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  Utility stands and related methodsUSPTO Application #: 20070235600Title: Utility stands and related methods Abstract: A utility stand comprising a substantially U-shaped item support member, a base member, and a vertical support that extends between the base member and the item support member. In particular embodiments, the item support member is adapted to be rotated between: (A) a first position, in which the item support member is in a substantially horizontal orientation when the utility stand is in an upright position, and (B) a second position, in which the item support member is in a substantially vertical orientation when the utility stand is in an upright position. In various embodiments, the base member is adapted to be rotated between: (A) a first position, in which the base member is in a substantially horizontal orientation when the utility stand is in an upright position, and (B) a second position, in which the base member is in a substantially vertical orientation when the utility stand is in an upright position. (end of abstract)
Agent: Alston & Bird LLP - Charlotte, NC, US Inventors: Dale A. Herold, Phillip L. Davis USPTO Applicaton #: 20070235600 - Class: 248097000 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Supports, Bag Holders, Stands The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070235600. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/737,646, entitled "Utility Stands and Related Methods", filed Nov. 17, 2005, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] A common problem facing homeowners is the need to collect and bag leaves and other yard waste, especially during Fall. A common approach to bagging leaves is to partially fill a semi-rigid paper bag with leaves so that the bag remains in an upright position, and then to continue filling the bag with leaves until the bag is completely filled. One problem with this approach is that such bags often fall over and spill during the bagging process. Accordingly, a need exists for improved methods and apparatuses for facilitating the bagging process in general, and more particularly, for facilitating the bagging of leaves and other yard waste. SUMMARY OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION [0003] A utility stand according to particular embodiments of the invention comprises: (1) a substantially U-shaped item support member; (2) a base member; (3) a vertical support that extends between the base member and the item support member, wherein: (A) the item support member is adapted to be rotated between: (i) a first position, in which the item support member is in a substantially horizontal orientation when the utility stand is in an upright position, and (ii) a second position, in which the item support member is in a substantially vertical orientation when the utility stand is in an upright position, and (B) the base member is adapted to be rotated between: (i) a first position, in which the base member is in a substantially horizontal orientation when the utility stand is in an upright position, and (ii) a second position, in which the base member is in a substantially vertical orientation when the utility stand is in an upright position. [0004] A utility stand according to various embodiments of the invention comprises: (1) an item support member that is adapted for maintaining a bag in an open configuration; (2) a base member; (3) a vertical support that extends between the base member and the item support member, wherein the item support member is adapted to be rotated between: (i) a first position, in which the item support member is in a substantially horizontal orientation when the utility stand is in an upright position, and (ii) a second position, in which the item support member is in a substantially vertical orientation when the utility stand is in an upright position. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0005] In this application, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein: [0006] FIG. 1A is a front view of a utility stand according to a particular embodiment of the invention. [0007] FIG. 1B is a top view of the item support member and upper hinge shown in FIG. 1A. [0008] FIG. 1C is a bottom view of the base member and lower hinge shown in FIG. 1A. [0009] FIG. 1D is a side view of the utility stand shown in FIG. 1A. This figure shows a cut-away view of the interface between the utility stand's upper and lower vertical supports. [0010] FIG. 1E is a close-up view of the cut-away view of FIG. 1D, which shows the interface between the utility stand's upper and lower vertical supports. [0011] FIG. 1F is a rear view of the utility stand shown in FIG. 1A. [0012] FIG. 2 is a side view of the utility stand shown in FIG. 1A. In this figure, the utility stand is shown in an unfolded configuration. [0013] FIG. 3 is a side view of the utility stand shown in FIG. 1A. In this figure, the utility stand is shown in a fully folded configuration. [0014] FIG. 4 is a side view of the utility stand shown in FIG. 1A, in which the utility stand's item support member is shown in transition between a first, unfolded orientation (110.sup.1) and a second, folded orientation (110.sup.3). [0015] FIG. 5A is a top view of the item support member shown in FIG. 1A. [0016] FIG. 5B is a front view of the item support member shown in FIG. 1A. [0017] FIG. 6A is a top view of the item support member and a bracket portion of the upper hinge shown in FIG. 1A. [0018] FIG. 6B is a front view of the item support member and a bracket portion of the upper hinge shown in FIG. 1A. [0019] FIG. 6C is a side view of the item support member and a bracket portion of the upper hinge shown in FIG. 1A. [0020] FIG. 7A is a side view of the upper vertical support shown in FIG. 1A. Continue reading... Full patent description for Utility stands and related methods Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Utility stands and related methods 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 Utility stands and related methods or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Sweep releaf Next Patent Application: Height-adjustable support for a display device Industry Class: Supports ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Utility stands and related methods patent info. IP-related news and info Results in 9.07773 seconds Other interesting Feshpatents.com categories: Tyco , Unilever , Warner-lambert , 3m |
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