Apparatus for storing articles

• US 8,746,491 B2
• Filed: 06/27/2013
• Issued: 06/10/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 12/31/2009
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Stephen G. Armstrong
• Original Assignee: Stephen G. Armstrong
• Inventors: Armstrong, Stephen G.
• Primary Examiner(s): Hicks, Robert J
• Application Number:
  US13/928,403
• Publication Number:
  US 20130292397A1
• Time in Patent Office: 348 Days
• Field of Search: 220/23.89, 220/23.87, 220/23.83, 220/9.3, 220/9.2, 220/9.1, 220/9.4, 220/666, 220/630, 220/628, 220/495.06, 220/495.04, 220/495.01, 220/632, 220/626, 220/600, 190/107, 190/110, 190/125, 383/107, 383/100, 383/110, 383/109, 383/101, 206/503, 206/216, 206/581, 206/223, 206/600
• US Class Current: 220/495.06
• CPC Class Codes: A45C 13/008 for making water- or air-tight
• CPC Class Codes: A45C 13/021 inflatable
• CPC Class Codes: A45C 7/0036 collapsible to a minimal configuration, e.g. for storage purposes
• CPC Class Codes: A45C 7/004 inflatable and deflatable
• CPC Class Codes: A45C 7/0081 inflatable and deflatable
• CPC Class Codes: A45C 7/0086 comprising a plurality of separable elements which can be used independently of one another
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 1/32 Containers adapted to be temporarily deformed by external pressure to expel contents B65D47/2018, B65D83/0055 take precedence ; containers for pharmaceutical purposes A61J1/20, A61M5/19; containers with disinfecting linings A61L2/00; liquid sprayers B05B; oil cans F16N3/00
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 21/0209 stackable or joined together one-upon-the-other in the upright or upside-down position B65D21/0234, B65D21/0235 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 21/086 Collapsible or telescopic containers B65D1/0292 and B65D21/068 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 25/54 Inspection openings or windows
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2577/041 Details of two or more containers disposed one within another
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 31/14 Valve bags, i.e. with valves for filling
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 85/07 for compressible or flexible articles for wearing apparel B65D85/18
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 85/18 for wearing apparel, headwear or footwear

Abstract

An apparatus for storing articles comprises one or more vacuum-sealable storage bags and a container. The one or more vacuum-sealable storage bags are configured for storing the articles therein. The container configured for storing the one or more vacuum-sealable storage bags therein. The container has soft sides made of soft materials. In operation, when air within the one or more vacuum-sealable storage bags is evacuated, the one or more vacuum-sealable storage bags, and any articles stored therein, collapses into the container.

Claims

1. An apparatus for storing articles, comprising:

one or more vacuum-sealable storage bags configured for storing the articles therein; and

a container configured for storing the one or more vacuum-sealable storage bags therein,

whereby when air within the one or more vacuum-sealable storage bags is evacuated, the one or more vacuum-sealable storage bags, and any articles stored therein, collapses into the container.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

the one or more storage bags having a means for providing an air-tight seal.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

the one or more storage bags having a means for removing air from an interior of the one or more storage bags.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the container substantially defines a length of 25½

inches, a width of approximately 20 inches, and a height between a range of 10 and 11 inches.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein two or more walls of the container are made of soft materials.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more vacuum-sealable storage bags and the container are configured for stacking.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the container defines a compact and low profile when in a fully collapsed state.

8. An apparatus for storing articles, comprising:

one or more vacuum-sealable storage bags comprising a means for removing air from an interior of the one or more storage bags and a means for providing an air-tight seal;

a container configured for storing the one or more vacuum-sealable storage bags therein, the containing defining a compact and low profile when in a fully collapsed state; and

the one or vacuum-sealable storage bags and the contained configured for stacking,

whereby when air within the one or more vacuum-sealable storage bags is evacuated, the one or more vacuum-sealable storage bags, and any articles stored therein, collapses into the container.

9. A method for storing articles, comprising:

providing one or more vacuum-sealable storage bags;

positioning the one or more vacuum-sealable storage bags within a container;

inserting one or more articles into the one or more vacuum-sealable storage bags;

sealing the one or more vacuum-sealable storage bags;

removing the air from the one or more vacuum-sealable storage bags to collapse the one or more storage bags into the container.