Combined storage apparatus

Abstract

A combined storage apparatus (10) includes a storage bag (12) and a storage box (14). The base (20) of the storage bag (12) is gusseted and forms an extended flat surface which is attached to a stiff board (32). The board (32) has straps (40A, 40B) with buckles (42) which are adjustable to pull taut against the storage bag (12). After the storage bag (12) has been sealed by fastener tracks (28A, 28B) and evacuated of air through a one-way valve (30), the straps (40A, 40B) are pulled taut against the storage bag (12) and the buckles (42) secured. The adjustable straps (40A, 40B), the buckles (42), and the board (32) serve as a mechanical restraint to assist in retaining the storage bag (12) in a collapsed state. The storage bag (12) and the board (32) are sized to fit within the storage box (14). The board (32) also is folded in a manner to create two sidewalls (32A, 32B) which provides rigidity to permit multiple storage apparatuses (10) to be stacked.

Description

[0001] This patent application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 10 / 756,262; 10 / 758,259; and 10 / 853,243.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] (a) Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention relates to combined storage apparatuses, more particularly to a combined storage apparatus wherein a storage bag is provided with a gussetted flat bottom surface which is attached to a stiff board. An article is stored in the storage bag, and the storage bag is evacuated of air and then placed in a storage box. [0004] (b) Description of the Prior Art [0005] The storage bags of the prior art for storing blankets, clothes, or other articles comprise a bag body that can be sealed and evacuated of air, so that the volume of the bags and their contents can be significantly reduced for saving space. The storage bags of the prior art are, however, of irregular shapes and it is difficult to stack up many storage bags. It is further disadvantageous that the bags and their...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006] The present invention provides a combined storage apparatus comprising a storage bag and a storage box. Typically, articles such as bedding, clothing, or other contents are placed through an opening in the storage bag and fastener strips are then used to seal the storage bag. A one-way valve is then used to evacuate air from the storage bag and the volume of the bag and its contents is reduced as the wall of the bag is collapsed against the contents contained therein. A base of the storage bag forms a gusseted flat surface and is attached to a stiff board. The stiff board is provided with adjustable straps and buckles which may be pulled taut against the storage bag to retain the storage bag in a collapsed state. The board, straps, and buckles serve as a mechanical restraint to prevent the bag and its contents from expansion in the event the bag is punctured or air infiltrates through a fastener strip which is accidentally opened or not completely closed. The storage bag and the board are sized to fit within the storage box.

Problems solved by technology

The storage bags of the prior art are, however, of irregular shapes and it is difficult to stack up many storage bags.

It is further disadvantageous that the bags and their contents may expand while in storage due to possible infiltration of the air.

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