Bag-Mate

Abstract

The Bag-Mate apparatus utilizes a light weight frame for opening and closing common plastic bags. This apparatus is accompanied by several interchangeable attachments that change the configuration and function of the device to meet the user's needs. These attachments are screwed into the back mount of the device. The apparatus uses clips to grip the plastic bag for control of its opening and closing.

Description

SUMMARY

The purpose of this device is to allow for ease when using common bags for daily tasks such as disposing of leaves to storing bags in locations that simple containers are unable to utilize. The device will be made up of a simple folding aluminum frame for opening and closing bags. Attached to the back of the frame will be a mount so that different attachments can be used to allow for a broader range of applications of the device. All attachments will be easily screwed into the mount. Simple clamps on the device allow for it to grip the bags. The clamps will be long, running along the back and front of the device; this is to help prevent tearing of the bags. The device will fold at the center allowing for it to be opened and closed; magnets will run along the front and back of the frame to hold the device together when it is closed. The device will be available in three sizes allowing for other uses.

DESCRIPTIONS OF DRAWING VIEW

See Detailed Description of Present Design for Further Details on Drawings

FIG. 1: Apparatus frame (medium size), does not include any attachments to mount

FIG. 2: Folding hinge for mid-section of the apparatus, allows for opening and closing

FIG. 3: Screw-lock hinge, easily tightened using a screw to hold apparatus open

FIG. 4: Assorted attachments for apparatus

FIG. 5: Tri-pod attachment for apparatus

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to the field of bag management apparatuses. More specifically, apparatuses that allow for ease in opening and closing bags, maximizing the uses of a common bag, and ease in temporary storage. The apparatus also contains several interchangeable attachments changing the configuration and function of the device.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART IN FIELD

There are several apparatuses related to this invention; other apparatuses do not allow for the versatile range of function that this invention will allow through the use of interchangeable attachments. The wide range of applications make this device ideal for basic consumers. The ease in opening and closing of this invention also allows the consumers to utilize the device for simple tasks. This invention can be stored easily and is ideal for use in places with limited space or limited accessibility.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT DESIGN

The present design allows for the user to attach a common trash bag to the frame by clamps that are opened by squeezing on clip with a spring. Each side of the apparatus will have two clips that when simultaneously squeezed will open the long bottom clamp. The clamp will be long running almost the entire length of the side of the apparatus in order to disperse the downward ripping force caused by the weight of the attached bag. This is meant to prevent the bag from tearing along the top where it is attached to the apparatus.

The apparatus can be folded in half by a set of hinges located at the mid-way point on both sides of the apparatus. This hinge is located in FIG. 3 of the designs. A free hinge located in the front of the apparatus allows for the front to rotate in order to line up the magnets located on the front and back of the apparatus, see FIG. 1. The magnets will be strong enough to keep the bag partially shut allowing for transport or the containment of the bag, but the magnets can easily be released when the user wishes to open the apparatus through a small pulling force.

On the back of the apparatus will be a small block mount with a screw hole in the center of it. This mount and screw hole will allow other attachments to be mounted on the frame for a broad range of functions. The screw will be approximately ¾″ with threads equal to that of the screw hole. Each attachment will serve a different function giving this design its versatility and overall advantage. The user of the apparatus can change attachments by simply screwing each attachment into the block mount.

Attachments for the apparatus will include, but not limited to: a handle, hooks, c-clamps, a lanyard, and a tripod. The handle attachment will be a simple handle design that allows for the user to utilize the apparatus for holding the bag open for tasks such as disposing of leaves, picking up garbage and other uses the user may find for applicable. The hook attachment will allow for the apparatus to be hung on objects such as piping and can be used for easy storage of a bag and its volume. The c-clamp attachment allows for the apparatus to be clamped to the end of a table or workbench for accessibility during projects or picnics. The lanyard attachment allows for the apparatus to be hung from a door or other object for storing and using the bag. The tripod allows for the apparatus to be used as a trash can when it is not performing other functions. All of these attachments give the apparatus its advantageous versatility over other products that may be seen as similar. The frame of this apparatus will be made of aluminum giving it a light weight, but strong overall design. Sizing of the aluminum tubing would be based on the function of the apparatus and ease of manufacturing. Other parts of the apparatus used in its assembly will be based on the ease of manufacturing and on practical economics of the design. Basic dimensions of a medium sized apparatus can be found in FIG. 1

Design Note

The frame will be made of sturdy square aluminum tubing; tubing sizes will vary dependent on the device sizes.

Dimensions
Small  8″ L × 6″ W
Medium 12″ L × 9″ W
Large  18″ L × 14″ W

Square Tubing
Small  ½ × ½ × 1/16
Medium ½ × ½ × 1/16
Large  ¾ × ¾ × ⅛

1. A mount will be attached to the back of the frame. A screw hole will be centered on the mount to allow for different attachments to be connected to the device for different uses.
2. Clamps will be attached to the front and back of the device for gripping the bags. Squeezing on the top part will allow for part gripping the bags to open. The part of the clamp gripping the bags will run along the front and back of the frame. The elongated clamp will help to prevent the bag from tearing when the bag is loaded and in the device.
3. To allow for a swinging motion, hinges will be connect both the front and back of the device. The back of the frame will have hinges that are limited by an upper bridge on the frame. The hinges on the back of the frame can be locked by the tightening screws on both ends. See sketches
4. A magnetic strip will run along the insides of the back and front of the frame which will allow for the frame to be somewhat secure when the device is closed.
5. At the center of the two sides of the frame will be a hinge which will be limited by the connecting of the aluminum tube frame when fully extended. The downward force of the bag will aid in keeping the device from closing when it is open also.
6. Free hinges will be utilized along the front ends of the frame. It will not be necessary to limit their motion because the motion will already be limited by the hinges on the back side of the frame.

Attachments

Several attachments for this device will create several unique futures that make it superior and different from other existing designs. These attachments screw into the mount on the frame of the device. Reference FIG. 4 for A1, A2, A3 and A4; FIG. 5 for A5.
A1: A basic handle that will allow the user to use the device for basic tasks such as picking leaves or other trash.
A2: Hooks that all the device to be hooked from bars or other simple functions.
A3: Clamps that allow the device to be clamp to tables or other objects making it ideal for cookouts or other outdoor functions where a garbage disposal may not be accessible.
A4: A chord with a hook that allows the device to be hung from objects such as a door frame so that the device may hang freely.
A5: An adjustable stand creating a simple area for holding up a bag. The stand will be design as a tripod that can be folded up together by sliding a tightening device up and down the main shaft of the stand. The device is tighten via a tighten screw located where the leg braces meet. Hinges allow for the folding motion to occur. See sketches.

Screw sizes
Mount        ½-20, length ¾″
Tripod Mount ½-20, length 1¼″
Rear Hinges  ¼-20, length 1½″

Tripod Heights
Small 18″

Claims

1. An apparatus that grips onto a bag through the use of clips that controls opening and closing of the bag.

2. An apparatus for holding bags that utilizes interchangeable attachments to increase its versatility and functionality.

3. An apparatus for holding bags that utilizes a magnetic strip for holding the apparatus closed.