Abstract: A stackable wheeled bucket stand and method is disclosed. The bucket stand includes an elliptical support ring configured to support a bucket, a plurality of leg assemblies, each leg assembly connected to the support ring, and a plurality of wheels, each wheel connected to a leg.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bag stand including a hollow stand having an inner surface, an outer surface, a top end, and a bottom end, the hollow stand including at least one side panel, each side panel having two ends, each end of each side panel connected to an adjacent end of a side panel to form a substantially continuous outer surface and a substantially continuous inner surface thereby defining an opening along the top end of the hollow stand; and a funnel interfacing with the top end of the hollow stand and having an inner surface, an outer surface, a top end, a bottom end, and at least two side ends, the funnel defining an opening at each of the top end and the bottom end of the funnel, the top end of the funnel having a larger opening and the bottom end of the funnel having a smaller opening.

Abstract: A device for collecting objects is provided which includes a frame formed with a peripheral groove that surrounds an orifice. Also included is a retainer member that is dimensioned to be received into the peripheral groove of the frame. A bag having an opening which is surrounded by a rim portion is held with its rim in the peripheral groove of the frame, This is accomplished by a fixed engagement between the frame and the retainer member. With this engagement, objects can be introduced into the bag, through the orifice of the frame, for collection.

Abstract: A lawn bag apparatus to stabilize an opening of a lawn bag is disclosed, comprising a frame comprising a plurality of sidewalls arranged to approximate the opening, each sidewall comprising a midwall portion extending approximately vertically, an upper wall portion extending upwardly and outwardly from the midwall portion, and a lower wall portion extending downwardly and inwardly from the midwall portion, a first clamp positioned along one of the sidewalls, and a second clamp positioned along a sidewall opposite the first clamp, the first and second clamps being movable between an open, disengaged position and a closed, engaged position for detachably securing the frame to the lawn bag.

Abstract: A hoop for holding a bag comprises a hoop strip having a first end, a second end and a central portion between the first and second ends. The hoop strip being comprises a resilient material. A first loop member attaches to the first end of the hoop strip, defining a channel which receives slidably therein the central portion of the hoop strip. A second loop member attaches to the second end of the hoop strip, defining a channel which receives slidably therein the central portion of the loop strip. The first and second loop members keep the hoop strip generally circular, but it can be adjusted so as to have a plurality of circumferences by sliding the central portion of the hoop strip within the first and second loop members. The hoop may also comprise a handle for holding the hoop, and a base.

Abstract: An apparatus for retaining the opening of a garbage bag is provided. A garbage bag retention ring can include a flexible and invertible base ring and a flexible and invertible retention ring fixed to the base ring. The base ring and the retention ring can each have about the same diameter. The base ring and the retention ring invert to expose an interior surface of the retention ring as an exterior surface. The garbage bag retention ring can further include at least one aperture formed between a junction of the base ring and the retention ring that is adapted to receive an edge of a circumferential portion of a garbage bag.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for processing coins are presented herein. A coin processing system is disclosed which includes a housing with a coin input area for receiving a batch of coins, a controller with a communication interface operatively attached to the housing, and a coin processing unit for counting, discriminating, and/or valuing coins received from the coin input area. The coin processing system also includes a mobile coin receptacle removably disposed within the housing and configured to receive coins from the coin processing unit. The mobile coin receptacle is configured to wirelessly communicate information to the communication interface of the controller. The mobile coin receptacle can include one or more electrical contacts that mate with one or more electrical contacts on the housing to wirelessly communicate the information.

Abstract: The versatile support apparatus has an assembly including a plurality of substantially rigid longitudinal members. At least one substantially flexible transverse securing member may be attached transversally to a portion of each of the plurality of longitudinal members. Each longitudinal member of the plurality of longitudinal members may be repositioned about a longitudinal axis of the longitudinal member. A first-end coupling portion of the end of a first longitudinal side of the assembly may be selectively coupled to a second-end coupling portion of an opposite end of an opposite second longitudinal side of the assembly to form an interior cavity. The support apparatus is configured to support an object within the interior cavity. An additional intermediary coupling portion is provided to allow construction of support assemblies of multiple sizes.

Abstract: A bag holder for holding a t-shirt bag includes a holder frame and a holder handle that is secured to the holder frame. The holder frame selectively holds the t-shirt bag and including a first handle restraint that restrains a first bag handle of the t-shirt bag, a second handle restraint that restrains a second bag handle of the t-shirt bag, and a bag support region that supports the t-shirt type bag near the bag opening. The holder handle is movable relative to the holder frame between a carrying position in which the holder handle is used for carrying the holder frame and the t-shirt bag, and an attachment position in which that holder handle is used for hanging the holder frame and the t-shirt bag near a vertical surface.

Abstract: A means for retaining a resealable bag in an open position for filling purposes is described which includes a surround having an interior dimension less than a nominal width of one side of an unfilled and sealed bag. A pair of cut-outs formed into the surround are shaped and sized to guide edges of a bag during insertion into the surround, retain the upper corners of the bag to prevent axial movement of the bag once inserted, and bias the mouth of the bag in a open position to receive contents.

Abstract: A bag support apparatus has a first support member, a first arm slidably received in the first support member so as to be movable between a retracted position and an extended position, a second support member, and a second arm slidably received in the second support member so as to be movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The first arm is linked to the second arm such that a movement of the first support member toward the second support member causes the first and second arms to move toward the retracted position and such that a movement of the first support member away from the second support member causes and first and second arms to move to the extended position. A scissor mechanism is linked to the first and second support members and to the first and second arms.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an adapter for use with ordinary lawn and leaf bags and a method for manufacture of such adapter. The adapter has a cavity that has four sides and four corners, and a lower portion consisting of four flaps. The use of a frame, side and/or corner fasteners create an adapter where the flaps lie inside the bag and the cavity remains outside the bag to create a large surface area for filling the bag and also prevents the mouth of the bag from closing due to wind or other forces.

Abstract: One embodiment relates to a bistable hold open mechanism including first and second flexible flat, strip like members positioned relative to each other. The members include opposing first and second ends; an inner mating surface; and an opposing outer bonding surface. One or more pivot members and/or hinges is integrated into the second member separating it into a side seal portion and an operable portion, the side seal portion coupled to the operable portion. Embodiments include flexures which allow the pivot members or hinges to be biased in open or closed configurations. Applying a slight pressure to the members opens the mechanism. When the mechanism reaches a predetermined point, the pivot or hinges lock, maintaining an open configuration. Closing the mechanism only requires a slight pressure be applied to the external surface of the members, resulting in the pivot members or hinges unlocking and rotating towards a closed configuration.

Abstract: A bag-holding apparatus includes a generally L-shaped body adapted to be mounted to a surface. The generally L-shaped body has a horizontal portion and a vertical portion. The bag-holding apparatus further includes a bag opener mounted to and extending away from the vertical portion. The bag opener includes at least one hook, proximate to a distal end of the bag opener. The at least one hook is configured to support a bag suspended therefrom and retain the bag in an open position, generally adjacent to the surface, to collect trash.

Abstract: This disclosure provides devices and methods for collecting leaf and yard debris, including an apparatus comprising a flexible thermoplastic sheet having a top portion and a bottom portion that are connected or partially connected. Embodiments include a two-piece design with separate top and bottom portions that are reversibly, semi-permanently, or permanently connected, so the two portions can be folded for storage. Other embodiments include a one-piece design having left side and right side cut-out areas and horizontal slits. In each embodiment, the top portion can be rolled into a cylindrical shape independently of the bottom portion, which maintains its planar configuration. Once rolled, the cylindrical top portion can be inserted into the opening of a lawn bag, and the material tension expands the cylinder to snugly fit the bag opening, thereby aiding in collecting leaf and yard debris.

Abstract: A litter box cleaning kit includes a litter shovel having a nonporous bottom section for collecting non-solid waste, a curved section having a plurality of openings for collecting and sifting solid waste, a bag holder for positioning disposal bags in an open configuration and a caddy for storing each of the shovel, bag holder and disposal bags.

Abstract: A method and device of inserting a food stuff into a food stuff bag is disclosed, with the method involving providing a substantially flexible resilient food stuff support that is generally “U” shaped when viewed from its operative position on a countertop, inserting at least a first end of the device a short depth into an opening of a pliable bag, such first end having an edge that is curved and opposing sides that are substantially straight. A bending mechanism bends so that at least the first end deforms from a first configuration to a second configuration for insertion of the first end through the bag opening and into an interior of the bag, wherein when the forces are reduced, the first end changes shape toward the first configuration for holding a portion of the bag and for providing an open volume within the bag for transferring a food stuff to the interior of the bag.

Abstract: Collapsible containers and associated methods are disclosed herein. Certain aspects of the invention are directed toward a collapsible container assembly that includes a foldable support member that has a length and a width. The support member has a concave cross-section that causes the support member to resist bending until a threshold force is exceeded. The support member has a folded position and an extended position where the support member is unfolded. The assembly further includes at least one surface member carried by the support member. The assembly has a deployed position where the support member is in the extended position and the at least one surface member forms an enclosure with an interior. The assembly also has a collapsed position where the support member is in the folded position. The container assembly has less exterior volume in the collapsed position than in the deployed position.

Abstract: An apparatus which is used to very securely retain a disposable trash bag onto the upper interior circumference of the trash receptacle portion of a janitorial cart. It includes a retaining ring which is securely retained by spring force action against the upper interior rim of the trash receptacle. A trigger mechanism is used to lock the retaining ring in a raised condition over the upper interior circumference so that the open ends of a disposable trash bag are inserted between the retaining ring and the upper interior surface. The trigger mechanism is retained in place by engaging teeth which engage ratcheted receiving teeth. A pair of pushbuttons serve to release the trigger mechanisms so that the return spring force causes the retaining ring to move upwardly and release the entrapped disposable garbage bag.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bag holder frame having a first rectangular ring-shaped member and a second rectangular ring-shaped member. The first rectangular ring-shaped member may have a first cross-member and a second cross-member connected together via a first base and a first top portion, wherein the first top portion has a first slot and a second slot. The second rectangular ring-shaped member may have a third cross-member and a fourth cross-member connected together via a second base and a second top portion, wherein the second top portion has a third slot and a fourth slot. In addition, the first cross-member and the third cross-member are connected via a first hinge present at a medial portion of the first cross-member and the third cross-member, wherein the second cross-member and the fourth cross-member are connected via a second hinge present at a medial portion of the second cross-member.

Abstract: A bag storage apparatus is provided for storing collapsed plastic bags with handle loops and for holding one of the plastic bags in an open position to receive items placed therein. The apparatus includes a body defining a main storage cavity; a secondary panel forming a second rounded shape and attached to a front of the body to define a storage location for collapsed bags in front of the main storage cavity; upper top side edges of the body protruding upwardly and defining crevices adapted to positively engage and retain the loops when an associated one of the plastic bags is held in the open position in the main storage cavity; and the second panel having top and bottom openings for access to any bags stored inside the storage location.

Abstract: A hoop for holding a bag comprises a hoop strip having a first end, a second end and a central portion between the first and second ends. The hoop strip being comprises a resilient material. A first loop member attaches to the first end of the hoop strip, defining a channel which receives slidably therein the central portion of the hoop strip. A second loop member attaches to the second end of the hoop strip, defining a channel which receives slidably therein the central portion of the loop strip. The first and second loop members keep the hoop strip generally circular, but it can be adjusted so as to have a plurality of circumferences by sliding the central portion of the hoop strip within the first and second loop members. The hoop may also comprise a handle for holding the hoop, and a base.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for making an adapter piece for ordinary bags or a specialized bag that creates a larger opening, while maintaining the same form-factor of the original bag. The incorporation of this adapter piece to ordinary bags allows for easy loading of the bag and provides additional rigidity to the mouth of the bag. Additionally, this modification can easily be incorporated into standard manufacturing process for conventional paper bags.

Abstract: A biodegradable lawn waste collection system is provided. The system generally includes a waste receiver, a shaping insert, and a handle. The waste receiver may comprise a mesh structure having a filling end and a sealing end. The mesh structure may be formed from a biodegradable polymer composition. The shaping insert is configured for removable reception within the filling end of the waste receiver. The shaping insert provides the waste receiver with rigidity and stability when filling the waste receiver with lawn waste. After the waste receiver has been filled with lawn waste, the shaping inert is removed and the filling end is secured, such as by tying a knot. The full waste receiver is then releasably attached to the handle, which enables the full waste receiver to be easily carried or dragged to a desired destination.

Abstract: A bag spreader for spreading a bag in a container lying on its side includes a connection portion arranged to interface with the upwardly facing outer surface of the container when the container is oriented on its side and includes a bag supporting portion arranged for insertion into the bag and the container. The bag supporting portion may be disposed adjacent the upper sidewall of the container in a manner that supports the bag in an open condition when the container is oriented on its side. A head portion connects the connection portion and the bag spreading portion with the connection portion and the bag supporting portion being spaced apart on the head portion a distance sufficient to receive an edge of the container.

Abstract: A paper yard bag 28 securing device consisting of a cylindrical shape adapted to fit over the corners of two or more bags 28. Two cross-sectional cuts 20a and 20b form four symmetrical legs 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d and a body 12. Each of the four legs 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d has a convex radius 18a, 18b, 18c, and 18d facilitating the easy insertion of a group of corners of two or more bags 28. This mechanism serves to both maximize the opening of the bags 28 and secure a plurality of bags 28 adjacent to one another greatly reducing the time to fill yard waste.

Abstract: A method and device of inserting a food stuff into a food stuff bag is disclosed, with the method involving providing a substantially flexible resilient food stuff support that is generally “U” shaped when viewed from its operative position on a countertop, inserting at least a first end of the device a short depth into an opening of a pliable bag, such first end having an edge that is curved and opposing sides that are substantially straight. A bending mechanism bends so that at least the first end deforms from a first configuration to a second configuration for insertion of the first end through the bag opening and into an interior of the bag, wherein when the forces are reduced, the first end changes shape toward the first configuration for holding a portion of the bag and for providing an open volume within the bag for transferring a food stuff to the interior of the bag.

Abstract: A device for holding open the mouth of a drawstring trash bag is disclosed. The device rests on top of the partially closed mouth of the trash bag and is secured in place by the bag's drawstrings. Ideally, the bag will be hanging to create the necessary tension in the drawstrings to keep the device in place. The device comprises a rigid plate with a hole, and notches for receiving the drawstrings. The hole is sized to receive disposable beverage cans or other similar waste. A portion of the upper surface of the plate may be dedicated to the display of promotional indicia. A holder for hanging the trash bag by its drawstrings is also disclosed. The holder may be mounted to the rear bumper of an automobile or other similar location.

Abstract: A bag rack and packing system for a plastic grocery bag having a pair of handles has a base to which is connected (1) a wire-arm rack having a reservoir bag holder for plastic bags and two wire-arms and (2) a three-sided support having two side supports connected to an intermediate back support, with each of the side supports having a forward upper tab close to the wire-arm rack, an intermediate top and then a rearward edge. The wire-arm rack and three-sided support have open faces that face each other so that the three-sided support temporarily creates a defined physical frame for a first plastic grocery bag when its handles are secured over the forward upper tabs of the two side supports. The forward upper tabs help separate an individual bag from a reservoir of bags and the individual bag may remain attached to, or be detached from, the reservoir of bags as it is being filled. A rearward edge of the sides of the three-sided support is beveled to make removal of a filled bag quick and efficient.

Abstract: A bag support is provided for supporting a pliable bag. The bag support includes a first bar extending along a first axis and a second bar extending along a second axis generally parallel to the first axis. A first support has a first end operatively connected to the first bar and a second end operatively connected to the second bar. A first bag retainer extends from the first bar. The first bag retainer has first and second ends. A second bag retainer extends from the second bar. The second bag retainer has first and second ends.

Abstract: A bag-supporting frame apparatus is removably mountable on an edge portion of a horizontal or vertical substrate. The apparatus includes a gripping portion for contacting the substrate and holding the apparatus in place on the substrate. The apparatus also includes a bag-supporting portion configured to support an open end portion of a flexible plastic bag thereon, the bag-supporting portion including an outer loop portion and a downwardly-extending short portion attached to the outer loop portion at each end thereof. A projecting catch is defined, at each end of the outer loop portion, at the juncture of the downwardly-extending short portion and the outer loop portion. The outer loop portion is sized and configured to support a plastic bag of a predetermined size thereon. The apparatus also includes a connecting portion interconnecting the bag-supporting portion and the gripping portion. Methods of using the apparatus are also described.

Abstract: A portable trash container for holding a removable plastic bag for storing paper, bottles, cans, and like trash. The holder includes rectangular front and rear panels, each having a top, bottom and side edges, (b) two side panels, each having two rectangular, foldable parts with top, bottom and side edges, (c) side hinges which connect the adjoining side edges of said side panel folding parts so as to allow them to fold together along said hinges, (d) primary hinges which connect the side edges of said front and rear panels to the outer side edges of said side panel folding parts so as to allow the side panels to be folded so that the front and rear panels can be brought into close and overlapping proximity to one another, and (e) a top ring that is adapted to fit over the top edges of said panels so as to locate and hold open the opening of a throw-away, trash collection bag.

Abstract: A device for keeping lawn waste or other flexible refuse bags open while filling. The device is made of a resilient and flexible material so that it can be squeezed and easily inserted into the top opening of a refuse bag. The device has a generally-rectangular frame, a pair of spaced apart, substantially-parallel, upwardly-curved members each having a proximal end and a distal end; and a pair of spaced apart, substantially-parallel downwardly-curved members. One of the pair of downwardly-curved members connects to the proximal ends of the upwardly-curved members and another one of the pair of downwardly-curved members connects to the distal ends of the upwardly-curved members.

Abstract: A bag holder adapted to fit inside a flexible bag to support the bag comprising a rectangular frame having four vertical legs connected to and depending from the frame. Each of the legs has an inwardly bent portion at the lower end thereof to facilitate sliding entry into the bag. The legs are flexible such that upon pushing down on the frame the bend portion provides that the legs bow outwardly against the inside of the bag, shaping the bag into an unwrinkled and more rigid and stable state. With the frame reacting against the bag, the frame can resist a greater downwards vertical load which assists in the filling of the bag.

Abstract: A bag support is provided for supporting the upper portion of a bag. The bag support includes first and second side rails generally parallel to each other. A first bag retainer is positioned between the first and second rails for receiving a first portion of an upper end of a first bag thereon. The first bag retainer pivotable between a first position and a second retaining position for supporting the first bag in an open configuration.

Abstract: A bag holder is provided for holding a bag in an open position to facilitate collection of debris in the bag. The bag holder includes a rigid frame assembly having an outer frame and an inner frame. The outer frame has a perimeter wall. The inner frame is sized to nest within the perimeter wall of the outer frame. Thus, the frame assembly is configured for securing a bag between the outer frame and the inner frame such that the frame assembly holds the bag in an open position. A handle is coupled to and extends from the outer frame to facilitate manipulation of the open bag to a desired location using the handle. Debris may then be scooped or swept into the open bag.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a trash collecting device that includes a substantially circular piece having a sidewall surrounding an interior region, a surface extending from the sidewall towards the interior region, a handle and a first opening within the surface. The trash collecting device also includes a retaining ring dimensioned for nested engagement within the interior region of the substantially circular piece. The handle of the substantially circular piece may include a substantially cylindrical portion attached to the surface, and the handle may be positioned between the first opening and the sidewall. The trash collecting device is configured to securely hold a bag between the retaining ring and the substantially circular piece when at least a portion of the retaining ring is held within the interior region of the substantially circular piece.

Abstract: The invention relates to a holding plate for a vacuum cleaner filter bag having a bag wall, the holding plate comprising a base plate made of a first plastic material with a passage opening, and a connecting element that is connected to the base plate by a material bond and is made of a second plastic material, for connecting the base plate to the bag wall by a material bond, in particular by means of ultrasonic welding, characterized in that the connecting element is arranged an the side of the base plate that is to be connected to the bag wall.

Abstract: The device to prevent a bag with handles from collapsing inside a refuse receptacle is a band of stretchable material with plurality of hooks suspended from axis of a band and said hooks move freely along the axis of a band. The circumference of device is less than that of refuse receptacle for which it is being adapted thus it fits snuggly anywhere on the outer surface of refuse receptacle. The plastic bag with handles is secured to a refuse receptacle by inserting closed end of the bag into the refuse receptacle and folding the open end of the plastic bag over the rim of the refuse receptacle such that handles of plastic bag folded down on the side and secured by hooks to prevent plastic bag with handles from slipping over a rim and collapsing inside the refuse receptacle.

Abstract: A cylindrical tarpaulin bag that provides a means to maintain its opening while placing contents in its interior cavity. The bag comprises an open first end and a closed second end. The opening includes a plurality of grommets for securing the rim of the opening to a ground structure using stakes, preventing movement as items are placed inside the bag. Handles are provided along the exterior of the bag, and the opening may be closed using an interlaced draw string around the rim. The device provides a means to anchor the bag opening to a base structure while contents are loaded therethrough, which is particularly useful when sweeping or raking leaves, refuse or other items into the bag along the ground.

Abstract: One possible embodiment of the invention could be a trash bag holder and methodology of operating same, the trash bag holder comprises a resilient strip that is looped to adjustably form a hoop of an desired circumference; a catch mechanism that reversibly fixes the hoop at the desired circumference; a handle with two ends, a first end being pivotally attached to at least a portion of the hoop; wherein the hoop retains and holds open an open mouth portion of a trash bag placed upon the hoop by adjusting the circumference of the hoop to at least meet the circumference of the open mouth portion of the trash bag. The holder may further comprise a base reversibly attached to the handle to respectively orient the hoop parallel to and the handle perpendicular to the ground. The hoop may further encapsulate the base edge in a compact state.

Abstract: A bag spreader apparatus has an upper portion of a first length comprising two parallel upper side rails defining a substantially horizontal plane, a handle element at one end spanning and joining the upper side rails, a first jaw element at the opposite end spanning and joining the side rails and extending downward from the plane of the side rails, and guide structures contiguous with each upper side rail forming partially enclosed tracks open to the inside along a portion of each upper side rail, and a lower portion of a second length less than the first length comprising two parallel lower side rails defining a substantially horizontal plane, a handle portion spanning and joining the lower side rails, and a second jaw element extending downward from the plane of the lower side rails, the lower side rails constrained in the partially enclosed tracks of the upper guide rails, such that the lower portion may be translated relative to the upper portion to vary the distance between the first and second jaw elem

Abstract: A garbage bag holder includes a base frame and a pair of side frames extending upwardly at spaced apart positions from the base frame to receive a paper bag or a plastic bag between the side frames. Depending frames are suspended from the top ends of the two side frames so as to be arranged to extend downwardly only partway into a paper bag so that the particular size of the frame is not required to be critically matched to the bags being used nor does the frame become soiled by the contents of the bag. Outward biasing force can be applied to the depending frames by the side frames along the full height of the depending frames to prevent any tearing at the top edges of a paper bag. Alternatively, a plastic bag can be held under tension between the top ends of the side frames.

Abstract: The invention provides a modular and foldable recycling apparatus for home use. The apparatus contains multiple modules attached in series, which can be separated into individual modules. Each module is made of a foldable frame to hold a container, such as a bag, for the containment, separation and transport of recyclable materials. The apparatus can be folded like an accordion to allow for convenient storage.

Abstract: A method and device of inserting a food stuff into a food stuff bag is disclosed, with the method involving providing a substantially flexible resilient food stuff support that is generally “U” shaped when viewed from its operative position on a countertop, inserting at least a first end of the device a short depth into an opening of a pliable bag, such first end having an edge that is curved and opposing sides that are substantially straight. A bending mechanism bends so that at least the first end deforms from a first configuration to a second configuration for insertion of the first end through the bag opening and into an interior of the bag, wherein when the forces are reduced, the first end changes shape toward the first configuration for holding a portion of the bag and for providing an open volume within the bag for transferring a food stuff to the interior of the bag.

Abstract: A film-supporting device is used with a waste-disposal unit. The device comprises an annular body. The annular body has an annular wall. The inward radial surface of the wall defines a central opening of the body. The outline of the central opening in a transverse plane of the device has variable diametrical dimensions with a first diameter of greater dimension than the second diameter. The outline has two of the first diameter of generally equal dimension and two of the second diameter of generally equal dimension. The device has tubular film about an outward radial surface of the annular body. A free annular end is dispensed outwardly from the annular wall. The free annular end is closed to form a bag. The opening of the bag is accessible through the central opening and is of optimized shape via the central opening for the disposal of waste. A method for disposing of waste on a scooping tool is also provided.

Abstract: A device for keeping lawn waste or other flexible refuse bags open while filling. The device is made of a resilient and flexible material so that it can be squeezed and easily inserted into the top opening of a refuse bag. The device has a generally-rectangular frame, a pair of spaced apart, substantially-parallel, upwardly-curved members each having a proximal end and a distal end; and a pair of spaced apart, substantially-parallel downwardly-curved members. One of the pair of downwardly-curved members connects to the proximal ends of the upwardly-curved members and another one of the pair of downwardly-curved members connects to the distal ends of the upwardly-curved members.

Abstract: A method and device of inserting a food stuff into a food stuff bag is disclosed, with the method involving providing a substantially flexible resilient food stuff support that is generally “U” shaped when viewed from its operative position on a countertop, inserting at least a first end of the device a short depth into an opening of a pliable bag, such first end having an edge that is curved and opposing sides that are substantially straight. A bending mechanism bends so that at least the first end deforms from a first configuration to a second configuration for insertion of the first end through the bag opening and into an interior of the bag, wherein when the forces are reduced, the first end changes shape toward the first configuration for holding a portion of the bag and for providing an open volume within the bag for transferring a food stuff to the interior of the bag.

Abstract: One example embodiment includes an expandable hoop for securing a bag to a system for cleaning up yard debris. The expandable hoop includes an outer hoop and an inner hoop. The inner hoop is configured to mate with the outer hoop. The inner hoop includes a band, where the band is curved to form a round shape. The inner hoop also includes an overlapping section of the band. The overlapping section can allow an expanded configuration, where the expanded configuration occurs if the inner hoop overlap is small and a contracted configuration, where the contracted configuration occurs if the inner hoop overlap is large.

Abstract: A baggie holder comprising first and second support members, the center portions of which are pivotally connected to each other. Each of the first and second support members comprises two legs, and each leg comprises a roughly vertical member, a foot, and a connecting portion between the foot and the center portion of the support member. The length of each connecting portion of each of the four legs is the same.