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  Sweep releafUSPTO Application #: 20070235598Title: Sweep releaf Abstract: A device for use with a flexible trash bag which maintains the entrance of said bag in a fully open position which incorporates a “dust pan” like ramp to facilitate the filling of said bag and the methods of use and features included is herein disclosed. The device is inserted into the opening of said bag. The base ramp has two opposing legs attached which are angled slightly outward from vertical to provide a force pushing against the bags sides maintaining the opening. The legs and base flange employ a number of pegs that project into the material of the bag keeping the bag on the frame. The base ramp extends a sufficient length to allow for free standing stability. The base ramp has two enclosed foot “stirrups” attached to opposite ends of said ramp which when utilized, provide stability to the device. This method of operation frees both hands to operate the sweeping tool by pulling the debris between the legs into the opened bag. (end of abstract) Agent: Michael Raymond Smith - Round Rock, TX, US Inventor: Michael Raymond Smith USPTO Applicaton #: 20070235598 - Class: 248095000 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Supports, Bag Holders The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070235598. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to the art of leaf and debris insertion into a trash bag. More specifically, but not by way of limitation, the invention relates to improvements in the apparatus for holding open a trash bag for collecting leaves, trimmings, household dirt, construction debris and the like and filling the bag by a single person. Employing both feet to secure the apparatus, not only is the operator in a comfortable upright position away from the dust, but both hands remain free to operate the rake or broom greatly reducing the effort required and improving the efficiency of filling the bag. In addition, the use of removable legs overcomes a manufacturing and shipping concern, as well as allows for easy storage when not in use. [0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art [0004] In the recent past, the use of plastic trash bags for collection, containment and disposal of debris has become increasingly popular. There have been various means designed for holding these bags in an open position while filling. [0005] Rylander's U.S. Pat. No. 4,749,011 employs a sheet of material which is coiled to a smaller circumference and inserted into the bag, then expands holding the bag open in a circular shape. The device is set upright resembling a rigid trash can and manually filled from the top. This is no improvement over pre-existing rigid cans as filling requires stooping over repeatedly and debris can be dropped or blown away while trying to fill the bag. It can also be used as a scoop but there are no handles for ease of operation. [0006] Taylor's U.S. Pat. No. 4,805,858 discloses a frame device adapted to hold a trash bag in an open position. The trash bag is held to the frame by a cord. The flame includes a stake to enable the frame to be anchored to the ground for stability. This device has several shortcomings. It appears to be not readily moveable, and requires driving and removing a stake into the ground, and requires attaching a strap which can be difficult to attach. [0007] Beckham's U.S. Pat. No. 4,832,292 describes another method for holding a trash bag. The one piece injection molded apparatus has a permanent sized D-shaped configuration requiring an elastic strap to attach the bag. The large fixed size of the apparatus creates difficulties in shipping and storage. The necessity of an elastic strap appears difficult to employ and could become a hazard. The base has a footpad for support. The single foot pad does not provide adequate support for the base, and leaves the foot unprotected from contact with debris. [0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,011,103 Hayes, et al. describes a reusable bag and a collapsible frame that maintains the opening of a bag. The bag is attached by threading a rod through a hemmed fabric tunnel. The device has adjustable rods and feet. The design appears to be overly elaborate and difficult to employ. Emptying a reusable bag full of debris is undesirable. [0009] The present invention provides a more stable frame member to which a bag can be easily attached, needs no attaching strap, has a "dustpan" type ramp to facilitate filling the bag, has no moving parts, allows for single person operation with both hands free to sweep debris, has covered stirrups to protect the feet from contact with debris, is shipped in a compact disassembled state, and is easily assembled. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0010] The present invention provides an improved bag holding apparatus which is portable and easily operated with less effort and improved efficiency. [0011] Accordingly, the above mentioned shortcomings are obviated by the present invention which provides a novel bag opener frame with improvements over the existing art. [0012] The preferred embodiment would be as follows: The frame consists of a base that has a dust pan shaped ramp for ease of sweeping. Two foot stirrups are attached for firm support while sweeping debris into the bag with two hands. Two detachable legs hold the bag open. The apparatus when assembled with a bag attached will form three sides of a rectangle with the fourth being the bag itself. [0013] It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel bag holding apparatus which is simple and effective. [0014] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a simple method of stability to the frame member. [0015] It is a further object of the present invention to provide operation by a single operator. [0016] It is a further object of the present invention to provide hands free operation. [0017] It is a further object of the present invention to provide protection to the feet while operating. [0018] It is a further object of the present invention to provide means for attaching bags without straps, clips, bands, etc. but by a number of pegs placed along the edges of the legs and base which improve the grip of the frame [0019] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a means for using various sized bags with the apparatus. [0020] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a means for compacting the apparatus for shipping and storage. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0021] FIG. 1 is a cover of the assembled apparatus; Continue reading... Full patent description for Sweep releaf Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Sweep releaf patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Sweep releaf or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Suspension and marking device Next Patent Application: Utility stands and related methods Industry Class: Supports ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Sweep releaf patent info. IP-related news and info Results in 5.35205 seconds Other interesting Feshpatents.com categories: Tyco , Unilever , Warner-lambert , 3m |
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