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.

Description:
[0001]    This invention claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/631,518 filed Jul. 5, 2010. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates to the field of solutions for holding open refuse bags. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Holding open a refuse bag in an upright position to dispose of refuse such as grass, leaves, or other garden debris, can be difficult when the bag does not maintain an open, upright position for the user to dispose items within the bag. When a refuse bag is filled such that it may maintain an upright position, the contents may spill out when tipped over by wind, or small animals. When the bag is full, the bag may be heavy to carry to a desired location for disposal. 
         [0004]    U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,160,557; 4,452,468; 4,917,393; and 4,202,521 disclose various collapsible upright bag holding carts which purport to maintain the bag in an upright position, and allow for subsequent transportation of the bag. 
         [0005]    The present inventor has recognized the need for a bag holder which has increased versatility. 
         [0006]    The present inventor has recognized the need for a bag holder which allows for more even distribution of weight. 
         [0007]    The present inventor has recognized the need for a bag holder which is easier and safer to adjust from a collapsed to an extended position. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    A refuse bag holder for holding refuse bags in an upright position comprises an adjustable support frame. The support frame comprises an upper rim, lower platform, and support columns which extend between, and connect, the upper rim and the lower platform. The lower platform comprises wheels on one end of the platform, and support legs on end opposite the heels. 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 comprises securing mechanisms for securing the bag in an open position within the upper rim. 
         [0009]    In one embodiment, the upper rim and lower platform are rectangular, and supported by four support columns, one at each corner, such that the support frame is in the shape of a rectangular space frame. The support columns are telescopic and comprise concentric segments which move relative to other segments to extend or is compress the length of the support column. Securing mechanisms such as spring clips are disposed on each side of the upper rim, and are oriented to receive the lip of the refuse bag and maintain the refuse bag in an open position. The handle extends from the upper rim and is adjustable in height by adjusting the support columns. The auxiliary storage unit may be disposed on the same side of the upper rim as the handle. 
         [0010]    Numerous other advantages and features of the present invention will be become readily apparent from the following detailed description of the invention and the embodiments thereof, from the claims and from the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]      FIG. 1  is an exploded view of one exemplary embodiment of the refuse bag holder. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of he refuse bag holder in an extended state. 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the refuse bag holder of  FIG. 2  in a collapsed state. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0014]    While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there are shown in the drawings, and will be described herein in detail, specific embodiments thereof with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated. 
         [0015]      FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the refuse bag holder. The refuse bag holder  10  comprises a support frame  20  for supporting a refuse bag (not shown) upright and within the area defined by the support frame  20 . Support frame  20  comprises an upper rim  30  and a lower platform  40 . Upper rim  30  and lower platform  40  are connected by support columns  50  which extend vertically between the upper rim and the lower platform  40 , A handle portion  60  extends from the upper rim  30 . A handle grip  65  is disposed over a portion of the handle to provide better grasp for the user. As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the upper rim  30  is in the shape of a rectangle. Securing mechanisms  80  are disposed on each side of the upper rim  30  for securing a refuse bag to the upper rim  30 . 
       Support Columns 
       [0016]    The support columns  50  are adjustable such that distance between the upper rim and the lower platform can be varied. In one embodiment, the adjustable support column ns comprise concentric telescoping segments nested within a larger segment. As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the support columns comprise three segments  50   a,    50   b  and  50   c  which are extended to their desired relative lengths and secured in position with nuts  51 . Other methods of providing adjustability to the support columns can also be used, such as providing a ratchet and release mechanism, or a plurality of engagement holes along the segments which can be interlocked with a protrusion into the holes. Any other suitable method for adjusting the height of the support columns can also be used. In one embodiment, the support columns may be extended from a collapsed length of 13.5 inches (33.75 cm) to 35.5 inches (88.75 cm) when extended. In the embodiment is shown in  FIG. 1 , the support columns are identical.  FIG. 2  illustrates one embodiment of the bag holder in an extended state,  FIG. 3  illustrates the bag holder of  FIG. 2  in the collapsed state. 
         [0017]    Support columns and nuts securing the support column segments in the desired position can be made from polypropylene. Other suitable materials can also be used to impart the desired strength and weight characteristics to the support columns, and to the components of the support frame. 
       Upper Rim 
       [0018]    The upper rim  30  is supported by the support columns  50 . The height of the upper rim  30  is adjustable by adjusting the extension of the support columns  50 . As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the upper rim  30  is rectangular shaped, such as a square. Any other suitable shapes for the upper rim can also be used. In the embodiment shown, the support columns  50  are connected to the upper rim  30  at each of the corners of the upper rim. The support columns may be connected to the upper rim by screws  52 , or by any other suitable mechanism such as a friction fitted cavity on the underside of the upper rim, or by any other suitable mechanical engagement. Any number of support columns can be used to support the upper rim. 
         [0019]    The corners of the upper rim may be rounded for safety. The upper rim is of a sufficient thickness to allow for securing mechanisms to be disposed along the other surface of the upper rim. The upper rim can be made out of any suitable material, such as a water resistant material and/or a material providing sufficient strength to support a refuse bag with refuse disposed within. The material can comprise materials that are lightweight yet sturdy. In one embodiment the upper rim is made of inflated polypropylene. The upper rim can be any suitable dimension for use with various sizes of refuse bags. In one embodiment the upper rim is 18.5 inches (46.25 cm) long, 15 inches (37.5 cm) wide, with 7/8 inch (2.19 cm) depth and 1⅛ inch (2.81 cm) thickness. A handle portion  60  extends from one side of the upper rim. The handle portion extends in a U-shaped protrusion to allow the user to place their hands around the base of the U. In other embodiments, the handle may be two independent protrusions which extend from the upper rim to allow a user to place a hand around each independent protrusion. Numerous other variations of a suitable handle can also be used. A handle grip  65  disposed about the handle can provide a cushioned support when a user grasps the handle portion  60 . The handle can comprise a foamed material such as polyurethane. Other suitable materials such as rubber, silicone, polyvinyl chloride, and the like, and a combination thereof, can also be used. 
       Securing Mechanisms 
       [0020]    The securing mechanisms  80  are disposed on each side of the upper rim  30  for securing a refuse bag. In one embodiment the securing mechanism is a spring clip which can be opened to receive a portion of the edge of the refuse bag. The spring clip, in its closed position is pressed against the side surface  30   a  of the upper rim. The spring dip grasps a portion of the edge of the refuse bag to maintain the bag open about the upper rim and to maintain the bag opening at the height of the upper rim. In one embodiment the spring clip comprises two plates which pivot about a hinge. The spring is coiled about the hinge and in its default position presses one plate against the is surface of the upper rim. To open the spring dip to receive a portion of the edge of the refuse bag, a user depresses on the opposite plate to exert a force against the spring. 
         [0021]    Any suitable number of securing mechanisms can be used. The number of securing mechanisms can depend on the shape of the upper rim. The securing mechanisms may be disposed near the middle of each side of the rectangular shaped upper rim  30  as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , or the securing mechanisms may be disposed on the corner. Securing mechanisms can also be disposed on any region of the upper rim. Securing mechanisms also can be disposed on the upper rim such that the position of the securing mechanism can be varied along the upper rim. Securing mechanisms can be evenly spaced apart, or can be disposed as needed to support the weight distribution of the bag depending on the size and shape of the contents. 
         [0022]    Other methods of providing a securing mechanism can also be used, such as a fitted rim cover to be disposed over the upper rim. Any other suitable way to maintain the refuse bag in an open and upright position within the upper rim can also be used. 
       Auxiliary Storage Unit 
       [0023]    In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , an auxiliary storage unit  70  is connected to the upper rim  30  below the handle  60 . The auxiliary storage unit  70  can be disposed anywhere along the rim. The auxiliary storage unit  70  can also be secured to the support columns  50  to prevent the auxiliary storage unit  70  from loosely hanging from the upper rim such as when the holder is tilted to move a filled refuse bag to a different location. The auxiliary storage unit  70  may be secured to the upper rim via screw, or may have an upper lip edge which engages with the upper rim such that the auxiliary storage unit can be hung from the rim. Any other suitable method for attaching is or removeably attaching the auxiliary storage unit to the upper rim can be used. 
         [0024]    The auxiliary storage unit may be in the form of a basket, such as a basket weaved from polyvinyl chloride cord. The auxiliary storage unit  70  may be made from any suitable material, such as a water resistant and/or flexible material. In other embodiments, the auxiliary storage unit  70  can be an enclosed container such that the contents of the container can be shielded from outdoor elements such as rain, snow, or dirt. The auxiliary storage unit can be any suitable size or shape. For example, the auxiliary storage unit can be a suitable size or shape for holding tools, such as tools related to yard work, or for holding additional refuse bags, and/or ties for the refuse bags. 
       Lower Platform 
       [0025]    Support columns  50  extend upwards from the lower platform  40 , In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the lower platform  40  is rectangular shaped to correspond with the shape of the upper rim  30 . The support columns  50  may be secured to the lower platform  40  via the use of a screw  53 , or other mechanical engagement mechanism suitable for securing the support column to the lower platform. The back side  40   b  of the lower platform comprises a pair of wheels  45  which rotate about an axle  47  journalled through the back side of the lower platform. The front side  40   a  of the lower platform comprises a pair of leveling supports  46  which allow the front side  40   a  of the lower platform  40  to be level with the back side  40   b  of the lower platform. Alternately, the leveling supports may be of a height and/or orientation which results in a front inclination of the lower platform  40  to facilitate the bag dismount by is virtue of gravity. 
         [0026]    In other embodiments, the leveling supports  46  may be of a height and/or orientation to allow a backwards inclination to facilitate the user in tilting the refuse bag holder backwards when the bag is full, to transport the bag holder on the back wheels. The wheels may extend from either side of the back side  40   b,  or the wheels may be disposed below the lower platform, Other suitable arrangements of the wheel can also be used, such as having wheels oriented in a triangular shape, or to correspond with the shape of the lower platform. More or fewer than two wheels can also be used. In one embodiment the wheels are six inches (15 cm) in diameter and the leveling supports are three inches (7.5 cm) in diameter. The wheels and leveling supports can also be any suitable size to provide the desired inclination of the lower platform. The wheels may be made from polypropylene or other suitable material, synthetic or natural, such as rubber. The leveling supports may be made from rubber or other suitable materials, synthetic or natural. 
         [0027]    In one embodiment, the leveling supports are secured to the lower platform by a threaded screw  48  which is also used to secure the lower segment  50   c  of the support column  50  to the lower platform  40 . 
         [0028]    The backside  40   h  of the lower platform can comprise a raised ledge  90  ( FIGS. 2 and 3 ) such that when the bag holder is tilted and is supported by the wheels, the bag is prevented from swinging backwards towards the user by the raised ledge. 
         [0029]    As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the lower platform may be perforated. The perforations  41  can be used to allow any buildup on the lower platform to be removed through the perforations, or can be used to provide a more lightweight lower platform while still is sufficiently supporting the weight of the refuse bag. The perforations  41  can also provide surface traction to minimize movement of the refuse bag on the lower platform. Instead of circular holes, the lower platform may also comprise elongated slots, or comprise of ridges. 
         [0030]    The various components of the refuse bag holder can be made from lightweight yet sturdy materials which allow the support frame to maintain its rigidity. The material can be resistant to outdoor elements. The various components such as the lower platform, support columns, upper rim, handle, handle grip, wheels, leveling supports and the auxiliary storage unit can be made of the same or different materials, such as polypropylene, polyethylene, or other synthetic or natural materials. 
         [0031]    The dimensions of the bag holder in its expanded state may be able to accommodate standard sized refuse bags which typically measure 16 inches (40 cm) by 12 inches (30 cm) by 35 inches (87.5 cm). The dimensions of the bag holder can also be adjusted to accommodate bags of different sizes and materials. If the bag is shorter in length, the height of the upper rim from the lower platform can be adjusted to lower the upper rim such that the bottom of the bag is supported on the lower platform. 
         [0032]    From the foregoing, it will be observed that numerous variations and modifications may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific apparatus illustrated herein is intended or should be inferred.