# US 5,350,142 A · Support frame for flexible bags with handles

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- Number: US 5,350,142 A
- Document ID: US5350142A
- Status: Granted
- Kind: A
- Application number: 08/049,762
- Filed: 1993-04-19
- Granted: 1994-09-27
- Earliest claimed: 1993-04-19
- Inventors: Michael R. Kurtzman; Meehyun Kim
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US5350142A

## CPC

- B65B 67/1227: {only by a part of the periphery, e.g. by single points or handles, or by one side or two opposite sides only (B65B67/1244 takes precedence)}
- B65B: MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING (bundling and pressing devices for cigars A24C1/44; devices for tensioning and securing binders adapted to be supported by the article or articles to be bound B25B25/00; applying closure members to bottles, jars or similar containers B67B1/00-B67B6/00; concurrent cleaning, filling and closing of bottles B67C7/00; emptying bottles, jars, cans, casks, barrels or similar containers B67C9/00)

## Abstract

A structural frame providing for supporting flexible containers; specifically, shopping bags with frontal or lateral integrated handles. The structure enables the use of shopping bags as a receptacle for trash or storage. Disclosed are embodiments for a polygonal shaped rim for supporting a flexible handle bag in open mouthed configuration; lateral bracing to restrict bag movement; ring like members allowing bag handles to be engaged securely; a support appendage with an angled spacer allowing flexible container to be easily mounted on said support frame; a lid with a perimetrical groove of a radius corresponding to that of said rim located on the underside of said lid allowing for a tight seal; and an integrated apparatus for mounting the invention to a planar surface.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A frame for supporting a flexible bag of the type having a pair of bag handles disposed on opposing sides of the bag adjacent to an opening of the bag, comprising;
A) a rim having a plurality of rim members connected together in a planar configuration and framing an opening;
B) means for providing attachment of the frame to a planar surface;
C) a pair of lateral braces attached to the rim on opposing sides of the opening, both of said braces extending perpendicularly to the planar configuration of the rim; and
D) a pair of members forming ring like openings each attached to a respective brace distal from the rim, wherein said bag handles are threaded through and integrally attached to said ring like members.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

A structural support frame as defined in claim 1, further comprising a lid having perimetrical grooves having a form oppositely corresponding to that of said rim, secured to rear side of said structural frame with said snap on hinge mechanism.

### Claim 3

A frame for supporting a flexible bag of the type having a pair of bag handles disposed on opposing sides of the bag adjacent to an opening of the bag, comprising:
A) a rim having a plurality of short rim members and long rim members connected together in a generally rectangular planar configuration and framing an opening;
B) a support brace coupled to the rim, comprising a pair of horizontal members each being coupled to a respective one of the long rim members, a pair of vertical members each extending perpendicularly to the planar configuration of the rim, wherein each vertical member connects an end of a first horizontal member to an end of a second horizontal member in the shape of a V and coplanar with one of the short rim members, a pair of members forming ring like openings each attached to a respective vertical member at an apex of the V shape wherein said bag handles are threaded through and integrally connected to said ring like members, whereby said flexible bag and said structural frame become integrally formed and functionas a receptacle; and
C) means for providing attachment of the frame and support branch to a vertical or horizontal planar surface.

### Claim 4 (depends on 3)

A structural support frame as defined in claim 3, further comprising a lid having perimetrical grooves having a form oppositely corresponding to that of said rim, whereby said flexible bag is sandwiched between two opposingly formed interlocking members, secured to rear side of said structural frame with said snap on hinge mechanism.