Bag opening apparatus

Abstract

Opening and then retaining a bag in an open state is achieved by mounting resilient straps parallel to each other on opposite sides of the bag proximate to the bag opening. A compressive force applied to the opposite ends of the two straps will cause them to bow outwardly and thereby open the bag so that materials and items may be deposited in the bag. Removal of the compressive force allows the straps to straighten, closing the bag, so that the bag may then be sealed using any of a variety of well-known closure mechanisms.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . For a bag having first and second sides joined together at first and second edges and a top, an apparatus for opening the top and holding the top open comprising:
 (a) a first strap having two ends and extending along the first side of the bag proximate the top of the bag, said first strap having a main section which extends from the first edge to the second edge, a stop adjacent the first edge protecting downwardly from the main section of the first strap and an extension extending outwardly past the first edge from the main section of the first strap; and   (b) a second strap having two ends extending along the second side of the bag proximate the top of the bag, said second strap having a main section which extends from the first edge to the second edge of the bag, and a stop adjacent the first edge of the bag projecting downwardly from the main section of the second strap   wherein said first and second straps are adapted to bow outwardly away from each other when a compressive force is applied at the two ends of the straps and such bowing causes the top to open and be held open.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the first and second straps are made of a resilient material which causes the straps to straighten thereby closing the top of the bag when the compressive force is no longer present. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the second strap also has an extension extending outwardly past the first edge. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 3  wherein the extension of the first strap and the extension of the second strap are adapted to cross each other when the compressive force is applied. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein at least one of the first and second straps has a stop adjacent the second edge of the bag projecting downwardly from the main section. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein at least one of the first and second straps has a stop adjacent to the second edge of the bag projecting downwardly from the main section and an extension projecting outwardly past the second edge from the main section. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further including an engagement pad coupled to the stop. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 7  wherein the engagement pad wraps around the stop. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 7  wherein the engagement pad extends perpendicularly from the stop. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 7  wherein the engagement pad has a surface coated with a material which produces friction. 
     
     
         11 . For a bag having first and second sides joined together at first and second edges and a top, an apparatus for opening the top and holding the top open comprising:
 (a) a first strap having two ends and extending along the first side of the bag proximate the top of the bag, said first strap having a main section which extends from the first edge to the second edge, and a stop adjacent the first edge projecting downwardly from the main section of the first strap;   (b) a second strap having two ends extending along the second side of the bag proximate the top of the bag, said second strap having a main section which extends from the first edge to the second edge of the bag, and a stop adjacent the first edge of the bag projecting downwardly from the main section of the second strap; and   (c) an engagement pad coupled to and extending perpendicularly from the stop of at least one of the first and second straps;   wherein said first and second straps are adapted to bow outwardly away from each other when a compressive force is applied at the two ends of the straps and such bowing causes the top to open and be held open.