Bag Holder and Waste Bin Incorporating Snaps to Lock Bag Open

Abstract

One common problem when doing trash clean up is that the mouths of thin (often plastic) bags have a tendency to collapse when carried by hand. This collapse closes the mouth of the bag, making it difficult to place material inside. The invention comprises a frame that the bag is installed over. Attached to the frame are flaps connected to the frame via living hinges. On each flap are snaps that have corresponding matched mating parts on the frame itself. When the flaps are closed, the matched mating parts interface in such a way as to snap closed, locking the bag open securely between the flaps and frame. When built into the top of a waste bin, the invention prevents the sides of the bag from falling into the bin.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of an incorporates herein by reference U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 639,945, filed Apr. 29, 2012.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]One common problem when doing any type of trash or recycling clean up is that the mouths of thin (often plastic) bags have a tendency to collapse when carried by hand. This collapse closes the mouth of the bag, making it difficult to place objects or material inside. This is a particular problem when there is any kind of wind. It often requires the person doing the cleanup to stop and open the bag or have a second person hold the mouth of the bag open while material is inserted. This slows down the productivity of the trash cleanup effort and also creates a hassle for those doing it.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION AND DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS[0003]These problems are mitigated by the invention. The invention comprises a frame that the bag is installed over analogou...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is a bag with a frame and locked flaps that can handle heavy loads without falling through the center. The frame has a curved top to evenly distribute the load and reduce force on the bag. The invention is cost-efficient to manufacture and can be made from a range of materials and methods. It can also be made with a small number of flaps, reducing tooling costs. The flaps have pass through openings to make it easier to mold by eliminating undercuts.

Problems solved by technology

One common problem when doing any type of trash or recycling clean up is that the mouths of thin (often plastic) bags have a tendency to collapse when carried by hand.

This collapse closes the mouth of the bag, making it difficult to place objects or material inside.

This is a particular problem when there is any kind of wind.

This slows down the productivity of the trash cleanup effort and also creates a hassle for those doing it.

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