ZIPLOADER

Abstract

The disclosed principles provide for a novel flexible bag support structure. An exemplary support structure comprises a support body having a sidewall comprised of a plurality of connected flat panels separated by a folds or other means of connection formed along the lengthwise sides/edges between the flat panels. The creases for each of the plurality of lengthwise folds may be non-parallel and are each diverging from a bottom edge of the sidewall to a top edge of the sidewall. Such an exemplary support body further includes a securing mechanism disposed on a first lateral edge of a beginning flat panel configured to secure the first lateral edge of the beginning flat panel to a second lateral edge of an end flat panel, opposite the first lateral edge, when the sidewall is unfolded and the respective two lateral edges of the beginning and end flat panels are brought together.

Claims

1. A foldable support structure, comprising: a body comprising a plurality of connected elongated flat panels, each panel having a pair of widthwise sides and a pair of coextensive lengthwise sides, wherein: the plurality of flat panels comprises a beginning panel, an end panel, and a plurality of middle panels connected therebetween along corresponding lengthwise sides; the beginning panel is connected to a first of the plurality of middle panels along a first lengthwise side of the beginning panel and a first lengthwise side of the first middle panel; the end panel is connected to a last of the plurality of middle panels along a first lengthwise side of the end panel and second lengthwise side of the last middle panel; and each middle panel is connected to two adjacent panels respectively along each middle panel's lengthwise sides; a first securing mechanism located proximate an unconnected lengthwise side of the beginning panel, and a second securing mechanism located proximate an unconnected lengthwise side of the end panel complementary to the first securing mechanism, the first and second securing mechanisms configured to removably connect the beginning flat panel to the end flat panel along each's unconnected lengthwise side; wherein the first securing mechanism comprises a tab extending from the unconnected lengthwise side of the beginning panel, and the second securing mechanism comprises a receiving slot formed within the unconnected lengthwise side of the end panel, wherein a width of the tab is larger than a width of the slot such that the slot securely receives the tab therein to removably connect the beginning flat panel to the end flat panel; a base opening defined by proximate widthwise sides of the plurality of flat panels when the first securing mechanism is connected to the second securing mechanism; and a top opening defined by distal widthwise sides of the plurality of flat panels when the first securing mechanism is connected to the second securing mechanism.

2. The foldable support structure of claim 1, wherein the body is foldable along each flat panel's connected lengthwise sides such that the flat panels lie stacked and parallel when the first securing mechanism is not connected to the second securing mechanism.

3. (canceled)

4. (canceled)

5. The foldable support structure of claim 1, wherein the first securing mechanism further comprises an adhesive placed along the unconnected lengthwise side of the beginning panel, and the second securing mechanism comprises an adhesive landing area located along the unconnected lengthwise side of the end panel, the adhesive configured to further securely adhere to the landing area to removably connect the beginning flat panel to the end flat panel.

6. The foldable support structure of claim 1, wherein each pair of lengthwise sides of each flat panel are parallel, whereby the top opening is equal to the base opening, and whereby when the beginning flat panel is connected to the end flat panel the body comprises a cylindrical prism where the plurality of flat panels comprise the faces of the prism.

7. The foldable support structure of claim 6, wherein each of the flat panels comprises a rectangular shape.

8. The foldable support structure of claim 1, wherein each pair of lengthwise sides of each flat panel are non-parallel and converging toward the base opening, whereby the top opening is larger than the base opening when the first securing mechanism is connected to the second securing mechanism, and whereby when the beginning flat panel is connected to the end flat panel the body comprises a truncated conical prism where the plurality of flat panels comprise the faces of the prism.

9. The foldable support structure of claim 8, wherein each of the flat panels comprises a trapezoid shape.

10. The foldable support structure of claim 1, wherein each of the flat panels is formed of a single piece of coated paper, and wherein connections between flat panels are provided by folds in the coated paper between adjacent flat panels.

11. The foldable support structure of claim 1, wherein each of the flat panels is formed of a single piece of cardboard, and wherein connections between flat panels are provided by folds in the cardboard between adjacent flat panels.

12. The foldable support structure of claim 1, wherein each of the flat panels is formed of metal, and wherein connections between flat panels are provided by hinges.

13. The foldable support structure of claim 1, further comprising an adhesive located proximate the distal widthwise sides of the plurality of flat panels on an exterior surface of the flat panels, wherein the adhesive is configured to assist securing a top of a flexible bag around said widthwise sides when a body of said bag is located through the top opening.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangement of parts, or may be illustrated in method or process diagrams, embodiments of which will be described in detail in this specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and wherein:

[0009] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of an unassembled support structure designed and constructed in accordance with the disclosed principles;

[0010] FIG. 2 illustrates the support structure of FIG. 1 in an assembled state;

[0011] FIG. 2A illustrates an alternative embodiment of a support structure in accordance with the disclosed related to the embodiment of FIG. 2;

[0012] FIG. 3 illustrates another embodiment of a support structure designed and constructed in accordance with the disclosed principles;

[0013] FIG. 4 illustrates the support structure of FIG. 3 in an assembled state; and

[0014] FIG. 5 illustrates a photo of one embodiment of a support structure in accordance with the disclosed principles in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] Referring initially to FIG. 1, illustrated is one embodiment of a support structure 100 designed and constructed in accordance with the disclosed principles. The support structure 100 includes a plurality of flat panels 110 forming a body of the structure, each divided from one another with a crease 120 along each panel's lengthwise side except the beginning and end flat panels, which are only connected to a respective middle flat panel along their interior lengthwise sides. The interconnection of the flat panels 110 together form the sidewall of the support structure 100. In the illustrated unfolded and unassembled state, the flat panels 110 each comprise substantially the same trapezoidal shape (i.e., the two lengthwise sides of each flat panel are non-parallel and converge toward the base of the structure) when viewed from above, where the short side of the trapezoid-shaped panel is at the base end of the support structure 100, and the long side of the trapezoid is at the top end of support structure 100. As discussed further below, the panels 110 may take other shapes, which in turn results in the assembled support structure taken a different shape than that illustrated in FIG. 1. Also, in this illustrated embodiment, the support structure 100 includes ten flat panels 110, but any number of flat panels from at least three to any maximum number is possible with a support structure 100 according to the disclosed principles.

[0016] Also in this embodiment on a first lateral edge of the sidewall of the support structure 100 is a first securing mechanism or first portion of a securing mechanism 130. More specifically, in this embodiment, the securing mechanism 130 is a securing tab 130 laterally extending from the first/exterior lateral edge or lengthwise side of the beginning flat panel of the sidewall. The securing tab 130 is sized and shaped to fit within, and thus be received by, a securing slot 140 formed on the second/exterior lateral edge or lengthwise side of the end flat panel on the sidewall located opposed to the first lateral edge. The securing tab 130 may be secured within the securing slot 140 in any of a number of ways. In some embodiments, the securing tab 130 is sized slightly larger than the securing slot 140 such that it is received snuggly therein. In other embodiments, the securing tab 130 includes notches or lateral tabs (not illustrated) such that the notches or tabs engage ends of the securing slot 140 to hold the securing tab 130 therein. In still other embodiments, the securing tab 130 may be sized larger than the securing slot 140 such that lateral sides of the securing tab 130 are folded so that the securing tab 130 can be received within the securing slot 140, where thereafter the folded lateral sides are then unfolded to secure the securing tab 130 within the securing slot 140. In yet other embodiments, the securing tab 130 may include an adhesive or Velcro that secures the securing tab 130 against the flat panel 110 having the securing slot 140 once the securing tab 130 is received within the securing slot 140.

[0017] In other embodiments of the support structure 100, the first lateral edge or exterior or lengthwise side of the beginning or end flat panels of the sidewall may alternatively include a different type of securing mechanism. Specifically, some embodiments may include an adhesive 150 disposed along the first lateral edge. Such adhesive 150 may include a waxed strip over it that is removed during use of the support structure 100 so that the adhesive 150 will not inadvertently stick to its adjacent flat panel 110 when the support structure 100 is folded up in the manner described above. When ready to use the support structure 100, once unfolded the waxed strip may be removed from the adhesive 150. The adhesive 150 may then be adhered to an adhesive receiving pad or landing area on the second lateral edge on the opposite end of the sidewall. Moreover, the adhesive 150, as well as the material for the flat panels 110, may be selected such that the adhesive is removable and re-adherable to the second lateral end each time the support structure 100 is unfolded and the lateral edges joined, and then folded back up for use at a later time. Such reuse is also possible for embodiments of the support structure 100 employing the securing tab 130 and securing slot 140, as the securing tab 130 is inserted into and removed from the securing slot 140 as needed for repeated use and storing of the support structure 100. Other types of securing mechanisms may also be used, such as hook-and-loop and other selected fastener systems that may be secured and released, as needed. In some embodiments, a plastic bag (e.g., food storage bag material) could slip over the food storage bag holder/support structure 100 to keep it together when filling, and then be removed for easy storage inside the bag box (and/or that bag could also be used to transport the bag holder/support structure inside the storage bag box.

[0018] Turning now to FIG. 2, illustrated is one embodiment of an assembled support structure 200 in accordance with the disclosed principles. This embodiment of a support structure 200 as disclosed herein resembles, when viewed from the side or profile, a truncated decagonal (slight) pyramid and/or octagonal (or rounded) shape, where the base having a base opening 210 of the support structure 200 is an open frustrum that truncates the decagonal pyramid/prism shape when viewed from the side. On the opposite end of the support structure 200 is the top having a top opening 220, which is also provided as an open or hollow end.

[0019] In use, the support structure 200 is placed with its base 210 on a flat surface, such as a kitchen counter (not illustrated), with the top, open end of the support structure 200 facing upward. Then, a flexible bag having an opening with a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the top 220 of the support structure 200 may be placed on and into the support structure 200. Specifically, the edges of the bag defining the bag's opening could then be folded downward around the outer edges of the top of the support structure 200, while the remainder of the bag is placed through the support structure 200 until the bottom of the bag approaches the base 210. As such, the support structure 200 provides a solid structural support for the flexible bag, which would otherwise primarily or completely collapse if it where attempted to be held open on a countertop on its own.

[0020] Moreover, the length (or height) of the support structure 200 may be selected such that the bottom of the bag held by the support structure 200 passes through the base opening 210 and contacts the surface on which the support structure 200 is placed. In such embodiments, it is advantageous that the base diameter/opening of the support structure 200 not be too large (as compared to the width of the bottom of the bag being held) so as not to pull the top of the bag down inside the support structure 200 as the bag is filled, which could result in leakage of the bag's contents. Alternatively, the length or height of the support structure 200 may be selected such that the bag it supports, once placed within the top opening, is suspended within the support structure 200 without the bottom of the bag touching the surface on which the support structure 200 is placed. In such embodiments, a sticky, adhesive, or gummy material may be placed on the top, outer edge (comprising the shorter widthwise sides of the flat panels 110) of the support structure 200 to provide grip on the top edge of the bag being held, where the body of the flexible nag is located within the top opening, so that the top edge of the bag does not slip off of the top edge of the support structure 200 while being filled. Also, while the embodiment of the support structure 200 is illustrated in FIG. 2 with the top opening 220 substantially larger than the bottom opening 210, in other embodiments the diameters of the top and bottom openings could be much more similar in size such that the top of the support structure is only slightly larger than the bottom (see FIG. 2A), or vice versa.

[0021] FIG. 2A illustrates an alternative embodiment of a support structure 200A in accordance with the disclosed related to the embodiment of FIG. 2. The support structure 200A again is comprised of flat panels 110A joined by folds or creases 120A such that the support structure 200A may be folded panel over panel into a compact, flat structure that may be stored in the same box as the flexible storage bags the support structure 200A holds. This embodiment of a support structure 200A is similar to the embodiment 200 illustrated in FIG. 2 in that when viewed from the side or profile it still resembles a truncated pyramidal or rounded shape, where the base 210A of the support structure 200A is an open frustrum that truncates the pyramid/rounded shape when viewed from the side. On the opposite end of the support structure 200A is the top 220A, which is also provided as an open or hollow end. However, this embodiment of the support structure 200A differs from the embodiment 200 of FIG. 2 in that the diameters of the base 210A and top 220A are much closer in diameter/size. This results in a support structure 200A that presents a far more upright or straight profile when viewed from the side as compared to the embodiment 200 of FIG. 2.

[0022] In use, the support structure 200A functions similarly as the embodiment 200 of FIG. 2 in that it is placed with its base 210A on a flat surface (not illustrated) with the top end 220A of the support structure 200A facing upward. Then, a flexible bag having an opening with a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the top 220A of the support structure 200A may be placed on and into the support structure 200A. Specifically, the edges of the bag defining the bag's opening could then be folded downward around the outer edges of the top of the support structure 200A, while the remainder of the bag is placed through the interior of the support structure 200A until the bottom of the bag approaches the base 210A. As such, the support structure 200A provides a solid structural support for the flexible bag, which would otherwise primarily or completely collapse if it where attempted to be held open on a countertop on its own.

[0023] Moreover, as with other embodiments disclosed herein, the length (or height) of this embodiment of the support structure 200A may be selected such that the bottom of the bag held by the support structure 200A passes through the base 210A and contacts the surface on which the support structure 200A is placed. In such embodiments, it is advantageous that the base diameter/opening of the support structure 200A not be too large (as compared to the width of the bottom of the bag being held) so as not to pull the top of the bag down inside the support structure 200A as the bag is filled, which could result in leakage of the bag's contents. Alternatively, the length or height of the support structure 200A may be selected such that the bag it supports is suspended within the support structure 200A without the bottom of the bag touching the surface on which the support structure 200A is placed. A sticky, adhesive, or gummy material may again be optionally included around the top, outer edge of the support structure 200A to provide grip on the top edge of the bag being held so that it does not slip off of the top edge while being filled.

[0024] Looking now at FIG. 3, illustrated is another embodiment of a support structure 300 designed and constructed in accordance with the disclosed principles, and shown in an unassembled state. The support structure 300 again includes a plurality of flat panels 310, each divided from one another with a crease 320, which together form the sidewall of the support structure 300. In this particular embodiment, the unfolded and unassembled flat panels 310 each comprise substantially the same rectangular shape when viewed from above, where the short sides of the rectangular-shaped panels are at the top and bottom or base end of the support structure 300. As mentioned above, the panels 310 may take other shapes, which in turn results in the assembled support structure taking a different shape than that illustrated in FIG. 3. Also, in this illustrated embodiment, the support structure 300 includes six flat panels 310, giving the structure 300 a hexagonal prism shape, but any number of flat panels from at least three to any maximum number is possible with a support structure 300 according to the disclosed principles.

[0025] Also in this embodiment on a first lateral edge of the sidewall of the support structure 300 is a securing mechanism 330. More specifically, in this embodiment, the securing mechanism 330 is again a securing tab 330 laterally extending from the first lateral edge of the sidewall. The securing tab 330 is sized and shaped to fit within, and thus be received by a securing slot 340 formed on the second lateral edge of the sidewall located opposed to the first lateral edge. As discussed above with reference to FIG. 1, such a securing tab 330 may be secured within the securing slot 340 in any of a number of ways. In other embodiments of the support structure 300, the first lateral edge of the sidewall may alternatively include an adhesive (not illustrated) disposed along the first lateral edge. When ready to assemble the support structure 300, the adhesive may then be adhered to the second lateral edge on the opposite end of the sidewall. Other types of securing mechanisms may also be used, such as hook-and-loop and other selected fastener systems that may be secured and released, as needed. In some embodiments, the food storage bag to be supported by the support structure 300 could slip over the support structure 300 to keep it together when filling to bag.

[0026] Referring now to FIG. 4, illustrated is the embodiment of the support structure 300 in FIG. 3 in an assembled state. This embodiment of a support structure 200 as disclosed herein resembles, when viewed from the side or profile, a substantially cylindrical shape (e.g., a hexagonal cylindrical prism) where the flat panels 310 define the circumference of the structure 300. Thus, the base 410 of the support structure 300 is an open at the base don the hexagonal cylinder when viewed from the side, and on the opposite end of the support structure 300 is the top 420, which is also provided as an open or hollow end.

[0027] As described in detail above, in use the support structure 300 is placed with its base 410 on a flat surface with the top, open end 420 facing upward. Then, a flexible bag having an opening with a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the top 420 of the support structure 300 is placed on and into the support structure 300. As before, the edges of the bag defining the bag's opening could then be folded downward around the outer edges of the top of the support structure 300, while the remainder of the bag is placed through the support structure 300 until the bottom of the bag approaches the base 410.

[0028] Moreover, the length (or height) of the support structure 300 may be selected such that the bottom of the bag held by the support structure 300 passes through the base 410 and contacts the surface on which the support structure 300 is placed. As mentioned above, it is advantageous that the base diameter/opening of the support structure 300 not be too large (as compared to the width of the bottom of the bag being held) so as not to pull the top of the bag down inside the support structure 300 as the bag is filled, which could result in leakage of the bag's contents. Alternatively, as before, the length or height of the support structure 300 may be selected such that the bag it supports is suspended within the support structure 300 without the bottom of the bag touching the surface on which the support structure 300 is placed.

[0029] Turning finally to FIG. 5, illustrated is a photo 500 of one embodiment of a support structure 510 in accordance with the disclosed principles in use. As shown in the photo 500, this embodiment of the support structure 510 is provided as a slightly truncated octagonal conical pyramid/prism, and is shown sitting on a countertop for use. This is the case as the support structure 510 comprises eight flat panels 520, each separated by a crease 530. Additionally, this embodiment of the support structure 510 includes an adhesive strip (not visible) used to join a first lateral edge 540 of the sidewall structure to a second, opposing lateral edge 550. As mentioned above, the adhesive for the adhesive strip or others mentioned above may be selected such that first and second lateral edges can be separated and re-adhered multiple times. Such an embodiment permits repeated assembly and disassembly/storage of the support structure 510 for a number of distinct uses. Of course, also as mentioned above, different fastening mechanisms to assemble the support structure 510 may instead be used.

[0030] Shown disposed within the top opening of the support structure 510 is a flexible plastic food storage bag 560. In this case, the storage bag 560 is one having a resealable zip closing mechanism formed at its open side. The storage bag 560 includes an opening that is slightly larger that then diameter of the top of the support structure 510. As such, the storage bag 560 may be disposed within the support structure 510, with the portion of the storage bag 560 proximate its opening folded over the sidewall portion at the top of the support structure 510. Once disposed in the position on and within the support structure 510, a user may then easily fill the interior of the storage bag 560 without need to hold the storage bag open and in place. Once the storage bag is filled the desired amount, the user may then unfold the top region of the storage bag 560 off of the top of the support structure 510, and thereafter close the storage bag 560 to prevent leakage of the contents.

[0031] The amount of the storage bag 560 folded over the top of the sidewall may be determined by a user pushing the base of the storage bag 560 down all the way through the support structure 510 such that it rests on the countertop. Accordingly, the size of the top opening of the support structure 510, as well as its height, may be selected based on the dimensions of the storage bag to be used and supported by the particular support structure 510. In such embodiments, a support structure 510 can be folded up and provided within each box of storage bags 560 to be sold to consumers. Conversely, the size of the storage bag 560 purchased or otherwise used by the user may be selected based on the diameter of the top opening of the support structure 510, as well as its height. In such embodiments, a support structure 510 may be sold separately and selected from among a variety of sizes by a consumer purchasing a particular size of storage bags.

[0032] The material used for the composition of the flat panels 520 of a support structure 510 in accordance with the disclosed principles can be selected from any of a number of advantageous materials. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, the flat panels 520 are comprised of waxed or plastic coated paper. In other embodiments, the flat panels 520 may be comprised of cardboard, posterboard, or unwaxed paper, so long at the flat panels 520 are sufficiently rigid to provide the desired support of the storage bag 560 while it is being filled. Moreover, using light posterboard paper as the primary material for the support structure 510, manufacturing costs can be kept low. Such embodiments would permit inclusion of a paper-based support structure 510 with each box of storage bags 560 sold at minimal cost, but providing users immense utility when filling the storage bags 560. In some embodiments, the flat panels 520 may be constructed of light plastic, metal or other similar rigid material. While such materials are typically more costly than paper-based material, embodiments of support structures 510 employing such materials may be sold separately as a household utensil for long term use with many storage bags or similarly structured items that may be held open by a support structure as disclosed herein.

[0033] While this disclosure has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the pertinent field art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this disclosure includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto, as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the disclosure unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

[0034] Also, while various embodiments in accordance with the principles disclosed herein have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Thus, the breadth and scope of this disclosure should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with any claims and their equivalents issuing from this disclosure. Furthermore, the above advantages and features are provided in described embodiments, but shall not limit the application of such issued claims to processes and structures accomplishing any or all of the above advantages.

[0035] Additionally, the section headings herein are provided for consistency with the suggestions under 37 C.F.R. 1.77 or otherwise to provide organizational cues. These headings shall not limit or characterize the invention(s) set out in any claims that may issue from this disclosure. Specifically, and by way of example, although the headings refer to a Technical Field, the claims should not be limited by the language chosen under this heading to describe the so-called field. Further, a description of a technology as background information is not to be construed as an admission that certain technology is prior art to any embodiment(s) in this disclosure. Neither is the Summary to be considered as a characterization of the embodiment(s) set forth in issued claims. Furthermore, any reference in this disclosure to invention in the singular should not be used to argue that there is only a single point of novelty in this disclosure. Multiple embodiments may be set forth according to the limitations of the multiple claims issuing from this disclosure, and such claims accordingly define the embodiment(s), and their equivalents, that are protected thereby. In all instances, the scope of such claims shall be considered on their own merits in light of this disclosure, but should not be constrained by the headings set forth herein.

[0036] Moreover, the Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b), requiring an abstract that will allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features are grouped together in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment.