Storage container

Abstract

A flexible or semi-flexible storage container comprises a container body formed from one or more pieces of flexible or semi-flexible sheet material. Flexibly attached to the container body by one or more flexible assembly mechanisms are complimentary enclosure pieces, which when assembled together form an enclosed container. The flexible assembly mechanism comprises a zipper mechanism, however equivalent mechanisms, such as hook and loop fasteners and the like are considered in various other exemplary embodiments. The flexible or semi-flexible storage container may be selectively opened, sealed, and resealed, as described herein. In addition to being self-supporting, flexible or semi-flexible storage containers are also readily foldable or collapsible to provide easy storage that occupies minimal space.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority to and is a continuation-in-part of currently pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 965,561 entitled “STORAGE CONTAINER” filed Oct. 13, 2004, and hereby incorporated herein by reference. This application further claims priority to eight (8) U.S. Design Application Nos. 29 / 256,676, 29 / 256,877, 29 / 256,670, 29 / 256,671, 29 / 256,672, 29 / 256,673, 29 / 256,674, and 29 / 256,675, each entitled “Storage Container” and filed on Mar. 23, 2006, and hereby incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to the field of storage containers. More specifically, the present invention relates to storage containers that when unassembled are essentially “two-dimensional” and when assembled are “three-dimensional.”BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Flexible storage bags for containing and protecting various items, as well as preserving perishable materials such as food items, have lon...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010] Accordingly, an exemplary flexible or semi-flexible storage container of the present invention combines the desirable qualities of both flexible bags and rigid storage containers, yet minimizes the less desirable qualities of both. The exemplary storage containers exhibit improved “sealability” to promote secureness, improved storage by easily folding into a compact form, and / or improved construction having a unitary assembly from inexpensive materials thereby promoting disposability.

Problems solved by technology

As is generally well known by consumers, conventional, flexible storage containers, such as trash / garden / kitchen bags, create an inherent challenge in terms of being able to maintain the flexible or flaccid bag in the open condition.

It is likewise difficult to maintain the proper orientation (usually upright) of the opening of the bag during such filling or placing operations.

While rigid containers, and flaccid containers with reinforced opening perimeters, have been developed to overcome such challenges, their comparatively higher cost and limited economical storability when not in use, leaves room for improvement.

Such containers also are frequently provided with flat bottoms and tops to provide improved stability and “stackability.” The useful life of such containers, though, is limited by damage, soiling, or other degradation naturally occurring as a result of recurrent use, including degradation of the typical closure mechanisms.

Storage of such three-dimensional, rigid or semi-rigid containers when not in use is also a concern, since such containers occupy as much space to store when empty as they do filled, and is a significant disadvantage to users in locations where space is at premium, such as a college dormitory, or an inner city loft.

Images