GB2450364A

GB2450364A - Holder enabling use of a shopping bag as a waste bin

Info

Publication number: GB2450364A
Application number: GB0712007A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Peter Moore
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-06-21
Filing date: 2007-06-21
Publication date: 2008-12-24
Also published as: GB0712007D0

Abstract

A receptacle for holding a used plastic shopping bag open for use as a waste bin comprises a flexible sheet member with end devices to which the bag handles can be attached. Attachment is by means of bending the receptacle inwards in order to fit the handles around the notched gripping device at each end. The outward pressure of the flexible receptacle attempting to straighten itself out keeps the bag in an open position. As an accessory there is also a specially designed fixing plate (Figure 2) to which an end handle of the receptacle can be removably fitted to attach the receptacle to a door or wall. That handle can also be hooked over the front panel of a drawer. Alternatively, the receptacle can be free-standing by means of four thimble-sized studs molded onto the outside surface of the receptacle.

Description

1 2450364

SUPERMARKET SHOPPING BAG RECEPTACLE

This invention relates to a device for holding open the average sized plastic supermarket shopping bag for use as a waste bin.

Over 90% of all plastic supermarket shopping bags are either re-used as shopping bags or as receptacles for holding and collecting household waste hardly any are ever thrown away without first being re-used in one way or another.

In order to help reduce our carbon footprint and increase the amount of recycling we must all do, it is now more important than ever to look at how we can make the process of recycling easier to do and this invention helps us to do that.

Anyone who utilises a used shopping bag as a receptacle for holding and collecting household waste invariably tries to stretch the opening of the bag around a round-topped waste bin which doesn't always fit or they hang the bag by theIr handles from a hook which does not keep the bag open.

To overcome these problems, the present invention allows one of the bag handles to be stretched over a unique rounded gripping device formed at the end of the device in its flattened out position. The opposite end of the device, which has the same rounded gripping device shape, is then pulled up toward the first end and the other handle of the bag is stretched over that one. Once the handles are securely in place around both ends and let go the outward pressure of the flexible plastic bag receptacle tries to straighten itself out but it can't because of the attached bag handles make it arch inwards thus keeping the bag in an open position.

The specifically designed handles at either end of the receptacle can also be hooked into an accessorized fixing plate which can be screwed to the inside of a kitchen door or onto a wall. Also on the handles there is a rounded moulded strip along the inside and a corresponding strip on the inside of the fixing plate to enable the receptacle to be clipped securely Into place in the fixing plate.

The inventions handles are also designed in such a way as to enable the receptacle to be hooked over the front panel of a kitchen drawer and fit snugly under the kitchen top to allow food scraps and cuttings to be swept into the opened bag more directly without spillage.

The invention also has four thimble-sized studs moulded onto the outside surface in the middle in order to make into a free-standing waste bin.

The Invention is also completely portable and can be used anywhere the collection of waste is necessary. When not in use the receptacle will straighten itself out and can be hooked into the supplied fixing device that will enable it to lie flat against a wall or behind a door.

The invention will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows the shopping bag receptacle in use with a bag attached.

Figure 2 shows the front and end elevation (with handle attached) of the accessorized fixing plate.

Figure 3 shows a close-up of the rounded gripping device.

Claims

1. A plastic bag receptacle for holding open used shopping bags for use as a waste bin.

2. A plastic bag receptacle according to claim 1, in which the bag handles are attached by means of bending the receptacle inwards in order to fit the handles around the rounded gripping device at each end. As the outward pressure of the flexible plastic bag receptacle attempts to straighten itself out, the bag is kept open.

3. A plastic bag receptacle according to claim 1, in which the handles of the receptacle are designed in such a way that enables them to fit into a specially designed fixing plate which can be attached to a wall or the inside of a door.

The handles have a slightly protruding rounded moulded strip along the length of the inside and a corresponding strip on the inside of the fixing plate to enable the receptacle to be clipped securely into place.

4. A plastic bag receptacle according to claim 1, in which the receptacle can stand on its own by means of four thimble-sized studs molded onto the outside surface of the receptacle.

5. A plastic bag receptacle according to claim 1, in which the handles of the receptacle are designed in a way to enable them to be hooked over the front panel of a kitchen drawer to allow food scraps and cuttings to be swept Into the opened bag from the kitchen top without spillage.