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(11) | EP 1 192 083 B1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION |
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| (54) |
SACK HOLDER AND SYSTEM FOR ITS SUPPORT SACKHALTER UND SEIN TRAGSYSTEM PORTE-SAC ET SON SUPPORT |
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| Note: Within nine months from the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to the European patent granted. Notice of opposition shall be filed in a written reasoned statement. It shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention). |
[0001] The present invention concerns a holder for a sack and a system for supporting and handling the holder.
[0002] It is a known problem when working with a sack, during the collection of, for example, garden waste or the collection of other objects in a sack, that the entrance of the sack is difficult to hold open. This is particularly obvious for a person trying to hold the sack in one hand while using the other hand to place objects in the sack through its opening.
[0003] One solution to this problem exists using known technology, which involves a ring-shaped holder of sheet metal that is either fixed to a wall or mounted onto a stable holder and equipped with a lid. The holder usually exhibits two rings, an outer ring and an inner ring with a common central axis. The inner ring functions as carrier and the sack is passed up through this ring, the edge of the opening is folded over the ring and the outer ring is moved down onto the inner ring and the edge of the sack in order to grip the sack firmly.
[0004] Another solution, according to US-A-4 312 489 which serves as a basis for the preamble of claim 1, discloses a holder for a sack with an elastic strap for holding the sack in the frame. The frame is attached to a metal rod with a connector unit and a screw. One problem with this solution is that it is awkward to move this holder if collection is to take place at several locations, and non of the above devices is elastically deformable and therefor suitable to be pressed against a base following the shape of the base.
[0005] Yet another solution, according to WO 8901441, disclose a frame made of polypropylene or spring steel. The frame consist of a band or a belt with a length sufficient to overlap in the circumference of the closed loop in its likely position of use, i.e. relative to the circumference of bag with which it is to be used. The loop has a tendency to lock or stick sufficiently to prevent contraction of the loop under the compressive reactive action of the material of the bag against which the loop has been expanded. The device also discloses a holder for the frame in the form of a clip. The clip is made of spring steel and is adapted to be fastened to a pole. Since the band or belt overlap in the circumference, the clip must have either a dimension corresponding one thickness of the belt or a dimension corresponding to two thicknesses of the belt. Another disadvantage is that the frame can be twisted in the clip. The design also cause the clip to interfere with the bag when the bag is mounted in the frame, since both the clip and the bag is mounted on the outer side of the frame. Yet another disadvantage is that if the frame is pressed against a base, the sack may come loose from the holder.
[0007] This intention is achieved with a sack holder, with or without a support system, that has been first mentioned above and that exhibits the characteristics specified in the following independent claims.
[0008] This and further intentions, characteristics and advantages of the invention will be made clear by the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, which comprises an example and is thus not limiting with respect to the protective scope of the patent. In order to facilitate understanding, references to the attached diagrams are included in the text, in which equivalent or similar parts have been given the same reference identifier.
[0009] Fig. 1 shows a holder according to one preferred embodiment of the invention, fig. 2 shows the holder according to fig.1 in a pressed down condition, fig. 3 shows a side view of the holder according to fig. 1, fig. 4 shows a support arrangement for the holder according to fig. 1, and fig. 5 and fig. 6 show alternative arrangements for supporting the support arrangement according to fig. 4.
[0010] A holder for a sack according to the present invention exhibits a frame 1, for example, a band-shaped frame, that stretches in a closed loop around a principal axis, designed to be arranged at the opening of the sack in order to hold the sack open. The opening of the sack is passed in through the frame, in a direction corresponding to the principal axis 2 of the frame, and opened before the edge of the sack is folded over the frame 1. In this way, the frame holds the sack in an open condition in order to facilitate filling of the sack. Furthermore, a fixing means 3 is arranged for holding the sack fixed to the frame.
[0011] According to the current embodiment, the frame can be elastically shaped in a radial direction, that is, is a plane normal to the principal axis 2. In this way the frame, which in its initial condition is ring-shaped, can by pressing against a base form a section that essentially follows the shape curve of the particular base. The frame thus holds the opening of the sack open, but not with the same shape of opening as it originally had. In this way, for example, grass or leaves laying on a lawn can be raked directly into the sack, the opening of which lies in contact with the base over a section 4. In this way the need for a shovel or similar tool for lifting the grass and leaves into the sack, which is otherwise normal, is avoided. The frame is more stable in the direction of the principal axis than it is in the radial direction, and thus the sack can be carried by means of the frame even if filling of the sack has begun. Experiments have shown that when collecting leaves, grass and similar garden waste, a sack of volume 120 litres can be handled completely by the frame even when full.
[0012] An essentially ring-shaped initial condition of the frame has been described as preferred here, but other forms that stretch open the sack can, of course, be used, depending on the intended area of use. For example, an alternative design of the frame may be desirable if it is intended to use the frame in a V-shaped or U-shaped channel or depression. It would then be possible to construct the frame with a sharp angle so that it fits into a V-shaped bottom or a corner. The angle of the frame would then increase when it was pushed down upon so that it makes contact with the particular angle. Other variations are also included within the innovative concept of the invention.
[0013] In order to make use of the holder more comfortable, a preferably ergonomically designed handle 5 can be arranged on the frame. In the embodiment according to figs. 1-3 the handle is constructed so that it forms part of the frame that stretches open the sack and it is equipped with attachments for the broken ends of the ring.
[0014] The means for holding the sack can be an elastic strap 3 that stretches externally around the frame from a first attachment point 6 to a second attachment point 6. At least one of the attachment points is preferably detachable.
[0015] In the embodiment according to figs. 1-3 two attachment points are arranged at the handle for the detachable attachment of an elastic strap that stretches radially externally and round the broken ring. The elastic strap 3 is applied externally onto the edge of the opening of the sack, which is folded over the frame.
[0016] The band-shaped frame can on its radially external side area exhibit a depression or concave surface 7 that lies in the direction of the circumference, which can be used for control and stable direction of the elastic strap that stretches around the frame. The elastic strap 3 can exhibit alternative pressure steps by interaction with the attachment points, whereby selection of pressure step determines the degree of stretching of the strap and in this way its pressure against the radially outer side of the frame.
[0017] In another embodiment of the invention, the frame can include two elastically deformable rings that are arranged one external to the other, in a radial direction. The two rings can comprise the means of fixing the sack by means of a pressure effect, in the same was as is used in known technology.
[0018] The sack equipped with the holder can be advantageously used manually, although further accessories are desirable in a system.
[0019] In the system according to the present invention, the holder is held up by a connector unit that can be attached to the holder by snap attachment.
[0020] The connector unit includes an undercut track 20 for detachable admission of the frame or the handle so that the radially inner surface of the frame or handle rests against the bottom 11 of the track when mounted. The depth and width of the track are adjusted to give an admission of the frame or handle that is essentially free of play. Furthermore, one of the two tongues that limit the track is elastically pliable, whereby this sprung tongue 12 can be moved from its position to allow the introduction of the frame or handle into, or the removal of the frame or handle from, the track.
[0021] It is an advantage if the extent of the track, that is, the width of its body, is adapted, as is suggested in the drawings, so that engagement is only possible by the frame in the centre of the handle. The flat shape 5' of the bottom of the handle in combination with the internal radius exhibited by the frame form a centred region with a smaller thickness of material than the region that lies around it. If the undercut track is adapted to these dimensions, the increase in dimensions of the regions that lie around it will effectively prevent the frame being twisted around in the grip.
[0022] The remaining aspects of the design of the body of the connector unit can be made as desired or following design preferences. It is desirable to limit the width of the body, but the extent that the track has along the frame is important for its stability, and this is why a judgement must be made in each case. It is an advantage if it is provided with an attachment means for fixed or removable attachment to a fixed mounting, an iron rod fixed into the ground, a trolley equipped with wheels or other means of supporting the connector unit.
[0023] Fig. 4 shows an embodiment in which the attachment means is a screw connector attached to a fixture 13 for fixed mounting. Other attachment means can also be used, for example, attachments of rapid-connector design, snap-on fasteners or other suitable means of fixture.
1. Holder for a sack including a band-shaped frame (1) that is elastically deformable
in the radial direction and stretches in a loop, for example a ring-shaped loop, intended
to be arranged at the opening of the sack and to hold the sack in an open condition,
whereby the band-shaped frame demonstrates a guide formed for an elastic strap (3)
that stretches around the frame externally and presses against the frame along the
length of the frame, and a connector unit (10) supported either by a metal rod fixed
in the ground, or a framework equipped with wheels or runners or a fixture intended
for fixed attachment characterised in that the connector unit (10) includes an undercut track (20) limited by tongues, and that
one of the tongues is elastically pliable, whereby this sprung tongue (12) can be
moved from its position, allowing the introduction of the frame into, or the removal
of the frame out of, the track.
2. Holder according to claim 1, characterised in that a handle (5) is arranged on the frame (1) for manual handling of the same.
3. Holder according to claim 2, characterised in that the elastic strap (3) stretches from a first attachment point (6) to a second attachment
point (6), in that at least one of the said attachment points is a detachable attachment point, and
in that the attachment points are arranged one on each side of the handle (5).
4. Holder according to any of claims 1-3, characterised in that the elastic strap in collaboration with the attachment points exhibits alternative
degrees of stretching, whereby the selection of degree of stretching determines the
degree of pressure of the sack against the frame.
5. Holder according to any of claims 1 - 4, characterised in that the connector unit (10) is arranged such that the radially interior surface of the
frame or handle, when in mounted condition, rests against the bottom (11) of the track,
and in that the width of the track exceeds the extent of the frame in the direction of the principal
axis (2) and in that one of the tongues that limit the undercut track is elastically pliable, whereby
this sprung tongue (12) can be moved from its position, allowing the introduction
of the frame or handle into, or the removal of the frame or handle out of, the track.
1. Halter für einen Sack, mit einem bandförmigen Rahmen (1), der in Radialrichtung elastisch
verformbar ist und eine Schleife bildet, beispielsweise eine ringförmige Schleife,
die an der Öffnung des Sacks anbringbar ist, um den Sack im offenen Zustand zu halten,
wobei der bandförmige Rahmen eine Führung für einen elastischen Riemen (3) aufweist,
der aussen um den Rahmen gespannt ist und entlang dessen Länge gegen den Rahmen drückt,
sowie ein Verbindungsstück (10), welches entweder an einem im Boden verankerten Metallstab,
an einem Gestell mit Rädern oder Kufen oder an einer Halterung zur festen Befestigung
angebracht ist, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Verbindungsstück (10) eine von Zungen begrenzte hinterschnittene Führung (20)
aufweist, und dass eine der Zungen elastisch biegbar ist, wobei diese gefederte Zunge
(12) aus ihrer Stellung bewegbar ist, um den Rahmen in die Führung einführen bzw.
aus der Führung entnehmen zu können.
2. Halter nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Rahmen (1) zur manuellen Handhabung einen Griff (5) aufweist.
3. Halter nach Anspruch 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der elastische Riemen (3) von einem ersten Befestigungspunkt (6) zu einem zweiten
Befestigungspunkt (6) gespannt ist, dass mindestens einer der genannten Befestigungspunkte
ein lösbarer Befestigungspunkt ist, und dass die Befestigungspunkte auf je einer Seite
des Griffs (5) angeordnet sind.
4. Halter nach einem der Ansprüche 1-3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der elastische Riemen mit Hilfe der Befestigungspunkte unterschiedlich stark gespannt
werden kann, wobei durch die Wahl der Spannung der Druck des Sacks gegen den Rahmen
bestimmt wird.
5. Halter nach einem der Ansprüche 1-4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Verbindungsstück (10) so angeordnet ist, dass die radial innere Fläche des Rahmens
oder des Griffs im zusammengebauten Zustand auf dem Grund (11) der Führung aufliegt,
dass die Führung breiter ist als die Ausdehnung des Rahmens in der Richtung der Hauptachse
(2), und dass eine der die hinterschnittene Führung begrenzenden Zungen elastisch
biegbar ist, wobei diese gefederte Zunge (12) aus ihrer Stellung bewegbar ist, um
den Rahmen oder den Griff in die Führung einführen bzw. aus der Führung entnehmen
zu können.
1. Porte-sac comprenant un cadre (1) en forme de bande qui est élastiquement déformable
en direction radiale et s'étend en forme une boucle, par exemple une boucle annulaire,
destinée à être agencée à l'ouverture du sac et à maintenir le sac à l'état ouvert,
le cadre en forme de bande présentant un guidage adapté à une sangle (3) élastique
tendue extérieurement autour du cadre et exerçant une pression contre le cadre tout
le long de celui-ci, et une unité de connexion (10) supportée soit par une tige en
métal fixée dans le sol, soit par une structure équipée de roues ou de patins ou d'une
garniture pour montage fixe, caractérisé en ce que l'unité de connexion (10) comporte une rainure de guidage (20) en contre-dépouille
et limitée par des languettes, et en ce que l'une des languettes est élastiquement pliable, ladite languette (12) à effet de
ressort pouvant être déplacée de sa position pour permettre l'introduction du cadre
dans ou l'enlèvement du cadre hors de la rainure.
2. Porte-sac selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que le cadre (1) est muni d'une poignée (5) pour son maniement manuel.
3. Porte-sac selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que la sangle (3) élastique s'étend entre un premier point d'attache (6) et un deuxième
point d'attache (6), en ce que l'un au moins desdits points d'attache est un point d'attache détachable, et en ce que les points d'attache sont disposés de part et d'autre de la poignée (5).
4. Porte-sac selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1-3, caractérisé en ce que la sangle élastique en collaboration avec les points d'attache présente différents
degrés de tension, la sélection du degré de tension déterminant le degré de pression
du sac contre le cadre.
5. Porte-sac selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1-4, caractérisé en ce que l'unité de connexion (10) est agencée de telle manière que la surface radialement
intérieure du cadre ou de la poignée en position montée s'appuie sur le fond (11)
de la rainure, et en ce que la largeur de la rainure est supérieure à l'étendue du cadre dans la direction de
l'axe principal (2) et en ce que l'une des languettes qui limitent la rainure de guidage en contre-dépouille est élastiquement
pliable, ladite languette (12) à effet de ressort pouvant être déplacée de sa position
pour permettre l'introduction du cadre ou de la poignée dans, ou l'enlèvement du cadre
ou de la poignée hors de la rainure.