[0001 ] STORAGE SYSTEM FOR REFRIGERATORS AND OTHER STORAGE UNITS AND A METHOD OF USING THE STORAGE SYSTEM

[0002] FIELD

[0003] The present application relates to a storage system for refrigerators and other storage units and a method of using the storage system.

[0004] The present application also relates to a refrigerator storage system for storing perishable items.

[0005] The present application further relates to a storage system comprised of multiple apparatuses to allow a user to fill, store, and reuse plastic resealable bags, such as ziplock bags, to store food and nonfood items simply and easily.

[0006] BACKGROUND

[0007] Normally solid-walled or formed or molded plastic storage containers can be used to store food and nonfood items and place those containers in a refrigerator for food items and cupboards and other areas of storage for both non-perishable food and nonfood items. These containers take up much space in the storage area, are hard to see the contents inside the container, and, when not storing food or nonfood items, take up a large amount of space wherever they are stored.

[0008] When using such plastic storage containers for food stored in the refrigerator, the containers can become lost, in a sense, or placed out of sight, and eventually the food spoils or dries out and must be disposed of. More often than not the containers are just thrown away because the user would rather not clean the container due to the spoiling food inside.

[0009] One alternative to such plastic storage containers would be to use ziplock bags.

However, to use ziplock bags, one needs to be able to fill the bags easily without getting spillage on the zip-locking part of the bag, then to be able to store the ziplock bags conveniently with the ability to easily see the stored ziplock bags in a refrigerator, in a cupboard, or on a wall, to therefore allow the user to easily see the contents of the bag contained therein. It also may be useful to allow the user to store the items in a freezer for easy reuse and compact storage of the ziplock-bagged items, or to provide a user-friendly apparatus that allows the user to easily recycle the bags by washing them in a dishwasher therefore totally completing the cycle from start to finish.

[0010] To date there is currently unavailable to the consumer market an apparatus system that allows the user to fill, store in sight, freeze and store compactly, and recycle ziplock bags easily and effectively.

[001 1 ] Because of the design of these items it lends itself to be easily used by the intended person desiring to fill and store items easily. Storing items in plastic ziplock bags can significantly reduce the amount of space necessary to store items and significantly reduce the space required to store solid-walled plastic storage containers when not in use. Storing food in plastic ziplock bags also helps preserve the food items contained therein by minimizing the air space inside the ziplock bag. In essence, the food can last longer because the extra space inside the ziplock bag can be squished out and exhausted and the bag sealed up, thereby reducing the amount of available oxygen inside the bag.

[0012] There are 124.6 million households in the United States alone, this apparatus

system lends itself to a fairly low production cost with minimal handling or assembly. The ease of use to the consumer adds to the appeal and the usability of the apparatus and system and can save the average family time in filling the storage ziplock bags, save time in storing the ziplock bags and allow families to effectively see and locate and reuse items stored in the refrigerator as well as other locations for food and nonfood items.

[0013] SUMMARY

[0014] Plastic ziplock bags have been around for quite some time and used for

multipurpose needs of individuals. Traditionally food and nonfood items would be stored in plastic containers and placed in the refrigerator or freezer for food item storage or on shelves and whatnot for non-food item storage.

[0015] One of the problems with storing food in ziplock bags is the ability to get the contents inside the bag effectively without making a mess on the bag, or spilling the food that is to go inside the bag even before the food gets into the bag, let alone find some way to store the items for use at a later date.

[0016] The food or nonfood storage system is comprised of a way to get the items as

contents inside ziplock bags, efficiently and effectively store the ziplock bags in an easy and convenient way, and allowing the consumer to store ziplock bags with the desired contents in specifically desired ways.

[0017] The food or nonfood storage system provides consumers a way to fill ziplock bags without making a mess, and store ziplock bags by hanging them from an apparatus that hangs the ziplock bags from the portion of a ziplock bag just below the ziplock part of the bag. It also allows the person to maximize the space allotted in refrigerators and freezers and use that space very effectively.

[0018] A storage system comprised of multiple apparatuses designed to insert anything that could be inserted into a plastic bag, whether it be a food or a nonfood item, provides a method of storing that item in multiple formats designed to best fit the contents of the plastic bag and provide an apparatus to recycle plastic bags in order to reuse said used plastic bags.

[0019] The system that encompasses 1 ) Different sized bag filler apparatus that could be comprised of a type of flexible plastic material allowing for different size ziplock bags. 2) A collapsible bag filler holder comprised of either plastic or metal that the filler lays in or attaches to so as to allows the user to use both hands pouring or otherwise placing items or substance inside a ziplock bag without allowing item or substance to come into contact with the ziplock seal portion of the bag therefore keeping the seal area clean in order to eliminate mess and provide a clean seal. 3) A storage system comprised of metal or plastic apparatus wherein the ziplock sealed bag slides through a slot in the apparatus allowing the bag to hang from the said ziplock portion of the bag with a narrow enough gap in the slot so as to allow the double thickness of the bag to slide through and into the slot but not allow the ziplock portion of the bag to slide down through the slot therefore keeping the ziplock portion of the bag above the slot as the portion of the bag carrying the contents of the bag are allowed to hang from the slot. This storage apparatus could either be placed in a refrigerator and store food type contents, or placed in a cupboard to allow storage of dry- type items that need to be stored but not refrigerated. Items that can be placed inside ziplock bags and stored therein will vary as to the imagination and needs of the particular individual. 4) A freezer storage apparatus comprised of a somewhat flexible plastic with dividers similar to an ice cube tray that when a quart or gallon ziplock bag lays in this compartmented tray in that it allows the contents of the ziplock bag to fill the different sections of the freezer storage apparatus allowing the ziplock bag contents to be divided into individual serving sizes. 5) A refrigerator or freezer storage apparatus comprised of a flexible plastic that allows ziplock bags containing possible liquids or semiliquid contents to be stored in a vertical manor. Such an apparatus would have a sleeve comprised of a semi- flexible plastic that the ziplock bag with contents would slide down into and then this apparatus along with the ziplock bag and contents would slide down into the

refrigerator/freezer storage apparatus allowing the contents to be stored in the refrigerator for reuse or placed into a freezer therefore freezing the contents into rectangular cubes that can now be easily stored in the freezer. 6) A frame rack apparatus comprised of steel or plastic that allows a ziplock bag to be placed on either with the inside out or the outside out in such a way that it keeps the bag partially open allowing the inside and outside of the bag to be washed cleanly as well as keeping the bag upright so as not to allow water to settle into any sagging parts of the ziplock bag creating any pools of water that will not dry when going through the cycles of the dishwasher. There is also a clip that keeps the ziplock bag attached to the rack during the washing cycle so as not to allow the bag to be forced off the rack by the water pressure and possible get stuck in the washing/heating elements of the dishwasher.

[0020] The storage system could be used to store all manner of items suitable for storage in plastic bags or ziplock bags, both food items, such as, for example, fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, dairy products, soups, salads, grains, breads, dressings, toppings, and baking ingredients, and non-food items, such as, for example, health and beauty items, crafting supplies, art supplies, home care or repair items, clothing and accessories, tools, and machine parts. It should be understood that the above examples do not limit the use of the bags to these examples.

[0021 ] It should also be noted that any use herein of the terms or phrases "bags," "plastic bags," "resealable bags," and "ziplock bags" should be understood as referring to all such bags that utilize a zipper seal or slider seal or other such seal to temporarily seal the bags. It should also be noted that the description of the bags herein is generally in reference to plastic storage bags of the U.S. quart size and U.S. gallon size. However, the bags could be of any size according to national or regional standards, and the components of the system could be adjusted accordingly.

[0022] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 shows a refrigerator in which the storage system could be used;

[0024] Figure 2 shows a refrigerator cooling system ;

[0025] Figures 3 and 4 show bag fillers;

[0026] Figures 5 and 6 show bag fillers with bags;

[0027] Figures 7, 8, 9, 10, 1 1 , and 12 show a bag filler stand;

[0028] Figures 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18 show another exemplification of a bag filler stand;

[0029] Figures 19, 20, 21 , 22, 23, and 24 show a storage unit with food storage trays;

[0030] Figures 25, 26, 27, 28, and 29 show a storage tray according to one exemplification;

[0031 ] Figures 30, 31 , and 32 show a storage unit with food storage trays according to Figures 25-29;

[0032] Figures 33, 34, 35, 36, and 37 show a storage tray according to one exemplification;

[0033] Figures 38, 39, and 40 show a storage tray according to one exemplification;

[0034] Figures 41 , 42, and 43 show a storage unit according to one exemplification;

[0035] Figure 44 shows the use of a holding apparatus;

[0036] Figures 45, 46, 47, and 48 show a holding apparatus according to one

exemplification;

[0037] Figures 49, 50, 51 , and 52 show a holding apparatus according to one

exemplification;

[0038] Figures 53, 54, 55, and 56 show a holding apparatus according to one

exemplification;

[0039] Figures 57, 58, 59, and 60 show a holding apparatus according to one

exemplification;

[0040] Figures 61 and 62 show a holding apparatus according to one exemplification;

[0041 ] Figure 63 shows a holding apparatus according to one exemplification;

[0042] Figures 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, and 69 show a divider tray and a use thereof;

[0043] Figures 70, 71 , and 72 show a cleaning rack;

[0044] Figures 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, and 81 show a collapsible cup and a use thereof; and

[0045] Figures 82, 83, 84, 85, and 86 show a bag according to one exemplification.

[0046] DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS [0047] Figure 1 shows a refrigerator 210 for storing perishable items, such as perishable food items, known in the prior art. The refrigerator 210 has an outer shell 212, as well as an interior upper freezer compartment 214 and a lower fresh food compartment 216 separated by a mullion partition 21 8. The freezer compartment 214 has an access door 220 and the fresh food compartment 216 has an access door 222. As shown, the refrigerator 210 normally has numerous pans and shelves for storing food items.

[0048] Located at the on the lower wall 224 of the mullion partition 218, or the upper wall 224 of the fresh food compartment 216, is a damper control and lighting assembly housing 226. The mullion partition 218 has a generally upper surface or wall 217 which in effect is the bottom or floor of the freezer compartment 214. Between the lower wall 224 and upper wall of the mullion partition is thermal insulation so that the difference in temperatures between the freezer compartment and fresh food compartment can be maintained in their proper temperature ranges.

[0049] The refrigerant system of the refrigerator includes an evaporator (not shown) which is normally located either behind the freezer compartment rear wall 231 , or within the mullion partition 218, and an evaporator fan (not shown) will force the air to circulate through duct 233 into the freezer compartment with a portion being diverted downwardly into the fresh food compartment 216 by means of a duct or air passage way (not shown). The cold air passes entering the fresh food compartment 216 passes through the damper control assembly housing 226.

[0050] The damper control and lighting assembly housing 226 is mounted at the top wall 224 of the fresh food compartment 216. The housing 226 has a bridge section 230 extending across the width of the fresh food compartment 216. The bridge section 230 has a forward flange 232 that lies flush against the upper wall 224 of the fresh food compartment 216.

[0051 ] Figure 2 shows a schematic of an absorption refrigerator system known in the prior art. A first container acts as a generator or still where the liquid with the lower boiling point (the solute) is distilled from the liquid with the higher boiling point (the solvent) by the application of heat. The vapor of the solute thus produced passes to a condenser or condensing container where the vapor liquefies on cooling by exchanging heat with the external atmosphere or a liquid shower like a water shower. The cooled liquid is then permitted to evaporate through a restricted passageway into an evaporator having lower pressure. This process is endothermic and hence results in refrigeration. The relatively low pressure of the evaporator container is due to absorption of the lower boiling point vapor or gas by higher boiling point solvent when the vapor passes into an absorber container. The

"rich" liquid produced in the absorber is then sent back to the generator for another cycle usually be a pump. Liquid from the generator container which has become "weak" due to the removal of the solute is cooled and admitted to the absorber where it can absorb more solute vapor or gas causing reduced pressure in the absorber. In many cases, additional heat exchangers and purifiers are added to improve efficiency. A very common practice is to use ammonia as the solute and water as the solvent liquid. Like any binary solution, the boiling point varies with the relative concentrations of the two substances becoming higher as more ammonia leaves the solution. By putting solute back into the solvent, the entire system can be operated in equilibrium at a fairly constant temperature and pressure in the generator.

[0052] Referring to Figures 3 through 12, Figure 3 illustrates the top view of a quart ziplock bag filler 82. Figure 3 shows holder tabs 4 to hold a ziplock bag, a front edge 7 to be inserted into a bag, a top surface 1 , an outside edge 9, and a corner 10 on which the holder tabs 4 form a part and a notch 3 permitting the bag filler 82 to be held by a support 12 (see

Figures 7 and 8). Figure 4 illustrates the top view of a gallon ziplock bag filler 80. Figure 4 shows holder tabs 4 to hold a ziplock bag, a front edge 7 to be inserted into a bag, a top surface 1 , an outside edge 9, and a corner 10 on which the holder 4 forms a part and a notch 3 permitting the filler 80 to be held by a support 12 (see Figures 7 and 8). Figure 5 illustrates a picture of a quart bag filler 82 showing the tabs 4 that keep the filler 82 in the ziplock bag. Figure 6 shows a picture of the other end of the filler 82 as it can slide into a ziplock bag 6. To fill the bag using either bag filler 82 or 80, food or non-food items may be placed on the bag filler 82, 80, and then the bag filler 82, 80, with the bag attached thereto, may be lifted by hand and then tilted to cause the items thereon to either slide by gravity into the bag, or be pushed manually into the bag by the user's free hand. The bag filler 82, 80 could also be designed to be used as a food preparation surface, such as, for example, a cutting mat for cutting fruit or vegetables. After preparing the food on the bag filler 82, 80, the user could then easily transfer the prepared food into a bag for storage.

[0053] Figure 7 shows a picture of the quart bag filler 82 supported by the hands-free stand 12. Figure 8 shows a picture of the gallon bag filler 80 supported by the hands-free stand

12. The hands-free stand 12 is made up of a base 17 holding two substantially upright members 14 and 15. The two substantially upright members 14 and 15 are each connected to the base 17, each by its own connector 18. Notch holders 13 hold the bag holder bent and in a secured manner to permit items such as food to be filled into the ziplock bag. Figure 9 shows a picture of the quart/gallon filler stand 12 in the flipped open position from a different angle than in Figure 8 standing on base 1 7, which has side flanges 19. Figure 10 shows a picture of the quart/gallon filler stand 12 in the flipped closed position. Figure 1 1 shows a picture of the filler stand 12 holding a quart filler 82 with an attached ziplock bag 6. Figure 12 shows a picture of the filler stand 12 holding a quart filler 82 with a quart bag 6 that is sitting on a quart refrigerator/freezer produce and soup storage unit 20 having a top portion 22 with dividers.

[0054] Figures 13 to 18 show an alternative quart/gallon filler stand 312. The filler stand 312 of Figures 13 to 18 is used or functions in a substantially similar manner as the filler stand 12 of Figures 7 to 12. To further explain, both filler stands 12, 312 support a bag filler thereon with the top surfaces 1 or 2 facing up. Both filler stands 12, 312 have two pairs of guide structures. Guide structures 72 are spaced apart a distance sufficient to secure a gallon-sized bag filler 80, whereas guide structures 74 are spaced apart a lesser distance sufficient to secure a quart-sized bag filler 82. Each of the guide structures 72, 74 shown in Figures 13 to 18 are substantially pin-shaped or cylindrical, but with an undercut 71 , 73 in each guide structure 72, 74. The undercuts 71 , 73 are where the notches in the bag fillers are inserted to secure the bag fillers on the filler stand 312. Each filler stand 12, 312 holds a bag filler such that the bag filler is curved to form a trough or funnel, and the bag filler is tilted with respect to the horizontal in order to cause items located on the top surface 1 , 2 of the bag filler to slide into a ziplock bag hooked on the end of the bag filler. In this manner, food or non-food items can be dropped or placed on the bag filler on the filler stand 12, 312, and then either allowed to slide into the bag by gravity, or can be pushed into the bag manually. Both filler stands 12, 312 can also be made of similar materials, such as plastic or suitable metals.

5] However, there are a number of structural differences in the designs of the filler stands 12, 312. First, the filler stand 312 does not utilize a base 17, but rather is freestanding. To accomplish a free-standing design, the filler stand 312 has two curved side portions 76 that extend from a main body portion 70 and function as legs or feet so that the filler stand 312 does not tip over. In addition, instead of using two upright members 14, 15 that are parallel or essentially parallel to one another, filler stand 312 includes a handle portion 75 that, during use of the filler stand 312, is to be oriented perpendicular or essentially perpendicular to the main body portion 70. Both the curved side portions 76 and the handle portion 75 each also have a flat foot portion 78, which can have a silicone rubber knob or disc or similar structure attached thereto. Therefore, when the filler stand 312 is placed on a surface, such as a counter top or table, there are three main points of contact or support: the foot portions 78 of the two curved side portions 76 and the foot portion 78 of the handle portion 75. Also in contrast to the filler stand 12, the handle portion 75 of the filler stand 312 provides a place for a user to securely grip the filler stand 312 during a bag-filling procedure. The handle portion 75 can include contours 85, as shown in Figure 18, to match the four fingers of the hand of a user. The handle portion 75 is connected to the main body

70 at a connecting structure, which can essentially be in the manner of a hinge. The connecting structure comprises two clamping or snap portions 77 that hold the end of the handle portion 75. These clamping portions 77 are designed such that the handle portion 75 can be pivoted essentially flat against the main body portion 70 for storage when the filler stand 312 is not in use, much like how the two upright members 14, 15 can be pivoted essentially flat against the base 17. The connecting structure also comprises a tab 79 with an indent or depression designed such that when the handle portion 75 is pivoted into the position perpendicular or essentially perpendicular to the main body portion 70, the handle portion 75 is snapped or locked into place. It is important that the connections between the handle portion 75 and the main body portion 70, as well as between the upright members 14, 15 and the base 17, permit a locking in place of the handle portion 75 and the upright members 14, 15 so that they do not accidentally move out of a desired position during bag filling.

[0056] One advantage that the handle portion 75 of the filler stand 312 affords over the filler stand 12 of Figures 7 to 1 1 is the ability to conveniently handle and tilt the filler stand 312 with one hand, which leaves the user with another hand free to help guide the item or items into the bag, hold the bag further open, etc. To further explain, in a bag-filling procedure using the filler stand 312, the handle portion 75, which is in the folded position when not in use, is pivoted into the position shown in Figures 17 and 18. Figure 17 shows a larger bag filler 80, specifically a gallon-sized bag filler, and Figure 18 shows a smaller bag filler 82, specifically a quart-sized bag filler. After the handle portion 75 is pivoted into the support position, a bag filler is inserted between the appropriate guide structures that correspond to the size of the bag filler. The handle portion 75 supports the bag filler along the middle of the bag filler, as seen in Figure 17. The user then hooks a bag onto the lower end of the bag filler around the holder tabs. In the example of filling a bag with food, the user is now free to dump the food onto the supported bag filler. Runny or less viscous foods will easily slide down the bag filler and into the attached bag. However, not all foods slide easily, and some foods will leave pieces or portions or residue behind on the bag filler. The handle portion 75 allows the user to grasp the contoured grip 85 with four fingers of one hand, while the thumb can be placed on top of the upper portion of the bag filler at location 86, thereby further securing the bag filler in place. The user can then lift the handle portion 75 and thus tilt the filler stand 312 at an even steeper angle to cause the food to slide into the bag. In addition, since the other hand of the user is free, the user can scrape or push the food or portions thereof into the bag while securely holding the filler stand 312.

[0057] Referring to Figures 19 through 24, Figure 1 9 shows a picture of a quart

refrigerator/freezer produce and soup storage unit with inside tray to hold ziplock bags full of food desiring to be stored or frozen. Figure 20 shows a picture of a quart refrigerator/freezer produce and soup storage unit with the view of the inner tray. Figure 21 shows a picture of inner quart tray containing food inside a ziplock bag and placed inside the quart refrigerator/freezer produce and soup storage unit tray 22, which tray 22 has separator sides 23 to hold the ziplock bag. Figure 22 shows a picture of the inner tray for the quart refrigerator/freezer produce and soup storage unit that is being slid down inside the slots to store the tray upright. Slots 25 are shown to hold the separator sides 22 and 23. Figure 23 shows a picture of the inner tray for the quart refrigerator/freezer produce and soup storage unit holding a ziplock bag between tray members 22 that still has no contents yet but is ready to be filled. Figure 24 shows a picture of the same filler tray but with the ziplock bag containing a food item.

[0058] Figures 25 to 43 show other exemplifications of a freezer storage system. The function of the freezer storage system is similar to that of the freezer storage system in Figures 19 to 24. In both systems, ziplock bags of malleable food, such as vegetables like corn or beans, or liquid or semi-liquid food, such as sauce or soup, can be placed in individual trays 22, which are in turn placed in a storage unit 20. The storage units 20 are then placed inside a freezer unit. The food located in the ziplock bags conforms to the general rectangular box shape of the trays 22, and then ultimately freezes approximately in that shape. The frozen shape of the ziplock bags of food permits more compact and organized stacking and/or storing of the food in a freezer, either in or outside of the storage unit 20.

[0059] Figures 25 to 29 show another exemplification of a tray 322 or divider that is to be inserted in a storage unit 20. Figure 25 shows a top view into the tray 322, and Figure 28 shows a bottom view of the tray 322. Figure 26 shows a front side view of the tray 322, Figure 27 shows a side view of the tray 322, and Figure 29 shows a perspective view of the tray 322. The shapes of both the tray 22 and the tray 322 are generally similar, in that each has a bottom side and two side walls, wherein a first side wall 93 is taller or higher than a second side wall 90. However, in contrast to the trays 22 shown in Figures 19-24, the trays 322 have some different structural features. First, the tray 322 has a handle portion 97 with a rounded end 98, which handle portion 97 extends from the first side wall 93. The handle portion 97 allows for easier manual removal of the tray 322 from the storage unit by hand. In addition, there are curved side portions 96 extending from the first side wall 93 that further shape the food and provide a guide that engages grooves or guide structures inside the storage unit. The curved side portions 96 project slightly outwardly to promote a more secure engagement with the interior walls of the storage unit. The tray 322 also includes a divider 92 that projects out of the first side wall 93 toward the second side wall 90. The divider 92 is located on a raised portion of the first side wall 93 below the handle portion 97 (see Figures 25 and 29). The divider 92 divides the food in the ziplock bag into two segments or portions. A user can thereby easily separate portions of frozen food into a size suitable for an individual meal without having to defrost or thaw all of the frozen food in the ziplock bag. As seen in Figure 25, the second side wall 90 has a slight curvature and includes two elongated projections 91 , as seen in Figure 27. The slight curvature allows the tray 322 to compensate for expansion of the food due to freezing. The elongated projections 91 reduce the contact area between adjacent trays 322 in the storage unit so that the second side wall 90 does not freeze or stick to the exterior of the first side wall 93 of an adjacent tray 322 in the storage unit.

[0060] Figure 30 shows a top view of a plurality of the trays 322 in a storage unit, and

Figure 31 is a cross-section along line A-A in Figure 30. Figure 32 shows a perspective view of the storage unit of Figure 30. As can be seen in Figure 30, the curved design of the side walls 90, 93 results in a space 109 between adjacent trays 322. The projections 91 minimize the contact area between two adjacent trays 322. Also as seen in Figure 30, the ends of the curved side portions 96 are engaged in grooves 106 on the interior surface 108 of the side walls 100 of the storage unit. The interior surface 108 has a scalloped design or has a plurality of curved recesses 107 that assist in guiding the ends of the curved side portions 96 into the grooves 106. The side walls 1 00 of the storage unit are double-walled and/or relatively thick so as to present a smooth exterior surface 101 that hides the contoured interior surfaces 108. In contrast, the front walls 102 that include the handles 104 are of a single thickness as they are smooth both on the interior and exterior surfaces. A hole or opening 105 is located in the front wall 102 below the handle 104 to permit a user to insert his fingers into the hole 105 to grasp the handle 104. As seen in cross-section in Figure 31 , there is a raised support portion 103 to support the trays 322.

[0061 ] Figures 33 to 37 show another embodiment of the tray 322, but without the divider portion 92. Figure 35 shows a side view and Figure 34 shows a top view into the interior 123 of the tray. Figure 35 is a cross-section view of Figure 33 as viewed from the side, and Figure 37 is a cross-section view of Figure 33 as viewed from the top. Figure 36 is a perspective view of the tray of Figure 33. As noted in Figure 37, a portion 124 of the first side wall projects toward the second side wall in order to cause spacing between two adjacent trays 322, and thereby reduce the contact surface area and minimize sticking or freezing together of two adjacent trays 322.

[0062] Figures 38 to 40 disclose yet another tray 422 which is similar to the tray 322, but each of the first side wall 130 and the second side wall 136 comprises a raised or indented portion 133 and 135, respectively. The tray 422 is designed in this manner to create a specific shape for the frozen bag of food. Specifically, the frozen bag of food will have a raised portion on one surface and an indented portion on the opposite surface. The raised and indented surfaces would allow for more secure stacking of the frozen bags of food one on top of the other in a freezer unit, as the raised portion of a first frozen bag of food would fit inside the indented portion of a second frozen bag of food. Figure 39 shows a cross- section of the tray 422 along line C-C in Figure 38. The raised or indented portions 133 and 135 can be clearly seen. Figure 40 shows a perspective view of the tray 422.

[0063] Figure 41 shows a top view of an empty storage unit of Figures 29 to 31 looking into the interior of the storage unit. The storage unit has raised portions 103 on the bottom surface thereof to support the trays 322 inserted therein. The raised portions 103 also reduce the surface contact area between the bottoms of the trays 322 and the bottom surface of the storage unit to reduce the chance of the surfaces sticking or freezing together. Figure 42 shows a handle-side view of an exterior front side of the storage unit. Figure 43 is a perspective view of the storage unit. As discussed above, the interior side walls have a ridged or scalloped design such that there are a plurality of curved recesses 107. Each recess 107 has an elongated groove 106 formed therein that extends from the top of the recess 107 over a substantial portion of the recess 107. The curved recesses 107 assist in guiding the curved side portions 96 of the trays 322 toward the grooves 106. Each of the curved side portions 96 of the trays 322 has a portion or projection on the end thereof that matches or interlocks with the grooves 106 in the recesses 107 to secure the trays 322 in the storage unit.

[0064] Figure 44 shows a picture of a ziplock slot storage holding apparatus 31 with ten pictures showing how a ziplock bag 6 fits into the slots 32 and how the ziplock slot storage holding apparatus holds multiple ziplock type bags 6. Figures 45 and 46 show an illustration of a refrigerator or cabinet ziplock slot storage holding apparatus with a side view (Figure 46) and front view (Figure 45). Figure 46 shows the full extension slide rails 39 and the side of the vertical side member 31 with the slots for holding the ziplock bags. A handle 35 of the ziplock slot storage holding apparatus is shown on the lower right portion of the drawing.

Figure 47 shows an illustration of how the ziplock bag fits into the slot of the holder and how the ziplock bag remains supported in this structure. The slots have a wider slot portion 32 and a narrower slot portion 33 which is formed by two protrusions 34. Figure 48 shows a close up illustration of the ziplock slot storage holding apparatus supporting a ziplock bag 37 in the slot made for holding ziplock bags. A thinner portion of the ziplock portion 36 of a bag is shown between the protrusions 34.

[0065] Figures 49 to 52 show an alternative embodiment of the ziplock slot storage holding apparatus. The design is similar to the ziplock slot storage holding apparatus of Figures 45 to 48, but with an additional pair of sealing structures or seals or sealing lips 49. The sealing structures 49 can be made of any suitable flexible or resilient sealing material, such as, for example, silicone rubber, rubber, elastomers, or plastic. As shown in Figures 49 and 50, the sealing structures 49 project out from the slots below the lower surface of the ziplock slot storage holding apparatus. The sealing structures 49 are designed and positioned to exert a sealing force or pressure or action on the bag to clamp or cinch or pinch a portion of the bag together to either bring the sides of the bag into contact with one another or narrow the space 50 between the sides of the bag. The sealing structures 49 further seal the bag to minimize spoilage of perishable items. The sealing structures 49 also could provide a further gripping or clamping action on the bags to inhibit or prevent downward removal or the bags falling out of the ziplock slot storage holding apparatus. In another possible exemplification, the sealing structures 49 could be designed and positioned to exert a relatively strong clamping or holding or pinching or sealing force on the bags such that even bags without a zipper seal or sealing structure could be sealed and held by the ziplock slot storage holding apparatus. Figures 53 to 56 show a similar exemplification as Figures 49 to 52, however, in this case, sealing structures 40 are positioned above the narrower slot portion 33. Like the sealing structures 49, the sealing structures 40 can be used to seal and hold, or at least assist in sealing and holding, a plastic bag with or without a zipper seal.

[0066] Figure 57 shows a picture of a ziplock slot storage holding apparatus designed for limited space of a refrigerator door with slots 43 at an angle other than a right angle from the side 42. The angled design makes it easier to view the contents of the bags since the ziplock slot storage holding apparatus will be installed in a fixed position, i.e., the ziplock slot storage holding apparatus cannot be slid out of the refrigerator door in which it is mounted. Figure 58 shows a picture of the ziplock slot storage holding apparatus placed under the shelf in the door section of a refrigerator, with a plurality of ziplock bagged items being held thereby. As can be seen, the angled orientation of the slots 43 allows a user to more easily view the contents of the bags. Figure 59 shows a picture of the ziplock slot storage holding apparatus in a refrigerator holding multiple items 47 in multiple slots 32. Figure 60 shows another picture of the ziplock slot storage holding apparatus holding multiple items 47 in multiple slots 32.

[0067] Figures 61 to 63 show different views of the ziplock slot storage holding apparatus.

Figure 61 shows the ziplock slot storage holding apparatus installed under a shelf of a refrigerator. The ziplock slot storage holding apparatus is mounted on a telescoping or sliding guide structure that permits the ziplock slot storage holding apparatus to be pulled out from the interior of the refrigerator. The extendable design allows a user to easily view the ziplock bags hanging on the ziplock slot storage holding apparatus, as well as allow the user to more easily insert bags into the slots in the ziplock slot storage holding apparatus. In this design of the ziplock slot storage holding apparatus, the slots are perpendicular or essentially perpendicular or transverse to the direction of extension of the ziplock slot storage holding apparatus, so it is advantageous to allow the user to extend the ziplock slot storage holding apparatus out of the refrigerator so that the user can more easily see the content of the bags.

[0068] Figure 62 shows a view of a portion of the ziplock slot storage holding apparatus, and a user inserting a ziplock bag into a slot of the ziplock slot storage holding apparatus. To further explain, to utilize the ziplock slot storage holding apparatus, the upper portion of a ziplock bag, which includes a sealing portion and a grasping portion to permit a user to pull open the ziplock bag, is slid into a corresponding one of the slots. The sealing portion of the ziplock bag is thicker than the portion of the ziplock bag immediately below it. The lowermost portion of the slot is narrower than the sealing portion of the ziplock bag, such that the portion of the bag below the sealing portion can slide into the slot, but the sealing portion cannot be pulled downwardly, or at least cannot easily be pulled downward, through the lowermost portion of the slot. The slots are designed to allow easy insertion of the ziplock bags into the slots from the side, while preventing or substantially preventing the ziplock bags from falling out of the slots. However, since the slots, at least in the side wall of the ziplock slot storage holding apparatus, are of a similar or substantially similar height as the upper portion of the ziplock bags, it can sometimes be difficult to accurately and quickly insert the upper portion of the ziplock bag into the slots. If the upper portion is not aligned properly at the time of insertion, the upper portion can snag on or be partially blocked by the side wall of the ziplock slot storage holding apparatus, especially since the ziplock bag is flexible. In order to facilitate insertion, a ziplock bag of a different design could be used to store items in the ziplock slot storage holding apparatus. As shown in Figure 62 (and in greater detail in Figures 82 to 86), a ziplock bag with a curved or slanted top edge could be used. Most ziplock bags have a generally square or rectangular shape, and thus the grasping portion above the sealing portion of the ziplock bags has a rectangular shape with corners. By utilizing a curved grasping portion, the height of the upper portion of the ziplock bag is substantially reduced at the edges, so it is not necessary to carefully align the side edge of the upper portion of the ziplock bag with the sides of the slots. The curved design allows for an easier and more accurate insertion of the ziplock bags into the slots.

[0069] Figure 63 shows the ziplock slot storage holding apparatus installed under a shelf of a cabinet, such as a kitchen cabinet, rather than a refrigerator. The ziplock slot storage holding apparatus could be installed in a variety of locations to hold ziplock bags filled with both food and non-food items, and both perishable and non-perishable items. For example, the ziplock slot storage holding apparatus could be installed in closets or storage cabinets to hold non-food items like medical supplies, household supplies, clothing and accessories, tools, machine parts, and other non-food items that can be stored in plastic ziplock bags.

[0070] Referring to Figures 64 through 69, Figure 64 shows a picture of a freezer tray

designed to hold quart bags or gallon bags so that the ziplock bag will be divided by separators 53 into individual portions 52 upon freezing, therefore allowing the individual to only reheat necessary or desired individual portions 55. Figure 65 shows a picture of a frozen gallon ziplock bag that has been taken out of the storage freezer tray of Figure 65. As can be seen, the frozen food is now shaped into individual servings, specifically six in Figure 65. Figure 66 shows an additional view of a frozen food item that has been placed into the divider tray and subsequently frozen. Again, there are six individual portions divided along lines 56. Figures 67 to 69 show a series of pictures of the handling of a frozen food item that has been separated in the freezer tray. Specifically, a quart bag was laid on the freezer tray such that the food in the quart bag was generally separated into two portions. The food was frozen into the two portions. As seen in Figure 67, the user simply applies pressure at the narrowed part or divide or seam between the two portions of frozen food to break the two portions apart. The user then extracts one individual portion 55 from the bag, and then deposits the individual portion 55 into a bowl, as seen in Figures 68 and 69. The user can now defrost or thaw only the individual portion 55, while the rest of the frozen food can be placed back into storage.

[0071 ] Figures 70 through 72 show an illustration of a rack or a section of a rack to hold ziplock bags in a dishwasher. The rack has a frame 62 with projecting portions for supporting bags that are slid over the projecting portions, somewhat in the manner of a coat hanger or clothes hanger. A round or circular clamping ring 63 is located between and connected to the lower legs of the projecting portion of the frame 62. A securing structure 67, such as a clip or similar structure, can be used to clip or lock the sealing end 65 of the bag 6 onto the ring 63. The ring 63 holds the bag open so that water and cleaning detergent can enter into the bag during cleaning in a dishwasher, while the clip 67 holds the bag in place to prevent the bag from being dislodged from the projecting portion of the frame 62 by the force of the sprayed water in the dishwasher. When washing is complete, water is allowed to drip out of the bag due to the bags being inverted on the frame 62. In this manner, plastic ziplock bags could be reused instead of being thrown away after a single use.

[0072] Figures 73 to 81 show a collapsible cup 150 made of silicone rubber or similar

material. The cup 150 can be used to hold a plastic bag during filling of the plastic bag. For example, if a user wishes to store an item, such as soup, in a plastic bag, the user can place the plastic bag in the cup 150, and then wrap or roll the top portion of the bag over the lip of the cup 150, as shown in Figure 81 . The bag will thereby be secured in the cup 150, and the user can then pour or transfer the item into the cup 150.

[0073] As shown in Figure 74, the cup 150 can stand on its own on its flat bottom 152, and is stabilized by feet 153, 155, which project from the short and long sides of the bottom 1 52, respectively. During manufacture, the dimensions of the cup 150 can be sized specific to the bag that the cup 150 will hold. For example, the outside or largest diameter 156 of the cup 150 should be sized to match or essentially match or substantially match the diameter of the bag when opened. In addition, the cup 150 can have a ring or band 1 58 made of material that is less flexible than the material from which the rest of the cup 150 is made. Since the bag is to be wrapped or folded around the upper edge or upper portion of the cup 150, it may be advantageous to reinforce that portion of the cup 150 in order to keep the bag open and minimize any collapsing of the cup 150. The reinforcing ring or band 158 provides this feature. In addition, the cup 150 is shaped in manner to promote ease of transfer of an item or items from a cup or bowl or similar container. To further explain, for example, when pouring a liquid from a bowl or cup, the liquid tends to spread out over a larger portion of the lip or edge of the bowl or cup. Accordingly, it can be difficult to transfer the liquid into another container without some spillage. As seen in Figure 73, the cup 150 has an oblong or oval or similar shape in which there are two longer sides 161 and two shorter sides 163. The wider width of the cup 150 compensates for the wider pouring area of bowls and cups. So, for example, if a user wishes to pour soup from a bowl or pot into the cup 150, the user can orient the bowl or pot with respect to the wider dimension of the cup 150 to minimize spillage of the soup. The oblong or oval shape of the cup 150 therefore keeps a smaller overall size while having a larger width for pouring or filling. Figure 80 shows a top perspective view of the cup 150, with the interior 1 64 visible. Figure 77 shows a cross- section of the shorter dimension 165 of the cup 150 viewed along line D-D in Figure 80. Figure 79 shows a close-up view of a cross-section of the reinforcing band or ring 158.

[0074] The cup 150 is collapsible as shown in Figures 75 and 78. Figure 75 shows the wider dimension of the cup 150, whereas Figure 78 shows the shorter dimension. The cup 150 is collapsible for ease of storage and transport. The cup 150 also can be used as a serving container since the amount of food in the plastic bag already fits into the cup 150. To further explain, if, for example, a user wishes to take a food, such as soup or noodles or salad, to another location, such as in to work for lunch, the user first measures out an amount into a bag in the cup 150. The user then seals the bag, collapses the cup 150, and then takes both into the workplace. At lunch, the user takes the plastic bag with the food inside and places both back into the cup 150, which has been returned to its original shape. If the food is a hot food, the user can place the cup 150, with the bagged food therein, in a microwave oven and heat up the food in the bag in the cup 150. The user can eat the food, hot or cold, right out of the bag in the cup 150. When the user is done eating, the user can remove the used bag from the cup 150, collapse the cup 150, and take the cup 150 home for further use. The cup 150 therefore provides a bag filling device, a heating container, and a serving container all in one that is compact for transport and can be used without being soiled or dirtied by the food in the bag since the bag acts as a protective liner for the cup 150.

5] Figures 82 to 86 show a plastic storage bag or ziplock bag or resealable bag 140 with rounded or curved pull tabs or gripping portions 145, 147. The bag 140 has a ziplock or sealing portion 144, such as with one or two sealing structures 148. Above the sealing portion 144 are two curved or sloped tabs 145, 147. The tabs 145, 147 overlap one another, with the tab 147 in front in the view in Figure 82, and the tab 145 partially obscured by and in back of the tab 147. As seen in Figure 84, tab 145 has a rounded outside portion 141 that curves down to the sealing portion 144 (see Figure 82), and a sloped inside portion 146 that also slopes down to the sealing portion 144. Likewise, as seen in Figure 85, tab 147 has a rounded outside portion 143 that curves down to the sealing portion 144 (see Figure 82), and a sloped inside portion 146 that also slopes down to the sealing portion 144 (see Figure 82). The tabs 145, 147 can be equipped with gripping strips 142, as shown in Figures 84 and 85, or without gripping strips 142, as shown in Figures 82 and 86. As discussed herein above with respect to Figure 62, the rounded outside portions 141 , 143 assist in guiding the bags 140 into the slot of the ziplock slot storage holding apparatus. Since the profile of the bag 140 is greatly reduced at the outermost edge or side, it is much easier to insert the bag 140 into the slots in the ziplock slot storage holding apparatus. One feature or aspect of an exemplification is believed at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in a method of keeping items cool in a cooling apparatus such as a refrigerator or freezer, said method comprising: obtaining a cooling apparatus comprising a condenser, an evaporator and a source of energy to permit cooling of said evaporator; a housing having two portions, a first configured to hold said cooling apparatus and a second configured to hold said items to be cooled; a closing arrangement configured to keep cooled air in said second portion of said cooling apparatus and cooling said items to be cooled; said first portion being configured to hold said evaporator and said source of energy to permit cooling of said evaporator; said housing comprising walls to contain at least said first portion; said second portion of said cooling apparatus comprising said cooling portion comprising an arrangement to hold items to be cooled in said cooling portion; said second portion of said cooling apparatus comprising inner walls configured to contain cooling air within said second portion of said cooling apparatus; a holder comprising slots configured to hold ziplock-type bags, such as sealable plastic bags with a two-part strip comprising an interlocking groove and ridge that form a tight seal when pressed together along the opening which can be pressed together and readily reopened; said holder being disposed in said housing second portion configured to hold said items to be cooled ; said holder being disposed on a surface in said second portion such that said ziplock-type bags, upon putting an item therein, hang from said holder upon being disposed in said holder; said slots being disposed substantially horizontally and configured to accept said ziplock-type bags by said slots comprising an upper portion and also a lower portion each, substantially vertically disposed; an opening in said upper portion being wider than an opening in said lower portion to permit an upper portion of said ziplock-type bags permitting a locking portion of said ziplock-type bags to be admitted and held by said holder while said lower portion of said slots being narrower than said upper portion; preventing said upper portion of said ziplock-type bags to be hanged from entering said narrower lower portion of said slots; said ziplock-type bags comprising corners adjacent said locking portion being abbreviated and permitting said ziplock-type bags to be guided into said slots without substantial resistance from said slots; and connecting said source of energy to a source of power.

[0076] Another feature or aspect of an exemplification is believed at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in the method of keeping items cool in a cooling apparatus such as a refrigerator or freezer, wherein said method further comprises the steps of: A) filling said bags with said items by B) placing a bag on a concaved portion of the end of said filler and C) sliding at least one item into said placed bag; D) removing said placed bag from said end of said filler; E) closing and sealing said bag; F) sliding said filled bag in a slot in said holder in said first portion of said cooling apparatus and G) cooling said items in said filled bag.

[0077] Yet another feature or aspect of an exemplification is believed at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in the method of keeping items cool in a cooling apparatus such as a refrigerator or freezer, wherein said method further comprises the step of repeating said steps A through G.

[0078] Still another feature or aspect of an exemplification is believed at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in the method of keeping items cool in a cooling apparatus such as a refrigerator or freezer, wherein said slots are substantially parallel to one another.

[0079] A further feature or aspect of an exemplification is believed at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in the method of keeping items cool in a cooling apparatus such as a refrigerator or freezer, wherein said slots are disposed so that lengths of said slots are disposed directly toward a user when inserting and withdrawing said bags.

[0080] Another feature or aspect of an exemplification is believed at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in the method of keeping items cool in a cooling apparatus such as a refrigerator or freezer, wherein said slots are disposed so that lengths of said slots are disposed obliquely toward a user; inserting and withdrawing said bags into and from said slots.

[0081 ] Yet another feature or aspect of an exemplification is believed at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in the method of keeping items cool in a cooling apparatus such as a refrigerator or freezer, wherein said holder comprises extension side rails mounted to permit said holder to be pulled out and pushed into said first portion of said cooling apparatus.

[0082] Still another feature or aspect of an exemplification is believed at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in the method of keeping items cool in a cooling apparatus such as a refrigerator or freezer, wherein: said holder includes a handle configured to permit said holder to be pulled out of said cooling apparatus and permit said bags to be inserted and pulled out of said holder; and said method further comprises the steps: pulling said holder out of and pushing said holder back into said cooling apparatus; putting said bags into said slots; and removing said bags from said slots.

[0083] A further feature or aspect of an exemplification is believed at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in the method of keeping items cool in a cooling apparatus such as a refrigerator or freezer, wherein said method further includes: subsequent to at least partially filling said bags, pushing said bags into a freezer tray with divided individual portions and dividing the item in said pushed bag and the filling into individual portions and forming individual portions in the at least partially filled bag and freezing said bag filled with individual portions; sliding said frozen filled bag into a slot in said holder; storing said frozen filled bag in said cooling portion of said cooling apparatus;

removing said frozen filled bag from its slot in said holder; removing at least one of said individual portions; replacing the now partially filled bag with remaining individual portions therein into a slot in said holder.

[0084] Another feature or aspect of an exemplification is believed at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in a method of keeping items cool in a cooling apparatus such as a refrigerator or freezer, said method comprising: obtaining a cooling apparatus comprising a condenser, an evaporator and a source of energy to permit cooling of said evaporator; a housing having two portions, a first configured to hold said cooling apparatus and a second configured to hold said items to be cooled; a door to hold cooled air in said second portion; apparatus to open and close said second portion; a holder comprising slots configured to hold ziplock-type bags, such as sealable plastic bags with a two-part strip comprising an interlocking groove and ridge that form a tight seal when pressed together along the opening which can be pressed together and readily reopenable; said holder being disposed in said housing second portion configured to hold said items to be cooled; said holder being disposed on a surface in said second portion such that said ziplock-type bags, upon putting an item therein, hang from said holder upon being disposed in said holder; said slots being disposed substantially horizontally and configured to accept said ziplock-type bags by said slots comprising an upper portion and also a lower portion each, substantially vertically disposed; an opening in said upper portion being wider than an opening in said lower portion to permit an upper portion of said ziplock-type bags permitting a locking portion of said ziplock-type bags to be admitted and held by said holder while said lower portion of said slots being narrower than said upper portion; preventing said upper portion of said ziplock-type bags to be hanged from entering said narrower lower portion of said slots; said second portion of said cooling apparatus comprising said cooling portion comprising an arrangement to hold items to be cooled in said cooling portion; a closing arrangement configured to keep cooled air in said second portion of said cooling apparatus and cooling said items to be cooled; and said first portion being configured to hold said evaporator and said source of energy to permit cooling of said evaporator.

[0085] Yet another feature or aspect of an exemplification is believed at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in the method of keeping items cool in a cooling apparatus such as a refrigerator or freezer, wherein said slots are substantially parallel to one another.

[0086] Still another feature or aspect of an exemplification is believed at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in the method of keeping items cool in a cooling apparatus such as a refrigerator or freezer, wherein said slots are disposed so that lengths of said slots are disposed directly toward a user when inserting and withdrawing said bags.

[0087] A further feature or aspect of an exemplification is believed at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in the method of keeping items cool in a cooling apparatus such as a refrigerator or freezer, wherein said slots are disposed so that lengths of said slots are disposed obliquely toward a user; inserting and withdrawing said bags into and from said slots.