BAG HOLDER

Abstract

A bag holder configured to maintain a bag in an open position, the holder comprising: a first bag holding member defining a first opening therein; a second bag holding member defining a second opening therein; wherein the first bag holding member and the second bag holding member are pivotably coupled and configured to be movable to and between open and closed positions. Also disclosed is a method of maintaining a bag in an open position comprising providing the first and second bag holding members of the bag holder in the open position; placing an open end of the bag between the first and second bag holding members; moving the first and second bag holding members to the closed position such that at least a portion of the bag is sandwiched between at least a portion of the first and second bag holding members.

Claims

1. A bag holder configured to maintain a bag in an open position, the holder comprising: a first bag holding member defining a first opening therein; a second bag holding member defining a second opening therein; a first pivotable member positioned on an outer and/or inner side wall of the first and/or second holding member; wherein the first and second bag holding members comprise a top surface, a bottom surface and inner and outer side walls extending between the top and bottom surfaces, wherein the first bag holding member and the second bag holding member are pivotably openable and closable and configured to be movable to and between open and closed positions, wherein said bag holder is configured to removably secure at least a portion of the bag.

2. The bag holder of claim 1, wherein the bag holder further comprises a locking member coupled to the first bag holding member and/or second bag holding member, wherein the locking member is configured to temporarily maintain the first bag holding member and second bag holding member in the closed position.

3. The bag holder of claim 1, wherein the first and second holding members have substantially the same shape.

4. The bag holder of claim 1, wherein the first and second holding members have a substantially ring shape.

5. The bag holder of claim 1, wherein the first and second holding members have substantially the same outer and/or inner circumference.

6. The bag holder of claim 1, wherein the first and second holding members are rigid.

7. The bag holder of claim 6, wherein the first and second holding members comprise a rigid foam material.

8. The bag holder of claim 7, wherein the rigid foam material comprises at least one of polystyrene, polyurethane, or polyisocyanurate.

9. The bag holder of claim 8, wherein the polystyrene comprises expanded polystyrene or extruded polystyrene.

10. The bag holder of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the bag is sandwiched between the first and second holding members when the bag holder is in the closed position.

11. The bag holder of claim 1, wherein the bag is composed of a flexible plastic material.

12. The bag holder of claim 11, wherein the bag is a 42-gallon construction trash bag.

13. The bag holder of claim 1, wherein the first opening defined by the first bag holding member is axially aligned with the second opening defined by the second bag holding member when the first and second holding members are in the closed position.

14. The bag holder of claim 1, wherein the first and second bag holding members are composed of at least one substantially flat surface.

15. (canceled)

16. The bag holder of claim 1, wherein the top and bottom surfaces have a width greater than the width of the individual inner and outer side walls extending therebetween.

17. The bag holder of claim 2, wherein the locking member comprises a latch member extending from the outer side wall of the first and second bag holding members.

18. The bag holder of claim 17, comprising a first pivotable member positioned on the outer side wall of the first and second bag holding members.

19. The bag holder of claim 18, wherein the first pivotable member is further positioned on the top surface of the first bag holding member and the bottom surface of the second bag holding member.

20. A method of maintaining a bag in an open position comprising: providing the first and second bag holding members of the bag holder of claim 1 in the open position; placing an open end of the bag between the first and second bag holding members; and moving the first and second holding members to the closed position such that at least a portion of the bag is sandwiched between at least a portion of the first and second bag holding members.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] FIG. 1 is a front top perspective view of an illustrative bag holder configured to maintain a bag in an open position, wherein the first bag holding member and second bag holding member are in the closed position.

[0008] FIG. 2 is a front top perspective view of the bag holder of FIG. 1, wherein the first bag holding member and second bag holding member are in an open position.

[0009] FIG. 3 is a front top perspective view of the bag holder of FIG. 1, wherein at least a portion of a bag is sandwiched between the first and second holding members when the first and second holding members are in the closed position.

[0010] FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of an illustrative bag holder configured to maintain a bag in an open position, wherein the bag holder comprises a bag holding member defining an opening therein; and a plurality of clip members coupled to the bag holding member by a strand member, wherein the plurality of clip members are configured to removably engage at least a portion of the bag to the bag holding member.

[0011] FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of the bag holder of FIG. 4 showing the plurality of clip members removably engaging at least a portion of the open end of a bag to the bag holding member.

[0012] FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of a person holding the bag holder of FIG. 4 with a first hand and inserting debris into the open bag with a second hand.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] According to certain embodiments, disclosed is a bag holder configured to maintain a bag in an open position, the bag holder comprising a first bag holding member defining a first opening therein; a second bag holding member defining a second opening therein; wherein the first bag holding member and the second bag holding member are pivotably coupled and configured to be movable to and between open and closed positions. During use of the present invention, at least a portion of the bag can be sandwiched between the first and second holding members when the bag holder is in the closed position. In certain embodiments, the bag is composed of a flexible plastic material. In some cases, the bag is a 42-gallon construction trash bag.

[0014] In certain embodiments, the bag holder comprises a locking member coupled to the first bag holding member and/or second bag holding member, wherein the locking member is configured to temporarily maintain the first bag holding member and second bag holding member in the closed position. The locking member may take the form of, for example, but not limited to, a latch to achieve the intended purpose. Exemplary, non-limiting types of latches that may be used include cam/twist latches, hook latches, pull down/toggle latches, slam/push to close latches, and slide/swing bolt latches. In some cases, the locking member comprises a latch member extending from the outer side wall of the first and second holding members.

[0015] In certain embodiments, the first and second holding members have substantially the same shape, such as a square shape, a rectangular shape, or a ring shape. In a particular embodiment, the first and second holding members are substantially ring shaped. In certain embodiments, the first and second holding members have substantially the same outer and/or inner circumference.

[0016] In certain embodiments, the first and second holding members are rigid. As used herein, the term rigid refers to a material that is stiff and does not stretch easily or retains a shape very close to its original shape after force or pressure is applied. The first and second holding members possess sufficient rigidity to maintain their original shape and to hold the bag mouth in an open position. In some embodiments, the first and second holding members comprise a rigid foam material. The rigid foam material may comprise at least one of: polystyrene, polyurethane, or polyisocyanurate. In some cases, the polystyrene comprises expanded polystyrene or extruded polystyrene. In some cases, at least a portion of the first and second holding members are comprised of a plastic and/or metal material configured to retain or provide sufficient rigidity to maintain their original shape and to hold the bag mouth in an open position.

[0017] In certain embodiments, the first opening defined by the first bag holding member is axially aligned with the second opening defined by the second bag holding member when the first and second holding members are in the closed position. When in the closed position, the first bag holding member and the second bag holding member may be substantially co-axially aligned such that a longitudinal axis passes centrally though each aligned opening defined in the first and second bag holding members.

[0018] The first and second holding members, and the openings defined therein, may be of any shape, including but not limited to ring, square, or triangular. In certain embodiments, the first and second holding members are composed of at least one substantially flat surface, or at least two substantially flat surfaces. In some cases, the first and second holding members comprise a top surface, a bottom surface and inner and outer side walls extending between the top and bottom surfaces. In some cases, the top and bottom surfaces have a greater width than the width of the individual inner and outer side walls extending therebetween.

[0019] In certain embodiments, a first pivotable member is positioned on the outer and/or inner side wall of the first and/or second holding members. In some cases, the first pivotable member is further positioned on the top surface of the first holding member and the bottom surface of the second holding member. In some cases, the first pivotable member is elastic or comprises an elastic portion. In some cases, the first pivotable member comprises a pivot arm that pivots about a pivot pin.

[0020] Also disclosed is a method of maintaining a bag in an open position comprising providing the first and second bag holding members of a bag holder in the open position; placing at least a portion of an open end of the bag between the first and second bag holding members; moving the first and second bag holding members to the closed position such that at least a portion of the bag is sandwiched between at least a portion of the first and second bag holding members.

[0021] In a further illustrative embodiment, disclosed is a bag holder configured to maintain a bag in an open position, the bag holder comprising a bag holding member defining an opening therein; a plurality of clip members coupled to the bag holding member by a strand member, wherein the plurality of clip members are configured to removably engage at least a portion of the bag to at least a portion of the bag holding member. In certain embodiments, the bag holding member has a substantially square, rectangular, or ring shape. In a particular embodiment, the bag holding member has a substantially ring shape.

[0022] According to this embodiment, the bag holder comprises one or more clip members. In some cases, the bag holder comprises at least two clip members, or at least three clip members, or at least four clip members. The clip members are constructed and arranged to temporarily secure at least a portion of a bag to at least a portion of the bag holding member. In some cases, one or more of the clip members comprise a spring clip, a tension clip, a tubing clamp, a compression ring, a C-clip, or the like. One or more of the clip members may comprise a plastic and/or metal material.

[0023] The clip members are coupled to the bag holding member by a strand member attached, optionally removably attached, to the bag holding member. In some cases, the bag holding member comprises at least one aperture which the strand member passes through such that a portion of the strand extends along both the inner and outer surfaces of the bag holding member to provide an adjustable coupling arrangement with the clip member. In some cases, the strand member comprises a flexible material, such as a bungee type of cord, that can easily stretch when subjected to tension and return to its original position in a non-tensioned state.

[0024] The disclosed bag holders are readily understood when read in conjunction with illustrative FIGS. 1-6. It should be noted that the bag holders are not limited to any of the illustrative embodiments shown in the figures, but rather should be construed in breadth and scope in accordance with the disclosure provided herein.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a front top perspective view of an illustrative bag holder 10 configured to maintain a bag (not shown) in an open position, wherein the first bag holding member 12 and second bag holding member 14 are in the closed position. Bag holder 10 comprises first bag holding member 12 defining a first opening 19 therein and second bag holding member 14 defining a second opening 20 therein. First bag holding member 12 and second bag holding member 14 are pivotably coupled 18 and configured to be movable to and between open and closed positions. Bag holder 10 comprises locking member 16 coupled to first bag holding member 12 and/or second bag holding member 14, wherein locking member 16 is configured to temporarily maintain first bag holding member 12 and second bag holding member 14 in the closed position. First holding member 12 has top surface 24, bottom surface (not shown) and inner 25 and outer 23 side walls extending between top 23 and bottom (not shown) surfaces. Second holding member 14 has top surface (not shown), bottom surface (not shown) and inner 21 and outer 22 side walls extending between top (not shown) and bottom (not shown) surfaces.

[0026] FIG. 2 is a front top perspective view of an illustrative bag holder 10 configured to maintain a bag (not shown) in an open position, wherein first bag holding member 12 and second bag holding member 14 are in an open position. Bag holder 10 comprises first bag holding member 12 defining a first opening 19 therein and second bag holding member 14 defining a second opening 20 therein. First bag holding member 12 and second bag holding member 14 are pivotably coupled 18 and configured to be movable to and between open and closed positions. Bag holder 10 comprises locking member 16 coupled to first bag holding member 12 and/or second bag holding member 14, wherein locking member 16 is configured to temporarily maintain first bag holding member 12 and second bag holding member 14 in the closed position. First holding member 12 has top surface 24, bottom surface (not shown) and inner 25 and outer 23 side walls extending between top 23 and bottom (not shown) surfaces. Second holding member 14 has top surface (not shown), bottom surface (not shown) and inner 21 and outer 22 side walls extending between top (not shown) and bottom (not shown) surfaces.

[0027] FIG. 3 is a front top perspective view of an illustrative bag holder 10 configured to maintain a bag 28 in an open position, wherein at least a portion of bag 28 is sandwiched between first holding member 12 and second holding member 14 when first and second 12, 14 holding members are in the closed position. Bag holder 10 comprises first bag holding member 12 defining a first opening therein and second bag holding member 14 defining a second opening 20 therein. First bag holding member 12 and second bag holding member 14 are pivotably coupled 18 and configured to be movable to and between open and closed positions. Bag holder 10 comprises locking member 16 coupled to first bag holding member 12 and/or second bag holding member 14, wherein locking member 16 is configured to temporarily maintain first bag holding member 12 and second bag holding member 14 in the closed position.

[0028] FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of an illustrative bag holder 30 configured to maintain a bag (not shown) in an open position, wherein bag holder 30 comprises bag holding member 32 defining an opening 36 therein; and plurality of clip members 34 coupled to bag holding member 32 by flexible strand member 37, wherein plurality of clip members 34 are configured to removably secure at least a portion of a bag (not shown) to bag holding member 32.

[0029] FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of an illustrative bag holder 30 showing plurality of clip members 34 removably engaging at least a portion of bag 38 to bag holding member 32. Bag holder 30 comprises bag holding member 32 defining an opening 36 therein; and plurality of clip members 34 coupled to bag holding member 32 by flexible strand member 37, wherein plurality of clip members 34 are configured to removably engage at least a portion of bag 38 to bag holding member 32.

[0030] FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of a person holding bag holding member 32 with first hand 39 and inserting debris 40 into open bag 38 with second hand 41. Bag holder 30 comprises bag holding member 32 defining an opening 36 therein; and plurality of clip members 34 coupled to bag holding member 32 by flexible strand member 37, wherein plurality of clip members 34 are configured to removably engage at least a portion of bag 38 to bag holding member 32.

[0031] While bag holders configured to maintain a bag in an open position, and methods of maintaining a bag in an open position have been disclosed according to certain embodiments, it is to be understood that other similar embodiments may be used or modifications and additions may be made to the described embodiments for performing the same function. Furthermore, the various illustrative embodiments may be combined to produce the desired results. Therefore, the present disclosure should not be limited to any single embodiment.

[0032] As used in this specification, the terms comprises, comprising, contains, containing, includes, including, has, or having, are all open-ended expressions and are intended to cover apparatus, compositions, methods, processes, products, or systems that comprise a recited list of components, elements, and features, and any and all additional components, elements and features that are not expressly recited. The terms includes, including, has, or having are not intended to have a more narrow construction, interpretation, or meaning than the terms comprises or comprising.

[0033] In the present disclosure, the term substantially refers to a degree of deviation that is sufficiently small so as to not measurably detract from the identified property or function or circumstance and/or refer to slight variations within normal manufacturing tolerances.

[0034] As used in the present specification, the term or refers to an inclusive or and not to an exclusive or. For example, the phrase A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is present and B is not present, A is not present and B is present, and both A and B are present.

[0035] As used in the present specification, a or an is employed to describe components, elements, features and method/process steps of various illustrative embodiments disclosed herein. The use of a or an should be interpreted to include one or more than one.

[0036] As used in the present specification, any of the terms illustratively, preferably, commonly, and typically are not intended to, and do not, limit the scope of the claimed embodiments, or to imply that certain features are critical, essential, important, or required to the structure or function of the claimed composition, beverage product or methods. Rather, these terms are merely intended to identify particular aspects of an embodiment or to emphasize alternative or additional features that may or may not be utilized in a particular embodiment.