Bag Filling And Support Stand

Abstract

The instant invention describes a bag filling device with support structure for retaining a bag. The device comprises support structures which are coupled to a funnel member through a funnel support member. The funnel member is constructed and arranged to traverse between a bag filling resting position and a bag inserting position. Coupled to the support legs via the funnel support member are bag fastening members. The bag fastening members are constructed and arranged to hold differently sized storage bags in a fixed position as the user places the solid or liquid food within the bags. The unique construction of the bag filling device with support structure for retaining a bag provides for a device that allows filling of a storage bag without contaminating the bag or the surrounding area.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 USC 119(e) to the U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/350,737, filed Jun. 2, 2010, entitled, “Bag Filling and Support Stand”, which is now incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to devices for filling bags and more specifically to a stand for retaining and supporting a bag while it is being filled.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Numerous devices have been proposed in the prior art with the purpose of retaining and supporting bags for filling with various items, such as food. The dramatic increase in the cost of food has resulted in many families buying food in bulk or larger quantities to save money. With the rise in popularity of warehouse club stores such as Costco and Sam's, buying in bulk has never been easier for the consumer. While purchasing large quantities of food items has been made simpler, to be cost effective such food items must be properly stored. After the food has been brought home, it must be divided into smaller portions for use. The most convenient container in which to store these portions is a locking type bag. These bags readily conform to the objects that are stored therein. They are readily lockable and sealable so as to preserve the food stored therein.

However, one of the problems with these storage bags is holding the bag open while it is being filled with food or other items. Normally an individual must try to hold the bag open with one hand while they place the food into the bag with the other hand. This is not always an operation that is easy to perform. If performed incorrectly, food is spilled, contaminating the storage bag and surrounding area. This results in both wasted time cleaning up the mess, and a reduction in costs savings as a portion of the food to be stored is wasted. A number of solutions to this problem have been proposed in the prior art. These proposed solutions usually involve a device which retains the bag in a substantially vertical position and includes various means to hold the bag open while it is being filled. This enables the individual to use both hands to fill the bag.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

Numerous bag holding or filling devices are known in the prior art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,797,567 discloses a holder for a locking type of bag which includes two supports provided with clips. The bag is secured to the clips which retain the bag in an open position. This enables an individual to use-both hands to fill the bag.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,116,549 discloses a bag support stand which is used to support a flexible bag in an upright open position. The support stand includes height and width adjustments to accommodate different sizes of bags.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,248,278 discloses a device for supporting and holding a flexible bag, such as a freezing bag, in an upright position for filling the bag. The bag support includes upright sides which permit the open top portion of the bag to be cuffed over the tops of the upright sides. This arrangement provides an open top portion of the bag for filling. An insert is provided which is placed between the upright sides of the bag support and the interior of the bag. This directs items to be placed into the bag without spilling over the edges of the bag.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,499,787 discloses a bag holder for supporting an open end of a flexible bag in an open position for filling the bag. The bag holder includes a substantially circular ring supported by three legs. The open end of the bag is placed over the top of the circular ring and folded back thereon. A retaining means, in the form of a string, secures the flexible bag to the ring.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,488,697 discloses a bag holder for supporting an open end of a flexible bag in an open position for filling the bag. The bag holder includes a substantially circular ring supported by three legs. The open end of the bag is placed over the top of the circular ring and folded back thereon. A retaining ring in placed within the ring and secures the bag to the ring in an open position.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,196,880 discloses a generally rectangular frame made from two generally U-shaped frame sections secured together. The completed frame is removably mounted to a wall or other support surface. A flexible bag is secured to the rectangular frame with the open end of the bag secured to the frame. The frame retains the bag in a position which enables it to be readily filled.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,771,752 discloses a refuse bag holder which includes a circular ring supported by four vertical legs. The open end of the bag is placed over the top of the circular ring and folded back thereon. A plurality of clasps secure the open end of the bag to the vertical legs thereby retaining the bag in an open position.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The instant invention describes a bag filling device with support structure for retaining a bag. The device comprises at least one support structure which is coupled to a material channeling support member. The support structure is configured to provide upright support for the bag filling device. The device further comprises a material channeling member for directing the placement of a material to a predetermined place. The material channeling member, preferably a funnel member, is constructed and arranged to traverse between a non-filling, bag inserting position and a bag filling position. Coupled to the support legs via the funnel support member are bag fastening members. The bag fastening members are constructed and arranged to hold differently sized storage bags in a fixed position as the user places the solid or liquid food within the bags. The unique construction of the bag filling device with support structure for retaining a bag provides for a device that allows filling of a storage bag without contaminating the bag or the surrounding area. Once the bag is filled, the storage bag can be sealed while the bag remains secured to the device. Because the bag does not need to be removed from the device prior to sealing, spilling of the contents in the bag as it is being sealed is greatly reduced if not eliminated. The bag filling device with support structure for retaining a bag according to the instant invention is also constructed and arranged to fold into a compact position for storage.

Accordingly, it is an objective of the instant invention to provide a bag filling device with support structure for retaining a bag.

It is a further objective of the instant invention to provide a bag filling device with support structure for retaining a bag in which the device further contains a material channeling member, preferably a funnel member, for directing the placement of materials, such as food, into a storage bag.

It is a still further objective of the invention to provide a bag filling device with support structure for retaining a bag which contains a funnel member which can be traversed between a non-filling, bag insertion position, and a bag filling position.

It is a further objective of the instant invention to provide a bag filling device with support structure for retaining a bag which can be compacted for easy storage.

It is yet another objective of the instant invention to provide a bag filling device with support structure for retaining a bag which is constructed and arranged to accommodate differently sized bags.

It is yet another objective of the instant invention to provide a bag filling device with support structure for retaining a bag which can be secured to a counter top or kitchen table surface.

It is a still further objective of the invention to provide a bag filling device with support structure for retaining a bag which can be loaded with food while the support structure is in a vertical or horizontal position.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with any accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention. Any drawings contained herein constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of the bag filling device with support structure for retaining a bag of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the bag filling device with support structure for retaining a bag of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the bag filling device with support structure for retaining a bag of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a left side view of the bag filling device with support structure for retaining a bag of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a right side view of the bag filling device with support structure for retaining a bag of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a top view of the bag filling device with support structure for retaining a bag of the instant invention;

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the bag filling device with support structure for retaining a bag of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the bag filling device with support structure for retaining a bag of the present invention in the bag inserting position;

FIG. 9 is an alternative embodiment of the bag filling device with support structure for retaining a bag of the present invention, illustrating attachment of the second bag holding fastener members;

FIG. 10A is an alternative embodiment of the bag filling device with support structure for retaining a bag of the present invention, illustrating attachment of the second bag holding fastener members through telescoping arms;

FIG. 10B is a partial view of an alternative embodiment of the funnel support member shown with a bag holding fastener slidably coupled to the funnel support member and placed in a first position;

FIG. 10C is a partial view of an alternative embodiment of the funnel support member shown with a bag holding fastener slidably coupled to the funnel support member and placed in a second position;

FIG. 11 is a view of the bag filling device with support structure for retaining a bag of the present invention in a compact configuration;

FIG. 12 is a side perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the bag filling device with support structure for retaining a bag of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a side view of the embodiment of the bag filling device with support structure for retaining a bag illustrated in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a top view of the embodiment of the bag filling device with support structure for retaining a bag illustrated in FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is a side perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the bag filling device with support structure for retaining a bag of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a bottom view of the embodiment of the bag filling device with support structure for retaining a bag illustrated in FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a view of the bag filling device with support structure for retaining a bag illustrated in FIG. 15, shown in a partial compact configuration;

FIG. 18 is a view of the bag filling device with support structure for retaining a bag illustrated in FIG. 15, shown in a compact configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described a presently preferred, albeit not limiting, embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated.

Referring to FIGS. 1-11, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views, the bag filling device 10 with support structure for retaining a bag of the instant invention is illustrated. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the bag filling device 10 with support structure for retaining a bag comprises support structures 12, 14, a material channeling member for directing the placement of a material, such as a liquid food, solid and/or dry food, or combinations thereof, to a pre- determined location, illustrated herein as a funnel 78, and a material channeling member support member, illustrated herein as a funnel support member 90. The support structure 12 contains a first end 16 and a second end 18. Emanating downwardly from the first end 16 are two support legs 20 and 22. The support leg 20 contains two side walls 24 and 26 separating a front wall 28. The support leg 22 comprises two side walls 30 and 32 secured to a front wall 34. Each of the support legs 20 and 22 can be constructed of a solid material. However, in a preferred embodiment, the support legs 20 and 22 are hollow and do not contain a back side wall. In such a construction, the support legs provide structural support, but production times and production costs are substantially reduced.

The support legs 20 and 22 can be constructed and arranged to diverge from a top wall 36 and terminate at a bottom wall 38. The top wall 36 contains a top surface 40 and side walls 42 and 43. The top wall 36 interconnects the support legs 20 and 22 at the first end 16. The bottom wall 38 contains a front panel 44 and a top panel 46 and interconnects the support legs 20 and 22 at the second end 18. In a preferred embodiment, both the top wall 36 and bottom wall 38 contain hollow sections and do not include a back side wall. While the support legs 20 and 22 are illustrated as diverging from the first end 16 to form a generally triangular shape, such shape is illustrative only. The bag filling device with support structure for retaining a bag 10 could be designed to contain side walls that are substantially parallel in arrangement relative to each other, thus forming a square or rectangular shape.

The support structure 14 is constructed in a similar manner, comprising a first end 48 and a second end 50. Emanating downwardly from the first end 48 are two support legs 52 and 54. The support leg 52 contains two side walls 56 and 58 separating a front wall 60, see FIG. 1 and FIG. 6. The support leg 54 comprises two side walls 62 and 64 secured to a front wall 66, see FIG. 1 and FIG. 6. Each of the support legs 52 and 54 can be constructed of a solid material. However, in a preferred embodiment, the support legs 52 and 54 are hollow and do not contain a back wall. In such a construction, the side walls provide structural support, but production times and costs are substantially reduced.

The support legs 52 and 54 can be constructed and arranged to diverge from a top wall 68 and terminate at a bottom wall 70. The top wall 68 contains a top surface 72 and side walls 74 and 75. The top wall 68 interconnects the support legs 52 and 54 at the first end 16. The bottom wall 70 contains a front wall 76 and a top wall 77 and interconnects the support legs 52 and 54 at the second end 18. In a preferred embodiment, both the top wall 68 and bottom wall 70 contain hollow sections and do not include a back side wall. As illustrated, the support legs 52 and 54 diverge from the first end 48 to form a generally triangular shape. However, such shape is illustrative only and the bag filling device with support structure for retaining a bag 10 could be designed to contain support legs that are substantially parallel in arrangement relative to each other, thus forming a square or rectangular shape.

Support structures 12 and 14 can be permanently fixed in a desired position, or preferably may contain pins 79 and 81 respectively, such that the support structures 12 and 14 can be folded inward and stored in a compact, storage position, see FIG. 11. As the support structure 12 is opened and pushed outward, it is secured into a locking position through contact of the top surface 40 of top wall 36 with a portion of attachment end 106, to be described later. As the support structure 14 is opened and pushed outward, it is secured into a locking position through contact of the top surface 72 of top wall 68 with a portion of attachment end 108, to be described later. By varying the slope or angular positioning of the top surfaces 40 and 72, the angular positioning of the support structures 12 and 14 can be varied.

The bag filling device with support structure for retaining a bag 10 also contains a funnel member 78. The funnel member 78 contains a top surface 80 and a side wall 82 having an outer surface 84 and an inner surface 86. The funnel member side wall 82 radiates in a downward direction from the top surface 80. The funnel member 78 contains opening 88 to provide a passageway for a variety of materials, such as liquid or solid foods. The funnel member 78 is coupled to a funnel support member 90 through attachment member 92, see FIG. 3, such that funnel member 78 can be traversed between a bag-filling position, FIG. 1, and a non-filling, bag insertion position, FIG. 8. In an illustrative embodiment, the attachment member 92 contains a hinge plate 94 which is attached to a portion of the funnel member 78, see FIG. 3.

The hinge plate 94 contains upwardly curved elements 96 and 98 which are constructed and arranged to receive a rod member 100 attached to the funnel support member 90. Traversal between the bag filling position, i.e. the funnel member 78 rests in a parallel position relative to the ground, and the non-filling, bag inserting position, i.e. the funnel member 78 is rotated upwards and rests in a perpendicular position relative to the ground, therefore, can be accomplished by rotating the funnel member 78 about rod member 100. The funnel member can be designed in various sizes to accommodate differently sized and shaped finable bags or to accommodate differently sized and shaped containers which are holding the food to be transferred into the bag.

The terminal ends 102 and 104 of the funnel support member 90 provide coupling to the support structure 12 and 14 through attachment ends 106 and 108. Coupled to the attachment ends 106 and 108 are bag holding fasteners 110 and 112. While the bag holding fasteners 110 and 112 can be any device or means for securing a bag known to one of skill in the art, FIG. 1 illustrates the bag holding fasteners 110 and 112 as spring clips similar in construction to clothesline style clips. The bag holding fasteners 110 and 112 can be fixed in place, or alternatively, they can be constructed and arranged to swivel about pins 115 and 116. Each of the bag holding fasteners 110 and 112 include two identically shaped members 118 and 120 formed about a spring member 122, see FIGS. 5 and 6. The two identically shaped members 118 and 120 contain engaging ends 124 and 126, respectively as well as enclosing ends 128 and 130, respectively.

The instant invention provides the advantage of allowing the user the ability to safely and easily fill a plastic bag with materials, such as liquid or solid food. In use, the user extends support structures 12 and 14 from a folded compact position to an extended open position. The device is then placed on a level surface such as a counter-top or kitchen table. The device 10 can be secured to the surface through the use of one or more device securing members 132, including, but not limited to, one or more of suction cups, non-skid pads, or combinations thereof, placed on the bottom surfaces of walls 38 and 70 illustrated in FIG. 7. Once properly secured, the user places the funnel member 78 into the bag inserting position by simply rotating the funnel member 78 in an upward direction about the attachment member 92 such that the funnel member 78 rests at a position that is perpendicular to the ground, see FIG. 10. Bag 114 is inserted into the bag filling device with support structure for retaining a bag 10 by squeezing and holding the engaging ends 124 and 126 of the two identically shaped members 118 and 120 of the bag holding fasteners 110 and 112. This action separates the enclosing ends 128 and 130.

The user inserts the bag within the separated enclosing ends 128 and 130 and releases the grip of the engaging ends 124 and 126. Upon release, the enclosing ends snap together about the portion of storage bag 114. Once in place, the funnel member 78 is placed into the bag filling position by rotating the funnel member 78 in a downward position such that the funnel member 78 is in a parallel relationship with the ground. As the funnel member 78 is rotated downward, the user aligns the side wall 82 within the bag 114 such that the outer surface 84 aligns with the inner surface of the bag 114. The user simply pours the materials to be stored in the bag through the opening 88 of the funnel member 78. Once the bag is filled to the desired level, the funnel member is simply rotated back to the non-filling, bag insertion position. Because the bag remains engaged with the bag holding fasteners 110 and 112, the user can seal the bag without the need to remove the bag from the device. The funnel member 78 may be designed such that when it is aligned with the storage bag, it has a length that extends past any sealing mechanism contained on the bag such that when the bag is being filled with a material, no residue from the material contacts the locking mechanism, thereby ensuring that the bag can be properly sealed. In certain situations, the user may desire not to make use of the funnel member 78 or may prefer to attach the bag onto the fastening elements without the funnel member 78. In either case, the user can simply remove the funnel member 78 from funnel support member 90 and reattach when desirable. Once the user completes the filling task, the bag filling device with support structure for retaining a bag 10 can be compacted by folding the support structures 12 and 14 inwardly toward the funnel member 78.

In an alternative loading procedure, the device can be turned on its side in order to load the materials to be stored within the bag by using various kitchen tools, such as a spatula. When turned on its side, the side wall 30 of support member 12 and side wall 64 of support structure 14 engage the surface of the counter-top or kitchen table surface. The funnel member 78 can be placed in the loading position as described previously. Alternatively, since the device is resting on its side, a portion of the outer surface 80′ of the funnel member 78 rests on the ground or counter top. A bag 114 can be placed onto the bag holding fasteners 110 and 112 as described above. The user simply places the materials to be stored in the bag through the opening 88 of the funnel member 78. Once the bag is filled to the desired level, the bag can be sealed shut or the device can be lifted in the upright position and sealed.

FIGS. 9 and 10A illustrate alternative embodiments of the bag filling device with support structure for retaining a bag 10. Referring to FIG. 9, the bag filling device with support structure for retaining a bag 10 includes at least one, and preferably two, second bag holding fastener members 134 and 136. The second bag holding fasteners members 134 and 136 are coupled to the first bag holding fasteners member 110 and 112 by way of arms 138 and 140. This embodiment allows attachment of multi-sized bags to the device. For instance, should the user need to fill a large plastic bag, such as a 1 gallon sized ZIPLOC® bag, the bag is simply attached to bag holding fasteners 110 and 112. If the user needs to fill a smaller quart sized ZIPLOC® bag, the user simply rotates bag holding fasteners 110 and 112 a desired distance, such as 90 degrees, such that the second bag holding fasteners members 134 and 136 are aligned with and can grip a portion of the smaller sized, plastic storage bags. FIG. 10A illustrates an alternative embodiment in which the second bag holding fasteners members 134 and 136 are coupled to attachment ends 106 and 108 by telescoping arms 142 and 144. Attachment ends 106 and 108 may be fixed in place or may be designed to swivel. While the second bag holding fasteners members are illustrated in a coupling engagement with attachment ends 106 and 108, it is within the scope of the invention to include direct coupling of the second bag holding fasteners members to a portion of the first bag holding fasteners 110 and 112 through slidable arms or telescoping arms.

Alternatively, the bag filling device with support structure for retaining a bag 10 can contain bag holding fasteners 110 and 112 which are in slidable engagement with the funnel support member 90. Referring to FIG. 10B, a partial view of the funnel support member is shown, illustrating a sliding member 145 with the bag holding fastener 110 coupled to the funnel support member 90 at or near the terminal end 102. The sliding member 145 provides the user an alternative mechanism to use the bag filling device 10 with different sized bags. For a larger bag, the user attaches the bag to the bag holding fastener 110 while in a first position, illustrated in FIG. 10B. To attach a different bag, i.e. a smaller size, the user simply moves the sliding member 145, which is resting in the first position, by sliding it in the direction of the arrow 147 to a second position, illustrated FIG. 10C. Once in this position, the bag can be attached to the bag holding fastener 110. In the second position, the bag holding fastener 110 is situated closer to the funnel member 78.

FIGS. 12-14 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the bag filling device with support structure for retaining a bag, generally referred to as 210. The bag filling device 210 has similar features as the bag filing device 10. As illustrated in FIG. 12, the bag filling device 210 comprises support structures 212 and 214, a material channeling member for directing the placement of a material, such as a liquid food, solid and/or dry food, or combinations thereof, to a pre-determined location, illustrated herein as a funnel member 216, and a material channeling support member, illustrated herein as a funnel support member 218. The support structure 212 contains a first end 220 which is coupled to the funnel support member 218, a second end 222 having a foot-like support structure 224, and an elongated member 226 there between. The foot-like support structure 224 is designed to provide the bag filling device 210 the ability to remain in an upright, stable configuration when resting on a surface. The foot-like support structure 224 may also contain one or more slip resistant features, such as suction cups or pads (not shown) which prevents the device 210 from moving when resting on the surface and/or when being filled with materials. The support structure 214 contains a first end 228 which is coupled to the funnel support member 218, a second end 230 having a foot-like support structure 232, and an elongated member 234 there between. The foot-like support structure 232 is designed to provide the bag filling device 210 the ability to remain in an upright, stable configuration when resting on a surface. The foot-like support structure 232 may also contain one or more slip resistant features, such as suction cups or pads (not shown) which prevents the device 210 from moving when resting on the surface and/or when being filled with a material. Both support structures 212 and 214 are preferably hingedly attached to the funnel support member 218.

The bag filling device 210 also contains a materials passage member, illustrated herein as a funnel member 216. The funnel member 216 is preferably configured in the same manner as the funnel member 78. The funnel member 216 is sized and shaped to allow the user the ability to transfer materials, such as liquids, foods, or other objects, from the outside to a storage device, such as bag, which is attached (not shown) in a similar manner as described previously. The funnel member 216 is illustrated in a generally oval shape with a continuous wall 236 radiating downward from the upper surface 238. However, any shape which allows the user the ability to transfer such materials into an attached bag can be used. While the funnel member 216 can be secured to the funnel support member 218 in a fixed position, it is preferable that the funnel member can traverse between several positions (bag filling position, as illustrated in FIG. 1, and a non-filling, bag insertion position, as illustrated in FIG. 8) and can be easily removed. Accordingly, the funnel member 216 is coupled to the funnel support member 218 in a pivotable manner, such as described for the bag filling device 10 or any other means which provides a traversable and removable connection.

The funnel support member 218 contains a top surface 240 (see FIG. 14) and a bottom surface (not illustrated). The funnel support member 218 can be constructed as a single unit 242 having a first end 244 and a second end 246. Each of the ends 244 and 246 contain bag holding fasteners 248 and 250. The bag holding fasteners 248 and 250 may be configured to be fixed in place or to be pivotable. The funnel support member 218 may also contain a surface 252 which is contoured to fit or approximate the shape of the funnel member 216 such that the funnel member 216 is positioned between the bag holding fasteners 248 and 250. In an alternative embodiment, the funnel support member 218 can be constructed in such a manner that the first end 244 and/or the second end 246 can move relative to each other.

FIGS. 15-18 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the bag filling device with support structure for retaining a bag, generally referred to as 310. The bag filling device has similar features as the bag filling device 210. As illustrated in FIG. 15, the bag filling device 310 comprises support structures 312 and 314, a funnel member 316, and a funnel support structure 318. Each of the support structures 312 and 314 have the same features as described above for support structures 212 and 214. The funnel member 316 contains the same features as described previously for funnels 78 and 218. The funnel support member 318 contains similar features as described for funnel member 218, but differs primarily in that funnel support member provides extension capability, thereby allowing for attachment of variously sized bags. Both support structures 312 and 314 contain first ends 322 and 324 which are hingedly coupled to the inner surface 320 and are positioned within a hollowed portion 326 of the funnel support member 318. This allows support structures 312 and 314 to fold inwardly and be secured within the funnel support member 318 in a storage position. As illustrated in FIG. 17, the hinged coupling of the support structure 312 allows it to be rotated or pushed inwardly and rest within funnel support member 318. Once placed in such a position, the support structure 314 can be rotated or pushed inwardly in which it rests within funnel support member 318, see FIG. 18. Cut out sections 328 and 330 are sized and shaped to provide for a portion of the support structures 312 and 314 to be secured within.

The funnel support member 318 further contains a first portion 332 and a second portion 334. The first portion 332 and 334 are slidably coupled so that the distance between bag fastening members 336 and 338 can be varied to accommodate different sized bags (i.e. quart sized and gallon sized storage bags) to be attached to the device 310. The first portion 332 and second portion 334 may be secured together through the use of a connecting member 340 which is constructed to allow for the slidable movement of each portion 332 and 334. The connecting member 340 may comprises a first plate resting along the outer surface 342, and plate 344, positioned along surface 346, and plate 348, positioned along the back surface 350 of the funnel support member 318. Also attached to the back surface 350 is a cylindrical bar 352 which provides the funnel member hinged attachment to the funnel support member. The bag filling device 310, as well as each of the other embodiments described herein, may optionally contain devices, such as clips or hollowed portions, which allow funnels of different sizes to be stored within the device.

All patents and publications mentioned in this specification are indicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. All patents and publications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and any drawings/figures included herein.

One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques described herein are presently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended to be exemplary and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended claims. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A bag filling device with support structure for retaining a bag comprising:

at least one support structure coupled to a material channeling support member,

said support structure configured to provide upright support for the bag filling device;

a material channeling member for directing the placement of a material to a pre-determined location; a material channeling support member, said support member sized and shaped to couple to said material channeling member; and a plurality of first bag fastening members for securing a bag to said device, said fastening members coupled to said material channeling support member, wherein fastening of a bag to said bag fastening members secures said bag to said device in a vertical filling position.

2. The bag filling device with support structure for retaining a bag according to claim 1 wherein said first bag fastening members is rotatable.

3. The bag filling device with support structure for retaining a bag according to claim 1 wherein said first bag fastening members are slidably coupled to said material channeling support member.

4. The bag filling device with support structure for retaining a bag according to claim 1 wherein each said plurality of first bag fastening members contains a second bag fastening member, said second bag fastening member separated from said first bag holding members by a predetermined distance.

5. The bag filling device with support structure for retaining a bag according to claim 4 wherein said second bag fastening member is coupled to said first bag holding members through a telescoping arm.

6. The bag filling device with support structure for retaining a bag according to claim 1 wherein said material channeling member is hingedly coupled to said material channeling support member.

7. The bag filling device with support structure for retaining a bag according to claim 1 wherein said at least one support member is hingedly coupled to said material channeling support member.

8. The bag filling device with support structure for retaining a bag according to claim 1 wherein said material channeling support member contains a first end slidably engaged with a second end.

9. A bag filling device with support structure for retaining a bag comprising:

a first support structure coupled to a first end of a funnel support member, said first support structure configured to provide upright support for the bag filling device;

a second support structure support structure coupled to a second end of a funnel support member, said second support structure configured to provide upright support for said bag filling device;

a funnel member sized and shaped for directing the placement of a material to a pre-determined location;

a funnel support member, said support member having a first end and a second end, said funnel support member being sized and shaped to couple with said funnel member;

a first bag fastening member for securing a bag to said device, said first fastening member coupled to said first end of said funnel support member, and

a second bag fastening member for securing a bag to said device, said second fastening member coupled to said second end of said funnel support member;

wherein fastening of a bag to said first and second bag fastening members secures said bag to said device in a vertical position.

10. The bag filling device with support structure for retaining a bag according to claim 9 wherein said first bag fastening member and said second bag fastening member are rotatable.

11. The bag filling device with support structure for retaining a bag according to claim 9 wherein each of said bag fastening members are slidably coupled to said of said funnel support member.

12. The bag filling device with support structure for retaining a bag according to claim 10 wherein said first bag fastening member contains a third bag fastening member, said third bag fastening member separated from said first bag fastening member by a predetermined distance, and said second bag fastening member contains a fourth bag fastening member, said fourth bag fastening member separated from said second bag fastening member by a predetermined distance.

13. The bag filling device with support structure for retaining a bag according to claim 12 wherein said third bag fastening member is coupled to said first bag fastening member through a first arm, and said fourth bag fastening member is coupled to said second bag fastening member through a second arm.

14. The bag filling device with support structure for retaining a bag according to claim 13 wherein said first arm and said second arm are telescoping.

15. The bag filling device with support structure for retaining a bag according to claim 9 wherein said funnel member is hingedly coupled to said funnel member support.

16. The bag filling device with support structure for retaining a bag according to claim 9 wherein said first and second support structures are hingedly coupled to said funnel sport structure, wherein said hinged coupling provides said first and second support structures inward folding.

17. The bag filling device with support structure for retaining a bag according to claim 9 wherein said first end of said funnel support member is slidably engaged with said second end of said funnel support member, wherein sliding said first end relative to said second end provides varying pre-determined distances between said first and said second fastening members.

18. The bag filling device with support structure for retaining a bag according to claim 16 wherein said funnel support member is adapted to store said hinged support structures when said support structures are placed in a storage position.

19. The bag filling device with support structure for retaining a bag according to claim 9 wherein said funnel member is sized to extend past the sealing structures of said bag when said bag is attached to said bag fastening members.

20. The bag filling device with support structure for retaining a bag according to claim 9 wherein said support structures further comprise a suction cup, a non-skid pad, or combinations thereof.