Collapsible Support Apparatus

Abstract

A collapsible container having an integral scoop is disclosed. The collapsible container is arranged to form a partially enclosed rectilinear structure for maintaining a bag in an open state predominately within the rectilinear structure. The elongated panel includes a pair of longitudinal score lines which define first and second subpanels. A first lateral score line defines a top panel which is pivoted downward to form the integral scoop. A second lateral score line defines a base panel extending obliquely from a bottom edge of main panel. The base panel is dimensioned to span intermediate bottom edges of the first and second subpanels to form a closed base which limits abrasion to the bottom of the bag. The collapsible container is collapsible at least along the longitudinal and lateral score lines into a generally planar structure.

1 . A collapsible container comprising:
 A “T” shaped main panel having first and second subpanels pivotally coupled to opposing longitudinal edges of the main panel;   a top panel pivotally coupled to a top lateral edge of the main panel, the top panel being dimensioned to at least span a width of the main panel intermediate the first and second subpanels;   a base panel pivotally coupled to a bottom lateral edge of the main panel;   means for coupling free lateral edges of the base panel with the first and second subpanels;   wherein the collapsible container is collapsible into a generally planar structure.   
     
     
         2 . The collapsible container of  claim 1  wherein the top panel is pivotally repositioned intermediate the first and second subpanels to form a chute. 
     
     
         3 . The collapsible container of  claim 1  wherein the top lateral edge of the main panel forms a shovel edge. 
     
     
         4 . The collapsible container of  claim 1  wherein the top panel further includes a pair of collapsible winglets disposed at opposing longitudinal ends of the top panel. 
     
     
         5 . The collapsible container of  claim 4  wherein the pair of collapsible winglets are generally triangular shaped. 
     
     
         6 . The collapsible container of  claim 4  wherein the first and second subpanels include stops configured to capture and maintain the winglets such that the top panel is maintained in a parallel face to face relationship with the main panel. 
     
     
         7 . The collapsible container of  claim 1  further including means for maintaining a bag in an open state. 
     
     
         8 . The collapsible container of  claim 7  wherein the means for maintaining a bag in an open state is configured to receive a portion of an open end of the bag in a secure wedging relationship for positively maintaining the bag in the open state. 
     
     
         9 . The collapsible container of  claim 1  wherein the base panel includes diagonal scores lines for cooperatively collapsing the base panel with the first and second subpanels. 
     
     
         10 . A collapsible container comprising:
 an elongated panel configured to form a partially enclosed rectilinear structure for maintaining a bag in an open state predominately therein, the elongated panel comprising:   a pair of spaced longitudinal score lines which define a main panel and first and second subpanels, the first and second subpanels being pivotally coupled to opposing longitudinal edges of the main panel to form a collapsible U-shaped bag retention area with the main panel;   a lateral score line which defines a base panel extending perpendicularly from a bottom edge of the main panel, the base panel between dimensioned to span intermediate bottom edges of the first and second subpanels;   means for coupling free edges of the base panel with planar surfaces of the first and second subpanels;   a plurality of axle supporting members formed into the main panel proximate to the lateral score line, each axle supporting member being coupled to the main panel and configured to receive an axle therethrough;   an axle extending through each of the axle supporting members;   a pair of wheels rotationally coupled to the axle, the wheels being disposed on opposing longitudinal edges of the main panel proximate to the base panel;   wherein the collapsible container is collapsible at least along the longitudinal and lateral score lines into a generally planar structure.   
     
     
         11 . The collapsible container of  claim 10  wherein the base panel includes spaced double scoring lines for cooperatively collapsing the base panel intermediate the first and second subpanels and main panel. 
     
     
         12 . The collapsible container of  claim 10  wherein free lateral edges of the base panel includes coupling tabs for coupling with the planar surfaces of the first and second subpanels. 
     
     
         13 . The collapsible container of  claim 10  wherein the longitudinal score lines further include longitudinal bag retaining slits extending downward from a top endpoint a predetermined distance toward the base panel. 
     
     
         14 . The collapsible container of  claim 10  wherein the axle is a cylindrical rod. 
     
     
         15 . The collapsible container of  claim 10  wherein the axle is dimensioned to laterally span a predetermined distance beyond opposing lateral edges of the main panel. 
     
     
         16 . The collapsible container of  claim 10  wherein each of the axle supporting members is a punch-out tab that projects rearward from a planar face of the main panel. 
     
     
         17 . A collapsible container comprising:
 a corrugated elongated panel configured to form a partially enclosed rectilinear structure for maintaining a bag in an open state predominately therein, the corrugated elongated panel comprising:   a pair of spaced longitudinal score lines define a main panel and first and second subpanels, the first and second subpanels being pivotally coupled to opposing longitudinal edges of the main panel to form a collapsible U-shaped bag retention area with the main panel;   a first lateral score line which defines a top panel pivotally coupled to a top lateral edge of the main panel, the top panel dimensioned to at least span a width of the main panel intermediate the first and second subpanels;   a second lateral score line which defines a base panel extending at an oblique angle from a bottom edge of the main panel, the base panel dimensioned to span bottom edges of the first and second subpanels;   means for coupling free edges of the base panel with the first and second subpanels;   a plurality of axle supporting members formed into the main panel proximate to the second lateral score line, each axle supporting member being coupled to the main panel and configured to receive an axle therethrough;   a cylindrical axle extending through each of the axle supporting members;   a pair of wheels rotationally coupled to the axle, the wheels being disposed on opposing ends of the axial proximate to the base panel;   wherein the first and second subpanels include laterally tapered bottom edges which when coupled to the base panel causes the collapsible container to tilt forward when disposed in a upright orientation.   
     
     
         18 . The collapsible container of  claim 17  wherein the means for coupling the free edges of the base panel with the first and second subpanels are connection tabs longitudinally coupled to opposing side edges of the base panel. 
     
     
         19 . The collapsible container of  claim 17  wherein the top panel further includes a pair of collapsible winglets disposed at opposing longitudinal ends of the top panel. 
     
     
         20 . The collapsible container of  claim 19  wherein the collapsible container is collapsible at least along the longitudinal and lateral score lines into a generally planar structure.