Trash bag holder
OwnerR. Michael Aulabaughinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The trash bag holder disclosed herein comprises a collapsible frame which is inserted preferably in its collapsed condition into the trash bag and is then opened to provide supports for the sides of the bag while trash is swept into the bag while it is laid horizontally on the ground. This holder has a flap at the front of the frame which facilitates the sweeping of trash into the bag. Where desired an additional support may be provided to hold the top side of the bag when it is laid on the ground. When the bag is filled, the frame is easily withdrawn from the bags.
Claims2
A trash bag holder adapted to hold the bag open while trash is swept thereinto comprising:
- (a) a flat, thin bottom panel having two linear edges and having an appropriate size to fit into the interior of said bag, said bottom panel having a flap extending from one end thereof adapted to extend outside said bag when said holder is positioned inside said bag, and thereby to facilitate the sweeping of trash into said bag;
- (b) first and second flat, thin side panels each also having a bottom linear edge and also adapted to fit into the interior of said bag, said side panels each also having a top linear edge;
- (c) a first hinging means joining one of said linear edges of said bottom panel to said bottom linear edge of said first side panel;
- (d) a second hinging means joining the other of said linear edges of said bottom panel to said bottom linear edge of said second side panel;
- said side panels each being adapted to open to an angle of approximately 90.degree. with said bottom panel and thereby hold said bag open when positioned inside said bag, and also adapted to be converted to a collapsed state by having said side flaps each turned to approximately 0.degree. with said bottom panel;
- and
- (e) a restraining means capable of restraining said first and second side panels from collapsing onto said bottom panel when said holder is positioned in a supporting position inside said bag, in which said restraining means is a rod having connecting means at each end thereof, one of which connecting means is hingedly affixed to said top edge of one of said side panels and the other of said connecting means is capable of being temporarily affixed to said top edge of said other side panel.
A method for maintaining in an open and horizontal position an otherwise collapsible trash bag comprising the steps of inserting into the interior of said bag a holder in collapsed condition made of:
- (a) a flat, thin bottom panel having two linear edges and having an appropriate size to fit into the interior of said bag, said bottom panel having a flap extending from one end thereof adapted to extend outside said bag when said holder is positioned inside said bag, and thereby to facilitate the entrance of trash into said bag;
- (b) first and second flat, thin side panels each also having a bottom linear edge and also adapted to fit into the interior of said bag, said side panels each also having a top linear edge;
- (c) a first hinging means joining one of said linear edges of said bottom panel to said linear edge of said first side panel;
- (d) a second hinging means joining the other of said linear edges of said bottom panel to said linear edge of said second side panel;
- said side panels each being adapted to open to an angle of approximately 90.degree. with said bottom panel and thereby hold said bag open when positioned inside said bag, and also adapted to be converted to a collapsed state by having said side flaps each turned to approximately 0.degree. with said bottom panel;
- (e) a restraining means capable of restraining said first and second side panels from collapsing onto said bottom panel when said holder is positioned in a supporting position inside said bag;
- after said holder in a collapsed condition is inserted into said bag, then adjusting said panels to angles of approximately 90.degree. with said bottom panel;
- affixing said restraining means to said side panels thereby to retain said side panels in 90.degree. angles with said bottom panel;
- positioning said bag on the ground with the bottom panel positioned flat on the ground;
- sweeping refuse into said bag over said flap extending from said bottom panel;
- and
- when said bag is sufficiently filled with refuse, pulling said bag into an upright position and lifting said holder vertically out of said bag.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.