U.S. patent application number 13/239556 was filed with the patent office on 2012-04-19 for utility hopper.
Invention is credited to Lennie Breeze.
Application Number | 20120091174 13/239556 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45933249 |
Filed Date | 2012-04-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120091174 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Breeze; Lennie |
April 19, 2012 |
Utility Hopper
Abstract
A device for holding a trash bag open while allowing a user to
support and carry it with ease. The device comprises a rigid
support frame and a plurality of clips that attach to, and hold
open, a garbage bag. The support frame has a forearm support that
extends from it, which the user secures to his or her forearm,
along with a gripping handle that the user holds in his or her
hand. The device keeps the bag open for easy trash placement
thereinto. Alternatively, a netted, mesh bag can be used in place
of the garbage bag to avoid waste associated with their disposal.
The mesh bags can also serve as temporary storage space for items
that will be later transferred to a larger storage receptacle. The
device may also be attached to a user's belt with a clip for
transport when not in use.
Inventors: |
Breeze; Lennie;
(Hillsborough, NC) |
Family ID: |
45933249 |
Appl. No.: |
13/239556 |
Filed: |
September 22, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61392768 |
Oct 13, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
224/222 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45F 2005/008 20130101;
A01K 77/00 20130101; B65F 1/1468 20130101; B65F 1/1415 20130101;
A45C 2003/002 20130101; A45F 5/021 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
224/222 |
International
Class: |
A45F 5/00 20060101
A45F005/00 |
Claims
1) A utility hopper device for the convenient and temporary storage
of collected items that can be fastened to a user's forearm to
reduce the amount of stress exerted on a user's wrist, comprising;
a rigid, bag-supporting frame with a perimeter and open interior; a
forearm support attached to said bag supporting frame perimeter;
said forearm support having a first end attached to said bag
supporting frame and a second end comprising a forearm strap; an
upstanding gripping handle located on said forearm support first
end for gripping by a user; said supporting frame perimeter adapted
to attach to a mouth of a collection bag.
2) The device of claim 1, wherein said collection bag attachment
comprises a set of spring-loaded clips for attaching said bag to
said supporting frame perimeter.
3) The device of claim 1, wherein said bag-supporting frame
comprises a hoop shape.
4) The device of claim 1, wherein said straps further comprise two
lengths adapted to fasten together around said user's forearm by a
strap attachment means.
5) The device of claim 4, wherein said strap attachment means
comprises a hook and loop fastener.
6) The device of claim 1, wherein said gripping handle is wrapped
in cushioning foam for optimal user comfort.
7) The device of claim 1, wherein said device is attachable to a
user's belt via a belt clip that supports said supporting frame in
a horizontal, working position to provide said user with free use
of his or her hands.
8) The device of claim 1, wherein said device is attachable to a
user's belt via a belt clip that supports said supporting frame in
a vertical, stowed position to provide said user with free use of
his or her hands.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/392,768 filed on Oct. 13, 2010, entitled "Trash
Hopper."
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a portable garbage bag
holder, or in the alternative a utility hopper for use in
collecting debris or for the temporary storage of harvested items.
More specifically, the present invention concerns a portable
utility hopper designed to reduce the amount of strain placed on
the user's wrist while the user collects items within the
hopper.
[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0005] Many activities that require a user to collect small
quantities of an item typically require temporary storage during
the collection process for later transportation to a larger storage
receptacle. To illustrate, consider the process of trash
collection. When in the home, users place their trash in small
trash cans around the house, which are then collected and their
contents emptied into a larger trash receptacle that is taken out
of the home where a trash service may collect the colocated
quantity of garbage. A small quantity of trash is collected in home
waste baskets and is then transferred to a larger trash receptacle,
which in turn is transferred to the trash vehicle. Many harvesting
industries operate in the same general way. The process of
harvesting requires an individual to pick the harvested item, and
collect it. Later the harvested items are transferred to larger
storage containers for transport. There are many examples of
industries that operate in this fashion.
[0006] A hopper is a temporary storage container for a bulk
material such as harvested items, rocks or trash. While many
hoppers are very large and stationary, as in mining or grain
harvesting operations, hoppers can also be small and portable for
used in applications such as berry harvesting, trash collecting or
crabbing. Hoppers have also been suggested for use in trash
collecting operations. A problem faced by many when collecting
trash is the constant struggle to keep the trash bag open while
depositing items therein.
[0007] A number of different devices are patented that claim rigid
frames for keeping a trash bag open. Several patents have been
granted for devices that attempt to provide a means of keeping a
trash bag open so the user no longer has to place strain on his or
her body while in operation. Many of the prior art patents describe
a device with a handle to make the device portable. Some devices
attach to a belt, while others can be supported by a strap around
the shoulder. These prior art devices have several known drawbacks.
Many of the prior art devices have a handle incorporated into their
design that requires a user to occupy one hand while holding onto
the device. As the hopper is filled with collected items, the
hopper becomes increasingly heavier, causing unnecessary strain on
the user's wrist. No patents exist for a device that incorporates a
forearm support with a strap for bearing the weight of the device
along the length of a user's forearm.
[0008] Included in the similar prior art are patents describing
trash bag holders or utility hopper devices that hold a bag open so
that a user can easily place items into the open bag. Several
patents describe devices that have a frame for keeping the trash
bag open that is attached to a handle. U.S. Pat. No. 3,733,099 to
Szita describes such a device, wherein a triangular-shaped refuse
bag support frame with a means of securing a refuse bag onto the
triangular support frame is disclosed. The refuse bag is held open
by the frame. The frame is attached to a handle which is used for
manipulating the device. The handle, in conjunction with the
triangular-shaped frame, can be adjusted to form a tri-pod-like
stand to hold the refuse bag open and in an upright position so
debris can be swept into the bag by a user. When the handle of the
device is not in the stand position, the device requires a user to
pick up the device by its handle.
[0009] Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 4,012,067 to Travis describes a
refuse collection device that comprises a hoop attached to an
extendable handle. A refuse bag can be fastened, by a clamping
means, to the hoop for the purpose of holding the bag open. The
hoop has a D-shape configuration, with the extendable handle
attached at the apex of the D curve. The attached handle has a
telescopic construction and can be adjusted to an appropriate
length based on the user's preferences and is designed to avoid the
user having to stoop or bend over to pick up trash. The flat side
of the D-shaped hoop can be placed against the ground so that
debris can be swept into the attached trash bag easily. This device
requires a user to pick up and carry the device by its handle.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,413,394 to Mitchell also describes a trash
collecting device with a D-shaped hoop for keeping a trash bag
open, attached to a handle. Similar to the Travis patent, the
handle of the Mitchell device attaches at the apex of the D curve.
The trash bag can be clamped to the D-shaped frame. The handle is
connected to the D-shaped hoop by a rotating T-connector, which
allows the user to adjust the angle of the handle in relation to
the D-shaped hoop. The flat side of the D-shaped hoop can be placed
against the ground so that debris can be swept into the attached
trash bag. The Mitchell device also requires a user to hold and
carry the device by its handle.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 5,050,920 to Potticary describes a device
having a trapezoid-shaped rim with an attached handle. A handle is
attached to the shorter parallel side while an attached lip is
located on the lower, longer parallel edge of the rim. The lip is
designed to help facilitate the collection of garbage when swept
into the device. A refuse bag can be attached to the rim by
utilizing a system of hooks along the rim. The hooks allow the user
to attach bags of various sizes to the device since the multitude
of hooks available as a fastening means can be utilized according
to how tightly the user prefers the bag to fit on the device. The
size of the attached bag will determine how much trash a user can
collect. The device is designed to prevent a user from bending over
to collect trash. To use this device, a user holds the device by
its handle with one hand and as weight is added to the trash bag,
it will place additional stress on the user's wrist.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 5,947,602 to Coxsey describes a trash
collecting device with similar construction to the previously
described prior art. A hoop that holds a trash bag open is attached
to a short V-shaped handle. One leg of the V-shaped handle is a
handle to be held by the user. The other leg of the V-shaped handle
is placed within the attached trash bag to prevent the bag from
collapsing. This device requires the user to hold the device by its
handle, and offers no means of support for the user as the bag
becomes heavier from the added trash.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 5,020,751 to Larkin describes a refuse bag
holding system where the refuse bag is attached to a holding ring
by an attachment means. A plate is attached to the holding ring
which is designed to fit into a mounting bracket which can be
attached to various surfaces. The device may also be detached from
the mounting bracket and used as a hand-held bag holder. The
preferred embodiment of the device is used as a trash storage
device at sporting venues such as stadiums. The device can be
attached to the backside of stadium seats for use by stadium
patrons. The Larkin patent also describes an embodiment similar to
the previously mentioned patents that incorporate a handle. This
alternative embodiment comprises a refuse bag support frame that is
rectangular in shape, with a handle attached to one of the longer
sides of the support frame rectangle. A user can easily sweep
debris or trash into the device, as the design of the device
alleviates the need for a user to bend over and pick up trash. This
particular embodiment of the device requires a user to hold the
device by its handle and provides no support for the user's
wrist.
[0014] Collectively, the previously mentioned prior art patents
(U.S. Pat. No. 3,733,099 to Szita, U.S. Pat. No. 4,012,067 to
Travis, U.S. Pat. No. 5,050,920 to Potticary, U.S. Pat. No.
5,413,394 to Mitchell, U.S. Pat. No. 5,947,602 to Coxsey and U.S.
Pat. No. 5,020,751 to Larkin) all share a similar design flaw. Each
device requires that a user hold the device by its handle in order
to manipulate the device. The disadvantage of this design is that
the user must bear the entire weight of the device at the wrist
joint as the user picks up and/or carries the device with his or
her hand. The present invention straps to the user's forearm, which
eases the stress exerted on the user's wrist since the forearm is
bearing a majority of the weight of the device when trash is
collected in it. Another beneficial feature of the present
invention is that the user may attach the device to a belt clip,
leaving the user's hands and arms completely free. When attached to
the belt clip, the user's body bears the weight of the device as
trash is collected and placed into the attached bag.
[0015] Other patents have issued for trash holders that do not
utilize a handle in their design. U.S. Pat. No. 6,604,717 to
Stanfield describes a bag holder that has no handle. Instead, a
user carries the device by pressing the hoop support frame of the
device against their body with one hand. The edges of a trash bag
are secured to the hoop support frame by a series of clamps, and
the attached trash bag hangs close to the body of the user. This
device exhibits the same disadvantage as the devices that
incorporate a handle. While the user's body could support a
majority of the weight of the device when it is in use, if the user
were to pull the device away from their body--for example to set
the device down--the user must bear the weight of the device with
their wrist as they move the device way from their body.
[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 6,086,022 to Dalton describes an
over-the-shoulder trash receptacle. The device has a ring support
frame which the trash bag is attached to so that the trash bag
stays open during use. The ring support frame is a pair of rings,
wherein one snaps into the other. The edges of the trash bag are
clamped in between the two rings when they are snapped together. A
shoulder strap is attached to the ring support frame, allowing for
a user to carry the device while keeping the user's hands free.
This device has some disadvantages. For example, as the user adds
weight to the trash bag, the weight of shoulder bag may become very
heavy, or the added weight may cause the bag to shift as the user
bends over to pick up trash. Unless the user is stabilizing the
device with one hand, the shift in weight as the user bends over
could disrupt the user's balance, or cause strain on the user's
shoulder. The present invention aims to alleviate the unnecessary
strain placed on the user's shoulder by providing a device that
straps to the user's forearm, causing the user's forearm to help
bear the weight of the device as trash is collected in it.
[0017] The present invention substantially diverges in design
elements from the prior art and consequently it is clear that there
is a need in the art for an improvement to existing utility hopper
devices. There is a need to reduce the amount of stress that is
placed on a user's wrist when using a utility hopper device for
collecting items. In this regard the instant invention
substantially fulfills this need.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0018] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known
types of trash holders and utility hoppers now present in the prior
art, the present invention provides a new means of securing the
hopper device to a user's forearm that provides support for the
user's wrist. The present invention can be utilized for providing
convenience for the user in a variety of activities including, but
not limited to, trash collecting and various types of harvesting
applications. The device serves as a portable, temporary storage
container for collected items, which at some later point in time
will be transferred to a larger storage receptacle.
[0019] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide a new and improved utility hopper that has all of the
advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.
[0020] Another object of the present invention to provide a means
of reducing the stress placed on the user's wrist while using a
utility hopper device by supporting the additional weight of the
collected items via a forearm support and strapping device
attachable to the user's forearm.
[0021] Another object of the present invention is to provide
utility for activities related to item collection, harvesting,
carrying and trash collection.
[0022] Other objects, features and advantages of the present
invention will become apparent from the following detailed
description taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] Although the characteristic features of this invention will
be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and
manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood
after a review of the following description, taken in connection
with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are
provided throughout.
[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the supporting frame of the
present invention without a bag or receptacle attached thereto.
[0025] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the present invention fitted
with a mesh bag and attachment clips.
[0026] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the present invention fitted
with a mesh bag and in a working position, attached to the forearm
of a user.
[0027] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the present invention fitted
with a garbage bag and attached to a user's belt.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0028] Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view
of the supporting frame 11 of the present invention without a bag
attached thereto. The supporting frame 11 is comprised of a strong,
rigid material that can support the weight of the collected items
stored in a receptacle attached thereto without significant
deflection. The device comprises a forearm support 14 that is
strapped to a user's forearm in order to bear the weight of the
device as items are collected and added thereto. An upstanding
gripping handle 12 is located on the forearm support 14 near the
bag support loop. The user grips the gripping handle 12 and holds
the device flush with their forearm while securing the arm strap 13
tightly, but comfortably, around the circumference of the forearm.
The straps 13 can be fastened around the user's arm by an
attachment means, which includes, but is not limited to: snaps,
hook and loop fasteners or a buckle, to ensure that the device
remains securely fastened around the user's forearm.
[0029] Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a perspective view
of the present invention fitted with a mesh bag 16. By strapping
the device to a user's forearm, the device serves as an extension
of the user's arm and a means to distribute the weight of the items
placed within the mesh bag along the length of the forearm, as
opposed to placing undue strain on the wrist joint during
operation. Use of the gripping handle 12 provides the user with
added stability and control when manipulating the device. The
gripping handle 12 can be wrapped in a cushioning material, such as
foam or rubber, for maximum comfort. Use of a mesh bag 16 is
depicted here. Bags made of other materials may also be used if
desired by the user, including trash bags, canvas bags or any
similar containment article that is attachable to the rim of the
supporting frame 11. The bag 16 is preferably attached to the
supporting frame 11 with a set of spring-loaded clips 15. The clips
15 are evenly spaced along the perimeter of the supporting frame 11
to prevent dislocation or high stress areas. As weight is added to
the attached bag 16, strain will be exerted on the bag at the
points where the bag 16 is connected to the supporting frame 11,
and in particular those areas connected by the clips 15. Even
spacing of the attachment clips 15 will ensure that the attached
bag 16 remains open while in use and that the bag 16 does not tear
or rip. If desired, an alternative means may be employed to connect
the bag around the perimeter of the frame 11, including folding the
opening of the bag around the frame rim or using another attachment
article to secure the bag thereto.
[0030] Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a perspective view
of the present invention in a working position, wherein the device
has been strapped to the arm of a user 17. The device can be
strapped to either the right or left forearm. During typical use,
the user 17 either places collected items into the bag 16 attached
to the device, or a user 17 captures loose or falling items within
the bag 16, which is likely to occur when harvesting fruit from a
tree or scooping fish, crabs or shrimp from a body of water. The
items are placed in the attached bag 16 for temporary storage until
the collected items can be transferred into a larger storage
receptacle.
[0031] Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a perspective view
of the present invention, wherein the user 17 has secured the
device to his belt 17 via an attachment clip 18. This is a useful
embodiment of the device as it leaves the user's 17 arms and hands
completely free. A user 17 can attach a trash bag 16 to the device
using clips 15 to fasten the bag 16 to the supporting frame 11 and
use the device for article collection purposes. The device is
easily detachable from the user's belt 17 if desired, or the device
can be kept in this position while depositing items therein. To
release the device so it can be used, a user 17 manipulates the
belt clip 18 into an open position, freeing the rim of the frame
from the clip and his belt. Rather than bending over to pick up an
article, a user 17 can detach the device from the belt clip 18,
scoop up the item and then reattach the device to the belt clip 18.
The belt clip 18 has two configurations with respect to the user's
belt. The first configuration orients the device in an upright and
functional mode as depicted here in FIG. 4. The supporting frame 11
extends outward from the user's body 17 and the trash bag 16
dangles out of the bottom of the device, ready to receive collected
items. The second configuration allows the user 17 to carry the
empty device when it is not in use by attaching it to the user's
belt 17 while device hangs along the side of the user's body 17 so
as to not to interfere with his activities, such as walking or
otherwise moving position.
[0032] When used by an individual, the user can attach a trash bag
to the supporting frame by pinching the bag with the attachment
clips that are evenly spaced along the supporting frame. The user
can then grip the device by the gripping handle and hold the device
against their forearm while securing the arm strap. The straps
should be secure, but not overly tight as to cut off the
circulation of blood flow to the user's lower arm. Once the device
is in place, the device serves as an improved structure for
supporting the weight of collected items, or as an extension of the
user's arm. The device can be used to scoop up trash, collect
harvest items or capture fish, crabs or shrimp.
[0033] Another embodiment of the present invention involves the use
of a mesh bag in place of a garbage bag. A mesh bag utility hopper
can be used for storing harvested items temporarily until they can
be transported to a larger storage container. This embodiment of
the invention is very useful in agricultural harvesting
applications. For example, if a user were attempting to gather
peaches hanging in a peach tree, the user would fasten the device
to their forearm and reach with the device to jostle the hanging
fruit, with the goal being to catch the fruit in the mesh bag as it
falls from the tree. If a peach is ripe for picking, but will not
detach from the tree, the user will find the use of the gripping
handle to be highly advantageous as it provides the user with
additional control and improved dexterity over devices which do not
act as an extension of the user's arm. With improved control, the
user will be better able to manipulate the device and capture the
desired peach. The user may also use a secondary tool to collect
the items, such as a picker or trash picker, and deposit the items
into the device after initial collection.
[0034] Other uses for the mesh bag embodiment of the device could
include fishing and crabbing applications. Fishermen and bait
dealers may use the device as one would use a net to scoop fish out
of the water. Crabbers could also use the device to scoop crabs
that have been lured into a crab trap. The advantage of this device
is that a user does not have to extract the caught fish or crabs
from the mesh bag as one would have to do when using a net.
Instead, the user could simply unclip the mesh bag while keeping
the caught fish or crabs inside.
[0035] The design of the device is such that the frame will not
deflect or twist while supporting the load of collected items,
while the forearm section and handle provided improved means of
distributing this weight on a user's arm. Strain on the user is
reduced, as the weight is distributed over the length of the
forearm, as opposed to the wrist joint, which can tire and cause
injury if overloaded. The device further provides an extension of
the user's arm if desired by the user, which is helpful for
reaching items or collecting items from an extended position.
Overall, the device improves user safety and provides a high degree
of novelty with respect to the collection or harvesting of items
that are manually collected or picked.
[0036] To this point, the instant invention has been shown and
described in what is considered to be the most practical and
preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures
may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious
modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With
respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that
the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the
invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form,
function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed
readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all
equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and
described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by
the present invention.
[0037] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only
of the principles of the invention. Since numerous modifications
and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is
not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and
operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable
modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within
the scope of the invention.
* * * * *