ALEXANDRIA, Va., Dec. 31 -- United States Patent no. 12,509,269, issued on Dec. 30.
"Waste compacting bag support and protector" was invented by James K. McCabe (Glendale, Ariz.).
According to the abstract* released by the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office: "A shell protects a plastic or paper bag as waste is set therein and allows compacting without harm to the bag. A concentric and conical shield with a toroidal bulge or extended belt has an upper shield opening and a lower shield opening, and a securable base. The shield separates the bag from compacted waste. The base cooperates with the shield to support the bag and its contents. The bag is placed over an upturned shield, the lower opening of the shield being secured to the base at an i...