Versatile Support Apparatus for Resealable Bags
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bag holders fail to completely surround and support standard-sized resealable bags, leading to distortion and premature tearing, and often lack collapsibility and multiple-use functionality.
Innovation Solution
A versatile support apparatus comprising rigid longitudinal members and flexible transverse securing members, allowing for adjustable positioning and coupling to securely hold bags open, with options for easy folding and multiple uses such as a trivet or container holder.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional bag holders use frame elements to hold bags open, then bags can be held upright for filling or accessing, but the frame elements are unsightly and do not completely surround the bag
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible fabric material instead of rigid frame elements to hold the bag. The fabric is wrapped around the bag and secured with Velcro fasteners, providing complete coverage while remaining flexible and aesthetically pleasing. This resolves the contradiction by replacing the visible rigid frame with a flexible fabric shell that completely surrounds the bag.
2Ease of operation
If traditional trash can holders support plastic bags, then bags can be held open, but the holders cannot be easily folded flat for storage
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is divided into multiple fabric panels that can be folded relative to each other. The longitudinal and transverse fabric members are connected in a way that allows the entire structure to be collapsed into a flat configuration for storage, while maintaining the bag-holding function when deployed.
3Ease of operation
If standard gallon or quart resealable bags are held by traditional holders, then the bottom of the bag does not rest on a support surface, but this results in bags being distorted or torn prematurely
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a bottom support surface dimension to the holder structure. The fabric members are arranged to create a three-dimensional enclosure that includes a bottom surface, allowing the bag to rest properly supported on all sides. This prevents the bag from being distorted or torn by providing dimensional support throughout.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple disclosures show holders for various bag types, then convenience of use is provided, but the complexity and economics of construction may deter practical use
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is designed with universal fabric construction that can accommodate multiple bag types including gallon bags, quart bags, and other containers. The same fabric structure with Velcro fasteners serves multiple functions: holding bags open, providing complete coverage, and enabling easy cleaning. This reduces construction complexity while maintaining versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
The versatile support apparatus has an assembly including a plurality of substantially rigid longitudinal members. At least one substantially flexible transverse securing member may be attached transversally to a portion of each of the plurality of longitudinal members. Each longitudinal member of the plurality of longitudinal members may be repositioned about a longitudinal axis of the longitudinal member. A first-end coupling portion of the end of a first longitudinal side of the assembly may be selectively coupled to a second-end coupling portion of an opposite end of an opposite second longitudinal side of the assembly to form an interior cavity. The support apparatus is configured to support an object within the interior cavity. An additional intermediary coupling portion is provided to allow construction of support assemblies of multiple sizes.