US20090208146A1

US20090208146A1 - Impermeable Bag

Info

Publication number: US20090208146A1
Application number: US12/032,887
Authority: US
Inventors: Diana Kirby
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-02-18
Filing date: 2008-02-18
Publication date: 2009-08-20

Abstract

Disclosed is an impermeable bag for holding articles. The impermeable bag includes a first sidewall, a second sidewall, a flexible interlocking member and a flexible interposing member. The first sidewall includes a first inner surface and a first outer surface. The second sidewall includes a second inner surface and a second outer surface. The first inner surface and the second inner surface are attached to form a receptacle with an opening to hold the articles therein. The flexible interlocking member is disposed on the first inner surface proximate to the opening. The flexible interposing member is disposed on the second inner surface proximate to the opening. A pressure is applied on the first outer surface and the second outer surface to insert the flexible interposing member into the flexible interlocking member for sealing the opening.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to container sacks, and more specifically to an impermeable bag for holding articles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Container sacks such as bags are typically used for carrying articles such as cell phones, cameras and the like. However, a problem arises when a user is carrying the articles in a bag while performing outdoor water activities, such as kayaking, canoeing, rafting, water sports, and the like. While performing the outdoor water activities, water may seep through the bag and cause damage to sensitive items that the user may be carrying. Examples of the sensitive items include cell phones, digital cameras, Global Positioning System (GPS) equipment, maps, documents and currency notes.
Waterproof bags are available for carrying the sensitive items while the user is performing the outdoor water activities. The waterproof bags require suitable sealing mechanisms to prevent the water from entering into the waterproof bags, so that the said sensitive items may not be damaged. Several sealing mechanisms are typically available to seal the waterproof bags. One sealing mechanism involves folding a waterproof bag several times, thereby reducing storage space that is required for storing the items. Another sealing mechanism involves a sliding-fastening element present on the waterproof bag for closing and opening the waterproof bag. The sliding-fastening element includes a grasping member that facilitates the user in operating the sealing mechanism. The grasping member is attached to the sliding-fastening element through a knob. While performing a sliding motion of the knob on the sliding-fastening element, the grasping member may break, thereby causing inconvenience to the user in opening or closing the waterproof bag. Moreover, the waterproof bags are often inconvenient to hold when the user is performing the outdoor water activities.
Accordingly, there is a need for a waterproof bag for holding articles dry while performing outdoor water activities. Further, there is need for a sealing mechanism in the waterproof bag that is convenient to use for opening or closing the waterproof bag, and simultaneously, prevents water from seeping into the waterproof bag. Moreover, there is need for a waterproof bag that may be conveniently carried by the user while performing the outdoor water activities.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide an impermeable bag for holding articles.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an impermeable bag with a sealing mechanism for preventing water from entering the impermeable bag.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an impermeable bag with a sealing mechanism that facilitates convenient opening and closing of the impermeable bag.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide an impermeable bag capable of being conveniently carried by a user.
In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior art, the general purpose of the present invention is to provide an impermeable bag that is configured to include all advantages of the prior art, and to overcome the drawbacks inherent therein. In an aspect of the present invention, the impermeable bag comprises a first sidewall, a second sidewall, a flexible interposing member and a flexible interlocking member. The first sidewall comprises a first inner surface and a first outer surface, and the second sidewall comprises a second inner surface and a second outer surface. The first inner surface and the second inner surface are attached to form a receptacle with an opening. The receptacle with the opening is capable of holding the articles therein. The flexible interlocking member is disposed on the first inner surface proximate to the opening. The flexible interposing member is disposed on the second inner surface proximate to the opening. The flexible interposing member and the flexible interlocking member are capable of sealing the opening to secure the articles within the receptacle. A pressing force applied on the first outer surface and the second outer surface, simultaneously, inserts the flexible interposing member into the flexible interlocking member for sealing the opening. The flexible interposing member inserted into the flexible interlocking member may be disengaged from the flexible interposing member by a pulling force applied on the first outer surface and the second outer surface to unseal the opening.
The flexible interposing member inserted into the flexible interlocking member configures the sealing mechanism for preventing water from entering the impermeable bag. Further, the flexible interposing member may be inserted and disengaged from the flexible interlocking member by application of the pressing force and the pulling force respectively, thereby facilitating convenient opening and closing of the impermeable bag.
The impermeable bag is provided with a belt for facilitating convenience in carrying the impermeable bag. The belt secures the impermeable bag with the user's body, thereby keeping the user's hands free for performing the water activities.
The impermeable bag is provided with a compartment, thereby providing additional storage space in the impermeable bag for storing the articles.
These together with the other aspects of the present invention, along with the various feature of novelty that characterized the present invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and form a part of the present invention. For a better understanding of the present invention, its operating advantages, and the specified object attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which:

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a front view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, of an impermeable bag, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of a flexible interlocking member and a flexible interposing member of the impermeable bag of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 2B and 2C illustrates a cross-sectional view along AA′ of a flexible interlocking member and a flexible interposing member of the impermeable bag of FIG. 1 in a disengaged state and an inserted state respectively;

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate cross-sectional side views of the impermeable bag of FIG. 1 when an opening of the impermeable bag is in a sealed condition and an unsealed condition respectively; and

FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of an impermeable bag including a belt with an adjusting mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the description of several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

For a thorough understanding of the present invention, reference is to be made to the following detailed description, including the appended claims, in connection with the above-described drawings. Although the present invention is described in connection with exemplary embodiments, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but these are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
The term “first”, “second”, and the like, herein do not denote any order, quantity or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another, and the terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.
The present invention provides an impermeable bag for holding articles, and keeping the articles dry from damage from water. The impermeable bag includes a first sidewall, a second sidewall, a flexible interlocking member and a flexible interposing member. The first sidewall includes a first inner surface and a first outer surface, and the second sidewall includes a second inner surface and a second outer surface. The first inner surface and the second inner surface are coupled together, thereby forming a receptacle that has an opening. The receptacle is capable of holding the articles therein. A flexible interlocking member is disposed proximate to the opening on the first inner surface. Similarly, a flexible interposing member is disposed proximate to the opening on the second inner surface. A pressing force applied on the first outer surface and the second outer surface, simultaneously, inserts the flexible interposing member into the flexible interlocking member for sealing the opening. Upon sealing the opening, the impermeable bag is capable of holding the articles and keeping the articles dry, while the user is performing various kinds of water activities. The flexible interposing member inserted into the flexible interlocking member may be disengaged by a pulling force applied on the first outer surface and the second outer surface to unseal the opening.
FIG. 1A illustrates a front view of an impermeable bag 100 for holding articles, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the impermeable bag 100 of FIG. 1A, along an axis XX′. The impermeable bag 100 includes a first sidewall 102, a second sidewall 104, a flexible interlocking member 106 and a flexile interposing member 108, as shown in FIG. 1A. The first sidewall 102 includes a first inner surface 102 a, a first outer surface 102 b and a first periphery 102 c. Similarly, the second sidewall 104 includes a second inner surface 104 a, a second outer surface 104b and a second periphery 104 c, as shown in FIG. 1B. A portion of the first periphery 102 c of the first sidewall 102 is attached to a portion of the second periphery 104 c of the second sidewall 104 by a suitable means, thereby forming a receptacle 110 including an opening 112. Examples of the suitable means that may be employed for attaching the portion of the first periphery 102 c and the portion of the second periphery 104 c to form the receptacle 110 include pasting, stitching, fusion bonding, fastening, welding, and the like.
The receptacle 110 is capable of holding the articles therein. Examples of the articles include, but are not limited to, cell phones, digital cameras, Global Positioning System (GPS) equipments, maps, documents, and currency notes. In one embodiment of the present invention, the receptacle 110 is dimensioned to be 12 inches wide and 6 inches in height. In one embodiment of the present invention, the receptacle 110 is structured to resemble a semi-circle, as shown in FIG. 1A. However, it will be obvious to a person skilled in the art that the receptacle 110 may be structured as a circle, square, rectangle, quadrangle or any other geometrical shape, depending upon a user's requirement. The articles are inserted into the receptacle 110 through the opening 112. The opening 112 is formed along an unattached portion of the first periphery 102 c and an unattached portion of the second periphery 104 c as depicted in FIGS. 1A and 1B.
The opening 112 of the impermeable bag 100 accommodates a sealing mechanism to seal the opening 112. Sealing the impermeable bag 100 prevents water from entering into the impermeable bag 100 while the user is performing water activities.
The flexible interlocking member 106 is disposed proximate to the opening 112 on the first inner surface 102 a. The flexible interposing member 108 is disposed proximate to the opening 112 on the second inner surface 104 a. The flexible interlocking member 106 and the flexible interposing member 108 configure a sealing mechanism capable of opening and closing the opening 112 of the impermeable bag 100. A pressing force applied on the first outer surface 102 b and the second outer surface 104 b, simultaneously, inserts the flexible interposing member 108 into the flexible interlocking member 106 for sealing the opening 112. The sealing mechanism is explained in greater detail in conjunction with FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C.
In FIG. 1A, the impermeable bag 100 includes a compartment 114 on the second outer surface 104 b. It will be evident to those skilled in the art that the impermeable bag 100 may include at least one compartment, such as the compartment 114 on at least one of the first outer surface 102 a and the second outer surface 104 a. The compartment 114 is capable of holding additional articles, such as currency notes and electronic cards therein. The compartment 114 of the may be mounted on the first outer surface 104b by any suitable means, such as pasting, stitching, fusion bonding, fastening, welding, and the like. The compartment 114 includes a slit opening (not shown) with a sliding fastener 114 a. The sliding fastener 114 a may seal the slit opening of the compartment 114. However, it will be obvious to person skilled in the art that any suitable means, such as a Velcro arrangement, may be used for sealing the opening of the compartment 114. Further, the compartment 114 may have a sealing mechanism similar to the sealing mechanism of the opening 112.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the impermeable bag 100 may include a belt 116 capable of being tied around a user's waist. The belt 116 is described in greater detail in FIG. 4. In one embodiment of the present invention, the first outer surface 102 a and the second outer surface 104 a of the impermeable bag 100 are composed of waterproof material. The waterproof material may be designed to be of a transparent material or an opaque material. Examples of the waterproof material include, but are not limited to, plastic, chemically synthesized material, natural fiber material, natural fiber and synthetic material blends. In another embodiment of the present invention, the belt 116 is composed of nylon material.
FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of the flexible interlocking member 106 and the flexible interposing member 108 of the impermeable bag 100 of FIG. 1. FIGS. 2B and 2C illustrate a cross-sectional view along AA′ of the flexible interlocking member 106 and the flexible interposing member 108 depicted in FIG.2A in a disengaged state and an inserted state respectively.
The flexible interlocking member 106 is disposed on the first inner surface 102 a of the first sidewall 102 proximate to the opening 112. The flexible interposing member 108 is disposed on the second inner surface 104 a of the second sidewall 104 proximate to the opening 112, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. The flexible interlocking member 106 includes a first flange 202 a and a second flange 202 b, hereinafter collectively referred to as pair of flanges 202. The pair of flanges 202 are spaced apart and connected to each other by a connecting member 202 c. Each of the pair of flanges 202 configure a tapered structure with a narrow end connected to the connecting member 202 c and broad end extending away from the connecting member 202 c. The spaced apart pair of flanges 202 configure a channel 202 d therebetween, as shown in FIG. 2B.
The flexible interposing member 108 includes an outwardly extended projection 204 a that extends from a base 204 b of the flexible interposing member 108, as shown in FIG. 2B. The outwardly extended projection 204 a tapers towards the base 204 b and extends along a length of the flexible interposing member 108, as shown in FIG. 2A. The outwardly extended projection 204 a is configured to be received into the channel 202 d formed by the pair of flanges 202, as shown in FIG. 2C. FIG. 2B depicts the disengaged state of the flexible interlocking member 106 and the flexible interposing member 108. The outwardly extended projection 204 a of the flexible interposing member 108 is received into the channel 202 d of the flexible interlocking member 106 for configuring the inserted state. In the inserted state, the opening 112 of the impermeable bag 100 is sealed. In the disengaged state, the opening 112 of the impermeable bag is unsealed. The insertion of the flexible interposing member 108 into the flexible interlocking member 106 is explained in further detail in conjunction with FIGS. 3A and 3B.
FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate cross-sectional side views of the impermeable bag 100 of FIG. 1 when the opening 112 of the impermeable bag 100 is in a sealed condition and an unsealed condition respectively. As explained in conjunction with FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C, the sealed condition is configured when the flexible interposing member 108 is inserted into the flexible interlocking member 106. More specifically, a pressing force inserts the outwardly extended projection 204 a of the flexible interposing member 108 into the channel 202 d configured by the pair of flanges 202 of the flexible interlocking member 106. As shown in FIG. 3A, the pressing force may be applied on the first outer surface 102 b and the second outer surface 104 b, proximate to the opening 112 in a direction, as depicted by arrows in FIG. 3A for inserting the outwardly extended projection 204 a of the flexible interposing member 108 into the channel 202 d configured by the pair of flanges 202 of the flexible interlocking member 108 for sealing the opening 112 of the impermeable bag 100.
Further, the unsealed condition is configured when the flexible interposing member 108 is disengaged from the flexible interlocking member 106. A pulling force may be applied on the first outer surface 102 b and the second outer surface 104 b, proximate to the opening 112 in a direction depicted by arrows in FIG. 3B (opposite to the direction of the pressing force) for disengaging the flexible interposing member 108 and the flexible interlocking member 106 for unsealing the opening 112 of the impermeable bag 100. More specifically, the pulling force disengages the outwardly extended projection 204 a of the flexible interposing member 108 from the channel 202d configured by the pair of flanges 202 of the flexible interlocking member 106 to unseal the opening 112.
FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of the impermeable bag 100 including the belt 116 with an adjusting mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The belt 116 includes a first portion 402 and a second portion 404. The first portion 402 includes a distal end 402 a and a distal end 402 b. The second portion 404 includes a distal end 404 a and a distal end 404 b. The distal end 402 a may be removably or permanently attached with the first outer surface 102 b and the distal end 404 a of the may be removably or permanently attached to the second outer surface 104 b by a suitable attaching means. Examples of the attaching means include, but are not limited to, pasting, stitching, fusion bonding, fastening, welding, clasp arrangement, Velcro arrangement, and the like.
Each of the distal end 402 b and the distal ends 404 b include a latch element. The latch elements configuring a clasp arrangement 406 capable of latching for attaching the first portion 402 to the second portion 404 of the belt 116. The first portion 402 includes an adjusting means 408 a and the second portion 404 includes an adjusting means 408 b. The adjusting means 408 a and 408 b are hereinafter collectively referred to as adjusting means 408. The adjusting means 408 is capable of adjusting a length of the first portion 402 and the second portion 404 of the belt 116 respectively. The clasp arrangement 406 and the adjusting means 408 of the belt 116 facilitate wearing of the belt 116 around the user's waist.
The belt 116 may be composed of nylon, plastic, chemically synthesized material, natural fiber material, natural fiber and synthetic material blends, and the like. However, it will be obvious to a person skilled in the art that the belt 116 may be made up of any material capable of withstanding a weight of the impermeable bag 100 holding the articles. The clasp arrangement 406 and the adjusting means 408 present on the belt 116 may be made up of durable material, such as plastic, chemically synthesized material, natural fiber material, natural fiber and synthetic material blends, and the like.
The impermeable bag, such as the impermeable bag 100 of the present invention, is advantageous for holding articles and keeping the articles dry while a user is performing various kinds of water-related activities. More importantly, the impermeable bag utilizes an impermeable material and a sealing mechanism to prevent water from entering into the impermeable bag and damaging the articles therein. Further, the sealing mechanism facilitates the user to seal and unseal the impermeable bag conveniently. Furthermore, the impermeable bag keeps the user's hands free for performing various kinds of water activities. Also, the impermeable bag precludes the need to store the articles in lockers and also renders the articles at hand for easy access.
The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omission and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but such are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. An impermeable bag for holding articles, the impermeable bag comprising:

a first sidewall, the first sidewall comprising a first inner surface and a first outer surface;

a second sidewall, the second sidewall comprising a second inner surface and a second outer surface, the first inner surface and the second inner surface attached to form a receptacle with an opening;

a flexible interlocking member disposed on the first inner surface proximate to the opening; and

a flexible interposing member disposed on the second inner surface proximate to the opening,

wherein a pressing force applied on the first outer surface and the second outer surface inserts the flexible interposing member into the flexible interlocking member for sealing the opening.

2. The impermeable bag of claim 1, wherein the flexible interposing member inserted into the flexible interlocking member is disengaged from the flexible interlocking member by a pulling force applied on the first outer surface and the second outer surface to unseal the opening.

3. The impermeable bag of claim 1, further comprising at least one compartment mounted on at least one of the first outer surface and the second outer surface.

4. The impermeable bag of claim 3, wherein a compartment of the at least one compartment comprising a slit opening for receiving the articles.

5. The impermeable bag of claim 4, wherein the compartment further comprises a sliding fastener capable of sliding along the slit opening for sealing and unsealing the compartment.

6. The impermeable bag of claim 1, further comprising a belt attached to at least one of the first outer surface and the second outer surface.

7. The impermeable bag of claim 6, wherein the belt further comprises an adjusting mechanism, the adjusting mechanism capable of adjusting a length of the belt.

8. The impermeable bag of claim 1, wherein each of the first sidewall and the second side wall is composed of waterproof material.

9. The impermeable bag of claim 1, wherein the first sidewall and the second side wall are opaque.

10. The impermeable bag of claim 1, the first sidewall and the second side wall are transparent.