Abstract:
A device for holding a trash bag open while allowing a user to support and carry it with ease. The device comprises a rigid support frame and a plurality of clips that attach to, and hold open, a garbage bag. The support frame has a forearm support that extends from it, which the user secures to his or her forearm, along with a gripping handle that the user holds in his or her hand. The device keeps the bag open for easy trash placement thereinto. Alternatively, a netted, mesh bag can be used in place of the garbage bag to avoid waste associated with their disposal. The mesh bags can also serve as temporary storage space for items that will be later transferred to a larger storage receptacle. The device may also be attached to a user&#39;s belt with a clip for transport when not in use.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/392,768 filed on Oct. 13, 2010, entitled “Trash Hopper.” 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to a portable garbage bag holder, or in the alternative a utility hopper for use in collecting debris or for the temporary storage of harvested items. More specifically, the present invention concerns a portable utility hopper designed to reduce the amount of strain placed on the user&#39;s wrist while the user collects items within the hopper. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Prior Art 
         [0005]    Many activities that require a user to collect small quantities of an item typically require temporary storage during the collection process for later transportation to a larger storage receptacle. To illustrate, consider the process of trash collection. When in the home, users place their trash in small trash cans around the house, which are then collected and their contents emptied into a larger trash receptacle that is taken out of the home where a trash service may collect the colocated quantity of garbage. A small quantity of trash is collected in home waste baskets and is then transferred to a larger trash receptacle, which in turn is transferred to the trash vehicle. Many harvesting industries operate in the same general way. The process of harvesting requires an individual to pick the harvested item, and collect it. Later the harvested items are transferred to larger storage containers for transport. There are many examples of industries that operate in this fashion. 
         [0006]    A hopper is a temporary storage container for a bulk material such as harvested items, rocks or trash. While many hoppers are very large and stationary, as in mining or grain harvesting operations, hoppers can also be small and portable for used in applications such as berry harvesting, trash collecting or crabbing. Hoppers have also been suggested for use in trash collecting operations. A problem faced by many when collecting trash is the constant struggle to keep the trash bag open while depositing items therein. 
         [0007]    A number of different devices are patented that claim rigid frames for keeping a trash bag open. Several patents have been granted for devices that attempt to provide a means of keeping a trash bag open so the user no longer has to place strain on his or her body while in operation. Many of the prior art patents describe a device with a handle to make the device portable. Some devices attach to a belt, while others can be supported by a strap around the shoulder. These prior art devices have several known drawbacks. Many of the prior art devices have a handle incorporated into their design that requires a user to occupy one hand while holding onto the device. As the hopper is filled with collected items, the hopper becomes increasingly heavier, causing unnecessary strain on the user&#39;s wrist. No patents exist for a device that incorporates a forearm support with a strap for bearing the weight of the device along the length of a user&#39;s forearm. 
         [0008]    Included in the similar prior art are patents describing trash bag holders or utility hopper devices that hold a bag open so that a user can easily place items into the open bag. Several patents describe devices that have a frame for keeping the trash bag open that is attached to a handle. U.S. Pat. No. 3,733,099 to Szita describes such a device, wherein a triangular-shaped refuse bag support frame with a means of securing a refuse bag onto the triangular support frame is disclosed. The refuse bag is held open by the frame. The frame is attached to a handle which is used for manipulating the device. The handle, in conjunction with the triangular-shaped frame, can be adjusted to form a tri-pod-like stand to hold the refuse bag open and in an upright position so debris can be swept into the bag by a user. When the handle of the device is not in the stand position, the device requires a user to pick up the device by its handle. 
         [0009]    Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 4,012,067 to Travis describes a refuse collection device that comprises a hoop attached to an extendable handle. A refuse bag can be fastened, by a clamping means, to the hoop for the purpose of holding the bag open. The hoop has a D-shape configuration, with the extendable handle attached at the apex of the D curve. The attached handle has a telescopic construction and can be adjusted to an appropriate length based on the user&#39;s preferences and is designed to avoid the user having to stoop or bend over to pick up trash. The flat side of the D-shaped hoop can be placed against the ground so that debris can be swept into the attached trash bag easily. This device requires a user to pick up and carry the device by its handle. 
         [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,413,394 to Mitchell also describes a trash collecting device with a D-shaped hoop for keeping a trash bag open, attached to a handle. Similar to the Travis patent, the handle of the Mitchell device attaches at the apex of the D curve. The trash bag can be clamped to the D-shaped frame. The handle is connected to the D-shaped hoop by a rotating T-connector, which allows the user to adjust the angle of the handle in relation to the D-shaped hoop. The flat side of the D-shaped hoop can be placed against the ground so that debris can be swept into the attached trash bag. The Mitchell device also requires a user to hold and carry the device by its handle. 
         [0011]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,050,920 to Potticary describes a device having a trapezoid-shaped rim with an attached handle. A handle is attached to the shorter parallel side while an attached lip is located on the lower, longer parallel edge of the rim. The lip is designed to help facilitate the collection of garbage when swept into the device. A refuse bag can be attached to the rim by utilizing a system of hooks along the rim. The hooks allow the user to attach bags of various sizes to the device since the multitude of hooks available as a fastening means can be utilized according to how tightly the user prefers the bag to fit on the device. The size of the attached bag will determine how much trash a user can collect. The device is designed to prevent a user from bending over to collect trash. To use this device, a user holds the device by its handle with one hand and as weight is added to the trash bag, it will place additional stress on the user&#39;s wrist. 
         [0012]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,947,602 to Coxsey describes a trash collecting device with similar construction to the previously described prior art. A hoop that holds a trash bag open is attached to a short V-shaped handle. One leg of the V-shaped handle is a handle to be held by the user. The other leg of the V-shaped handle is placed within the attached trash bag to prevent the bag from collapsing. This device requires the user to hold the device by its handle, and offers no means of support for the user as the bag becomes heavier from the added trash. 
         [0013]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,020,751 to Larkin describes a refuse bag holding system where the refuse bag is attached to a holding ring by an attachment means. A plate is attached to the holding ring which is designed to fit into a mounting bracket which can be attached to various surfaces. The device may also be detached from the mounting bracket and used as a hand-held bag holder. The preferred embodiment of the device is used as a trash storage device at sporting venues such as stadiums. The device can be attached to the backside of stadium seats for use by stadium patrons. The Larkin patent also describes an embodiment similar to the previously mentioned patents that incorporate a handle. This alternative embodiment comprises a refuse bag support frame that is rectangular in shape, with a handle attached to one of the longer sides of the support frame rectangle. A user can easily sweep debris or trash into the device, as the design of the device alleviates the need for a user to bend over and pick up trash. This particular embodiment of the device requires a user to hold the device by its handle and provides no support for the user&#39;s wrist. 
         [0014]    Collectively, the previously mentioned prior art patents (U.S. Pat. No. 3,733,099 to Szita, U.S. Pat. No. 4,012,067 to Travis, U.S. Pat. No. 5,050,920 to Potticary, U.S. Pat. No. 5,413,394 to Mitchell, U.S. Pat. No. 5,947,602 to Coxsey and U.S. Pat. No. 5,020,751 to Larkin) all share a similar design flaw. Each device requires that a user hold the device by its handle in order to manipulate the device. The disadvantage of this design is that the user must bear the entire weight of the device at the wrist joint as the user picks up and/or carries the device with his or her hand. The present invention straps to the user&#39;s forearm, which eases the stress exerted on the user&#39;s wrist since the forearm is bearing a majority of the weight of the device when trash is collected in it. Another beneficial feature of the present invention is that the user may attach the device to a belt clip, leaving the user&#39;s hands and arms completely free. When attached to the belt clip, the user&#39;s body bears the weight of the device as trash is collected and placed into the attached bag. 
         [0015]    Other patents have issued for trash holders that do not utilize a handle in their design. U.S. Pat. No. 6,604,717 to Stanfield describes a bag holder that has no handle. Instead, a user carries the device by pressing the hoop support frame of the device against their body with one hand. The edges of a trash bag are secured to the hoop support frame by a series of clamps, and the attached trash bag hangs close to the body of the user. This device exhibits the same disadvantage as the devices that incorporate a handle. While the user&#39;s body could support a majority of the weight of the device when it is in use, if the user were to pull the device away from their body—for example to set the device down—the user must bear the weight of the device with their wrist as they move the device way from their body. 
         [0016]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,086,022 to Dalton describes an over-the-shoulder trash receptacle. The device has a ring support frame which the trash bag is attached to so that the trash bag stays open during use. The ring support frame is a pair of rings, wherein one snaps into the other. The edges of the trash bag are clamped in between the two rings when they are snapped together. A shoulder strap is attached to the ring support frame, allowing for a user to carry the device while keeping the user&#39;s hands free. This device has some disadvantages. For example, as the user adds weight to the trash bag, the weight of shoulder bag may become very heavy, or the added weight may cause the bag to shift as the user bends over to pick up trash. Unless the user is stabilizing the device with one hand, the shift in weight as the user bends over could disrupt the user&#39;s balance, or cause strain on the user&#39;s shoulder. The present invention aims to alleviate the unnecessary strain placed on the user&#39;s shoulder by providing a device that straps to the user&#39;s forearm, causing the user&#39;s forearm to help bear the weight of the device as trash is collected in it. 
         [0017]    The present invention substantially diverges in design elements from the prior art and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to existing utility hopper devices. There is a need to reduce the amount of stress that is placed on a user&#39;s wrist when using a utility hopper device for collecting items. In this regard the instant invention substantially fulfills this need. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0018]    In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of trash holders and utility hoppers now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new means of securing the hopper device to a user&#39;s forearm that provides support for the user&#39;s wrist. The present invention can be utilized for providing convenience for the user in a variety of activities including, but not limited to, trash collecting and various types of harvesting applications. The device serves as a portable, temporary storage container for collected items, which at some later point in time will be transferred to a larger storage receptacle. 
         [0019]    It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved utility hopper that has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages. 
         [0020]    Another object of the present invention to provide a means of reducing the stress placed on the user&#39;s wrist while using a utility hopper device by supporting the additional weight of the collected items via a forearm support and strapping device attachable to the user&#39;s forearm. 
         [0021]    Another object of the present invention is to provide utility for activities related to item collection, harvesting, carrying and trash collection. 
         [0022]    Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0023]    Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout. 
           [0024]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the supporting frame of the present invention without a bag or receptacle attached thereto. 
           [0025]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the present invention fitted with a mesh bag and attachment clips. 
           [0026]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the present invention fitted with a mesh bag and in a working position, attached to the forearm of a user. 
           [0027]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the present invention fitted with a garbage bag and attached to a user&#39;s belt. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0028]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , there is shown a perspective view of the supporting frame  11  of the present invention without a bag attached thereto. The supporting frame  11  is comprised of a strong, rigid material that can support the weight of the collected items stored in a receptacle attached thereto without significant deflection. The device comprises a forearm support  14  that is strapped to a user&#39;s forearm in order to bear the weight of the device as items are collected and added thereto. An upstanding gripping handle  12  is located on the forearm support  14  near the bag support loop. The user grips the gripping handle  12  and holds the device flush with their forearm while securing the arm strap  13  tightly, but comfortably, around the circumference of the forearm. The straps  13  can be fastened around the user&#39;s arm by an attachment means, which includes, but is not limited to: snaps, hook and loop fasteners or a buckle, to ensure that the device remains securely fastened around the user&#39;s forearm. 
         [0029]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , there is shown a perspective view of the present invention fitted with a mesh bag  16 . By strapping the device to a user&#39;s forearm, the device serves as an extension of the user&#39;s arm and a means to distribute the weight of the items placed within the mesh bag along the length of the forearm, as opposed to placing undue strain on the wrist joint during operation. Use of the gripping handle  12  provides the user with added stability and control when manipulating the device. The gripping handle  12  can be wrapped in a cushioning material, such as foam or rubber, for maximum comfort. Use of a mesh bag  16  is depicted here. Bags made of other materials may also be used if desired by the user, including trash bags, canvas bags or any similar containment article that is attachable to the rim of the supporting frame  11 . The bag  16  is preferably attached to the supporting frame  11  with a set of spring-loaded clips  15 . The clips  15  are evenly spaced along the perimeter of the supporting frame  11  to prevent dislocation or high stress areas. As weight is added to the attached bag  16 , strain will be exerted on the bag at the points where the bag  16  is connected to the supporting frame  11 , and in particular those areas connected by the clips  15 . Even spacing of the attachment clips  15  will ensure that the attached bag  16  remains open while in use and that the bag  16  does not tear or rip. If desired, an alternative means may be employed to connect the bag around the perimeter of the frame  11 , including folding the opening of the bag around the frame rim or using another attachment article to secure the bag thereto. 
         [0030]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , there is shown a perspective view of the present invention in a working position, wherein the device has been strapped to the arm of a user  17 . The device can be strapped to either the right or left forearm. During typical use, the user  17  either places collected items into the bag  16  attached to the device, or a user  17  captures loose or falling items within the bag  16 , which is likely to occur when harvesting fruit from a tree or scooping fish, crabs or shrimp from a body of water. The items are placed in the attached bag  16  for temporary storage until the collected items can be transferred into a larger storage receptacle. 
         [0031]    Referring now to  FIG. 4 , there is shown a perspective view of the present invention, wherein the user  17  has secured the device to his belt  17  via an attachment clip  18 . This is a useful embodiment of the device as it leaves the user&#39;s  17  arms and hands completely free. A user  17  can attach a trash bag  16  to the device using clips  15  to fasten the bag  16  to the supporting frame  11  and use the device for article collection purposes. The device is easily detachable from the user&#39;s belt  17  if desired, or the device can be kept in this position while depositing items therein. To release the device so it can be used, a user  17  manipulates the belt clip  18  into an open position, freeing the rim of the frame from the clip and his belt. Rather than bending over to pick up an article, a user  17  can detach the device from the belt clip  18 , scoop up the item and then reattach the device to the belt clip  18 . The belt clip  18  has two configurations with respect to the user&#39;s belt. The first configuration orients the device in an upright and functional mode as depicted here in  FIG. 4 . The supporting frame  11  extends outward from the user&#39;s body  17  and the trash bag  16  dangles out of the bottom of the device, ready to receive collected items. The second configuration allows the user  17  to carry the empty device when it is not in use by attaching it to the user&#39;s belt  17  while device hangs along the side of the user&#39;s body  17  so as to not to interfere with his activities, such as walking or otherwise moving position. 
         [0032]    When used by an individual, the user can attach a trash bag to the supporting frame by pinching the bag with the attachment clips that are evenly spaced along the supporting frame. The user can then grip the device by the gripping handle and hold the device against their forearm while securing the arm strap. The straps should be secure, but not overly tight as to cut off the circulation of blood flow to the user&#39;s lower arm. Once the device is in place, the device serves as an improved structure for supporting the weight of collected items, or as an extension of the user&#39;s arm. The device can be used to scoop up trash, collect harvest items or capture fish, crabs or shrimp. 
         [0033]    Another embodiment of the present invention involves the use of a mesh bag in place of a garbage bag. A mesh bag utility hopper can be used for storing harvested items temporarily until they can be transported to a larger storage container. This embodiment of the invention is very useful in agricultural harvesting applications. For example, if a user were attempting to gather peaches hanging in a peach tree, the user would fasten the device to their forearm and reach with the device to jostle the hanging fruit, with the goal being to catch the fruit in the mesh bag as it falls from the tree. If a peach is ripe for picking, but will not detach from the tree, the user will find the use of the gripping handle to be highly advantageous as it provides the user with additional control and improved dexterity over devices which do not act as an extension of the user&#39;s arm. With improved control, the user will be better able to manipulate the device and capture the desired peach. The user may also use a secondary tool to collect the items, such as a picker or trash picker, and deposit the items into the device after initial collection. 
         [0034]    Other uses for the mesh bag embodiment of the device could include fishing and crabbing applications. Fishermen and bait dealers may use the device as one would use a net to scoop fish out of the water. Crabbers could also use the device to scoop crabs that have been lured into a crab trap. The advantage of this device is that a user does not have to extract the caught fish or crabs from the mesh bag as one would have to do when using a net. Instead, the user could simply unclip the mesh bag while keeping the caught fish or crabs inside. 
         [0035]    The design of the device is such that the frame will not deflect or twist while supporting the load of collected items, while the forearm section and handle provided improved means of distributing this weight on a user&#39;s arm. Strain on the user is reduced, as the weight is distributed over the length of the forearm, as opposed to the wrist joint, which can tire and cause injury if overloaded. The device further provides an extension of the user&#39;s arm if desired by the user, which is helpful for reaching items or collecting items from an extended position. Overall, the device improves user safety and provides a high degree of novelty with respect to the collection or harvesting of items that are manually collected or picked. 
         [0036]    To this point, the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. 
         [0037]    Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.