Patent ID: 6467735
Filing Date: 2002-10-22
Classification: B65B

Abstract:
A free-standing device for supporting a flexible sandbag, the device comprising:a first loop of rigid wire material, said first loop forming a bottom base for the device and adapted for engagement with a support surface, said first loop being provided with straight first and second side portions parallel to each other, and curved first and second end portions opposed to each other and each joining said first loop first and second side portions; legs fixed at a lower end portion thereof to said first loop and upstanding from said first loop; and a second loop of rigid wire material fixed to upper end portions of said legs, said legs maintaining said second loop spaced from said first loop, in a plane substantially parallel with a plane of said first loop, and disposed centrally of said first loop in plan view, said second loop forming a top member of the device and adapted to support an open end of a flexible sandbag, said second loop being provided with first and second straight side portions, respectively, and provided with curved first and second end portions opposed to each other and each joining said second loop first and second side portions; said legs inclining inwardly from said first loop to said second loop; wherein said legs comprise first and third legs disposed on said curved first end portions adjacent respective straight side portions of said first and second loops, and second and fourth legs disposed on said curved second end portions adjacent respective straight side portions of said first and second loops; wherein said first and second legs are closer together along said first straight side portions of said loops than said first and third legs are along said first curved end portions and said second and fourth legs are along said second curved end portions, and said third and fourth legs are closer together along said second straight side portions of said loops than said first and third legs are along said first curved end portions and said second and fourth legs are along said second curved end portions; and wherein said legs permit said sandbag mounted on said device with an open end thereof folded over said second loop and extending downwardly therefrom, and being filled with sand, to bulge outwardly at said end portions while being restrained from bulging outwardly at said straight side portions, to cause an upper portion of the sandbag to be drawn inwardly onto the legs and the second loop, to lock the sandbag onto the device.