Multi-Functional Ergonomic Clip for Sealing and Storing a Bag

Abstract

This invention pertains to an innovative clip designed for securely sealing bags, addressing the need for improved functionality and user convenience in closure devices. The clip features a flat main body with a C-shaped profile. A locking element with ratchet teeth is designed for adjustable and secure engagement, complemented by a release button for ease of operation. Optional features include an opening in the movable element for attachment purposes, an oval profile for ergonomic handling, a variety of suitable materials for diverse environments, and additional elements for organizing and date recording. This invention offers a versatile and effective solution for sealing various types of bags in both domestic and commercial applications.

Claims

1. A clip for sealing a bag, comprising: a flat main body with a C-shaped profile forming a gap between a first end and a second end, a first edge at least partially spanning the gap on the main body; a moveable element coupled to the first end of the main body via a joint, the moveable element having a second edge designed to engage with the first edge when positioned within the gap; a locking element located at the second end of the main body, comprising a set of ratchet teeth oriented to engage with a corresponding set of ratchet teeth on the moveable element for locking the moveable element in place within the gap; and a release mechanism operatively connected to or integrated with the locking element to disengage the ratchet teeth, thereby allowing movement of the moveable element.

2. The clip of claim 1, wherein the moveable element comprises an opening in its center, facilitating the attachment of the clip to an external anchor.

3. The clip of claim 1, wherein the moveable element and the main body together form an oval profile, allowing a user to apply pressure using the full strength of their hand for closing the clip using a natural C-shaped grip.

4. The clip of claim 1, wherein the clip is composed of a material suitable for use in fridge and freezer environments.

5. The clip of claim 4, wherein the clip is made from a material selected from the group consisting borosilicate of plastic, silicone, stainless steel, glass, PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene), PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone), PPS (Polyphenylene Sulfide), and vitreous enamel coated steel, to enable its use in both oven and freezer environments.

6. The clip of claim 1, wherein the locking element is an L-shaped lever type latch element that is housed within the main body.

7. The clip of claim 1, wherein the locking element is a straight lever type latch element that is housed within the main body, and which is formed of a flexible material.

8. The clip of claim 1, wherein the main body comprises one or more magnets, enabling multiple clips to be magnetically attracted to each other and stacked along their flat edges for organized storage.

9. The clip of claim 1, wherein the clip is available in various sizes and dimension ratios to accommodate different bag sizes and types.

10. The clip of claim 1, wherein a surface of the main body includes a configurable date recording device for marking significant dates related to the usage of the clip.

11. The clip of claim 10, wherein the date recording device is one of: a rotating dial or a slideable marker.

12. The clip of claim 1, wherein the gap between the first end and the second end of the main body is adjustable, allowing the clip to accommodate bags of various thicknesses.

13. The clip of claim 1, wherein the main body and the moveable element include textured surfaces to enhance grip and ease of operation, particularly in wet conditions or with slippery hands.

14. The clip of claim 1, wherein the first edge and the second edge are toothed.

15. The clip of claim 1, wherein the joint is a hinged joint.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Various embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.

[0012] FIG. 1A presents a first isometric view of the clip (100) in a closed position. The main body (102) is illustrated as transparent to reveal the inner mechanisms. The moveable element (104) is coupled to the main body via a hinged connection (108), with the toothed edges (110) of both the moveable element and the main body engaged.

[0013] FIG. 1B illustrates the same clip in an altered state, with the button (114) pushed down, disengaging the ratcheted edge of the locking element (106) from the moveable element (104). The moveable element is moved upwards, creating a gap between the toothed edges (110) for insertion of an item.

[0014] FIG. 2A shows the clip in a realistic, closed position with the main body depicted in an opaque manner.

[0015] FIG. 2B depicts the clip in a partially open position, with an open bag end (200) being introduced between the toothed edges (110) as the ratcheted edges (112) are brought together.

[0016] FIG. 2C demonstrates the clip in a fully operational state, with the toothed edges (110) fully clamping down on the open bag end (200), showcasing the clip in its ultimate sealing position.

[0017] Common reference numerals are used throughout the figures and the detailed description to indicate like elements. One skilled in the art will readily recognize that the above figures are examples and that other architectures, modes of operation, orders of operation, and elements/functions can be provided and implemented without departing from the characteristics and features of the invention, as set forth in the claims.

Detailed Description and Preferred Embodiment

[0018] The present invention relates to a bag sealing clip, as detailed in the claims and throughout this description. The invention is described with specificity to fulfill statutory requirements; however, the scope of the invention should not be limited by the embodiments presented herein. Variations and modifications to these embodiments, which would be obvious to those skilled in the art, are to be considered within the scope and spirit of the invention. Reference numerals used in this application are provided for convenience and illustration and should not be construed as limiting the invention in any way.

Definitions

[0019] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention.

[0020] As used herein, the term and/or includes any combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0021] As used herein, the singular forms a, an, and the are intended to include the plural forms as well as the singular forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0022] It will be further understood that the terms comprises and/or comprising, when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

[0023] The terms first, second, and the like are used herein to describe various features or elements, but these features or elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one feature or element from another feature or element. Thus, a first feature or element discussed below could be termed a second feature or element, and similarly, a second feature or element discussed below could be termed a first feature or element without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0024] The term Clip is used in a broad sense, referring to a device designed for securing the open ends of bags, and includes all variations and embodiments as described.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0025] The present disclosure relates to a bag sealing clip designed for efficiently securing the open ends of bags. This clip is characterized by a unique structural design and functional features aimed at enhancing the ease and effectiveness of use in various applications, ranging from domestic settings to commercial environments. The clip comprises a flat main body exhibiting a C-shaped profile. This profile is essential to the clip's function, creating a gap between a first end and a second end of the main body, into which the open end of a bag can be inserted for sealing.

[0026] Integral to the clip's design is a moveable element. This element is coupled to the first end of the main body by a hinged joint, allowing for pivotal motion. The moveable element is equipped with a second toothed edge, designed to engage with a corresponding first toothed edge that at least partially spans the gap on the main body. This engagement ensures a firm grasp on the inserted bag. Another component of the invention is a locking element, located at the second end of the main body. The locking element includes a set of ratchet teeth. These teeth are oriented to interact with a corresponding set of ratchet teeth on the moveable element. This interaction locks the moveable element in place within the gap, thereby securing the bag. The clip also includes a release mechanism, which is operatively connected to or integrated with the locking element. The purpose of this mechanism is to disengage the ratchet teeth, allowing for the controlled movement of the moveable element and the subsequent release of the bag.

[0027] Referring to FIG. 1A, a first isometric view is presented of an example clip (100) according to the invention, depicted in a closed position. The clip comprises a main body (102), illustrated as transparent in this figure to reveal the inner mechanisms, and a moveable element (104). These two components are interconnected via a hinged connection (108), facilitating the pivotal movement of the moveable element relative to the main body.

[0028] In this closed position, the toothed edges (110) of both the moveable element (104) and the main body (102) are engaged with each other, providing a secure grip.

[0029] Additionally, the moveable element (104) is engaged with a locking element (106) through ratcheted edges (112). The locking mechanism maintains the clip in its closed position, ensuring that the contents secured by the clip remain tightly held. Protruding from the main body (102) is a button (114) belonging to the locking element (106). This button allows for the disengagement of the ratcheted edges (112), thereby enabling the opening of the clip.

[0030] A notable feature of this clip is the large opening (116) incorporated into the moveable element (104). This opening is designed to allow the clip to be hooked onto various anchors as per the user's need, enhancing the versatility and practicality of the clip in various usage scenarios.

[0031] FIG. 1B illustrates the same clip as in FIG. 1A, but in an open state, showcasing the clip (100) with the button (114) being actuated, as indicated by an arrow. This action results in the downward movement of button (114), leading to the disengagement of the ratcheted edge of the locking element (106) from the ratchets (112) of the moveable element (104). The disengagement is a key function that enables the opening of the clip.

[0032] With the locking mechanism disengaged, the moveable element (104) is now free to move. This freedom of movement is depicted in FIG. 1B as the moveable element (104) being positioned upwards, away from the main body (102). This upward movement creates a gap between the toothed edges (110) of the moveable element and the main body. The gap allows for the insertion of an item, such as the open end of a bag, between the toothed edges (110).

[0033] Now referring to FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C, which collectively illustrate the clip (100) in different operational states, with the main body no longer depicted in a transparent manner as in the previous figures. These figures provide a clearer view of the clip's external appearance during use.

[0034] In FIG. 2A, the clip is shown in a closed position. Unlike the earlier figures, the main body is opaque, offering a realistic view of how the clip appears when it is not in use. The toothed edges (110) of the main body and the moveable element are in a closed, engaged position.

[0035] Moving to FIG. 2B, the clip is displayed in a partially open position. An open bag end (200) is being introduced between the toothed edges (110). The ratcheted edges (112) of the locking mechanism are depicted in the process of being brought together.

[0036] Finally, FIG. 2C shows the clip in a fully operational state, where the toothed edges (110) are clamping down and sealing the open bag end (200). The ratcheted edge (112) of the moveable element is brought down to its furthest extent, indicating that the bag end is fully secured within the clip, and thus sealed closed between the toothed edges (110).

CONCLUSION

[0037] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0038] The disclosed embodiments are illustrative, not restrictive. While specific configurations of the proposed clip have been described in a specific manner referring to the illustrated embodiments, it is understood that the present invention can be applied to a wide variety of solutions which fit within the scope and spirit of the claims. There are many alternative ways of implementing the invention.

[0039] It is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention herein described are merely illustrative of the application of the principles of the invention. Reference herein to details of the illustrated embodiments is not intended to limit the scope of the claims, which themselves recite those features regarded as essential to the invention.