U.S. patent number RE33,842 [Application Number 07/560,834] was granted by the patent office on 1992-03-10 for trash bag assembly and holder.
Invention is credited to Richard H. Ebentheuer.
United States Patent |
RE33,842 |
Ebentheuer |
March 10, 1992 |
Trash bag assembly and holder
Abstract
The trash bag assembly includes a flexible open-topped trash bag
having a holder releasably disposed inside the trash bag and
holding it up for easy insertion of trash thereinto. The holder
includes a frame and trash bag clamps to lock the bag to the top of
the holder. The frame has a horizontal portion supported on
depending vertical legs with rounded bottoms. The horizontal
portion is collapsable and includes four arms pivotably
interconnected at opposite ends thereof. In the operative position
they are at right angles to each other to form an open-centered
square or rectangle. The arms and/or legs can be adjustable in
size, as by telescoping or the use of turnbuckles, to fit various
sizes of trash bags. The clamps may be channel-shaped bars mounted
on top of the arms, and the pivotably interconnected corners of
some or all of the arms can be releasably locked to hold the arms
in their operative position. With the holder inside the bag, it can
expand freely to its full size during filling. The frame is light
in weight, durable and easily inserted into and removed from the
bag.
Inventors: |
Ebentheuer; Richard H. (Mission
Hills, CA) |
Family
ID: |
26804296 |
Appl.
No.: |
07/560,834 |
Filed: |
July 31, 1990 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
Reissue of: |
107020 |
Oct 13, 1987 |
04783031 |
Nov 8, 1988 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
248/97;
312/258 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65B
67/1233 (20130101); B65B 67/1205 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B65B
67/00 (20060101); B65B 67/12 (20060101); A63B
055/04 () |
Field of
Search: |
;248/97,99,95,98,101,178,166,165,434,172,150 ;403/43
;312/258,5,6 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Ramirez; Ramon O.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Poms, Smith, Lande & Rose
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An improved adjustable trash bag holder adapted to fit inside a
flexible trash bag to support said bag, said holder comprising, in
combination:
(a) four about horizontal arms pivotably interconnected at opposite
ends thereof for movement between a collapsed folded position
wherein said arms be flat against each other and facilitate
insertion thereof into a flexible trash bag and an operative
position wherein said arms are at about right angles to each other
to form an open centered about rectangular frame for holding the
interior of a trash bag in a trash-receiving position;
(b) four about vertical legs connected to and depending from
opposite ends of said arms, said legs having rounded bottoms and
being adapted to support said arms in an about horizontal position
within a trash bag;
(c) clamp means connected to at least some of said arms to
releasably secure the top of a trash bag to said arms; and
(d) said legs being substantially straight and free of transverse
structure which would interfere with the removal of the bag.
2. The improved holder of claim 1, wherein said holder includes
releasable locking means at the ends of at least some of said arms
to hold said arms in said operative position.
3. The improved holder of claim 2 wherein said releasable locking
means comprise spring biased pins disposed in at least two corners
of said frame for releasably interlocking the arms of said corners
together.
4. The improved holder of claim 1 wherein said clamp means comprise
C-clamps.
5. The improved holder of claim 1 wherein said clamp means comprise
bars pivotably connected to the upper surfaces of some of said arms
and adapted to releasably trap a trash bag top between said bars
and adjacent arm tops.
6. The improved holder of claim 5 wherein said arms are square or
rectangular in transverse cross-section and said bars are
open-bottomed and channel-shaped and of similar transverse
cross-section.
7. The improved holder of claim 1 wherein said holder is adjustable
in size to fit the interior of trash bags of various
dimensions.
8. The improved holder of claim 7 wherein at least some of said
arms telescope.
9. The improved holder of claim 8 wherein said legs telescope.
10. The improved holder of claim 7 wherein said arms include
turnbuckles which upon rotation increase or decrease the length of
said arms.
11. The improved holder of claim 10 wherein said turnbuckles are
square in transverse cross-section and wherein said clamp means
comprise channel-shaped open-bottomed bars of similar cross-section
pivoted to the tops of at least some of said arms.
12. An improved trash bag and holder assembly, said assembly
comprising, in combination:
(a) a flexible open topped disposable trash bag; and
(b) a trash bag holder disposed inside said trash bag, said holder
including a frame, comprising, in combination,
i. four arms pivotably interconnected at opposite ends thereof for
movement between a collapsed folded position wherein said arms be
flat against each other for storage and removal from said trash bag
and an operative position wherein said arms are about right angles
to each other to form an open-centered four-cornered configuration
and hold said bag in an open trash-receiving position;
ii. four spaced vertical legs connected to said arms at said four
corners and supporting said arms in a horizontal position in said
bag, said legs having rounded bottoms to prevent them from tearing
said bag;
iii. clamp means releasably clamping said trash bag top to said
arms; and
iv. said legs being substantially straight and free of transverse
structure which could interfere with the removal of the bag.
13. The improved assembly of claim 12 wherein said holder includes
releasable locking means of at least some of said corners to hold
said arms in said operative position.
14. The improved assembly of claim 13 wherein said locking means
comprises spring-biased pivot pins.
15. The improved assembly of claim 12 wherein said clamp means
comprise at least one of C-clamps and bars pivotably connected to
the upper surfaces of at least some of said arms and adapted to
releasably trap the top of said trash bag between said clamp means
and said arms.
16. The improved assembly of claim 15 wherein said arms are square
or rectangular in transverse cross-section and said clamp means are
open-bottomed channel-shaped bars of similar configuration to said
arms.
17. The improved assembly of claim 12 wherein said holder is
adjustable in size.
18. The improved assembly of claim 17 wherein said legs
telescope.
19. The improved assembly of claim 17 wherein said arms include
turnbuckles which upon rotation increase or decrease the length of
said arms.
20. A method for disposing of trash using plastic bags and a trash
holder wherein the trash holder includes (a) four about horizontal
arms pivotably interconnected at opposite ends thereof for movement
between a collapsed folded position wherein said arms be flat
against each other and facilitate insertion thereof into a flexible
trash bag and an operative position wherein said arms are at about
right angles to each other to form an open centered about
rectangular frame for holding the interior of a trash bag in a
trash-receiving position; (b) four about vertical legs connected to
and depending from opposite ends of said arms, said legs having
rounded bottoms and being adapted to support said arms in an about
horizontal position within a trash bag; (c) clamp means connected
to at least some of said arms to releasably secure the top of a
trash bag to said arms; and (d) said legs being substantially
straight and free of transverse structure which could interfere
with the removal of the bag;
said method comprising:
collapsing the holder and inserting it into the plastic bag with
the legs extending toward the bottom of the bag;
opening the holder within the plastic bag;
locking the upper edges of the plastic bag to the horizontal arms
of the holder;
filling the trash bag with trash while it is supported by the bag;
and
removing the holder by withdrawing it from the top of the bag,
leaving the filled trash bag. .Iadd.
21. An improved trash bag and holder assembly, said assembly
comprising, in combination:
(a) a flexible open topped disposable trash bag; and
(b) a trash bag holder disposed inside said trash bag, said holder
including a frame, comprising, in combination,
i. a plurality of substantially horizontal arms, wherein at least
one end of each of said arms is pivotally connected to one end of
another of said arms so that the arms are interconnected thereof
for movement between a collapsed folded position wherein said arms
be flat against each other for storage and removal from said trash
bag and an operative position wherein said arms are about right
angles to each other to form an open-centered four cornered
configuration and hold said bag in an open trash-receiving
position;
ii. four spaced vertical legs connected to said arms at said four
corners and supporting said arms in a horizontal position in said
bag, said legs having rounded bottoms to prevent them from tearing
said bag;
iii. clamp means releasably clamping said trash bag top to said
arms; and
iv. said legs being substantially straight and free of transverse
structure which could interfere with the removal of the bag.
.Iaddend. .Iadd.22. A method for disposing of trash using plastic
bags and a trash holder wherein the trash holder includes (a) a
plurality of substantially horizontal arms, wherein at least one
end of each of said arms is pivotably connected to one end of
another of said arms so that the arms are interconnected thereof
for movement between a collapsed folded position wherein said arms
be flat against each other and facilitate insertion thereof into a
flexible trash bag and an operative position wherein said arms are
at about right angles to each other to form an open centered about
rectangular frame for holding the interior of a trash bag in a
trash-receiving position; (b) four about vertical legs connected to
and depending from opposite ends of said arms, said legs having
rounded bottoms and being adapted to support said arms in an about
horizontal position within a trash bag; (c) clamp means connected
to at least some of said arms to releasably secure the top of a
trash bag to said arms; and (d) said legs being substantially
straight and free of transverse structure which could interfere
with the removal of the bag;
said method comprising:
collapsing the holder and inserting it into the plastic bag with
the legs extending toward the bottom of the bag;
opening the holder within the plastic bag;
locking the upper edges of the plastic bag to the horizontal arms
of the holder;
filling the trash bag with trash while it is supported by the bag;
and
removing the holder by withdrawing it from the top of the bag,
leaving the filled trash bag. .Iaddend.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Fiels of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to refuse holding equipment
and, more particularly, to an improved trash bag and holder
assembly.
2. Prior Art
Many types of trash bag filling stands, racks and supports have
been provided in the past. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No.
4,576,350 wherein a multi-piped bag filling stand is shown which is
of complicated construction and intended to support the outside of
bags while they are being filled. See also U.S. Pat. No. 4,372,512
where an open bottomed wire bag support is shown for holding the
exterior of grocery bags. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 4,174,085
illustrates an external frame around a trash bag. U.S. Pat. No.
4,467,989 is similar in contrast, as is U.S. Pat. No. 4,562,983, as
well as U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,316,591, 4,620,683 and 4,307,861. U.S.
Pat. No. 4,479,344 discloses a thin wire frame intended to hold
open the mouth of a sack or bag while protruding above the bag and
giving no vertical support to the bag.
There remains a need for an improved trash bag holder which holds
the bag out to a sturdy uniform size from the inside of the bag
while supporting it in an upright trash-receiving position, so that
the bag can fill to its maximum size and configuration. The holder
should support the bag to protect it from breaking and facilitate
lifting and carrying the bag. Such holder should preferably fold up
easily for easy stacking and storage and be adjustable in size to
fit various trash bags. The holder should be sturdy and inexpensive
and slip easily into and out of the trash bag, yet lock firmly to
it.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The improved trash bag holder and assembly of the bag and holder
satisfy all the foregoing needs. The holder and assembly are
substantially as set forth in the Abstract.
Thus, the holder includes a frame having a horizontal portion and a
vertical portion, the latter comprising four spaced depending legs
with rounded bottoms. The legs are connected to the horizontal
portion which comprises four arms pivotally interconnected at their
ends to each other and moveable between a collapsed flat position
and an operative open-centered square or rectangular position.
Certain of the four corners of the horizontal portion contain
releasable spring biased pin locks and the arms and/or legs
preferably are adjustable, as by telescoping or through the use of
turn buckles and the like.
Clamps may be releasably secured to the arms to releasably hold the
top of the trash bag to the holder. The clamps may be in the form
of channel-shaped bars which are pivoted to the tops of some of the
arms. The clamps, arms and legs may be of plastic, wood, metal or
the like and are durable and efficient.
Further features of the invention are set forth in the following
detailed description and accompanying drawings.
DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view, partly broken away, of a
first preferred embodiment of the improved bag holder of the
present invention and the assembly of the holder and bag in the
fully operative position;
FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view or the holder of FIG. 1
during collapse thereof to the stored position;
FIG. 2A is a partial cross-sectional view of a locking corner of
the holder, in the collapsed configuration;
FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of the holder of FIG. 1
fully collapsed and inserted in the bag of FIG. 1, portions of the
bag being shown in dotted outline;
FIG. 4 is an enlarged exploded perspective view of one of the
locking pin assemblies which can be employed in the holder of FIG.
1;
FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of a second preferred
embodiment of the improved trash bag holder of the present
invention;
FIG. 5A is an enlarged isometric view of a corner of the unit of
FIG. 5, with the bag securing member raised;
FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view, partly broken away, of a
third preferred embodiment of the improved trash bag holder of the
present invention shown inside the bag of the present assembly;
and,
FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of a fourth preferred
embodiment of the improved trash bag holder of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
FIGS. 1-4
Now referring more particularly to FIGS. 1-4 of the drawings, a
first preferred embodiment of the improved trash bag holder and
assembly of the present invention is schematically depicted
therein. Thus, assembly 10 is shown which comprises a flexible
trash bag 12 of paper, plastic, cloth or the like, having closed
sides 14 and bottom 16 and an open top 18 defining a central
trash-receiving space 20, within which an improved bag holder 22 is
releasably disposed.
Holder 22 comprises a generally horizontal upper portion 24
supported on a vertical depending portion 26, the latter comprising
four spaced vertical legs 28 having rounded bottoms 30 to prevent
tearing of bag 12.
Legs 28 are connected to the underside of four arms 32 comprising
portion 24. Arms 32 are pivotally interconnected at opposite ends
thereof to form with legs 28 a frame 34 which is moveable between
the operative position of FIG. 1 and the collapsed folded storage
position of FIG. 3. FIG. 2 shows in an intermediate position during
collapsing of frame 34. In the operative position of FIG. 1, arms
32 are at right angles to each other to form an open-centered four
cornered square or rectangle with legs 28 at the four corners.
Arms 32 bear means which releasably lock them in the operative
position. Such locking means may comprise, for example, as shown in
FIG. 4, and FIG. 2A, pivot pins 35 having expanded heads 36 and
vertical shafts 38, the latter extending through openings 33 in the
corners of two overlapping arms 32 and secured as by screwing at 41
into leg 28. A coil spring 42 is disposed around shaft 38 to bias
extension 39 downwards into the locked up position of FIG. 4. In
this position extension 39 is disposed in a cut-out space 31 above
extension 35 with extension 39 overlying and being in contact with
extension 35. This prevents rotation of extension 39 relative to
extension 35. However, when extension 39 is moved upwards to
overcome the bias of spring 42, extension 39 is moved out of space
31, out of contact with extension 35 and above surface 43 of upper
arm 32, thereby allowing extension 39 to be rotated horizontally
relative to the associated extension 35 for moving of frame 34 to
the collapsed storage position of FIG. 3.
It will be understood that other releasable locking means can be
employed in place of that described to releasably hold arms 32 in
the operative position of FIG. 1, a position in which frame 34
holds bag top 18 fully open and space 20 fully expanded. Bag 12 is
held up around the outside of frame 34 by having the top 18 thereof
trapped between one or more c-clamps 46 and the arms 32 to which
they are releasably connected (FIG. 1). In this position, bottom 16
of bag 12 rests below rounded bottoms 30 of legs 28, while the
remainder of legs 28 frame the inside of bag at sides 14 thereof.
Yet bag 12 while being held by C-clamps 46 can still fully expand
diametrically for maximum trash retention while being supported by
frame 34.
Holder 22 is light in weight, simple, foldable and efficient. It
can be fabricated of metal, plastic, wood or the like in various
sizes to fit bags 12 of various dimensions. Since frame 34 is on
the inside of bag 12, it does not restrict full expansion of bag 12
for optimum bag utility.
FIG. 5
A second preferred embodiment of the improved trash bag holder of
the present invention is schematically depicted in FIG. 5 and in
FIG. 5A. Thus, holder 22a is shown and can be used in the present
assembly in bag 12, if desired, in place of holder 22. Components
of holder 22a similar to those of holder 22 bear the same numerals,
but are succeeded by the letter "a". Holder 22a is substantially
identical to holder 22, except for the following:
(a) each arm 32a has two telescoping parts, 32a.sub.1 and
32a.sup.11 releasably locked together with a threaded screw 50 to
hold them in a desired position;
(b) each leg 28a has two telescoping parts, 28a.sup.1 and
28a.sup.11 releasably locked together by a threaded screw 52 to
hold them in a desired position; and
two of the opposed arm portions 32a.sup.1 bear flat bars 54
pivotably connected to the upper surfaces thereof and adapted to
releasably lock or pinch the top 18 of bag 12 (not shown)
therebetween when top 18 is lapped over arms 32a. Holder 22a has
substantially the other advantages of holder 22 and can be
fabricated of similar materials. If desired, bars 54 can be
separable from arms 32a.sup.1 and not be pivotally connected
thereto.
FIG. 6
A third preferred embodiment of the improved assembly and holder of
the present invention is schematically depicted in FIG. 6. Thus,
assembly 10b is shown, including bag 12b and holder 22b. Components
thereof similar to those of FIGS. 1-4 or 5 bear the same numerals,
but are succeeded by the letter "b". Assembly 10b is substantially
identical to assembly 10, but differs therefrom only as
follows:
arms 32 each include a round turnbuckle 60 into which are threaded
side cylinders 62 and 64 so that rotation of turnbuckle 60 in one
direction increases the length of arm 32b while rotation of
turnbuckle 60 in the opposite direction decreases the length of arm
32b. Accordingly, the dimensions of frame 34b can be varied to
accommodate various sizes of trash bags 12b. Holder 22b and
assembly 10b have the other advantages of holder 22 and assembly
10.
FIG. 7
A fourth preferred embodiment of the improved trash bag holder of
the present invention is schematically depicted in FIG. 7. Thus,
holder 22c is shown. Components thereof similar to those of holders
22, 22a and/or 22b bear the same numerals, but are succeeded by the
letter "c". Holder 22c is substantially identical to holder 22b
except as follows:
(a) turnbuckles 60c are square or rectangular in transverse
cross-section instead of round; and,
(b) locking bars 54c are pivotably connected to the upper surfaces
of two opposing arms 32c and are open bottomed, channel shaped and
of similar but slightly larger transverse cross-section then
turnbuckles 60c so as to slide thereover and trap trash bag top 18
(not shown) herebetween. Holder 22c has the other advantages of
holder 22b.
.[.Various other modifications, changes, alterations and additions
can be made in the improved trash bag assembly and holder of the
present invention, and in their components and parameters. All such
modifications, changes, alterations and additions as are within the
scope of the appended claims form part of the present invention..].
.Iadd.Various other modifications, changes, alterations and
additions can be made of the present invention, and in their
components and parameters. Thus, by way of example, but not of
limitation, three arms 32, with two of the arms connected at right
angles at each end of a third arm, may be used to define the open
centered frame of the trash bag holder. All such modifications,
changes, alterations and additions as are within the scope of the
appended claims form part of the present invention.
* * * * *