BAG CLOSING DEVICE

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a device for closing bags and more particularly to a device that allows a user to sufficiently close a bag without the need for tying a knot.

BACKGROUND

Bags are utilized in many different facets of everyday life. Bags are utilized, for example, to transport groceries from the store to the home, to dispose of trash, to temporarily store items, or to prevent items from being exposed to the elements. For example, a household may go through several trash bags a week. Typically, bags, especially plastic bags, are closed with a simple knot using either a drawstring mechanism that pulls the knot tight, by tying the top edges of the bag into a knot, or by tying handles on the bag into a knot.

However, utilizing these components of the bag may not sufficiently close the bag. For example, the knot may come undone, the drawstrings may break while the user is attempting to tie a knot or from the weight of the items within the bag, and the edges or handles of the bag may rip while the user is attempting to tie a knot. Any of these issues, may cause the bag to be insufficiently closed and may cause the contents of the bag to not be fully secured such that the contents may fall out of the bag.

In addition, for those observing the Sabbath (or Shabbat), a weekly observance in Judaism, tying a knot is not a permissible method of closing a bag. During Shabbat, those of the Jewish faith refrain from a number of activities considered work. There are thirty-nine categories of prohibited work—known as the melachot—during Shabbat. One of these thirty-nine categories prohibits the tying of any permanent knot. While loose, temporary knots may be permitted, these knots may not be sufficient to close a bag. Further, use of a loose, temporary knot may permit leakage or odors from a bag being used for garbage.

Accordingly, there is a need for a device that sufficiently closes a bag without the tying of a knot. There is also a need for a device which allows those of the Jewish faith to adequately close bags, especially garbage bags, during Shabbat.

The subject matter claimed in the present disclosure is not limited to embodiments that solve any disadvantages or that operate only in environments such as those described above. Rather, this background is only provided to illustrate one example technology area where some embodiments described in the present disclosure may be practiced.

SUMMARY

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential characteristics of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure address problems associated with closing a bag including problems with closing a bag without having to tie a knot. Embodiments disclosed herein address these issues by providing a bag closing device. In one embodiment, the bag closing device includes an upper surface, a lower surface opposite the upper surface, and a peripheral surface between the upper surface and the lower surface where the peripheral surface defines a first opening and a second opening. The first and the second opening are each configured to receive a portion of the bag. For example, an upper portion of a trash bag (the open end) may be twisted together, placed within the first opening and placed within the second opening. In embodiments, a first set of protrusions extend into the first opening, and a second set of protrusions extend into the second opening. The sets of protrusions are configured such that a portion of the bag is retained within the opening through the assistance of the protrusions. For example, an upper portion of the trash bag (the open end) may be twisted together, placed within the first opening and placed within the second opening and the sets of protrusions may retain the trash bag within the opening, thus keeping the trash container closed.

In embodiments, the peripheral surface of the bag closing device defines a third opening with a third set of protrusions extending into the third opening, configured to retain a portion of the bag. In alternate embodiments, the peripheral surface defines one or more of a fourth or fifth opening each with its own respective set of protrusions. In embodiments, one or more of the sets of protrusions extend from the peripheral surface into the respective opening.

In embodiments, the peripheral surface incudes one or more recesses, which can be used to aid lifting of the bag when the bag closing device is in use. In embodiments, either a handle or a tether can be connected to the upper surface to aid in the lifting of the bag when the device is in use.

In embodiments, one or more of the openings is primarily circular (i.e., more than semi-circular in shape, but not completely circular because of an opening to facilitate use as a bag closing device). In embodiments, each protrusion of the first set of protrusions extends a different distance into the first opening and each protrusion of the second set of protrusion extends a different distance into the second opening.

In embodiments, one or more of the sets of protrusions includes at least four protrusions. In embodiments, one or more of the protrusions are variably spaced within the respective opening. In embodiments, one or more of the protrusions are equally spaced within the respective opening.

In embodiments, one or more of the sets of protrusions include teeth. In embodiments, one or more of the sets of the protrusions include hooks.

In embodiments, the first opening is on one side of the bag closing device and the second opening is on an opposite side of the bag closing device. In embodiments, the first opening and the second opening are on one side of the bag closing device.

Thus, the embodiments disclosed may address problems associated with tying a bag and keeping a bag closed by allowing the bag to be fed through the openings and retained in the openings by the sets of protrusions of the bag closing device.

The object and advantages of the embodiments will be realized and achieved at least by the elements, features, and combinations particularly pointed out in the claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with reference to the accompanying figures wherein:

FIG. 1A illustrates a top view of an example bag closing device.

FIG. 1B illustrates a perspective view of the example bag closing device of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example environment showing a use of the example bag closing device of FIGS. 1A-1B.

FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of another example bag closing device.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of another example bag closing device.

FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of another example bag closing device.

FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of another example bag closing device.

FIG. 7A illustrates a top view of another example bag closing device.

FIG. 7B illustrates a perspective view of the example bag closing device of FIG. 7A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present disclosure are explained with reference to the accompanying figures. It is to be understood that the figures are diagrammatic and schematic representations of such example embodiments, and are not limiting, nor are they necessarily drawn to scale. In the figures, features with like numbers indicate like structure and function unless described otherwise.

FIGS. 1A and 1B respectively illustrate an example a top view and a perspective view of a bag closing device 100. The bag closing device 100 may include an upper surface 110, a lower surface (not shown) opposite the upper surface 110, and a peripheral surface 150 between the upper surface 110 and the lower surface. The peripheral surface 150 may define a first opening 120, a second opening 130, and a third opening 140. The bag closing device 100 may include a first set of protrusions 122 extending into the first opening 120, a second set of protrusions 132 extending into the second opening 130, and a third set of protrusions extending into the third opening 140.

In some embodiments, the first opening 120, the second opening 130, and the third opening 140 may be configured to receive a bag. In some embodiments, the first set of protrusions 122 may be configured to retain the bag within the first opening 120, the second set of protrusions 132 may be configured to retain the bag within the second opening 130, and the third set of protrusions 142 may be configured to retain the bag within the third opening 140. The protrusions may grip the bag such that the bag may be manipulated, held, and/or lifted by the user utilizing the peripheral surface 150 without the bag falling out of the openings.

For example, an upper portion of a bag (the open end) may be twisted together and the upper portion may be fed into the first opening 120, fed into the second opening 130, and then fed into the third opening 140. The first set of protrusions 122 may retain the bag within the first opening 120, the second set of protrusions 132 may retain the bag within the second opening 130, and the third set of protrusions 142 may retain the bag within the third opening 140. After the bag has been inserted into the first opening 120, the second opening 130, and the third opening 140, the user may lift and carry the bag by grabbing the peripheral surface 150 or the upper portion of the bag. Thus, the bag may be closed and carried without having to tie a knot.

In some embodiments, the peripheral surface 150 may include one or more recesses 152. For example, the peripheral surface 150 may include a first recess 152a, a second recess 152b, and a third recess 152c (generally referred to as recesses 152). The recesses 152 may be configured such that a user may grasp the bag closing device 100 and lift the bag closing device 100 allowing the user to carry the bag by the bag closing device 100 rather than by a portion of the bag. Thus, the peripheral surface 150 and the recesses 152 may prevent the bag from ripping.

In some embodiments, the first opening 120, the second opening 130, and/or the third opening 140 may be primarily circular in shape. In some embodiments, the first opening 120, the second opening 130, and/or the third opening 140 may geometrically shaped. For example, the first opening 120, the second opening 130, and/or the third opening 140 may be primarily triangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, dodecagonal, or any other suitable shape. In some embodiments, and as shown in FIGS. 7A-7B, the first opening 120, the second opening 130, and/or the third opening 140 may have a non-geometric shape. In some embodiments, the first opening 120, the second opening 130, and/or the third opening 140 may have the same shape. In some embodiments (not shown), the first opening 120, the second opening 130, and/or the third opening 140 may have different shapes. In some embodiments, the first opening 120, the second opening 130, and/or the third opening 140 may have symmetric shapes. In some embodiments, the first opening 120, the second opening 130, and/or the third opening 140 may have asymmetric shapes.

In some embodiments, the openings may be spaced apart at equivalent distances. For example, the first opening 120, the second opening 130, and the third opening 140 may be spaced apart at the same distance from one another. In some embodiments (not shown), the openings may be spaced apart at different distances. For example, the first opening 120 and the second opening 130 may be on the same side of the bag closing device 100 and closer to one another than to the third opening 140.

In some embodiments, the first set of protrusions 122, the second set of protrusions 132, and/or the third set of protrusions 142 may extend from the peripheral surface 150 and into the first opening 120, the second opening 130, and the third opening 140, respectively. In some embodiments (not shown), the first set of protrusions 122, the second set of protrusions 132, and/or the third set of protrusions 142 may extend from the upper surface 110 and into the first opening 120, the second opening 130, and the third opening 140, respectively. In some embodiments (not shown), the first set of protrusions 122, the second set of protrusions 132, and/or the third set of protrusions 142 may extend from the lower surface and into the first opening 120, the second opening 130, and the third opening 140, respectively.

In some embodiments, each protrusion of the first set of protrusions 122 may extend towards a center of the first opening 120, each protrusion of the second set of protrusions 132 may extend towards a center of the second opening 130, and/or each protrusion of the third set of protrusions 142 may extend towards a center of the third opening 140. For example, and as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the first opening 120 may be primarily circular and each protrusion of the first set of protrusions 122 may extend towards the center of the circle.

In some embodiments, the first set of protrusions 122, the second set of protrusions 132, and/or the third set of protrusions 142 may include at least two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or any other suitable number of protrusions. For example, as shown in FIG. 1A, the first set of protrusions 122 may include a first protrusion 124a, a second protrusion 124b, a third protrusion 124c, a fourth protrusion 124d, a fifth protrusion 124e, a sixth protrusion 124f, and a seventh protrusion 124g. In some embodiments, the first set of protrusions 122, the second set of protrusions 132, and/or the third set of protrusions 142 may have variable spacing. In some embodiments, the first set of protrusions 122, the second set of protrusions 132, and/or the third set of protrusions 142 may have equivalent spacing. For example, the protrusions 124a-124g may be spaced at equal distances. In some embodiments, the protrusions of the set(s) of protrusions (122, 132, and/or 142) may extend different lengths into the openings. For example, the seventh protrusion 124g may extend further into the opening than the protrusions 124a-124b and 124d-124f. In some embodiments, some protrusions of the set(s) of protrusions (122, 132, and/or 142) may be wider than other protrusions. For example, the fourth protrusion 124e may be wider than the protrusions 124b-124d and 124f-124g. In some embodiments, the protrusions may be curved. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the protrusions 124b-124c and 124f-124g are curved inwardly into the first opening 120. In some embodiments, the protrusions of the set(s) of protrusions (122, 132, and/or 142) may extend downwardly into the openings. Alternatively, the protrusions of the set(s) of protrusions (122, 132, and/or 142) may extend upwardly into the openings.

In some embodiments, the first set of protrusions 122, the second set of protrusions 132, and the third set of protrusions 142 may include teeth, hooks, dies, ridges, lips, spikes, tabs, fins, pegs, or any combination of suitable protrusions. For example, the protrusions 124a-124g may be all teeth, all hooks, or a combination of teeth and hooks. In some embodiments, the protrusions may be dull or blunt such that the bag may not be ripped when placed in the first opening 120, the second opening 130, and/or the third opening 140.

In some embodiments, the bag closing device 100 may be geometrically shaped. For example, the bag closing device 100 may be triangularly shaped. In some embodiments, the bag closing device 100 may be non-geometrically shaped. In some embodiments, and as shown in FIGS. 1A-1B, the center of the first opening 120, the center of the second opening 130, and the center of the third opening 140 may form a geometric shape, such as a portion of a circle. For example, the center of the first opening 120, the center of the second opening 130, and the center of the third opening 140 may form a triangular shape. In some embodiments, the bag closing device 100 may have a conical shape with the upper surface 110 being a base of the conical shape (the circular portion) and the lower surface being the vertex of the conical shape. In these and other embodiments, the user may grasp the peripheral surface 150 and lift the bag closing device 100.

In some embodiments, the bag closing device 100 may be composed, at least in part, from a polymer such as plastic. Additionally or alternatively, the bag closing device 100 may be constructed from wood, metal, rubber, the like, or any other suitable material.

Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the bag closing device 100 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the third opening 140 and/or the third set of protrusions 142 may be omitted. In some embodiments, the bag closing device 100 may also include a fourth set of protrusions extending into a fourth opening, and the fourth opening may be defined by the peripheral surface 150. In some embodiments, the bag closing device 100 may include a fifth set of protrusions extending into a fifth opening, and the fifth opening may be defined by the peripheral surface 150. In some embodiments, the bag closing device 100 may further include a handle connected to the upper surface 110. In these embodiments, the user may grab the handle and lift to move the bag. In some embodiments, the bag closing device 100 may further include a tether connected to the upper surface 110. In these embodiments, the tether may be a rope, a chain, a lanyard, a strap, a cable, a cord, a band, a wire, a sling, or the like.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example environment 200 showing a use of the bag closing device 100 of FIG. 1. The example environment 200 illustrates a bag 210 after the bag 210 has been closed by the bag closing device 100. The bag 210 may include an upper portion 212 and a lower portion 214. In operation, the bag closing device 100 may receive the upper portion 212 of the bag 210 and retain the upper portion 212 of the bag 210 such that a user 220 may lift the bag closing device 100 and simultaneously lift the bag 210.

For example, the upper portion 212 of the bag 210 may be twisted together by holding the upper portion 212 of the bag 210 and spinning the lower portion 214 of the bag 210 such that a compact section is formed between the upper portion 212 and the lower portion 214. The compact section may be fed upwards through the first opening 120, downwards through the second opening 130, and upwards through the third opening 140 leaving the top end of the upper portion 212 above the upper surface 110. The user 220 may then grab the bag closing device 100 by grabbing the peripheral surface 150 of the bag closing device 100. For example, the user 220 may grab the peripheral surface 150 at the recesses 152a-152c, which may accommodate the fingers of the user 220.

The first set of protrusions 122, the second set of protrusions 132, and the third set of protrusions 142 may retain a portion of the bag 210 within the first opening 120, the second opening 130, and the third opening 140 respectively. For example, the first set of protrusions 122 may include teeth which may retain the upper portion 212 of the bag 210 within the first opening 120. The sets of protrusions may prevent the upper portion 212 from slipping out of the bag closing device 100.

The first opening 120, the second opening 130, and the third opening 140 may receive the upper portion 212 in any order. In some embodiments, the upper portion 212 may be fed downwardly through the first opening 120, upwardly through the second opening 130, and downwardly through the third opening 140. In some embodiments, the upper portion 212 may be fed downwardly through all of the openings by bringing the upper portion 212 above the upper surface 110 before feeding the upper portion 212 through the next opening. In some embodiments, the upper portion 212 may be fed upwardly through all of the openings by bringing the upper portion 212 below the upper surface 110 before feeding the upper portion 212 through the next opening.

Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the example environment 200 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, while the upper portion 212 is described as being twisted to create a compact section in the above example, it will be appreciated that the upper portion 212 of the bag 210 may be bunched, cinched, gathered, or wrung to form the compact section. In some embodiments, the upper portion 212 may be received at the openings without forming the compact section. In addition, any of the example bag closing devices described in FIGS. 3-7B may be substituted for the bag closing device 100 and perform a substantially similar function.

FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of another example bag closing device 300. The bag closing device 300 may include an upper surface 310, a lower surface 312 opposite the upper surface 310, and a peripheral surface 340 between the upper surface 310 and the lower surface 312. The peripheral surface 340 may define a first opening 320 and a second opening 330. The bag closing device 300 may include a first set of protrusions 322 extending into the first opening 320 and a second set of protrusions 332 extending into the second opening 330. A handle 314 may be connected to the upper surface 310.

In some embodiments, the handle 314 may be unitary with the bag closing device 300. In some embodiments, the handle 314 may be detachable from the bag closing device 300. The detachability of the handle 314 may allow for easier access to the openings. The handle 314 may allow a user to lift the bag closing device 300 and simultaneously lift a bag, which has been inserted into the openings and held in place by the protrusions in the openings.

As shown in FIG. 3, the bag closing device 300 may be substantially rectangular in shape. In some embodiments, the first opening 320 may be located on an opposite side of the bag closing device 300 as the second opening 330.

In operation, a bag may be placed within the first opening 320 and then placed within the second opening 330 or vice versa. The bag may be held in place by the first set of protrusions 322 in the first opening 320 and the second set of protrusions 332 in the second opening 330.

The components of the bag closing device 300 may be similar to and perform similar functions as similarly named components described throughout the description and vice versa. For example, the upper surface 310 may be similar to the upper surface 110, the peripheral surface 340 may be similar to the peripheral surface 150, the first opening 320 and second opening 330 may be similar to the first opening 120, the second opening 130, and/or the third opening 140, the first set of protrusions 322 and the second set of protrusions 332 may be similar to the first set of protrusions 122, the second set of protrusions 132, and/or the third set of protrusions 142, and the lower surface 312 may be similar to the lower surface described with reference to FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2. Additionally, any or all of the sets of protrusions (322 or 332) may include protrusions similar to protrusions 124a-124g described with reference to FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2.

Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the bag closing device 300 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the peripheral surface 340 may define a third opening and a third set of protrusions extending into the third opening may be included.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of another example bag closing device 400. The bag closing device 400 may include an upper surface 410, a lower surface (not shown) opposite the upper surface 410, and a peripheral surface 440 between the upper surface 410 and the lower surface. The peripheral surface 440 may define a first opening 420 and a second opening 430. The bag closing device 400 may include a first set of protrusions 422 extending into the first opening 420 and a second set of protrusions 432 extending into the second opening 430.

As shown in FIG. 4, the bag closing device 400 may be substantially rectangular in shape. In some embodiments, the first opening 420 may be located on an opposite side of the bag closing device 400 as the second opening 430.

In operation, a bag may be placed within the first opening 420 and then placed within the second opening 430 or vice versa. The bag may be held in place by the first set of protrusions 422 in the first opening 420 and the second set of protrusions 432 in the second opening 430. The bag closing device 400 is similar in shape and configuration as the bag closing device 300 of FIG. 3; however, the bag closing device 400 may be shorter in length than the bag closing device 300.

As shown in FIG. 4, the bag closing device 400 does not include a handle, but in some embodiments, the bag closing device 400 may include a handle, a tether, or the like allowing the user to lift the bag closing device 400 thereby lifting the bag placed within the openings. In some embodiments, the user may lift the bag closing device 400 by grasping the peripheral surface 440 on the sides of the example bag closing device 400.

The components of the bag closing device 400 may be similar to and perform similar functions as similarly named components and described throughout the description and vice versa. For example, the upper surface 410 may be similar to the upper surface 110, the peripheral surface 440 may be similar to the peripheral surface 150, the first opening 420 and second opening 430 may be similar to the first opening 120, the second opening 130, and/or the third opening 140, the first set of protrusions 422 and the second set of protrusions 432 may be similar to the first set of protrusions 122, the second set of protrusions 132, and/or the third set of protrusions 142, and the lower surface 312 may be similar to the lower surface described with reference to FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2. Additionally, any or all of the sets of protrusions (422 or 432) may include protrusions similar to protrusions 124a-124g described with reference to FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2.

Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the bag closing device 400 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the peripheral surface 440 may define a third opening and a third set of protrusions extending into the third opening may be included.

FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of another example bag closing device 500. The bag closing device 500 may include an upper surface 510, a lower surface (not shown) opposite the upper surface 510, and a peripheral surface 560 between the upper surface 510 and the lower surface. The peripheral surface 560 may define a first opening 520, a second opening 530, a third opening 540, and a fourth opening 550. The bag closing device 500 may include a first set of protrusions 522 extending into the first opening 520, a second set of protrusions 532 extending into the second opening 530, a third set of protrusions 542 extending into the third opening 540, and a fourth set of protrusions 552 extending into the fourth opening 550.

As shown in FIG. 5, the bag closing device 500 may be substantially rectangular in shape. In some embodiments, the first opening 520 and the second opening 530 may be located on the same side of the bag closing device 500 and the third opening 540 and the fourth opening 550 may be located on an opposite side of the bag closing device 500.

In operation, a bag may be placed within the first opening 520, then within the second opening 530, then within the third opening 540, and then within the fourth opening 550. The bag may be held in place by the first set of protrusions 522 in the first opening 520, by the second set of protrusions 532 in the second opening 530, by the third set of protrusions 542 in the third opening 540, and by the fourth set of protrusions 552 in the fourth opening 550. While this operation is described in a particular order, the order may vary. For example, the bag may be placed within the first opening 520, then within the third opening 540, then within the second opening 530, and then within the fourth opening 550. In addition, not every opening need be utilized for the bag closing device 500 to close the bag and for the bag to be lifted upon lifting the bag closing device 500. For example, the bag may be placed within the first opening 520, then within the third opening 540, and then within the second opening 530 leaving the fourth opening 550 open.

As shown in FIG. 5, the bag closing device 500 does not include a handle, but in some embodiments, the bag closing device 500 may include a handle, a tether, or the like allowing the user to lift the bag closing device 500 and the bag placed within the openings. In some embodiments, the user may lift the bag closing device 500 by grasping the peripheral surface 560. For example, the user may grasp the peripheral surface 560 on the elongated sides of the bag closing device 500.

The components of the bag closing device 500 may be similar to and perform similar functions as similarly named components described throughout the description and vice versa. For example, the upper surface 510 may be similar to the upper surface 110, the peripheral surface 560 may be similar to the peripheral surface 150, the first opening 520, the second opening 530, the third opening 540, and the fourth opening 550 may be similar to the first opening 120, the second opening 130, and/or the third opening 140, the first set of protrusions 522, the second set of protrusions 532, the third set of protrusions 542, and the fourth set of protrusions 552 may be similar to the first set of protrusions 122, the second set of protrusions 132, and/or the third set of protrusions 142, and the lower surface may be similar to the lower surface described with reference to FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2. Additionally, any or all of the sets of protrusions (522, 532, 542, or 552) may include protrusions similar to protrusions 124a-124g described with reference to FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2.

Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the bag closing device 500 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the peripheral surface 560 may define a fifth opening and a fifth set of protrusions extending into the fifth opening may be included.

FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of an example bag closing device 600. The bag closing device 600 may include an upper surface 610, a lower surface (not shown) opposite the upper surface 610, and a peripheral surface 670 between the upper surface 610 and the lower surface. The peripheral surface 670 may define a first opening 620, a second opening 630, a third opening 640, a fourth opening 650, and a fifth opening 660. The bag closing device 600 may include a first set of protrusions 622 extending into the first opening 620, a second set of protrusions 632 extending into the second opening 630, a third set of protrusions 642 extending into the third opening 640, a fourth set of protrusions 652 extending into the fourth opening 650, and a fifth set of protrusions 662 extending into the fifth opening 660. As shown in FIG. 6, the bag closing device 600 may have a non-geometric shape.

In operation, a bag may be placed within the first opening 620, then within the fifth opening 660, then within the second opening 630, then within the fourth opening 650, and then within the third opening 640. The bag may be held in place by the first set of protrusions 622 in the first opening 620, by the second set of protrusions 632 in the second opening 630, by the third set of protrusions 642 in the third opening 640, by the fourth set of protrusions 652 in the fourth opening 650, and by the fifth set of protrusions 662 in the fifth opening 660. While this operation is described in a particular order, the order may vary. For example, the bag may be placed within the first opening 620, then within the second opening 630, then within the third opening 640, then within the fourth opening 650, and then within the fifth opening 660. In addition, not every opening need be utilized for the bag closing device 600 to close the bag and for the bag to be lifted by lifting the bag closing device 600. For example, the bag may be placed within the fifth opening 660, the second opening 630, and the fourth opening 650 leaving the first opening 620 and the third opening 640 open.

As shown in FIG. 6, the bag closing device 600 does not include a handle, but in some embodiments, the bag closing device 600 may include a handle, a tether, or the like allowing the user to lift the bag closing device 600 and the bag placed within the openings. In some embodiments, the user may lift the bag closing device 600 by grasping the peripheral surface 670.

The components of the bag closing device 600 may be similar to and perform similar functions as similarly named components described throughout the description and vice versa. For example, the upper surface 610 may be similar to the upper surface 110, the peripheral surface 670 may be similar to the peripheral surface 150, the first opening 620, the second opening 630, the third opening 640, the fourth opening 650, and the fifth opening 660 may be similar to the first opening 120, the second opening 130, and/or the third opening 140, the first set of protrusions 622, the second set of protrusions 632, the third set of protrusions 642, the fourth set of protrusions 652, and the fifth set of protrusions 662 may be similar to the first set of protrusions 122, the second set of protrusions 132, and/or the third set of protrusions 142, and the lower surface may be similar to the lower surface described with reference to FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2. Any or all of the sets of protrusions (622, 632, 642, 652, or 662) may include protrusions similar to protrusions 124a-124g described with reference to FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2.

Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the bag closing device 600 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the peripheral surface 670 may define a sixth opening and a sixth set of protrusions extending into the sixth opening may be included.

FIGS. 7A and 7B respectively illustrate a top view and a perspective view of another example bag closing device 700. The bag closing device 700 may include an upper surface 710, a lower surface (not shown) opposite the upper surface 710, and a peripheral surface 750 between the upper surface 710 and the lower surface. The peripheral surface 750 may define a first opening 720, a second opening 730, and a third opening 740. The bag closing device 700 may include a first set of protrusions 722 extending into the first opening 720, a second set of protrusions 732 extending into the second opening 730, and a third set of protrusions 742 extending into the third opening 740. The peripheral surface 750 may include a one or more recesses 752. For example, the peripheral surface 750 may include a first recess 752a, a second recess 752b, and a third recess 752c.

In some embodiments, and as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the bag closing device 700 may have a non-geometric shape. In some embodiments, and the openings may have non-geometric shapes. For example, the openings illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B are bow-shaped. In some embodiments, the sets of protrusions may include at least four teeth and extend from the side of the openings.

In some embodiments, and as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the one or more recesses 752 may be semi-circular. The one or more recesses 752 may allow the user to grasp the bag closing device 700 and lift a bag placed within the openings by the user placing their fingers within the one or more recesses 752 and lifting. For example, a first finger could be placed within the first recess 752a, a second finger could be placed within the second recess 752b, and a third finger could be placed within the third recess 752c and the user could lift the bag closing device 700. In some embodiments, the one or more recesses 752 may be textured to provide additional grip to the user.

In operation, a bag may be placed within the first opening 720, then within the second opening 730, and then within the third opening 740. The bag may be held in place by the first set of protrusions 722 in the first opening 720, by the second set of protrusions 732 in the second opening 730, and by the third set of protrusions 742 in the third opening 740. The user may then grab and lift the bag closing device 700 by placing their fingers in the one or more recesses 752 of the peripheral surface 750. While this operation is described in a particular order, the order may vary. For example, the bag may be placed within the first opening 720, then within the third opening 740, and then within the second opening 730. In addition, not every opening need be utilized for the bag closing device 700 to close the bag and for the bag to be lifted by lifting the bag closing device 700. For example, the bag may be placed within the first opening 720 and the third opening 740, leaving the second opening 730 open. In addition, the user need not place their fingers within the one or more recesses 752 to grab and lift the bag closing device 700. For example, the user may grab and lift the peripheral surface 750 by grasping the straight portions of the peripheral surface 750.

The components of the bag closing device 700 may be similar to and perform similar functions as similarly named components described throughout the description and vice versa. For example, the upper surface 710 may be similar to the upper surface 110, the peripheral surface 750 may be similar to the peripheral surface 150, the one or more recesses 752 may be similar to the one or more recesses 152, the first opening 720, the second opening 730, and the third opening 740 may be similar to the first opening 120, the second opening 130, and/or the third opening 140, the first set of protrusions 722, the second set of protrusions 732, and the fourth set of protrusions 742 may be similar to the first set of protrusions 122, the second set of protrusions 132, and/or the third set of protrusions 142, and the lower surface may be similar to the lower surface described with reference to FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2. Additionally, any or all of the sets of protrusions (722, 732 or 742) may include protrusions similar to protrusions 124a-124g described with reference to FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2.

Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the bag closing device 700 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, a fourth opening and a fourth set of protrusions extending into the fourth opening may be included.

The various features illustrated in the drawings may be, but are not necessarily, drawn to scale. The illustrations presented in the present disclosure are not meant to be actual views of any particular apparatus (e.g., device, system, etc.) or method, but are merely idealized representations that are employed to describe various embodiments of the disclosure. Accordingly, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity. In addition, some of the drawings may be simplified for clarity. Thus, the drawings may not depict all of the components of a given apparatus (e.g., device) or all operations of a particular method.

Terms used in the present disclosure and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including, but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes, but is not limited to,” among others).

Relative terms used in the present disclosure and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as falling within manufacturing tolerances and/or within scope reasonably understood by a person of skill in the art. For example, if two components are identified as being the “same” size, there may be variations consistent with manufacturing variances. Terms describing “approximately,” “similar,” “substantially,” or other terms designating similarity may convey within ten percent of the comparative value. For example, two components that are approximately the same size would be understood to be of a size within ten percent of each other.

Additionally, if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations.

In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” or “one or more of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended to include A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B, and C together, etc.

Further, any disjunctive word or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” should be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”

However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations.

Additionally, the use of the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., are not necessarily used herein to connote a specific order or number of elements. Generally, the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., are used to distinguish between different elements as generic identifiers. Absence a showing that the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., connote a specific order, these terms should not be understood to connote a specific order. Furthermore, absence a showing that the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., connote a specific number of elements, these terms should not be understood to connote a specific number of elements. For example, a first widget may be described as having a first side and a second widget may be described as having a second side. The use of the term “second side” with respect to the second widget may be to distinguish such side of the second widget from the “first side” of the first widget and not to connote that the second widget has two sides.

All examples and conditional language recited in the present disclosure are intended for pedagogical objects to aid the reader in understanding the invention and the concepts contributed by the inventor to furthering the art, and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, it should be understood that the various changes, substitutions, and alterations could be made hereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

BAG CLOSING DEVICE

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