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.

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. However, this solution requires equipment, such as a shovel, to lift objects that lie next to the sack up. Further, it is awkward to move this holder if collection is to take place at several locations.

One intention of the current invention is to overcome the disadvantages described above.

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.

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.

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.

WO 01/02252 PCT/SE00/01113 A holder for a sack according to the present invention exhibits a frame 1, for example, a ring-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.

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.

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.

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.

WO 01/02252 PCT/SE00/01113 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.

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.

The ring-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.

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.

The sack equipped with the holder can be advantageously used manually, although further accessories are desirable in a system.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In the embodiment according to Fig. 5, the connector unit is shown arranged with a metal rod fixed into the ground for the temporary setting up of the holder and the sack at a work-place.

In the embodiment according to Fig. 6, it is shown how the connector unit carrying a holder according to the present invention is supported by a trolley equipped with wheels and built up around a frame.