Classifications

• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
  • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • F25D25/00—Charging, supporting, and discharging the articles to be cooled
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
  • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • F25D2331/00—Details or arrangements of other cooling or freezing apparatus not provided for in other groups of this subclass
  • F25D2331/80—Type of cooled receptacles
  • F25D2331/801—Bags
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
  • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • F25D25/00—Charging, supporting, and discharging the articles to be cooled
  • F25D25/02—Charging, supporting, and discharging the articles to be cooled by shelves

Definitions

• the present invention relates to holding devices and more particularly to a holding device capable of holding a combination of a bag and a rigid container.
• Containers for the storage of items are well known. Such containers are used to store a variety of articles, from food to general household items including everything from craft supplies to children's toys. Generally, such containers can be characterized by shape, size, and the presence or absence of a lid. Containers that do not include a lid require a separate sealing member, such as a plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Often, the plastic wrap or aluminum foil is loose or jostled during movement of the container, and hence, the container is usually not properly sealed or closed to prevent contents therein from spilling. Containers that include lids overcome this problem.
• Storage systems have been utilized in many settings and to organize many different items and solve some of these problems. These systems have generally been designed to organize and store items in settings from the kitchen to the hobby work bench. Generally, the systems are adapted to hold one type of storage containers, such as thermoplastic bowls, or boxes, thermoplastic storage bags, or the like. Therefore, the user of the system is constrained by the size and type of container that the system was designed to utilize. However, differing settings require the use of many different containers of various sizes and shapes.
• U.S. Patent No. 4,832,290 discloses a separate hanger for flexible plastic bags. This device discloses the use of a rack system to support flexible plastic bags and hang the bags below the rack system.
• Schwartz U.S. Patent No. 4,998,630 discloses organized storage for miscellaneous parts. The storage system disclosed utilizes a suspended rack system to organize only flexible plastic bags.
• Lemke U.S. Patent No. 5,467,949, discloses a clamping hanger for food bags.
• the device disclosed utilizes a pinching mechanism to hold only flexible plastic bags individually or as in rack of identical holding devices.
• Gravell et. al. U.S. Patent No. 5,394,993 also discloses a rack for suspension and sealing of bags.
• the device discloses a pinching system substantially identical to the Lemke device above but in a circular rack system that holds only flexible plastic bags.
• 5,964,359 discloses a modular storage system for multiple containers including a base having a top wall, a side wall, and a bottom wall wherein the bottom wall has a front opening cutout. A jar with cover may be inserted into the opening wherein the cover rests on the bottom wall and suspends the jar with contents therefrom.
• a holding device includes a support surface and a first holding portion integral with the support surface and adapted to suspend a bag.
• the holding device further includes a second holding portion integral with the support surface and adapted to suspend a rigid container.
• a holding device includes a support surface and a first holding portion for supporting a bag, wherein the first holding portion includes a first pair of elongate holding members substantially parallel to one another and integral with the support surface.
• the first pair of holding members defines a first channel having a length and being open at one end thereof.
• a slot is disposed between the first pair of holding members and extends the length of the first channel wherein the slot is narrower than the first channel.
• the holding device also includes a second holding portion for supporting a rigid container, wherein the second holding portion includes a second pair of elongate holding members substantially parallel to one another and integral with the support surface.
• the second pair of holding members defines a second channel having a length and is open at one end thereof.
• An opening is defined between the second pair of holding members extending the length of the second channel and the opening is narrower than the second channel.
• a combination includes a holding device, a bag, and a rigid container.
• the holding device includes a support surface and a first pair of elongate holding members each having a proximal portion adjacent the support surface and a distal portion wherein the first holding members define a first channel.
• the first channel has a slot formed by the distal portions of the first holding members wherein the slot has a first width.
• the holding device further includes a second pair of elongate holding members each having a proximal portion adjacent the support surface and a distal portion wherein the second holding members define a second channel.
• the second channel has an opening formed by the distal portions of second holding members wherein the opening has a second width.
• the bag has bag walls and a closure mechanism wherein the bag walls have a combined third width less than the first width and wherein the closure mechanism has fourth width greater than the first width.
• the closure mechanism is disposed in the first channel of the holding device and the bag walls extend through the slot of the holding device.
• the rigid container has a sidewall, an open end, and a rim extending outwardly from the sidewall wherein the sidewall defines a fifth width less than the second width and wherein the rim defines a sixth width greater than the second width.
• the rim is disposed in the second channel of the holding device and the sidewall extends through the opening of the holding device.
• a holding device in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, includes a support surface and first means integral with the support surface for retaining a bag. The holding device further includes a second means integral with the support surface for retaining a rigid container. [0017] In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, a holding device includes a support surface along with first and second walls integral with the support surface and forming a slot therebetween wherein the slot has a first portion for receiving a bag and a second portion for preventing removal of the bag from the slot. The holding device further includes third and fourth walls integral with the support surface and forming an opening therebetween wherein the opening has a first portion for receiving a container and a second portion for preventing removal of the container from the opening.
• a method of suspending a bag and a storage container includes the steps of providing a holder having a first section capable of receiving the bag and a second section capable of receiving the storage container and mounting the holder on a surface.
• the bag is placed in the first section such that the bag is suspended thereby and the storage container is placed in the second section such that the storage container is suspended thereby.
• FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a holding device according to a first embodiment of the present invention
• FIG. 2 is an elevational front end view of the holding device of FIG. 1 ;
• FIG. 2a is a sectional view of the holding device of FIG. 1 taken generally along the lines 2a-2a of FIG. 2;
• FIG. 2b is a sectional view of the holding device of FIG. 1 taken generally along the lines 2b-2b of FIG. 2;
• FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 and illustrating the holding device of FIGS. l-2b in conjunction with a bag and container;
• FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a holding device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 5 is an elevational front end view of the holding device of FIG. 4;
• FIG. 5a is a sectional view of the holding device of FIG. 4 taken generally along the lines 5a-5a of FIG. 4;
• FIG. 5b is a sectional view of the holding device of FIG. 4 taken generally along the lines 5b-5b of FIG. 4;
• FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 3 showing the holding device of FIGS 4-5b in conjunction with a bag and container;
• FIG. 6a is a sectional view of the holding device and container taken generally along the lines 6a-6a of FIG. 6;
• FIG 6b is a sectional view of the holding device and bag taken generally along the lines 6b-6b of FIG. 6;
• FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 6 according to a third embodiment of the present invention in conjunction with a container and bag;
• FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 4 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 5 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 9a is a sectional view of the holding device taken generally along the lines 9a-9a of FIG. 9;
• FIG. 9b is a sectional view of the holding device taken generally along the lines 9b-9b of FIG. 9;
• FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 5 according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 5 according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 12 is a view similar to FIG. 5 according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 13 is a view similar to FIG. 5 according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 14 is a view similar to FIG. 5 according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 15 is a view similar to FIG. 5 according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 16 is a view similar to FIG. 4 according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 17 is a view similar to FIG. 4 according to a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 18 is an isometric view of a holding device according to a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention molded into a refrigerator shelf. Description of the Preferred Embodiments [0048] In the following description, reference numerals that differ only in the hundreds digit denote like structures or elements in the various embodiments. [0049] Referring now to FIGS. l-2b a holding device 30 includes a support surface 32 with a first side 34. Extending away from the first side 34 of the support surface 32 are two sets of elongate holding members 36, 38. As seen in FIG. 2, a member of the set 36 can be integral with a member of the other set 38. Alternatively, as described hereinafter, the members of the two sets 36, 38 can be completely separate from one another.
• Each of the holding members 36a, 36b of the set 36 is L-shaped in cross-section and includes an inwardly directed flange 37, 39 defining the boundaries of a first channel 40 and a slot 42 that is narrower than the first channel 40. Front ends 44a, 44b of the first pair of holding members 36 have angled neck portions 46a, 46b that serve as a tapered lead-in portion for the slot 42 to assist in insertion of a bag 70 into the slot 42. [0051] Each of the holding members 38a, 38b of the set 38 is also L-shaped in cross-section but larger than the first set 36.
• Each of the members 38a, 38b includes an inwardly directed flange 47, 49 that together define the boundaries of a second channel 50 and an opening 52 that is narrower than the second channel 50.
• a second side 54 of the support surface 32 is placed against a vertical, horizontal, or non- vertical and non-horizontal surface (not shown); preferably, although not necessarily, with the first side 34 of the support surface 32 facing down and is secured by screws 56 that pass through screw holes 58 and into the surface.
• screws 56 that pass through screw holes 58 and into the surface.
• FIGS. 4, 4a and 4b illustrate a holding device 130 according to the present invention that could be secured by double-sided tape 160.
• any other suitable apparatus may be used to secure the holding device to a surface.
• an adhesive, a hook and loop fastener (e.g., a Nelcro fastener), a magnet, or the like could be used.
• the device can be molded as part of a cabinet or refrigerator shelf or undersurface.
• the holding device 30 is shown in use with a bag 70 and a rigid container 90.
• the bag 70 is of the pinch and seal type.
• the bag has bag walls 72 that are sealed together on three sides 74 and further has a reclosable side 76 with a closure mechanism 78.
• the closure mechanism has sealing strips 80 that lock together and present a thickness 82 greater than the combined thickness of the bag walls 72.
• the closure mechanism 78 of the bag 70 is inserted into the first channel 40 and the bag walls 72 hang free through the slot 42.
• the closure mechanism 78 of the bag 70 comes in contact with the inwardly directed flanges 37,39 of the holding members 36 that define the slot 42 and thus is held in place.
• the rigid container 90 shown in FIG. 3 is of the thermoplastic disposable type, however, any container having a rigid member capable of supporting the container and extending from the sidewall thereof could be used.
• the rigid container 90 is formed by four rigid sidewalls 92 with a sealed bottom end 94.
• a peripheral rigid lip 96 extends outwardly from the sidewall and can receive a lid 98 that allows the top 99 of the container to be sealed.
• the rigid container 90 is inserted into the second channel 50 so that the rigid lip 96 is disposed between the support surface 32 and the inwardly directed flanges 47, 49 of the holding members 38 and the sidewalls 92 hang free in the opening 52.
• the rigid lip 96 comes in contact with the flanges 47, 49 and thus, the container 90 is held in place.
• a back end 102 of the set of holding members 36 is open and, therefore, the first channel 40 and slot 42 can accommodate a bag 70 that is longer than the length of the holding device 30.
• a back end 104 of the set of holding members 38 is closed by a back wall 66. Accordingly, the holding device 30 can accommodate a rigid container 90 of limited length.
• FIGS. 4-5b A second embodiment of the present invention is shown FIGS. 4-5b.
• the holding device 130 is identical to the holding device 30 shown in FIGS. l-2b but for two differences.
• the interference member 161 extends into the first channel 140, thereby narrowing the first channel 140, but does not extend into the slot 142.
• the second embodiment is useful to assist in the closing of a bag 170 that utilizes a slider 171.
• the bag 170 has bag walls 172 that are sealed together on three sides 174 and have a reclosable side 176.
• the closure mechanism 178 comprises a closure strip 173 on each side wall 172 at the reclosable side 176 and a slider 171.
• the slider 171 is movably mounted on the closure strips 173 and serves to open the bag 170 when moved in one direction and close the bag 170 when moved in the opposite direction.
• the closure mechanism 178 of the bag 170 with the slider 171 in the open position is inserted (slider 171 first) into the first channel 140 through the front end of the first pair of holding members 144.
• the bag 170 is inserted so that the slider 171 enters the first channel 140 and the bag walls 172 hang through the slot 142.
• the slider 171 comes in contact with the interference member 161 and is held in place while the user pulls the bag 170 through the first channel 140.
• the slider 171 is thereby moved across the closure strips 173 and the slider 171 is moved into the closed position.
• the closure mechanism 178 of the bag 170 with the slider 171 in the closed position may be inserted (slider 171 first) into the first channel 140 through the front end of the first pair of holding members 144.
• the bag 170 may then be further inserted so that the slider 171 enters the first channel 140 and the bag walls 172 hang through the slot 142.
• the slider 171 comes in contact with the interference member 161 and is held in place while the user pulls the bag 170 through the first channel 140.
• the slider 171 is thereby moved across the closure strips 173 and the slider 171 is moved toward the fully opened position.
• FIGS 4-5b and 6-6b can be used with the pinch and seal bag shown in FIG. 13.
• the rigid container 190 used with the embodiment shown in FIG. 6-6b may be identical to the containers described above in connection with the embodiment of FIG. 3.
• the rigid container 190 is inserted into the front end 168 of the second pair of holding members 138 so that the rigid lip 196 is disposed between the inwardly directed flanges 147,148 of the holding members 138 and the support surface 132 and the sidewalls 192 hang free in the opening 152.
• the rigid lip 196 contacts the flanges 147, 149 of the holding members 138 and thus is held in place.
• the retaining lip 169 interferes with the rigid lip 196, and thus the container 190 cannot slide out of the holding device 130 without the user lifting the rigid lip 196 above the retaining lip 169.
• FIG. 7 a third embodiment of the invention is shown in use.
• the holding device 230 is identical to the embodiment in FIG. 6 except for having a retaining lip 269 on only one of the holding members 238.
• FIGS. 8-8b illustrate a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
• the holding device 330 is substantially identical to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. l-2b, but has retaining lips 369 on both holding members 338a, 338b. (Equivalently, the third embodiment is identical to the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 4-5b except that the interference member 161 is omitted.)
• FIGS. 9-9b illustrate a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
• the holding device 430 is substantially identical to the embodiment shown in FIGS.
• FIG. 10 shows a configuration having two sets of holding members 536-1, 536-2 each adapted to hold a bag 70 and identical to the set of holding members 36 shown in FIG. 2 and one set of holding members 538-1 adapted to hold a rigid container 90 and identical to the set of holding members 38 of FIG. 2.
• the set of holding members 538-1 is disposed between the sets of holding members 536-1 and 536-2.
• FIG. 11 shows a configuration having one set of holding members 536-3 adapted to hold a bag 70 and identical to the set of holding members 36 shown in FIG. 2 and two sets of holding members 538-2, 538-3 adapted to hold a rigid container 90 and identical to the set of holding members 38 of FIG. 2.
• the sets of holding member 538-2, 538-3 are disposed on either side of the set of holding members 536-3.
• FIG. 12 shows a configuration having two sets of holding members 536-4, 536-5 adapted to hold a bag 70 and identical to the set of holding members 36 shown in FIG. 2 and two sets of holding members 538-4, 538-5 adapted to hold a rigid container 90 and identical to the set of holding members 38 of FIG. 2.
• FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment having three sets of holding members 536-6, 536- 7, 536-8 adapted to hold a bag 70 and identical to the set of holding members 36 shown in FIG. 2.
• one set of holding members 538-6 adapted to hold a rigid container 90 and identical to the set of holding members 38 of FIG. 2 is disposed on one side of the sets536-6, 536-7, 536-8.
• FIG. 14 shows an embodiment having one set of holding members 536-9 adapted to hold a bag 70 and identical to the set of holding members 36 shown in FIG. 2 and three sets of holding members 538-7, 538-8, 538-9 adapted to hold a rigid container 90 identical to the set of holding members 38 of FIG. 2.
• the holding members 538-7, 538-8, 538-9 are disposed on one side of the set of holding members 536-9.
• FIG. 15 shows a configuration having three sets of holding members 536-10, 536-11, 536-12 adapted to hold a bag 70 and identical to the set of holding members 36 shown in FIG. 2.
• Three sets of holding members 538-10, 538-11, 538-12 each adapted to hold a rigid container 90 and identical to the set of holding members 38 of FIG.
• FIG. 16 a twelfth embodiment of a holding device according to the present invention is shown.
• the holding device 630 is identical to the holding device depicted in FIG. 4 except that at an end 675 of the holding device 630 opposite the first pair of holding members 636 a clip 677 is attached or otherwise formed.
• the clip 677 includes a first clip member 677a resiliently pivoted to a second clip member 677b forming a side panel of the device 630.
• a spring biases the first clip member 677a to the position shown in FIG.
• FIG. 17 illustrates a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention.
• the holding device includes similar features to any of the embodiments described above except that each of the sets holding members 736 or 738 is spaced from each adjacent set of holding members 736 or 738.
• the advantage to such an embodiment is that a bag 70 filled with a bulky material will not interfere with a container 90 being placed into the holding device.
• a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention is seen in FIG. 18.
• the holding device 630 is formed as part of a member 832, such as a refrigerator, a cabinet, a pantry shelf, etc...
• a member 832 such as a refrigerator, a cabinet, a pantry shelf, etc.
• one or more of the sets of holding member 536 and one or more of the sets of holding members 538 extend from the bottom of the member 832 but are otherwise identical in function to the embodiment shown in FIG. 17. This embodiment may be particularly useful where the ambient environment may adversely affect the secure attachment of the holding device to a surface.
• any of the varying configurations and combinations of members 36 and 38, and any permutations thereof, may be provided in any of the devices disclosed herein. Further, in any of the embodiments disclosed herein, any or all of the holding members 36, 136, 236,
• 336, 536, and 636 may or may not include the interference member 161 and any or all of the members 38, 138, 238, 338, 438, 538 and 638 may or may not include a retaining lip 169.
• the present invention allows a user to store varying combinations of storage bags and rigid containers in a cabinet, under a shelf or cabinet, in a pantry, in a refrigerator, etc., without taking up shelf space.
• the bag(s) and container(s) are maintained in a neat and orderly condition, thereby keeping mess to a minimum and allowing the user to easily locate the contents thereof.

Landscapes

• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
• Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Thermal Sciences (AREA)
• General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Packages (AREA)
• Load-Engaging Elements For Cranes (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=32469359

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (4)

Families Citing this family (4)

Family Cites Families (39)

• 2003
  • 2003-11-26 EP EP03787174A patent/EP1565391A2/de not_active Withdrawn
  • 2003-11-26 AU AU2003295959A patent/AU2003295959A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2003-11-26 US US10/723,927 patent/US20040124322A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2003-11-26 WO PCT/US2003/037798 patent/WO2004050513A2/en not_active Ceased

Non-Patent Citations (1)

Also Published As

Similar Documents

Legal Events