Bag collar for loading bags

Abstract

A collapsible collar to prop open a bag includes a foldable body having a folded position and an open position, the foldable body in the open position having an open top and an open bottom, and defining an open passageway between said open top and said open bottom. The opened foldable body is sized and shaped to fit within an open bag. A supporting ear is provided on the foldable body to hold the body in position in said bag when said collar is being used, the ear being moveable between a retracted and an extended position. When extended the ear prevents the collar from being over inserted into the bag. A folded over handle props open the foldable body to keep said foldable body in said open position in said bag and helps to move said bag without tearing.

1 . A collapsible collar to prop open a bag, said collapsible collar comprising: 
 a foldable body having a folded position and an open position, said foldable body in said open position having an open top and an open bottom, and defining an open passageway between said open top and said open bottom, said opened foldable body being sized and shaped to fit within an open bag;    means for supporting said foldable body in position in said bag when said collar is being used, said support means being moveable between a retracted and an extended position; and    a means to prop open said foldable body to keep said foldable body in said open position.    
   
   
       2 . A collapsible collar to prop open a bag as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said means to prop open said foldable body is integral formed with said foldable body.  
   
   
       3 . A collapsible collar to prop open a bag as claimed in  claim 2  wherein said means to prop open said foldable body comprises a folded flap on said foldable body.  
   
   
       4 . A collapsible collar to prop open a bag as claimed in  claim 3  wherein said folded flap, when folded is sized and positioned to be a handle on said foldable body.  
   
   
       5 . A collapsible collar to prop open a bag as claimed in  claim 4  wherein said folded flap includes a means to retain said folded flap in a folded position to prop open said foldable body.  
   
   
       6 . A collapsible collar to prop open a bag as claimed in  claim 5  wherein said folded flap is folded more than two times to form said handle.  
   
   
       7 . A collapsible collar to prop open a bag as claimed in  claim 1  where said means for supporting said foldable body in position in said bag when said collar is being used comprises at least one ear on said foldable body, said ear being sized and shaped to permit said ear to be held underfoot as debris is swept into said bag through said collar.  
   
   
       8 . A collapsible collar to prop open a bag as claimed in  claim 7  wherein said at least one ear is formed by a cut line formed along a portion of said foldable body.  
   
   
       9 . A collapsible collar to prop open a bag as claimed in  claim 8  wherein said cut line includes a tear through portion for retaining said at least one ear temporarily to said foldable body.  
   
   
       10 . A collapsible collar to prop open a bag as claimed in  claim 9  wherein said at least one ear includes a fold line to facilitate folding said ear away from said foldable body.  
   
   
       11 . A collapsible collar to prop open a bag as claimed in  claim 10  wherein said foldable body includes a front rear and two side walls.  
   
   
       12 . A collapsible collar to prop open a bag as claimed in  claim 11  wherein said at least one ear is formed in at least one side wall.  
   
   
       13 . A collapsible collar to prop open a bag as claimed in  claim 12  wherein there are two ears one each formed in each side wall.  
   
   
       14 . A collapsible collar to prop open a bag as claimed in  claim 10  wherein said fold line is sized and shaped to permit said at least one ear to be bent perpendicular to said side wall when said side wall is in an open position.  
   
   
       15 . A collapsible collar to prop open a bag as claimed in  claim 14  where said at least one ear is bendable beyond being perpendicular to said side wall.  
   
   
       16 . A collapsible collar to prop open a bag as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said foldable body includes mounting apertures to permit said collar to be mounted to a display rack when said body is folded flat, said mounting apertures being symmetrically disposed about a centre of gravity of said folded body.  
   
   
       17 . A collapsible collar to prop open a bag as claimed in  claim 7  wherein said at least one ear is shaped to permit said ear to be hung onto a support.  
   
   
       18 . A collapsible collar to prop open a bag as claimed in  claim 17  wherein said ear includes at least one slot to permit said ear to be hung onto a support.  
   
   
       19 . A collapsible collar to prop open a bag as claimed in  claim 18  wherein said foldable body is made from a corrugated material.  
   
   
       20 . A collapsible collar to prop open a bag as claimed in  claim 19  wherein said corrugated material is plastic.  
   
   
       21 . A collapsible collar to prop open a bag as claimed in  claim 19  wherein said corrugated material is cardboard.  
   
   
       22 . A collapsible collar to prop open a bag as claimed in  claim 21  wherein said cardboard is treated or coated to improve the durability of said cardboard.  
   
   
       23 . A collapsible collar to prop open a bag as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said foldable body includes depending flaps around a lower opening.  
   
   
       24 . A collapsible collar to prop open a bag as claimed in  claim 23  wherein said depending flaps are angled inwardly.