WO2005101242A2

WO2005101242A2 - A collapsible holder

Info

Publication number: WO2005101242A2
Application number: PCT/IL2005/000398
Authority: WO
Inventors: Moshe Hanuka
Original assignee: Moshe Hanuka
Priority date: 2004-04-18
Filing date: 2005-04-17
Publication date: 2005-10-27
Also published as: WO2005101242A3; IL161475A0

Abstract

The following invention presents a multi purpose collapsible and high-adjustable holder comprising a stand and arms assemblies. The stand assembly is having a plurality of expendable leg members, pivotally mounted into at least one common coupler; and an adapter suitable for reversibly attaching either the arms assembly or a vertical extender; said arms assembly is comprised of a plurality of two or more spreadable arms pivotally mounted at the top of at least one coupler. At least one arm is able to a jaws-like rotating maneuver so that it can either approach parallel to a second arm or rotate away from said second arm. A bag holder as defined wherein the arms assembly is comprised of a plurality of arms pivotally mounted at the top of a central coupler; said arms are extended horizontally so that the bag aperture's circumference or handles are secured by a means of said claspers.

Description

A COLLAPSIBLE HOLDER

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a multi purpose collapsible holder. More specifically, the present invention relates to a bag holder and a kit thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Groceries are widely packaged and transport to the client apartment by means of a flexible thermoplastic bag of various sizes having two integrated handles. Garbage and trash are however traditionally accumulated in a second bag type; usually sacklike handles free elongated plastic bags. Those handles containing bags are thrown to the garbage after their said primary use, causing thus to both ever increasing environmental problems and to significant money and resources unnecessary lost.

At least some of those problems may be solved if a reuse of such handles-containing bags is provided, such in the case of using those bags for the accumulation of solid household trash.

Holders for flexible bags, which are configured as a rigid rectangle box-like or rounded tube-like frame, are known in the art. US Pat. No. 6,491,264 to Valesquez presents a four legs cube-like frame having an upper rigid support adapted to clasp a bag. US Pat. No. 5,190,253 to Sable discloses a collapsible holder for bags having support holes in the handles thereof. This device has two arms pivotally mounted at the top of the holder. A platform is pivotally mounted at the bottom of the holder. In the bag loading position, the platform extends outwardly to support a bag being loaded. US Pat. No. 6,199,802 to Scheibe et al. presents a tube-like collapsible trash bag holder having an upper ring portion, which is adapted for receiving a trash bag through it. A plurality of couplers is clasping the upper rim of the bag to said rigid ring frame. US Pat. No. 5,738,314 to Davis discloses a similar tube-like bag holder which includes an upper ring member adapted to hold the bag, wherein its four legs are fastened to their predetermined position by means of a rounded fence member. Lastly, US Pat. No. 5,393,023 to Callan introduces a collapsible bag holder having a helix-like conformation, comprising a plurality of resiliently flexible struts. Those solutions are evidently not adapted for small-sized, nicely designed, fully collapsible and space saving, multi purpose and cost effective holder kit, adapted to adjust its dimensions and height as well its 3D configuration according to the immediate client household needs. Moreover, Dealing mainly with garbage materials and compositions, the closure of the bags by means of commercially available holders is not provided. A multi purpose collapsible holder comprising means for reversibly closing said bag's aperture is thus still a long felt need.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is provided a multi purpose collapsible and high-adjustable holder comprising a stand and arms assemblies; said stand assembly is having a plurality of expendable leg members, pivotally mounted into at least one common coupler; and an adapter suitable for reversibly attaching either the arms assembly or a vertical extender; said arms assembly is comprised of a plurality of two or more spreadable arms pivotally mounted at the top off at least one coupler; said arms assembly additionally comprising a neck-like extension comprising an adapter at its very distal end, suitable for reversibly attaching said stand assembly or a vertical extender; wherein at least one arm is able to a jaws-like rotating maneuver so that it can either approach parallel to a second arm or rotate away from said second arm.

This holder may additionally comprising at least one collapsible vertical extender adapted to communicate the stand assembly with the arm assembly so that a holder of a predetermined high is obtained. The stand assembly may further be replaced by an anchoring member having either reversible or permanent means to immobilize the holder to any suitable substrate; said member is in communication with either the arm assembly or the vertical extender. The arms assembly may be further be comprised of a plurality of arms pivotally mounted at the top of a central coupler; said arms are extended horizontally so that the bag aperture's circumference or handles are secured by a means of said claspers. The stand assembly may also be comprised of a horizontal container adapted to collect any spillage or leakage from the above mounted bag. Alternatively or additionally, at least one arm has a novel maneuver providing the arms to rotate in the manner that it open and close said bag's aperture. Moreover, its arm is adapted to grasp reversibly either said aperture's rim or the bag's handles firmly, avoiding the bag to escape from the holder. The arms assembly is further comprised of a neck-like extension comprising adapter at its very distal end, suitable for reversibly attaching said arm assembly with either the stand assembly or the vertical extender.

It is also in the scope of the present invention to present a bird-like multi purpose collapsible and adjustable holder, characterized by that the arms assembly is said bird's head, and the stand assembly is said bird's leg and a kit of disassembled ingredients of multi purpose collapsible and adjustable holder as defined in any of the above

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In order to understand the invention and to see how it may be implemented in practice, a preferred embodiment will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which figures 1A through IG schematically present the components of a disassembled collapsible multi purpose holder kit according to one embodiment of the present invention, including a lateral view of the arms assembly, and perspective views of vertical extenders, legs and means for anchoring the holder to the wall; figure 2 schematically presents a perspective front view of a short holder, having an elongated extension according to yet another embodiment of the present invention; figures 3A and 3B schematically present a front, opened and closed view of the arms assembly of an ergonomic holder according to another embodiment of the present invention; figures 4A through 4E schematically present front and lateral views of an ergonomic holder holding a thermoplastic bag with handles wherein the bag's aperture is open and close. An opened configuration for holding a looped lace thermoplastic bag or several thermoplastic bags is further presented; figures 5A and 5B schematically presents a front view of a short holder (300) and a side view of an extended holder (200) holding a thermoplastic bag with handles, respectively; figure 6 schematically presents a front view of an ergonomic holder holding a thermoplastic sack-like bag with no handles Λvherein the bag's aperture is open; and, figure 7 schematically presents a perspective front view of an anchored short holder according to another embodiment of the present invention in its open arms configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following description is provided, alongside all chapters of the present invention, so as to enable any person skilled in the art to make use of said invention and sets forth the best modes contemplated by the inventor of carrying out this invention. Various modifications, however, will remain apparent to those skilled in the art, since the generic principles of the present invention have been defined specifically to provide a multi purpose collapsible and adjustable ergonomic holder.

The term 'bag' is referring hereinafter to bags, such as food storage bags, garbage and trash bags, plastic lawn leaf bags or laundry bags are generally made from flaccid thermoplastic polymers and nylons, which cannot self-support a bag in a vertical orientation. The term bag is also referring to sacks and nets of any size, shape, texture of color. Said bag thus may be comprised of any polymeric composition, cloth, metal, glass and/or wood ingredients and may be tightened in its closed form by tied knot, looped lace, etc.

The term 'multi purpose holder' is referring hereinafter to a holder easily adapted to any function, as such the following selected in a non-lioiiting manner from a garbage and trash bag holder; container for dry foods, bulk goods or beverage canes; fruits and vegetable container; grocery holder; laundry bag holder; a device for laundry drying; an apparatus for cloths holding or displaying, and especially adapted for accommodating ties, hats, underwear, jewelry etc; a device for either drying or keeping umbrellas; a towels drying stand; a trash collecting means, adapted for both household and commercially utilizations (e.g., restaurants and hotels dining rooms); a sorting means for trash recycle; toys container; a collapsible and designed journals keeper; flowerpot or any other plants or vegetable stand; a displaying container; a container for garden utilizations, such as leaf bags holder; domestic trash can or a toilet trash can; a game stand, such as a basketball stand or a collapsible golf cart support frame; a medical instrument, e.g., a disposed sheets bag holder, infusion stand, liquid dispenser holder etc.

The term "claspers" is referring hereinafter to any teeth-containing members, wherein said teeth are selected in a non-limiting manner from by any zigzag, tortuous or pinlike contours, so that jaws-like or beak-like claspers shape. Alternatively or additionally, the aforesaid claspers may be of a plain surface, so that the upper rim of the bag is clutched forcefully. Said plain surface may be coated with an adhesive coating so that the bag is reversibly or permanently glued thereof. Said claspers may also be adapted to heat the bag composition above its melting point so that the permanent enclosure of the bag's aperture is provided. The claspers' said rotational maneuver provides them to effectively and universally immobilize any bag's aperture diameter or type.

Reference is made now to figure 1 presenting the components of a collapsible holder kit for bags according to one embodiment of the present invention in its disassembled configuration. Said kit is including inter alia an expendable stand assembly (110); arms assembly characterized by any zigzag, tortuous or pin-like contours (120) - for detailed description of the arms assembly see figure 3; potentially mounted at least one vertical extender (130); and potentially affixed anchoring member (140). The kit may further comprised of at least one bag and a retainment apparatus affixed at the lower portion of the kit, adapted to provide a stable base and to collect any leakage of liquids from the bag.

The aforesaid expendable stand assembly (110) is comprised of a plurality of legs (such as 111), pivotally mounted at the bottom of a holder (115) in the manner the legs may be either spared or collapsed. The number of the legs is preferably ranges from three to five and their size and shape may be vary, such as described wherein three bird-legs like stands are provided, in the manner the central leg is somewhat shorter than the others. It is acknowledged in this respect that stand assembly (110) additionally comprising adapter (129) suitable for reversibly attaching the stand assembly with either the arms assembly (120) or the vertical extender (130). It is well in the scope of the present invention wherein at least one wheel is exceeded at the lower portion of at least one leg. A mobile version may be characterized by a plurality of wheels (preferably 1 to 4 wheels) exceeded from each leg.

More optional ingredients are provided; selected in a non-limiting manner from one or more vertical extenders (130), comprising each an elongated neck-like extension (137) comprising distal and vertical adapters at its very distal end (See 139 for example). Said vertical extender may be selected in a non-limiting manner from a plurality of one or more interconnected segmental rod-like elements; telescopically collapsed members; screw-like apparatus adapted to have any predetermined length by means of a rotating a male threaded member in a suitable female thread; a non- rigid or flexible elements, such as helix-like metal members, flexible and elongated polymeric rods etc. The extenders provide for a high adjustable ergonomic tool easily and reversibly adaptable for every toddler, man or use.

An anchoring member (140) is also utilizable, and may comprised of a basal plate (141), adapted to be affixed to the wall; furniture; an inner portion of a cupboard etc., and an adapter (145), designed for being attached to either the arms assembly (120) or the vertical extender (130). An example of anchoring the holder is thereby presented.

Reference is made now to figure 2, presenting a front view of the collapsible bag holder according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, here in its elongated assembled configuration (200), wherein the arms assembly (120) is attached to the stand assembly (110) via one vertical extender (130).

Reference is made now to Figure 3, presenting the aforesaid arms assembly (120) is comprised of a plurality of arms (121a, 121b etc) pivotally mounted at the top of a central coupler (125), said arms, preferably characterized by a jaws-like or beak-like claspers shape, are extending horizontally and to secure the bag aperture's rim or handles. Said claspers may contain teeth-like members, possible characterized by any zigzag, tortuous or pin-like contours. This arms assembly has a novel maneuver providing the arms to rotate in the manner that it open and close said bag's aperture. Moreover, its arm is adapted to grasp reversibly either said aperture's rim or the bag's handles firmly, avoiding the bag to escape from the holder. It is acknowledged in this respect that the arms assembly (120) may be further comprised of a neck-like extension comprising adapter at its very distal end, suitable for reversibly attaching said arm assembly with either the stand assembly (110) or the vertical extender (130).

Reference is made now to figure 4 is presenting front and lateral views of the extended collapsible bag holder (200), wherein a commercial available vest-like thermoplastic bag (400) having two handles (410a, 410b) is reversibly and securely grasped by a holder (200) having two arms characterized by a winding teeth-like portion (121a, 121b). This device (200) is hence especially useful for holding the bag open so that two hands can be used for filling it throughout upper aperture (420). Figure 4 is presenting said holder (200) in opened configuration and in closed configuration wherein said bag (400) is unexpectedly and most effectively closed. Other possible configurations include holding a thermoplastic bag with looped laces and holding more than one thermoplastic bag. Two arms 121a and 121b are rotationally maneuvered so that aperture (420) is closed or sealed.

The device according to the present invention is thus suitable for holding a flaccid bag open for filling with two hands.

Reference is made now to figure 5A is presenting a front view of a short collapsible bag holder (300), adapted for various purposes, such as a domestic or an office trash can etc. Figure 5B is presenting a side view of the extended holder (200), wherein arms (121a, 121b) are closed.

Reference is made now to figure 6 is presenting a front view of the extended collapsible bag holder (300), holding a commercially available sack-like thermoplastic bag (600), wherein arms assembly (120) are in their open conformation.

Reference is made now to figure 7 presenting an open-armed front view of an immobilized collapsible short bag holder (5O0). Holder (500) is including an arm assembly (120) interconnected to an anchoring member (140). Said anchoring member (140) is including a basal plate (141) having a plurality of open bores (e.g., 142) adapted to accommodate fastened screw., immobilized to a suitable substrate, as shown. Plate (141) comprises a vertically exceeded adapter (143), in communication with arm assembly (120).

Many bag holders, and most of the trash-bag holders containing a top cover. Most surprisingly, the present invention discloses a cover-free trash-bag holder wherein the arm assembly with its rotational maneuver effectively closing the aperture of the bag. Moreover, wherein the bag is empty from heavy trash, the arms are in their open configuration and the aperture is open. However, when the bag is full of trash and heavy, the arms may be automatically in their closed configuration, so that the weight of the bag determined whether the aperture is open or close.

It is in the scope of the present invention that the holder as defined in any of the above has an animal shape, such as the pelican-like device shown in the appending figures. It is further acknowledged in this respect that the aforesaid holder is made of any suitable materials, selected in a non-limiting manner from iron; metal alloys; steel; polymeric compositions and plastics, e.g., HDPP or MDPS; wood or any combination thereof.

Claims

1. A multi purpose collapsible and high-adjustable holder comprising a stand and arms assemblies; said stand assembly is having a plurality of expendable leg members, pivotally mounted into at least one common coupler; and an adapter suitable for reversibly attaching either the arms assembly or a vertical extender; said arms assembly is comprised of a plurality of two or more spreadable arms pivotally mounted at the top of at least one coupler; said arms assembly additionally comprising a neck-like extension comprising an adapter at its very distal end, suitable for reversibly attaching said stand assembly or a vertical extender; wherein at least one arm is able to a jaws-like rotating maneuver so that it can either approach parallel to a second arm or rotate away from said second arm.

2. The holder according to claim 1, additionally comprising at least one collapsible vertical extender adapted to communicate the stand assembly with the arm assembly so that a holder of a predetermined high is obtained.

3. The holder according to claim 1, wherein the stand assembly is replaced by an anchoring member having either reversible or permanent means to immobilize the holder to any suitable substrate; said member is in communication with either the arm assembly or the vertical extender.

4. A bag holder as defined in claim 1, or any of its dependent claims; wherein the arms assembly is comprised of a plurality of arms pivotally mounted at the top of a central coupler; said arms are extended horizontally so that the bag aperture's circumference or handles are secured by a means of said claspers.

5. The holder according to claim 4, wherein the stand assembly comprising a horizontal container adapted to collect any spillage or leakage from the above mounted bag.

6. The bag holder according to claim 4, wherein at least one arm assembly has a novel maneuver providing the arms to rotate in the manner that it open and close said bag's aperture. Moreover, its arm is adapted to grasp reversibly either said aperture's rim or the bag's handles firmly, avoiding the bag to escape from the holder. The arms assembly is further comprised of a neck-like extension comprising adapter at its very distal end, suitable for reversibly attaching said arm assembly with either the stand assembly or the vertical extender.

7. A cover-free trash holder as defined in claim 1 or in any of its dependent claims, wherein the weight of the trash bag determines if said bag aperture remains open or be automatically closed by the weight of the trash n said bag.

8. A multi purpose collapsible and ergonomic holder as described any figure selected from Fig. 1-7.

9. A bird-like multi purpose collapsible and adjustable holder as defined in claim 1 or in any of its dependent claims, characterized by that the arms assembly is said bird's head, and the stand assembly is said bird's leg.

10. A kit of disassembled ingredients of multi purpose collapsible and adjustable holder as defined in claim 1 or in any of its dependent claims.