BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Further objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon the consideration of the following detailed description of the presently-preferred embodiment when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the disposable and collapsible packaging unit of the first embodiment of the present invention showing the collection bag in an opened, rigid and self-standing configuration and in an operational mode;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the disposable and collapsible packaging unit of the present invention showing the collection bag in a partially collapsed configuration being in a partially opened, rigid and self-standing mode;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the disposable and collapsible packaging unit of the present invention showing the collection bag in an unopened, closed configuration and in a non-operational mode;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the disposable and collapsible packaging unit of the present invention showing an alternate design of the packaging unit of FIG. 1 depicting the packaging unit in an opened, rigid and self-standing configuration and in an operational mode;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the disposable and collapsible packaging unit of the present invention showing the packaging unit in an unopened, closed configuration and in a non-operational mode;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the disposable and collapsible packaging unit of the second alternate embodiment of the present invention showing a disposable insert tray having a plurality of holding compartments therein for holding of food products and drinking cups within an interior compartment of the collection bag;
FIG. 7 is a exploded perspective of the disposable and stackable insert trays of the third alternate embodiment of the present invention showing the insert tray having holding compartments for food and drink;
FIG. 8 is an exploded top perspective view of the disposable and collapsible supermarket bag of the fourth alternate embodiment of the present invention showing a cardboard bottom wall insert being inserted into an interior compartment;
FIG. 9 is a sectional view of the disposable and collapsible supermarket bag of the present invention showing the bottom wall cardboard insert adjacent to the paper bottom wall of the supermarket bag of FIG. 8;
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the disposable and collapsible food delivery bag of the fifth embodiment of the present invention showing an insert tray as to the bottom wall having holding compartments for food and drink;
FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the disposable and collapsible delivery bag of the sixth embodiment of the present invention showing a collapsible cardboard insert being inserted into an interior compartment of the delivery bag for separating food products, canned goods and bottles;
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the disposable and collapsible gift bag of the seventh embodiment of the present invention showing the gift bag in an opened, rigid and self-standing configuration and in an operational mode; and
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the disposable and collapsible gift bag of the present invention showing the gift bag in an unopened, closed configuration and in a non-operational mode.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
First Embodiment 10
The disposable and collapsible packaging unit/collection bag 10 and 101 and its component parts of the first embodiment of the present invention is represented in FIGS. 1 through 5 of the patent drawings. The disposable and collapsible collection bag 10 and 101 is used for the holding of goods and products, as well as the collection and disposal of any debris, garbage and/or refuse when in operational use. As shown in FIG. 1, the collection bag 10 includes a collapsible bag housing 20 having a first collapsible pleated side wall 22, a second collapsible pleated side wall 24, a third collapsible pleated side wall 26, a fourth collapsible pleated side wall 28, a bottom wall 30 and an upper perimeter rim 32 for forming an interior compartment 34. Upper perimeter rim 32 includes a pair of opposing handle members 36a and 36b thereon. The collection bag 10 is movable from an unopened, collapsed and closed position P1 (see FIG. 3), such that each of the side walls 22 to 28 are foldable into a pleated, accordion-like configuration, where the pleated collapsible side walls 22 to 28 are positioned in a latitudinal (horizontal) orientation L; and is movable to an opened, expanded, rigid and self-standing position P2, such that each of the pleated collapsible side walls 22 to 28 have been expanded into a planar (saw cut) wall surface (See FIG. 1) for each pleated collapsible side walls 22 to 28 of collection bag 10. FIG. 3 shows the collection bag 10 in a partially opened or partially closed configuration Pp, where the pleated collapsible side walls 22 to 28 are being expanded or contracted, accordingly.
In an alternate design configuration, as depicted in FIGS. 4 and 5, packaging unit 101 includes opposing collapsible, pleated side walls 44 and 48 having a V-shaped configuration (V). This alternate design 101 (see FIG. 3) is exactly the same as 10 (see FIG. 1) except for configuration and shape of the collapsible, pleated side walls 44 and 485 of collection bag 101.
Second Embodiment 100
The disposable and collapsible collection bag 100 and its component parts of the second embodiment of the present invention is represented in FIG. 6 of the patent drawings. The disposable and collapsible collection bag 100 is used for holding of goods and products, as well as the collection and disposal of any debris, garbage, and/or refuse when in operational use. As shown in FIG. 6, the collection bag 100, includes a collapsible bag housing 120 having a first collapsible, tapered and pleated side wall 122, a second collapsible, tapered and pleated side wall 124, a third collapsible, tapered and pleated side wall 126, a fourth collapsible, tapered and pleated side wall 128, a bottom wall 130 and an upper perimeter edge 132 for forming an interior compartment 134. The collection bag 100 is movable from an unopened, collapsed and closed configuration P3, such that each of the side walls 122 to 128 are foldable into a pleated, accordion-like configuration, where the pleated, tapered, collapsible side walls 122 to 128 are positioned in a latitudinal (horizontal) orientation L; and is movable to an opened, expanded, rigid and self-standing position P4, such that each of the pleated, tapered, collapsible side walls 122 to 128 have been expanded into a planar (saw cut) wall surface (See FIG. 6) for each pleated collapsible and tapered side walls 122 to 128 of collection bag 100. The upper perimeter edge 132 includes a pair of opposing handle members 136a and 136b thereon.
In an alternate design configuration, collection bag 100 includes a disposable tray 140 having a plurality of holding compartments 142, 144, 146, 148 and 150 therein for holding of food products 110 and drinking cups 112. Disposable tray 140 is in contact and adjacent to an upper surface 162 of bottom wall 130 of collapsible collection bag 100, as shown in FIG. 6 of the drawings. As shown in FIG. 6, the disposable tray 140 for holding of food products 110 and drinking cups 112 can be carried within the collection bag 100 and also be detached from the collection bag 100 and the disposable tray 140 be carried separately by the user, depending upon the user's preference.
Third Embodiment 200
The disposable and stackable product tray 200 and its component parts of the third embodiment of the present invention is represented in FIG. 7 of the patent drawings. The disposable and stackable product tray 200 is used for holding of food products 210 and drinking cups 212 therein. As shown in FIG. 6, each of disposable and stackable product trays 200, 2001, 20011 and 200111 include a tray housing 220 having side walls 222, 224, 226, 228, a bottom wall 230 and an upper perimeter rim 232 for forming an interior compartment area 234. The upper perimeter rim 232 includes a pair of opposing handle openings 236a and 236b thereon. The interior compartment area 234 includes a plurality of holding compartment members 242, 244, 246, 248 and 250 therein for holding of food products 210 and drinking cups 212 thereto.
Fourth Embodiment 400
The disposable and collapsible supermarket bag 400, 4001 and 400″ and its component parts of the fourth embodiment of the present invention is represented in FIGS. 8 and 9 of the patent drawings. The disposable and collapsible supermarket bag 400, 4001 and 400″ is used for the holding of food goods, produce, meat and non-food products, when in operational use. As shown in FIG. 8, the collection bag 400 includes a collapsible bag housing 420 having a first collapsible side wall 422, a second collapsible side wall 424, a third collapsible side wall 426, a fourth collapsible side wall 428, a bottom wall 430 and an upper perimeter rim 432 for forming an interior compartment 434. Each of the side walls 422 and 426 include opposing paper handle members 436a and 436b being affixed thereto. In an alternate design configuration, supermarket bag 4001, as shown in FIG. 8, includes an integrally attached bottom wall 430c made of cardboard. In a further alternate design configuration 400″ (see FIG. 9) is exactly the same as 400 (see FIG. 8) except for the using of a cardboard insert 440 in conjunction with the bottom wall 430 of supermarket bag housing 420.
Fifth Embodiment 500
The disposable and collapsible food delivery bag 500 and its component parts of the fifth embodiment of the present invention is represented in FIG. 10 of the patent drawings. The disposable and collapsible food delivery bag 500 is used for holding of drinks and cooked food products, as well as the collection and disposal after use of any debris, garbage, and/or refuse when in operational use. As shown in FIG. 10, the food delivery bag 500 includes a collapsible bag housing 520 having a first collapsible and paneled side wall 522, a second collapsible and paneled side wall 524, a third collapsible and paneled side wall 526, a fourth collapsible and paneled side wall 528, a bottom wall 530 in the form of a disposable tray 540 and an upper perimeter edge 532 for forming an interior compartment 534. The upper perimeter edge 532 includes a pair of opposing handle members 536a and 536b thereon. The disposable tray 540 includes a plurality of holding compartments 542, 544, 546, 548 and 550 therein for holding of food products and drinking cups. Disposable tray 540 is in contact and adjacent to each of the side walls 522, 524, 526 and 528, as shown in FIG. 10 of the drawings, along a bottom perimeter lip 562.
Sixth Embodiment 600
The disposable and collapsible delivery bag 600 and its component parts of the sixth embodiment of the present invention is represented in FIG. 11 of the patent drawings. The disposable and collapsible delivery bag 600 is used for holding of food products, canned goods, bottles and the like, as well as the collection and disposal after use of any debris, garbage, and/or refuse when in operational use. As shown in FIG. 11, the delivery bag 600 includes a collapsible bag housing 620 having a first collapsible and paneled side wall 622, a second collapsible and paneled side wall 624, a third collapsible and paneled side wall 626, a fourth collapsible and paneled side wall 628, a bottom wall 630 and an upper perimeter edge 632 for forming an interior compartment 634. The upper perimeter edge 632 includes a pair of opposing handle members 636a and 636b thereon. The interior compartment 634 includes a collapsible and foldable cardboard or plastic insert 640, and when in the expanded and operational configuration the cardboard insert 640 (see FIG. 11) is able to separate food products, canned goods and bottles for easier handling.
Seventh Embodiment 700
The disposable and collapsible gift bag 700 and its component parts of the seventh embodiment of the present invention is represented in FIGS. 12 and 13 of the patent drawings. The disposable and collapsible gift bag 700 is used for holding of gifts, toys, jewelry, clothing and the like. The gift bag 700 is substantially cylindrically-shaped in the unopened, collapsed and closed configuration P5 and movable to an opened, expanded, rigid and self-standing configuration P6. The gift bag 700 can be made from colored paper, color plastic materials and colored foil materials. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the gift bag 700 includes a collapsible bag housing 720 having a curved circumvential side wall 722, a bottom wall 730 and an upper perimeter edge 732 for forming an interior compartment 734. The upper perimeter edge 732 includes a pair of opposing ribbon handle members 736a and 736b thereon.
Eighth Embodiment 800
The disposable and collapsible coffee and sandwich delivery bag 800 and its components parts of the eighth embodiment of the present invention is represented in FIGS. 14 and 15 of the patent drawings. The disposable and collapsible coffee and sandwich delivery bag 800 is used for holding one or more coffee or drinking cups 848 and/or one or more sandwiches 858 therein. As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the delivery bag 800 includes a bag housing 820 having a first collapsible and paneled side wall 822, a second collapsible and paneled side wall 824, a third collapsible and paneled side wall 826, a fourth collapsible and paneled side wall 828, a bottom wall 830 and an upper perimeter edge 832 for forming an interior compartment 834. The upper perimeter edge 832 includes a pair of opposing handle members 836a and 836b thereon. The bag housing 820 includes a center strip 840 extending between the side walls 824 and 828 of the delivery bag 800, and has cup openings 842, 844 and 846, respectively, in the strip 840 for receiving and holding cups 848 or the like. The alternate embodiment has the bag housing 820 having a side strip 850 attached to the side walls 824, 826 and 828, respectively, of delivery bag 800, and has cup openings 852, 854 and 856 for receiving and holding cups 848 or the like. As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the holding strip 840 for holding the drinking cups 848 can be carried within the holding strip 84 and may also be detached from the delivery bag 800 and carried by the user separately, depending on the user's preference.
Ninth Embodiment 900
The disposable and collapsible self-standing garbage bag collection bag 900 and its component parts of the ninth embodiment of the present invention is represented in FIGS. 16, 17 and 18 of the patent drawings. The disposable and collapsible self-standing garbage collection bag 900 is used for the collection and disposal of any debris, garbage, trash and/or refuse when in operational use. This self-standing garbage collection bag 900 is used as a stand-alone collection bag or in conjunction with kitchen receptacles. The garbage collection bag 900 is substantially cylindrically-shaped in the unopened, collapsed and closed configuration P7 and movable to an opened, expanded, rigid and self-standing configuration P8. The garbage collection bag 900 is made from semi-flexible, stiff paper, cardboard or plastic materials such that when it is in the operational mode, the collection bag 900 is self-standing without the possibility of collapsing on itself.
As shown in FIGS. 16, 17 and 18, the garbage collection bag 900 includes a collapsible collection bag housing 920 having a curved circumvented side wall 922, a bottom wall 930 and an upper perimeter edge 932 for forming an interior collection compartment 934. The upper perimeter edge 932 includes an upper flexible perimeter section 936 having a pair of cinching channels 938a and 938b for receiving a continuous cinching tie member 940 therethrough and having a pair of opposing cinching sections/opposing ribbon openings 942a and 942b. Each of the opposing ribbon openings/opposing cinching sections 942a and 942b have the continuous pull ribbon/string tie/cinching tie member 940 positioned within its curved side wall 922 for closing the upper perimeter edge 932 about the top of the garbage 902, as depicted in FIG. 18. The upper perimeter section 936 is made from flexible plastic or flexible paper materials, in order to close the collection bag 900 when full, as shown in FIG. 18 of the drawings. The cinching tie member 940 is made from flexible plastic ribbon-like material, string, ribbon and the like.
OPERATION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
The disposable and collapsible packaging unit embodiments 10, 101, 1011, 100, 1001, 200, 300, 400, 4001, 40011, 500, 600 and 700 can be used in any type of food delivery such as fast food restaurants; airlines; coffee shops; restaurant take-outs, movie theater concession stands; and cookie, fruit and/or candy baskets. These packaging unit embodiments can also be used for gift bags (See FIGS. 12 and 13) for use in holding cosmetics, toiletries and personal grooming items, as well as gift basket bags for holding and displaying candy, cookies and/or fruits. Further, the packaging unit can be used as a supermarket/grocery bag for the carrying and transport of canned foods, milk, eggs and the like (See FIGS. 8 through 11). Additionally, the packaging unit can be used in hospitals for urine, blood and tissue samples; in military/government installations for dispensing of government supplies; or can be used for municipal governments in garbage, trash or leaf collections. Further, these packaging unit embodiments can be made of materials that are transparent for seeing the goods and/or products dispensed, or from opaque (non-transparent) materials for use in gift bags, collection bags, trash bags, or where the goods and products dispensed are not viewed. Also, these packaging units can include any type of handle for carrying of the packaging unit to and from a particular venue.
ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
Accordingly, an advantage of the present invention is that it provides for a disposable and collapsible packaging unit that has foldable, accordion-like pleats as side walls that are positioned in a latitudinal (horizontal) orientation when in an unopened and closed configuration.
Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides for a disposable and collapsible packaging unit that expands its foldable, accordion-like pleated side walls from an unopened and closed configuration to an opened, rigid and self-standing configuration such that each of the side walls have expanded into a planar side wall of the self-standing collection bag.
Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides for a disposable and collapsible packaging unit that includes a pair of opposing handles mounted to a perimeter edge of opposing pleated side walls, respectively, or includes handle openings on opposing pleated side walls.
Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides for a disposable and collapsible packaging unit that includes a disposable insert tray having a plurality of holding compartments therein for holding of food products and drinking cups.
Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides for a disposable and collapsible packaging unit that can have various geometric shapes such as a rectangle, a square, an oval, a circle, a triangle, a trapezoid, a polygon and other geometric shapes.
Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides for a disposable and collapsible packaging unit which is of a durable and reliable construction while in use, and easy to use at restaurants, fast food restaurants, airplanes, hotels, hospitals, movie theatres, schools, universities, plants, homes or offices.
Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides for a disposable and collapsible unit having a structured opening which conveniently frees both hands of the user for efficient stowing of items into the bag.
Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides for a disposable and collapsible unit that due to its disposable and self-standing nature it can be a trash can and trash bag all in one.
A further invention of the present invention is that it provides for a disposable and collapsible packaging unit that can be mass-produced in an automated and economical manner and is readily affordable by the consumer.
A latitude of modification, change, and substitution is intended in the foregoing disclosure, and in some instances, some features of the invention will be employed without a corresponding use of other features. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the spirit and scope of the invention herein.