Patent Publication Number: US-2022234820-A1

Title: Collapsible yard refuse bag stand

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application claims priority to, and the benefit of, co-pending United States Provisional Application 63/141,246, filed Jan. 25, 2021, for all subject matter common to both applications. The disclosure of said provisional application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to the clean-up and storage of yard refuse. In particular, the present invention relates to a collapsible yard refuse bag stand suitable for maintaining yard refuse bags in an upright and operable position to receive yard refuse. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Generally, yard refuse, such as leaves, grass clippings, weeds, brush, or trimmings are collected and put into piles or transferred into containers for disposal or collection. Many municipalities have implemented the use and collection of yard refuse bags for this purpose. Such yard refuse bags are typically large paper bags designed to be filled with yard refuse for easier transportation, collection, and disposal/removal of the yard refuse. 
     However, the use of such yard refuse bags experiences some shortcomings. Filling such yard refuse bags is typically a two-person job with one person holding the bag in an open and upright operable position while the other person transfers collected yard refuse into the bag. Without someone holding the yard bag in an upright and open operable position, the yard refuse bags tend to close, collapse, or fall over while they are being filled.  
     SUMMARY 
     There is a need for a solution to keep yard refuse bags in an open and upright operable position while depositing yard refuse in the yard refuse bag such that the task can be performed by a single individual because a second individual is not required to hold the yard refuse bag in the open and upright operable position. The present invention is directed toward further solutions to address this need, in addition to having other desirable characteristics. 
     In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a collapsible yard refuse bag stand is provided. The collapsible yard refuse bag stand includes a frame and a feeder guide. 
     The frame has a collapsed configuration and a deployed configuration. The deployed configuration is configured, sized, and dimensioned to support one or more yard refuse bags in an upright and open position. The frame includes a plurality of legs and a collapsible truss. Each leg of the plurality of legs has an upper end and a lower end. The collapsible truss is connected to each of the legs. The collapsible truss includes at least four sides. Each side is formed of a scissor linkage. 
     The feeder guide is configured, sized, and dimensioned to fit over the truss in the deployed configuration. The feeder guide includes one or more chutes that are configured, sized, and dimensioned to extend downward from the frame on a same side of the frame as the plurality of legs. When the one or more yard refuse bags are placed in an upright position under the one or more chutes, each of the one or more chutes supports a yard refuse bag of the one or more yard refuse bags in an upright and open position in such a way that any yard refuse placed through the feeder guide is directed via gravitational force through the one or more chutes into one of the one or more yard refuse bags. 
     In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, one of the chutes that extends downward extend into one of the yard refuse bags serves as a guide holding the yard refuse bag in place aligned under the chute.  
     In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the lower ends of the plurality of legs further include adjustable extensions enabling adjustment of a length of the plurality of legs. 
     In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the feeder guide is formed of fabric. In some such aspects, the fabric comprises reinforced canvas. 
     In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the frame is generally formed of aluminum. 
     In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the one or more chutes are each 20.5 inches long in the downward direction. 
     In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the one or more chutes comprise two chutes. In some aspects, the one or more chutes comprise four chutes. 
     In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, each of the one or more chutes is sized and dimensioned to receive and support a conventional thirty (30) gallon yard refuse bag. 
     In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, one or more chutes further includes one or more securing means for securing the one or more yard refuse bags in an upright position under the one or more chutes. 
     In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, each scissor linkage of the truss includes a first link, a second link, a third link, and a fourth link. The first link has a first end and a second end. The first end of the first link is pivotably coupled to an upper end of a leg of the plurality of legs. The second link also has a first end and a second end. The first end of the second link is slidably coupled to the leg of the plurality of legs to which the first link is pivotably coupled. The first link and second link are pivotably coupled together in a scissor configuration. The third link has a first end and a second end. The first end of the third link is pivotably coupled to an upper end of an adjacent leg of the plurality of legs and the second end of the third link is pivotably coupled to the second end of the first link.  The fourth link also has a first end and a second end. The first end of the fourth link is slidably coupled to the adjacent leg of the plurality of legs to which the third link is pivotably coupled and the second end of the fourth link is pivotably linked to the second end of the second link. The third link and fourth link are pivotably coupled together in a scissor configuration. The scissor configuration of the first link and second link and the scissor configuration of the third link and the fourth link operate in conjunction with the pivotable coupling of the first link to the third link and the pivotable coupling of the second link to the fourth link so as to transition from a collapsed configuration to a deployed configuration. 
     In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a method of collecting yard refuse is provided. The method involves deploying a deploying a collapsible yard refuse bag stand as set forth herein, providing one or more yard refuse bags in an upright and open position within the deployed collapsible yard refuse bag stand, and placing collected yard refuse through the feeder guide of the deployed collapsible yard refuse bag stand. The yard refuse falls via gravitational force through the one or more chutes into the one of the one or more yard refuse bags supported in an upright and open position by the frame. 
     In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the collapsible yard refuse bag stand further includes one or more securing means on the one or more chutes for securing one or more yard refuse bags in an upright position under the one or more chutes. 
     In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the method further involves removing the one or more yard refuse bags from the collapsible yard refuse bag stand when the one or more yard refuse bags are full. In some such aspects, the method further involves collapsing the collapsible yard refuse bag stand retracting the scissor linkage of each side of the collapsible truss, and retracting the plurality of legs. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       These and other characteristics of the present invention will be more fully understood by reference to the following detailed description in conjunction with the attached drawings, in which:  
         FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a collapsible yard refuse bag stand in a deployed configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded isometric view of the collapsible yard refuse bag stand in a deployed configuration; 
         FIG. 3  is an isometric view of a frame of the collapsible yard refuse bag stand in a collapsed configuration; 
         FIG. 4  is an isometric view of the frame of the collapsible yard refuse bag stand in a deployed configuration; 
         FIG. 5  depicts an isometric view and a front view of a feeder guide of the collapsible yard refuse bag stand; 
         FIG. 6  depicts the frame of the collapsible yard refuse bag stand in a deployed configuration holding yard refuse bags in an open and upright operable position in accordance with aspects of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  depicts the collapsible yard refuse bag stand in a deployed configuration holding yard refuse bags in an open and upright operable position; 
         FIG. 8  is a close-up view of a chute of a feeder guide of the collapsible yard refuse bag stand in a deployed configuration holding yard refuse bags in the open and upright operable position; and 
         FIG. 9  depicts a flow diagram of a methodology of collecting yard refuse using a collapsible yard refuse bag stand in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     An illustrative embodiment of the present invention relates to a collapsible yard refuse bag stand for use with one or more yard refuse bags. In a deployed configuration the collapsible yard refuse bag stand can hold one or more yard refuse bags in an open and upright operable position suitable for the depositing of yard refuse into the one or more yard refuse bags, thereby allowing for easier management or handling of yard refuse bags by an individual. The collapsible yard refuse bag stand can be collapsed for easier transportation and storage when not in use.  
       FIGS. 1 through 9 , wherein like parts are designated by like reference numerals throughout, illustrate an example embodiment or embodiments of a collapsible refuse bag stand and method of use, according to the present invention. Although the present invention will be described with reference to the example embodiment or embodiments illustrated in the figures, it should be understood that many alternative forms can embody the present invention. One of skill in the art will additionally appreciate different ways to alter the parameters of the embodiment(s) disclosed, such as the size, shape, or type of elements or materials, in a manner still in keeping with the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
       FIG. 1  depicts an embodiment of collapsible yard refuse bag stand  100  in a deployed configuration.  FIG. 2  shows an exploded view of a deployed collapsible yard refuse bag stand  100  in accordance with an embodiment. The collapsible yard refuse bag stand  100  comprises a frame  102  and a feeder guide  104 . 
     The frame  102  has a collapsed configuration as seen in  FIG. 3  and a deployed configuration as seen in  FIG. 4 . In the deployed configuration, the frame  102  is configured, sized, and dimensioned to support one or more yard refuse bags in an open and upright operable position. The frame  102  includes a plurality of legs  106  and a collapsible truss  108 . In certain embodiments, the frame  102  or its components, are formed of metal, such as aluminum. Other possible materials will be apparent to one skilled in the art given the benefit of this disclosure. 
     Each leg  106  has an upper end  110  and a lower end  112 . In some embodiments, the lower ends  112  of the plurality of legs  106  further comprise adjustable extensions  114  enabling adjustment of a length of the plurality of legs  106  and a resulting height of the collapsible yard refuse bag stand  100 . 
     The collapsible truss  108  is connected to each of the legs  106 , with the collapsible truss  108  comprising at least four sides. Each side of the collapsible truss  108  is formed of a scissor linkage  116 . In certain embodiments, each scissor linkage  116  of the truss  108  comprises a series of links coupled together. Other possible configurations will be apparent to one skilled in the art given the benefit of this disclosure.  
     In the embodiment depicted, a first link  118  has a first end  120  and a second end  122 . The first end  120  is pivotably coupled to an upper end  110  of a leg  106  of the plurality of legs. In certain embodiments, the first end  120  is pivotably coupled to the upper end  110  via a hinge  124  where the first link  118  pivots around a pin, in this case a bolt  126  having washers  128  secured with a locknut  130 . Other suitable couplings will be apparent to one skilled in the art given the benefit of this disclosure. 
     A second link  132  has a first end  134  and a second end  136 . The first end  134  is slidably coupled to the leg  106  of the plurality of legs to which the first link  118  is pivotably coupled. In certain embodiments, the first end  134  is pivotably coupled to a sliding hinge assembly  138  where the sliding hinge assembly  138  is configured to slide along the length of the leg  106  from upper end  110  to the lower end  112  while the second link  132  pivots around a pin, in this case a bolt  126  with washers  128  secured by a locknut  130 . Other suitable couplings will be apparent to one skilled in the art given the benefit of this disclosure. 
     The first link  118  and second link  132  are pivotably coupled together in a scissor configuration. In certain embodiments, such as depicted, the first link  118  and second link  132  are pivotably coupled by a pin, in this case a bolt  140  with washer  128  secured by a locknut  130  at around a midpoint of the first link  118  and second link  132  located between the first end  120  and the second end  122  for the first link  118  and between the first end  134  and the second end  136  of the second link  132 . In some such embodiments, a washer or spacer  142  is provided between the first link  118  and second link  132  at the coupling. Other suitable couplings will be apparent to one skilled in the art given the benefit of this disclosure. 
     The third link  144  has a first end  146  and a second end  148 , wherein the first end  146  is pivotably coupled to an upper end  110  of an adjacent leg  106  of the plurality of legs and the second end  148  is pivotably coupled to the second end  122  of the first link  118 . In certain embodiments, the first end  146  is pivotably coupled to the upper end  110  via a hinge  150  where the first link  118  pivots around a pin, in this case a bolt  126  having washers  128  secured with a locknut  130 . In certain embodiments, the second end  122  of the first link  118  and the second end  148  of the third link  144  are pivotably coupled by a pin, in this case bolt  140  with washer  128  secured by a locknut  130 . In some such embodiments, a spacer  142  is  provided between the first link  118  and third link  144  at the coupling. Other suitable couplings will be apparent to one skilled in the art given the benefit of this disclosure. 
     The fourth link  152  has a first end  154  and a second end  156 , wherein the first end  154  is slidably coupled to the adjacent leg  106  of the plurality of legs to which the third link  144  is pivotably coupled and the second end  156  is pivotably linked to the second end  136  of the second link  132 . In certain embodiments, the first end  134  is pivotably coupled to a sliding hinge assembly  138  where the sliding hinge assembly  138  is configured to slide along the length of the leg  106  from upper end  110  to the lower end  112  while the fourth link  152  pivots around a pin, in this case a bolt  126  with washers  128  secured by a locknut  130 . In certain embodiments, the second end  136  of the second link  132  and the second end  156  of the fourth link  152  are pivotably coupled by a pin, in this case a bolt  140  with washer  128  secured by a locknut  130 . In some such embodiments, a spacer  142  is provided between the second link  132  and fourth link  152  at the coupling. Other suitable couplings will be apparent to one skilled in the art given the benefit of this disclosure. 
     The third link  144  and fourth link  152  are pivotably coupled together in a scissor configuration. In certain embodiments, such as depicted, the third link  144  and fourth link  152  are pivotably coupled by a pin, in this case bolt  140  with washer  128  secured by a locknut  130  at around a midpoint of the third link  144  and fourth link  152  located between the first end  146  and the second end  148  for the third link  144  and between the first end  154  and the second end  156  of the fourth link  152 . In some such embodiments, a washer or spacer  142  is provided between the first link  118  and second link  132  at the coupling. Other suitable couplings will be apparent to one skilled in the art given the benefit of this disclosure. 
     The scissor configuration of the first link  118  and second link  132  and the scissor configuration of the third link  144  and the fourth link  152  work in conjunction with the pivotable coupling of the first link  118  to the third link  144  and the pivotable coupling of the second link  132  to the fourth link  152  so as to transition from a collapsed configuration to a deployed configuration. 
       FIG. 3  depicts the frame  102  in a collapsed configuration. As can be seen, as the legs  106  are moved together, the individual links of the scissor linkage  116  on each side of  the collapsible truss  108  move in relation to each other with the sliding hinge assembly  138  on each leg  106  sliding from the upper end  110  to the lower end  112  allowing the truss  108  to collapse. In certain embodiments, the adjustable extensions  114  are retracted into the legs  106  in the collapsed configuration. 
       FIG. 4  depicts the frame  102  in a deployed configuration. As can be seen, as the legs  106  are moved apart the individual links of the scissor linkage  116  on each side of the collapsible truss  108  move in relation to each other with the sliding hinge assembly  138  on each leg  106  sliding from the lower end  112  to the upper end  110  allowing the truss  108  to expand. In certain embodiments, the adjustable extensions  114  are extended from the legs  106  in the deployed configuration. 
       FIG. 5  depicts various views of the feeder guide  104  as seen in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2  in isolation. The feeder guide  104  and is configured, sized, and dimensioned to fit over the truss  108  in the deployed configuration as seen in  FIG. 4 . In certain embodiments, the feeder guide  104  is formed of fabric. In some such embodiments, the feeder guide  104  is formed of reinforced canvas. 
     The feeder guide  104  includes one or more chutes  160 . The one or more chutes  160  are configured, sized, and dimensioned to extend downward from the frame  102  on a same side of the frame  102  as the plurality of legs  106 . There can be any number of chutes  160 . In some embodiments, there are two chutes of the one or more chutes  160 . In other embodiments, there are four chutes of the one or more chutes  160 . In certain embodiments, one of the chutes  160  that extends downward extends into a yard refuse bag and serves as a guide holding the yard refuse bag in place aligned under each of the one or more chutes  160 . In some embodiments, the one or more chutes  160  further include one or more securing means  162  such as tabs, clips, or other securing means. The securing means  162  serve to secure a yard refuse bag in place around a chute  160  in an upright position. In some such embodiments, the securing means  162  can be used to secure lawn refuse bags that would ordinarily not be able to stand in open upright position around the chute  160 . For example, a conventional plastic trash bag could be used as a yard refuse back with the securing means  162  holding the trash back in place around the chute  160 .  
     In some embodiments, the one or more chutes  160  are each 20.5 inches long in the downward direction. In some such embodiments, each of the one or more chutes  160  is sized and dimensioned to receive and support a conventional thirty (30) gallon paper yard refuse bag. In embodiments with securing means  162 , thirty (30) gallon trash bags could also be used. Overall dimensions of the various components of the collapsible yard refuse bag stand  100  described herein are appropriately sized and dimensioned to correspond to supporting four conventional thirty (30) gallon yard refuse bags as depicted and as would be readily understood by those of skill in the art, such that additional dimensional ranges are not necessary for this disclosure. 
     When one or more yard refuse bags  164  are placed in an upright position under the one or more chutes  160 , each of the one or more chutes  160  supports one yard refuse bag of the one or more yard refuse bags  164  in an upright and open position in such a way that any yard refuse placed through the feeder guide  104  is directed via gravitational force through the one or more chutes  160  into one of the one or more yard refuse bags  164 . In embodiments having securing means  162 , the securing means  162  can further be used to secure the one or more yard refuse bags  164  in an upright and open position around the chute  160 . 
       FIG. 6  depicts an example embodiment where multiple yard refuse bags  164  are deployed within a deployed frame  102  of the bag stand  100 . In this embodiment, four of the one or more yard refuse bags  164 , in this case conventional paper yard refuse bags, are in an upright and open position within the frame  102 . It should be understood that the stand can be configured, sized, and dimensioned to accommodate any number of bags  164 . 
       FIG. 7  depicts the deployed frame  102  and the one or more yard refuse bags  164  of  FIG. 6  where the feeder guide  104  has been fitted over the truss  108  framework of the frame  102  structure with the chutes  160  of the feeder guide  104  extending down into each of the one or more yard refuse bags  164  supporting the yard refuse bags in an upright and open position. A close-up view of the chute  160  extending into a yard refuse bag  164  of the one or more yard refuse bags  164  can be seen in  FIG. 8 .  
       FIG. 9  is a flow diagram  200  of a methodology for collecting yard refuse using the collapsible yard refuse bag stand  100  of the present invention in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The first step is deploying the yard refuse bag stand (Step  202 ). The yard refuse bag stand  100  can be seen in various stages of deployment in  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 3 , and  FIG. 4 . Next, the one or more yard refuse bags  164  are inserted into the stand  100  (Step  204 ). Examples of this can be seen in  FIGS. 6-8 . In embodiments having one or more securing means  162  on the one or more chutes  160 , the one or more securing means  162  can be used to secure the one or more yard refuse bags  164  in an upright and open position. Once the one or more yard refuse bags  164  are installed (and optionally secured using securing means  162 ), yard refuse can be placed upon the feeder guide  104  of the stand  100  wherein yard refuse placed onto and through the feeder guide  104  is directed via gravitational force through the one or more chutes  160  into one of the one or more yard refuse bags  164  (Step  206 ). In certain embodiments, when one of the one or more yard refuse bags  164  is full, the bag can be removed and/or replaced with a new yard refuse bag  164  (Step  208 ). In some embodiments, when a user is finished using the yard refuse bag stand  100 , the stand  100  can be collapsed for transportation and storage (Step  210 ). 
     The present invention provided a collapsible yard refuse bag stand  100  that is easy to deploy or collapse. In a deployed configuration the collapsible yard refuse bag stand  100  can hold one or more bags in an upright and open positions for the depositing of yard refuse in the one or more bags allowing for easier use of yard refuse bags by a single individual. The collapsible yard refuse bag stand can be collapsed for easier transportation and storage when not in use. 
     As utilized herein, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” are intended to be construed as being inclusive, not exclusive. As utilized herein, the terms “exemplary”, “example”, and “illustrative”, are intended to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration” and should not be construed as indicating, or not indicating, a preferred or advantageous configuration relative to other configurations. As utilized herein, the terms “about”, “generally”, and “approximately” are intended to cover variations that may existing in the upper and lower limits of the ranges of subjective or objective values, such as variations in properties, parameters, sizes, and dimensions. In one non-limiting example, the terms “about”, “generally”, and “approximately” mean at, or plus 10 percent or less, or minus  10 percent or less. In one non-limiting example, the terms “about”, “generally”, and “approximately” mean sufficiently close to be deemed by one of skill in the art in the relevant field to be included. As utilized herein, the term “substantially” refers to the complete or nearly complete extent or degree of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result, as would be appreciated by one of skill in the art. For example, an object that is “substantially” circular would mean that the object is either completely a circle to mathematically determinable limits, or nearly a circle as would be recognized or understood by one of skill in the art. The exact allowable degree of deviation from absolute completeness may in some instances depend on the specific context. However, in general, the nearness of completion will be so as to have the same overall result as if absolute and total completion were achieved or obtained. The use of “substantially” is equally applicable when utilized in a negative connotation to refer to the complete or near-complete lack of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result, as would be appreciated by one of skill in the art. 
     Numerous modifications and alternative embodiments of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the foregoing description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the best mode for carrying out the present invention. Details of the structure may vary substantially without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and exclusive use of all modifications that come within the scope of the appended claims is reserved. Within this specification embodiments have been described in a way which enables a clear and concise specification to be written, but it is intended and will be appreciated that embodiments may be variously combined or separated without parting from the invention. It is intended that the present invention be limited only to the extent required by the appended claims and the applicable rules of law. 
     It is also to be understood that the following claims are to cover all generic and specific features of the invention described herein, and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.