Patent Application
20130196100
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
The present invention relates to a three-dimensional structure composed of pliable elements that may be assembled in two dimensions. More particularly, the present invention relates to a bag with welded seams.
The process of constructing a bag, or any three-dimensional structure composed of pliable elements, is often done by sewing together pieces of material. To sew the pieces together, the bag may be turned inside out, the seams sewn together, and the bag turned right-side out. Whether turned inside out or not, the assembly of the structure requires three-dimensional manipulation. As well, the stitched together seams may be prone to ripping and have limited resistance to oil, water, and other liquids or fine particulates.
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 features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. The present invention is defined by the claims.
The present invention relates to a three-dimensional structure composed of pliable elements and, more particularly, a bag. The structure may have a bottom panel with a longitudinal axis, a first end panel with a vertical axis, and at least one affixing element that may join the bottom panel with the end panel. More specifically, the bottom panel may comprise a first longitudinal side that may extend generally along the longitudinal axis, a second longitudinal side that may extend generally along the longitudinal axis, and a first terminal bottom portion. The first terminal bottom portion may comprise a first edge segment, a second edge segment, and a third edge segment. The first edge segment may extend from the first longitudinal side at a first inner angle, the second edge segment may extend from the second longitudinal side at a second inner angle, and the third edge segment may connect the first edge segment with the second edge segment. Note that the term “bottom” is used for convenience in describing. The panel may ultimately be a top panel, a side panel, etc.
Continuing, the first end panel may comprise a first vertical side that may extend generally along the vertical axis, a second vertical side that may extend generally along the vertical axis, and a terminal end portion which may comprise a first edge segment, a second edge segment, and a third edge segment. The first edge segment may extend from the first vertical side at a first inner angle, the second edge segment may extend from the second vertical side at a second inner angle, and the third edge segment may connect the first edge segment with the second edge segment. The term “end” is used for convenience in describing; the panel may ultimately be a bottom panel, a top panel, etc.
Likewise, the at least one affixing element may join the first edge segment of the first terminal bottom portion to the first edge segment of the terminal end portion, the second edge segment of the first terminal bottom portion to the second edge segment of the terminal end portion, and the third edge segment of the first terminal bottom portion with the third edge segment of the terminal end portion.
Examples of the present invention may also be directed toward a method to make a bag. The method may comprise cutting a bottom panel having a longitudinal axis and a first terminal bottom portion, cutting an end panel having a vertical axis and a terminal end portion, cutting a thermoplastic elastomer strip or bumper, and thermally welding the first terminal bottom portion to the terminal end portion by heating the thermoplastic elastomer strip. In turn, the bottom panel may comprise a first longitudinal side that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, a second longitudinal side that may be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis and substantially parallel to the first longitudinal side, and a first terminal bottom portion. The first terminal bottom portion may comprise a first edge segment, a second edge segment, and a third edge segment. The first edge segment may extend from the first longitudinal side at a first inner angle, the second edge segment may extend from the second longitudinal side at a second inner angle, and the third edge segment may connect the first edge segment with the second edge segment so that the third edge segment may be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. As well, the first inner angle may be congruent to the second inner angle.
In addition, the end panel may comprise a first vertical side that may be substantially parallel to the vertical axis, a second vertical side that may be substantially parallel to the vertical axis and substantially parallel to the first vertical side, and a terminal end portion which may comprise a first edge segment, a second edge segment, and a third edge segment. The first edge segment may extend from the first vertical side at a first inner angle, the second edge segment may extend from the second vertical side at a second inner angle, and the third edge segment may connect the first edge segment with the second edge segment so that the third edge segment may be substantially perpendicular to the vertical axis. Further, the first inner angle may be congruent to the second inner angle.
Yet another example of the present invention comprises a welding assembly to make a welded bag. The welding assembly may comprise a spring-loaded clamp that horizontally receives a strip, a first terminal bottom portion of a bottom panel of the bag, and a terminal end portion of an end panel of the bag. The welding assembly may also comprise a weld bar that can be positioned to make contact with a portion of the welded bag and weld the strip.
The strip may comprise a first edge segment that is connected to a third edge segment to form a first angle. As well, the strip may also comprise a second edge segment that is connected to the third edge segment to form a second angle, where the second angle is congruent to the first angle.
In turn, the first terminal bottom portion may comprise a first edge segment, a second edge segment, and a third edge segment. The first edge segment may be connected to the third edge segment to form a first outer angle, and the second edge segment may be connected to the third edge segment to form a second outer angle. The first outer angle may be congruent to the second outer angle. Additionally, the first, second, and third edge segment of the first terminal bottom portion may have substantially the same dimensions as the first, second, and third edge segment of the strip. Further, the first outer angle and the second outer angle of the first terminal bottom portion may be congruent to the first angle and the second angle of the strip.
As well, the terminal end portion may comprise a first edge segment, a second edge segment, and a third edge segment. The first edge segment may be connected to the third edge segment to form a first outer angle, and the second edge segment may be connected to the third edge segment to form a second outer angle. The first outer angle may be congruent to the second outer angle. Continuing the first, second, and third edge segment of the terminal end portion may have substantially the same dimensions as the first, second, and third edge segments of the both the first terminal bottom portion and the strip. Further, the first and second outer angle of the terminal end portion may be congruent to the first and second outer angle of both the first terminal bottom portion and the strip.
With respect to yet another aspect of the invention, the invention comprises a bag with an affixed strip. In this aspect, the bag may comprise a first panel with a first end and a second panel with a second end. The first end may be substantially congruent to the second end. The bag also comprises a strip that overlaps the first end and the second end. The strip may be substantially congruent to the first end and the second end. As well, the strip may be affixed to the first end and the second end and provide a three-dimensional shape to the bag when in standard use.
Examples are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:
The subject matter of the present invention is described with specificity herein to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this patent. Rather, the inventors have contemplated that the claimed subject matter might also be embodied in other ways, to include different steps or combinations of steps similar to the ones described in this document, in conjunction with other present or future technologies. Moreover, although the terms “step” and/or “block” might be used herein to connote different elements of methods employed, the terms should not be interpreted as implying any particular order among or between various steps herein disclosed unless and except when the order of individual steps is explicitly stated.
The present invention relates to a three-dimensional structure constructed of pliable elements and, more particularly, a bag with welded seams. The three-dimensional structure composed of pliable elements may comprise duffle bags, bags, purses, slipcovers, backpacks, shoe uppers, gloves, hats, and the like. In one aspect, the pliable elements that make up the three-dimensional structure may be affixed together in a flattened, two-dimensional arrangement allowing for savings in manufacturing costs. As well, the pliable elements may be affixed together by a variety of attachment methodologies which will be discussed in more depth below. More specifically, with respect to a bag with welded seams, the pieces of material that make up the bag are joined together by a durable welded strip that provides superior resistance to water, oil, and other liquids or fine particulates. Additionally, the use of the welded strip to hold the pieces together allows the bag to be manufactured and stored in a flattened arrangement which allows for savings in both time and money.
A second longitudinal side 306 may also extend generally along longitudinal axis 302, and generally parallel to first longitudinal side 304. In one aspect, second longitudinal side 306 may extend substantially parallel to longitudinal axis 302. In another aspect, second longitudinal side 306 may be slightly skewed not more than 45 degrees parallel to longitudinal axis 302. As well, first longitudinal side 304 may be skewed to a different degree than second longitudinal side 306. With respect to such items as the bag shown in
The bottom panel 300 may have a first end known as a first terminal bottom portion 310. The first terminal bottom portion 310 may comprise at least a first edge segment 312, a second edge segment 314, and a third edge segment 316. First edge segment 312 may extend from first longitudinal side 304 at a first inner angle 318. As well, second edge segment 314 may extend from second longitudinal side 306 at a second inner angle 320. First inner angle 318 may or may not be congruent to second inner angle 320. For example, when first longitudinal side 304 and second longitudinal side 306 are slightly skewed from longitudinal axis 302, first inner angle 318 will likely not be congruent to second inner angle 320. In one aspect, first inner angle 318 and second inner angle 320 may range in measurement from 115 degrees to 140 degrees. In addition, in another aspect, first inner angle 318 and second inner angle 320 may measure 180 degrees.
Continuing on with
In addition, bottom panel 300 may have a second terminal bottom portion (not shown). The second terminal bottom portion may have similar dimensions as first terminal bottom portion. This would be the case in such items as, for example, bag 100 of
Turning now to
Continuing, first end panel 400 may also have an end portion known as a terminal end portion 410 that has at least a first edge segment 412, a second edge segment 414, and a third edge segment 416. First edge segment 412, second edge segment 414, and third edge segment 416 of terminal end portion 410 may, in one aspect, have substantially the same dimensions as first edge segment 312, second edge segment 314, and third edge segment 316 of first terminal bottom portion 310.
Still further with respect to
Continuing with
In one aspect of the invention, a shape of first terminal bottom portion 310 and terminal end portion 410 may be defined by a shape of a strip that is used to affix first terminal bottom portion 310 to terminal end portion 410. In another aspect of the invention, the shape of the first terminal bottom portion 310 and the shape of the terminal end portion 410 may define the shape of the strip. In other words, when the shape of the first terminal bottom portion 310 is substantially congruent to the shape of the terminal end portion 410, the shape of the strip may be the substantially congruent to the first terminal bottom portion 310 and the terminal end portion 410.
In one aspect of the invention, bottom panel 300 or first end panel 400 may each be composed of one piece of pliable material; while in another aspect, bottom panel 300 or first end panel 400 may each be composed of multiple panels of pliable material. The multiple panels may be of the same material or the panels may be of different materials. In turn, bottom panel 300 may be comprised of one type of material, while first end panel 400 may be comprised of a different type of material. This could be seen, for example, in a shoe which could have a bottom panel 300 comprised of rubber and an end panel 400 composed of some type of cloth material. Pliable materials may be any type of durable material suitable for heavy wear such as cotton, nylon, leather, rubber, twill, canvas, blends, and the like.
Further, in one aspect of the invention, bottom panel 300 and first end panel 400 may be coated on one side with a sealant/adhesive compound such as, for example, polyurethane, latex, silicone, and the like. In yet another aspect, the coating is on the side of bottom panel 300 and first end panel 400 that is facing the exterior 102 of bag 100 when in standard use.
Bottom panel 300 and first end panel 400 may be affixed to each other by using a variety of attachment methodologies. For example, bottom panel 300 and first end panel 400 may be affixed to each other by stitching, glue, adhesives, thermoplastic polymers, lamination, hook-and-loop fasteners, snaps, buttons, adhesive tape, rivets, or any combination of the preceding elements. As well, bottom panel 300 and first end panel 400 may be affixed to each other by a strip or bumper. This aspect will be discussed in greater depth below. Bottom panel 300 and first end panel 400 may be affixed to each other in a flattened, two-dimensional arrangement regardless of what type of material is used to affix bottom panel 300 to first end panel 400.
In one aspect of the invention, the strip 510 may have a semi-rigid shape that provides a three-dimensional shape to the bag 100 when the bag 100 is in standard use. As well, the strip 510 may be thought of as having a first end portion connected to a second end portion by a middle portion. Thus, instead of having three edge segments (512, 514, and 516) and two angles (522 and 524), the strip 510 may assume a more curvilinear shape with a first end portion connected to a second end portion by a middle portion. In addition, in yet another aspect, the strip 510 may extend to the height of bag 100 when bag 100 is in standard use.
In another aspect of the invention, the entire strip 510 including the first angle 522 and the second angle 524 can be made by using injection molding techniques. Using injection molding techniques, the strip 510 may assume a semi-rigid shape when in a substantially three-dimensional arrangement. The strip 510, however, may still be hinged to flatten along its entire length when the strip 510 is in a substantially two-dimensional arrangement. Alternatively, using injection molding techniques, the strip 510 may assume a more flexible shape when in a substantially three-dimensional arrangement. Again, the strip 510 may be hinged to flatten along its entire length when the strip 510 is in a substantially two-dimensional arrangement. In another aspect of the invention, just the first edge segment 512 and the second edge segment 514 may be created by using injection molding techniques.
In one aspect, strip 510 may be a thermoplastic elastomer strip, where the thermoplastic elastomer may comprise thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). TPU has many useful properties including elasticity, durability, resistance to abrasion, transparency, and resistance to oil, grease, water, and the like. These properties help to make TPU an ideal substance to weld together seams in bags, especially bags that see a lot of wear-and-tear such as duffel bags, backpacks, suitcases, diaper bags, briefcases, and the like. As well, TPU is colorable so that TPU strip 510 may be colored to match the color of bottom panel 300 and first end panel 400. Alternatively, TPU strip 510 may be colored differently than either bottom panel 300 or first end panel 400.
Further, in another aspect, TPU strip 510 may comprise one of a polyester-based TPU or a polyether-based TPU with a durometer reading between 80-90. Polyether-based TPU is useful where microbial resistance is required or in cases where flexibility at extremely low temperatures is desired, while polyester-based TPU demonstrates superior abrasion resistance, adhesion strength, chemical resistance, and resistance to heat ageing. In yet another aspect, strip 510 may comprise a rubber strip where the types of rubber may comprise butadiene rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, hydrogenated nitrile rubber, isoprene rubber, natural rubber, polychloroprene rubber, polyurethane rubber, styrene butadiene rubber, and such. Strip 510 may, in one aspect, have a receiving dimple that runs along the length of strip 510 in an interior aspect 104 and a corresponding bulb that runs along the length of strip 510 in an exterior aspect 102. This will be discussed in greater depth below with respect to
Turning now to
With respect to
In addition, strip 510 has a first flange 702 that extends superiorly 710 when strip 510 is in a horizontal position. Strip 510 also has a second flange 704 that extends inferiorly 712 when strip 510 is in a horizontal position. In one aspect, first flange 702 is connected to second flange 704 by bulb portion 708. With respect to this aspect, first flange 702, bulb portion 708, and second flange 704 define a concave, interior aspect and a convex, exterior aspect when the bag is in standard use. First flange 702, bulb portion 708, and second 704 may assume a semi-rigid shape in one aspect, or may assume a more flexible shape in another aspect. As can be seen from
Turning now to
In one aspect, spring-loaded clamp 802 may horizontally receive strip 510 as shown in
In another aspect, once corresponding bulb 708 is positioned adjacent to spring-loaded pins 804, first terminal bottom portion 310 and terminal end portion 410 may be positioned so they abut receiving dimple 706 as set forth above. Spring-loaded pins 804 may then be engaged, as shown in
As can be seen from this arrangement, the shape of first terminal bottom portion 310, terminal end portion 410, and strip 510 are substantially congruent to each other. However, the shape of the remaining portions of bottom panel 300 and first end panel 400 may vary from each other. Thus, the bottom panel 300 and the first end panel 400 may be different shapes as long as the first terminal bottom portion 310 and the terminal end portion 410 are substantially congruent to each other and to strip 510.
After strip 510, first terminal bottom portion 310, and terminal end portion 410 are in place, weld bar 806 may be positioned to make contact with a portion of the welded bag. Once positioned, weld bar 806 may weld strip 510 to first terminal bottom portion 310 and terminal end portion 410. Even more specifically in one aspect, weld bar 806 may weld first flange 702 and second flange 704 to first terminal bottom portion 310 and terminal end portion 410.
In one example of the invention, where strip 510 is made of rubber, weld bar 806 may comprise a heat press that affixes strip 510 onto first terminal bottom portion 310 and terminal end portion 410 to form a welded seam. Alternatively, where strip 510 is made of TPU, weld bar 806 may comprise a high radio-frequency press. In yet another aspect, where strip 510 is made of TPU, a polyurethane coating may be applied to one side of bottom panel 300 and first end panel 400 so that the polyurethane coating is facing exterior 102 of bag 100 when in standard use. The polyurethane coating may, in one aspect, help TPU strip 510 bond to first terminal bottom portion 310 and terminal end portion 410. Further, welding assembly 800 may have adjustable welding settings comprising pressure exerted by weld bar 806, time of contact by weld bar 806, energy rating, and cure time.
In one aspect, the welding assembly 800 may be configured to weld one segment at a time. For example, the welding assembly 800 may weld first edge segments 312/412 to first edge segment 512 of the strip 510. The same holds true for second edge segments 314/414 and third edge segments 316/416. Alternatively, the welding assembly 800 may be configured to just weld the first terminal bottom portion 310 to the strip 510, or to just weld the terminal end portion 410 to the strip 510. Any and all such variations are within the scope of the invention.
In another aspect of the invention, spring-loaded clamp 802 may receive just first terminal bottom portion 310 and terminal end portion 410 without the strip 510. With respect to this aspect, hot melt glue may be applied to one side of first terminal bottom portion 310 and one side of terminal end portion 410. First terminal bottom portion 310 and terminal end portion 410 may then be aligned so that the sides with the applied hot melt glue are facing each other. First terminal bottom portion 310 and terminal end portion 410 are then loaded into spring-loaded clamp 802 and weld bar 806 is applied. Weld bar 806, in this aspect, may comprise a heat press. It is to be understood that the order of steps outlined above are not meant to limit the scope of the present invention in any way and, in fact, the steps may occur in a variety of different sequence within aspects hereof. Any and all such variations and any combination thereof are contemplated to be within the scope of aspects of the present invention.
Referring now specifically to
With respect to
The present invention has been described in relation to particular examples, which are intended in all respects to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains without departing from its scope. Certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations and are contemplated within the scope of the claims.
