Support device for receiving a refuse sack

Abstract

There is provided a support device (10) comprising a peripheral region (14), in the form of a closed loop and arranged to receive a receptacle, such as a synthetic plastics bag or refuse sack; a lid (12) being hinged to said peripheral region (14) and arranged to close over said region (14) when desired; at least one clip adapted to engage with the peripheral region (14) so as to retain the receptacle in a position; and a handle (16) for carrying the support device (10).

Description

BACKGROUND [0001]The present invention relates to a support device, and more particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a support device for use for Supporting flexible containers, receptacles or other items.[0002]One example of a flexible container or receptacle is a synthetic plastics bin liner for use with collecting garbage or litter. Typically these flexible containers or receptacles or bin liners are used for collection of and storage of litter or garbage.PRIOR ART [0003]Examples of existing support devices, for use with the aforementioned bin liners or plastic bags, are wall-mounted devices, which typically comprise a rigid frame, which is usually formed from metal. The frame of the aforementioned support device is usually in the form of a circular support and has a lid. Typically the lid is rubber and arranged to close around a peripheral rim of the metal support. A rack or clamp connects the support device to a wall.[0004]These wall mounted support ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0024]Ideally the handle is dimensioned and arranged to enable a user to maintain the sack in an open state and for a user to carry the sack in an ergonomically comfortable so as to enable a user to collect refuse and reduce the of repetitive strain injury on a users arm or wrist because the offset angle at which the handle is formed.

[0042]Means may be provided to attach a shoulder strap to the device, thereby enabling a user to have both hands free, to temporarily use both hands or to alternate hands.

Problems solved by technology

These wall mounted support devices are usually large, permanent and can be cumbersome.

Another problem with the aforementioned support device is that, due to the irregular nature of the strips or clips that are used to support the flexible containers or receptacles, tearing of the flexible containers or receptacles has often resulted.

However, a disadvantage of this has been that the heavier gauge bin bags are more expensive and less environmentally friendly.

Such litter collection schemes are labour intensive and therefore costly to undertake.

In such regions it is difficult for a machine to undertake the cleaning and therefore again hand litter collectors are used in order to cleanse an area.

This has resulted in difficulties in opening the bag.

Such difficulties are more pronounced, for example when in windy conditions, and especially when the bag is empty and there is nothing in the bag to assist in pulling apart wet plastic surfaces.

A problem solved by this device is that of providing an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of holding a bag open so that the user can easily place objects inside the bag.

However the device is equipped with two handles for secure double-handed carrying, and this inhibits the use of the device by a user on the move.

In addition thinner refuse sacks that are sandwiched between the upper and lower lids tend to slide out from between the two ring members.

The octagonal profile specified provides a stable, sturdy and robust means for stiffening a bag, but as a result of corners, this form is likely to tear the refuse sack or bag as a result of stress concentration at the corners.

These levers have the potential to compromise the bag in outside conditions of gusting wind which would tend to tear thinner gauge refuse sacks.

The two sections of the apparatus are seen to be substantially similar, with further latching means on one section, and the addition of a lid would clearly create a weighty and unwieldy apparatus of three major sections.

The apparatus however militates heavily against effective mobile use, against the combination of manoeuvrability, and easy usability and carriage that is needed for the device to be of any use to litter collectors.

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