Abstract: Support member for use in a waste disposal device includes a frame and a length of tubing having a closed or closeable front end and a rear end. The rear end of the tubing is fixed or otherwise attached to the frame. The tubing has a wider cross-sectional area at a portion proximate the front end than at a portion fixed to the frame. The frame and the tubing may be designed for a single use.

Abstract: Devices for maintaining the mouth of a bag in an open condition. The device may comprise a housing with a cavity and at least one opening, and at least one support band which is at least partially positioned in the cavity, wherein a first end of the at least one support band is located in the cavity and at least a portion of the at least one support band extends exterior of the housing, and the at least one support band has at least two positions relative to the housing, a retracted condition in which a majority of the at least one support band is positioned in the cavity and an extended condition in which less than a majority of the at least one support band is located exterior to the cavity.

Abstract: This invention is a device that assists with the collection of leaves or debris by holding a garbage bag completely open so a user does not need to awkwardly bend down and hold open a bag while raking leaves into it. This invention allows the user to have both hands free to hold and use a rake or broom to sweep leaves or debris into the open bag.

Abstract: A mail cart for use in manual sorting of mail pieces according to the inventions includes a generally rectangular frame and wheels mounted on the frame for rolling support of the cart on a floor. A bottom, substantially horizontal shelf is secured to the frame along with a first inclined shelf secured to the frame above the bottom shelf and spaced from the bottom shelf in a vertical direction, which first inclined shelf extends forwardly and upwardly at an acute angle relative to a horizontal plane. A second inclined shelf is secured to the frame above the first inclined shelf and spaced from the first inclined shelf in a vertical direction. The second inclined shelf extends forwardly and upwardly at an acute angle relative to a horizontal plane, which angle is preferably the same as the angle of first shelf.

Abstract: A holder for a bag. The holder comprises a stand or trash can and chute elements rotatably engaged to the stand or trash can. The chute elements are for opening the bag when frictionally engaging interior surfaces of the bag. The chute elements comprise a first pair and a second pair of chute elements. Each of the first pair of chute elements have stop elements for limiting rotation on the stand or trash can of each of the second pair of chute elements, when each of the first pair of chute elements has engaged sides of the bag in the holder.

Abstract: A method is provided for storing a cooked food in a flexible-walled container having an opening. The method includes placing a quantity of food in a flexible-walled container and submerging at least a portion of the container in a liquid with the opening being located so that liquid does not enter the opening. At least the lower portion of the container is maintained in the liquid and the food is maintained in the container below the surface of the liquid. The liquid collapses the container to seal the container. The temperature of the liquid may be maintained at a non-ambient temperature to heat or cool the food as it is stored. The method may also include storing the food adjacent a work surface, or at a remote main vat and transporting the rack to the work surface at which a serving that includes the food is prepared.

Abstract: A leaf bagging apparatus is collapsible in the disassembled state, thereby aiding in transport and storage. Further, the net assembly provides a much sturdier temporary container for leaves and debris than do plastic bags. Also, the net breathes. The net assembly removably fastens to the frame via grommets and hooks. The frame with attached net assembly is held in an open-mouthed position via the removable triangular supports. The supports feature bottom legs and angled legs are fitted with flex clips that are angularly attached via collars. The collars offer a strengthened attachment which also positions the triangular supports is a substantially vertical plane, thereby holding the net fully open. This full open net is especially advantageous in the use of leaf blowers in filling the relatively large net with debris.

Abstract: A holder for holding a plastic shopping/grocery bag open includes a bracket joined to U-shaped frame formed by a base and a pair of coplanar bag support arms, the frame forming an outwardly open U-shaped space to receive and hold the bag by the handles at the openable end of the bag and suspend and maintain the mouth of the bag in an upwardly open position. The bracket is designed for mounting the holder atop a kitchen cabinet door or held by hand. Each support arm includes two axially spaced slots that open outwardly and away from the U-shaped space to hold a respective looped handle of the bag. Reinforcing rib structure operates to resist flexure between the arms, bracket, and base. In use, the looped handles of the bag are secured into the slots and the bag suspended from the extensions and held open by its looped handles being secured into slots of the extensions.

Abstract: A retail checkout station includes a housing having at least a front wall, a first side wall and a second side wall, and a product scanning portion mounted to the housing. The product scanning portion includes a scanning device for scanning products purchased by a consumer. The checkout station also includes a collapsible multiple bag holder having a guide track mounted to at least one of the front wall, the first side wall and the second side wall of the housing. A plurality of bag support arms are shiftably mounted to the guide track. The plurality of bag holders extend outward from the guide track and are adapted to support a plurality of bags for holding items scanned at the product scanning portion.

Abstract: A method of maintaining an open-mouth state of a bag utilizes a device of suitable form retainable at or adjacent to a bag opening. The device includes 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 along which a circumference of the bag can be made to follow. A length of the non-linear path is greater than half of the circumference of the bag opening and less than the circumference, such that a circumferential segment portion of the bag is held in a position roughly corresponding to the non-linear path and a remainder of the bag circumference extends in an unsupported manner between the free ends of the device, spaced apart from the portion thereof guided along the non-linear path.

Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention, a container may comprise a receptacle portion dimensioned to receive a handled bag and at least one handle flange disposed on a top edge of the receptacle to provide a holding fixture for a handle of the handled bag and to facilitate opening the bag, wherein the at least one handle flange flexes to engage a handle opening of the handled bag.

Abstract: The present invention is a lightweight portable foldable bag holder that can be carried by hand or mounted in a number of locations. It can be used in a number of horizontal or vertical positions varying between in an open or a closed position. The closed position being best suited for storage or transport with an attached bag. Uses include but are not limited to holding trash, recycling such as; crushed cans, plastic, paper, lawn and garden debris, outdoor uses include yet are not limited to concerts, athletic events, outdoor restaurants, on decks, on boats, recreational vehicles, picnics, in parks. The invention is suited for all types of flexible bags, and can be mounted in one location, or moved to another using handle and semi-permanently attached with a nail or new screws or temporarily attached to a pole or a tree using a cord or rope as supplied.

Abstract: The invention generally describes a method an apparatus for supporting a flexible plastic bag in an open position to facilitate filing the bag. More particularly, the invention provides a bag support comprising an adjustable bag support member configured to receive a bag and a first and second vertical support assembly coupled to the adjustable bag support member for adjusting the height of said assembly. The bag support places a plastic bag in an open position to facilitate the introduction of liquids and/or solids to the interior of the bag.

Abstract: A flexible trash can frame for environmental protection mainly comprises a base, in which a slot is formed at a back side of the base of which an underside is provided with a concave and pivots are provided respectively at top ends of two sides of the base; two pivoting parts are located respectively at two sides behind cover board of which an underside has a buckle buckled to the concave of base; a chute is provided in the guide seat, inside which a flexible belt is accommodated, the guide seat is inserted in the slot of base; after the guide seat is inserted, an insert hole is formed; thus, a front end of the flexible belt is pierced out of the chute and moved round to the insert hole of another side to temporarily wedge into, thereby the flexible trash can frame according to this invention being formed.

Abstract: A rack and T-shirt bag which may be used in combination are disclosed. The T-shirt bag includes elongated tabs which can be tied together when the bag is loaded with items. A pack of the bags can also include contact adhesive disposed between adjacent bags that will cause a successive bag to open as a lead bag is removed. The rack includes a pair of handle mounting arms for mounting a pack of T-shirt bags, the arms having an upwardly extending portion which lifts the bags and increases their perceived volume as they are being loaded. The arms also include a stopper for preventing removal of successive bags as the lead bag is removed. A side-mounted bag dispenser for mounting a second pack of T-shirt bags can be selectively attached to the rack. The dispenser includes a handle support arm which supports the bags as they are loaded.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting leaves and other yard debris supports a flexible bag in an open configuration. The apparatus has a frame for supporting the flexible bag, and a retaining element for securing the flexible bag to the frame. A handle can be attached to the frame. The apparatus can be used as a tool to collect leaves or other yard debris directly. The frame can have a shape that defines an opening through which the flexible bag is draped. The shape of the frame can have at least one substantially straight side.

Abstract: A trash bag support apparatus includes a flexible and unitary body being selectively adaptable between linear and arcuate positions for removably inserting into a trash bag and engaging with an inner surface thereof. The body has opposed end portions and a top portion integral therewith. A plurality of elongated leg portions having lower edge portions are integrally disposed with the top portion and extend downwardly therefrom for defining a plurality of channels therebetween. The edge portions define a uniform line of weakness below which the trash bag is unsupported by the apparatus.

Abstract: An improved plastic trash bag holder is presented. The invention will hold a standard t-shirt shopping bag firmly and permit the bag to be held in the hand by means of an attached handle or placed on a vertical flat surface by means of screw or other attachments mechanisms.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting leaves and other yard debris supports a flexible bag in an open configuration. The apparatus has a frame for supporting the flexible bag, and a retaining element for securing the flexible bag to the frame. A handle can be attached to the frame. The apparatus can be used as a tool to collect leaves or other yard debris directly. The frame can have a shape that defines an opening through which the flexible bag is draped. The shape of the frame can have at least one substantially straight side.

Abstract: A tensioner and method for use in holding the mouth of a bag in an open position has an annular body made of flexible and resilient material with a perimeter of fixed length. The tensioner can be compressed by manually forcing a periphery of the annular body inward. In the compressed position, the annular body is inserted into the mouth of the bag and the inward pressure is removed to allow the annular body to expand against the sides of the bag with sufficient pressure to hold the bag open and to hold the annular body in the installed position within the bag. A tensioner and bag in combination is also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for holding sacks open, with a frame (2), wherein the frame (2) forms the opening (5) of the device (1) for holding sacks open, and the opening (5) can be closed by means of a cover element (3), which is mounted in a pivotable manner on the frame (2), the frame (2) having at least one guide element (2a), by means of which the cover element (3) can be moved from a first position into a second position, wherein the cover element (3) in the first position can be pivoted and optionally closes or exposes the opening (5) of the frame (2), and in the second position the cover element (3) serves as a ramp over the side web (2j) of the frame (2), lying on the ground, and is held on the frame (2) in a manner secure against rotation.

Abstract: A collapsible device for holding a bag with integrated handles open for the purpose of filling the bag.

Abstract: A yard waste funnel includes first and second planar supports each having a neck edge and a support edge, wherein the first planar support is substantially parallel to the second planar support. A first funnel wall has a trapezoidal shape including a neck edge and a funnel edge. The neck edge of the first funnel wall is hingedly connected to the neck edge of the first support and the neck edge of the second funnel wall is hingedly connected to the neck edge of the second support. First and second connecting walls each have a trapezoidal shape including a neck edge and a funnel edge. The first connecting wall is hingedly connected to the first funnel wall at a first hinge and the second funnel wall at a second hinge. The second connecting wall is hingedly connected to the first funnel wall at a third hinge and to the second funnel wall at a fourth hinge. The yard waste funnel may be adjusted between an expanded position for collecting yard waste in a refuse bag and a collapsed position for storage.

Abstract: Apparatus 10 discloses a freestanding frame 16 providing means for mounting a garbage bag 12 therein. The freestanding frame 16 has a relatively conic-like shape in cross section with the top orifice 18 smaller than the bottom orifice 20. Extending between the top and bottom members are a number of struts 22, which may be telescopic, completing the frame 16 that provides means for removing the frame from a full refuse bag 12 as opposed to lifting the bag from the frame. Additionally the apparatus incorporates means 24 for selectively fastening the plastic bag to or about the top of the frame 16. In the preferred embodiment, the shape of the rim for the top 18 and bottom 20 is circular, which affords the largest possible area with the least amount of material but does not exclude the use of polygonal shapes.

Abstract: A support 10 for a flexible trash bag 16 comprises a housing 12 having an open end 11, substantially planar first side 18 and second and third sides 20, 24. A pair of brackets 50, 94 on circumferentially opposing sides of the housing each have a cavity 51, 96 therein. A leg assembly for supporting the housing with the open end of the housing facing generally upward and the bag supported on the housing including at least one leg 52 selectively positionable within the receiving cavity in each of the pair of brackets 50, 94.

Abstract: A bag holder (650) for holding a t-shirt bag (651) includes a holder frame (652) and a holder handle (654) that is secured to the holder frame (652). The holder frame (652) selectively holds the t-shirt bag (651) and including a first handle restraint (658) that restrains a first bag handle (651B) of the t-shirt bag (651), and a second handle restraint (660) that restrains a second bag handle (651D) of the t-shirt bag (651). The holder handle (654) is movable relative to the holder frame (652) between a carrying position (678) in which the holder handle (654) is used for carrying the holder frame (652) and the t-shirt bag (651), and an attachment position (680) in which that holder handle (654) is used for hanging the holder frame (652) and the t-shirt bag (651) near a vertical surface (676). With this design, the bag holder (650) can easily be carried and moved by hand, and the bag holder (650) can be easily secured to a door (686).

Abstract: A trash bag holder is described for suspending a plastic trash bag, especially drawstring-type trash bags, and holding open the top for filling, without utilizing a rigid container.

Abstract: A resilient foodstuff bag opener is disclosed, wherein the resilient bag opener is forcibly bent or bowed for easily entering a pliable food stuff bag, and upon relaxation of the bending forces, the bag opener resiliently deforms from its bent configuration to thereby open the food stuff bag in a manner that allows a food stuff residing on a food support surface of the bag opener to flow into the food stuff bag. The food support surface of the bag opener may be also used for processing foods such as cutting, dicing, washing, straining, etc. depending on the embodiment used. An inclined support may be optionally provided for maintaining the bag opener in a “hands-free” inclined position so that a food stuff provided on the food support surface can flow into the food stuff bag without a user having to hold the bag opener.

Abstract: A tilt-out laundry bag assembly for use with a bottom hinged cabinet door, comprises a suspension bracket subassembly and a laundry bag subassembly, the latter being suspended from the former. The suspension bracket subassembly includes a pair of parallel inter-bracket rods located in a plane perpendicular to the bottom hinged cabinet door. One of the rods is spaced from the mentioned door, while a second one is located in a position somewhat retracted from that door. The laundry bag subassembly comprises at least one laundry bag and a pair of hangers for each laundry bag. A laundry bag includes a pair of opposite flat panels and a pair of opposite folded panels. Each of the former has at the top a pair of loops for each hanger. Each hanger has a central grip for a hand and at each extremity a semi-circular configuration to fit with each one of the inter-bracket rods.

Abstract: A debris collector is provided that includes a sleeve including a top opening and a bottom opening, the sleeve being operable to be attached to a bag adjacent to the bottom opening, the sleeve defining an interior. A support structure is connected to the sleeve, the support structure consisting of at least one support element, wherein the support element is manually operable to bring the sleeve in a generally upright position that permits debris to be readily inserted into the opening. The sleeve also includes a connecting means for connecting the bag to the sleeve. The sleeve is operable to funnel debris inserted in the top opening from the interior into the bag through the bottom opening.

Abstract: A bag holder (75) is adapted to hold a flexible bag (B) in an upright and open position. The bag holder includes a wire-frame member (78) having a back portion, a top portion, a left side portion, and a right side portion, and a bag bottom support (91, 82) adapted to be mounted on the frame. The bag bottom support may be mounted on the frame in different positions so as accommodate different size bags. A lid (112) may close the upper end of the bag, and may have a bag storage compartment (116) therein. Preferably, the lid and cover is of one-piece construction.

Abstract: A refuse bag supporting device comprises a refuse bag supporting frame and a plurality of legs which are both pivotal relative to the frame and retractable to facilitate supporting refuse bags either vertically or horizontally and to facilitate convenient storage of the refuse bag supporting device.

Abstract: A device and method for collecting and removing various objects, such as balls and lawn refuse, from the ground is described. The collection device comprises an elongated handle connected to a frame assembly. Secured to the frame assembly is a bag wherein objects are collected as the device is pushed by an individual via the elongated handle. An outlet exists for the user to unload the collected objects.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus having first and second legs pivotable with respect one another about a pivot axis. The first and second legs pivot between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the first and second legs are substantially aligned with respect to one another and can be stored. In the second position, the first and second legs are transverse with respect to one another and can receive a bag. The apparatus also includes first and second incurvate portions defined by each of the first and second legs. The first and second incurvate portions are spaced from the pivot axis and from each other. The apparatus also includes first and second excurvate portions defined by each of the first and second legs. The first and second excurvate portions are substantially coplanar with the first and second incurvate portions of the respective leg and are spaced from said pivot axis and from each other.

Abstract: The present invention is a portable spring-loaded bag holder, workable with a single hand, that securely holds open the mouth of a lawn bag. Parallel handles are gripped and squeezed together in one hand. When the handles are squeezed together, a spring is compressed and a small section of frame is repositioned near a large frame loop. While the holder is held with one hand, the loop is placed within the mouth of a lawn bag, and the top of the mouth of the bag is placed over the small frame with the other hand. Releasing either the inner handle or the outer handle allows the spring to move the inner handle away from the outer handle and to move the small frame away from the large frame loop, thereby tensioning the mouth of the bag around the large loop and the small frame.

Abstract: A hand held frame for holding a plastic bag open for reception of leaves including a U shaped frame over the open end of the bag is draped and elastic cords for holding the bag in place on the frame with a plate fastened to the end of each of the cords, the plate having an opening for hooking on a button on the frame.

Abstract: A collapsible support frame having two side members attached to each other by at least one hinge and a retention ring which when placed on the side members secures a bag to the support frame in an open position. The two side members pivot with respect to each other to a preferred angle and the retention ring holds the side members together at the preferred angle. The support frame can be placed either upright or laid on the ground allowing the user to insert items in the bag in an easy fashion.

Abstract: An adjustable collapsible refuse funnel has a generally planar body formed of a relatively rigid but flexible and shape-retentive material, the body having a front edge, a rear edge, and opposing side edges, the body being deformable into a funnel configuration by bringing the rear corner portions of the body into overlapping relation and releasably connecting the overlapping rear corner portions to form a throat, leaving the front portion of the body adjacent to the front edge in generally planar configuration. Attachment means for releasably attaching a leaf bag or other refuse container are provided on the body. Creases are preferably formed in the body to facilitate forming the rear portion into a throat while maintaining the generally planar configuration of the front portion.

Abstract: An open frame has a base. The base has horizontal parallel legs. The base has first free ends and second ends. An integral horizontal connecting leg is between the legs. The open frame has a pivotable support. The open frame has angled legs. The angled legs have lower ends and upper ends. A connecting plate is provided between the ends. The open frame also has a pair of pivot brackets. Each bracket has a lower pin pivotably extending through the first end of a horizontal leg. Each bracket has an upper pin pivotably extending through the lower end of an angled leg. A cylindrical lower hoop is coupled to the connecting plate. A cylindrical upper hoop has an operative position such that it is centered over the first hoop. Secured to the upper hoop is a plate. The second hoop may be rotated from the first hoop.

Abstract: A liner retainer device for attachment to a folded upper section of a liner of a waste container comprises an elongated flexible unitary body having a first side which is printable and a second side upon which is applied pressure sensitive adhesive with a paper release covering adhered thereto. The paper release covering is scored so as to be divided into three segments, one defining a first end portion, one defining a second end portion and one defining a mid-section portion. The liner retainer body is formed of a thin material having sufficient elasticity to be disposed over uneven surface and material without exceeding the elastic limit of the material and with sufficient tensile strength to resist breaking or tearing.

Abstract: A bag holder assembly is provided for suspending a storage bag and maintaining the orifice of the bag in the open position. The bag holder includes a base member, a plurality of bag support members, and a bag attachment means. The base member is preferably comprised of multiple beams joined together by a connecting means. The bag support members attach to and extend from the base member. Each bag support member comprises a bag attachment means for grasping and securing a portion of the bag to the bag support member. Once the opposing lips of the bag are secured against opposing bag support members, the orifice of the bag will remain open due to tension generated by the respective bag support members, thus allowing the use of two hands to place items in the bag or remove contents from the bag.

Abstract: A collapsible, self-supporting portable sun-screen apparatus includes a canopy support and a flexible canopy positioned over a frame of the canopy support. The canopy and canopy support are not affixed so that the canopy can be slid relative to the frame and offset relative to the canopy support to adjust for sun movement. Weights are provided to provide stability to the canopy and keep it in the desired position.

Abstract: In order to make reusing plastic shopping bags efficiently and free of nuisance, a simple and pliable device is offered to the public. This device, a pair of shopping bag holders, comprises an upper grip, horizontally set on the rim of a trash container, a jaw-shaped lower part and two linking limbs, each to integrate a trouble free device for plastic shopping bag mounting are designed. The simple, adjustable and economical characteristics clearly claim superior to the currently available tools in manufacturing and application.

Abstract: A bag storage and holding apparatus for a recyclable or disposable handle bag. The apparatus has a receptacle for storing handle bags for future use and in some embodiments it has a cover over the open top portion of the receptacle. The cover can be opened or closed. On each end of the receptacle is a rotatably mounted side arm, which can swing up or down through approximately 90 degrees. When the arms are in an approximately horizontal position, the apparatus is positioned for receiving a handle bag and maintaining it in an open position. Securing means, in the form of a locking tab, are provided to secure the side arms in an upward position. Each side arm has handle engaging means, preferably in the form of at least two upwardly projecting hooks with slots therein for retaining the bag in an open position for receipt of refuse.

Abstract: A trash bag support structure has an annular member for supporting the trash bag in open condition and a resilient annular clamp hoop arranged to surround the annular member circumferentially. A marginal portion of the trash bag is interposed between the annular member and the resilient annular clamp hoop, and a tension latch arrangement applies a circumferential tension force to the resilient annular clamp, thereby urging same against the trash bag and the annular member. The tension latch arrangement is provided with a resilient latching element and is disposed in the vicinity of a fixation point where a support arrangement is coupled to the annular member and the resilient annular clamp.

Abstract: A caddy for a container, such as a waste container is configured to be disposed on the rim of a container and receive and hold various implements. The caddy may include handles suitable to push the container when the caddy is attached to it. The caddy may also include a flat, front end portion to prevent rolling when the container is tipped over. The caddy may be used in a method of organizing janitorial implements and a method of removing waste liners from a container.

Abstract: A bag storage and holding apparatus for a recyclable or disposable handle bag. The apparatus has a receptacle for storing handle bags for future use and in some embodiments it has a cover over the open top portion of the receptacle. The cover can be opened or closed. On each end of the receptacle is a rotatably mounted side arm, which can swing up or down through approximately 90 degrees. When the arms are in an approximately horizontal position, the apparatus is positioned for receiving a handle bag and maintaining it in an open position. Securing means, in the form of a locking tab, are provided to secure the side arms in an upward position. Each side arm has handle engaging means, preferably in the form of at least two upwardly projecting hooks with slots therein for retaining the bag in an open position for receipt of refuse.

Abstract: A trash bag holder comprising a collapsible frame having a plurality of elongated support members flexibly connected end-to-end. A trash bag is secured to the frame by the use of a plurality of clips mounted on the frame. The frame engages the trash bag in a manner which holds the mouth of the trash bag open when the frame is in a ready-to-use configuration. The frame is maintained in the ready-to-use configuration by a brace pivotally mounted to one of the support members and releasably engaged to a second support member. To collapse the frame, the brace is disengaged from the second support member thereby allowing the support members to be collapsed into a convenient and compact size for transport or storage. A handle is attached to one of the support members to allow a person to maneuver the trash bag holder into any desirable position. The support members are optionally adjustable in length to allow for the use of trash bags of varying sizes.

Abstract: An adjustable collapsible refuse funnel has a generally planar body formed of a relatively rigid but flexible and shape-retentive material, the body having a front edge, a rear edge, and opposing side edges, the body being deformable into a funnel configuration by bringing the rear corner portions of the body into overlapping relation and releasably connecting the overlapping rear corner portions to form a throat, leaving the front portion of the body adjacent to the front edge in generally planar configuration. Attachment means for releasably attaching a leaf bag or other refuse container are provided on the body. Creases are preferably formed in the body to facilitate forming the rear portion into a throat while maintaining the generally planar configuration of the front portion.

Abstract: A collection rack comprising a base having a first side and a second side and an integrated waste container dispenser located thereon, a first upright arm extending out from the first side of the base, a second arm extending out from the second side of the base wherein a waste container is attached across the first and second upright arms.