Collapsible Support Apparatus

Abstract

A collapsible support apparatus constructed from a elongated panel. The collapsible support apparatus is arranged to form a partially enclosed triangular structure for maintaining a bag in an upright and open state predominately within the triangular structure. The elongated panel includes a longitudinal score line which defines first and second elongated subpanels. A lateral score line of the elongated panel defines a base panel extending perpendicularly from a bottom edge of one of the elongated subpanels. The base panel is dimensioned to span intermediate bottom edges of the first and second elongated subpanels to form a closed base which limits abrasion to the bottom of the bag. The collapsible support apparatus is collapsible at least along the longitudinal and lateral score lines into a generally planar structure.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable

RELEVENT FIELD

This application is directed generally toward a support apparatus and more specifically toward a collapsible support apparatus.

BACKGROUND

Various support structures are known in the relevant art to maintain a bag in an open state to receive materials. The majority of these arrangements require that the bag encompass the support structure which makes handling of the combination of bag and support structure cumbersome, particularly when the bag becomes full of materials. In many cases, the support structures of the relevant art lack sufficient stability to maintain the bag in an upright and open state to receive materials within the bag. While relatively simple to manufacture, the placement of support structures within the bag allows the support structure to become soiled or damaged by materials disposed within the bag, thus limiting the lifespan of the support structure.

In other arrangements, metal frame based support structures are typically cumbersome, awkward to setup and disassemble, require multiple parts, corrode and may result in pinched fingers when attempting to fold the structure for storage. Accordingly, there is a need in the relevant art for a lightweight and low cost collapsible support apparatus that is simple to setup and store and avoids one or more of the undesirable properties of collapsible support apparatus known in the relevant art.

SUMMARY

In view of the foregoing, various exemplary embodiments of a collapsible support apparatus are disclosed. The exemplary embodiments described herein provide a lightweight, collapsible and partially enclosed triangular structure which may be used for collection of recyclable materials, yard wastes, trash or garbage or other materials in a bag supported thereby or used separately as a type of industrial-sized dust pan or scoop. When used to support a bag, the bag may be of any convenient type but is typically a limp plastic bag. The collapsible support apparatus includes an elongated panel arranged to form a partially enclosed triangular structure with a solid base. In an exemplary embodiment, the partially enclosed triangular structure is configured to maintain a bag in an upright and open state predominately within the structure. Alternately, the collapsible support apparatus may be laid on its side to allow for raking of leaves, yard waste and/or sweeping of other materials directly into the bag or onto a planar surface of the collapsible support apparatus when used without a bag. The collapsible support apparatus may be scaled to accommodate a particular bag size. For example, plastic bags are typically provided in 32 and 42 gallon capacities.

In an exemplary embodiment, the elongated panel includes a longitudinal score line which defines first and second elongated subpanels. A lateral score line defines a base panel extending from a bottom edge of the first elongated subpanel. The base panel is coupled with the second elongated subpanel proximate to a bottom edge and serves as a bottom lateral support. In an exemplary embodiment, the base panel includes a polygon shape dimensioned to span intermediate bottom edges of the first and second elongated subpanels. The triangular structure includes an open forward face opposite the longitudinal score line which allows expansion of the bag as materials are collected therein. The top of the triangular structure opposite the base panel is likewise open to allow filling of the bag with materials. The collapsible support apparatus is collapsible at least along the longitudinal and lateral score lines into a generally planar structure for storage and/or transportation purposes.

In an exemplary embodiment, the base panel includes a diagonal score line which allows the base panel to collapse cooperatively along with the first and second elongated subpanels. The base panel may collapse intermediate the first and second elongated subpanels or alternately collapse outside the periphery of the first and second elongated subpanels.

In an exemplary embodiment, the collapsible support apparatus includes a pair of longitudinal bag retaining slits formed into top edges of the first and second elongated subpanels. The bag retaining slits are laterally offset a predetermined lateral distance from opposing side edges of the elongated panel. Each bag retaining slit is configured to receive a portion of an open end of the bag in a secure wedging relationship for positively retaining the bag in the upright and open state.

In an exemplary embodiment, the collapsible support apparatus includes a pair of longitudinally aligned interlocking members. The interlocking members are disposed intermediate the bag retaining slits and the opposing side edges of the elongated panel and are configured to engage with interlocking members associated with one or more other collapsible bag support apparatus. The interlocking members typically form ovoid-shaped push tabs.

In an exemplary embodiment, opposing side edges of the elongated panel include a tapered profile with the narrowest lateral dimension of the tapered profile being proximate to the base panel.

In an exemplary embodiment, the base panel includes one or more apertures adapted to receive means for securing the collapsible support apparatus to a horizontal surface, for example, earthen ground.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The features and advantages of the various exemplary embodiments will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Where possible, the same reference numerals and characters are used to denote like features, elements, components or portions of the inventive embodiments. It is intended that changes and modifications can be made to the described exemplary embodiments without departing from the true scope and spirit of the inventive embodiments as is defined by the claims.

FIG. 1—depicts a top view of a template for forming a collapsible bag support in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2A—depicts an initial assembly view of a collapsible support apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2B—depicts an intermediate assembly view of a collapsible support apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2C—depicts a final assembly view of a collapsible support apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3A—depicts a perspective view of a collapsible support apparatus with bag installation in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3B—depicts a perspective view of a collapsible support apparatus with an installed bag in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4A—depicts a frontal perspective view of first and second interlocked collapsible support apparatus with installed bags in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4B—depicts a rearward perspective view of first and second interlocked collapsible support apparatus with installed bags in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5A—depicts a frontal view of a collapsible support apparatus in a collapsed state in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5B—depicts a side view of a collapsible support apparatus in a collapsed state in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various exemplary embodiments of a collapsible support apparatus are disclosed herein. In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present inventive embodiments. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present inventive embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures, devices or components may be shown in block diagram form in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present inventive embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 1, an elongated panel 1 from which an inventive embodiment of the collapsible support apparatus 100 may be constructed is depicted. In an exemplary embodiment, the elongated panel 1 is formed from a substantially rigid material that is lightweight and of sufficient strength to support a bag filled with material. The material from which the elongated panel 1 is constructed may be made from corrugated plastic or cardboard sheet stock but may be made of any material which satisfies the stated requirements. The elongated panel 1 may be cut to form the collapsible support apparatus 100 using laser dye cut, arc, mechanical punch, automated saw or other cutting means known in the relevant art. Typically, the elongated panel 1 has a thickness in a range of 0.1875-0.25 inches. However, the thickness and dimensions of the elongated panel 1 may be varied to accomplish a specific design objective. For example, the thickness of the elongated panel 1 may be increased to support a heavy load contained in a multi-ply plastic bag used to collect construction debris Likewise, the dimensions of the collapsible support apparatus 100 may be varied to accommodate bags of various sizes. For example, to provide upright support for a typical 42 gallon plastic trash bag, the longitudinal dimension (unfolded) may be in an approximate range of 30 to 34 inches with a lateral dimension in an approximate range of 36 to 40 inches.

The formed collapsible support apparatus 100 includes a longitudinal score line 40 which defines first and second elongated subpanels 5a, 5b. The longitudinal score line 40 allows the first and second elongated subpanels 5a, 5b to pivot such that the side edges 12a, 12b of the first and second elongated subpanels 5a, 5b are aligned in a predetermined spaced relation. Each elongated subpanel 5a, 5b may include a tapered profile 65a, 65b in which a narrowest lateral dimension of the tapered profile is proximate to a base panel 15.

One or more lateral score line(s) 45 define a base panel 15 which extends from a bottom edge 70a of the first elongated subpanel 5a. The base panel 15 includes spaced double scoring lines 55 which extend diagonally across a planar face of the base panel 15 in a plane that perpendicularly intercepts the longitudinal score line 40 when assembled. The base panel 15 is typically configured as a polygon in order to maximize upright stability of the collapsible support apparatus 100.

The spaced double scoring lines 55 allow for cooperatively collapsing the base panel 15 with the first and second elongated subpanels 5a, 5b (FIGS. 5A, 5B). Opposing sides of the spaced double scoring lines 55 further define first and second base subpanels 15a, 15b. The first base subpanel 15a is pivotally coupled along its top edge 75a which parallels the bottom edge 70a of the first elongated subpanel 5a via the lateral score line 45. The second base subpanel 15b includes a coupling tab 20 disposed longitudinally along a free edge 75b. One or more longitudinal score lines 50 are provided which allows the coupling tab 20 to pivot upwardly in a perpendicular relationship with a planar face of the second base subpanel 15b for assembly. The coupling tab 20 is used to secure the second base subpanel 15b with a planar face of the second elongated subpanel 5b as is described in the discussion accompanying FIG. 2C below. The base panel 15 may include a polygon shape dimensioned to span intermediate bottom edges 70a, 70b of the first and second elongated subpanels 5a, 5b. The base panel 15 forms a solid base which protects a bag secured within the collapsible support apparatus 100 and also provides a base to anchor the collapsible support apparatus 100 to a horizontal surface.

In an exemplary embodiment, one or more apertures 60a, 60b are provided in planar surfaces of the first and/or second base subpanels 15a, 15b. The apertures are used to receive means for securing the collapsible support apparatus 100 to the horizontal surface. For example, the means may be a spike or stake to hold the collapsible support apparatus 100 against a ground surface. The one or more apertures 60a, 60b may be disposed anywhere along a planar face of the first and/or second base subpanels 15a, 15b but generally are provided in a paired coplanar relationship on opposing sides of the spaced double scoring lines 55. The ability to secure the collapsible support apparatus 100 at the base 15 to a horizontal surface assists in maintaining an upright orientation particularly in windy outdoor locations.

In an exemplary embodiment, the collapsible support apparatus 100 includes a pair of spaced grip tabs 25a, 25b disposed proximate to top edges 10a, 10b of the first and second elongated subpanels 5a, 5b. The spaced grip tabs 25a, 25b are typically configured as ovoid shaped punch-through apertures where one edge of the punched material remains attached to the first and second elongated subpanels 5a, 5b. The spaced grip tabs 25a, 25b are typically disposed along an axis which bisects a longitudinal center of gravity when the collapsible support apparatus 100 is in a collapsed state for ease in hand-carrying. The spaced grip tabs 25a, 25b may also be used to assist in retaining a bag within the collapsible support apparatus 100 by forcing a portion of the bag through the ovoid shaped punch-through apertures and engaging the spaced grip tabs 25a, 25b with the portions of the bag extending through the ovoid shaped punch-through apertures.

In an exemplary embodiment, longitudinally aligned bag retaining slits 35a, 35b are formed into top edges 10a, 10b of the first and second elongated subpanels 5a, 5b. The bag retaining slits 35a, 35b are laterally offset a predetermined lateral distance inward from opposing side edges 12a, 12b of the collapsible support apparatus 100. The longitudinally aligned bag retaining slits 35a, 35b are configured to receive a portion of an open end of a bag in a secure wedging relationship for positively retaining the bag in an upright and open state predominately within the collapsible support apparatus 100.

In an exemplary embodiment, a pair of longitudinally aligned interlocking members 30a, 30b are disposed intermediate the bag retaining slits 35a, 35b and the opposing side edges 12a, 12b of the collapsible support apparatus 100. The interlocking members 30a, 30b are configured to axially engage with apertures formed from interlocking members punched out from other collapsible support apparatus 100′ (FIGS. 4A, 4B). The locking members 30a, 30b are typically formed as ovoid shaped push tabs. The interlocking members 30a, 30b are typically configured as longitudinally aligned ovoid shaped punch-through apertures where one edge of the punched material remains attached to the first and second elongated subpanels 5a, 5b analogous to the spaced grip tabs 25a, 25b. The interlocking members 30a, 30b are useful to aggregate a plurality of collapsible support apparatus 100, 100′ (FIGS. 4A, 4B) for added upright structural support against strong winds and/or disparate loading of materials with the bags. In other situations, interlocked collapsible support apparatus 100, 100′ may be arranged for collection of varying recyclable and waste materials at a common location.

FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C depict various stages of assembly of a collapsible support apparatus 100 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. In an exemplary embodiment, assembly of the collapsible support apparatus 100 is accomplished by positioning 205 the second elongated subpanel 5b in juxtaposition with the first elongated subpanel 5a such that a bottom edge 70b of the second elongated subpanel 5b is approximately in perpendicular alignment with the one or more longitudinal score lines 50 which defines the coupling tab 20. Positioning of the second elongated subpanel 5b is accomplished by axial pivoting along the longitudinal score line 40. The base subpanels 15a, 15b are pivoted 208 upward to be approximately perpendicularly aligned with the first and second elongated subpanels 5a, 5b.

Once the second elongated subpanel 5b is properly positioned, the coupling tab 20 is pivoted upwardly 210 along the one or more longitudinal score lines 50 such that the coupling tab and second elongated subpanel 5b are aligned in a parallel face-to-face relationship. Means for coupling the coupling tab 20 of the second base subpanel 15b with the second elongated subpanel 5b is then applied 215 thereby forming a partially enclosed triangular and unitary structure. The coupling means may include stapling, riveting, thermal fusion, adhesive, welding, tape or any other method known in the relevant art.

FIGS. 3A, 3B depict placement of a bag 305 within the collapsible support apparatus 100 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. In an exemplary embodiment, a bag 305 is oriented such that its opening 310 is directed upward. A top edge of the bag 305 proximate to the opening 310 is folded to form a ring 315. The ring 315 is placed over the top edges 10a, 10b of the first and second subpanels 5a, 5b. Corners of the bag are then inserted into the bag retaining slits 35a, 35b which maintains the bag 305 in an upright and open orientation predominately within the collapsible support apparatus 100. In another exemplary embodiment, the bag 305 is simply slid over the outer top periphery of the collapsible support apparatus 100 until adjacent corners 320, 320′ of the bag 305 engage the side edges 12a, 12b of the collapsible support apparatus 100. Once the bag is properly installed within the collapsible support apparatus 100, materials may then be disposed within the bag 305 via the opening 310. The base panel 15 provides a non-abrasive support in which the bag 305 may rest upon.

FIGS. 4A, 4B depict various perspective views of first and second interlocked collapsible support apparatus 100, 100′ with installed bags 305, 305′ in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. In this embodiment, two or more collapsible support apparatus 100, 100′ are arranged such that subpanels of the two or more collapsible support apparatus 100, 100′ are in an upright face-to-face planar relationship. This exemplary arrangement aligns adjacent interlocking members 30a, 30b, 30a′, 30b′ to be disposed in adjacent ovoid-shaped apertures formed by the opposing interlocking member being punched through in an offset parallel relationship 400. The ability to interlock 400 adjacent collapsible support apparatus 100, 100′ improves upright stability against strong winds and/or disproportionate loading of materials in adjacent bags 305, 305′. In an exemplary embodiment, the two or more collapsible support apparatus 100, 100′ are constructed from a corrugated material 415.

In other exemplary embodiments, the interlocked collapsible support apparatus 100, 100′ may be arranged for collection of varying recyclable and waste materials at a common location. In some such exemplary embodiments, the exposed visible elongated subpanels 5a, 5b′ may be used to graphically display 405, 410 the intended materials to be placed into the open end of the bag 310, 310′. Alternately or in addition therewith, the collapsible support apparatus 100, 100′ may be color-coded (not shown) to differentiate various recyclable materials 410 from waste materials 405.

FIGS. 5A, 5B depict front and side views of a collapsible support apparatus 100 in a collapsed state in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. In this embodiment, the collapsible support apparatus 100 may be collapsed by applying an upward force along the double scoring lines 55 intermediate the base subpanels 15a, 15b. This action pulls the adjacent elongated subpanels 5a, 5b cooperatively along with the base subpanels 15a, 15b to be disposed intermediate the two elongated subpanels 5a, 5b to form a generally planar structure. Alternately, a downward force along the double scoring lines 55 intermediate the base subpanels 15a, 15b will likewise collapse the collapsible support apparatus 100 into a planar structure with the base subpanels 15a, 15b extending longitudinally from bottom edges of the two elongated subpanels 5a, 5b. This folding arrangement increases the footprint of the collapsible support apparatus 100 but has a thinner cross-sectional profile (not shown.)

The various exemplary inventive embodiments described herein are intended to be merely illustrative of the principles underlying the inventive concept. It is therefore contemplated that various modifications of the disclosed embodiments will, without departing from the inventive spirit and scope, be apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art. They are not intended to limit the various exemplary inventive embodiments to any precise form described. In particular, it is contemplated that the collapsible support apparatus may be constructed from any suitable material with different dimensions and/or bag capacities. No specific limitation is intended to a particular construction material, assembly order or sequence described. Other variations and inventive embodiments are possible in light of above teachings, and it is not intended that this Detailed Description limit the inventive scope, but rather by the Claims following herein.

Claims

1. A collapsible support apparatus comprising: an elongated panel configured to form a partially enclosed triangular structure comprising:a longitudinal score line which defines first and second elongated subpanels;a lateral score line which defines a base panel extending from a bottom edge of the first elongated subpanel;means for coupling a free edge of the base panel with the second elongated subpanel;wherein the collapsible support apparatus is collapsible at least along the longitudinal and lateral score lines into a generally planar structure.

2. The collapsible support apparatus of claim 1 wherein the elongated panel includes a pair of longitudinal bag retaining slits formed into top edges of the first and second elongated subpanels, the bag retaining slits being laterally offset a predetermined lateral distance from opposing side edges of the elongated panel.

3. The collapsible support apparatus of claim 2 wherein each bag retaining slit is configured to receive a portion of an open end of a bag in a secure wedging relationship for positively retaining the bag in the upright and open state.

4. The collapsible support apparatus of claim 1 wherein the base panel includes spaced double scoring lines for cooperatively collapsing the base panel with the first and second elongated subpanels.

5. The collapsible support apparatus of claim 4 wherein the spaced double scoring lines extend diagonally across a planar face of the bottom panel in a plane that perpendicularly intercepts the longitudinal score line.

6. The collapsible support apparatus of claim 2 further comprising: a pair of longitudinally aligned interlocking members disposed intermediate the bag retaining slits and the opposing side edges of the elongated panel.

7. The collapsible support apparatus of claim 6 wherein the interlocking members are configured to engage with interlocking members associated with one or more other collapsible support apparatus.

8. The collapsible support apparatus of claim 2 wherein the opposing side edges include a tapered profile.

9. The collapsible support apparatus of claim 8 wherein a narrowest lateral dimension of the tapered profile is proximate to the base panel.

10. A collapsible support apparatus comprising: a corrugated elongated panel arranged to form a partially enclosed triangular structure for maintaining a bag in an upright and open state predominately therein, the corrugated elongated panel comprising:a longitudinal score line which defines first and second elongated subpanels;a lateral score line which defines a base panel extending perpendicularly from a bottom edge of the first elongated subpanel, the base panel dimensioned to span intermediate bottom edges of the first and second elongated subpanels;means for coupling a free edge of the base panel with the second elongated subpanel;wherein the collapsible support apparatus is collapsible at least along the longitudinal and lateral score lines into a generally planar structure.

11. The collapsible support apparatus of claim 10 wherein the base panel includes spaced double scoring lines for cooperatively collapsing the base panel intermediate the first and second subpanels.

12. The collapsible support apparatus of claim 10 wherein the free edge of the base panel includes a coupling tab disposed generally in parallel with a predominate face of the second subpanel.

13. The collapsible support apparatus of claim 10 further comprising a pair of longitudinally aligned interlocking members disposed proximate to opposing top corners of the corrugated elongated panel.

14. The collapsible support apparatus of claim 10 wherein the longitudinally aligned interlocking members comprise ovoid-shaped push tabs.

15. The collapsible support apparatus of claim 10 wherein the partially enclosed triangular structure includes an open face opposite the longitudinal score line.

16. The collapsible support apparatus of claim 10 wherein the base panel includes one or more apertures adapted to receive means for securing the collapsible support apparatus to a horizontal surface.

17. A collapsible support apparatus comprising: a corrugated elongated panel configured to form a partially enclosed triangular structure for maintaining a bag in an upright and open state predominately therein, the corrugated elongated panel comprising:a first elongated subpanel having a top edge, a bottom edge, a side edge and a bag retaining slot partially extending longitudinally a predetermined distance from the top edge toward the bottom edge;a second elongated subpanel longitudinally coupled with the first elongated subpanel along a first score line;a base panel laterally coupled with the bottom edge of the first elongated subpanel along a second score line, the base panel including a third score line extending diagonally across a predominate face of the base panel;means for coupling a free edge of the base panel with the second elongated subpanel;wherein the first and second elongated subpanels and base panel are collapsible along the first, second and third score lines into a generally planar structure.

18. The collapsible support apparatus of claim 17 wherein the means for coupling the free edge of the base panel with the second elongated subpanel is a connection tab longitudinally coupled to a side edge of the base panel defined by a fourth score line.

19. The collapsible support apparatus of claim 17 further comprising: a pair of spaced grip tabs disposed proximate to top edges of the first and second elongated subpanels.

20. The collapsible support apparatus of claim 17 wherein the base panel includes a polygon shape dimensioned to span intermediate bottom edges of the first and second elongated subpanels.