Utility Hopper

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'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'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 ar...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0020]Another object of the present invention to provide a means of reducing the stress placed on the user'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's forearm.

[0021]Another object of the present invention is to provide utility for activities related to item collection, harvesting, carrying and trash collection.

Problems solved by technology

A problem faced by many when collecting trash is the constant struggle to keep the trash bag open while depositing items therein.

As the hopper is filled with collected items, the hopper becomes increasingly heavier, causing unnecessary strain on the user'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's forearm.

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.

This particular embodiment of the device requires a user to hold the device by its handle and provides no support for the user's wrist.

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.

This device exhibits the same disadvantage as the devices that incorporate a handle.

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's balance, or cause strain on the user's shoulder.

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