Abstract:
A bag-holding apparatus includes a generally L-shaped body adapted to be mounted to a surface. The generally L-shaped body has a horizontal portion and a vertical portion. The bag-holding apparatus further includes a bag opener mounted to and extending away from the vertical portion. The bag opener includes at least one hook, proximate to a distal end of the bag opener. The at least one hook is configured to support a bag suspended therefrom and retain the bag in an open position, generally adjacent to the surface, to collect trash.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application is a U.S. nonprovisional patent application of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to, U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/657,418, filed Jun. 8, 2012, which is expressly incorporated by reference herein in its entirety, a copy of which is attached as Appendix A, which is likewise expressly incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     
    
     COPYRIGHT STATEMENT 
       [0002]    All of the material in this patent document is subject to copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States and other countries. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in official governmental records but, otherwise, all other copyright rights whatsoever are reserved. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    1. Field 
         [0004]    The present invention relates generally to a container and bag-holding device, and, in particular, to a container and bag-holding device that is mountable to a countertop or other surface. 
         [0005]    2. Background 
         [0006]    Many ordinary, everyday activities leave behind a mess. Whether it is the simple task of preparing a meal in one&#39;s kitchen or sorting through one&#39;s received mail, normal activities leave behind discardable items in the form of packaging, food remnants, and other trash. The ongoing challenge is to keep common areas free of such clutter by disposing of such debris and discardable items on a regular basis. However, with busy schedules and time constraints, it can be difficult to stay ahead of the clutter and keep one&#39;s common areas and countertops free and clear. Though conventional trash receptacles are often available, reasons can still arise for trash not to be disposed of properly. For instance, as meals are prepared, trash and food remnants can be generated very quickly, which can be difficult to clean up on an ongoing basis. 
         [0007]    Accordingly, a need exists for a simple and straightforward way for debris and discardable items to be disposed of with even greater ease. This, and other needs, is addressed by one or more aspects of the present invention. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0008]    The present invention comprises an apparatus for holding a bag. Broadly defined, the present invention according to a first aspect includes a bag-holding apparatus. The apparatus includes a generally L-shaped body adapted to be mounted to a surface. The generally L-shaped body has a horizontal portion and a vertical portion. The apparatus further includes a bag opener mounted to and extending away from the vertical portion. The bag opener includes at least one hook, proximate to a distal end of the bag opener. The at least one hook is configured to support a bag suspended therefrom and retain the bag in an open position, generally adjacent to the surface, to collect trash. 
         [0009]    In features of this aspect, the surface may be a countertop; the horizontal portion may include a cutting board; an edge of the horizontal portion may be beveled; and/or the bag-holding apparatus may further include a frictioner on the generally L-shaped body for establishing a friction grip with the bag to prevent the bag from slipping. 
         [0010]    In further features of this aspect, the at least one hook may include at least one front hook and at least one rear hook; and/or the at least one hook may include two front hooks and two rear hooks. 
         [0011]    In still further features of this aspect, the horizontal portion may be adapted to be mounted to the surface with one or more suction cups; and/or each of the one or more suction cups may include a clamp for clamping the horizontal portion to the surface. 
         [0012]    In still another feature of this aspect, the bag opener may be hinged to be collapsible against the vertical portion. 
         [0013]    In still further features of this aspect, the horizontal portion may include a drip edge extending beyond an intersection of the horizontal portion with the vertical portion; and/or the intersection of the horizontal portion with the vertical portion may form a 90-degree angle. 
         [0014]    In still further features of this aspect, the generally L-shaped body may be made from a generally rigid material; the generally rigid material may be a plastic material; the generally rigid material may be a metal material; and/or the generally rigid material may be a ceramic material. 
         [0015]    In still further features of this aspect, the generally L-shaped body may be made from a molding process; the generally L-shaped body may be made from a stamping process; and/or the generally L-shaped body may be made from an extrusion process. 
         [0016]    Broadly defined, the present invention according to a second aspect includes a chair. The chair includes a seat, a seat back support, and a pair of arm supports. At least one of the arm supports includes a pair of detents projecting outwardly from the at least one arm support. Each of the pair of detents defines a furrow projecting inwardly into the at least one arm support. The pair of detents is configured to support a bag suspended therefrom and retain the bag in an open position, generally adjacent to the at least one arm support, to collect trash. 
         [0017]    In a feature of this aspect, each of the pair of arm supports may include a pair of detents projecting outwardly therefrom, each detent defining an inwardly-projecting furrow. 
         [0018]    Broadly defined, the present invention according to a third aspect includes a bag-holding apparatus. The apparatus includes a substantially flat body portion adapted to be mounted to a surface and at least one detent projecting outwardly from the body portion. The at least one detent defines a furrow projecting inwardly into the body portion. The at least one detent is configured to support a bag suspended therefrom and retain the bag in an open position, generally adjacent to the surface, to collect trash. 
         [0019]    In features of this aspect, the surface may be a countertop; an edge of the body portion may be beveled; the body portion may be adapted to be mounted to the surface with one or more suction cups; the body portion may be made from a flexible material; the flexible material may be a plastic material; the body portion may be configured as a cutting board; and/or the at least one detent may be a pair of detents, each of the pair of detents defining a furrow projecting inwardly into the body portion. 
         [0020]    Broadly defined, the present invention according to a fourth aspect includes a bag-holding apparatus. The apparatus includes a substantially flat body portion adapted to be mounted to a surface. The apparatus further includes a pair of detents projecting outwardly from the body portion. Each of the pair of detents defines a furrow projecting inwardly into the body portion. The body portion is adapted to be mounted to the surface with one or more suction cups. The pair of detents is configured to support a bag suspended therefrom and retain the bag in an open position, generally adjacent to the surface, to collect trash. 
         [0021]    In features of this aspect, the surface may be a countertop; an edge of the body portion may be beveled; the body portion may be made from a flexible material; the flexible material may be a plastic material; and/or the body portion may be configured as a cutting board. 
         [0022]    Broadly defined, the present invention according to a fifth aspect includes a bag-holding apparatus. The apparatus includes an L-shaped body adapted to be mounted to a surface. The L-shaped body has a horizontal portion and a vertical portion. The apparatus further includes a hinged bag opener mounted to the vertical portion. The hinged bag opener is configurable to extend away from the vertical portion. The hinged bag opener includes at least one hook, proximate to a distal end of the hinged bag opener. The at least one hook is configured to support a bag suspended therefrom and retain the bag in an open position, generally adjacent to the surface, to collect trash. 
         [0023]    In features of this aspect, the surface may be a countertop; an edge of the horizontal portion may be beveled; the bag-holding apparatus may further include a frictioner on the L-shaped body for establishing a friction grip with the bag to prevent the bag from slipping; the at least one hook may include at least one front hook and at least one rear hook; and/or the horizontal portion may be adapted to be mounted to the surface with one or more suction cup clamps. 
         [0024]    Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0025]    Further features, embodiments, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the drawings, wherein: 
           [0026]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a container and bag-holding device according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 2  is an end view of the container and bag-holding device of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 3  is a perspective top view of a container and bag-holding device according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 4  is a perspective top view of the container and bag-holding device of  FIG. 3 , shown in use; 
           [0030]      FIG. 5  is a top view of a container and bag-holding device according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the invention; and 
           [0031]      FIG. 6  is a perspective front view of a container and bag-holding device according to still yet another exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0032]    As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one having ordinary skill in the relevant art (“Ordinary Artisan”) that the present invention has broad utility and application. Furthermore, any embodiment discussed and identified as being “preferred” is considered to be part of a best mode contemplated for carrying out the present invention. Other embodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrative purposes in providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of the present invention. 
         [0033]    Accordingly, while the present invention is described herein in detail in relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the present invention, and is made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. The detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodiments is not intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention, which scope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof. It is not intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention be defined by reading into any claim a limitation found herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself. 
         [0034]    Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of steps of various processes or methods that are described herein are illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, although steps of various processes or methods may be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence or order, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps in such processes or methods generally may be carried out in various different sequences and orders while still falling within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention is to be defined by the appended claims rather than the description set forth herein. 
         [0035]    Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refers to that which the Ordinary Artisan would understand such term to mean based on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that the meaning of a term used herein—as understood by the Ordinary Artisan based on the contextual use of such term—differs in any way from any particular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that the meaning of the term as understood by the Ordinary Artisan should prevail. 
         [0036]    Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, “a” and “an” each generally denotes “at least one,” but does not exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictates otherwise. Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having an apple” describes “a picnic basket having at least one apple” as well as “a picnic basket having apples.” In contrast, reference to “a picnic basket having a single apple” describes “a picnic basket having only one apple.” 
         [0037]    When used herein to join a list of items, “or” denotes “at least one of the items,” but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having cheese or crackers” describes “a picnic basket having cheese without crackers,” “a picnic basket having crackers without cheese,” and “a picnic basket having both cheese and crackers.” Finally, when used herein to join a list of items, “and” denotes “all of the items of the list.” Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having cheese and crackers” describes “a picnic basket having cheese, wherein the picnic basket further has crackers,” as well as describes “a picnic basket having crackers, wherein the picnic basket further has cheese.” 
         [0038]    Referring now to the drawings, in which like numerals represent like components throughout the several views, the preferred embodiments of the present invention are next described. The following description of one or more preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses. 
         [0039]    Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention generally provides a device that can be stably attached to a table or counter top where it can support a collecting receptacle such as an open trash bag or container. 
         [0040]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a container and bag-holding device  20  according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 2  is an end view of the container and bag-holding device  20  of  FIG. 1 . The container and bag-holding device  20  comprises a horizontally-oriented main body  12 , which can be a bent strip of rigid material having a beveled upper edge  2  that lies horizontally and a lower drip edge  3  that extends vertically. Components attached to the main body include parts for supporting a container and parts for supporting a trash bag. Parts for supporting a container include a container holder  4  and a container leveler  5 , and parts for supporting a trash bag include bag hooks  6 , 11 , a hinged bag opener  10  and a plastic bag frictioner  9 . One bag hook  6  can be located near the junction of the main body top part  12  and the lower drip edge  3 . Another bag hook  11  can be located at the end of the hinged bag opener  10  (as perhaps best seen in  FIG. 2 ). The device  20  can be secured to a tabletop or counter top by suction cups  1  that can be secured into the device  20  with suction cup holders  7  and suction cup clamps  8 . 
         [0041]    The main body  12  can be an L-shaped piece with a 90-degree angle about 12 inches in length along its upper edge  2 . The horizontal portion can extend 2½ to 3 inches into the counter, and the vertical area against the counter under the drip edge  3  can extend about 2 inches. The lower drip edge  3  can be extended from the counter about ½ inch (as can be seen in  FIG. 2 ) so that debris can fall directly into a garbage trash bag or so that chopped or sliced food, or any other materials can fall directly into the container or bag by means of gravity. The beveled upper edge  2  at the top of the device  20  can allow the user to push food, or any other materials or trash directly into the receiving receptacle, either the trash bag or collecting container, without it being held up on protrusions. 
         [0042]    The device has a container holder  4  and a container leveler  5 , both about 3 inches wide and about 2 inches in height. The container holder  4 , together with the container leveler  5 , can keep the container in the center of the device  20  in a stable horizontal position and can prevent its drooping and closing. 
         [0043]    A hinged opener  10  about 5 inches in length can extend to hold bag handles (not shown) apart and a bag (not shown) open by means of the bag hook  11  at its terminal end, and bag hook  6  on the main body  12 . The bag hooks  6 , 11  can hold the handles of, for example, a flexible plastic bag, and with the top of the bag situated against the plastic bag frictioner  9 , the bag, can be held open as it fills up. The bag frictioner  9  can also create a hold on the bag in order to prevent the bag from slipping away from the counter. 
         [0044]    To use the device  20 , it can be secured to a working surface such as a table, countertop or any other flat working surface using the suction cups  1  which are pushed down in their holders  7  onto the surface. The device  20  may be secured there by turning the suction cup clamps  8  until they lock. This effectively can clamp the device to the counter so that it won&#39;t move until the suction is released. 
         [0045]    When a supermarket-type bag is to be used as a trash receptacle, the handles of the bag can be separated in the user&#39;s right and left hands, and the main body  12  can be slid partially into the bag so that the top of the bag rests against the plastic bag frictioner  9 . The device  20  can now be secured to a counter or tabletop using the suction cups  1 . The front of one bag handle can be secured around bag hook  6 , and the trash bag opener can be extended by pulling out the hinged section  10 . The unattached bag handle can now be attached to bag handle  11  at the end of the opener  10 . When the collection of trash is complete, the bag can be removed from the device  20  and the bag handle tied to close the bag prior to disposing of it in the trash. When a collecting container is to be used, it can be similarly mounted on the main body  12  so that it attaches to the container holder  4  and the container leveler  5  and the device  20  can be mounted on the counter using the suction cups  1 . 
         [0046]    The main body  12  of the device can be made of any rigid material that can be molded or mechanically assembled from, for example, plastic, metal or ceramic materials. Parts  2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7  can comprise the body  12  in one mold and further comprise half of the hinge for the hinged bag opener  10 . The suction cups  1  and suction cup clips or holders  8  along with the hinged bag opener  10  can be assembled. The device  20  can be molded, stamped, or extruded with the component parts attached or molded in. The device  20  permits a user to conveniently remove food collection or waste disposal at a workstation, keeping the station clean and tidy, and avoiding the need for a person to move back and forth to a disposal station while performing a task. 
         [0047]      FIG. 3  is a perspective top view of a container and bag-holding device  120  according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 4  is a perspective top view of the container and bag-holding device  120  of  FIG. 3 , shown in use. Referring now to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , a container and bag-holding device  120  is shown. The device  120  may provide a lower profile than the device  20  of  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The device  120  may include a main body  112  having a substantially flat cross-sectional shape. For example, the device  120  may have a thickness of about ¼ inch. The main body  112  may be made from a flexible material such as, for example, a soft plastic or vinyl. The material used can be a dishwasher-safe material so as to permit cleaning of the device  120  in a conventional dishwasher. The device  120  may include a pair of detents  116  projecting outwardly to the sides of a front end of the device  120 . The detents  116  may define furrows  130  extending inward into the main body  112 . The device  120  may also include one or more suction cups  140  to provide adhesion to a workman&#39;s surface. 
         [0048]    When in use, the device  120  may be placed on a substantially flat surface, for example, a countertop  160 . The front edge  133  may be positioned proximate the front edge of the countertop  160 . The device  120  may be secured to the countertop  160 , or other non-porous surfaces, by pressing the suction cups  140  onto the surface. A container, for example, a garbage bag  150 , may have its handles  152  placed around the detents  116  and looped into the furrows  130 . The detents  116  may be lifted slightly to allow the bag handles  152  to be looped under the detents  116 . Thus, the main body of the bag  150  may be free to hang from the front edge  133  of the device  120  and hang downward from the countertop  160  to hold contents therein. As shown, the detents  116  may be resilient and long enough so as to accommodate double looping of the bag handles  152  and hold a weighted bag without the detents  116  being drawn forward. While the device  120  is shown with two detents  116 , it will be understood that some embodiments may include a single detent  116 . 
         [0049]    Contemplated surfaces to which the device  120  may be attached include, but are not limited to: kitchen countertops; bathroom countertops; laundry room surfaces; craft room surfaces; surfaces in vehicles such as cars, boats and recreational vehicles; and barbecue and deck surfaces. Furthermore, the device can be implemented for use across a wide variety of different settings, including campsites, beaches, tailgate parties, and other recreational activities. 
         [0050]      FIG. 5  is a top view of a container and bag-holding device  220  according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 5  shows a container and bag-holding device  220  that incorporates a cutting board  270  on an end of the device  220 . The device  220  may include detents  216  defining furrows  230  along the sides of the cutting board  270 . The device  220  may be implemented in a manner of use consistent with the container and bag-holding device  120  described above in connection with  FIGS. 3 and 4 . 
         [0051]      FIG. 6  is a perspective front view of a container and bag-holding device  320  according to still yet another exemplary embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 6  shows a lawn chair  360  with a container and bag-holding device  320  holding a bag  350 . The device is incorporated into an arm  362  of the lawn chair  360 . The device  320  may be molded into the arm  362  so that detents  316  define furrows  330  projecting into the arm  362 . While only one arm  362  is shown including the device  310 , it will be understood that both arms of a lawn chair  360  may include the device  310 . The device  320  may be implemented in a manner of use consistent with the container and bag-holding device  120  described above in connection with  FIGS. 3 and 4 . 
         [0052]    Based on the foregoing information, it will be readily understood by those persons skilled in the art that the present invention is susceptible of broad utility and application. Many embodiments and adaptations of the present invention other than those specifically described herein, as well as many variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably suggested by the present invention and the foregoing descriptions thereof, without departing from the substance or scope of the present invention. 
         [0053]    Accordingly, while the present invention has been described herein in detail in relation to one or more preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary of the present invention and is made merely for the purpose of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosure is not intended to be construed to limit the present invention or otherwise exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications or equivalent arrangements; the present invention being limited only by the claims appended hereto and the equivalents thereof