Supports – Bag holders – Mouth holding frames
Reexamination Certificate
2000-04-07
2002-08-06
Braun, Leslie A. (Department: 3632)
Supports
Bag holders
Mouth holding frames
C211S012000, C294S081560, C248S099000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06427955
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to bulk bag lifting frames. More particularly, the invention relates to retainers used in conjunction with bag lifting frames which permit easier loading and unloading of bags from the lifting frame.
Large bag like containers are often used for the shipment of bulk materials from one location to another. These bulk bags have a capacity ranging from approximately twenty cubic feet up to seventy cubic feet. The bulk bags are generally constructed with bag loops on the top of the bag which are connected to a lifting frame for holding the bags while they are being filled or emptied and occasionally for transporting the bags from one location to another. The bag loops are generally constructed of a strong web-like material which is sewn onto the upper corners of the bag.
The bag lifting frames generally comprise a system of horizontal frame members adapted to be supported by a hoist (See
FIG. 2
) or a fork lift (See FIG.
7
), or other support means. Most prior art bag lifting frames include hooks or clips for holding the bag loops. A representative prior art hook
20
is shown in FIG.
1
. The hook
20
is mounted on the horizontal frame member
12
and includes a J-bend portion
22
which receives and supports the loop
42
and a clasp member
24
which closes the hook
20
to prevent inadvertent release of the bag loop
42
. The clasp member
24
is generally biased to the closed position. During loading of a bag, the biased clasp member
24
gives to permit the loop
42
to be looped over the J-bend
22
. While it may be possible to load a loop with one hand, the process often requires a second hand to prevent rotation of the clasp member
24
during loading. Additionally, the loop
42
must be aligned close to the center of the J-bend
22
, otherwise the frame may be subject to undesirable side loads. To remove the loop
42
, the clasp member
24
must be forced toward and maintained in an open position to permit the loop
42
to be removed. Such a process generally requires two hand operation, one hand to open the clasp member
24
and a second to lift the loop
42
out of the hook
20
. While it may be possible to release a loop with one hand, such a process requires great dexterity and subjects the operator to possible pinching by the clasp or other dangers.
As such, there is a need for a loop retainer which allows easier loading and unloading of a bag loop.
SUMMARY
The present invention relates to bag loop retainers used in conjunction with bulk bag lifting frames. The retainers include opposed first and second retainer plates which are secured to the lifting frame. The plates are aligned relative to one anther such that a projecting portion of one of the plates nests within an receiving portion of the other plate. The plates thereby define a non-linear passage into a retainment area which receives and retains the bag loop. In the preferred embodiment, the plates are configured such that the passage has a zig-zag configuration. passage has a zig-zag configuration.
REFERENCES:
patent: 1359586 (1920-11-01), Flagg
patent: 1528454 (1925-03-01), Taggart et al.
patent: 1585840 (1926-05-01), Fahnestock
patent: 1831717 (1931-11-01), Muniente
patent: 3086264 (1963-04-01), Tindall
patent: 3298073 (1967-01-01), Merfeld
patent: 3561077 (1971-02-01), Grant
patent: 3961655 (1976-06-01), Nattrass et al.
patent: 4194652 (1980-03-01), Williamson et al.
patent: D292554 (1987-11-01), Yagi
patent: 4917340 (1990-04-01), Juemann et al.
patent: 4946065 (1990-08-01), Goulter et al.
patent: 5044585 (1991-09-01), Breitenstein
patent: 5214892 (1993-06-01), Livingston et al.
patent: 5232186 (1993-08-01), Corkery
patent: 5269579 (1993-12-01), DeCrane
Gill David R.
Simonof, Jr. John F.
Sterner Keith
Braun Leslie A.
Flexicon Corporation
Szumny Jonathon
Volpe and Koenig P.C.
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