Device for holding storage bags

Abstract

Described herein are holding devices for bags. The holding device comprises a base and a reinforcing member connectable to the base. The base also has fingers that define slots disposed therebetween. In aspects, the slots receive the bag such that the bag is supported by the device. The reinforcing member prevents the base from bending and flexing in response to the weight of the bags held between the slots. In further aspects, the device comprises a surface mounting unit for attaching the device to a surface. The surface mounting unit is connectable to the base.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A holding device for at least one bag, the device comprising:
 a base comprising at least two fingers in a substantially side by side relationship with each other and defining a slot therebetween for receiving the bag wherein the at least two fingers are held in relation to each other by a bridge extending from one finger to another at the rear of the base; and   a reinforcing member attachable to the base and connecting at least two of the at least two fingers and spanning the slot therebetween, wherein the reinforcing member is capable of reinforcing the base such that the base has increased resistance to bending or flexing when at least a portion of the bag is positioned within the slot.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a surface mounting unit for attaching the device to a surface, the surface mounting unit attachable to the base of the device and comprising a top panel, opposing side walls extending from opposing longitudinal edges of the top panel, and at least one wall extending from a position along a length of an under surface of the top panel. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the base further comprises top and bottom opposing surfaces defining a perimeter of the base. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein the reinforcing member is connected to the top surface of the base. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein the surface mounting unit is connected to the top surface or the bottom surface of the base. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the at least two fingers have an edge portion at an end thereof, and wherein the edge portion marks a beginning of the slot formed between the at least two fingers. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the slot has a width of about 1 mm, about 2 mm, about 3 mm, about 4 mm, about 5 mm, about 6 mm, about 7 mm, about 8 mm, about 9 mm or about 10 mm. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 7 , wherein the edge portion has a narrower opening than the width of the slot formed between the at least two fingers. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 7 , wherein the width of the slot is narrower than a closure portion of the bag but wider than a bag portion of the bag. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the surface mounting unit further comprises a back wall having at least one opening therethrough for attaching the device to the surface and complementary to at least one opening in the at least one wall of the surface mounting unit. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the base and the top panel further comprise at least one opening which are complementary to each other. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the reinforcing member is an elongate piece of material comprising a projecting member having an upper region comprising at least one recess and at least one ridge, and a base region attachable to the base. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 12 , wherein the elongate piece of material is substantially straight, staggered or straight with respect to its orientation about the base. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the device further comprises an adhesive layer, attachable to the base or the surface mounting unit. 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 14 , wherein the adhesive layer is attached to the top panel of the surface mounting unit or the side wall of the surface mounting unit. 
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 14 , wherein the adhesive layer is a double sided adhesive tape. 
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 14 , wherein the adhesive layer is selected from silicone adhesives or epoxy adhesives. 
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the surface is a vertical surface or a horizontal surface. 
     
     
         19 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one bag is a plurality of bags. 
     
     
         20 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the at least two fingers are a plurality of fingers.