Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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STORAGE BAG RACK SYSTEM
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
The present application claims priority to U.S. provisional applications
serial nos. 60/202,959, filed May 9, 2000 and entitled RE-SEALABLE BAG SYSTEM;
60/247,292 filed November 10, 2000 and entitled STORAGE BAG RACK SYSTEM;
and , entitled STORAGE BAG RACK SYSTEM and filed April 30,
2001 (Express Mail Label No. EL 820506858 US). The disclosures of each of
these
applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
BACKGROUND
1. Technical Field
The present disclosure relates to storage bags, storage bag rack systems
and methods of handling, depositing, and sealing items in storage bags.
2. Background of Related Art
Containment, handling and storage of bulk quantity material or soiled
medical sponge material is a top priority to restauranteurs, household
consumers, and in
the case of medical sponge materials, medical professionals. Previous storage
bag
systems have been developed. However, a continuing need exists for improved
storage
bags, storage bag rack systems and methods of inserting materials into storage
bags.
SUMMARY
The presently disclosed embodiments provide a storage bag pad, storage
bags and methods of inserting materials into storage bags which include the
advantages of
minimizing contact of the user with the material being inserted into the
storage bags,
providing single use bags to prevent contamination of the bags contents,
protecting the
integrity of the bags contents. A feature of the present disclosure when used
in a food
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storage environment, is that it provides storage bags which able to be taken
from a frozen
environment to final preparation including insertion in boiling water if
necessary.
The present disclosure addresses the above noted continuing need and
provides the above noted advantages and features as well as others by
providing in one
embodiment, a pad of storage bags which includes a quantity of bags secured
together,
each bag including at least two layers of flexible material including a
backing layer and a
front layer, a plurality of pockets formed between the at least two layers of
material,
wherein the pockets are configured to have an opening and have at least two
sealed sides;
and at least one seal positioned near the edge of the opening of the pockets
that is a liquid
tight seal.
In one aspect, at least a portion of the seal is positioned on an inside
portion of the front layer and an inside portion of the backing layer to form
a re-sealable
pocket. The seal may form a liquid tight seal in the presence of moisture. In
another
aspect, the pockets of the bags contain at least one gusset is formed by the
pockets.
In another embodiment the present disclosure provides a pad of storage
bags which includes a plurality of bags bound together. Each of the bags
includes a pair
of flexible material layers joined on three respective edges forming a front
side and a
back side, the material layers forming a bottom edge, two side edges, and an
opening
between the front side and back side, an extended portion extending from a top
edge of at
least one layer of the pair of flexible material layers, at least one
perforated segment
positioned adjacent the at least one extended portion, and at least two seals
are positioned
on an inside portion of the front sides and an inside opposing portion of the
back sides
near the opening of the pockets.
In one aspect of the embodiment a protection cuff is formed on the front
side of each of the bags.
In a further embodiment, the present disclosure provides a pad of storage
bags which includes a plurality of bags bound together, each bag includes a
pair of
flexible material layers joined on three edges forming a front side and a back
side, the
joined pair of flexible material layers forming a bottom edge, two side edges,
and an
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opening between the front side and back side, an extended portion extending
from a top
edge of at least one layer of the pair of flexible material layers, a
perforated segment
formed adjacent the extended portion, a seal positioned on an inside portion
of the front
sides and an inside opposing portion of the back sides near the opening of the
pockets,
and at least one protection cuff formed laterally across an outside front
portion of the bag.
In a further embodiment, the present disclosure provides a storage bag rack
system which includes a support assembly which includes a base portion
defining a
surface which is substantially horizontal and a support portion which extends
generally
vertically upwardly from the base portion, a mount disposed on the support
portion, the
mount being adapted to support a pad of storage bags on the support portion in
general
vertical orientation relative to the base portion such that an opening of a
first bag in a pad
of bags is oriented away from the support portion to facilitate insertion of
material in the
bag.
In one aspect of the embodiment, a material dispersing member is
provided which is adapted to channel material poured therein into a bag in a
pad of bags
supported by the support assembly. The material dispersing member may be
provided as
a funnel.
In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a storage bag rack
system that includes a pad of storage bags including a header portion having a
tail formed
extending downwardly on a rear side of the pad of bags, a support assembly
which
includes a base portion defining a surface which is substantially horizontal
and a support
portion which extends generally vertically upwardly from the base portion, a
mount
disposed on the support portion, the mount being adapted to support the pad of
storage
bags by way of the tail on the support portion such that the bags are
maintained in a
generally vertical orientation relative to the base portion such that an
opening of a first
bag in the pad of bags is oriented away from the support portion to facilitate
insertion of
material in the first bag.
The present disclosure also provides a method of inserting material in a
single bag which is attached to a pad of bags. The method includes the steps
of
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supporting a pad of bags in a vertically oriented manner on a support
assembly, opening
an outward-most bag on the pad of bags by pulling on a cuff portion of the
bag, inserting
material in the outward-most bag, and separating the outward-most bag from the
pad of
bags.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The advantages and features of the presently disclosed storage bag rack
system 'and method of use will become more readily apparent and may be
understood by
referring to the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments
taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the presently disclosed
storage bag rack system having a pad of detachable bags positioned thereon as
constructed in accordance with the present disclosure;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 with a pad of
bags removed;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view with parts separated of the embodiment of
FIG. 1; and
FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a use sequence step;
FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 5 illustrating a further use sequence step;
FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5 illustrating a further sequence step;
FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. S illustrating yet another use sequence
step;
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a storage bag
rack system constructed in accordance with the present disclosure;
FIG. 9 is a side elevation view of the embodiment of FIG. 8;
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a material dispersing member for use in
connection with the storage bag rack system of the present disclosure;
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FIG.11 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 10;
FIG. 12 is a front elevation of the embodiment of FIG. 10;
FIG. 13A is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a material
dispersing member for use in connection with the storage bag rack system of
the present
disclosure;
FIG. 13B is a bottom view of the material dispersing member of FIG. 13A;
FIG. 13C is a top plan view of the material dispersing member of FIG.
13A;
FIG. 13D is a cross-section view taken along section line 13D-13D of FIG.
13C;
FIG. 14 is a further alternative embodiment featuring a utility space below
the storage rack system;
FIG. 15 is a side view with the panel removed of the utility space;
FIG. 16 is a view similar to FIG. 15, which shows an alternative hinged
access to the utility area;
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a further alternative embodiment of a
storage bag rack system constructed in accordance with the present disclosure;
FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a further alternative embodiment of a
storage bag rack system constructed in accordance with the present disclosure;
FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a further alternative embodiment of a
storage bag rack system, similar to the embodiment of FIG. 18;
FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a further alternative embodiment of a
storage bag rack system constructed in accordance with the present disclosure;
FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 20,which shows
a movable base portion;
FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a further alternative embodiment of a
storage bag rack system constructed in accordance with the present disclosure;
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FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a further alternative embodiment of a
storage bag rack system which is similar to the embodiment of FIG. 22;
FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a further alternative embodiment of a
storage bag rack system constructed in accordance with the present disclosure;
FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a further alternative embodiment of a
storage bag rack system which is similar to the embodiment of FIG. 24;
FIG. 26 is a frontal view of one embodiment of a re-sealable bag with
segmented pockets constructed in accordance with the present disclosure;
FIG. 26 is a frontal view of another embodiment of a re-sealable bag with
full width pockets constructed in accordance with the present disclosure;
FIG. 27 is a side view of a further embodiment of a re-sealable bag with
pockets on the front side of the back layer and the back side of the back
layer constructed
in accordance with the present disclosure;
FIG. 28 is a frontal view of an further embodiment of a re-sealable bag
constructed in accordance with the present disclosure; and
FIG. 29 is a frontal view of an embodiment of a still further bag
constructed in accordance with the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The presently disclosed novel storage bag rack system is uniquely
advantageous in that the various parts making up the rack system are
completely
separable such that the rack system may be entirely disassembled for storage,
cleaning or
shipping. Although the presently disclosed storage bag rack system will be
described and
illustrated herein in connection with specific embodiments, such as may be
used in the
food service or domestic kitchen environment, it will be readily appreciated
and
understood by one skilled in the art, however, that the presently disclosed
storage bag
rack system may be adapted for usage in other storage applications as well.
For example,
the presently disclosed storage bag rack system may be used either as
presented in the
embodiments herein or by adaptation in the medical field for storage and
inventory of
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surgical sponges or other articles. Additionally, the presently disclosed
storage bag rack
system may be used in the retail industry for placing loose bulk items in bags
for
purchase. One specific example would be in stores wherein small items are sold
in bulk
and may be placed in the bags held by the presently disclosed storage bag rack
system.
S Referring to FIGS. l and 2, a storage bag rack system 100 is shown which
includes a base portion 110 and a vertical support portion 112 which includes
a support
member such as bar 114 mounted transversely near the top of vertical support
portion
112. Base portion 110 and vertical support portion 112 may be formed of any
suitable
rigid material such as for example wood, plastic, or metal. One preferred
material
particularly for the food service environment is a chopping block material
such as, for
example, High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) which is desirable for its harder
characteristic and its being more heat resistant. As best illustrated in FIGS.
2 and 3, bar
114 is preferably removably mounted to vertical support portion 112 by way of
any
suitable known removable mounting technique such as, for example, by a "peg-
board"
style mount wherein bar 114 is formed of rod stock with end portions 114a and
114b
being bent at substantially right angles such that end portions 114a and 114b
may be
inserted in through holes formed in vertical support portion 112.
Vertical support portion 112 may be removably mounted to base portion
110 by any suitable known technique. For example, as shown in FIGS. 3 base
portion
may be provided with a plurality of vertical pins 116 secured therein. Pins
116 may be
steel pins each having a flange portion formed between the ends thereof at a
predetermined position uniform to each of pins. In this manner, when pins 116
are
positioned in a series of mounting holes formed in linear alignment across the
surface of
base portionl 10 the flange portions facilitate the upper portions of pins 116
extending a
uniform distance above the surface of base portion 110. Corresponding
receiving holes
are formed in the bottom of vertical support portion 112 to receive pins 116.
Preferably,
pins 116 and the receiving holes are sized sufficiently such that vertical
support portion
112 is prevented from substantial movement relative to base portion 110.
Alternatively,
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the mounting holes formed in base portion 110 may be formed as through-holes
such that
pins similar to pins 116 except without the flange portions, could be provided
on a steel
strip base. A complimentary slot (not shown) formed on the bottom surface of
base
portion 110 would receive the steel strip base and may preferably be flush to
the bottom
surface of base portion 110.
In use as shown in FIGS. 4-7, a pad 118 (FIGS. 1 and 3) of storage bags are
supported by rod 114, for example by hanging pad 118, of storage bag rack
system 100.
Pad 118 preferably includes a series of plastic bags bound together with a
binding which
includes a sturdy extended tail portion 118a which is readily retained by bar
114 to
support the pad of bags in a vertical manner on rack system 100. Preferably,
the
individual bags are readily separable from the pad by way of, for example,
perforations
formed near the top of each bag. Examples of bag configurations that may be
utilized
with the presently disclosed rack system are shown and described in
applicant's co-
pending provisional U.S. patent application serial no. 601202,959 filed May 9,
2000, the
entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Details of
various bag
embodiments are addressed in greater detail further herein with respect to the
embodiments of FIGS. 26A through 29. Bags utilized herein may be made of a
film
material which for food applications in particular is formed from virgin
resins and is
certified for food contact and will stand up to temperatures ranging from -50
degrees
Farenheit to +220 degrees Farenheit without a breakdown of the bag seals or
material.
In one illustrative example of the specific structure of a bag attached to a
pad of bags used for the storage bag rack system, a cuff 120 is formed on the
outboard
side of the outermost bag of pad 118 mounted on rack system 100 facilitates
the ability of
the user to grasp the cuff with one hand, as shown in FIG. 4, and pulling to
open the bag
enclosure thereby enabling the user to fill the bag with material contained
either directly
in the free hand of the user, FIG. S, or poured from a container held in the
free hand of the
user (not shown). Therefore, the presently disclosed storage bag rack system
facilitates a
single user being able to fill a flexible bag with material such as liquids,
powders or solid
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objects without requiring additional assistance from another person to hold
the bag and
maintain the bag in an open configuration.
After the desired materials have been placed in the bag, a peel away
release liner such as cover strip 122 is pulled away to expose a pre-applied
strip of
adhesive such as cold seal 124, as shown in FIG. 6. One suitable adhesive is
preferably a
hot melt synthetic and is certified for food contact. Cold seal 124 may be
positioned on
the back panel of the bag in vertical alignment with cuff 120 so that prior to
separation
from pad 118 the user can press the front panel of the bag at the level of
cuff 120 against
the back panel of the bag along cold seal 122 to seal the bag closed in a
fluid-tight
marinei. Alternatively, other modes of sealing bags may be utilized, such as,
a tongue
and groove closure seal may be provided either in place of or in addition to
cold seal 124.
Once the bag has been sealed, the user simply tears the bag away from pad
118, as shown in FIG. 7. Storage bag rack system 100 is then ready to be used
again to
seal other objects in individual bags. Once the supply of bags attached to pad
118 is
depleted, pad 118 is simply removed from storage bag rack system 100 and
another pad
of bags is mounted on the rack system as previously noted.
Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9, a further embodiment of a storage bag
rack system designated by reference numeral 200 and includes a pair of "L"
shaped
support members 210, 212 which are fastened together by any suitable fasteners
such as
threaded faster 214. Support members 210,212 may be formed of any suitable
materials
providing sufficient rigidity to support the weight of one or more pads of
bags as well as
material poured into at least one of the bags. For example, support members
210, 212
may be formed of metal, plastic, wood or other suitably strong materials. In
an
environment where the storage rack system is being used in connection with
food storage,
support members 210,212 are preferably formed of materials which are certified
for use
in contact with food.
Preferably, support members 210,212 are maintained in a predetermined
spaced relationship to facilitate receiving a pad of bags on one or both sides
of rack
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system 200. The spaced relationship may be readily accomplished by providing
spacer
elements 216 between support members 210, 212.
Top edges 218, 220 of support members 210,212 are configured and
dimensioned to support a header portion of a pad of bags, similar to the
illustration of the
embodiment of FIG. 1. The edges may be flat along the length thereof as
illustrated by
edge 220 or may include a notched section such as notched portion 218a to
receive a
header portion of a pad of bags and prevent substantial lateral movement of
the pad of
bags. As for the embodiment of FIG. 1, similar types of bag pads may be
utilized for the
embodiment of FIG. 8.
' ~ Additionally, additional pad retention areas may be provided for various
sized pads of bags, such as, for example, retention opening 222 which is
formed through
support member 210 below top edge 218 and above a lateral base portion 224.
Similar
features may also be provided on support member 212 between top edge 220 and
lateral
base portion 226.
Referring now to FIGS. 10-12 a material dispersing member such as funnel
228 is provided for removable hanging from the storage bag rack system of the
present
disclosure. Funnel 228 facilitates easier and more reliable handling and
transferring of
fluids, especially very hot or very cold fluids, from a vessel such as a pot
or pitcher into a
storage bag. Funnel 228 is preferably formed of an inexpensive material such
as molded
plastic which is durable and dishwasher safe for easy cleaning. However, other
suitable
materials and processes may be utilized to form funnel 228 in a manner to
provide
sufficient strength and support during the filling process.
Funnel 228 includes a hanging structure such as an overhang portion. One
form of such structure may be provided as hook 230. Hook 230 is formed on the
upper
rear portion of back wall 234 and extends along the width thereof to
facilitate removable
hanging from a support structure. For example, using the rack system
embodiments
disclosed herein, funnel 228 may be hung on bar 114 of the embodiment of FIG.
1, from a
slot such as slot 222 or from a top edge portion such as top edge 218a (FIG.
8). In this
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manner, funnel 228 is maintained in a stable relationship relative to the
storage bag
supported by a storage bag rack system such as any of the embodiments
disclosed herein.
As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, a hopper portion 232 is configured and
dimensioned to generally direct materials poured in funnel 228 towards back
wall 234.
This feature is uniquely advantageous in that it directs the material being
poured into
funnel 228 toward the vertical portion of support member 210 or 212 to provide
a more
stable and controlled pouring of material into the bag.
Hopper portion 232 includes a wide rectangular opening at the top to
enable more reliable and quicker transfer of fluids or powder-type materials
from a vessel
into a storage bag. An outer wall 232a of hopper portion 232 angles toward a
material
discharge portion such as chute 236 formed at the bottom of funnel 228. This
feature is
uniquely advantageous in that it facilitates easy insertion of funnel 228 into
a bag on the
pad of bags. Additionally, the angled surface of outer wall 232a serves to cam
the storage
bag open.
In use as part of the storage bag rack system of the present disclosure,
funnel 228 permits the user to pour materials such as liquids, powdered
substances, or a
large quantity of any type of items small enough to fit through chute 236 into
a bag on the
rack system while having both hands free to control the vessel from which the
material is
being poured.
Referring to FIGs. 13A-13D, an alternative embodiment of a material
dispersing member is shown generally as funnel 250. Funnel may be formed of
similar
materials as noted above for funnel 228. Funnel 250 is also configured and
dimensioned
to be suspended from a storage bag rack system. In particular, funnel 250
includes a hook
252 formed on the upper rear portion of back wall 254 and extends along the
width
thereof, as.shown in FIGS. 13B and 13C, to facilitate removable hanging or
suspension
from a support structure as described above for funnel 228.
A hopper portion 256 is configured and dimensioned to generally direct
materials poured in funnel 228 towards a chute 258 which, as indicated by the
double-
headed arrow of FIG. 13D, forms a passageway from the bottom of hopper portion
256 to
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an opening defined at the bottom of funnel 250. Hopper portion 256 is defined
by wall
portions 256a, 256b, 256c, 256d, 256e and back wall 254. As best illustrated
in the
bottom plan view of FIG. 13B and the top plan view of FIG. 13C, each of the
wall
portions which define hopper portion 256 are angled toward the relatively
smaller
opening defined by chute 258. This feature is uniquely advantageous in that it
directs the
material being poured into funnel 228 toward the opening of chute 258 as
indicated by the
arrows to provide a more stable and controlled pouring of material into the
bag.
In use as shown in FIG. 13A, funnel 250 is suspended from a storage back
rack system such as system 500 (described in greater detail herein) such that
the lower
portion of funnel 250 including chute 258 extends into the opening of a bag
260.
Thereafter, the user simply pours material from a vessel such as pitcher P
into hopper
portion 256. Any suitable materials may be poured into funnel 250, such as,
for example,
a liquid, powder or other substance which may readily pass through the opening
of chute
258.
Referring to FIGS. 14-16, an alternative embodiment of a storage bag rack
system designated as storage bag rack system 300 is similar to storage bag
rack system
200 and further includes a utility area 340 formed below support members
310,312.
Utility area 340 may be fully or partially enclosed and may be used to
position various
items in close proximity to storage bag rack system 300. For example, a vacuum
pump
assembly 342 may be provided and positioned in utility area 340 to facilitate
evacuation
of air from storage bags prior to sealing. Vacuum pump assembly 342 may be any
commercially available system which is designed for evacuating excess air from
within
storage bags. Optionally, as shown in FIG. 15 other materials may be dispensed
in
addition to the storage bags on pads suspended from rack system (not shown in
FIG. 15)
as previously described for other embodiments herein. For example, a roll of
paper towel
material or a supply of moist towelettes may be stored in and dispensed from
utility area
340. In the case where utility area 340 is enclosed, access may be provided to
utility area
340 by, for example, a removable panel 344 as shown in FIG. 14 or by other
suitable
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access techniques, such as shown in FIG. 16, for example, by providing hinge
mounts 346
for support members 310,312.
Referring now to FIG. 17, a further embodiment of a storage bag rack
system constructed in accordance with the present disclosure is shown as
storage bag rack
system 400 which is adapted for mounting on a substantially vertical surface,
for
example, a wall "W" or cabinet door (not shown). Storage bag rack system 400
includes
support members 410 and 412 which are similar to the vertical portions of
support
members 210 and 212 of the embodiment of FIG. 8. Accordingly, those features
will not
be described in detail herein. Instead of lateral base portion 224 included on
rack system
200; rack system 400 is provided with lateral base portion 424, which may
extend from
support 410 as a fixed member or may be pivotally attached thereto as shown in
FIG. 17.
Referring now to FIGs. 18-25, several additional embodiments of storage
bag rack systems constructed in accordance with the present disclosure. In
FIGS. 18 and
19, storage bag rack systems 500 and 500A are shown, respectively, each being
adapted
to support a pad of storage bags (not shown) either directly thereon or by a
support stand
513. One type of pad of bags which may be used is pad 118 shown and described
in
connection with the embodiment of FIG. 1.
Storage bag rack systems 500 and 500A each include a support member
512 which is secured to a base portion 510a and extends upwardly away from the
base. A
rigid, pad support-stand 513 is provided and is adapted for removable
attachment to
support 512. Support stand 513 defines mount portions such as slots 517 and
519 formed
laterally across a back wall of support stand 513. Slots 517 and 519
facilitate mounting
of a pad of bags such as bag pad 118 in a vertical orientation relative to
base portion
510a. Alternatively, a bag pad such as pad 118 may be mounted directly in a
slot formed
in support 512. Support 512 is preferably formed of a suitable material to
provide
sufficient strength and support for a bag pad as well as the weight of
material inserted
into a bag retained on the bag pad. For example, support 512 may be formed of
plastic or
metal and may be secured to base 510a by any suitable technique for example,
fasteners
or bonding. As shown, support 512 is curved such that it defines an arcuate
overhang
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512a which may be used to support a roll of paper towels "T"or the like by way
of a
support surface (not shown) extending from overhang 512a, the support surface
being
adapted to support the roll of towels.
A base portion extension 510b extends from base portion 510a and on rack
system 500 is formed integrally therewith. In rack system 500A base portion
extension
l Ob is formed separately from base portion 51 Oa to facilitate ease of
cleaning and
storage thereof. Base portions 510a and 510b may be formed of similar
materials as
noted above for base portion 110 of the embodiment of FIG. 1.
Referring now to FIGs. 20 and 21, storage bag rack system 600 illustrates
a furthei embodiment constructed in accordance with the present disclosure.
Rack system
600 is similar in overall configuration to rack systems 500 and 500A and in
that it
supports a pad of bags such as bag pad 118 previously described. However, rack
system
600 includes a support 612 which is configured the same a support 512 except
that
support 612 is formed of wireframe construction and is securely mounted in an
"I" frame
base 610. Support 612 includes a crossbar 615 which may be of the same
material as for
support 612 but alternatively support and crossbar 615 may be formed of
stainless steel
for environments which require it, for example, medical environments. Crossbar
615
facilitates maintaining support stand 613 in a vertical orientation relatively
fixed to
support 612. For example, a flange (not shown) formed on the rear side of
support stand
613 may be provided to enable removable hanging of support stand 613 from
support
612. A separate base portion 610 is provided to be positioned under rack
system either
completely as shown in FIG. 20 or to the user's preference. Base portion 610
may be
formed of similar materials as for base 110 described previously herein.
FIGS. 22 and 23 illustrate an embodiment designated as storage bag rack
systems 700 and 700A which are the same as rack systems 500 and 500A,
respectively, in
all regards except that support 712 is reversed. In this manner a greater area
of space is
afforded the user between pad 718 and support 712.
FIGS. 24 and 25 illustrate further embodiments, designated as storage bag
rack systems 800 and 800A. Each of rack systems 800 and 800A include a base
portion
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810 and a support member 812. In rack system 800, base portion 810 is
connected to
support 812 either permanently or removably. In the case where it is removably
connected, it may be accomplished similar to the manner described and
illustrated in
connection with the embodiment of rack system 100 of FIG. 1. In rack system
800A base
portion 810 is completely separate from support 812 and thereby may be moved
relative
to support 812 at any time by the user. Base portion 810 may be formed similar
to base
portion 110. Support 812 includes a planar central section which includes an
upper edge
812c which acts as a support surface for a pad of bags 818, as shown in FIG.
24.
Additionally, support 812 includes an arcuate extension 812a which defines a
storage area
' to'vertically store a roll of towel material "T". On the opposing end of
support 812 a
utility storage area is defined by a smaller arcuate extension 812b. This area
may be used,
for example, to support a knife, scissors or the like.
In use, for each of the embodiments of FIGs. 18-25 materials may be
poured into bags retained on pad 818 in the manner set forth in FIGS. 4-7 or
as shown and
described in connection with FIG. 13A.
Referring now to FIGS. 26A-29, a series of embodiments of various bags
and bag pads will now be described in detail. In FIGS. 26A and 26B, a re-
sealable bag
1000 generally includes a front layer 1030 and a first backing layer (not
shown) forming a
plurality of pockets 1050.
Bags 1000, in one preferred configuration, are assembled into a tear away
pad type format wherein each pad includes a predetermined number of overlaying
bags
1000 with connected binding portions 1070. Binding portions 1070 share a
common
series of holes 1072 that are configured to structurally support the
predetermined number
of bags 1000 when suspended from a support structure such as one or more
cantilevered
rods, for example. Bags 1000 are supported through at least one hole 1072.
Each bag
1000 is removably detachable from its respective binding portion 1070 by
transverse
perforations 1075 that form a detachable segment that can be above or below
holes 1072,
depending on the configuration.
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Front side 1030, forms at least one column or row of standard sized
pockets 1050 configured for a particular standard sized article, for example,
surgical
sponges may be placed in pockets 1050 to facilitate inventory tracking of
surgical
sponges during a surgical procedure. As a result of the practical need for
various sizes of
pockets, the sponge counting bag 1000 in an alternative configuration departs
from a
standard set of uniform rows and columns to accommodate a mixture of different
standard sized pockets for specific preferred applications. In one preferred
configuration
sponge bag 1000 employs a clear front pocket layer 1030 with a colored back
pocket layer
to identify specific preferred pocket 1050 uses such as a blue background for
cap pockets
and a white background for "4 X 4" sponge pockets, for example.
Pockets 1050 are preferably formed by heat sealing or any other common
manufacturing technique that achieves the required level of strength suitable
to form open
ended pockets between front layer 1030 and the back layer (not shown). A heat
seal, for
example, could also be employed to segment a single column of pockets into
pairs or
greater numbers of pockets depending upon the intended application. Pockets
1050 may
be formed in any suitable geometric shape, such as a semi-circle, square,
rectangle, or
triangular, but contain an opening adjacent upper edge 1052 that is sealingly
secured by at
least one seal 1055.
Seal 1055 is preferably a re-sealable tacky type seal, a release tape seal, a
cold seal, zip lock seal, or any other similar sealing device. Seal 1055
includes at least
one sealing portion positioned on the inside below upper edge 1052 of at least
one layer
of pocket 1050. In one preferred configuration, pocket 1050 has at least one
cold seal
1055 that can be unsealed and re-sealed in the presence of moisture without
losing water
tight integrity.
A protection cuff 1054 is positioned on each pocket below upper edge
1052. Protection cuff 1054 is heat sealed on its upper and two lateral sides
to form an
inverted pocket. Protection cuff 1054 is grasped by a user with one hand and
pulled out
and away with front layer 1030 from the back layer. In this manner, a
protective barrier is
provided between the user's hand and the material being placed in pocket 1050.
Pocket
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1050 is then opened wide enough so that material being inserted such as a
sponge or other
disposable entity can be easily placed in the opening. Alternative
configurations of
protection cuff 1054 include being sealed in position only on upper edge 1053
and cuff
1054 containing at least one large hole forming a handle or finger holes to
improve the
ability of the user to grasp the cuff from below or above and keep the pocket
open. In the
alternative, cuff 1054 may be sealed on its two lateral sides, but not on
upper edge 1053
to form a flexible ribbon type handle or gripping portion. In a further
alternative
configuration, protection cuff 1054 may be configured to define a hole 1057
that forms a
handle suitable for carrying bag 1000.
Pockets 1050 may be formed with at least one gusset 1056. Gusset 1056
is preferably positioned on at least one side. However, in alternative
configurations,
gussets 1056 are positionable on any portion of the front layer or back layer
of pocket
1050. Gussets 1056 typically include at least one folded layer of material
that is
expandable to accommodate a greater volume in each pocket 1050. This also
allows
configurations of bag 1000 with an increased density of pockets on a given
size of bag.
In the alternative, pockets 1050 may be formed by a simple overlaying front
layer 1030
with a predetermined increased length of material than the back layer pocket
dimension
that creates a front layer 1030 convex bulge in pocket 50 away from the back
layer. Both
gusset 56 and increased length pocket configurations accommodate an increased
volume
and simplify placing material in pocket 1050 in a single motion. In a further
alternative
configuration, pockets 1050 are formed by a single overlay of front layer
1030. Any one
bag 1000 can employ any one or all of the above configurations of bag 50 to
support the
needs of a particular application.
Bags 100 if used as sponge counting bags, are formed of a medical grade
plastic material that is inherently anti-static or contains an anti-static
treatment.
Alternatively, if the bags are to be used in connection with the storage of
food products
they can be formed of material approved for contact with food and which
permits rapid
changes in temperature such as those created by freezing the bag and its
contents and
thereafter placing the bag into boiling water. Bags 1000, in a preferred
configuration,
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may also be treated with an anti-bacterial agent. Portions of bag 1000 may be
formed of a
clear or colored plastic, or combinations thereof to identify the different
intended
applications for pockets 1050. In addition, pockets 1050 can be labeled to
identify their
intended application.
Referring now to FIG. 27, in an alternative configuration, bag 2000 is also
in a tear away binding 2270 type format that employs a back layer 2210 between
two
front layers 2230 forming pockets 2250 on both the front and back sides of bag
2000.
Gussets 2256 are shown on both sides of pockets 2250 in this configuration,
but could be
formed on the center of the pocket or on a single side. This configuration
preferably has a
lower 'binding portion 2274 that is retained with bag 2000 when it is detached
from the
support structure by separating at perforated segment 2275 after a first side
2290 is full.
After detaching from upper binding portion 2270, bag 2000 is then reversed,
and replaced
on the support structure using holes 2272 of lower binding portion 2274 to
expose the
second unused side 2292. This configuration can also include a second
perforated or
scored segment 2277 that enables a user to detach lower binding 2274 from the
remainder
of bag 2000 when it is full of stored material. Second perforated segment 2277
is
configured such that first perforated segment 2275 is easier to remove than
second
perforated 2277.
Referring now to FIG. 28, storage bag 3000 includes a front layer 3330
and a back layer (not shown) forming a binding portion 3370 and a pocket 3350
with at
least two sides and an upper edge 3352.
Storage bags 3000, in one preferred configuration, are assembled into a
bound pad type format wherein each pad includes a predetermined number of
bags, for
example, 50 overlaying storage bags 3000 with connected binding portions 3370.
Binding portions 3370 share a common series of holes that are configured to
structurally
support predetermined number of bags 3000 when suspended from a support
structure
such as any of the previously disclosed embodiment or by one or more
cantilevered rods,
for example, through at least one hole 3372. Each bag 3000 is removably
detachable
from its respective binding portion 3370. In an alternative configuration, a
portion of
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binding 3370 is retained with storage bag 3000 and contains a plurality of
holes 3372.
While one preferred quantity of bags 3000 per pad is 50, the quantity of
storage bags
3000 in a given pad can vary with the application of storage bag 3000 and is
dependent
upon factors such as the dimensional configuration of the bag and the intended
application of the user.
Each storage bag 3000 contains a middle portion 3390 that is positioned
between the binding 3370 and the bag 3350. Middle portion 3390 is removably
attached
to binding 3370 by a first perforated segment 3392 that traverses the width of
bag 3000.
First perforations 3392 take the form of a number of punctures through front
layer 3330
and back layer (not shown), but can be any other similar mechanism that
provides a
suitable degree of bond strength between binding 3370 and middle portion 3390
and yet
allows middle portion 3390 with bag 3000 to be conveniently separated from
binding
3370.
Middle portion 3390 includes a first seal 3355, such as a cold seal, below
first edge 3352 on the inside portions of the front and back layers that forms
a liquid tight
seal even in the presence of moisture. In addition, middle portion 3350
contains at least
one protection cuff 3354 similar to that described above for bag 1000, but
extends over
the pocket 3350, in a preferred configuration. Alternative configurations
include a
second protection cuff 3354 positioned on the back layer. Additional
alternative
configurations of protection cuff 3354 include those described above for bag
1000.
Bag 3000 also includes a second perforated or scored segment 3394 that is
positioned between middle portion 3390 and bag 350. This second perforated
segment
3394 is used to separate pocket 3350 from middle portion 3390 and forms a
second edge.
3353. Pocket 3350 includes a second seal 3357 positioned just below upper edge
3354,
such as a zip-lock mechanical type pressure seal for example, between the
front and back
layers. Bag 3000 is preferably configured such that the first perforated layer
is easier to
remove than the second perforated layer.
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Referring now to FIG. 29, storage bag 4000 includes a back layer (not
shown) and a front layer 4430 forming a binding 4 470 and a pocket 4450 with
at least
two sides and an upper edge 4452.
Storage bags 4000, in one preferred configuration, are assembled into a
bound pad type format wherein each pad includes a predetermined number of
bags, for
example, 50 overlaying storage bags 4000 with connected binding portions 4470.
Binding portions 4470 share a common series of holes that are configured to
structurally
support the predetermined number of bags 4000 when suspended from by a support
structure such as one or more cantilevered rods, for example, through at least
one hole
4472: Each bag 4000 is removably detachable from its respective binding
portion 4470.
In an alternative configuration, a portion of binding 4470 is retained with
storage bag
4400 after being detached from binding portion 4470 and contains a plurality
of holes
4472. While one preferred quantity of bags 4000 per pad is 50, the quantity of
storage
bags 4000 in a given pad can vary with the application of storage bag 4000 and
is
1 S dependent upon factors such as the dimensional configuration of the bag
and the intended
application of the user.
Each storage bag 4000 contains at least one perforated segment 4492 that
traverses the width of bag 4000. Perforations 4492 take the form of a number
of at least
partial punctures through front layer 4430 and the back layer, but can be any
other similar
mechanism that provides a suitable degree of bond strength between binding
4470 and
bag 4000 and yet allows bag 400 to be conveniently separated from binding
4470.
Bag portion 4450 includes a seal 4455, such as a cold seal, positioned
below perforated segment 4492. Seal 4455 is positioned near first edge 4452 on
the
inside portions of the front and back layers that preferably forms a liquid
tight seal even
in the presence of moisture. Bag 4000 is preferably configured for liquid
storage, but can
also store solid objects or powdered substances.
In addition, bag 4000 in a preferred configuration contains at least one
protection cuff 4454 positioned below seal 4455. Cuff 4454 includes an opening
4457
which serves to define a handle in cuff 4454. In this manner, after the bag
has been
sealed opening 4457 may be grasped either by hand or by an instrument as a way
of
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lifting, for example, lifting the bag out of boiling water or carrying the
bag. Alternatively,
cuff 4454 can include configurations such as those described previously for
the bags 1000
and 2000.
While the invention has been particularly shown and described with
reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in
the art that
various modifications in form and detail may be made therein without departing
from the
scope or spirit of the invention. Accordingly, modifications, such as those
suggested
above, but not limited thereto are to be considered within the scope of the
presently
disclosed storage bag rack system.
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