With Clamp Patents (Class 248/101)
  • Patent number: 8267358
    Abstract: A bag holder is provided for holding a bag in an open position to facilitate collection of debris in the bag. The bag holder includes a rigid frame assembly having an outer frame and an inner frame. The outer frame has a perimeter wall. The inner frame is sized to nest within the perimeter wall of the outer frame. Thus, the frame assembly is configured for securing a bag between the outer frame and the inner frame such that the frame assembly holds the bag in an open position. A handle is coupled to and extends from the outer frame to facilitate manipulation of the open bag to a desired location using the handle. Debris may then be scooped or swept into the open bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Inventor: Philip D. Letson
  • Publication number: 20120080569
    Abstract: A device for keeping lawn waste or other flexible refuse bags open while filling. The device is made of a resilient and flexible material so that it can be squeezed and easily inserted into the top opening of a refuse bag. The device has a generally-rectangular frame, a pair of spaced apart, substantially-parallel, upwardly-curved members each having a proximal end and a distal end; and a pair of spaced apart, substantially-parallel downwardly-curved members. One of the pair of downwardly-curved members connects to the proximal ends of the upwardly-curved members and another one of the pair of downwardly-curved members connects to the distal ends of the upwardly-curved members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Inventor: Ross R. Kramer
  • Publication number: 20120047863
    Abstract: One example embodiment includes an expandable hoop for securing a bag to a system for cleaning up yard debris. The expandable hoop includes an outer hoop and an inner hoop. The inner hoop is configured to mate with the outer hoop. The inner hoop includes a band, where the band is curved to form a round shape. The inner hoop also includes an overlapping section of the band. The overlapping section can allow an expanded configuration, where the expanded configuration occurs if the inner hoop overlap is small and a contracted configuration, where the contracted configuration occurs if the inner hoop overlap is large.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventor: Roderick McLellan
  • Patent number: 8109477
    Abstract: A bag holding apparatus for supporting one or more bags that are used for the purpose of depositing and storing leaves or other lawn debris. The apparatus includes a base platform upon which a full bag rests; at least two wheels interconnected by an axle shaft and for supporting the base platform; an upright main frame mounted from the base platform and disposed over the wheels; and sidewall members also supported over the base platform and defining with the main frame an open compartment for receiving the bag therein. Each of the sidewall members has a lower section thereof positioned to leave a space between the sidewall member and an edge of the bag and an upper section extending inwardly of the compartment. A clip member is secured at the upper section of each sidewall member for holding an edge of the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Inventor: Jordan Blasbalg
  • Publication number: 20120001036
    Abstract: A refuse bag holder for holding refuse bags in an upright position comprising an adjustable support frame. The support frame has an upper rim, lower platform, and support columns which extend between and connect the upper rim and the lower platform. The support columns are adjustable telescopically to allow the height of the upper rim to be adjusted. The lower platform is connected to wheels on the back end of the platform, and support legs on the front end. A handle extends from the upper rim to allow the user to push or pull the bag holder. An auxiliary storage unit is connected to the upper rim to provide storage for additional refuse bags, or ties, or other useful items. The upper rim contains securing mechanisms for securing the bag in an open position within the upper rim.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Inventor: Paula Santiago
  • Patent number: 8028380
    Abstract: A method for easy holding of a trash bag in a container: It consists of at least one retainer set and a container having an open end. Each retainer set consists of at least two magnetically coupled pieces which can engage or disengage with each other, with one of the two pieces attached rigidly to an outside portion of the container. Place a portion of a trash bag inside the container with the outside portion of the trash bag folded down along the trash can wall. Engage the two magnetically coupled pieces to fold part of the trash bag around them. The folding(s) reduces the force needed to hold the trash bag in place at the coupling portion of the two retainer pieces. The apparatus can be easily operated with one hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Inventor: Bo-Yang Lin
  • Patent number: 7997543
    Abstract: The versatile support apparatus has an assembly including a plurality of substantially rigid longitudinal members. At least one substantially flexible member may be coupled transversally to a portion of each of the plurality of longitudinal members. Each longitudinal member of the plurality of longitudinal members may be repositioned about a longitudinal axis of the longitudinal member. A portion of a first end of a first longitudinal side of the assembly may be selectively coupled to a portion of an opposite second end of an opposite second longitudinal side of the assembly. When the portion of the first end is coupled to the portion of the opposite second end, the support apparatus is configured to support an object within an inner portion of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Inventor: Sharon Campbell
  • Publication number: 20100252694
    Abstract: A flexible bag holding device comprising an attachment for attaching the flexible bag holding device to a support, a frame member about which the upper end of a bag can be placed to hold the bag open, and bag retainer on the frame member adapted to retain the bag in place on the frame member when the flexible bag holding device is in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Inventors: Trevor Bathols, Kevin Hull
  • Patent number: 7753322
    Abstract: A device for holding a collapsible bag, such as a plastic trash bag, in an open and operable position. A rim supports the mouth of the bag, while a handle and forearm brace permit a user to hold it easily and without fatigue. The handle and brace are placed at the edge of the rim so as to leave the opening unobstructed and maximize versatility for both trash and leaf pickup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Inventor: Carl S. Peterson
  • Patent number: 7744044
    Abstract: A device that assists with the collection of leaves or debris by holding a garbage bag completely open so a user does not need to awkwardly bend down and hold open a bag while raking leaves into it. Thus, the user has both hands free to hold and use a rake or broom to sweep leaves or debris into the open bag. The bag is affixed to a frame with spring biased clips mounted in top and bottom structure of a bag receptive frame, the clips being received in cavities in the top and bottom structure so that the clips in a closed position thereof are flush with top and bottom structure surfaces adjacent thereto providing uniform surface for each of the top and bottom structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Inventor: Reno Michael Gabriel
  • Publication number: 20100140423
    Abstract: There is provided a support device (10) comprising a peripheral region (14), in the form of a closed loop and arranged to receive a receptacle, such as a synthetic plastics bag or refuse sack; a lid (12) being hinged to said peripheral region (14) and arranged to close over said region (14) when desired; at least one clip adapted to engage with the peripheral region (14) so as to retain the receptacle in a position; and a handle (16) for carrying the support device (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventors: Stephen Davies, Peter Whice, Simon Jones
  • Patent number: 7677508
    Abstract: A bag holder combined with a trash bag for easy pickup and removal of leaves on a ground surface. The bag holder is a self-standing frame that has two adjustable legs to allow the bag holder to stand upward by itself. An attached clip holds a garbage in place in an open position so that leaves may easily be swept or blown into the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Inventor: Anthony Owens
  • Publication number: 20100006713
    Abstract: A novel bag holder is provided. In an embodiment, the bag holder includes a retaining bar that is shaped like a rectangular box. The bag holder also includes a wall bracket having a channel portion complementary to the shape of said retaining bar. The wall bracket can be mounted to vertical surface such as a wall. A portion of the rim of a plastic bag can be rolled around the retaining bar. Then, the retaining bar with the bag can be inserted into channel portion thereby securing the bag and facilitating the depositing and withdrawal of articles from the bag opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventor: Mark Bernard Fitzpatrick
  • Patent number: 7618073
    Abstract: A tool for collecting waste in a bag, comprising an elongated shaft member, a ring member, and two clamps. The tool provides for the securing of a bag on the ring member such that no part of the ring member or the outside surface of the bag may come in contact with the waste to be collected. The tool utilizes an arcuate ring member and there is substantially no angle between the ring member and the elongated shaft member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Inventor: Robert W. Casper
  • Patent number: 7611102
    Abstract: A holder with an integral gripper for transporting a flexible pouch during manufacturing is provided that includes a base plate, and a pair of opposed support members pivotally attached to the base plate. Each support member includes an upper leg member having a gripping means and a lower leg member. A moveable plate is parallel to and spaced apart from the base member by a spring member, and the moveable plate supports an outer end of the lower leg of the support member, so that walls of a flexible pouch are held in tension when the flexible pouch is supported by the gripping means. The walls of the flexible pouch are separated when the support members are pivoted inwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Pouch Pac Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: R. C. Murray
  • Publication number: 20090230258
    Abstract: A device to hold open a trash bag for easy deposit of garbage in a camping or outdoor picnicking environment while securing the invention to a tree or pole/post while also providing a closable lid to cover the opening and keep out insects. A geometrically shaped frame/bracket is secured to a backing frame in which the entire invention may be mounted to a tree by a strap or mounted by brackets onto a pole or post. The trash bag holder frame is encircled by two tension closed arms which hold the bag firmly in place so it does not slip out when loaded with trash. A lid connected by a pivoting swing connector device is positioned in a manner so it may be lifted up to open position to deposit trash and closed to seal off bag opening from intruding insects and minimize odors from wild animals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventor: Jeff Noel McFadden
  • Publication number: 20090127408
    Abstract: A trash bag holder detachably mounted on a wall having capability to be used in sweeping debris. The device is assembled from a flexible rod handle, end caps, a bag holder base, rod handle clips, and trash bag holder brackets. When fully assembled the trash bag holder maintains a trash bag in an open position. Rod handle clips maintain the trash bag onto trash bag holder brackets. The trash bag holder brackets may be selectively clipped together and attached to the base to form a unitary assembly. A sloped area on the base allows the unit to be used as a scoop to facilitate the cleanup of debris while the base also allows the unit to be removably attached to a wall or door where it maintain a trash bag in a vertical open position without the need for a rigid container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventor: Charles Ronald Neuenberger
  • Publication number: 20090032653
    Abstract: The present invention is a bag holder/transport apparatus for use with plastic trash bags either outdoors or indoors. A rim system is provided with a frame, a foot peg for pushing the end of the rim/frame into the ground and a wheelbase. The present apparatus can be used to fill, and wheel a filled bag to a disposal point after filling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventors: Jimmy Gilligan, Leo Lenna
  • Publication number: 20090014603
    Abstract: The present invention is a lightweight portable foldable bag holder that can be carried by hand or mounted in a number of locations. It can be used in a number of horizontal or vertical positions varying between in an open or a closed position. The closed position being best suited for storage or transport with an attached bag. Uses include but are not limited to holding trash, recycling such as; crushed cans, plastic, paper, lawn and garden debris, outdoor uses include yet are not limited to concerts, athletic events, outdoor restaurants, on decks, on boats, recreational vehicles, picnics, in parks. The invention is suited for all types of flexible bags, and can be mounted in one location, or moved to another using handle and semi-permanently attached with a nail or new screws or temporarily attached to a pole or a tree using a cord or rope as supplied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventor: Tracy J. Zima
  • Patent number: 7472727
    Abstract: A stand to which a sandbag can be easily and quickly, yet securely, attached and which includes a funnel portion that directs sand into the attached sandbag. The stand includes legs that are foldable for storage and a clip system for quickly and securely attaching and detaching sandbags to the funnel portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Inventor: Ryan N. Sherrard
  • Publication number: 20080191103
    Abstract: A resiliently deformable clip (10) for holding a liner (120) in a garbage bin (130) has an inner leg (50) and an outer leg (20) that clips over a lip (110) of the bin (130). A ridge (30) formed on the surface of the outer leg (20) catches under the lip (110) to hold the clip (10) in place. A grip (25) on the outer leg (20) allows the clip (10) to be removed without reaching into the bin (130).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2006
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventor: Lorne Thurgar
  • Patent number: 7284732
    Abstract: Apparatus 10 discloses a freestanding frame 16 providing means for mounting a garbage bag 12 therein. The freestanding frame 16 has a relatively conic-like shape in cross section with the top orifice 18 smaller than the bottom orifice 20. Extending between the top and bottom members are a number of struts 22, which may be telescopic, completing the frame 16 that provides means for removing the frame from a full refuse bag 12 as opposed to lifting the bag from the frame. Additionally the apparatus incorporates means 24 for selectively fastening the plastic bag to or about the top of the frame 16. In the preferred embodiment, the shape of the rim for the top 18 and bottom 20 is circular, which affords the largest possible area with the least amount of material but does not exclude the use of polygonal shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Inventor: Vito Lopa
  • Publication number: 20070210218
    Abstract: A device for holding a mouth of a plastic bag in an open position is molded of a plastic material that includes a finger hole and locking slot for retaining the bag within the device. The locking slot includes a directing member for maintaining a free end of a bag tail in the locking slot. This arrangement preferably is molded as a one piece product and has been found to be adaptable to bags of different capacities and materials. In a preferred embodiment, two finger holes are provided with each finger hole having a locking slot and directing member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Inventor: John Borland
  • Patent number: 7188878
    Abstract: Waste collecting devices provide for orienting a disposable bag about the waste-contacting elements of the device in order to protect them from unwanted soiling by contact with the waste to be collected. The disposable bag is preferably a common grocery bag (or “t-shirt” bag), the most common of which is a plastic ? barrel bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Inventor: Susan Krieger Kraus
  • Patent number: 7055224
    Abstract: A trash bag retainer for maintaining a trash bag within a receptacle having a wall which defines a top rim and inner and outer surfaces. The retainer comprises of an elongate band which defines an axis. Attached to the band is at least one engagement member which extends outwardly from the axis of the band. The engagement member defines at least one engagement surface, and is sized relative to the band such that a portion of the trash bag may be captured between the engagement surface and the outer surface of the wall when the band is extended about the receptacle, with a gap being defined between at least a portion of the band and the outer surface of the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: WenDan Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard A Bathey
  • Patent number: 7040582
    Abstract: A hanger for hanging bags wherein a card body (2) cooperates with a holding strip (11) that is connected to the card body by a film hinge (10) to define a gap between the card body and the holding strip. A means for latching the holding strip (11) to the card body (2) includes a first mechanism (9) for latching the holding strip to a fastening surface (7) of the card body (2) or a second mechanism for latching the holding strip to a side edge (14) of the card body (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Inventor: Peter Rosler
  • Publication number: 20040200938
    Abstract: A retainer holds a bag to be removably positioned in waste baskets, trash cans, supermarket bag dispensers, etc., with the bag having a body portion terminating in a pair of opposing loop-type handles, and the body portion of the bag being adapted and positioned for placement generally adjacent to a first interior surface portion of a rigid receiving receptacle. The retainer includes a generally horizontal central member, at least two opposing leg members, and an extension member. The opposing leg members depend from the central member, and the leg members are dimensioned and positioned for receiving a rim portion of the receptacle therebetween. The extension member extends from the central member in a direction opposite the leg members, with the extension member being dimensioned to receive the loop-type handle to retain the bag in a predetermined position and location, thereby suspending the bag generally adjacent to the receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2003
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Inventor: Joseph Forlivio
  • Patent number: 6728996
    Abstract: An adjustable liner retainer system comprising a container having an opening defining an upper edge and an outer surface and a liner situated in the container wherein an upper portion of the liner extends from the opening, folds over the upper edge, and at least partly hangs below the upper edge adjacent to the outer surface of the container. An adjustable liner retainer is tensioned around an upper end of the container pressing the hanging upper portion against the outer surface of the container. The adjustable liner retainer comprises a strip of material at least a portion of which is elastomeric material to create the tension to press the liner to the outer surface. A hook portion and a loop portion of the hook-and-loop fastener are attached to the first and second ends of the strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Inventor: Robert F. Roscow
  • Patent number: 6679462
    Abstract: A stiffener apparatus, including first and second stiffener body sections, each section forming an open, geometric structure, with U-shaped channels facilitating mechanically mating the two sections, i.e. a quasi-congruent, multi-planar surface, snap-ring construction, that effects reliable compression of flexible material disposed between two mating sections. The stiffener sections are sized for fitting an opening of a flexible trash bag. An integral clamping mechanism securely latches the stiffener sections together and facilitates separating the sections. Mating channels compress the outer edges of the trash bag's opening material, greatly improving the compression fit keeping the trash bag open, especially in heavily loaded trash bag conditions. Each stiffener section, has a scooping ramp edge member for channeling material into the trash bag. One stiffener section has at least one handle with a notch for hanging the apparatus. The apparatus has means for attaching an optional hinged cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Inventor: Victor G. Valdez
  • Patent number: 6651942
    Abstract: A collapsible device for supporting a disposable plastic bag is provided. The device includes a hoop having at least one tab that extends from the hoop to engage and retain a plastic bag supported within the hoop. The tabs engage and retain the bag mouth by friction. The device may include one or more legs to support the hoop above the ground. The legs may be removably attached to the hoop. One end of the legs may be sharpened to allow the legs to be inserted into the ground. The device may also include a second hoop removably attached to the legs to add additional support. Alternatively, the hoop may be a hoop portion coupled to a single helical leg portion which is coupled to a base portion for support. The helical leg portion may be a helical spring which support the hoop portion when uncompressed and collapses the device for storage when compressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventors: Melvin W. Yardley, Kevin S. Yardley, Michael A. Yardley
  • Patent number: 6604717
    Abstract: A bag holder is provided in the form of a hoop which receives a bag and holds the top of the bag open at all times, thus allowing a person to deposit trash or other articles therein without having to repeatedly open the top of the bag. The bag is placed within the hoop with the top lip of the bag draped over the hoop rim, and the bag is held in place by a number of spring clips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Inventor: McCoy J. Stanfield
  • Patent number: 6543732
    Abstract: A rack includes a base, a supporting rod, and a hanging member. The base has opposing connecting parts on two opposing ends. The middle portions of the connecting parts define an upright cylindrical holding space in between. The supporting rod is passed into the upright holding space, and pivoted to the connecting parts at a lower end so that the supporting rod can be pivoted between a laid down position and an upright in-use position. The hanging member includes a ring-shaped supporting part pivoted to the top of the supporting rod such that it can be disposed perpendicular to the supporting rod for a bag to be hung on. The supporting rod is provided like a telescope so that the height of the hanging member can be changed to be suitable for bags of different sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Inventor: Shih-Hwa Yuan
  • Patent number: 6517033
    Abstract: A plastic bag holder system for allowing an individual to reuse a plastic grocery bag as a garbage bag or storage bag. The plastic bag holder system includes a loop member, a first arm attached to the loop member on one side, a second arm attached to the loop member opposite of the first arm, and a plurality of brackets attached to the arms for securing to a vertical structure with conventional fasteners. The arms each have an angled member that is angled upwardly toward a rear section thereof for catchably receiving the handles of the plastic bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Inventors: David S. Russell, Luke J. Retka
  • Patent number: 6517034
    Abstract: A bag opening and cleaning system which allows a garbage or leaf bag to be held open while filled with garbage or leaves. The system includes a pair of hoops including an inner hoop and an outer hoop. The inner hoop is positionable within the outer hoop. The pair of hoops have a plurality of circumferentially spaced pliable clamps holding the inner and outer hoops together. The pair of hoops receive an open upper end of a bag between the inner and outer hoops. A gripping member is coupled with the pair of hoops. A dust pan is hingedly coupled with the pair of hoops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Inventor: Harriet Kinchen
  • Publication number: 20030019981
    Abstract: A bag holder is provided in the form of a hoop which receives a bag and holds the top of the bag open at all times, thus allowing a person to deposit trash or other articles therein without having to repeatedly open the top of the bag. The bag is placed within the hoop with the top lip of the bag draped over the hoop rim, and the bag is held in place by a number of spring clips.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventor: McCoy J. Stanfield
  • Patent number: 6454222
    Abstract: A bag holder for holding a disposable plastic bag in an open position for filling with refuse and debris. The bag holder comprises a flexible strap member with snap fit fasteners for securing the opening of the disposable plastic bag to the flexible strap member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Inventor: Thelma Jean Steelman
  • Patent number: 6446918
    Abstract: An apparatus for collection and holding debris in a flexible container includes a platform having a right panel, a center panel and a left panel. Each of the right panel and the left panel are at an angle to a plane defined by the center panel. There is a protrusion from the left side of the center panel and from the right side of the center panel and a ring attached to the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Inventor: Ronit Knight
  • Patent number: 6431503
    Abstract: A versatile folding lawn bag holder usable on a grassy lawn to hold open a bag in an open horizontal position and which is also attachable to a rack rail on a wall in a utility room or garage to hold a plurality of bags in an open vertical position. The bag holder has a base platform with a front ramp for sweeping debris up into a lawn bag, and a pair of inwardly arched and hinged foldable arms holding the mouth of the lawn bag open. A pair of pins on each arcuate arm help to retain the lawn bag on the arcuate arms. A pair of blind bores on the bottom surface of the base platform which cooperate with knobs on the rack rail to hang the holder on a wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Inventor: Tom Horan
  • Publication number: 20020100845
    Abstract: A pair of posts with double stake bottoms are staked into penetrable ground with one stake on each post through a bottom edge of an opening in a flexible bag. Adjustable pressure clasps slide on the posts to a desired height to secure the top of the opening, enabling any size bag to be used. A flat flexible mat with a beveled edge covers the bottom edge of the opening allowing material to pass smoothly from the ground into the bag. Ground mount stands receive the double stakes and provide a wide base plate to support the posts on impenetrable ground surfaces. A mesh bag allows the use of a blower to fill the bag without ballooning. Grommets around the opening of the mesh bag can receive the stakes therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Publication date: August 1, 2002
    Inventor: Brian J. Green
  • Patent number: 6419193
    Abstract: A collapsible wheeled flexible bag carrier (10) including a wheeled framework unit (11) having a pair of inverted generally U-shaped support members (20), (20)′ pivotally connected to one another and each having a pair of hollow support legs (21), (22), (21′), (22′) provided with wheel assemblies (30) and connected on their respective upper ends by cross pieces (23) wherein the lower ends of one pair of support legs (21), (22) are connected to a towing unit (13). In addition, each of the cross pieces (23), (23′) is provided with at least one tethered spring loaded clamp member (40) having jaw elements (44) that are further provided with semi-cylindrical extensions that increase the frictional surface area contact between them, the clamp members (40) and a portion of a flexible bag draped over one of the cross pieces (23), (23′).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Inventor: Ernest Rodriquez
  • Patent number: 6386606
    Abstract: A frame for catching pet waste for holding a bag for catching pet waste. The frame for catching pet waste includes a first tubular member that is elongate and has a first end and a second end. A second tubular member having a generally circular shape. The second end of the first tubular member is fluidly coupled to the second tubular member. Each of a plurality of clamps comprises an upper jaw and a lower jaw hingedly coupled together. Each of the lower jaws is integrally coupled to the second tubular member. Each of a plurality of biasing members biases each of the upper jaws toward a respective one of the lower jaws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Inventor: Alma Marshall
  • Patent number: 6375131
    Abstract: An apparatus (410) for holding a plastic bag (36) in an upright and open position comprising a base (412), an upper frame (414), a vertical support member (416) and a pair of handle receiving members (418, 420) rotatably mounted to the upper frame (414) is disclosed. The handle receiving members (418, 420) each include a pair of rotatable arms (422, 424, 426, 428). The rotatable arms (422, 424, 426, 428) having a first position and a second position. In the first position, the rotatable arms (422, 424, 426, 428) are generally vertical for receiving and removing the plastic bag (36). In the second position, the rotatable arms (422, 424, 426, 428) are rotated a predetermined angle from vertical. The rotation of the rotatable arms (422, 424, 426, 428) from the first to the second position increases the distance between the rotatable arms (422, 424, 426, 428) in each pair of handle receiving members (418, 420), thereby securing the plastic bag (36) in an upright and open position within the apparatus (410).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Inventor: Donald R. Youst
  • Patent number: 6330990
    Abstract: My invention comprises a mechanical universal bag holding device. More particularly, my bag holding device is designed to support a bag which can be expanded and lengthened while filling. My device basically comprises in its most basic embodiment: a cylindrical transverse hollow piping and angled arms which are connected to the hollow pipe and operate as supports for a bag or container. In other embodiments my bag holder can be attached to a dolly in construction work, or manufactured as a smaller version for kitchen use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2001
    Inventor: Raymond Haubrich
  • Patent number: 6276645
    Abstract: This portable device is for holding and supporting a flexible waste collection bag in an open condition. The device has a frame consisting of two parallel side bars having a handle at one end and the free ends of the side bars are mounted to a lower supporting platform bar. A slider bar is slidably mounted on the side bars and located between the handle and the lower supporting platform bar. Both the slider bar and the supporting platform bar have a horizontal U-shaped channel. A flexible waste collection bag can be mounted to the device by wrapping two opposite sides of the lip portion of the bag on two securement bars and inserting the wrapped securement bars into the U-shaped channels in the slider bar and the supporting platform bar to secure the bag to the device. The slider is pushed upwards to maintain the bag in an open condition. Bags of a variety of different sizes may be mounted to the device by adjusting the position of the slider bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Inventor: William Nai-Jen Chang
  • Patent number: 6209596
    Abstract: This device is for maintaining a flexible bag in an open manner. It has an inner hoop having an outer side wall sloping inwardly and downwardly, and an outer binder which is provided with a through opening having a complementary shape and size adapted to embrace the outer side wall of the inner hoop. The flexible bag is mounted between the inner hoop and the outer binder by first inserting the bag through the inner hoop with the bag's lip portion folded backwards to cover over the outer side wall of the inner loop. The outer binder is then fitted over the inner hoop with the folded back lip portion of the bag sandwiched between the engaging inner hoop and the outer binder. When the bag is being filled, the weight in the bag will inherently pull the inner hoop and the outer binder to engage with each other with increasing force as the weight of the load increases, and thus, in turn, securing the bag even more tightly to the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Inventor: Stephen King-Tong Wong
  • Patent number: 6205936
    Abstract: Presented herein is lightweight furniture that is designed to be decorated with cloth or fabric. The decoratable furniture provides for removable ultimate fabric decoration of the furniture. The furniture has a body that attaches to a leg arrangement. The body has at least one flat surface, a top surface, and an edge structure located about the perimeter of the top surface. The edge structure has a cloth receiving channel into which cloth, or fabric, may be inserted and removably, yet securely, held in place. Thus, the fabric may be easily removed for cleaning or changing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Create It Decor, Inc.
    Inventors: Linda Mae Nelson, Judith A. Van Essen Kenyon, Patricia A Lloyd
  • Patent number: 6199802
    Abstract: A collapsible trash bag holder for holding a trash bag open. The collapsible trash bag holder includes a ring portion comprising a plurality of arcuate ring sections. The ring portion is adapted for receiving a trash bag through it. A plurality of generally T-shaped T-fittings couple the ring sections together. A plurality of legs are pivotally coupled to the T-fittings and downwardly extend therefrom for supporting the ring portion in a spaced apart relationship from a ground surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Inventor: Gary C. Scheibe, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6176455
    Abstract: A bag holding device for refuse containers 12will suspend a platform 36 using a plurality of elastic cords 20 to provide for greater accessibility to the bag 22. A plurality of U-shaped clips 14 are disclosed spaced apart about the upper lip 16 of a refuse container 12 being attached to the refuse bag 22 in such a manner as to maintain the bag 22 in an open position. Alligator-like clips 18 are used to secure the bag 22 to the U-shaped clips 14 and a ring 30 is used for attaching the elastic cords 20 and the alligator-like clips 18 to the U-shaped clips 14.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Inventor: Agnes S Ma
  • Patent number: 6155522
    Abstract: A yard debris collecting system for providing a chute for facilitating the insertion of lawn debris into a collection bag. The yard debris collecting system includes a pivoted frame, a chute couplable to the frame, a collection bag couplable to the frame such that the chute extends into and opens into the open bag. In an embodiment, a packing tool is provided for compacting debris within the collection bag. In an embodiment, a distal lower edge of the chute is weighted for holding the distal lower edge against the ground during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Inventor: Samuel Gregory Anderson
  • Patent number: 6109002
    Abstract: An apparatus protects a bag so that waste may be compacted into the bag. The apparatus includes a shield having an upper shield opening and a lower shield opening, and a base that is constructed so that it may be secured, in a releasable fashion, to the lower shield opening. The shield separates the bag from compacted waste. The base cooperates with the shield to support the bag and its contents. The shield is placed almost entirely into the bag, the lower opening of the shield being secured to the base at an interface. Compacted waste rests on the bottom of the bag, which may be supported by the base. When the bag has become filled with waste, the shield is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Inventor: James K. McCabe