Container Opening Support System

Abstract

Disclosed herein are embodiments of a container opening support system for supporting a flexible container in an open condition to facilitate filling the flexible container, and methods of making and using such a container opening support system, the container opening support system including an annular member having annular member first and second ends which movably couple to one another to allow adjustment of an annular member perimeter between contracted and expanded conditions, whereby in the contracted condition, the annular member perimeter bounds a lesser interior space in relation to the expanded condition, in which the annular member perimeter bounds a greater interior space; and a securement assembly which releasably secures the annular member first and second ends in fixed relation to one another following adjustment of the annular member perimeter.

Description

This United States Non-Provisional Patent Application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/291,080, filed Jan. 20, 2016, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/184,687, filed Jun. 25, 2015, each hereby incorporated by reference herein.

I. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A broad object of a particular embodiment of the invention can be to provide a container opening support system for supporting a flexible container in an open condition to facilitate filling the flexible container, and methods of making and using such a container opening support system, the container opening support system including an annular member having annular member first and second ends which movably couple to one another to allow adjustment of an annular member perimeter between contracted and expanded conditions, whereby in the contracted condition, the annular member perimeter bounds a lesser interior space in relation to the expanded condition, in which the annular member perimeter bounds a greater interior space; and a securement assembly which releasably secures the annular member first and second ends in fixed relation to one another following adjustment of the annular member perimeter.

Another broad object of a particular embodiment of the invention can be to further provide a handle coupled to the annular member, whereby the handle can facilitate moving the container opening support system.

Naturally, further objects of the invention are disclosed throughout other areas of the specification, drawings, and claims.

II. A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a method of using a particular embodiment of the container opening support system.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a method of using a particular embodiment of the container opening support system.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a particular embodiment of the container opening support system, whereby an annular member of the container opening support system has an annular member perimeter which is adjusted to a contracted condition.

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the particular embodiment of the container opening support system shown in FIG. 3A, but whereby the annular member perimeter is adjusted to an expanded condition.

FIG. 4A is a front view of the particular embodiment of the container opening support system shown in FIG. 3B.

FIG. 4B is a rear view of the particular embodiment of the container opening support system shown in FIG. 3B.

FIG. 4C is a first side view of the particular embodiment of the container opening support system shown in FIG. 3B.

FIG. 4D is a second side view of the particular embodiment of the container opening support system shown in FIG. 3B.

FIG. 4E is a top view of the particular embodiment of the container opening support system shown in FIG. 3B.

FIG. 4F is a bottom view of the particular embodiment of the container opening support system shown in FIG. 3B.

FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view 5A-5A of the particular embodiment of the container opening support system shown in FIG. 4E.

FIG. 5B is an enlarged view of the particular embodiment of the securement assembly shown in FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6A is a front view of a particular embodiment of the container opening support system having a securement assembly which provides continuous adjustment of an annular member perimeter of an annular member of the container opening support system.

FIG. 6B is an enlarged view of the particular embodiment of the securement assembly shown in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the particular embodiment of the securement assembly shown in FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B.

FIG. 8A is a front view of the particular embodiment of the securement assembly shown in FIG. 6A through FIG. 7, whereby an annular member first end of the annular member is disengaged from a catch of the securement assembly.

FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view 8B-8B of the particular embodiment of the securement assembly shown in FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9A is a front view of the particular embodiment of the securement assembly shown in FIG. 6A through FIG. 7, whereby an annular member first end of the annular member is engaged with a catch of the securement assembly to releasably secure annular member first and second ends in fixed or immovable relation to one another.

FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view 9B-9B of the particular embodiment of the securement assembly shown in FIG. 9A.

FIG. 10A is a front view of a particular embodiment of the container opening support system, whereby an annular member of the container opening support system has an annular member perimeter which is adjusted to a contracted condition.

FIG. 10B is a front view of the particular embodiment of the container opening support system shown in FIG. 10A, but whereby the annular member perimeter is adjusted to an expanded condition.

FIG. 10C is a rear view of the particular embodiment of the container opening support system shown in FIG. 10B.

FIG. 10D is a first side view of the particular embodiment of the container opening support system shown in FIG. 10B.

FIG. 10E is a second side view of the particular embodiment of the container opening support system shown in FIG. 10B.

FIG. 10F is a top view of the particular embodiment of the container opening support system shown in FIG. 10B.

FIG. 10G is a bottom view of the particular embodiment of the container opening support system shown in FIG. 10B.

FIG. 11A is a front view including internal components of the particular embodiment of the container opening support system shown in FIG. 10B through FIG. 10G, whereby a catch of a securement assembly is catchably engaged with one of a plurality of catch elements to releasably secure annular member first and second ends in fixed or immovable relation to one another.

FIG. 11B is an enlarged view of the particular embodiment of the securement assembly shown in FIG. 11A.

FIG. 12A is a front view including internal components of the particular embodiment of the container opening support system shown in FIG. 10B through FIG. 10G, but whereby a catch of a securement assembly is disengaged from a catch-receiving element.

FIG. 12B is an enlarged view of the particular embodiment of the securement assembly shown in FIG. 12A.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a particular embodiment of the container opening support system, whereby an annular member of the container opening support system has an annular member perimeter which is adjusted to an expanded condition.

FIG. 14A is a front view of the particular embodiment of the container opening support system shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 14B is a rear view of the particular embodiment of the container opening support system shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 14C is a first side view of the particular embodiment of the container opening support system shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 14D is a second side view of the particular embodiment of the container opening support system shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 14E is a top view of the particular embodiment of the container opening support system shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 14F is a bottom view of the particular embodiment of the container opening support system shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 15A is a front view of the particular embodiment of the container opening support system shown in FIG. 13, but whereby the annular member perimeter is adjusted to a contracted condition.

FIG. 15B is a front view of the particular embodiment of the container opening support system shown in FIG. 13, but whereby the annular member perimeter is adjusted to a contracted condition.

FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of a particular embodiment of pivotally coupled segments of the container opening support system.

FIG. 17A is a perspective view of a particular embodiment of a stand configured to support the container opening support system, whereby the stand is disposed in an unfolded condition.

FIG. 17B is a perspective view of the particular embodiment of the stand shown in FIG. 17A, but whereby the stand is disposed in a folded condition.

III. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Now referring primarily to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the inventive container opening support system (1) can be used to support a flexible container (2) in an open condition (3) to facilitate filling the interior of the flexible container (2) with one or more containable materials (4), whereby the container opening support system (1) includes an annular member (5) which can be perimetrically adjusted to engage with a container first end (6) of the flexible container (2). Upon engagement, the annular member (5) can sufficiently tension or apply outwardly directed forces to the container first end (6) to support and maintain the container first end (6) in the open condition (3).

Again referring primarily to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the container opening support system (1) can, but need not necessarily, further include a handle (7) coupled to the annular member (5), whereby the handle (7) can be gripped by a user (8) to move the container opening support system (1) from location to location or to position the container first end (6) in relation to the containable materials (4) to be transferred into the interior of the flexible container (2) while the annular member (5) supports and maintains the container first end (6) in the open condition (3).

As to particular embodiments, a user (8) can grip the handle (7) with only a first hand (9) to position the container first end (6), thereby leaving a second hand (10) free to transfer the containable materials (4) into the interior of the flexible container (2).

Upon receipt of the containable materials (4) within the interior of the flexible container (2), the annular member (5) can be disengaged from the container first end (6), thereby relieving the tension or decreasing the outwardly directed forces applied to the container first end (6). Subsequently, the container first end (6) can be disposed in a closed condition (11) to enclose the containable materials (4) within the flexible container (2).

The term “container” for the purposes of this invention means an object that can contain or contains containable material(s), or a receptacle configured for containing material(s), whereby the receptacle is typically open at a first end and closed at an opposing second end. Without limitation to the breadth of the foregoing, illustrative examples of a container can include: a bag, a sack, a pouch, or a tube, or the like, or combinations thereof, whereby the container can be formed from thin, flexible, woven or nonwoven material of natural or synthetic fiber or film, or the like, or combinations thereof.

The term “containable material” for the purposes of this invention means any material, whether gas, liquid, or solid, which can be transferred into a container for containment within the container. Without limitation to the breadth of the foregoing, illustrative containable material can include: detritus, debris, waste, rubbish, litter, scrap, rock, rubble, gravel, silt, dirt, refuse, junk, chaff, grass clippings, leaves, weeds, trash, garbage, or the like, or combinations thereof.

The term “end” for the purposes of this invention means a portion of an object which is nearer an extremity of the object than a center of the object.

Fundamentally, the container opening support system (1) includes an annular member (5).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 3A through FIG. 4F and FIG. 10A through FIG. 10G, as to particular embodiments, the annular member (5) can be configured as a tube (12) provided by a wall (13) which defines a generally hollow passage, whereby the wall (13) completely surrounds the passage.

Now referring primarily to FIG. 13 through FIG. 15B, as to other particular embodiments, the annular member (5) can be configured as a walled channel (14) provided by a wall (13) which only partially surrounds a channel.

Upon use of the container opening support system (1), the wall (13) can engage with an external or internal surface (15)(16) of the flexible container (2) to support the container first end (6) in the open condition (3).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 3A through FIG. 4F, FIG. 10A through FIG. 10G, and FIG. 13 through FIG. 15B, the annular member (5) can have any of a numerous and wide variety of configurations of varying dimensions such that both the configuration and dimensional relations of the annular member (5) are sufficient to support the container first end (6) in the open condition (3) and specifically, are sufficient to tension or apply outwardly directed forces to the container first end (6) to support the container first end (6) in the open condition (3).

As but one non-limiting example shown in the embodiments of FIG. 3A through FIG. 4F and FIG. 13 through FIG. 15B, the annular member (5) can define a circle or have a generally circular configuration, which may be useful for supporting a container first end (6) which defines a circle or has a generally circular configuration when in the open condition (3).

As but another non-limiting example shown in the embodiment of FIG. 10A through FIG. 10G, the annular member (5) can define a rectangle or have a generally rectangular configuration (or can define a square or have a generally square configuration, as a square is a special type of rectangle having four sides of equal length), which may be useful for supporting a container first end (6) which defines a rectangle or has a generally rectangular configuration when in the open condition (3). Of note, the corners (17) of the rectangular annular member (5) can be rounded or arcuate, functioning to preclude the corners (17) from puncturing or tearing the flexible container (2), which may occur if the corners (17) are formed from right angles or substantially right angles.

As to other particular embodiments, the annular member (5) can define additional shapes, such as a semicircle, an oval, a semioval, an ellipse, a semiellipse, a triangle, a polygon, a freeform shape, or the like, or combinations thereof, depending upon the embodiment and the application.

Now referring primarily to FIG. 3A, FIG. 3B, FIG. 10A, FIG. 10B, FIG. 13, FIG. 15A, and FIG. 15B, the annular member (5) is perimetrically adjustable.

Correspondingly, the annular member (5) has an annular member perimeter (18) which can be adjusted between a contracted condition (19) in which the annular member perimeter (18) bounds a lesser interior space (20) in relation to an expanded condition (21), in which the annular member perimeter (18) bounds a greater interior space (20).

Accordingly, adjustment of the annular member perimeter (18) can provide a contracted condition (19) in which the annular member perimeter (18) has a lesser diameter in relation to an expanded condition (21), in which the annular member perimeter (18) has a greater diameter.

The term “diameter” for the purposes of this invention means the distance through the center of an object from one side to the other, whereby the object can have any shape, including that of a circle, square, rectangle, etc.

Now referring primarily to FIG. 5A, FIG. 11A, FIG. 12A, and FIG. 13, the annular member (5) comprises opposing annular member first and second ends (22)(23) which movably couple (or directly couple or connect) to one another to allow adjustment of the annular member perimeter (18) between contracted and expanded conditions (19)(21).

As to particular embodiments, the annular member first and second ends (22)(23) can be configured to slidably engage with one another to allow adjustment of the annular member perimeter (18) between contracted and expanded conditions (19)(21).

As but one illustrative example, the annular member first and second ends (22)(23) can be configured to reciprocally nestingly engage or reciprocally telescopingly engage with one another to allow adjustment of the annular member perimeter (18) between contracted and expanded conditions (19)(21).

Consequently, the annular member first end (22) can have a lesser outer diameter in relation to an inner diameter of the annular member second end (23), thereby permitting receipt of the annular member first end (22) within a channel or passage defined by the annular member second end (23) for corresponding reciprocal nesting or telescoping engagement of the annular member first and second ends (22)(23).

Upon operation, when the annular member perimeter (18) is adjusted toward the contracted condition (19), greater portions of the annular member first and second ends (22)(23) can be nestingly or telescopingly engaged to provide an annular member perimeter (18) which bounds a lesser interior space (20) (as shown in the examples of FIG. 3A, FIG. 10A, FIG. 15A, and FIG. 15B), which may be a useful condition for inserting the annular member (5) into the container first end (6) or for disengaging the annular member (5) from the container first end (6).

Conversely, when the annular member perimeter (18) is adjusted toward the expanded condition (21), lesser portions of the annular member first and second ends (22)(23) can be nestingly or telescopingly engaged to provide an annular member perimeter (18) which bounds a greater interior space (20) (as shown in the examples of FIG. 3B, FIG. 10B, and FIG. 13), which may be useful for sufficiently tensioning or applying outwardly directed forces to the container first end (6) to support the container first end (6) in the open condition (3).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 3A, FIG. 3B, FIG. 5A through FIG. 9B, and FIG. 11A through FIG. 13, the container opening support system (1) further includes a securement assembly (24) which releasably secures the annular member first and second ends (22)(23) in fixed or immovable relation to one another, for example following adjustment of the annular member perimeter (18) toward the expanded condition (21) to sufficiently tension or apply outwardly directed forces to the container first end (6) to support the container first end (6) in the open condition (3).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 3A through FIG. 5B, FIG. 10A through FIG. 15B, as to particular embodiment, the securement assembly (24) can facilitate releasable securement of the annular member first and second ends (22)(23) in fixed relation to one another at selectable discrete incremental positions (25) along the annular member (5), for example at selectable discrete incremental positions (25) along a longitudinal axis (26) of the annular member (5), thereby providing incremental adjustment of the annular member perimeter (18). As but one illustrative example, the securement assembly (24) can comprise a catch (27) and a plurality of catch-receiving elements (28), whereby catchable engagement of the catch (27) with each of the plurality of catch-receiving elements (28) releasably secures the annular member first and second ends (22)(23) in fixed relation to one another at a different discrete incremental position (25) along the annular member (5). In this way, the annular member perimeter (18) can be adjusted to have a selected diameter for optimization of the tension or outwardly directed forces which are applied to the container first end (6) to support the container first end (6) in the open condition (3).

Again referring primarily to FIG. 3A through FIG. 5B, FIG. 10A through FIG. 15B, the catch (27) can be coupled (or directly coupled or connected) to the annular member first end (22) and the plurality of catch-receiving elements (28) can be coupled (or directly coupled or connected) to the annular member second end (23) such that upon nesting or telescoping engagement of the annular member first and second ends (22)(23), the catch (27) can catchably engage with one of the plurality of catch-receiving elements (28) to releasably secure the annular member first and second ends (22)(23) in fixed relation to one another.

Now referring primarily to FIG. 5A, FIG. 5B, FIG. 11A, FIG. 11B, FIG. 12A, and FIG. 12B, the catch (27) can be configured as a protrusion (29), for example a generally hemispherical protrusion (29) (as shown in the examples of FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B), which is responsive to a resiliently flexible member (30) configured to resiliently bias the protrusion (29) to outwardly extend from an annular member outer surface (31) of the annular member first end (22), as opposed to disposing substantially flush with or below the annular member outer surface (31).

Again referring primarily to FIG. 5A, FIG. 5B, FIG. 11A, FIG. 11B, FIG. 12A, and FIG. 12B, each catch-receiving element (28) can be configured as an aperture element (32) which disposes within the annular member second end (23), whereby the plurality of aperture elements (32) can dispose in spaced apart relation, for example in linear spaced apart relation along the longitudinal axis (26) of the annular member (5). Following, upon nesting or telescoping engagement of the annular member first and second ends (22)(23), the protrusion (29) can align with a selected aperture element (32) and catchably engage with the aperture element (32) via biasing by resiliently flexible member (30) to outwardly extend from the annular member outer surface (31) and through the aperture element (32), thereby securing the annular members first and second ends (22)(23) in fixed relation to one another. For disengagement, inwardly directed forces can be applied to the protrusion (29) and correspondingly, to the resiliently flexible member (30), until the protrusion (29) no longer passes through the aperture element (32), allowing reciprocal nesting or telescoping movement of the annular member first and second ends (22)(23).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 11A, FIG. 11B, FIG. 12A, and FIG. 12B, as to particular embodiments, the securement assembly (24) can, but need not necessarily, further include a catch actuator (33) operatively coupled to the catch (27), whereby the catch actuator (33) causes movement of the catch (27), for example movement resulting in catchable engagement of the catch (27) with an aperture element (24) (as shown in the examples of FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B) or disengagement of the catch (27) from an aperture element (24) (as shown in the examples of FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B).

As to particular embodiments, the catch actuator (33) can be located proximate the catch (27) (not shown).

As to other particular embodiments, the catch actuator (33) can be remote or distant from the catch (27) (as shown in the examples of FIG. 11A and FIG. 12A). As but one illustrative example, the catch actuator (33) can be located proximate a handle (7) coupled to the annular member (5), for example the catch actuator (33) can outwardly extend from the handle (7). Following, while gripping the handle (7), a user (8) of the container opening support system (1) can control the catch (27) via the catch actuator (33) to either catchably engage the catch (27) with an aperture element (24) (as shown in the examples of FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B) or disengage the catch (27) from an aperture element (24) (as shown in the examples of FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B). As to this particular embodiment, a cable (34) can be disposed between the catch actuator (33) and the catch (27), whereby the cable (34) can transfer movement of the catch actuator (33) to the catch (27) to cause movement of the catch (27).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 6A through FIG. 9B, as to other particular embodiment, the securement assembly (24) can facilitate releasable securement of the annular member first and second ends (22)(23) in fixed relation to one another at any selectable position, as opposed to incremental positions, along the annular member (5), for example at any selectable position along a longitudinal axis (26) of the annular member (5), thereby providing continuous adjustment of the annular member perimeter (18). As but one illustrative example, the securement assembly (24) can comprise a catch (27) coupled to the annular member second end (23), whereby the catch (27) can be configured to catchably engage with the annular member outer surface (31) of the annular member first end (22), for example via inwardly directed forces, to releasably secure the annular member first and second ends (22)(23) in fixed relation to one another at any position along the annular member (5). In this way, the annular member perimeter (18) can be adjusted to have a selected diameter for optimization of the tension or outwardly directed forces which are applied to the container first end (6) to support the container first end (6) in the open condition (3).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 7, FIG. 8B, and FIG. 9B, the catch (27) can be incorporated into a catch assembly (35) which also includes a pressure generator (36). For example, the catch assembly (35) can comprise inner and outer collar elements (37)(38) which reciprocally nestingly engage or reciprocally telescopingly engage such that the inner collar element (37) movably disposes within the outer collar element (38).

Upon coupling to the annular member (5), the annular member first end (22) can be movably coupled within the inner collar element (37) such that the annular member outer surface (31) is adjacent to an inner collar element inner surface (39). Additionally, the annular member second end (23) can be fixedly coupled to the outer collar element (38), for example within the outer collar element (38).

One or more catches (27) can inwardly extend from the inner collar element inner surface (39) to catchably engage with the annular member outer surface (31) of the annular member first end (22), for example upon the application of inwardly directed forces to the catch (27), to releasably secure the annular member first and second ends (22)(23) in fixed relation to one another at any position along the annular member (5).

One or more pressure generators (36) can be configured to apply inwardly directed forces to the one or more catches (27). As but one illustrative example, the pressure generator (36) can inwardly extend from an outer collar element internal surface (40). Following, upon receipt of the annular member first end (22) within the inner collar element (37) and nesting or telescoping movement of the inner collar element (37) within the outer collar element (38), the catch (27) can align with the pressure generator (36) (as shown in the example of FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B), whereby upon alignment, the pressure generator (36) applies inwardly directed forces to the catch (27) which facilitates catchable engagement with the annular member outer surface (31) of the annular member first end (22), thereby releasably securing the annular member first and second ends (22)(23) in fixed relation to one another at any position along the annular member (5). By reversing the above-described operation, namely by nesting or telescoping movement of the inner collar element (37) within the outer collar element (38) to offset the catch (27) and the pressure generator (36) (as shown in the example of FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B), the annular member first and second ends (22)(23) can be unsecured and accordingly, free to reciprocally nestingly or telescopingly move in relation to one another to adjust the annular member perimeter (18).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 5A, FIG. 11A, and FIG. 12A, the annular member (5) can, but need not necessarily, further include a resiliently elastic cord (41) disposed therein, for example within a passage or channel defined by the wall (13) of the annular member (5). The resiliently elastic cord (41) comprises a cord length disposed between cord first and second ends (42)(43), whereby each of the cord first and second ends (42)(43) can be fixedly attached to the annular member (5), for example proximate an annular member inner surface (44).

The resiliently elastic cord (41) can provide sufficient elastic tension to forcibly urge the annular member first end (22) toward greater nesting or telescoping engagement with the annular member second end (23), meaning greater portions of the annular member first and second ends (22)(23) overlappingly engage in nesting or telescoping relation, thereby forcibly urging the annular member perimeter (18) toward the contracted condition (19) to assist in maintaining the nesting or telescoping engagement of the annular member first and second ends (22)(23). The elastic tension provided by the resiliently elastic cord (41) may be particularly useful in assisting to maintain the nesting or telescoping engagement of the annular member first and second ends (22)(23) when the securement assembly (24) is unsecured.

Now referring primarily to FIG. 3A through FIG. 4F, as to particular embodiments, the annular member (5) can be formed as one continuous length between the annular member first and second ends (22)(23), whereby the length can inwardly taper toward the annular member first end (22) and/or can outwardly taper toward the annular member second end (23).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 10A through FIG. 10G, FIG. 11A, and FIG. 12A, as to other particular embodiments, the annular member (5) can be formed from a plurality of segments (45) which are coupled (or directly coupled or connected) to one another to together provide the annular member (5). As but one illustrative example, the annular member (5) can be formed from at least two segments (45), such as first and second segments (46)(47), whereby the first segment (46) includes the annular member first end (22) and the second segment (47) includes the annular member second end (23). The annular member first and second ends (22)(23) movably couple to one another to allow adjustment of the annular member perimeter (18) provided by the first and second segments (46)(47) between the contracted and expanded conditions (19)(21).

Again referring primarily to FIG. 10A through FIG. 10G, FIG. 11A, and FIG. 12A, as to particular embodiments, each opposing end of the first segment (46) can function as an annular member first end (22) and opposing each end of the second segment (47) can function as an annular member second end (23) to provide a pair of movable couplings (48) between the first and second segments (46)(47). Correspondingly, each movable coupling (48) can be releasably secured by a securement assembly (24) which releasably secures the functioning annular member first end (22) to the functioning annular member second end (23) in fixed relation following adjustment of said annular member perimeter (18) provided by the first and second segments (46)(47).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 11A and FIG. 12A, as to particular embodiments of the container opening support system (1) having an annular member (5) formed from first and second segments (46)(47), the resiliently elastic cord (41) can be disposed within both of the first and second segments (46)(47) such that the cord first end (42) fixedly attaches to the first segment (46) and the cord second end (43) fixedly attaches to the second segment (47), whereby the resiliently elastic cord (41) can provide sufficient elastic tension to forcibly urge the first segment (46) and correspondingly, the annular member first end (22), toward greater nesting or telescoping engagement with the second segment (47) and correspondingly, the annular member second end (23), thereby forcibly urging the annular member perimeter (18) provided by the first and second segments (46)(47) toward the contracted condition (19) to assist in maintaining the nesting or telescoping engagement of the first and second segments (46)(47) and correspondingly, the annular member first and second ends (22)(23). The elastic tension provided by the resiliently elastic cord (41) may be particularly useful in assisting to maintain the nesting or telescoping engagement of the first and second segments (46)(47) and correspondingly, the annular member first and second ends (22)(23), when the securement assemblies (24) are unsecured.

Now referring primarily to FIG. 13 through FIG. 16, as to particular embodiments, the annular member (5) can be formed from a plurality of segments (45), whereby at least two of the plurality of segments (45) can be pivotally coupled to one another, thereby allowing the segments (45) to pivot at a pivot point (49) which defines a pivot axis (50) (as shown in the example of FIG. 16). For example, the segments (45) can pivot at the pivot point (49) about the pivot axis (50) toward or away from the interior space (20) bounded by the annular member perimeter (18) to adjust or further adjust the annular member perimeter (18), for example between a contracted condition (19), in which the segments (45) pivot toward the interior space (20) (as shown in the examples of FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B) and an expanded condition (21), in which the segments (45) pivot away from the interior space (20) (as shown in the example of FIG. 13 through FIG. 14F).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 13, as but one illustrative example, the annular member (5) can be formed from four segments (45), for example four arcuate segments (45), which each have opposing segment first and second ends (51)(52). Each segment first end (51) can be pivotally coupled to the segment second end (52) of an adjacent segment (45) to allow the pivotally coupled adjacent segments (45) to pivot at their pivot point (49) about their pivot axis (50).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B, third and fourth segments (54)(55) can pivot about a first pivot axis (53) to move toward the interior space (20) bounded by the annular member perimeter (18). This movement of the third and fourth segments (54)(55) causes first and second segments (46)(47) to move toward one another, thereby adjusting or further adjusting the annular member perimeter (18) toward the contracted condition (19) which may be useful for inserting the annular member (5) into the container first end (6) or disengaging the annular member (5) from the container first end (6).

By reversing the above-described operation, namely moving the first and second segments (46)(47) away from one another and pivoting the third and fourth segments (54)(55) about the first pivot axis (53) to move the third and fourth segments (54)(55) away from the interior space (20) bounded by the annular member perimeter (18), the expanded condition (21) of the annular member perimeter (18) can be achieved (as shown in the example of FIG. 13) to sufficiently tension or apply outwardly directed forces to the container first end (6) to support the container first end (6) in the open condition (3).

As to particular embodiments, the container opening support system (1) can, but need not necessarily, further include a locking assembly which may be useful upon achievement of the expanded condition (21) of the annular member perimeter (18), whereby the locking assembly can be configured to directly and/or indirectly lock pivotally coupled segments (45) together in immovable relation to preclude the segments (45) from pivoting about one or more pivot axes (50).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 3A through FIG. 4F, and FIG. 10A through FIG. 15B, the container opening support system (1) can, but need not necessarily, further include a handle (7) coupled to the annular member (5), whereby the handle (7) can be gripped by a user (8) to move the container opening support system (1) from location to location or to position the container first end (6) in relation to the containable materials (4) to be transferred into the interior of the flexible container (2) while the annular member (5) supports and maintains the container first end (6) in the open condition (3).

Again referring primarily to FIG. 3A through FIG. 4F, and FIG. 10A through FIG. 15B, as to particular embodiments, the handle (7) can be coupled to the annular member (5) such that the handle (7) inwardly extends from the annular member (5) toward the interior space (20) bounded by the annular member perimeter (18). As to particular embodiments, the inwardly extending handle (7) can be coplanar with the annular member (5), as shown in the examples of the Figures.

As to particular embodiments, the handle (7) can be pivotally coupled to the annular member (5), for example to allow pivoting within the plane shared by the handle (7) and the annular member (5) (as shown in the examples of FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B) or to allow pivoting about the longitudinal axis (26) of the annular member (5) toward or away from the interior space (20) bounded by the annular member perimeter (18).

As to other particular embodiments, the handle (7) can be slidably coupled to the annular member (5), for example to allow sliding within the plane shared by the handle (7) and the annular member (5) (not shown), thereby permitting the handle (7) to slide between an inwardly extending position, in which the handle (7) inwardly extends from the annular member (5) toward the interior space (20) bounded by the annular member perimeter (18), and an opposing outwardly extending position, in which the handle (7) outwardly extends from the annular member (5).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 17A and FIG. 17B, as to particular embodiments, the container opening support system (1) can, but need not necessarily, further include a stand (56) configured to support the annular member (5) when the annular member perimeter (18) is adjusted toward the expanded condition (21).

Again referring primarily to FIG. 17A and FIG. 17B, as to particular embodiments, the stand (56) can be formed from a plurality of stand segments (57) which can movably couple to one another, for example via slidable or pivotal engagement, to allow adjustment of the stand (56) between an unfolded condition (58) (as shown in the example of FIG. 17A) and a folded condition (59) (as shown in the example of FIG. 17B), whereby in the folded condition (59), the stand (56) can have a lesser volume, which may be useful for transport, storage, or the like.

Regarding production, a method of making a particular embodiment of the container opening support system (1) can include providing an annular member (5) having annular member first and second ends (22)(23) which movably couple to one another to allow adjustment of an annular member perimeter (18) between contracted and expanded conditions (19)(21), whereby in the contracted condition (19), the annular member perimeter (18) bounds a lesser interior space (20) in relation to the expanded condition (21), in which the annular member perimeter (18) bounds a greater interior space (20); and providing a securement assembly (24) which releasably secures the annular member first and second ends (22)(23) in fixed relation to one another following adjustment of the annular member perimeter (18).

The method of making the container opening support system (1) can further include providing additional components of the container opening support system (1) as described above and as described in the claims.

Components of the container opening support system (1), including the annular member (5), can be made by any of a numerous and wide variety of processes, depending upon the application. As non-limiting examples, the process can include press molding, injection molding, fabrication, machining, printing, additive printing, or the like, or combinations thereof.

Regarding materials, components of the container opening support system (1), including the annular member (5), can be made from any of a numerous and wide variety of materials, depending upon the application. As non-limiting examples, the material can include metal, wood, plastic, plastic-like material, rubber, rubber-like material, injection-moldable material, or the like, or combinations thereof.

As can be easily understood from the foregoing, the basic concepts of the present invention may be embodied in a variety of ways. The invention involves numerous and varied embodiments of a container opening support system and methods for making and using such a container opening support system, including the best mode.

As such, the particular embodiments or elements of the invention disclosed by the description or shown in the figures or tables accompanying this application are not intended to be limiting, but rather exemplary of the numerous and varied embodiments generically encompassed by the invention or equivalents encompassed with respect to any particular element thereof. In addition, the specific description of a single embodiment or element of the invention may not explicitly describe all embodiments or elements possible; many alternatives are implicitly disclosed by the description and figures.

It should be understood that each element of an apparatus or each step of a method may be described by an apparatus term or method term. Such terms can be substituted where desired to make explicit the implicitly broad coverage to which this invention is entitled. As but one example, it should be understood that all steps of a method may be disclosed as an action, a means for taking that action, or as an element which causes that action. Similarly, each element of an apparatus may be disclosed as the physical element or the action which that physical element facilitates. As but one example, the disclosure of a “support” should be understood to encompass disclosure of the act of “supporting”—whether explicitly discussed or not—and, conversely, were there effectively disclosure of the act of “supporting”, such a disclosure should be understood to encompass disclosure of a “support” and even a “means for supporting.” Such alternative terms for each element or step are to be understood to be explicitly included in the description.

In addition, as to each term used it should be understood that unless its utilization in this application is inconsistent with such interpretation, common dictionary definitions should be understood to be included in the description for each term as contained in the Random House Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, second edition, each definition hereby incorporated by reference.

All numeric values herein are assumed to be modified by the term “about”, whether or not explicitly indicated. For the purposes of the present invention, ranges may be expressed as from “about” one particular value to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value to the other particular value. The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all the numeric values subsumed within that range. A numerical range of one to five includes for example the numeric values 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, 5, and so forth. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint. When a value is expressed as an approximation by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. The term “about” generally refers to a range of numeric values that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited numeric value or having the same function or result. Similarly, the antecedent “substantially” means largely, but not wholly, the same form, manner or degree and the particular element will have a range of configurations as a person of ordinary skill in the art would consider as having the same function or result. When a particular element is expressed as an approximation by use of the antecedent “substantially,” it will be understood that the particular element forms another embodiment.

Moreover, for the purposes of the present invention, the term “a” or “an” entity refers to one or more of that entity unless otherwise limited. As such, the terms “a” or “an”, “one or more” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein.

Thus, the applicant(s) should be understood to claim at least: i) each of the container opening support systems herein disclosed and described, ii) the related methods disclosed and described, iii) similar, equivalent, and even implicit variations of each of these devices and methods, iv) those alternative embodiments which accomplish each of the functions shown, disclosed, or described, v) those alternative designs and methods which accomplish each of the functions shown as are implicit to accomplish that which is disclosed and described, vi) each feature, component, and step shown as separate and independent inventions, vii) the applications enhanced by the various systems or components disclosed, viii) the resulting products produced by such systems or components, ix) methods and apparatuses substantially as described hereinbefore and with reference to any of the accompanying examples, x) the various combinations and permutations of each of the previous elements disclosed.

The background section of this patent application, if any, provides a statement of the field of endeavor to which the invention pertains. This section may also incorporate or contain paraphrasing of certain United States patents, patent applications, publications, or subject matter of the claimed invention useful in relating information, problems, or concerns about the state of technology to which the invention is drawn toward. It is not intended that any United States patent, patent application, publication, statement or other information cited or incorporated herein be interpreted, construed or deemed to be admitted as prior art with respect to the invention.

The claims set forth in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference as part of this description of the invention, and the applicant expressly reserves the right to use all of or a portion of such incorporated content of such claims as additional description to support any of or all of the claims or any element or component thereof, and the applicant further expressly reserves the right to move any portion of or all of the incorporated content of such claims or any element or component thereof from the description into the claims or vice-versa as necessary to define the matter for which protection is sought by this application or by any subsequent application or continuation, division, or continuation-in-part application thereof, or to obtain any benefit of, reduction in fees pursuant to, or to comply with the patent laws, rules, or regulations of any country or treaty, and such content incorporated by reference shall survive during the entire pendency of this application including any subsequent continuation, division, or continuation-in-part application thereof or any reissue or extension thereon.

Additionally, the claims set forth in this specification, if any, are further intended to describe the metes and bounds of a limited number of the preferred embodiments of the invention and are not to be construed as the broadest embodiment of the invention or a complete listing of embodiments of the invention that may be claimed. The applicant does not waive any right to develop further claims based upon the description set forth above as a part of any continuation, division, or continuation-in-part, or similar application.

Claims

1. A container opening support system for supporting a flexible container in an open condition to facilitate filling said flexible container, comprising:

an annular member having annular member first and second ends which movably couple to one another to allow adjustment of an annular member perimeter between contracted and expanded conditions;

wherein in said contracted condition, said annular member perimeter bounds a lesser interior space in relation to said expanded condition, in which said annular member perimeter bounds a greater interior space; and

a securement assembly which releasably secures said annular member first and second ends in fixed relation to one another following adjustment of said annular member perimeter.

2-4. (canceled)

5. The container opening support system of claim 1, wherein said annular member first and second ends are configured to slidably engage with one another.

6. The container opening support system of claim 5, wherein said annular member first and second ends are configured to reciprocally nestingly engage or reciprocally telescopingly engage with one another.

7. The container opening support system of claim 1, wherein said securement assembly facilitates releasable securement of said annular member first and second ends in fixed relation to one another at selectable discrete incremental positions along said annular member, thereby providing incremental adjustment of said annular member perimeter.

8. The container opening support system of claim 7, wherein said securement assembly comprises a catch and a plurality of catch-receiving elements;

whereby catchable engagement of said catch with each of said plurality of catch-receiving elements releasably secures said annular member first and second ends in fixed relation to one another at a different incremental position along said annular member.

9. The container opening support system of claim 8, wherein said catch is coupled to said annular member first end and said plurality of catch-receiving elements are coupled to said annular member second end.

10. The container opening support system of claim 8, wherein said securement assembly further comprises a catch actuator operatively coupled to said catch.

11. The container opening support system of claim 10, wherein said catch actuator is remote from said catch.

12. The container opening support system of claim 11, further comprising:

a handle coupled to said annular member;

wherein said catch actuator is located proximate said handle.

13. The container opening support system of claim 12, wherein said catch actuator outwardly extends from said handle.

14. The container opening support system of claim 1, wherein said securement assembly facilitates releasable securement of said annular member first and second ends in fixed relation to one another at any selectable position along said annular member, thereby providing continuous adjustment of said annular member perimeter.

15. The container opening support system of claim 1, further comprising:

a resiliently elastic cord disposed within said annular member, said resiliently elastic cord having a cord length disposed between cord first and second ends;

wherein each of said cord first and second ends is fixedly attached to said annular member; and

wherein said resiliently elastic cord provides sufficient tension to forcibly urge said annular member first and second ends toward greater nesting or telescoping engagement, thereby forcibly urging said annular member perimeter toward said contracted condition.

16. The container opening support system of claim 1, wherein said annular member is formed as a continuous length between said annular member first and second ends.

17. The container opening support system of claim 1, wherein said annular member comprises a plurality of segments coupled to one another to together provide said annular member.

18. The container opening support system of claim 17, further comprising:

a resiliently elastic cord disposed within first and second segments which together provide said annular member, said resiliently elastic cord having a cord length disposed between cord first and second ends;

wherein said cord first end is fixedly attached to said first segment and said cord second end is fixedly attached to said second segment; and

wherein said resiliently elastic cord provides sufficient tension to forcibly urge said first segment and corresponding, said annular member first end, toward greater nesting or telescoping engagement with said second segment and correspondingly, said annular member second end, thereby forcibly urging said annular member perimeter provided by said first and second segments toward said contracted condition.

19. The container opening support system of claim 17, wherein at least two of said plurality of segments are pivotally coupled to one another.

20. The container opening support system of claim 19, wherein each of said plurality of segments is arcuate;

wherein said plurality of segments together form a generally circular annular member when said expanded condition of said annular member perimeter is achieved.

21. The container opening support system of claim 1, further comprising a handle coupled to said annular member.

22. The container opening support system of claim 21, wherein said handle inwardly extends from said annular member toward said interior space bounded by said annular member perimeter.

23. The container opening support system of claim 22, wherein said handle is generally coplanar with said annular member.

24-60 (canceled)