Apparatus and method for bagging an item

Abstract

A bagging apparatus including a main portion having a tube section and a flared section with a wide opening. The apparatus preferably includes a device configured to mount the apparatus on a stationary structure, and a receptacle configured to fit over a receptacle receiving portion on an exterior surface of the tube section adjacent an opening thereof. A method is provided that allows for the insertion of an item into a receptacle using the bagging apparatus. The method includes the step of positioning a receptacle over an exterior surface of the tube section adjacent an opening thereof. The item is inserted within the flared section of the bagging apparatus via the wide opening. The item is then slid through a narrow opening of the flared section, through the tube section, and within the receptacle. The method further includes the step of aligning the item at a predetermined orientation within the receptacle.

What is new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent of the United States is:  
     
         1 . A method for inserting an itme into a receptacle using an apparatus having a hollow tube section having a first opening and a second opening and a hollow flared section having a narrow opening and a wide opening, the narrow opening being connected to the first opening, said method comprising the steps of: 
 positioning a receptacle over an exterior surface of the tube section adjacent the second opening;    inserting the item within the flared section via the wide opening; and    sliding the item through the narrow opening of the flared section, through the tube section, and within the receptacle.    
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the item is a rolled, elongated sheet of material that is rolled such that a terminal edge of the elongated sheet is located on an exterior surface of the rolled item, and wherein said method further comprises the step of rotating the item as the item is inserted within the flared section, where the item is rotated in a direction opposite a direction of rolling of the item such that the terminal edge of the elongated sheet is maintained flat against the exterior surface of the rolled item.  
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said method further comprises the step of rotating the item as the item is inserted within the flared section.  
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said method further comprises the step of rotating the item as the item is slid through the tube section.  
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said method further comprises the step of aligning the item at a predetermined orientation within the receptacle.  
     
     
         6 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said method further comprises the step of mounting said apparatus to a stationary structure.  
     
     
         7 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the receptacle is a bag.  
     
     
         8 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the receptacle is a sleeve.  
     
     
         9 . An apparatus comprising: 
 a hollow tube section having a first opening and a second opening;    a hollow flared section having a narrow opening and a wide opening, said narrow opening being connected to said first opening; and    a device configured to mount said apparatus on a stationary structure.    
     
     
         10 . The apparatus according to  claim 9 , wherein said device includes a base, and a bracket connecting said base to said tube section.  
     
     
         11 . The apparatus according to  claim 9 , wherein said device includes a base, and a bracket connecting said base to said flared section.  
     
     
         12 . The apparatus according to  claim 9 , wherein said device is detachably fixed to the stationary structure.  
     
     
         13 . The apparatus according to  claim 9 , wherein said flared section is formed in a truncated, conical shape.  
     
     
         14 . The apparatus according to  claim 9 , wherein said tube section is cylindrical.  
     
     
         15 . The apparatus according to  claim 9 , further comprising a receptacle configured to fit over an exterior surface of said tube section adjacent said second opening.  
     
     
         16 . An apparatus comprising: 
 a hollow tube section having a first opening and a second opening, said tube section having a receptacle receiving portion on an exterior surface of said tube section adjacent said second opening; and    hollow flared section having a narrow opening and a wide opening, said narrow opening being connected to said first opening.    
     
     
         17 . The apparatus according to  claim 16 , further comprising a receptacle configured to fit over said receptacle receiving portion.  
     
     
         18 . The apparatus according to  claim 17 , wherein the receptacle is a bag.  
     
     
         19 . The apparatus according to  claim 17 , wherein the receptacle is a sleeve.