Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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BAG OPENING SUPPORT METHOD AND DEVICE
INVENTORS: Michael Paloian
Andrea Paloian
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a method of holding open a mouth of a bag,
more particularly a refuse bag, in a manner facilitating the filling thereof
with
material, including, for example, leaves, grass, debris or the like, and a
device for
implementing same.
Large capacity plastic bags, such as lawn or refuse bags, are widely used
for collecting and discarding raked leaves, grass trimmings, and other lawn
and/or
construction debris. However, due to the flexible nature of such bags, it is
difficult, if not impossible, for a user working alone, to hold the mouth of
the bag
open and simultaneously rake leaves or debris into the bag. The often
cumbersome
size of these bags can further exacerbate the difficulty encountered. In
addition,
attempts to fill the bag while oriented in an upright position are similarly
made
difficult, as the bag, by itself, does not retain an open disposition without
suitable
supplemental support.
While various devices have been suggested to maintain the mouth of a refuse
bag in an open condition and in a shape suited for transfer of lawn debris and
the
like to an interior thereof, such devices generally have included a structural
shape,
a portion of which is defined by an arcuate support part to which the mouth of
the
bag is fitted and secured by various measures. These devices, while providing
effective solutions to the aforementioned problems attendant filling of a lawn
or
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refuse bag by a single user, all have generally relied upon some form of fully
encircling frame structure, and which often have required multiple independent
parts to maintain such arcuate form over a circumferential portion thereof.
Since
such fully encircling form is generally of a prescribed diameter, these
devices have
not been easily adapted to use with bags different sizes having a varying
range of
mouth sizes. Moreover, while being suitable for use either with a bag resting
on
the ground oriented with the mouth opening thereof facing sideways or one
oriented
in an upright position with the opening thereof upwardly facing, a bag support
device of particular conventional design has not heretofore been generally
suited to
both use options.
It would therefore be desirable to provide a simple, reliable and versatile
method of loading a bag, particularly a lawn refuse bag, and a device for
implementing the method having a form which is easily and economically
constructed, simple and versatile to use, and which can be easily stored
between use
in a compact and space-efficient manner.
Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a method and device
for securing a mouth of a refuse bag in an open condition which overcome the
drawbacks of the prior art.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a method and device by
which an the mouth of a refuse bag may be held open and removably secured to a
horizontal and/or vertical support, such as the ground and/or upright member,
respectively, whereby hands-free loading of the refuse bag by a single user is
facilitated, and which may be implemented by a device of physical form which
is
economical, easy to use and which is adaptable to use independent of moderate
variations in bag size.
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SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with these and other objects of the invention, there is
provided a method of maintaining an open-mouth state of a bag, and for filling
thereof, which utilizes a device of suitable form advantageously retainable at
or
adjacent to the bag opening.
Broadly stated, the method according to an embodiment of the invention
includes guiding a major portion of a circumference of a bag (i.e., greater
than half
of the total circumference), and which is advantageously located proximate the
bag
opening, along a supported non-linear path provided in such manner as to form
a
gap between the supported portion and a remaining portion extending,
advantageously, in a substantially unsupported manner between ends of the
supported portion, via which refuse can be introduced into the bag.
An embodiment of a device used to implement the method in accordance
with the invention utilizes a structural form including an elongated
dimensional
component extending between respective opposed free ends, and which device can
assume a shape in the elongated dimension defining a non-linear path, over at
least
a portion thereof, along which the circumference of the bag can be made to
follow.
In accordance with this embodiment, an overall length of the device measured
from
end to end, including the non-linear path, is greater than half of the
circumference
of the bag opening, such that a circumferential segment portion of the bag is
supportably held in a position roughly corresponding to a shape defined by at
least
a portion of the elongated dimension of the device, including the non-linear
path,
and a remainder of the bag circumference, which is less than half the
circumference, extends in an unsupported manner between the free ends of the
device, spaced apart from the portion of the bag circumference supportably
guided
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along the non-linear path, thereby defining a gap between the portion of the
bag
guidably following the non-linear path of the device and the remaining portion
of
the bag extending unsupported between the free ends of the device. The bag is
thereby held open to allow raked leaves and other refuse to be readily
introduced
into the bag through the gap. All, or a structural portion, of the device
either
permanently assumes the shape defining the non-linear path, or a shape thereof
is
selectively alterable by bending, folding or other reorganization or
deformation to
assume the desired shape affording the non-linear path during use, which
achieves
the objective of the invention.
In accordance with a further embodiment of the invention, the device
advantageously comprises a member of elongated dimension having a length which
is greater that half the circumference of the bag (i.e., the length of the
member is
larger than a width of the bag when the latter is in a flattened state) and
less than
the total circumference of the bag, and which member is flexible over at least
a
portion of the overall length thereof. An embodiment of the method according
to
the invention is carried out by inserting the flexible, elongated member into
the
opening of the bag, and bending the member lengthwise into an arcuate shape
along
which the interior circumferential region of the bag adjacent an opening edge
of
the mouth of the bag is made to follow. Advantageously, the flexible member
exhibits moderately resilient characteristics over at least a length portion
thereof,
such that when an applied bending force is released after fitting a
circumferential
portion of the interior of the bag opening to the flexible member, the
tensioned
flexible member is resiliently secured against an interior circumferential
region
inwardly adjacent an opening edge of the mouth of the bag. Since the elongated
member extends over more that half of the total circumference of the bag, the
member retains a curved state without the need for providing secondary support
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structure, and the flexible member is prevented from returning to a flattened
state
until removed from the bag following its use.
In accordance with a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention
directed to a method of maintaining an open-mouth state of a bag, a first end
of a
5 flexible member having at least some degree of resilient properties is
inserted into
the mouth of the refuse bag, and flexed into an arcuate shape. While
maintaining
a flexed (arched) condition of the member, the corresponding portion of the
interior
circumference of the bag is then made, by the user, to conformably follow the
arcuate length of the flexible member by guiding a correspondingly positioned
segment of the interior of the mouth of the bag (or a region adjacent
thereto), on
the convex side of the flexed member, from its point of contact with the first
end
of the member, along its curved length, to a second end of the flexible member
which is ultimately made to abut a point along the interior circumferential
region
of the bag distant from the point of contact thereof with the first end, and
advantageously exerts outward pressure thereagainst by virtue of its
resiliently
flexed state. Since the flexible member, when formed into an arc-shape,
traverses
more that half the circumference of the bag opening, the inner dimensions of
the
bag prevent straightening of the flexible member to its original flattened
shape.
When the flexible member is advantageously made of a resilient material having
moderate memory characteristics tending to return to an original shape when
applied stress is relieved, the attendant outwardly directed resilient spring
pressure
exerted against the interior of the bag by the bent flexible member is alone
sufficient to fix the flexible member to the bag and to thereby maintain the
arcuate
shape of the flexible member. A remaining portion of the interior
circumference
of the bag (which is less than half of the overall bag circumference) is
maintained
in a tensioned condition, extending substantially in a straight path running
between
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the respective points of contact thereof with the first and second ends of the
flexible
member. The degree of curvature of the arc formed by the flexible member and
the gap size between the free ends of the flexible member, which collectively
define
the mouth opening (aforementioned "gap") through which the leaves or refuse
may
be transferred to the interior of the bag, is a function of the length of the
flexible
member and the circumference of the bag being used. However, it will be
understood that as long as the length of the flexible member is less than the
bag
circumference and greater than half of the circumference, the bag will be
maintained in an open state when the flexible member is received in the bag
according to the method of the invention. Thus, it will be understood that a
flexible
member of particular dimension will be suitable for use within a given range
of
various different bag circumferences.
In accordance with a further advantageous feature of the invention directed
to the device, the flexibly resilient member is of generally flattened or
planar shape
when not in use, thereby minimizing required storage space, thus permitting
the
flexible member to stand upright against a wall or other vertical support, or
to be
hung from a peg or the like when not in use, as desired.
Since the flexing force generated by bending the flexible member is the
greatest in the middle of the flexible member, the flexible member is, in
accordance
with an advantageous embodiment of the invention, constructed such that
flexibility
increases from the middle thereof to each of the opposed first and second
ends,
whereby the member attains an arcuate shape more closely approximating a
uniform
curve when flexed. This is conveniently, although not necessarily, achieved by
providing flanges orthogonal to a widened dimension of the flexible member,
which
extend along at least a length portion of the flexible member, which have a
height
that increases as the middle of the member is approached from either end.
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In accordance with a further advantageous embodiment, the flexible member
includes widened end portions which facilitate installation thereof to the
interior of
the bag while in a flexed and tensioned state. The widened end portions
further
serve to spread transfer the spring forces to the bag at each of the opposed
ends
over a greater area to reduce likelihood of excessive stretched deformation of
the
bag. Still further, by providing the end portions with relative enlarged
width, when
the bag, together with the installed support, is placed on the ground with the
mouth
of the bag in a side-facing orientation, the arcuately flexed member is
maintained
in an upright orientation by virtue of stabilized ground support.
In accordance with a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the
device for implementing the method disclosed herein and a bag particularly
suited
for use with such device are provided in combination. In commercial practice,
it
is contemplated that the combination of the bag and holding device can thus be
supplied to a consumer at time of purchase for later mutual use at a time and
place
as desired. Advantageously, such bag support device, constructed in accordance
with the guidelines as generally described herein, could be supplied for each
of a
plurality of bags, and which combination presumably would be intended for one-
time use with the particular bag being filled, such that once filled, the bag,
along
with the device, would be disposed of together.
Various embodiments of a device for implementing the method in
accordance with the invention can assume a variety of different forms, either
providing an angular non-linear path or an arcuate non-linear path along which
the
circumference of the bag is guided.
Still further advantageous embodiments of the device for maintaining an
open mouth state of the bag are provided in various forms which are
collapsible
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from a use condition to a storage state or reduced size, by telescoped,
hinged,
pivoted or other suitable structure providing like function and advantage.
The above, and other objects, features and advantages of the present
invention will become apparent from the following description read in
conjunction
with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is a plan view of a flexible bag support member in accordance with
an embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the embodiment of Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 is cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 in Fig. 1;
Fig. 4 is cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 in Fig. 1;
Figs 5a-5e are instructive views depicting steps of a method according to an
embodiment of the invention employing the flexible member of the general
design
of Figs. 1-4;
Fig. 6 is a perspective view of an advantageous embodiment including
anchors for retaining the support member to the ground or to an upright
support,
depicted in an unflexed storage position;
Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the embodiment of Fig. 6 in a flexed use
position as installed in a bag (bag not shown for clarity) with the anchors
oriented
for ground penetration;
Fig. 8 is a plan view of another flexible bag support member in accordance
with an embodiment of the invention including a mounting bracket for upright
bag
orientation;
Fig. 9 is a side elevation of the embodiment of Fig. 8;
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Fig. 10 is a perspective detail view of the mounting bracket of the
embodiment of Fig. 8;
Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 11-11 of Fig. 8;
Fig. 12 is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of a device
according to the invention featuring a removable mounting bracket receivable
thereto;
Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the flexible member in accordance with the
embodiment of Figs. 8-11 shown mounted to a free-standing support after being
installed to a bag for top filling of the bag;
Fig. 14 is cross-sectional detail view illustrating the manner of engagement
of the freestanding support with the mounting bracket;
Fig. 15 is plan view of a collapsible embodiment in accordance with the
invention employing folding structure shown in an expanded, use-oriented
state;
Fig. 16 is plan view of the collapsible embodiment of Fig. 15 shown in a
partially folded storage state;
Fig. 17 is cross-sectional view taken along line 17-17 of Fig. 16;
Fig. 18 is plan view of a collapsible embodiment in accordance with the
invention employing telescoping structure shown in an expanded, use-oriented
state;
Fig. 19 is plan view of the collapsible embodiment of Fig. 18 shown in a
collapsed storage state;
Fig.20 is cross-sectional view taken along line 20-20 of Fig. 18;
Fig. 21 is a side elevation of another embodiment of a device according to
the invention utilizing a biased folding structure shown in a flat, storage
state;
Fig. 22 is a side elevation of the embodiment of Fig. 21 shown in side-
oriented, ground-supported use with a bag installed;
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Fig. 23 is a plan view of the device as shown in Figs. 21 and 22;
Fig. 24 is a perspective view of an embodiment directed to a bag/device
combination prior to use;
Fig. 25 is a perspective view of the embodiment of Fig. 24 shown prior to
5 use-oriented assembly;
Fig. 26 is a perspective view of the embodiment of Figs. 24 and 25 shown
in the assembled, use-oriented state; and
Fig. 27 is a perspective assembled view of an alternative embodiment of the
bag/device combination of Figs. 24-26.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Turning now to the figures, an embodiment of a device for maintaining an
open condition of a mouth of a bag in accordance with the invention, generally
designated 10, is shown in Figs. 1 and 2. Device 10 comprises a generally bar-
shaped flexibly resilient body portion 1 of elongated dimension extending
between
opposed end portions 2. Advantageously, end portions 2 are configured with a
width exceeding that of the body portion 1, as shown, to facilitate attachment
to a
bag and aid in stable ground support during use, as will be described in
greater
detail below. Holes 3 are optionally provided along at least a portion of a
length
of the body portion 1 to reduce material costs and to improve flexibility.
Turning now to Figs. 5a-5e, a method of supporting a bag in an open state
using the device as generally described in the foregoing embodiment will be
detailed. As shown in Fig. 5a, a user 11 initially holds an refuse bag 12 in
one
hand, and the device 10 in another. The device 10 is shown in its unflexed
state in
which it advantageously assumes a overall planar configuration. To implement
the
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method, the user 11 inserts one of the end portions 2 of the device 10 into a
mouth
opening 13 of the bag 12 and rests the end portion 2 against an interior of
bag 12
adjacent an edge thereof defining the mouth opening 13, as shown in Fig. 5b.
The
device 10 is then arched, conveniently by applying gentle downward pressure in
the
longitudinal dimension of the flexibly resilient body portion 1. While
maintaining
an arcuate shape with continually applied downward pressure, the interior of
bag
12 adjacent to the edge thereof defining the mouth opening 13 is guided by the
user
11 along a convex side of the flexed body portion 1, as shown in Fig. 5c, so
that
the bag mouth opening 13 conformably follows the arcuate shape of the body
portion 1. As shown in Fig. 5d, once the bag mouth opening has been made to
follow the entire curved extent of the body portion 1, a remaining one of the
end
portions 2, which is at an opposed end of the end portion 2 which was first
inserted
into the bag mouth opening 13, is inserted into the mouth opening 13. Arching
(flexing) pressure may then be released from the device 10, as the arcuate
shape is
retained by the inner dimensions of the bag 12, thereby preventing
straightening of
the device 10. Resilient tension of the device 10 against the interior
circumference
of the mouth opening 13 of the bag 12 fixedly secures the device 10 to the bag
12,
which may then be placed, along with the installed device 10, on the ground,
with
the mouth opening 13 in a horizontally side-facing orientation, as shown in
Fig. 5e.
As mentioned above, the widened end portions 2 serve to spread transfer of
the spring forces to the bag 12 at each of the opposed ends of the device 10
over
a greater area to reduce likelihood of excessive stretched deformation of the
bag 12.
Still further, by providing the end portions 2 with relative enlarged width,
when the
bag 12, together with the installed device 10, is placed on the ground with
the
mouth of the bag 12 in the sideways-facing orientation (as shown in Fig. 5e),
the
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arcuately flexed body portion 1 of the device 10 is maintained in an upright
orientation by virtue of stabilized ground support.
Since the flexing force generated by bending the device 10 is the greatest
in the middle thereof, the device 10 is advantageously constructed such that
flexibility increases from the middle thereof to each of the opposed end
portions 2,
whereby the device 10 attains an arcuate shape more closely approximating a
uniform curve when flexed. Returning now to Figs. 1 and 2, and with further
reference to Figs. 3 and 4, as shown in the example of the device 10 depicted
therein, such attribute is conveniently achieved by providing bilaterally
disposed
flanges 5 running orthogonally to a widened dimension of the flexible member,
which extend along at least a length portion of the device 10. The flanges 5,
as
shown in Figs. 1-4, have a height that increases as the middle of the device
10 is
approached from either of its terminal ends, thereby increasing resiliency in
the
middle region of the device 10 (Fig. 4) and easing resiliency closer to the
end
portions 2 (Fig. 3).
While, as described above, flanges 5 have length-dependant height to
provide varying resiliency over a length of the device 10, it is also
contemplated
that providing flanges of constant height provides independent advantage, by
improving retained contact of a device in accordance with embodiment of the
invention to a bag to which it is installed. In such instance, the device is
flexed
with the flanges positioned on the convexly curved side of the device, and
when the
bag is guided along the device, the flanges engage the inner circumference of
the
bag, thereby providing improved grip of the device therewith. Alternatively,
rather
than extending from only one side of the device, flanges can be provided on
both
sides of the device, thereby obviating the need for the user to flex the
device in a
particular direction and assuring that flanges will always be on the convex
side of
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the flexed device, and will invariably engage the bag independent of the
direction
of flexing.
In addition to providing the widened end portions 2 for ground stability, as
described above, it is deemed advantageous to further provide optional
anchoring
structure, for achieving additional stabilization and for inhibiting
undesirable
movement or shifting of the bag to be filled with respect to the ground or
other
supporting structure. Turning now to Figs. 6 and 7, an embodiment of the
device,
designated 20 includes anchoring structure suited, in particular, for ground
penetration during a filling operation. The anchoring structure is
conveniently
provided in the form of spikes 24 hingably (or pivotably) carried at end
portions 22
of the support member in a suitable manner as generally practiced, to permit
movement between storage and use oriented positions. In the depicted example,
a
shaft 25 extends orthogonally from a base of each of the spikes 24, and is
captively
and rotatably received within a receiving bore 26 formed at the end portions
22 of
the device 20 extending crosswise to a longitudinal extent of a body portion
21
thereof. When positioned for use, as shown in Fig. 7 (the bag not being shown
for
greater clarity of illustration), the body portion 21 is flexed from a storage
position,
as shown in Fig. 6, into an arcuate shape and installed to a bag, in a manner
as
described above, with respect to the embodiment of Figs. 1-4, in Figs. 5a-5e.
The
shafts 25 are then rotated within the receiving bores 26 from a retracted
storage
position, shown in Fig. 6, to a position at which the spikes 24 are downward-
facing
when leading edges of the end portions 22 of the device 20 are made to contact
the
ground in a generally horizontal orientation, as shown in Fig. 7. It is noted
that,
while exemplified by pivotable, hinge-type mounting of spikes to the device
20,
other suitable mounting practices for allowing selective movement of the
anchoring
structure (not necessarily in the specific form of spikes as shown) between
storage
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and use orientation may be alternatively be employed, which may include (but
not
be limited to) other pivot mechanisms, a living hinge arrangement, or non-
pivoting
structure permitting detachment, reorientation and re-attachment of the anchor
to
the support member in alternate positions.
While described above as relating to a filling operation implemented
generally by sweeping of material (debris and the like) into the bag with the
mouth
opening thereof facing to the side, the inventive method and device can also
be used
to load bags with a mouth opening thereof located in an upward-facing
orientation.
For such top loading operations, a suitably configured support device, for
example
the device 20 of the preceding embodiment, is installed to a bag and the
combination of bag and device mounted to an upright support of suitable design
by
engagement with suitable cooperative means such that when the device 20 is
arcuately flexed and installed to a bag, the device 20 lies along a generally
horizontal plane.
Advantageously, specialized structure may be provided to facilitate
mounting thereof to a support. Turning now to Figs. 8-11, a device 30 is
depicted
which is of modified design made in accordance with the general guidelines
described with reference to devices 10 and 20 previously described herein, and
which is particularly well suited to vertical, in addition to, side-filling,
orientations.
Device 30 is the same in all regards as the basic design of devices 10 and 20,
with
the addition of a mounting bracket 37 adapted for engagement with cooperative
structure carried on a support stand or other support (not shown in Figs. 8-
11),
such as a vertical wall or upward facing support surface, the details of which
are
described in greater detail below, with reference to the figures which follow.
As
with the previous embodiments, the device 30 is shown to include optional
widened
end portions 32 at opposite ends thereof, and a pair of flanges 35, which
serve the
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same purposes as those of the prior-described embodiments, and which have been
included in the embodiment of Fig. 8 to clarify positional orientation of the
mounting bracket 37 relative to the device 30 in the various figures.
As depicted, the mounting bracket 37 of device 30 includes a suitable
structural configuration adapted to cooperatively couple with corresponding
engaging structure carried on a support on which the device 30 is to be
mountably
supported, the details of which will be described below with particular
reference to
the various support structure embodiments. In the illustrated example of Figs.
8-
11, such configuration conveniently includes a pair of vertically-extending
engagement holes 38 into which suitably shaped mounding rods (not shown) can
be
received for mounting to a support.
While the mounting bracket 37 of the embodiment of Figs. 8-11 is integrally
molded as part of the device 30, it will be understood that an alternative
embodiment can include a mounting bracket which is receivable to the devices
10
and 20, for example, in snap-fit engagement or by other suitable means. One
example of such a device, designated 30', having a removable mounting bracket
is
depicted in Fig. 12, in which the mounting bracket is generally designated
37'.
Mounting bracket 37' includes a pair of engagement holes 38' of analogous
design
to engagement holes 38 of the embodiment of Figs. 8-11, and is received in
snap
fit engagement with engagement flanges 39 advantageously in a central position
of
body portion 31', as shown.
Referring now to Figs. 13 and 14, the device 30 (and device 30' by analogy)
is shown mounted to a free-standing support 40 with bag 12 installed thereto.
Support 40 includes a base 41 and an upright portion 42. Suitable cooperative
mounting structure is provided, in the instant example, conveniently in the
form of
a pair of rod portions 43 configured for reception within engagement holes 38.
A
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top wall 37a of the mounting bracket 37 acts as a stop for the ends of rod
portions
43 when received in the engagement holes 38. As depicted in Fig. 14, bag 12 is
advantageously retained in an installed state by pressure contact with one of
the pair
of flanges 35 of device 30 running along at least a length portion thereof.
In the above described embodiments, support 30 (and 30') is mounted on
a free standing support 40 (40'). However, advantageously, mounting bracket 37
(37') additionally (or alternatively) includes a structural feature
facilitating
vertically-positioned mounting to a wall, table-top or like structure.
Returning to
Figs. 8-12, mounting bracket 37 includes mounting holes 37b (and similarly
mounting bracket 37' includes mounting holes 37b') for attachment thereof to a
wall or other vertical surface by screws, nails or the like. It will be
further
understood that similar holes could be provided in a vertical orientation for
attachment to a horizontal surface, such as, for example, a peripheral edge of
a
tabletop, as desired.
The device according to embodiment of the invention may be made in a
form that can be stored in a compacted envelope. For example, the embodiments
for which the following descriptions apply, allow the device to be oriented
alternately in respective storage and use conditions.
Turning to Figs. 15-17, a device, generally designated 50, utilizes folding
structure including at least two segments (three segments 51a, 51b and 51c in
the
depicted example) pivotable about one or more axes A (two shown in the
depicted
example) that are arranged crosswise to a plane coinciding with the flattened
extent
of device 50 and codirectional with a bending direction during use. Segments
51a,
51b, 51c are pivotably joined by suitable means, conveniently by rivets 54.
When
positioned for use, as shown in Fig. 15, segments 51a, 51b, 51c are arranged
along
a straight path, and are advantageously retained in such position by suitable
means,
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for example raised structural features 59, that inhibit reorientation. Such
structural
details for retainment are well known in the art, and therefore further
description
will not be provided as considered unnecessary. Segments 51a and 51c in end
positions advantageously include widened end portions 52 analogous in
structure
and function with those of the aforementioned embodiments. When device 50 is
stored between use, segments 51a, 51b, 51c are pivoted about rivets 54, as
shown
in Fig. 16, and overlay one another as shown in Fig. 17, for compact storage.
Referring now to Figs. 18-20, a device 60 incorporates two or more (three
shown) telescoping segments 61a, 61b, 61c which allow the device 60 to be
slidably
collapsed from a use orientation (Fig. 18) to a compact storage position (Fig.
19).
As in the previously described embodiments widened end portions 62 provide
analogous advantage.
As previously mentioned, while each of the above embodiments provide a
nonlinear path defined by a smooth curve along which the bag is guided for
support, the invention as contemplated can broadly embrace also a non-linear
path
defined by an angular configuration. For example, as depicted in Figs. 21-23,
a
device 70 is comprised of at least two segments (three segments 71a, 71b, 71c
being depicted in the example) which are hingably interconnected and biased in
a
flattened condition as shown in Fig. 21, for example by springs 74. During
use,
the segments are angled with respect to one another, as shown in Fig. 22, and
the
bag 12 made to follow the angled path defined by the device 70. The biasing
exerted by the springs 74 retains the device 70 to the bag 12 in a manner
analogous
with a device having resilient characteristics described above herein.
In accordance with a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the
device for implementing the method disclosed herein and a bag particularly
suited
for use with such device are provided in combination. In accordance with such
CA 02545302 2006-04-28
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embodiment, it is contemplated that the combination of the bag and holding
device
can thus be supplied to a consumer at time of purchase for later mutual use at
a time
and place as desired. Advantageously, such device, constructed in accordance
with
the guidelines as generally described herein, could be supplied for each of a
plurality of bags, and which presumably would be intended for one time use
with
the particular bag being filled, such that once filled, the bag, along with
the device,
would be disposed of together. Alternatively a device supplied with the bags
in
combination therewith could be used more than once for two or more bag filling
operations.
Turning now to Figs. 24-26, an example of such combination is depicted.
A bag/device combination is generally designated 90, and comprises a device 80
about which a bag 82, which is advantageously of special construction, is
conveniently rolled, as shown in Fig. 24. Bag 82 could alternatively be
folded,
etc., to achieve a convenient compact shape for consumer packaging. Device 80
can take the form of any of the foregoing embodiments, however, in the
depicted
example, it is a simple bendable wire of circular cross-section. The device is
advantageously held to the bag 82 by suitable means such that the bag/device
combination 90 can be suppled as a single unit. In the depicted example, this
is
accomplished by providing the bag 82 with a hem 82a formed at the opening of
the
bag 82 defining a conduit in which a length portion of the device 80 is
captively
maintainable, with end portions of the device extending outward of the hem
82a.
Hem 82a further includes a pair of engagement holes 84 suitably positioned
circumferentially of the bag 82, formed conveniently in the hem 82a, to allow
the
ends of the device to be inserted therein, by bending the device 80 in the
direction
of the arrows in Fig. 25, to arrive at a use condition shown in Fig. 26, with
the
ends of the device 80 retained therein. Because the device 80 is retained to
the bag
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19 W 1028-1. CAN
by the hem 82a, the wire comprising the device can be made of a material which
either exhibits resiliency tending to return to a straight condition or one
which is
bendable to retain a shape into which it is bent by application of force.
It will be understood that hem 82a can be formed external of the remainder
of the bag 82, as depicted, or alternatively, internal thereof. In addition,
since hem
82a serves a function of retaining the device 80 to the bag 82, hem 82a need
not be
circumferentially continuous, and can simply comprise instead, for example, a
series of belt loops, formed interior or exterior of the bag 82, through which
the
device can be threaded, much in the manner of a belt.
While, in accordance with the depicted example of Figs. 24-26, the ends of
the device are simply tucked into the engagement holes 84, it is noted that
alternatively, the ends of the device 80 could be made to penetrate through
the hem
82a from an interior of the conduit defined thereby through holes 84' formed
in a
suitably configured bag 82' near the top bag opening thereof, as shown in Fig.
27.
As such, the ends of the device 80 could serve an anchoring function analogous
to
that provided by the spikes 24 shown and described with reference to Figs. 6
and
7.
As exemplified by the embodiment of Fig. 27, by selectively
circumferentially positioning the holes 84' such that the device 80 extends
over
more that half of the circumference of the bag before exiting through the
holes 84',
an open condition of the bag is maintained by forces applied thereto by the
device
80 itself. As further exemplified, it will be further understood that there is
no
requirement that the device and method according to the invention rely on
internal
support of the bag by a device inserted therein, so long the bag is supported
in
some suitable manner by a structure retained to the bag which causes at least
a
portion of the bag circumference to follow a non-linear path forming a
retained bag
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20 W 1028-1. CAN
mouth opening. Concretely, for example, in accordance with the depicted
example
of Fig. 27, the device is retained in a position external of the bag, within
the
externally formed hem 82a.
It is noted that, in the majority of the preferred embodiments described
herein with reference to the figures, a device made in accordance with the
invention
includes terminal ends that contact respective points along the interior
circumference of the bag. In such cases, an overall length of such device is
advantageously less than a total bag circumference, such that the ends of the
device
are spaced apart from one another inside the bag when installed. However, as
will
be recognized, for example, from the disclosure relating to the preceding
embodiment of Fig. 27, the invention is not intended to be so limited, and the
device length can conceivably exceed a bag circumference, for example, either
by
having end portions which extend through the bag to the outside (as in Fig.
27), or
alternatively by including portions thereof that circumferentially overlap
internal of
the bag circumference when installed to the bag.
While the invention is described with particularly well-suited application to
relatively larger dimensioned bags, such as those used typically in connection
with
lawn and construction cleanup, the invention is also contemplated as finding
utility
in applications involving smaller bags, for example, of the type routinely
used in
maintaining cleanliness of the home or office.
It is further noted that the generally bar-shaped configuration of a device
for
implementing the method in accordance with the invention, while considered
advantageous, is not intended to be construed as limiting of the broad concept
deemed embraced by the inventive concept disclosed herein. For example, a
device
of oval, circular or other suitable cross-section (such as the circular cross-
section
configuration of the device shown with reference to the combination
bag/support
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21 W1028-1.CAN
embodiment of Figs. 24-26), rather than the flattened rectangular cross-
section of
the generally bar-shaped examples disclosed with reference to the remaining
figures, is also acceptable to practice of the invention and considered within
the
scope thereof.
In addition, while it is considered advantageous to utilize an elongated
member having at least some degree of resiliency, as described above in
connection
with the various illustrated embodiments, such characteristic is not
considered
essential to the invention as contemplated. In this regard, it is entirely
possible
within the contemplated scope of the invention to use a member which exhibits
essentially no degree of resiliency. In such case, a suitable device would
nevertheless, in general accordance with the disclosure herein, be capable of
assuming and retaining one or more shapes in the direction of an elongated
dimensional component extending between respective opposed free ends thereof
each defining a particular non-linear path along which the circumference of
the bag
can be made to follow. A total length of such non-linear path, as disclosed
above,
and which could possibly include linear portions, would also be greater than
half
of the circumference of the bag opening, such that at least a circumferential
segment portion of the bag is maintainable in a position roughly corresponding
to
the non-linear path, and a remainder (if any) of the circumference left to
extend
(advantageously along a straight path substantially free of play) in an
unsupported
manner between the free ends of the device, spaced apart from the portion
guided
along the non-linear path (where the device length is less than a total
circumference
of the bag and is received entirely internal of the bag), thereby defining the
maintained opening through which raked leaves and other refuse can be
introduced
into the bag when the device is installed thereto. Once the bag has been made
to
follow the non-linear path defined along the elongated dimensional component
of
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the device, the bag would then be retained to the device by suitable means
provided
in lieu of the absent outwardly-acting resilient forces otherwise present in
an
alternative device utilizing resiliently biased characteristics, described
with
reference to the preceding embodiments. For example, the hem 82a of the
embodiment depicted in Figs. 25-26, acts as one such suitable means for
retaining
the bag to the device.
It is additionally noted that, while the device embodiments described herein
advantageously do not include any connecting structure between terminal ends
thereof, it is deemed acceptable within the contemplated scope of the
invention to
have a string, rope, length-adjustable or compressible member, or the like,
which
bridges the open space between terminal ends of a device in accordance with
the
disclosure herein, and which interconnects same. Such structure, while
permitting
adjustment of a degree of bowing of the device, would advantageously not act
to
restrict an increase in the degree bowing, for example where the device would
have
to be adjusted for installation to a bag of smaller circumference.
It will be further understood that, while the illustrated embodiments each
depict a device installed to a bag as being oriented for ground supported use
with
the portion of the bag circumference which extends in a substantially
unsupported
manner between terminal ends of the device facing the ground (see for example,
Figs. 5e, 7 and 22), no such requirement is contemplated. For example, in the
embodiment of Fig. 22, one of the support segments 71a, 71b, 71c could instead
be oriented for contacted ground support, if so desired.
Lastly, while those of the device examples described above that rely at least
in part upon resiliency or biasing use a counter-resistence of the bag
circumference
to maintain the arched state of the device, it is also contemplated that other
means
alternative or supplemental to the bag structure can be employed to maintain
the
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23 W1028-1.CAN
nonlinear state of the device during use. For example, penetration of the
ground
with ends of the device 80 when using the embodiment of Fig. 27 can serve to
retain a bowed state of the device, irrespective of whether the device
circumscribes
more that half of the bag circumference.
Having described preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to
the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not
limited
to those precise embodiments, and that various changes and modifications may
be
effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or
spirit
of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
