BAG SUPPORT ASSEMBLY

Abstract

A bag support assembly comprising a frame (20) that includes a pair of beams (22) and a plurality of tubes (38) that extend perpendicularly between the beams (22). Two pairs of vertical rails (50) are supported by disposition in the beams (22). A plurality of bags (62) present an opening (64) for being supported on the frame (20). A plurality of hoops (66) are each disposed about the openings (64). A connector bar (68) having a first side (70) and a second side (72) presents substantially parallel legs (74) for support by the frame (20). At least one hook (76) is attached to the first side (70) of the connector bar (68) and extends in the opposite direction from the legs (74) for positioning the hoops (66) to rest upon the connector bar (68) and to extend from the second side (72) of the connector bar (68) and over the connector bar (68) in the direction of the legs (74) to support the bags (62) in a cantilevered fashion while retained by the hook (76).

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

A bag support assembly.

2. Description of the Prior Art

The bag support assemblies of the type to which the subject invention pertains include a frame for supporting at least one bag presenting an opening vertically above a surface. One such assembly is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,243,884 to Lawson et al., wherein a pair of spaced connector bars each have a first side and a second side and are attached to and supported by the frame. U.S. Pat. No. 4,585,283 to Redmon et al. further discloses a hoop to support the bag about the opening thereof. In addition, the frame disclosed in the Redmon et al. patent includes spaced front and rear connector bars having upturned lips for supporting the removable bags.

Because assemblies such as these usually support the bags between spaced and generally parallel connector bars, it is necessary to lift the bag up and over the connector bars when attaching the bag to the assembly or removing the bag from the assembly. Such assemblies can make it difficult and awkward to maneuver heavy bags. Additionally, many of the prior art assemblies include components that are not easily disassembled and reassembled for ease of storage or shipment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides for such an assembly with at least one hook extending from the first side of the connector bar for receiving and positioning the hoop to rest upon the connector bar and to extend from the second side of the connector bar in a cantilevered fashion while retained by the hook.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

The invention in its broadest aspect provides an assembly that eliminates the need for lifting the bags up and over the frame when placing bags on the frame or when removing bags. Additionally, the invention is easily disassembled and reassembled.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated, as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the subject invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the preferred embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary perspective view showing the engagement of the hoop over the connector bar;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary perspective view showing one of the beams and tubes; and

FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary side view of one end of the assembly showing the second snap-pin connection of the connector bar.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ENABLING EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views, a bag support assembly constructed in accordance with the subject invention is shown in the Figures.

The bag support assembly comprises a frame 20, generally shown, in FIGS. 1 and 2 that includes a pair of beams 22, generally indicated, for disposition in parallel relationship to one another with each beam 22 extending between linearly spaced extremities 24 and having a pair of sides 26 and a top 28 and a bottom 30. The top 28 of each of the beams 22 projects from an inner 32 of the sides 26 thereof to define a rim 34 extending between the extremities 24 thereof. A plurality of female receptacles 36 are disposed on the inner 32 of the sides 26 of the beams 22 and spaced from the rim 34 thereof.

The frame 20 includes a plurality of tubes 38 for extending in parallel and spaced relationship perpendicularly between the beams 22 to be retained in the female receptacles 36 for spacing the beams 22 in parallel and spaced relationship relative to one another. As shown in FIG. 4, a first snap-pin connection 40 releasably interconnects each of the female receptacles 36 and each of the tubes 38 to retain the tubes 38 in the female receptacles 36 to maintain at least two of the beams 22 in parallel and spaced relationship relative to one another, as shown in FIG. 1. Each of the extremities 24 of the beams 22 includes a roller mount 42 disposed on the bottom 30 of the beams 22. A plurality of caster wheels 44 are removably connected to the roller mounts 42 at the extremities 24 respectively for rolling the assembly over a surface 46, which is illustrated in FIG. 1. Each of the beams 22 also defines a cavity 48 (FIG. 2) extending between the top 28 and the bottom 30 at a position midway between the extremities 24.

The frame 20 additionally includes two pairs of vertical rails 50 for disposition in parallel and spaced relationship and each having an upper end 52 and a lower end 54 for support by disposition in the cavity 48 of the beams 22. A lock collar 56, generally indicated, is attached to the lower end 54 of each pair of the vertical rails 50 for disposition in the cavity 48 in each of the beams 22 respectively to support the vertical rails 50 in the beams 22. The lock collars 56 each include a flange 58 extending radially from the vertical rails 50 for overlying the top 28 of the adjacent one of the beams 22 with the vertical rails 50 extending through and beyond the lock collars 56 and into the cavity 48 therein. A tab 60 (FIGS. 2 & 4) extends transversely from the flange 58 of each of the lock collars 56 for snapping engagement over and with the rim 34 of the beam 22 for retaining the lock collar 56 to the beams 22.

A plurality of bags 62, preferably of fabric, each being generally quadrangular in shape (e.g., rectangular in cross section) present a quadrangular opening 64 for being supported on the frame 20. The bags 62 may be rigid or flexible and comprise metals, organic polymeric material, and any other materials such as, but not limited to Nylon, Polyester, or paperboard. The bags 62 may be used for containing laundry, toys, recycling items, without limitation. A plurality of hoops 66 each defining a quadrangle for supporting one of the bags 62 above the surface 46 are disposed about the opening 64 thereof, each hoop 66 having a circular cross section to present a round surface.

A connector bar 68 for attachment to the frame 20 extends between the pairs of the vertical rails 50 and parallel to the tubes 38. The connector bar 68 has a first side 70 and a second side 72 and is generally U-shaped to present substantially parallel legs 74 for support by the frame 20.

As best shown in FIGS. 1, 2 & 5, at least one hook 76 (e.g. inverted L-shape or inverted J-shape with a tongue extending outwardly from a round bottom to engage a round hoop 66) is attached to the first side 70 of the connector bar 68 and extends in the opposite direction from the legs 74 for receiving and positioning the hoops 66 to rest upon the connector bar 68 and to extend from the second side 72 of the connector bar 68 and over the second side 72 of the connector bar 68 in the direction of the legs 74 to support the bags 62 in a cantilevered fashion while retained by one or more of the hooks 76. The hoops 66 may be oriented by the hooks 76 to extend horizontally over the connector bar 68 as shown in FIG. 1, or the hooks 76 may extend high enough above the connector bar 68 so that the hoops 66 may be oriented to slant downwardly over the connector bar 68 when engaged with the hooks 76, as shown in FIG. 5.

The frame 20 also includes a bracket 78 attached to the upper end 52 of each pair of the vertical rails 50. The brackets 78 extend transversely in a cantilevered fashion across the upper end 52 of each pair of the vertical rails 50 and outwardly from one of the vertical rails 50 of each pair and define a socket 80 for receiving and supporting the legs 74 of the connector bar 68. The brackets 78 each define a channel 82 extending from the socket 80 and disposed over the other of each pair of the vertical rails 50 for nesting the legs 74 of the connector bar 68.

As best shown in FIG. 5, a second snap-pin connection 84 releasably interconnects each of the legs 74 of the connector bar 68 and the socket 80 of the brackets 78 to retain the connector bar 68 in the brackets 78. In the present embodiment, the second snap-pin connection 84 is oriented to extend downwardly, however it could also extend in any radial direction relative to the legs 74 of the connector bar 68.

Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings and may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described while within the scope of the appended claims. That which is prior art in the claims precedes the novelty set forth in the “characterized by” clause. The novelty is meant to be particularly and distinctly recited in the “characterized by” clause whereas the antecedent recitations merely set forth the old and well-known combination in which the invention resides. These antecedent recitations should be interpreted to cover any combination in which the inventive novelty exercises its utility. The use of the word “said” in the apparatus claims refers to an antecedent that is a positive recitation meant to be included in the coverage of the claims whereas the word “the” precedes a word not meant to be included in the coverage of the claims. In addition, the reference numerals in the claims are merely for convenience and are not to be read in any way as limiting.

Claims

1. A bag support assembly comprising;

a frame (20) for supporting at least one bag presenting an opening (64) vertically above a surface (46),

a connector bar (68) having a first side (70) and a second side (72) for attachment to and being supported by said frame (20),

a hoop (66) for supporting said bag about said opening (64) thereof,

and characterized by

at least one hook (76) extending from said first side (70) of said connector bar (68) for receiving and positioning said hoop (66) to rest upon said connector bar (68) and to extend from said second side (72) of said connector bar (68) in a cantilevered fashion while retained by said hook (76).

2. An assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said hook (76) attaches to said first side (70) of said connector bar (68) for receiving and positioning said hoop (66) to extend from said hook (76) and over said connector bar (68) to support said bags (62) in a cantilevered fashion while retained by said hook (76).

3. An assembly as set forth in claim 2 wherein said connector bar (68) is generally U-shaped to present generally parallel legs (74) for support by said frame (20), said hook (76) extends in the opposite direction from said legs (74) for positioning said hoop (66) to extend from said hook (76) and over said second side (72) of said connector bar (68) in the direction of said legs (74).

4. An assembly as set forth in claim 3 wherein said frame (20) includes a pair of beams (22) for disposition in parallel relationship to one another with each beam (22) extending between linearly spaced extremities (24) and having a pair of sides (26) and a top (28) and a bottom (30), two pairs of vertical rails (50) for disposition in parallel and spaced relationship and having an upper end (52) and a lower end (54) for support by said beams (22), a bracket (78) attached to said upper end (52) of each pair of said vertical rails (50), and each said bracket (78) extending transversely in a cantilevered fashion across said upper end (52) of each pair of said vertical rails (50) and outwardly from one of said vertical rails (50) of each pair and defining a socket (80) for receiving and supporting said legs (74) of said connector bar (68).

5. An assembly as set forth in claim 4 wherein said bracket (78) defines a channel (82) extending from said socket (80) and disposed over the other of each pair of said vertical rails (50) for nesting said legs (74) of said connector bar (68).

6. An assembly as set forth in claim 5 further comprising a second snap-pin connection (84) for releasably interconnecting each of said legs (74) of said connector bar (68) and said socket (80) of said bracket (78) to retain said connector bar (68) in said bracket (78).

7. An assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said frame (20) includes a pair of beams (22) for disposition in parallel relationship to one another with each beam (22) extending between linearly spaced extremities (24) and having a pair of sides (26) and a top (28) and a bottom (30), and wherein said top (28) of each of said beams (22) projects from an inner (32) of said sides (26) thereof to define a rim (34) extending between said extremities (24) thereof.

8. An assembly as set forth in claim 7 wherein each of said beams (22) defines a cavity (48) extending between said top (28) and said bottom (30) at a position midway between said extremities (24), two pairs of vertical rails (50) for disposition in parallel and spaced relationship and having an upper end (52) and a lower end (54) for support by disposition in said cavity (48) of said beams (22).

9. An assembly as set forth in claim 8 further comprising a lock collar (56) attached to said lower end (54) of each pair of said vertical rails (50) for disposition in said cavity (48) in each of said beams (22) respectively to support said vertical rails (50) in said beams (22).

10. An assembly as set forth in claim 9 wherein said lock collars (56) each include a flange (58) extending radially from said vertical rails (50) for overlying said top (28) of the adjacent one of said beams (22) with said vertical rails (50) extending through and beyond said lock collars (56) and into said cavity (48) therein.

11. An assembly as set forth in claim 10 further comprising a tab (60) extending transversely from said flange (58) of each of said lock collars (56) for snapping engagement over and with said rim (34) of said beam (22) for retaining said lock collar (56) to said beams (22).

12. A bag support assembly comprising;

a frame (20) for supporting at least one bag presenting an opening (64) vertically above a surface (46),

a connector bar (68) having a first side (70) and a second side (72) and for attachment to and being supported by said frame (20),

a hoop (66) for supporting said bag about said opening (64) thereof,

at least one hook (76) extending from said first side (70) of said connector bar (68) for receiving and positioning said hoop (66) to rest upon said connector bar (68) and to extend from said second side (72) of said connector bar (68) in a cantilevered fashion while retained by said hook (76),

said frame (20) including a pair of beams (22) with each beam (22) extending between linearly spaced extremities (24) and having a pair of sides (26) and a top (28) and a bottom (30),

two pairs of vertical rails (50) for disposition in parallel and spaced relationship and having an upper end (52) and a lower end (54) for support by said beams (22),

a bracket (78) attached to said upper end (52) of each pair of said vertical rails (50) for supporting said connector bar (68), and

each of said beams (22) defining a cavity (48) extending between said top (28) and said bottom (30) for receiving said lower end (54) of a pair of said vertical rails (50).

13. A bag support assembly comprising;

a frame (20),

said frame (20) including a pair of beams (22) for disposition in parallel relationship to one another with each beam (22) extending between linearly spaced extremities (24) and having a pair of sides (26) and a top (28) and a bottom (30),

said top (28) of each of said beams (22) projecting from an inner (32) of said sides (26) thereof to define a rim (34) extending between said extremities (24) thereof,

a plurality of female receptacles (36) disposed on said inner (32) of said sides (26) of said beams (22) and spaced from said rim (34) thereof,

said frame (20) including a plurality of tubes (38) for extending in parallel and spaced relationship perpendicularly between said beams (22) to be retained in said female receptacles (36) for spacing said beams (22) in parallel and spaced relationship relative to one another,

a first snap-pin connection (40) for releasably interconnecting each of said female receptacles (36) and each said tubes (38) to retain said tubes (38) in said female receptacles (36) to maintain at least two of said beams (22) in parallel and spaced relationship relative to one another,

each of said extremities (24) of said beams (22) including a roller mount (42) disposed on said bottom (30) of said beams (22),

a plurality of caster wheels (44) removably connected to said roller mounts (42) at said extremities (24) respectively for rolling said assembly over a surface (46),

each of said beams (22) defining a cavity (48) extending between said top (28) and said bottom (30) at a position midway between said extremities (24),

said frame (20) including two pairs of vertical rails (50) for disposition in parallel and spaced relationship and each having an upper end (52) and a lower end (54) for support by disposition in said cavity (48) of said beams (22),

a lock collar (56) attached to said lower end (54) of each pair of said vertical rails (50) for disposition in said cavity (48) in each of said beams (22) respectively to support said vertical rails (50) in said beams (22),

said lock collars (56) each including a flange (58) extending radially from said vertical rails (50) for overlying said top (28) of the adjacent one of said beams (22) with said vertical rails (50) extending through and beyond said lock collars (56) and into said cavity (48) therein,

said frame (20) including a plurality of brackets (78) with each attached to said upper end (52) of each pair of said vertical rails (50),

a connector bar (68) for attachment to said brackets (78) to extend between the pairs of said vertical rails (50) and parallel to said tubes (38),

a plurality of bags (62) each being generally quadrangular in shape to present a quadrangular opening (64) for being supported on said connector bar (68),

a plurality of hoops (66) each for supporting one of said bags (62) above said surface (46) about said opening (64) thereof,

and characterized by

a tab (60) extending transversely from said flange (58) of each of said lock collars (56) for snapping engagement over and with said rim (34) of said beam (22) for retaining said lock collar (56) to said beams (22),

said connector bar (68) being generally U-shaped having a first side (70) and a second side (72) to present generally parallel legs (74) for support by said frame (20),

said brackets (78) extending transversely in a cantilevered fashion across said upper end (52) of each pair of said vertical rails (50) and outwardly from one of said vertical rails (50) of each pair and defining a socket (80) for receiving and supporting said legs (74) of said connector bar (68),

said brackets (78) each defining a channel (82) extending from said socket (80) and disposed over the other of each pair of said vertical rails (50) for nesting said legs (74) of said connector bar (68),

a second snap-pin connection (84) for releasably interconnecting each of said legs (74) of said connector bar (68) and said socket (80) of said brackets (78) to retain said connector bar (68) in said brackets (78), and

at least one hook (76) attached to said first side (70) of said connector bar (68) and extending in the opposite direction from said legs (74) for receiving and positioning said hoops (66) to rest upon said connector bar (68) and to extend from said second side (72) of said connector bar (68) and over said second side (72) of said connector bar (68) in the direction of said legs (74) to support said bags (62) in a cantilevered fashion while retained by said hook (76).