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 APPLICATIONSNot applicableRELEVENT FIELDThis application is directed generally toward a support apparatus and more specifically toward a collapsible support apparatus.BACKGROUNDVarious 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 ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

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.

Problems solved by technology

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.

Images