Gardeners Hollow Leg Pruning Bag

A flexible bag holds flexible top opening suitable for inserting typical yard waste debris. The bag is typically attached at hip level. A flexible ring within the top opening assists in one handed operation. In order to lessen injury to the user, the flexible ring within the bag deforms at a steep linear rate such that pressure to the user's hip area is greatly decelerated and spread over a deflected length flexible ring covered in bag fabric. The disclosed bag is typically used by gardeners for holding trimmings. The hip level attachment aids in the ergonomic proprieties of the invention.

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Description
RELATED PATENT APPLICATION AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

This is a utility application based upon, and may be considered a Continuation in Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/350,512 “Yard Debris Collecting Bag” filed on Nov. 18, 2009. This related application is incorporated herein by reference and made a part of this application. If any conflict arises between the disclosure of the invention in this utility application and that in the related application, the disclosure in this utility application shall govern. Moreover, the inventor(s) incorporate herein by reference any and all patents, patent applications, and other documents hard copy or electronic, cited or referred to in this application.

COPYRIGHT AND TRADEMARK NOTICE

This application includes material which is subject or may be subject to copyright and/or trademark protection. The copyright and trademark owner(s) has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by any of the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright and trademark rights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Technical Field

(1) Field of the Invention

The invention generally relates to flexible containers used to store bush and tree trimmings. More particularly, the embodiments of the invention are related to systems of wearable containers with flexible loops used to create and maintain a top opening.

(2) Description of the Related Art—Background Art

U.S. Pat. No. 7,083,331 by Nykoluk issued on Aug. 1, 2006 discloses a compressible stuff sack with a closed bottom side and a top side with an unsupported opening. The Nykoluk bag fails to disclose, anticipate or contemplate a belt, belt attachment or means of keeping the top opening in an open position.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Technical Problem

The present invention overcomes shortfalls in the related art by presenting an unobvious and unique combination, configuration and use of materials, straps, flexible rings and other components that have achieved unexpected results in producing a wearable pruning bag. The known related art fails to anticipate, disclose, suggest or teach the use of the disclosed bag configuration or flexible opening deflection properties.

Technical Problem

In the related art gardeners face the problem of bag openings that are too floppy, refusing to remain open, or bag openings that are too ridged, injuring the outer leg and hip area of the user.

Additionally, in the related art, gardeners lack means of storing trimmings by use of a portable and flexible bag that offers an integrated belt for hip-side trimming storage.

Solution to the Problem

Embodiments of the present invention solve the bag opening retention problem by use of flexible oval retention rings that deform under pressure in an unobvious linear manner. The disclosed bag opening deformation pattern retains just enough rigidity to keep the top portion of the bag open while deforming or flexing adequately so as to not inure the user who may bump into immoveable objects such as trees.

Embodiments of the present invention solve the absence of a hip-side storage solution by presenting a belt assembly allowing the bag to ride upon the hip of the user. Used in combination with the disclosed ring deformation schedule, gardeners have means of storing trimmings in a portable container that offers an ergonomic bag opening position at hip level.

ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION Safety and Efficiency

Embodiments of the present invention provide ergonomic retention and storage of yard debris, providing a hip level bag opening with just the right amount of flexibility to allow easy access to the bag and to avoid hip bruising and other bag related injuries. Thus, the invention provides the advantage of allowing a user to pass yard debris through a bag opening that retains an oval shape but yet deforms under pressure so as to not injure the hip or leg area of the user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top and outer side perspective view of one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is an outer side views of one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a hip side view of one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is chart showing the equation of weight to deflection of an opening loop found in one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a chart showing the equation of weight to percentage of deflection found in a bag opening retention loop of one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a table of test results showing deflection in the loop as a function of weight added to the loop.

FIG. 9 is a table of test results showing deflection as a percentage of total loop width as deformed by three test weights.

 REFERENCE NUMERALS IN THE DRAWINGS

    • 10 invention in general
    • 100 hip loop assembly
    • 101 hip side of hip loop assembly
    • 102 outer side of hip loop assembly
    • 103 rear side of hip loop assembly, assumes bag is on right hip of user
    • 104 front side of hip loop assembly, assumes bag is on right hip of user
    • 105 retention seam for hip loop assembly
    • 106 top pleats
    • 200 body of bag assembly
    • 201 hip side seam of bag assembly
    • 202 hip side seam of bag assembly as found within hip loop assembly
    • 203 outer pocket found upon bag assembly
    • 204 handle at bottom of bag
    • 205 bunching or pleating seam at bottom of bag
    • 206 pleats secured by pleating seam at bottom of bag
    • 207 belt secured to hip side of bag
    • 208 belt retaining patch
    • 209 hip side of bag body
    • 210 outside portion of bag body
    • 300 chart of deflection compared to weight added to loop assembly
    • 301 chart of percentage of deflection as compared to weight added to loop assembly

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is directed to certain specific embodiments of the invention. However, the invention can be embodied in a multitude of different ways as defined and covered by the claims and their equivalents. In this description, reference is made to the drawings wherein like parts are designated with like numerals throughout.

Unless otherwise noted in this specification or in the claims, all of the terms used in the specification and the claims will have the meanings normally ascribed to these terms by workers in the art.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising” and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in a sense of “including, but not limited to.” Words using the singular or plural number also include the plural or singular number, respectively. Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below,” and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application.

The above detailed description of embodiments of the invention is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed above. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the invention are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the invention, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. For example, while steps are presented in a given order, alternative embodiments may perform routines having steps in a different order. The teachings of the invention provided herein can be applied to other systems, not only the systems described herein. The various embodiments described herein can be combined to provide further embodiments. These and other changes can be made to the invention in light of the detailed description.

All the above references and U.S. patents and applications are incorporated herein by reference. Aspects of the invention can be modified, if necessary, to employ the systems, functions and concepts of the various patents and applications described above to provide yet further embodiments of the invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, one embodiment of the invention 10 is shown generally. The hip loop assembly 100 comprises inner rings, not shown that support an oval bag opening defined by rolled material surrounding the inner rings. The hip loop assembly 100 comprises a hip side 101 that presses against the hip of the wearer or gardener. The deformation qualities, as explained in more detail in FIGS. 6 to 9 keep the hip loop assembly in an open position but yet bend in a manner that minimizes hip and leg injury due to impact with the hip loop assembly.

The outer side 102 of the hip loop assembly generally stays in an expanded position, keeping the bag opening in an open position, ready for the insertion of typical yard debris such as leaves, branches, bush trimmings, tree trimmings and other materials. Typically the hip loop assembly is constructed in an oval shape, with the distance between the hip side 101 and outer side 102 being less than the distance between the rear side 103 and front side 104. In the preferred embodiment, the outside distance between the hip side 101 and outer side 102 is in the range of 21 to 23 cm; while the outside distance between the rear side 103 and the front side 104 is in the range of 24 to 27 cm. The finished diameter of the hip loop assembly is in the range of 1.5 to 3 cm. In the preferred embodiment the length of the bag 200 is between 50 to 60 cm.

In the preferred embodiment the bag is made from one rectangular sheet material with two side ends and two top ends. The side ends meet and are attached at the hip side seam 202. The bottom end is pleated and secured by a pleating seem 205, shown on FIG. 2. The top end of the rectangular sheet of material is used to contain loop rings, not shown, to form the hip loop assembly 100.

Referring to FIG. 2, the outer side 210 of the bag body is shown with an optional outer pocket 203. The outer side 102 of the hip loop assembly is just above the outer pocket 203. The lower section of the bag features a handle 204 used to empty the bag. The bunching or pleating seam 205 is shown just above the handle. The pleating seam 205 secures several pleats 206. The pleats 206 are helpful in closing the bottom end of the bag without cutting the original rectangular sheet of material

Referring to FIG. 3 a hip side view of one embodiment of the invention is presented. On the hip side 209 of the bag the hip side seam 201 runs from the pleat seam 205 and under the belt retaining patch 208. The belt retaining patch secures a belt 207 used to secure the bag to a user's hip area.

A retention seam 105 securing the hip loop assembly is shown just below the hip side 101 of the hip loop assembly.

Referring to FIG. 4 a top plan view of the hip loop 100 assembly is shown with opening pleats 106 on the inside sections of the hip loop assembly 100. Looking down into the bag, the pleating seam is shown and is bisected by the hip side seam 201 of the bag assembly.

Referring to FIG. 5 a bottom view of one embodiment of the invention is presented. The handle 204 is shown sewn into the pleating seam 205. Pleats 206 are shown to be secured by the pleating seam.

Referring to FIG. 6, a chart illustrates the test results of placing three weights upon the hip side 101 of the outer loop assembly and measuring the deflection or downward movement of the outer loop assembly. The weights, 0.5 kg, 1.0 kg and 1.5 kg produced deflections of 2 cm, 8 cm and 15 cm respectively. The pattern of deflection may be expressed as a linear equation of y=13x−4.667 wherein x represents the horizontal axis of weight measured in kg and y represents the vertical axis of deflection measured in cm. The testing was conducted by placing the outer side 102 of the hip loop assembly on a flat solid surface and positioning the hip side 101 of the hip loop assembly perpendicularly upon the flat solid surface. Weights were placed upon the hip side 101 and gravity was allowed to lower the hip side toward the flat solid surface. The testing was performed using the preferred embodiment as described above. The results were unexpected, as a very steep line was found to fit the three data points. The resulting line equation is well supported by the high value of R2.

Referring to FIG. 7 a graph and equation showing the results of measuring deflection as a percentage of opening width is presented. The results were unexpected as the linear equation is very steep and is Y=59x−21.333. The great increase in deflection found in testing shows that the hip loop assembly greatly deflects to absorb the normal impacts of 0.5 to 1.5 kg. Such impacts can be expected as a user, especially older users bump into buildings, stairs and trees. The seep deflection rate also protects hips and legs from trauma as weight is added to the bag.

FIGS. 8 and 9 present tables to more clearly explain the test results.

These and other changes can be made to the invention in light of the above detailed description. In general, the terms used in the following claims, should not be construed to limit the invention to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification, unless the above detailed description explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the invention encompasses the disclosed embodiments and all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the invention under the claims.

While certain aspects of the invention are presented below in certain claim forms, the inventors contemplate the various aspects of the invention in any number of claim forms.

Embodiments of the invention include, but are not limited to the following items:

Item 1. A bag comprising:

a) a flat rectangular piece of flexible material having two long side edges and a short top edge and a bottom edge;
b) wherein a the two long side edges are joined by one hip side seam 201;
c) wherein the bottom edge is attached along a pleating seam 205 and secures pleats 206 along the bottom edge, thus forming a bag assembly 200;
d) wherein the short top edge encloses one or more flexible loop rings and attaches to the rectangular piece of flexible material by use of a retention seam 105 thus forming a hip loop assembly 100;
e) wherein a belt is attached to a hip side 209 section of the bag body 200 by use of a belt retaining patch 208; and
f) wherein a handle 204 is attached within the pleating seam 205.

Item 2. The bag of item 1 wherein the one or more flexible loop rings deflect in a linear fashion when pressed.

Item 3. The bag of item 1 wherein the flexible loop rings within the hip loop assembly 100 form an oval shape of approximately 20 to 24 cm measured from a hip side 101 to an outer side 102 of the hip loop assembly and of approximately 23 to 28 cm measured from a rear side 103 and the front side 104 of the hip loop assembly.

Item 4. The bag of item 3 wherein a 0.5 kg of weight applied to the hip side of the 101 of the hip loop assembly causes the hip side of the hip loop assembly to travel 1 to 3 cm toward the outer side 102 of the hip loop assembly.

Item 5. The bag of item 4 wherein a 1.0 kg of weight applied to the hip side of the 101 of the hip loop assembly causes the hip side of the hip loop assembly to travel 6 to 10 cm toward the outer side 102 of the hip loop assembly.

Item 6. The bag of item 5 wherein a 1.5 kg of weight applied to the hip side of the 101 of the hip loop assembly causes the hip side of the hip loop assembly to travel 13 to 117 cm toward the outer side 102 of the hip loop assembly.

Claims

1. A bag comprising:

a) a flat rectangular piece of flexible material having two long side edges and a short top edge and a bottom edge;
b) wherein a the two long side edges are joined by one hip side seam;
c) wherein the bottom edge is attached along a pleating seam and secures pleats along the bottom edge, thus forming a bag assembly;
d) wherein the short top edge encloses one or more flexible loop rings and attaches to the rectangular piece of flexible material by use of a retention seam thus forming a hip loop assembly;
e) wherein a belt is attached to a hip side section of the bag body by use of a belt retaining patch; and
f) wherein a handle is attached within the pleating seam.

2. The bag of claim 1 wherein the one or more flexible loop rings deflect in a linear fashion when pressed.

3. The bag of claim 1 wherein the flexible loop rings within the hip loop assembly form an oval shape of approximately 20 to 24 cm measured from a hip side to an outer side of the hip loop assembly and of approximately 23 to 28 cm measured from a rear side and the front side of the hip loop assembly.

4. The bag of item 3 wherein a 0.5 kg of weight applied to the hip side of the hip loop assembly causes the hip side of the hip loop assembly to travel 1 to 3 cm toward the outer side of the hip loop assembly.

5. The bag of claim 4 wherein a 1.0 kg of weight applied to the hip side of the of the hip loop assembly causes the hip side of the hip loop assembly to travel 6 to 10 cm toward the outer side of the hip loop assembly.

6. The bag of claim 5 wherein a 1.5 kg of weight applied to the hip side of the of the hip loop assembly causes the hip side of the hip loop assembly to travel 13 to 117 cm toward the outer side 102 of the hip loop assembly.

Patent History
Publication number: 20110116729
Type: Application
Filed: Nov 18, 2010
Publication Date: May 19, 2011
Inventor: Robert Blomberg (Berkeley, CA)
Application Number: 12/949,625
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: Attached To Bag Frame (383/12); Receiver Mounted On, Or Formed As Part Of, Means At Least Partially Encircling The Torso For Attaching Carrier To Bearer (224/660)
International Classification: B65D 33/06 (20060101); A45F 3/00 (20060101);