Method and device for retaining partially rolled-up collapsible containers
OwnerHubert J. Gaetkeinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A device for retaining, in a rolled-up configuration, a portion of a collapsible container that holds a quantity of a product. The method includes forming a roll of a collapsible container holding a quantity of a product. The opening of a U-shaped clip is then urged into engagement with the roll of the collapsible container until the opening passes about the roll, and the roll becomes disposed between arms of the U-shaped clip. Thus arranged, an layer of a resilient, open-cell foam material lining the inside of the U-shaped clip is juxtaposed with and compressed by the roll of the collapsible container.
Claims15
A U-shaped clip adapted for retaining in a rolled-up configuration a portion of a collapsible container that holds a quantity of a product, the U-shaped clip comprising:
- an inner layer of a resilient open-cell foam material;
- and
- a continuous, outer layer of structural material to which said inner layer of foam material is bonded, said layer of structural material mechanically supporting said inner layer of foam material;
- said layer of structural material including a pair of opposing, spaced-apart arms that are joined to each other by a juncture segment of said layer of structural material located at a base of the U-shaped clip;
- said inner layer of foam material substantially filling a gap located between the opposing, spaced-apart arms of the U-shaped clip;
- and the opposing, spaced-apart arms providing an opening between projecting ends thereof that extend away from the base of the U-shaped clip, the opening being adapted for admitting a convoluted roll of a collapsible container into the U-shaped clip between the opposing, spaced-apart arms thereof with open-cell foam material included in said inner layer of foam material becoming juxtaposed with and compressing to conform to the convoluted roll.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.