the shape of the basket 38
requiring a basket liner 10, that is, a round sheet of material
12 may be formed to line a square basket 38, the round sheet of
material 12 being formed into a square which conforms to the
inner surface 52 of the basket 38. Alternatively, however,
special design effects may be achieved by forming a basket liner
10 into a round shape, for instance, and then placing the round
shaped basket liner 10 into a square basket 38.
213087
The sheet of material 12 may be constructed of a single
layer of material or a plurality of layers of the same or
different types of materials. Any thickness of the sheet of
material 12 may be utilized in accordance with the present
invention as long as the sheet of material 12 is capable of
flexibility and capable of being pre-formed into an object,
namely, the basket liner 10 described herein. The layers of
material comprising the sheet of material 12 may be connected
together or laminated or may be separate layers, and the
layers of material comprising the sheet of material 12 need
not be uniform in shape or composition. Finally, it will be
appreciated that the sheets of material 12 shown in all
embodiments herein are substantially flat.
The sheet of material 12 may be constructed of a single
layer of material or a plurality of layers of the same or
different types of materials. Any thickness of the sheet of
material 12 may be utilized in accordance with the present
invention as long as the sheet of material 12 may be pre-
formed into a basket liner 10, as described herein.
Additionally, an insulating material such as bubble film,
preferable as one of two or more layers, can be utilized in
order to provide additional protection for the items to be
contained within the basket liner 10. Such bubble film may
be connected to the basket liner 10 by any material and any
method described herein, or known in the art.
In a preferred embodiment, the first sheet of material
12 is constructed from two polypropylene films (a 20" x 15"
sheet of Mobil'' 270 ABW white opaque film laminated to a 20"
x 15" sheet of Mobil'm' 220 AB clear film) having a thickness
in a range of from less than about 1.0 mil to about 2.5 mils.
The layers of material comprising the sheet of material 12
may be connected together or laminated or may be separate
layers.
The sheet of material 12 is constructed from any
suitable material that is capable of being preformed into a
basket liner 10, and which functions as described herein.
Preferably, the sheet of material 12 comprises paper
p,.~.
21 3 08 4~ 7
11
(untreated or treated in any manner), cellophane, foil,
polymer film, fabric (woven or nonwoven or synthetic or
natural), burlap, or combinations thereof.
The term "polymer film" means a man-made polymer such
as a polypropylene or a naturally occurring polymer such as
cellophane. A polymer film is relatively strong and not as
subject to tearing (substantially non-tearable), as might be
the case with paper or foil.
The sheet of material 12 may vary in color. Further,
the sheet of material 12 may consist of designs or decorative
patterns which are printed, etched, and/or embossed thereon
using inks or other printing materials. An example of an ink
which may be applied to the surface of the sheet of material
12 is described in U.S. Patent No. 5,147,706 entitled "Water
Based Ink On Foil And/Or synthetic organic polymer" issued to
Kingman on Sep. 15, 1992. In addition, the sheet of material
12 may have various colorings, coatings, flocking and/or
metallic finishes, or other decorative surface ornamentation
applied separately or simultaneously or may be characterized
totally or partially by pearlescent, translucent,
transparent, iridescent or the like, qualities. Each of the
above-named characteristics may occur alone or in combination
and may be applied to the upper and/or lower surface of the
sheet of material 12. Moreover, each surface of the sheet of
material 12 may vary in the combination of such
characteristics. The sheet of material 12 itself may be
opaque, translucent or partially clear or tinted transparent.
A bonding material 68 may be disposed on at least a
portion of the outer surface 20 of the basket liner 10.
Alternatively, the basket liner 10 may be free of a bonding
material 68, the bonding material 68 being instead disposed
upon at least a portion of the inner surface of the basket
38. As shown in Figure l, the bonding material 68 is
disposed in a preferred embodiment adjacent the outer surface
20 of the basket liner 10 and extends generally between the
upper and lower ends 14 and 16, respectively, of the base 28
of the basket liner 10.
213084'
",,.-. 12
Such bonding material 68 may also be disposed upon a portion of
the skirt 30, such as a portion of the lower surface 34 of the
skirt 30. As shown in Figure 1, the bonding material 68 is
disposed substantially over the outer surface 20 of the basket
liner 10, although the bonding material 68 also could be applied
to the outer surface 20 of the basket liner 10 in the form of
spaced apart spots (Figures 10-12) or the bonding material 68
also could be disposed on the outer surface 20 of the basket
liner 10 in any other geometric forms or non-geometric and in
any pattern including covering the entire outer surface 20 of
the basket liner 10, or, alternatively, the entire outer surface
and inner surface 26 of the basket liner 10. The term "spot"
or "spots" as used herein includes any geometric shape of spot
including, but not limited to, what is commonly referred to as
15 strips, as well as non-geometric, asymmetric, or fanciful (such
as a heart or daisy pattern, for example) designs.
The term "bonding material" as used herein means an
adhesive, preferably a pressure sensitive adhesive, or a
cohesive. Where the bonding material is a cohesive, a similar
20 cohesive material must be placed on the adjacent surface for
bondingly contacting and bondingly engaging with the cohesive
material. The term "bonding material" also includes materials
which are heat sealable and, in this instance, the adjacent
portions of the material must be brought into contact and then
heat must be applied to effect the seal. The term "bonding
material" also includes materials which are sonic sealable and
vibratory sealable. The term "bonding material" when used
herein also means a heat sealing lacquer which may be applied to
the sheet of material and, in this instance, heat, sound waves,
or vibrations, also must be applied to effect the sealing.
The term "bonding material" when used herein also
means any type of material or thing which can be used to effect
the bonding or connecting of the two adjacent portions of the
material or sheet of material to effect the connection or
bonding described herein. The term "bonding material" also
includes ties, labels, bands, ribbons, strings, tape, staples or
2~1 308 4 ~ .
13
combinations thereof. Some of the bonding materials would
secure the ends of the material while other bonding material
may bind the circumference of the wrapper. Another way to
secure the wrapping is to heat seal the ends of the material to
another portion of the material. One way to do this is to
contact the ends with an iron of sufficient heat to heat seal
the material.
The term "bonding material" when used herein also means
any heat or chemically shrinkable material, and static
electrical or other electrical means, magnetic means,
mechanical or barb-type fastening means or clamps, curl-type
characteristics of the film or materials incorporated in the
sheet of material which can cause the material to take on
certain shapes, and any type of welding method which may weld
portions of the sheet to itself or to the pot, or to both the
sheet itself and the pot.
One such bonding material 68 is taught in U.S. Patent No.
5,111,638, entitled, "Method For Wrapping An Object With A
Material Having Pressure Sensitive Adhesive Thereon." Other
bonding materials 68 are known in the art and commercially
available. The bonding material 68 may be disposed upon the
sheet of material 12 before it is formed into a basket liner,
or, alternatively, the bonding material 68 may be disposed upon
the basket liner 10 after it is formed. The bonding material
may be disposed by spraying, painting, brushing, lacquering,
immersing at least a portion of the sheet of material 12 or the
formed basket liner 10 in the bonding material 68, or
mechanically, or by hand, by any method known in the art.
The bonding material 68 described herein may be provided
with at least one release strip (not shown). A release strip
is used to protect the bonding material disposed on the basket
liner 10, before the basket liner 10 is disposed adjacent the
inner surface 26 of the basket 38. A release strip has an
upper surface, a lower surface, and an outer periphery. One
surface of the release strip is disposed adjacent the bonding
material 68 on the outer surface 20 of the basket liner 10. It
213084.'
14
will be appreciated that the release strip is also substantially
flat, and that the release strip is removed prior to disposing
the basket liner 10 into a basket 38.
Figures 3-4 illustrate one method of use of the
present invention. First, both a preformed basket liner 10, and
a basket 38, as described in detail above, are provided. Items,
namely, items which are sized and shaped to fit into a basket,
may also be provided. Then, the basket liner 10 is disposed
through the basket opening 48 in the upper end 40 of the basket
l0 38 with the lower end 16 of the basket liner 10 entering the
opening 48 first, the lower end 16 of the basket liner 10
disposed adjacent to the inside surface 52 and the lower end 42
of the basket 42 with the upper end 14 of the basket liner 10
generally in corresponding alignment with the upper end 40 of
the basket 38, both the outer periphery 18 and the outer surface
of the basket liner 10 also being adjacent to and in
corresponding alignment with the inner periphery 50 and the
inner surface 52 of the basket 38, the bonding material 68 on
the outer surface 20 of the basket liner 10 disposed adjacent to
20 and in contacting engagement with the inner surface 52 of the
basket 38, the bonding material 68 disposed to bondingly contact
and connect the basket liner 10 in a firm yet releasable
engagement to the basket 38.
The basket liner 10 is disposed over the inner surface
52 of the basket 38 to permit the bonding material 68 on the
outer surface 20 of the basket liner 10 to bondingly contact the
inner surface 52 of the basket 38 for bondingly connecting the
basket liner 10 to the basket 38. However, in certain
applications, like portions of the outer surface 20 of the
basket liner 10 may bondingly contact and connect to other like
portions of the outer surface 52 of the basket liner 10, in
order to more closely conform to the contours 55 on the inner
surface 52 of the basket 38, forming overlapping folds which are
non-geometric and extend in many different angles and over many
different lengths, thereby permitting the basket liner 10 to
more closely conform and correspond to the contours 55 on the
213084'7
..... 15
inner surface 52 of the basket 38. The bonding material 68 on
the outer surface 20 of the basket liner 10 contacts the inner
surface 52 of the basket 38, bondingly connecting the basket
liner 10 to the inner surface 52 of the basket 12. The
connections of the basket liner 10 to like portions thereof and
to the contours 55 and the inner surface 52 of the basket 38
produce a customized fit of the basket liner 10 to the inner
surface 52 of the basket 38.
Items may be placed within the basket liner 10. The
basket liner 10 remains connected to the basket 38 before,
during, and after items are placed within the basket liner 10
(which is disposed within and connected to the basket 38) and
retained within the basket 38.
Embodiments and Method of Figures 5-9
Illustrated in Figures 5-9 is a modified basket liner
l0a and a modified basket 38a both of which are constructed
exactly like the basket liner 10 and the basket 38 shown in
Figures 1-4 and described in detail previously, except that the
basket liner l0a is bowl-shaped, the basket liner 10a has no
skirt 30, and the basket 38a is bowl-shaped.
Referring to Figures 7-9, the basket liner l0a is
disposed in the basket 38a by the same method shown in Figures
3-4 and previously described in detail.
Embodiments and Method of Figures 10-12
Illustrated in Figures 10-12 is a modified basket
liner lOb and a modified basket 38b, both of which are
constructed exactly like the basket liner l0a and the basket 38a
shown in Figures 5-9 and described in detail previously, except
that the basket liner lOb has spots of bonding material 68b
disposed on the outer surface 20b of the basket liner lOb.
Referring to Figures 10-12, the basket liner lOb is
disposed in the basket 38b by the same method shown in both
Figures 3-4 and Figures 7-9 previously described in detail.
In a further embodiment (not shown), the bonding
material 68 is disposed upon at least a portion of the inner
surface 52 of the basket 38, as well as upon a portion of the
2i3084~
16
outer surface 20 of the basket liner 10. Alternatively, the
bonding material 68 may be disposed only upon at least a portion
of the inner surface 52 of the basket 38, while the basket liner
has no bonding material 68 thereon (not shown).
5 In a method of use (not shown) of this latter
embodiment, the outer surface 20 of the basket liner 10, when
disposed adjacent the inner surface 52, would be contacted by
the bonding material 68 disposed upon at least a portion of the
inner surface 52 of the basket. The bonding material 68 on the
10 inner surface 52 of the basket out then bondingly contact and
connect to the outer surface of the basket liner 10, for
bondingly connecting the outer surface 20 of the basket liner 10
to the inner surface 52 of the basket 38, in a manner
substantially similar to and consistent with the methods
previously shown and described herein in detail.
In a final alternative embodiment (not shown), the
basket liner 10 may be formed into a shape different from the
basket 38. That is, for example, the basket liner 10 is heart-
shaped, and is disposed into a square basket 38. In this
alternative, only a limited portion of the basket liner 10, such
as, but not by way of limitation, the outer surface 20 only at
the lower end 16 of the basket liner 10 is connected to the
inner surface 52 of the basket 38 only at the lower end 42 of
the basket 38. It will be appreciated that the basket liner 10
will be disposed in the basket by any method shown and/or
described in detail herein, the only difference in the method
being that only a selected portion or selected portions of the
basket liner 10 will bondingly connect to the basket 38.
Changes may be made in the embodiments of the
invention described herein or in parts or elements of the
embodiments described herein or in the steps or in the sequence
of steps of the methods described herein without departing from
the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the
following claims.
