AU2009100095A4 - Method and Apparatus for Containing Articles - Google Patents

Description

03/02 2009 TUE 19:06 FAX Smoorenburg Pinl IP AUSTRALIA 1003/020 PI/00/002 Regulation 3.2B

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990

ORIGINAL

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION INNOVATION PATENT Application No.

Lodged: 3 February 2009 Innovation Title: Method and Apparatus for Containing Articles The following statement is a full description of this innovation, including the best method of performing it known to the Applicant, Pamela Bellette: COMS ID No: ARCS-222189 Received by IP Australia: Time 19:07 Date 2009-02-03 03/02 2009 TUE 19:06 FAX Smoorenburg Pini IP AUSTRALIA Q004/020 S 2

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cMETHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTAINING

ARTICLES

FIELD OF INVENTION The present invention relates to the field of containers for articles. In o particular, the invention relates to a method and apparatus for containing everyday household articles including perishable articles. In one form, the Sinvention relates to reusable bags for containing articles for transportation and/or storage. In one particular aspect the present invention is suitable for use as a O bag for fruit and vegetables and it will be convenient to hereinafter describe the invention in relation to that use, however it should be appreciated that the present i 0 invention is not limited to that use, only.

BACKGROUND

ART

It is to be appreciated that any discussion of documents, devices, acts or knowledge in this specification is included to explain the context of the present invention, Further, the discussion throughout this specification comes about due to the realisation of the inventor and/or the identification of certain related art problems by the inventor. Moreover, any discussion of material such as documents, devices, acts or knowledge in this specification is included to explain the context of the invention in terms of the inventor's knowledge and experience and, accordingly, any such discussion should not be taken as an admission that any of the material forms part of the prior art base or the common general knowledge in the relevant art in Australia, or elsewhere, on or before the priority date of the disclosure and claims herein.

In the course of everyday events such as grocery shopping and travelling outside home for activities such as the library, lunch, swimming, day travel including to the beach etc, or pantry storage of goods such as vegetables and fruits to avoid rapid deterioration, use of single use plastic bags which are generally not reused by consumers, may cause a range of environmental problems, for example, pollution, injury to wildlife and, the consequences of use of non-renewable resources.

Paper bags and biodegradable plastic bags have been promoted as alternatives to single use plastic bags. However, paper bags have limited use due to their own disadvantages such as, for example, they can easily tear, they provide no ability to see articles inside without opening out the top, they rely on COMS ID No: ARCS-222189 Received by IP Australia: Time 19:07 Date 2009-02-03 03/02 2009 TUE 19:06 FAX Smoorenburg Pini IP AUSTRALIA @005/020 0 D 3 c the strength of paper and they have a susceptibility to moisture damage.

Furthermore, of the paper bags that are currently available not all the paper used is made of recycled material. Biodegradable plastic bags may exhibit similar O structural properties to single use plastic bags, for example, in that they do not allow articles to breathe and can obscure articles that are contained from easy identification by sight. A discussion about why degradable and biodegradable Sbags may not be encouraged by others including the Australian Government may be found at www.noplasticbags.org.au/altematives/bio.aspx. The value of degradable plastic has been questioned even by the general manager of Planet 0 to Ark expressing serious doubts.

There are at least three related art reusable bags specifically for fruit vegetables, namely those distributed under the following brands: Onya Weigh T M see http://www.onvabags.com.aul. Apparently an initial "Onya" product was subject of lapsed and unpublished Australian Provisional Patent Application No 2004902099; The Fregie SackTM see http://www.thefreqiesack.com.au/; OnestringbagTM see http://www.onestringbaq.com/.

The EcoNetBagTM bag (http://www.econetbags.com/ and apparently subject of lapsed and unpublished Australian Provisional Patent Application No 2005902309) is another reusable bag on the market but it is not specifically designed for fruit and vegetables. It is however, promoted as an option for "pantry storage of vegetables and fruits".

A summary of advantages and disadvantages of the above listed solutions to single use plastic bags is noted in Table 1, below.

Product Advantages Disadvantages Onya Weigh

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M existing In market place poor design not since 2007 aesthetically appealing.

carry pouch clip for example, it is made of provided very flimsy fabric, and light in weight nothing appealing about the color (white). Bottom stitching may break when pulled sideways. It may also be difficult to put the bags back into the carry pouch relatively small bag size making itsapplication ___limited COMS ID No: ARCS-222189 Received by IP Australia: Time 19:07 Date 2009-02-03 03/02 2009 TUE 19:06 FAX Smoorenburg Pinl IP AUSTRALIA E1006/020 Product Advantages Disadvantages The Fregie SackTM multiple colors (maybe poor quality manufacture as considered an advantage of overlook stitch varies between choice to consumers by bags. Some not tensioned some) correctly, resulting in loose existing in market place since stitching. Things may catch on 2006 it fabric is scratchy hand wash only The point where the drawstring is pulled may be subject to continuous wear and tear the stitching and fabric may not hold up to this.

limited availability relatively heavy in weight OnestringbagTM multiple colors (maybe poor quality manufacture as considered an advantage of straight stitching used only, no choice to consumers by overlooking stitch so greatly some) reduced strength in the existing in market place since stitches. One stitch catches or 2003 breaks, then the other stitches will begin to unravel. No finishing of the edges poorer quality, less strength and reduces the appeal of the product. The seam is on the outside of the product whereas they are usually on the inside fabric scratchy cold hand wash only limited availability relatively heavy in weight Table I Australian Innovation Patent Application Number 2008100425 entitled "Resuable Woven Supermarket Veggie Fruit bags made from recycled eco friendly materials" purports to disclose alternative bags. However, it is difficult to determine the technical features and design of this product from the information in the patent application. Nonetheless, a fabric which is described as "sheer" is considered as reference to very lightweight fabric like chiffon, organza, or some silks, just to name a few. Even the finest of bridal tulle is not referred to as sheer.

A definition of sheer may include a material as being "transparently thin, diaphanous" (transparent, translucent). The closing loops described in 2008100425 appear to be handles to tie.

US Patent Application Publication Number 2006/0172049 entitled "Vegetable bag" discloses a bag made of synthetic, absorbent cloth constructed of microfibers with a tie cord. The tie cord as with many related art bags is a disadvantage for the washing and re-use of such bags. Accordingly, such a bag COMS ID No: ARCS-222189 Received by IP Australia: Time 19:07 Date 2009-02-03 03/02 2009 TUE 19:06 FAX Smoorenburg P1n1 *44* IP AUSTRALIA Q007/020 o 0 is more complicated to manufacture and therefore increases production costs.

o Further, the mechanics of a drawstring creates a weakness at the point of drawing because of friction, wear and tear on the string and, casing (usually o comprising fabric and stitching). A tie cord or string may get caught up in washing machines with agitators. Also a bag with a drawstring is not as compact as one without due to long string hanging loose. Further, the tie cord may get caught up in other groceries while shopping and then at home with other things kept in the _fridge. Moreover, if the cord is made of a smooth material, it may slip easily in the O casing and thus cause the bag to open.

o 10 There are numerous other reusable, produce and fruit and vegetable bags available online and via online shopping but they use a drawstring to secure and/or suffer similar disadvantages to those noted above. Examples include, Reusable Produce Bags; fabric bag with tie knot to secure; www.etsy.com, search 'Sellers:usernames', type 'moocowmomma'; hand made in USA.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION It is an object of the embodiments described herein to overcome or alleviate at least one of the above noted drawbacks of related art systems or to at least provide a useful alternative to related art systems.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention described herein provide a light weight, durable, machine washable, reusable bag for fruits vegetables.

The preferred bag of embodiments may be used for other produce as well.

In a first aspect of embodiments described herein there is provided a reusable container for articles comprising a bag receptacle composed of netting material adapted to stretch substantially only sideways with respect to the bag receptacle wherein the container is secured by tying upper portions of the bag receptacle.

Preferably, the material may be further adapted to remain taut in a longitudinal direction with respect to the bag receptacle.

The material, preferably in the form of netting, may comprise one or a combination of: Polyester mesh; nylon or other suitable material. The fabric can also be determined by having a suitable denier (the measurement of linear mass density of fibres, alternatively, thread thickness or fineness) and gsm (weight). Suitable COMS ID No: ARCS-222189 Received by IP Australia: Time 19:07 Date 2009-02-03 03/02 2009 TUE 19:07 FAX Smoorenburg Pint IP AUSTRALIA 008/020 6 denier values would be in the range well above that of microfibers, in other words, well above a denier value of 1, where 1 denier 1 gram per 9000m. The person skilled in the art may recognise suitable values for denier and gsm, where in particular a relatively large denier is preferred. By way of example, one preferred embodiment utilises material having denier of more than about 50, and a gsm of approx 60. A preferable attribute of the material is that is has a "one way stretch" in a lateral or sideways direction as opposed to a mesh with a two way stretch.

Netting in preferred embodiments may be considered as a lacelike fabric with a uniform mesh.

In another aspect of embodiments described herein there is provided a method of containing articles, the method comprising the steps of: inserting articles within a bag receptacle composed of netting material adapted to stretch substantially only sideways with respect to the bag receptacle; tying upper portions of the bag receptacle together to secure the articles therewithin.

In another aspect of preferred embodiments described herein, there is provided a method manufacturing a reusable container, the method comprising the steps of: providing substantial rectangular shaped netting material formed into a bag receptacle by finishing a top edge with a fold over of about 2 cm by a cover stitch using stretch thread; and overlocking side seams using a baby lock stitch.

Other aspects and preferred forms are disclosed in the specification and/or defined in the appended claims, forming a part of the description of the invention.

In essence, embodiments of the present invention stem from the realization that a useful alternative to existing containers could utilise material of a bag itself to tie or secure the container thus obviating tie cords/strings where a one way stretch in the bag's material facilitates tying off as well as improving strength, durability and capacity for a bag.

Advantages provided by the present invention comprise the following: S Made of a different fabric softer more pliable COMS ID No: ARCS-222189 Received by IP Australia: Time 19:07 Date 2009-02-03 03/02 2009 TUE 19:07 FAX Smoorenburg Pni -+44 IP AUSTRALIA 009/020 O 7

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Due to a relatively larger denier of material in certain embodiments, O containers of the present invention are stronger and less easy to rip.

Machine washable fabric 0 Secured in a different manner drawstring not required May weigh less than certain related art products a useful consideration as the bag is weighed along with the produce 0 o reusable product to reduce the use of plastic affordable o* aesthetically appealing 0 10 easy to use Further scope of applicability of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the disclosure herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Further disclosure, objects, advantages and aspects of preferred and other embodiments of the present application may be better understood by those skilled in the relevant art by reference to the following description of embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the disclosure herein, and in which: Figure 1 illustrates a plan view illustrating construction of a container in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 a preferred method of use of a preferred embodiment of a container in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION In a preferred embodiment, one aim of developing a reusable fruit and vegetable bag is to help reduce the use of plastic bags in the community.

In a preferred embodiment, as shown in figure 1 a container, shown generally as 10 comprises a bag receptacle composed of material adapted to COMS ID No: ARCS-222189 Received by IP Australia: Time 19:07 Date 2009-02-03 03/02 2009 TUE 19:07 FAX Smoorenburg Pini IP AUSTRALIA Ioo1010/020 o 8 0 stretch substantially only sideways with respect to the bag receptacle wherein the container is secured by tying upper portions 11 of the bag receptacle. The bag receptacle 10 is a rectangular shaped bag with finished top edge or hem 26 and O over locked side seams 26a. The bag has a side ways stretch only. As would be recognised by the person skilled in the art, dimensions of the preferred container may be determined by the application of the container. For example, large items may require a larger size container and smaller items may require a smaller size.

_Preferred dimensions for use as a fruit and vegetable container are: width 28cm, length 39cm. The bag receptacle has finished top edge: fold over of approx i 0 2cm, finished with 'cover stitch' using stretch thread. Side seams: 'baby lock' stitch. Preferred fabric: polyester mesh net, 60 gsm. Suitable polyester or nylon mesh with a one way stretch could be used but variations would arise by the fabrics having different deniers, and therefore different gsm.

In accordance with a preferred method of manufacture, the following steps are followed to fabricate a container 10 with reference to figure 1: a single piece of fabric 20 is cut measuring approximately 30cm x 83cm; it is then folded in half to make a rectangle 21 measuring approximately 28cm x 39cm; the side seams 22 are sewn using baby lock stitch 22a. A baby lock stitch is a smaller overlock stitch (about 3mm wide) compared with the usual overlock stitch of about 6mm wide; a label 23 may be sewn into a side seam about 9cm from the bottom of the bag with suitable indicia 24 facing up for display to a consumer; about 2cm of fabric is turned over at the top edge and sewn with cover stitch 27 using a stretch thread 28 to form a hem 26; The fabric 20 may be dyed to a specific colour. For the application of a fruit and vegetable bag a preferred colour is green.

Advantageously, the use of the baby lock stitch 22a provides a neat, unobtrusive and super strong stitch and adds to the quality of the product. The smaller stitches are also less likely to catch on anything. The use of the cover stitch 27 is also advantageous as it provides a very professional and neat finish.

It also adds to the appearance of the bag, as it then has an approximate 2cm top hem 26, which adds to the aesthetic of the finished product. The use of a stretch COMS ID No: ARCS-222189 Received by IP Australia: Time 19:07 Date 2009-02-03 03/02 2009 TUE 19:07 FAX Smoorenburg Pini IP AUSTRALIA Q011/020 O 9

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thread 28 is advantageous because without it, the bag receptacle 10 may not be C able to be stretched side ways and may not be able to return to its original shape after stretching. Further, the preferred embodiments specifically have no seam at o the bottom 29 of the bag receptacle, where the majority of the weight of the contents, eg produce, will be bearing.

OWith reference to figure 2, in each preferred embodiment a tie up knot 2 orather than using a drawstring Is utilised to secure the container 10. In particular, 0the portions 11 of the bag receptacle of the container that are utilised for tie up Oare integral portions of the bag receptacle as opposed to extensions thereof. This io is less cumbersome, and may provide reduced production costs, reduced points of weakness in construction, no drawstring to get tangled in washing, greater life expectancy as use of a drawstring would cause wear and tear on casing and the string itself, therefore reducing the life of the product. Firstly at step 1 in figure 1, produce or other items is placed in the bag receptacle and the user then holds onto each topcorner, being the portions 11, one in each hand. At step 2, the user gathers up excess fabric at each corner to make ties of the portions 11.

These are pulled taut ready for tying a knot. At step 3, the user utilises each portion 11 to loop through once to make a knot. At step 4 the user pulls tight to secure the knot 2. Step 5 shows produce secured within the bag receptacle.

With regard to the advantages of the preferred embodiments being 'machine washable', this provides less difficulty for the user as the container can be thrown into the washing machine with other items. Therefore a significant saving in time and water may be achieved due to not using any extra water for a separate wash. Conversely, the ties from drawstrings could easily be troublesome as they get caught up not only in other washing but also in the structure of the washing machine. If they get caught in the agitator for example and the user doesn't know this, they could pull out the washing with the drawstring caught and possibly rip the bag while doing so. The choice of material as noted above also contributes to the preferred container being a washable item either by hand or machine.

Also the softer more pliable fabric, which is more aesthetically appealing, is able to 'tie up' rather than requiring a draw string.

COMS ID No: ARCS-222189 Received by IP Australia: Time 19:07 Date 2009-02-03 03/02 2009 TUE 19:07 FAX Smoorenburg Plnl IP AUSTRALIA R012/020 o 0 C Embodiments of the present invention are useful in markets worldwide which, for example, currently use plastic bags for fruits and vegetables, where they also consider environmental degradation an issue and don't have a workable o solution.

A preferred embodiment of the invention has been trialled in the inventor's home environment. Bags in accordance with the preferred embodiment were Sused to store fruits and vegetables. The bags were easily used to secure and Othen access produce comprising fruit and vegetables and displayed the following afeatures: able to hold 3 kg of produce; washable in cold, warm and hot water; didn't interfere with any other items in the washing machine; dried quickly; easy to store the bags as they were compact and lightweight; fruit vegetables didn't sweat because of the flow of air through the fabric mesh.

In one instance, around 2 kg of oranges were placed in one bag and swung around to test its strength and durability. By doing this, it highlighted a number of features of the bag, as follows: strong fabric used; excellent construction baby lock stitch used on side seams for strength and durability stretch cover stitch used at opening for stretchability but enabling to return to its original shape. The cover stitch also neatens the raw edge so there are no pieces of raw fabric exposed to wear and tear.

no weaknesses created at the bottom of the bag (where there is most stress because of the weight of the produce) as the bag receptacle was designed to have no seam at this point specifically for this reason the knot to secure the bag remained in place the bag was held by the knot but the fabric "gripped" during the process and didn't loosen.

While this invention has been described in connection with specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that it is capable of further modification(s). This application is intended to cover any variations uses or adaptations of the invention following in general, the principles of the invention COMS ID No: ARCS-222189 Received by IP Australia: Time 19:07 Date 2009-02-03 03/02 2009 TUE 19:08 FAX Smoorenburg Pinl IP AUSTRALIA [013/020 o 11

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and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice within the art to which the invention pertains and as may be applied to the essential features hereinbefore set forth.

o As the present invention may be embodied in several forms without departing from the spirit of the essential characteristics of the invention, it should be understood that the above described embodiments are not to limit the present invention unless otherwise specified, but rather should be construed broadly _within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative o 10 only and not restrictive, In this respect, use of preferred embodiments of the present invention may be suitable for: Fruit vegies sacks; Bakery sacks; Butcher sacks; Snack sacks (to replace plastic containers and plastic disposable bags for lunches/snacks); Nuts, grains, pulses, dried fruits etc sacks; Soap sacks (replacing plastic/paper bags given at markets).

Various modifications and equivalent arrangements are intended to be included within the spirit and scope of the invention and appended claims.

Therefore, the specific embodiments are to be understood to be illustrative of the many ways in which the principles of the present invention may be practiced. In the following claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover structures as performing the defined function and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures. For example, although a nail and a screw may not be structural equivalents in that a nail employs a cylindrical surface to secure wooden parts together, whereas a screw employs a helical surface to secure wooden parts together, in the environment of fastening wooden parts, a nail and a screw are equivalent structures.

"Comprises/comprising" when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof." Thus, unless the context clearly requires COMS ID No: ARCS-222189 Received by IP Australia: Time 19:07 Date 2009-02-03 03/02 2009 TUE 19:08 FAX Smoorenburg Pini IP AUSTRALIA Q014/020 12 otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words 'comprise', 'comprising', and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to".

COMS ID No: ARCS-222189 Received by IP Australia: Time 19:07 Date 2009-02-03

Claims (9)

1. A reusable container for articles comprising a bag receptacle composed of o netting material adapted to stretch substantially only sideways with respect to the bag receptacle wherein the container is secured by tying upper portions of the bag receptacle.

2. A reusable container as claimed in claim 1 wherein the netting material is Nfurther adapted to remain taut in a longitudinal direction with respect to the bag o0 receptacle.

3. A reusable container as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the upper portions of the bag receptacle of the container that are utilised for tying are integral portions of the bag receptacle as opposed to extensions thereof.

4. A reusable container as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the netting material comprises one or a combination of: Polyester mesh; Nylon mesh. A reusable container as claimed in any one of claims I to 4 having an upper opening to receive articles wherein the upper opening comprises stretch thread to facilitate sideways stretching of the bag receptacle.

6. A reusable container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the bottom of the bag receptacle comprises a seamless portion of the netting material.

7. A reusable container as claimed in any one of claims I to 6 comprising side seams having baby lock stitching. COMS ID No: ARCS-222189 Received by IP Australia: Time 19:07 Date 2009-02-03 03/02 2009 TUE 19:08 FAX Smoorenburg Plnl IP AUSTRALIA S016/020 o 14 c 8. A method of containing articles, the method comprising the steps of: inserting articles within a bag receptacle composed of netting material T adapted to stretch substantially only sideways with respect to the bag receptacle; o tying upper portions of the bag receptacle together to secure the articles therewithin.

9. A method of manufacturing a reusable container, the method comprising Sthe steps of: providing substantially rectangular shaped netting material formed into a o 0 bag receptacle by finishing a top edge with a fold over of about 2 cm by a cover stitch using stretch thread; and overlocking side seams using a baby lock stitch; A reusable container as claimed in claim 1 substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

11. A method of containing articles as claimed in claim 8 substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

12. A method of manufacturing a reusable container as claimed in 9 substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. COMS ID No: ARCS-222189 Received by IP Australia: Time 19:07 Date 2009-02-03