WO2001070600A2

WO2001070600A2 - Method and device for holding a flexible bag

Info

Publication number: WO2001070600A2
Application number: PCT/CA2001/000354
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stephen King-Tong Wong
Original assignee: Wong Stephen King Tong
Priority date: 2000-03-22
Filing date: 2001-03-19
Publication date: 2001-09-27
Also published as: WO2001070600A3; CA2302043A1; AU2001242166A1

Abstract

This device is for maintaining a flexible bag (12) in an open manner. It has an inner hoop (10) having a unique outer side wall configuration, and an outer binder (11) which is provided with a through opening having an inner side wall configuration of complementary shape and size of the outer side wall of the inner hoop (10) and adapted to embrace the outer side wall of the inner hoop. The flexible bag (12) is mounted between the inner hoop (10) and the outer binder (11) by first inserting the bag through the inner hoop with the bag's lip portion folded backwards to cover over the outer side wall of the inner hoop. The outer binder is then fitted over the inner hoop with the folded back lip portion (13) of the bag sandwiched between the engaging inner hoop and the outer binder. When the bag is being filled, the weight in the bag will inherently pull the inner hoop and the outer binder to engage with each other with increasing force as the weight of the load increases, and thus, in turn, securing the bag even more tightly to the device. A plurality of inner hoops having various outer side wall configurations may be provided for mounting a flexible bag of various sizes.

Description

METHOD AND DEVICE FOR MOUNTING A FLEXIBLE BAG TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to a method and device to hold a flexible bag in an open manner in order to facilitate its filling. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Bags such as refuse bags, shopping bags etc., used for collecting and holding objects are commonly made of flexible material such as plastics, fabric, paper or other synthetics. They are normally used for holding objects either for easy transportation, storage, or disposal. The most annoying problem in using a bag made of a flexible material is to maintain it in an open manner for filling. However, it is sometimes awkward for a user to

open the bag with one hand while filling it with the other. For example, when using a flexible refuse bag outdoor for collecting leaves in the fall, the flexible bag would be fluttered by the wind which makes maintaining the bag in the open condition extremely difficult. Even indoor, it is inefficient and troublesome to maintain the bag opened with one hand and to fill it with the other only free hand.

Many devices have been developed to alleviate the above problem. One common device is in the form of a fixed bracket designed to match the size of the bag or slightly larger. The flexible bag may be mounted by stretching its lip portion to wrap tightly over the bracket. The resilient tension of the bag material would maintain the bag in the open manner. With this device, the bracket must have a relatively larger dimension than the lip portion of the bag creating the resilient tension strong enough to hold the bag mounted in an open manner. Often times, the lip portion of the bag would be torn when the user attempts to stretch it to wrap over the bracket. Furthermore, in use, the weight of the load in the bag would simply pull the bag off from the bracket. The latter problem may be mitigated by providing a support container having a comparable size as the bag. It may be placed within the container with its lip portion again stretched and wrapped tightly around the upper opened rim portion of the container so that the container would support the weight of the load within the bag. However, the bulkiness of the container makes it difficult to be carried around. The container would occupy storage space, and the lip portion of the bag is still

subject to the tearing problem. It is also difficult to remove the bag from the container for its final destination, and therefore, it limits the benefits of using flexible bags.

There are devices for maintaining a flexible bag in the open condition with a bracket having fasteners provided thereon. The lip portion of the bag can be secured to the bracket by the fasteners. In U. S. Patent No.5,718,469 to F. G. Ockerman, it shows a portable mounting

device for a flexible bag used for collecting and disposing animal excrement. The device consists of a larger annular ring and a smaller annular ring. The smaller ring is insertable into the larger ring so that the lip portion of the flexible bag may be sandwiched between the two rings thus mounted together. Adjustable and engageable fasteners are provided between the two annular rings for maintaining the two rings tightly mounted together. Such device is not

desirable for mounting a flexible bag intended for holding objects having a relatively heavy weight since the weight of the objects would pull the bag out of the mounting.

U. S. Patent No.1,414,575 to T. McCart shows a bag holder which consists of an annular base mounted on three supporting legs. The inner side wall of the annular base has a stepped configuration which is engageable with the similarly step configured outer side wall of a funnel shaped chute. The lip portion of a flexible bag can be sandwiched and grasped between the base of the chute so as to maintain it in the open condition. Such device would inherently damage the lip portion of the bag by the grasping action between the base and the chute. The weight of the load in the bag would also tend to pull the bag out from the mounting.

Another problem with known flexible bag mounting devices is that they are suitable for mounting a flexible bag of one size only. Due to the lack of standards, there is a large variation of flexible bag sizes, and no single mounting device presently would work satisfactorily with such wide range of flexible bag sizes. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is a principal object of the present invention to provide a mounting device and method to hold a flexible bag in an open condition for filling operation.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a mounting device in which the increasing weight of the load in the bag would enhance the tighter mounting force of the bag to the device.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a mounting device which is operative for mounting a flexible bag of a wide range of sizes.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a mounting device which is simple in construction and yet is easy to operate.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a mounting device which would not cause any damage to the bag in its operation. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments thereof in connection with the accompanying drawings in which

Figure 1 is a schematic side elevation view of two engaging hoops with the inner hoop having sloping side walls, illustrating the basic concept of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a schematic side elevation view of two engaging hoops with both hoops having mating sloping side walls, illustrating the basic concept of the present invention.

Figure 3 is a schematic sectional side elevation view of the two engaging hoops of Figure 2 with a flexible bag mounted thereto.

Figure 4 is a schematic side elevation view of the device of Figure 3 turned to a 90 degree position.

Figure 5 is a schematic side elevation view of two engaging hoops both having curved sloping side walls engaging with each other according to the present invention.

Figure 6 is a schematic side elevation view of the device of Figure 5 with a flexible bag mounted thereto and with a load located inside the bag. Figure 7 is a perspective exploded side elevation view showing the basic device of the present invention in the form of two circular hoops having mating side walls.

Figure 8 is a perspective exploded side elevation view showing two hoops, each hoop having a flat back side wall and an arcuate front side wall and an additional horizontal flange. Figure 9 is a perspective exploded front elevation view showing a preferred

embodiment of the device of the present invention.

Figure 10 is a perspective side elevation view of the Figure 9 with the inner hoop inserted into the outer binder hoop.

Figure 11 is a perspective front elevation view of the device shown in Figure 9 with a flexible bag mounted thereto.

Figure 12 is a perspective exploded front elevation view of an embodiment of a portable construction of the device of the present invention in which the inner hoop and the outer binder hoop are substantially triangular in shape.

Figure 13 is a perspective exploded front elevation view of the device in Figure 12 with a flexible bag mounted thereto.

Figure 14 is a perspective front elevation view of the device in Figure 12 with the inner hoop and the outer binder hoop fitted together.

Figure 15 is a perspective side elevation view of the device shown in Figure 14. Figure 16 is a perspective top elevation view of the device shown in Figure 14.

Figure 17 is a perspective exploded front elevation view of another embodiment of the device of the present invention in which the outer binder is a counter top having mating openings formed therein.

Figure 18 is a perspective front elevation view of the device of Figure 17 with flexible bags mounted thereto.

Figure 19 is an exploded side elevation view showing a plurality of inner hoops with same heights as the outer binder which may be inserted into the outer binder according to the present invention for mounting flexible bags of different sizes.

Figure 20 is an exploded side elevation view showing a plurality of narrow inner hoops which may be inserted into the outer binder.

Figure 21 is a side elevation view showing the plurality of inner hoops of Figure 20 located at different levels within the outer binder for mounting flexible bags of different sizes.

Figure 22 is a perspective front exploded elevation view showing the provision of two selected inner hoops of different sizes adapted to locate within the outer binder to accommodate flexible bags of different common sizes.

Figure 23 is a perspective front elevation view showing the two selected inner hoops as shown in Figure 22 located within the outer binder of an embodiment of the device of the present invention. Figure 24 is a perspective front exploded elevation view showing another embodiment of the device having two selected inner hoops of different sizes.

Figure 25 is a perspective front elevation view showing the two inner hoops located within the outer binder and in which the lower portion of a smaller inner hoop extends outside the lower edge of the outer binder.

Figure 26 is a perspective front elevation view of a wall mounted embodiment of the device of the present invention.

Figure 27 is a perspective front elevation view of a stool or table having the device of the present invention integrally incorporated therein. Figure 28 is a perspective front elevation view of the stool or table of Figure 27 provided with a cover.

Figure 29 is an exploded sectional side elevation view of another embodiment of the device of the present invention having a plurality of inner hoops with an outer flange adaptable within an outer binder having an annular shoulder formed in its inner side wall. Figure 30 is a sectional side elevation view of the device of the embodiment of Figure

29 with the smaller inner hoop located within adjacent larger inner hoop. In this fashion, until the largest inner hoop is located within the outer binder.

Figure 31 is a front elevation view of a stool or table with the device of the embodiment shown in Figure 30 integrally incorporated therein. Figure 32 is an exploded side elevation view of yet another embodiment with the outer binder having a step-like inner side wall surface and the inner hoops of various sizes which have an outer flange adapted to engage with the steps of the outer binder at different levels.

Figure 33 is a side elevation view of the embodiments of Figure 32 showing the inner hoops located at the different levels within the outer binder.

Figure 34 is an exploded front elevation view of a wall mounted device with the embodiment of Figure 32 incorporated therein.

Figure 35 is a front perspective elevation view showing the two flanged inner hoops of different sizes located within the outer binder for mounting flexible bags of different sizes for the embodiment shown in Figure 34.

Figures 36 and 37 are front perspective elevation view showing the formation of a plurality of star shaped openings in the inner hoops such that loose portions around the lip portion of the flexible bag may be pushed or inserted therein to retain the flexible bag snugly engaged to the inner hoop to enhance its mounting operation within the outer binder.

Figure 38 is an exploded perspective front elevation view showing a portable embodiment of the device of the present invention in which the outer binder and the inner hoops have an arch shape upper portion.

Figure 39 is a perspective front elevation view of the embodiment of Figure 38 with the inner hoops located within the outer binder.

Figure 40 is an exploded front elevation view of the alternative portable embodiment in which the arch portion of a plurality of inner hoops having an outer flange adapted to engage with the inner shoulder in the arch portion of the outer binder or with that of the adjacent larger inner hoop. Figure 41 is a front perspective elevation view of the device of Figure 40 with the inner hoops fitted within the outer binder.

Figure 42 is another portable embodiment of the present device in which the outer binder and the inner hoop are triangular in shape. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference to the drawings wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the several views, the basic principle of the present invention is generally shown in Figures 1 through 6. The basic components of the present device comprises of an inner hoop 10 having an outer side wall sloping downwardly and inwardly and an outer binder 11 in the form of a hoop having an inner side wall with a shape and size adapted to fit over the outer side wall of the inner hoop 10. As shown in Figure 1, the inner side wall of the outer binder 11 is substantially flat and vertical. The inner side wall of the outer binder 11 may also have a similar sloping shape as the outer side wall of the inner hoop 10 as best shown in Figure 2 such that the inner hoop 10 and the outer binder 11 may mate intimately with each other. A flexible bag 12 may be mounted to the device as best shown in Figure 3 with the flexible bag 12 first inserted through the inner hoop 10 and then with the bag's lip portion 13 folded over to wrap over the outer side wall of the inner hoops 10. The outer binder 11 is then fitted over the inner hoop 10 to sandwich the bag's lip portion 13 between the inner hoop 10 and the outer binder 11. The device would maintain the flexible

bag 12 in the open manner for filling a load 14 into the bag. The weight of the load 14 will exert a pulling force downwards on the inner hoop 10 to cause it to engage tightly with the outer binder 11. As the bag is being filled, the increasing weight of the load will correspondingly exert an increasing force to grasp the bag's lip portion more tightly between the mating inner hoop 10 and the outer binder 11.

When the device is tilted to a substantially 90 degrees position as shown in Figure 4 and Figure 6, the weight of the load 14 in the bag 12 will pull and cause the inner hoop 10 to engage more tightly with the outer binder 11 as well as closing the opening of the bag as long as the vector of the downward force of the load falls within the combined center of gravity of the mating inner hoop and outer binder. Thus, the device with the bag mounted thereon is convenient for carrying around in a portable manner.

The inner hoop 10 and the outer binder 11 may have mating curved side walls as shown in Figures 5 and 6. The flexible bag 12 with or without a load therein may be removed from the device

by simply separating the inner hoop 10 and outer binder 11 apart from each other and , unfolding the lip portion 13 from the inner hoop 10 to remove the bag 12 therefrom.

It can be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the inner hoop 10 and the outer binder 11 may have various different shapes as long as the outer side walls of the inner hoop 10 and the inner side walls of the outer binder 11 have a matching shape and size. For illustration purposes, as shown in Figure 7, the outer side wall of the inner hoop 10 and the inner side wall of the outer binder 11 have a circular shape and similar complementary matching size so that they may engage with each other. Such circular shape device may also be mounted to a vertical supporting wall surface with mounting openings 15 and 16 provided in the side wall of the outer binder 11. The associated large openings 17 and 18 can be

formed respectively in the side wall of the inner hoop 10. The openings 17 and 18 will be in registry with the openings 15 and 16 when the inner hoop 10 and the outer binder 11 are fitted together so as to accommodate the head of the screws or nails used for mounting the device to the vertical supporting wall surface. As shown in Figure 8, the inner hoop 10 may have a flat rear side wall 19 and a curved front side wall 20, while the outer binder 11 may have a similar hoop shape having a corresponding flat rear side wall 21 and a curved front side wall 22. The outer side wall of the inner hoop 10 and the inner side wall of the outer binder 11 have matching slope and size so that they may mate with each other intimately. Mounting openings 15 and 16 are provided in the flat rear side wall 21 of the outer binder 11 and associated openings 17 and 18 are formed in the flat rear side wall 19 of the inner hoop 10. A flange 23 is formed at the top edge of the curved front side wall 20 of the inner hoop 10 and a corresponding flange 24 is also formed at the top edge of the curved front side wall of the outer binder 11. A preferred embodiment of the device of the present invention particularly suitable for mounting it to a vertical supporting wall surface is best shown in Figures 9, 10 and 11. In this embodiment, the inner hoop 10 is in the form of a circular hoop having a flange 23 provided at its entire top edge. The size of the inner hoop 10 may be equal to or smaller than a conventional load collection flexible bag. Four retainer openings 25 are formed close to the lower edge 26 of the inner hoop 10. The retainer opening 25 are spaced evenly over the side wall 20 of the inner hoop 10. A slit opening 26 extends from each retainer opening 25 to the lower edge 26. The outer binder 11 is in the form of a narrow hoop having a flange 24 formed at its top edge and a narrow side wall 22. The top flange 23 of the inner hoop 10 may be wider than the top flange 24 of the outer binder 11 such that when the inner hoop 10 is fitted within the outer binder 11 , the top flange 23 extends outwards beyond the peripheral edge of the top flange 24 of the outer binder 11. The outer side wall 20 of the inner hoop 10 is sloping downwardly and inwardly and the inner side wall 27 of the outer binder has a matching size to the outer side wall of the inner hoop 10. The inner side wall 27 of the outer binder 11 may either have a matching complementary slope as the outer side wall 20 of the inner hoop 10 or just simply be vertical. The inner diameter of the outer binder 11 may be equal to or slightly larger than the outer diameter of the inner hoop 10, such that the inner hoop 10 fits easily into the outer binder 11. An extension portion 28 is formed at the rear portion of the outer binder 11. The extension portion 28 has a vertical rear portion 29 and mounting openings 30 and 31 are formed therein so that the device may be mounted to a vertical supporting wall in a cantilever manner. A reinforcing neck portion 32 is provided between the extension portion 28 and the outer binder 11 so as to support the weight exerted on the outer binder 11 by the load in the flexible bag mounted to device.

In Figure 11 the flexible bag 12 may be mounted to the device as best shown. The flexible bag 12 is first inserted through the inner hoop 10 with its lip portion wrapping over the upper flange 23 and the outer side wall 20 of the inner hoop 10. Sideway folded portions may be formed in the flexible bag's lip portion if the bag is larger than the diameter of the inner hoop 10. These sideway folded portions may be slipped or poked through the slits 26 into the retaining openings 25 for temporarily holding the flexible bag mounted to the inner hoop 10. The inner hoop 10 with the flexible bag 12 thus mounted may then be placed into the outer binder 11 until the folded over lip portion of the bag is sandwiched tightly between the mating inner hoop 10's flange 23 and outer binder 1 l's flange 24. The bag 12 may easily be removed by simply pushing the inner hoop 10 upwards by its lower edge or by pulling its flange 23 upwards to disengage it from the outer binder 11. A portable embodiment of the device of the present invention is shown in Figures 12 through 16. In this embodiment, the inner hoop 10 and the outer binder 11 have a substantially similar triangular shape. The front side walls are substantially V-shaped such that the inner hoop 10 has two substantially flat sides 31 and 32 and an extended flat side 33 extending outwards beyond the rear opening therein so that the hoop may rest on a horizontal supporting surface thereby. Similarly, the outer binder 11 has two substantially flat sides 34 and 35 and an extended flat side 36. Mounting openings 37, 38, 39 and 40 are formed in the extended flat side 36 of the outer binder 11 such that, if required, the device may be mounted to a vertical supporting surface. Four similarly positioned associated openings 41, 42, 43, and 44 are formed in the extended flat side 33 of the inner hoop 10. The openings 41, 42, 43 and 44 are relatively larger in size than the openings 37, 38, 39 and 40 respectively and are intended to accommodate the head of the screws or nails used for securing the outer hoop 11 to the vertical supporting surface. A downwardly extending dimple 45 is formed adjacent to the rear edge of the rear opening at the underside of the extended flat side 33 of the inner hoop 10 as best shown in Figures 12 and 16. A mating

depression 46 is formed adjacent to the rear edge on the upper surface of the outer binder 11 so that the dimple 45 will engage with the depression 46 when the inner hoop 10 and the outer binder 11 are fitted together. This provision is intended to maintain the two parts held together particularly when the device is in storage or during transportation. The dimple and the depression may be formed in either the inner hoop and the outer binder 11 alternatively

vice versa to provide the same purpose.

A plurality of transverse elongated openings 47 are formed in the flat side 34, and similarly a plurality of transverse elongated openings 48 are formed in the flat side 35 of the outer binder 11. Also, a plurality of short openings 49 are formed in the flat side 31 and a plurality of similar short openings 50 are formed in the flat side 32 of the inner hoop 10. The

short openings 49 will be in registry with the elongated openings 47 and the short openings 50 will be in registry with the elongated openings 48 when the inner hooplO and the outer binder 11 are engaged with each other so that they may be separated from engagement by inserting fingers into the elongated openings 47 and 48 and short openings 49 and 50 to slide the inner hoop and the outer binder apart from each other.

The size of the inner hoop 10 is preferably smaller than or equal to the size of a conventional flexible bag so that it is not necessary to over stretch the lip portion of the bag for mounting it onto the inner hoop 10 initially.

The side walls of the inner hoop 10 and outer binder 11 preferably are sloping about 5 to 15 degrees relative to their central axes from the front opening to the rear opening such that the device will lean backwards about 5 to 15 degrees from the vertical axis so as to provide a more stable position when it is resting on a horizontal surface by the extended side. In operation, as shown in Figure 13, a flexible bag 12 may be mounted to the device by first inserting it through the inner hoop 10 and wrapping its lip portion 13 over the outer side wall of the inner hoop 10; any excess lip portion of the bag 12 larger than the opening of the inner hoop 10 may be folded sideways to wrap over the hoop. The inner hoop 10 with the lip portion 13 of the bag 12 thus wrapped and folded thereon may then be inserted into the outer binder 11 with the flexible bag 12 now extending through the two engaging parts. The lip portion 13 of the bag 12 is sandwiched between the mating inner hoop 10 and the outer

binder 11. Thus, the flexible bag 12 is maintained in the open manner for the filling operation. The device with the flexible bag 12 mounted thereon may be carried with a handle 51 at the top of the outer binder 11, or it may be set on the ground with the extended side 36 of the outer binder 11. In this position, objects on the ground may be simply swept into the bag. A convenience opening 52 is formed in the handle 51, as the handle has a closed front wall, for hanging the device in storage. To remove the bag 12 from the device, the user simply inserts fingers through the elongated openings 47 and 48 of the outer binder and the short openings 49 and 50 to disengage slidably the inner hoop 10 from the outer binder 11. Waste collection bags may be mounted to a counter top with the embodiment as shown in Figures 17 and 18. In this embodiment, binding openings 53 and 54 are formed in

the counter 55 to serve as outer binders. Two inner hoops 56 and 57 having downwardly and inwardly sloping outer side walls 58 and 59 respectively are provided. Two waste collection bags 60 and 61 may then be mounted to the counter 55 in the similar manner as described above. The two bags construction is shown as an example, a single bag may be mounted in the similar manner by providing only a single binding opening in the counter top.

It can be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present device is simple to fabricate particularly for the portable embodiment in which the inner hoop and the outer binder are similar in general construction. With the unique construction, a plurality of the device may be conveniently stacked together for transportation or storage.

Figures 19 shows that a plurality of inner hoops 10A through 10E may be provided within the outer binder 11. The inner hoops 10A through 10E have gradually decreasing sizes such that a flexible bag of any size may be mounted between the outer binder 11 and the inner hoop 10A or between any neighboring pairs of inner hoops selectively or between the outer binder 11 and any selected one of the inner hoops 10A to 10E. However, in practice,

since the size variation between the neighboring inner hoops is small whereas the variation of size between common flexible bags is usually relatively large, it is not practical to provide such large number of inner hoops with relatively small gradually decreasing sizes.

Figure 20 shows a more practical approach for mitigating the drawback of the above device. In this construction, the inner hoops 10F through 10J are in the form of narrow

annular hoops of rapidly decreasing sizes. The inner hoops 10F through 10J will thus engage a portion of the outer binder 11 as best shown in Figure 21. Thus, the number of inner hoops required is greatly and practically reduced to accommodate the same range of available common flexible bags than the device in Figure 19. Generally, only two inner hoops such as 121 and 10G will suffice to cover the common different flexible sizes as shown in Figures 22, 23, 24 and 25. The lower inner hoop 101 may lie completely within the outer binder 11 as shown in Figure 23, or a lower portion of it may extend outside below the bottom edge of the outer binder 11 as shown in Figure 25.

Figure 26 shows that the outer binder 11 may be provided with an integral bracket 62 having extension lugs 63 for mounting the device in a cantilever manner horizontally at a fixed location on a vertical wall. Alternatively, Figure 27 shows that the outer binder may be integrally formed in the top of a portable stool or table 64 having supporting legs 65 so that the device may be moved freely to any selected convenient location. Figure 28 shows that a circular lid 66 may be provided at the top 67 of the stool or table to cover the opening of the outer binder. The lid 66 may lie flush with the top 67 or it may recede completely within the opening. A central opening 68 is formed in the lid 66 so that waste material may be placed into the flexible bag mounted on the device without having to open or remove the lid.

Figures 29 and 30 illustrate an alternative embodiment in which the mating side walls of the outer binder and the inner hoop have mating shapes other than sloping side walls. The outer binder 11 A is a thin or narrow hoop having an inner annular shoulder portion 69. A plurality of thin inner hoops 10K through 10O are provided. The inner hoops are of decreasing sizes; and each inner hoop has an outer annular flange 70 and an inner annular shoulder 71. The first inner hoop 10K may engage within the outer binder 11 A with its outer annular flange 70 resting on the inner annular shoulder portion 69 of the outer binder 11 A.

Each subsequent inner hoop may engage with the neighboring larger size inner hoop with its outer annular flange resting on the inner annular shoulder of the latter. In this latter case, the larger inner hoop serves as an extension of the outer binder. The last smallest inner hoop 10O is not necessary to be provided with an inner annular shoulder since no further inner hoop will engage within it. In this embodiment, the engagement between the largest inner hoop

10K with the outer binder 11 A and between any neighboring inner hoops is not required to have a tight fitting.; as long as the outer annular flange 70 of the largest or intermediate inner hoop has a width large enough such that it will rest on the inner annular shoulder portion 69 of the outer binder 11 A or the neighboring larger inner hoop, the weight of the waste material in the flexible bag would exert the required force to pull the inner hoop against the outer binder or another neighboring inner hoop to clamp the flexible bag securely in place. Figure 31 shows the embodiment of Figures 29 and 30 formed integrally into a stool or table similar to the embodiment shown in Figure 28. Open ended slots72, 73, 74 and 74A may be formed around the annular flange 70 as shown in Figure 29 to facilitate the mounting of the flexible

bag during the mounting operation. This is achieved by pushing various spots around the fold back lip portion of the flexible bag into these opened end slots to be held therein so that the inner hoop with the flexible bag thus mounted thereto may be placed easily inside the outer hinder. Another embodiment is shown in Figures 32 and 33. In this embodiment, the outer

binder 1 IB has a step-like inner side wall surface 1 IBA and the inner hoops 10P through 10T of increasing sizes have an annular outer flange 70 adapted to engage with the annular steps at the different levels of the inner side wall surface 1 IBA of the outer binder 1 IB. Similar to the previous embodiment, the inner hoops and the outer binder in this embodiment are not required to have a tight engagement. The weight of the waste material in the flexible bag would also exert the required force to pull the inner hoop against the outer binder to sandwich the lip portion of the flexible bag tightly between them. A wall mounted device having this embodiment incorporated therein is shown in Figures 34 and 35. Only two selected inner hoops 10P and 10S are provided to cover commonly available different sizes of flexible bags.

A plurality of retaining openings 75 are formed over the entire sloping side wall of the inner hoops as shown in Figure 36 and Figure 37. These retaining openings 75 preferably have a star shape and they are adapted for facilitating the mounting of the flexible bag to the present device. The flexible bag is first inserted through the inner hoop as discussed above with its lip portion folded backward over the inner hoop and selected parts of the folded back lip portion may be pushed through those retaining openings around the inner hoop so that these pushed through parts are gripped by the retaining openings. The

inner hoop with the flexible bag thus mounted thereto may then be easily placed within the outer binder to sandwich the folded back lip portion of the flexible bag between them.

A portable embodiment of the present device is shown in Figures 38 and 39. In this embodiment, the outer binder 1 IC has a flat base 76 and an arch shaped upper binder 77. The upper binder 77 has an inwardly sloping inner side wall 78. The inner hoops 10U and 10V have the same shape as the outer binder 1 IC and have a flat base 79 and a narrow upper arch portion 80 which has a sloping outer side wall 81 adapted to mate intimately with the inner side wall 78 of the outer binder 1 IC. The inner hoops may engage within the outer binder as shown in Figure 39 similar to the circular embodiments as shown above for mounting a flexible bag between the outer binder and the larger inner hoop. Only a portion of the side wall of the inner hoop and the outer binder need to engage with each other to achieve the clamping function for the flexible bag. In the same fashion, the smaller inner hoop 10 V

engages with the adjacent larger inner hoop 10U. The device may be conveniently placed anywhere on a floor by the flat base 76. Also, the flat base 76 may serve as a dust pan to facilitate sweeping of the waste material into the flexible bag mounted thereto.

Another portable embodiment of the present device is shown in Figures 40 and 41. The arch-shaped outer binder 1 IC is provided with a step inside shoulder 82 and the arch portion of an inner hoop 10W is provided with a flanged shoulder 83 as well as an inside shoulder 83 A and a second inner hoop 12X having just a flange should 83 such that the flexible bag may be mounted either between the outer binder 1 IC and the largest inner hoop 10W, or between the largest inner hoop 10W and the smaller inner hoop 10X similar to the annular shape embodiment as shown previously.

A preferred portable embodiment having all the features of the present invention is best shown in Figure 42. In this embodiment, the outer binder 1 ID is a generally triangular hoop or band having a base portion 84 and two sloping upper side walls 85 and 86. A substantially U-shaped handle 87 is located at the apex between the upper side walls 85 and

86 such that the device may be conveniently carried from one location to another. The handle

87 has a closed front wall 88 which is provided with a through opening 89 adapted for hanging the device on a wall for storage. The side walls 85 and 86 have an inwardly and rearwardly sloping inner surface and a plurality of elongated transverse slot openings 90 and 91 are formed on the side walls 85 and 86 respectively. Two spaced supporting extension

legs 92 and 93 extend outwardly and rearwardly adjacent to the corners of the base portion 84 to enhance the secure resting of the device on the floor. A plurality of screw openings 94 are formed on the inner surface of the base portion 84. Two semi-circular latches 95 and 96 are formed at the rear edge portion of the base portion 84. Two cut outs 97 and 98 are formed on the rear edge portion of the side walls 85 and 86 respectively preferably adjacent to the two lower corners. The inner hoop 10Y is generally triangular in shaped and having a size adapted to engage within the outer binder 1 ID.

The narrow inner hoop 10 Y has a flat base portion 99 and two slanting side walls 100 and 101 which have an outer surface sloping inwardly and rearwardly such that the inner hoop 10Y may engage intimately within the outer binder 1 ID for mounting the flexible bag between them. A plurality of star shaped retaining openings 102 and 103 are formed in the side walls 100 and 101 respectively. The second set of retainer openings 108 is formed at the base portion 99 of the inner hoop 10Y. The combination of the retainer openings 102 and 103 and 108 achieve the same effect as shown in Figures 36 and 37 such that the lip of the flexible bag clings to the inner hoop 10 Y to ease its insertion into the outer binder 1 ID. These retaining openings 102 and 103 will aligned with the elongated slot openings 90 and 91 respectively. The inner hoop 10Y may be released from the outer binder 11D by inserting fingers into the openings 102 and 103 through the longer openings 90 and 91 to push the inner hoop 10Y outwards.

Two semi-circular latches 104 and 105 are formed at the rear edge portion of the side walls 100 and 101 respectively adjacent to the lower two corners therein. Two cut outs 106 and 107 are formed at the rear edge portion of the base portion 99 and located adjacent to the two lower corners. The retaining opening 108 will align with the screw openings 94 formed on the base portion 84 of the outer binder 1 ID when the inner hoop 10Y is fitted within the outer binder 1 ID. The semi-circular latches 104 and 105 of the inner hoop 10Y will also engage with the cut outs 97 and 98 of the outer binder to prevent the inner hoop 10Y in falling out from the front of the device when the device is resting on a sloping floor. The semi-circular latches 95 and 96 on the base portion of the outer binder 1 ID will also engage with the cut outs 106 and 107 at the rear edge portion of the inner hoop 10 Y to prevent the

inner hoop 10Y from being pulled out from the rear of the device by the weight of the loaded bag. Thus, the inner hoop 10Y is fitted within the outer binder 1 ID securely by the latches. The portable device described in Figure 42 with the outer binder 1 ID and the inner hoop 10Y can readily be converted into a fixed mount device. The outer binder can be secured with screws to a wall or post at the openings 94. The retainer openings 108 of the inner hoop 10Y are larger and are strategically centered such that the inner hoop 10Y can be moved in and out of the outer binder 1 ID without the obstructions from the heads of the screws located at the screw openings 94.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

What I claim is:

1. A method of holding a flexible bag is an open condition, comprising: inserting said flexible bag into a hoop member having an outer side wall sloping

inwardly and downwardly, wrapping a lip portion of said flexible bag over said outer side wall of said hoop

member, placing said hoop member with said flexible bag mounted thereon into a binder member, said binder member having an inner wall surface shaped and sized to embrace said outer side wall of said hoop member whereby said lip portion of said flexible bag wrapped over said outer side wall of said hoop member is sandwiched securely between said hoop

member and said binder member.

2. A method according to Claim 1 wherein said hoop member and said binder member are annular hoops.

3. A method according to Claim 1 wherein both of said hoop member and binder member have a top flange formed at a top edge therein and adapted to engage in contact with one another when said hoop member is located within said binder member.

4. A method according to Claim 1 wherein said hoop member and said binder member are triangular in shape.

5. A method according to Claim 1 wherein said binder member is a counter top having a binding opening formed therein, and said binding opening is shaped and sized to embrace said outer side wall of said hoop member.

6. A mounting device for holding a flexible bag in an open condition, comprising a hoop member having an outer side wall sloping inwardly and downwardly, said hoop member being operative to receive a flexible bag to be inserted therethrough with a lip portion of said bag wrapped over said outer side wall, an outer binder member having inner side wall therein shaped and sized in complementary to said outer side wall of said hoop member, said hoop member and said outer binder member being engageable with one another with said outer side wall of said hoop member juxtaposed to said inner side wall of said binder member.

7. A mounting device according to Claim 6 wherein said hoop member and said outer binder member are annular hoops.

8. A mounting device according to Claim 7 wherein hoop member has a top edge with a horizontal flange formed therein, and said binder member also has a top edge with a complementary horizontal flange formed therein, said horizontal flange of said hoop member

abutting said complementary horizontal flange of said binder member when said hoop member is engaged within said binder member.

9. A mounting device according to Claim 8 wherein said binder member includes a support portion adapted for mounting said binder member fixedly to a vertical supporting wall with said binder member extending horizontally in a cantilever manner from said

vertical supporting wall.

10. A mounting device according to Claim 9 including a reinforcing neck portion provided between said support portion and said binder member, said neck portion adapted to maintain said binder member rigidly in said horizontal position.

11. A mounting device according to Claim 10 including a plurality of retainer openings

formed in said outer side wall of said hoop member, each one of said retainer openings having a slit opening extending therefrom to a lower edge of said hoop member.

12. A mounting device according to Claim 6 wherein said hoop member and said binder member are hoops triangular in shape having two sloping sides and an extended flat side, said extended flat side being operative for supporting said hoop member and said binder member to rest on a ground surface.

13. A mounting device according to Claim 12 including a plurality of transverse elongated slot openings formed in each side of said binder member, and a plurality of transverse short slot openings formed in each side of said hoop member, said short slot

openings of said hoop member being in registry with said elongated slot openings when said hoop member and said binder member are engaged with each other with said binder member embracing said hoop member.

14. A mounting device according to Claim 13 including a dimple formed in an under surface of said extended flat side of said hoop member, and a depression formed in a top surface of said extended flat side of said binder member, said dimple and said depression being operative to engage with one another when said hoop member and said binder member are engaged with one another.

15. A mounting device according to Claim 13 including a handle provided at a top corner between said side walls of said binder member.

16. A mounting device according to Claim 15 wherein the top of said sides of said hoop member and said outer binder member are slanted backwards at about 5 to 15 degrees to the vertical axis when said device is resting on the ground on said extended flat side.

17. A mounting device according to Claim 6 wherein said binder member is a counter top having a binding opening formed therein, said binding opening having an inner side wall shaped and sized complementary to said outer surface of said hoop member and being operative to receive said hoop member to engage therein with said outer surface of said hoop member abutting with said inner side wall of said binding opening.

18. A mounting device for holding a flexible bag of various sizes in an open condition, comprising an outer binder having an opening with an inner side wall of a predetermined configuration, a plurality of inner hoops members of different sizes, and each inner hoop member having an outer side wall configuration complementary to a different level of said predetermined surface of said inner side wall of said outer binder, said flexible bag being mountable on said device by first inserting through a selected one inner hoop member with a lip portion of said flexible bag folded backward over said one inner hoop member prior to mounting said one inner hoop member within said outer binder to sandwich said lip portion of said flexible bag between said one inner hoop member and said outer binder.

19. A mounting device according to Claim 18 wherein said predetermined configuration of said inner side wall of said outer binder is a sloping side wall, and said outer side wall configuration of said one inner hoop member is sloping in a complementary manner to said sloping side wall of said outer binder at a selected level therein.

20. A mounting device according to Claim 19 wherein said inner hoop members are thin hoop members having a fractional height of said outer binder.

21. A mounting device according to Claim 20 including a bracket integrally formed on said outer binder, said bracket being adapted for mounting said device to a wall surface.

22. A mounting device according to Claim 20 wherein said outer binder is integrally formed in a top surface of a table.

23. A mounting device according to Claim 19 wherein said outer binder includes an arch shaped upper portion with inner side wall having said predetermined wall configuration formed therein, and having a substantially flat base portion adapted for resting on a ground surface.

24. A mounting device for holding a flexible bag of various sizes in an open condition for filling operation, comprising a generally hoop-shaped outer binder having an inside opening with a predetermined side wall configuration, a plurality of inner hoop members of decreasing sizes and each inner hoop member having an outer side wall configuration shaped in a complementary manner to different

levels of said predetermined side wall configuration of said outer binder, said flexible bag being mountable on said device by first inserting through a selected one inner hoop member with a lip portion of said flexible bag folded backward over said one inner hoop member prior to mounting said one inner hoop member with said flexible bag clung thereto within said inside opening of said outer binder to sandwich said lip portion of said flexible bag between engaging outer side wall of said one inner hoop member and inner side wall of said outer binder.

25. A mounting device according to Claim 24 wherein said inner side wall configuration of said outer binder and said outer side wall configuration of said inner hoop members are complementary sloping side walls.

26. A mounting device according to Claim 24 wherein said inner side wall configuration of said outer binder is a stepped side wall having circular shoulders of decreasing sizes and said outer side wall of said inner hoop members includes a peripheral flange adapted to engage with a selected one of said circular shoulders.

27. A mounting device for holding a flexible bag of a various sizes in an open condition for filling operation, comprising a generally hoop-shaped outer binder having an inside opening with a predetermined side wall configuration, a plurality of inner hoop members of decreasing sizes, a largest one of said inner hoop members having an outer side wall configuration shaped in a complementary manner to said predetermined side wall configuration of said outer binder, and each inner hoop member having an inner side wall configuration complementary to the outer side wall configuration of an immediate neighboring inner hoop member, said flexible bag of one size being mountable between said largest one of said inner hoop members and said outer binder, and said flexible bag of a smaller size being mountable

between two selected inner hoop members wherein a larger one of said two selected inner hoop members is said largest inner hoop member mounted within said outer binder.

28. A mounting device according to Claim 27 wherein said larger one of said two selected inner hoop members is mounted to said outer binder through at least one intermediate inner hoop member.

29. A mounting device according to Claim 28 wherein said inner side wall configuration of said outer binder has a circular stepped shoulder, and said outer side wall of said inner hoop members includes a peripheral flange, said peripheral flange of said largest one of said inner hoop members is adapted to engage with said circular stepped shoulder of said outer binder.

30. A mounting device according to Claim 29 wherein, except for a smallest inner hoop member, said inside wall of all intermediate inner hoop members and said largest one of said inner hoop members have an annular shoulder formed therein adapted to engage with said peripheral flange of a neighboring smaller inner hoop member.

31. A mounting device according to Claim 30 including a plurality of open ended retaining slots formed in said peripheral flange of said inner hoop members.

32. A mounting device according to Claim 26 including a bracket integrally formed on said outer binder and adapted for mounting said device to a wall surface.

33. A mounting device according to Claim 30 wherein said outer binder is integrally

formed in a top surface of a table.

34. A mounting device according to Claim 33 including a cover adapted to cover over said inner hoop member mounted in said outer binder.

35. A mounting device according to Claim 25 wherein said outer binder has an arch shaped upper portion with inner side wall having stepped shoulders formed therein and a

substantially flat base portion adapted to rest on a ground surface, and said inner hoop members are similarly shaped as said outer binder and having an outer peripheral flange formed on the outer side wall of the arch shaped upper portion therein adapted to engage with said stepped shoulders of said outer binder.

36. A mounting device according to Claim 24 including a plurality of retainer openings

formed in said inner hoop members.

37. A mounting device according to Claim 36 wherein said retainer openings are

substantially star-shaped.

38. A mounting device for holding a flexible bag of various sizes in an open condition, comprising an outer binder having an arch shaped upper portion and a substantially flat base portion adapted to rest on a ground surface, said upper portion having a predetermined inner side wall configuration formed therein, a plurality of inner hoop members having a shape similar to said outer binder including an arch shaped upper portion and a substantially flat base portion, and said arch shaped upper portion of said inner hoop members having an outer side wall configuration complementary to said predetermined inner side wall configuration of said arch shaped upper portion of said outer binder, a largest size inner hoop member being adapted to engage within said outer binder, and subsequent inner hoop members being engageable within an immediate neighboring larger inner hoop member located within said outer binder, said flexible bag being mountable on said device by first inserting through largest inner hoop member with a lip portion of said flexible bag folded backward over said largest inner hoop member prior to mounting said largest inner hoop member within said outer binder to sandwich said lip portion of said flexible bag between said largest inner hoop member and said outer binder, and in a similar manner a smaller size flexible bag being mountable between two neighboring inner hoop members located within said outer binder.

39. A mounting device according to Claim 38 wherein said outer binder and said inner hoop members are substantially triangular in shaped with one side forming said base portion and two sloping sides extending upwards from said base portion to form said arch shaped

upper portion.

40. A mounting device according to Claim 39 including a plurality of retainer openings formed in said sloping sides of said inner hoop members adapted to facilitate easy mounting of said inner hoop member, with said flexible bag attached thereto, to said outer binder, and a plurality of transverse elongated openings formed on said sloping sides of said outer binder, said retainer openings and said elongated openings being aligned with one another when an inner hoop member is mounted within said outer binder to facilitate easy removal of said inner hoop member from said outer binder with a push out action.

41. A mounting device according to Claim 39 including a plurality of semi-circular cut outs formed on a rear edge of said sloping sides of said outer binder, and a plurality of semicircular latches formed on a rear edge of said sloping sides of said inner hoop members, a plurality of additional semi-circular cut outs formed in a rear edge of said base portion of said inner hoop members and a plurality of additional semi-circular latches formed in a rear edge of said base portion of said outer binder, said semi-circular cut outs and semi-circular

latches as well as said additional semi-circular cut outs and said additional semi-circular latches being adapted to engage with one another when one inner hoop member is mounted within said outer binder for maintaining said one inner hoop member securely mounted in place, and two extension arms extending outwards rearwardly from said rear edge of said outer binder and adapted to provide additional support for said outer binder in resting on said floor.

42. A mounting device according to Claim 39 including a plurality of mounting openings formed on said base portion of said outer binder adapted for mounting said outer binder on a wall with screws, a plurality of corresponding openings formed in said base portion of said inner hoop members adapted to accommodate heads of said screws and to store excessive lip portions of said flexible bag when an inner hoop member is engaged within said outer binder mounted to said wall.

43. A mounting device according to Claim 41 including a substantially U-shaped handle formed at an apex of said two sloping sides, said handle having a front wall with a mounting opening formed therein adapted for hanging said device on a wall surface.