APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR HOLDING A THIN FLEXIBLE MATERIAL

• US 20190185215A1
• Filed: 09/20/2017
• Published: 06/20/2019
• Est. Priority Date: 09/20/2017
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Lisa J. Reid
• Original Assignee: Lisa J. Reid
• Inventors: Reid, Lisa J
• Granted Patent: US 10,640,261 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 3/08 of receptacles for refuse, e.g. ash-trays
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 33/14 Suspension means handles B65D33/06
• CPC Class Codes: B65F 1/1415 for flexible receptables, e.g. bags, sacks
• CPC Class Codes: B65F 2210/148 Locking means
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 13/022 repositionable

Abstract

An apparatus for securely holding a flexible material has a first securing member has a first outer circumference and a first shape, and a second securing member having a second inner circumference and a second shape Wherein the second inner circumference is about the same size, or slightly smaller than, the first member'"'"'s first outer circumference, such that the second member positioned upon the first member creates static friction between the first outer circumference and the second inner circumference. The apparatus has a backing support that is in physical connection with, or incorporated as part of, either the first member or the second member. A thin flexible material, such as a plastic waste bag, placed between the first member and the second member is secured by positioning the first member and second member together, the positioning and static friction not shearing the flexible material. The static friction between the first outer circumference and the second inner circumference secures and immobilizes the thin flexible material contained within.

Claims

1. An apparatus for securely holding a flexible material comprising:

a first securing member having an outer circumference and a first shape;

a second securing member having an inner circumference and a second shape, wherein the second inner circumference is about the same size, or slightly smaller than, the first securing member'"'"'s first outer circumference, such that the second securing member positioned upon the first securing member creates static friction between the outer circumference and the inner circumference;

a backing support that is in physical connection with, or incorporated as part of, either the first member or the second member;

wherein the first securing member and the second securing member are configured such that a thin flexible material placed between the first securing member and the second securing member is secured by positioning the first securing member and second securing member together, the positioning and static friction not shearing the flexible material; and

wherein the static friction between the first outer circumference and the second inner circumference secures and immobilizes the thin flexible material.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first securing member'"'"'s first shape is cylindrical.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the inner circumference is a flanged member.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first securing member and the second securing member are the same shape.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first securing member is a female receptacle and the second securing member is a male connector.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first securing member and the second securing member are threaded.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first securing member has a reference member and the second securing member has an opening and index position, wherein the reference member fits with the opening and wherein rotational positioning of the first securing member relative to the second securing member draws the first securing member toward the second securing member and indexes the reference member and creates static friction.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the second securing member has a stopping block and an index that is 90 degrees from the opening relative to the center of the second securing member.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first securing member'"'"'s first shape is a hallow cylinder with the outer circumference defined by a shelf with an open end, the second securing member'"'"'s second shape a solid tapered cylinder wherein the second inner circumference is defined by the area having the narrowest cross-section of the tapered cylinder with increasing circumference on either side of the second inner circumference, wherein the first circumference can be drawn over the second circumference by moving the first securing member orthogonal to the second securing member'"'"'s cylindrical axis, wherein the first securing member deforms to allow the first outer circumference to overlap and partially enclose the second inner circumference to create static friction.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an adhesive layer that is attached to the backing material, the adhesive allowing attachment of the backing material to a substrate.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the adhesive is temporary and removable.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the backing support has thru-holes for mounting.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the backing support has the same footprint as the first securing member, the second securing member, or both.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first securing member'"'"'s position on the backing support is asymmetrical.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is a monolithic structure.

16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is made from materials comprising plastic, wood, metal, or combinations thereof.

17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the thin flexible material is a waste bag.

18. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a hook in physical connection to the backing material, the first securing member, the second securing member, or combinations thereof.

19. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the backing support is incorporated as part of another apparatus.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the other apparatus is a vehicle console.