Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02677250 2009-07-31
WO 2008/097886 PCT/US2008/052886
WIDEMOUTH BAG
PATENT COOPERATION TREATY APPLICATION
IN THE RECEIVING OFFICE OF THE
UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
Be it known that we, Matthew Williams, residing at 2430 NE 32 CT., Lighthouse
Point, Florida 33064, and Terry Kinskey, residing at 1011 Tullamore Place,
Alpharetta,
Georgia 30022, both citizens of the United States, have invented certain new
and useful
improvements in a WIDEMOUTH BAG of which the following is a specification.
CROSS-REFERENCE AND PRIORITY CLAIM TO RELATED APPLICATION
To the fullest extent permitted by law, the present Patent Cooperation Treaty
Patent
Application claims priority to and the benefit of United States Provisional
Application
entitled "WIDEMOUTH BAG," filed on February 2, 2007, having assigned Serial
Number
60/899,153, incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates generally to article containers, and more
specifically to
bags for containing and transporting articles.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In a variety of endeavors, it is necessary or beneficial to transport personal
articles
from one location to another, and to contain such articles together in a
confined space during
transportation or storage thereof. In response, numerous bags styles have been
implemented
to address the specific needs associated with a given endeavor.
1
CA 02677250 2009-07-31
WO 2008/097886 PCT/US2008/052886
Duffel bags typically include two ends connected by sides, a top, and a
bottom, which
sides, top, and bottom may be integrally formed, giving the bag a tubular
shape, enclosing a
space where articles may be contained. Access is typically gained to the space
by an opening
in the top which typically takes the form of a slit, with means for closure
thereof. Duffel bags
suffer from the disadvantage that the slit does not permit some objects to
pass therethrough,
particularly objects which are large relative to the interior duffel space,
and where placement
of such objects in the bag requires a large degree of manipulation of the
object or of the bag.
In order to overcome these disadvantages, suitcases typically include six
sides which
define a central space in which personal articles may be contained for storage
or
transportation, wherein the central space is accessed by an opening which is
typically
configured as a semi-detachable section or side, such as one half of the
suitcase releasably
attached to the other half of the suitcase on typically three edges and
hingedly attached on a
fourth edge. The openable section or side typically can be released on the
plurality of edges
and moved about the hinged edge, thereby exposing the central space. Such
designs suffer
from the disadvantage that it is often difficult to close the suitcase when
full of articles, and
the means employed for releasably attaching the plurality of edges is exposed
to large stresses
when the suitcase, full of articles, is closed or maintained in a closed
state, such as during
transportation or storage of the articles closed therein. Furthermore, such
suitcases also
suffer from the disadvantage that the hinged side requires space to swing free
and open, often
folding out, making it difficult to access the articles contained in the
suitcase in locations
where space is limited, such as inside a vehicle or around crowds of people,
locations that are
frequently encountered when using such a suitcase.
Tote bags, on the other hand, typically include a bottom and one or more sides
depending on the shape of the bag, and have an open top. The open top solves
the above-
mentioned problems pertaining to the closure of suitcases, as well as the
limitations
pertaining to duffels with slit-type openings by eliminating the closure
altogether, wherein
2
CA 02677250 2009-07-31
WO 2008/097886 PCT/US2008/052886
the open top allows for articles of larger size than the tote bag to be
supported and/or
transported at least partially therein. Unfortunately, however, the open top
also allows
unwanted items such as dirt and liquid to enter the tote bag, and can allow
accidental or
unintentional loss of articles.
What is needed is a bag that overcomes these disadvantages and allows for easy
placement of articles in the bag, and secure containment of the articles
during transportation
and storage.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Briefly described, in a preferred embodiment, the present invention overcomes
the
above-mentioned disadvantages and meets the recognized need for such a device
by
providing a widemouth bag comprising a structure partially enclosing a space,
said structure
having a continuous edge that defines the periphery of an opening thereof, and
closing means
disposed proximate at least a first and second portion of said continuous edge
for completely
enclosing said space by joining said first and second portions.
According to one aspect, the present invention in its preferred form is a
widemouth
bag including a rigid structure that is at least one of removable and
collapsible.
Accordingly, a feature and advantage of the present invention is a generally
planar
bottom including at least two wheels.
Another feature and advantage of the present invention is that a maximum cross-
sectional area of the opening is at least substantially as great as a maximum
cross-sectional
area of the bag across a height direction thereof.
Still another feature and advantage of the present invention is that the
planar bottom
and wheels can be removed.
3
CA 02677250 2009-07-31
WO 2008/097886 PCT/US2008/052886
Yet another feature and advantage of the present invention is that the bag
conforms to
the shape and size of the articles contained therein.
Yet still another feature and advantage of the present invention is that the
bag is
constructed of a material that is at least one of durable, tear-resistant,
puncture-resistant,
water-resistant, and stain-resistant.
A further feature and advantage of the present invention are pockets and
compartments included in or on at least one of the inside and the outside of
at least one of the
sides, top, bottom, and ends.
A further feature and advantage of the present invention is that the mouth of
the bag is
large enough to accommodate any article that is not larger than any dimension
of the bag.
A further feature and advantage of the present invention is at least one rigid
member
included in at least a portion of the opening to provide structure and support
to the opening.
A further feature and advantage of the present invention is that at least two
handles of
different styles, which may be removable, enable at least two methods of
carrying the bag.
A further feature and advantage of the present invention is that, when opened
fully,
the bag defines a rectangular parallelepiped, and that, when closed, the bag
defines a
triangular prism.
In another preferred embodiment, the present invention overcomes the above-
mentioned disadvantages and meets the recognized need for such a device by
providing a
widemouth bag comprising at least one soft panel defining a partially enclosed
space having a
continuous edge that defines an opening of said widemouth bag, said opening
closeable by
mutual joinder of separate portions thereof, and a rigid structure attached to
said at least one
soft panel that prevents closure of said opening and that is at least one of
removable and
collapsible.
4
CA 02677250 2009-07-31
WO 2008/097886 PCT/US2008/052886
In another preferred embodiment, the present invention overcomes the above-
mentioned disadvantages and meets the recognized need for such a device by
providing a
widemouth bag comprising a structure partially enclosing a space, said
structure having an
opening, said structure being flexible at least at some portions proximate
said opening, and at
least one rigid member disposed proximate said opening.
These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become
more
apparent to one skilled in the art from the following description and claims
when read in light
of the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention will be better understood by reading the Detailed
Description of
the Invention with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, in which
like reference
numerals denote similar structure and refer to like elements throughout, and
in which:
Fig. 1 is a first side view of a widemouth bag according to the present
invention in a
closed position, showing a carry handle and a pull handle;
Fig. 2 is a front end view of the widemouth bag of Fig. 1, showing the pull
handle
compartment access way;
Fig. 3 is a rear end view of the widemouth bag of Fig. 1, showing the wheels
and
support stand;
Fig. 4 is a bottom view of the widemouth bag of Fig. 1, showing the wheels and
bottom support panel;
Fig. 5 is an overhead perspective view of the widemouth bag of Fig. 1 in a
closed
configuration;
5
CA 02677250 2009-07-31
WO 2008/097886 PCT/US2008/052886
Fig. 6 is an overhead perspective view of the front end of the widemouth bag
of Fig.
1, showing a grip handle;
Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the bottom and front end of the widemouth bag
of Fig.
1;
Fig. 8 is an overhead perspective view of the widemouth bag of Fig. 1 in a
partially
open configuration;
Fig. 9 is another overhead perspective view of the widemouth bag of Fig. 1 in
a fully
open configuration;
Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the interior of the widemouth bag of Fig. 1,
showing
the base of the interior compartment liner in a partially detached
configuration, exposing a
removable bottom;
Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a corner of the opening of the widemouth bag
of Fig.
1 in a closed configuration; and
Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the corner of Fig. 11 shown in an open
configuration.
It is to be noted that the drawings presented are intended solely for the
purpose of
illustration and that they are, therefore, neither desired nor intended to
limit the invention to
any or all of the exact details of construction shown, except insofar as they
may be deemed
essential to the claimed invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
To the fullest extent permitted by law, the present Patent Cooperation Treaty
Patent
Application claims priority to and the benefit of United States Provisional
Application
entitled "WIDEMOUTH BAG," filed on February 2, 2007, having assigned Serial
Number
60/899,153, incorporated herein by reference.
6
CA 02677250 2009-07-31
WO 2008/097886 PCT/US2008/052886
In describing the present invention, as illustrated in the figures, specific
terminology
is employed for the sake of clarity. The invention, however, is not intended
to be limited to
the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each
specific element
includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to
accomplish similar
functions.
Referring now to Fig. 1, widemouth bag 100 according to the present invention
is
shown from a front side. As shown, bag 100 is constructed of a fabric
material, which is
preferably made of nylon, polypropylene, or other synthetic fibers, or made of
a natural fiber.
Alternatively bag 100 may be constructed of a unitary sheet of synthetic
material such as a
plastic, or a natural material such as rubber or leather.
According to the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, front side panel 110 is
preferably
generally rectangular, and is preferably joined to adjacent panels at right
edge 111, left edge
113, and bottom edge 115, preferably according to conventional seaming
methods, wherein
such seam preferably includes piping 170. Top edge 117 preferably carries
zipper 160,
preferably used to close bag 100 as described in detail below. Zipper 160 may
optionally be
replaced by other conventional closure means, such as hook and loop fasteners,
snaps, or
buttons, among others.
Also preferably included on front side panel 110 are pockets 180, which may
include
flap closures, such as pockets 180a, or may be plain, such as pocket 180b, and
may be closed
by zippers, hook and loop fasteners, buttons, snaps, or other conventional
closure means.
Pockets 180 are preferably made of a similar material as front side panel 110,
or may
alternatively be made of a different material, such as a more durable material
to withstand
frequent use, or a softer material to protect articles stored therein. Pockets
180 are shown in
their preferred configuration, as external pockets, but may alternatively be
constructed
internally.
7
CA 02677250 2009-07-31
WO 2008/097886 PCT/US2008/052886
With continued reference to Fig. 1, front side panel 110 preferably includes
carrying
strap 190 preferably joined to front side panel 110 by stitching, but may also
alternatively be
joined by adhesive, plastic welding, riveting, or other joining technique.
Carrying strap 190
preferably comprises a curved strap joined at two locations spaced apart on
front side panel
110 and free between the two locations, preferably creating a loop that can be
grasped by a
user to carry bag 100.
Now referring to Fig. 2, left end pane1210 preferably has a generally
triangular shape
when bag 100 is in a closed configuration. Left end pane1210 is similarly
joined to adjacent
panels at back edge 211, front edge 213, and bottom edge 215 according to the
preferred
embodiment. Top edge 217 preferably includes top edge back half 217a and top
edge front
half 217b, which are mutually joined, preferably by a first end of zipper 160.
Preferably, a
portion of zipper 160 is not joined to top edge 217, thereby preventing zipper
160 from
restricting a flexibility of left end pane1210 in a portion at or near top
edge 217.
Left end panel 210 preferably carries carrying strap 290 wherein carrying
strap 290
preferably includes grip 291. Carrying strap 290 is preferably attached to
left end panel 210
by rivets 165.
At bottom edge 215, opening 219 preferably allows handle 295 to extend from
within
bag 100 to a location outside bag 100 where it can be grasped by a user to
push or pull bag
100. Preferably, handle 295 can be retracted to a position within bag 100 when
not in use to
reduce an exterior dimension of bag 100.
Referring now to Fig. 3, right end panel 310, like left end panel 210,
preferably also
has a generally triangular shape when bag 100 is in a closed configuration.
Right end panel
310 is preferably joined to adjacent panels along front edge 311, back edge
313, and bottom
edge 315. Top edge 317 preferably includes a top edge front half 317a and a
top edge back
half 317b, preferably mutually joined by a second end of zipper 160, but
preferably also
8
CA 02677250 2009-07-31
WO 2008/097886 PCT/US2008/052886
including a portion of top edge 317 not joined to zipper 160, similar to left
end pane1210 in
order to allow flexibility of right end pane1310 in a portion at or near top
edge 317.
At or near bottom edge 315, wheels 397 are preferably disposed and preferably
configured to allow bag 100 to roll, preferably when bag 100 is either flat on
its bottom
and/or when left end pane1210 is raised above right end pane1310, such as by
lifting bag 100
using handle 295 or carrying strap 291. As shown in Fig. 3, bag 100 preferably
includes
three wheels 397, although the number of wheels disposed at or near bottom
edge 315 may be
more than three, or fewer than three, depending on particular rolling
characteristics desired,
such as maneuverability, and depending on load distribution. Further, wheels
397 may be
disposed remotely relative to bottom edge 315.
Also, preferably feet 338 are used to stabilize bag 100 when resting on right
end panel
310, wherein handle 399 also preferably contributes to such stability.
Preferably, in addition
to acting as a foot, handle 399 may also preferably be gripped by a user to
pick up bag 100.
Fig. 4 shows bottom panel 410 as preferably joined to adjacent panels at left
edge
411, right edge 413, back edge 415, and front edge 417 by conventional means.
Bottom
panel 410 is preferably rigid such that bottom panel 410 preferably provides
support to
articles stored in bag 100 and preferably provides structure to bag 100.
Bottom panel 410 is
preferably made of a rigid material, such as a plastic, but may optionally be
made of a
flexible material, such a fabric, or a unitary sheet, and bottom panel 410 may
further
optionally include a rigid structural component that is removably attached to
bottom panel
410.
Bottom panel 410 also preferably includes a plurality of slides 422,
preferably
comprising raised members extending from left edge 411 to right edge 413, but
may be
configured in any shape such that bottom pane1410 is protected from a surface
on which bag
100 is set, or against which bag 100 is slid. Slides 422 are preferably made
of a durable
9
CA 02677250 2009-07-31
WO 2008/097886 PCT/US2008/052886
material, such as plastic, such that they are resistant to scratching,
bending, and/or breaking,
especially when bag 100 is rolled on wheels 397 and partially supported by
handle 295.
Bottom panel 410 may also optionally include a plurality of wheels (not shown)
which
operate in conjunction with wheels 397 in order to allow bag 100 to roll when
resting on
bottom pane1410.
As shown in Fig. 5, back pane1510 is preferably joined to adjacent panels at
left edge
511, right edge 513, and bottom edge 515. Top edge 517 preferably carries
zipper 160,
preferably used to close bag 100, as shown in Fig. 5. Also shown in Fig. 5 are
pockets 580,
and carrying strap 590, according to the preferred embodiment, like those
included on front
panel 110. Carrying strap 590 preferably includes grip 591. Also according to
the preferred
embodiment, carrying strap 590 and carrying strap 190 preferably comprise a
single strap
preferably extending down back pane1510 across bottom pane1410 and up front
pane1110.
Referring now to Fig. 6, equator 610 of left end panel 210 preferably defines
upper
portion 612 and lower portion 614. Upper portion 612 preferably comprises a
flexible
material that collapses unless supported by a structural support by articles
contained in bag
100. Lower portion 614 preferably comprises a rigid material that preferably
maintains lower
portion 614 in a generally erect position. The rigidity of lower portion 614
may be achieved
by using a rigid unitary sheet material, a rigid panel attached to a fabric or
retained in a fabric
pocket, or may be achieved by applying an additive to a flexible material,
such as a resin, that
cures or otherwise makes the flexible material rigid. While equator 610 is
preferably
disposed in a middle of left end panel 210, equator 610 can alternatively be
disposed at any
desired location on left end panel 210 including at or near bottom edge 215,
or at or near top
edge 217. Preferably each of left end pane1210 and right end pane1310, and
more preferably
each of front panel 110, left end pane1210, right end panel 310 and back panel
510, includes
an equator preferably defining a line of demarcation between flexible and
rigid portions of
each such panel.
CA 02677250 2009-07-31
WO 2008/097886 PCT/US2008/052886
Now referring to Fig. 7, bag 100 is shown resting on right end pane1310, feet
338 and
handle 399, whereby bag 100 can preferably be rolled on wheels 397 by pulling
or pushing
handle 295. Alternatively, handle 295 preferably can be retracted through
opening 219, or
can be removed from bag 100, and carrying strap 291 can preferably be used to
push or pull
bag 100 on wheels 297. Slides 422 are preferably disposed in a position to
protect bag 100
from damage encountered when pulling bag 100 on wheels 397, such as damage
from pulling
bag 100 up stairs, curbs, or other obstacles.
Fig. 8 shows opening 810 of bag 100 as preferably defined by top edges 117,
217,
317, and 517. Also, zipper 160 is preferably disposed on top edges 117, 217,
317, and 517,
with first end 161 of zipper 160 disposed between top edge front half 317a and
top edge back
half 317b of right end panel 310. First half 160a extends from first end 161
preferably
disposed on top edge front half 317a, top edge 117, and top edge front half
217b, to second
end 162 of zipper 160 preferably disposed between top edge front half 217b and
top edge
back half 217a. According to the preferred embodiment shown in Fig. 8 opening
810 has a
length equal to the sum of top edges 117, 217, 317, and 517, whereby opening
810 is able
accommodate articles with a girth substantially equal to that of bag 100. The
ability of
opening 810 to open as wide as the widest part of bag 100 eliminates the need
to manipulate
articles of large size in order to get them through a smaller opening.
Fig. 9 shows bag 100 in a fully open state, whereby articles may easily be
placed in
bag 100. Front side panel 110, left end panel 210, right end panel 310, and
back side panel
510 are each preferably held erect by a rigid support structure when bag 100
is in the open
state. The support structure may be a rigid frame around the edges of each
panel, a rigid
insert attached to each panel or contained within a pocket of each panel, or
each panel itself
may be rigid so as to comprise the rigid support structure. Preferably, the
rigid structure is
made up of rigid insert panels of a size approximately equal to each panel of
the bag, wherein
each rigid insert can be inserted into a respective pocket within a panel,
such as where two
11
CA 02677250 2009-07-31
WO 2008/097886 PCT/US2008/052886
rigid inserts are disposed in respective pockets of opposing panels, or more
preferably into a
respective pocket of each of the panels of the bag. In the embodiment where
the support
structure comprises rigid insert panels disposed in pockets of two opposing
bag panels, the
rigid insert panels preferably place the adjacent panels in tension, whereby
they are supported
or prevented from collapsing into the bag. Zipper 960 preferably provides
access to a pocket
whereby a rigid insert may be retained therein. Alternatively, or
additionally, other articles
may be retained in the pocket.
As shown in Fig. 10, when bottom cover panel 1010 is peeled away from bottom
panel 410, bottom panel 410 may preferably be removed from bag 100. Handle 295
or
wheels 397 may optionally be connected to bottom panel 410 such that when
bottom panel
410 is removed, handle 295 and wheels 397 are also removed. Rigid insert
panels retained in
pocket 1081 in front side panel 110 and pocket 1083 in back side panel 510.
Rigid panel
inserts, if also included in left end pane1210 and right end panel 310, are
likewise preferably
retained in pockets and are removable. In this way, bag 100 can be converted
into a
completely soft-sided bag if desired by the user.
Fig. 11 shows the detail of corner 1111 of opening 810, preferably connecting
front
side panel 110 and left end pane1210, and corner 1113 of opening 810
preferably connecting
back end panel 510 and left end panel 210. Corner 1111 and corner 1113 each
preferably
includes a ninety-degree angle corner support centered on the corner (shown in
dashed lines).
The corner support comprises a rigid structure having arms of equal length
extending in
directions which are ninety degrees apart. While bag 100 is in a closed state,
as shown in
Fig. 11, the corner supports help to give shape to bag 100, and retain top
edge back half 217a
and top edge front half 217b in a vertical orientation, generally at a right
angle to top edge
117 and top edge 517. Thereby, top edge back half 217a and top edge front half
217b are
prevented from extending away from bag 100.
12
CA 02677250 2009-07-31
WO 2008/097886 PCT/US2008/052886
Fig. 12 shows corner 1111 when bag 100 is in an open state. In an open state,
the
corner support maintains front side panel 110 and left end panel 210 disposed
at a ninety-
degree angle. The corner supports are preferably made of a rigid material,
such as metal or a
plastic material, and are included in a pocket located at or near opening 810.
According to a
preferred embodiment, the corner supports are retained in a strip of material
connecting
zipper 160 to bag 100.
The foregoing description and drawings comprise illustrative embodiments of
the
present invention. Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the present
invention, it
should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are
exemplary only, and
that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made
within the scope
of the present invention. Many modifications and other embodiments of the
invention will
come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains having
the benefit of
the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated
drawings. Although
specific terms may be employed herein, they are used in a generic and
descriptive sense only
and not for purposes of limitation. Accordingly, the present invention is not
limited to the
specific embodiments illustrated herein, but is limited only by the following
claims.
13
