U.S. patent application number 11/053543 was filed with the patent office on 2006-08-10 for disposable bag for particularized waste.
Invention is credited to James C. Wagner.
Application Number | 20060177160 11/053543 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36780025 |
Filed Date | 2006-08-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060177160 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wagner; James C. |
August 10, 2006 |
Disposable bag for particularized waste
Abstract
A disposable bag for particularized waste is disclosed, having a
sheet of stretchable material and an integrated web structure and
associated rib elements in the sheet of stretchable material for
structural support of the bag. A second disposable bag for
particularized waste is disclosed, having an elongated sheet of
stretchable material and first and second closure flaps formed on
opposite sides of the elongated sheet of stretchable material for
enclosing the waste. A third disposable bag for particularized
waste is disclosed, having a corrugated structure integrated in a
sheet of stretchable material to allow the sheet of stretchable
material to expand.
Inventors: |
Wagner; James C.; (Phoenix,
AZ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
QUARLES & BRADY LLP
RENAISSANCE ONE
TWO NORTH CENTRAL AVENUE
PHOENIX
AZ
85004-2391
US
|
Family ID: |
36780025 |
Appl. No.: |
11/053543 |
Filed: |
February 7, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
383/118 ;
383/119; 383/120; 383/7; 383/77; 383/903 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 33/1608 20130101;
B65D 33/18 20130101; B65D 21/08 20130101; B65F 1/0006 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
383/118 ;
383/119; 383/077; 383/007; 383/120; 383/903 |
International
Class: |
B65D 30/02 20060101
B65D030/02; B65D 33/10 20060101 B65D033/10; B65D 33/16 20060101
B65D033/16; B65D 33/02 20060101 B65D033/02; B65D 30/20 20060101
B65D030/20 |
Claims
1. A bag for waste disposal, comprising: a sheet of stretchable
material; and a web structure integrated in the sheet of
stretchable material for providing structural support of the
bag.
2. The bag according to claim 1, wherein the web structure is
disposed over a surface of the sheet of stretchable material.
3. The bag according to claim 1, wherein the web structure has a
plurality of rib elements integrated in the sheet of stretchable
material for providing structural support of the bag.
4. The bag according to claim 3, wherein the rib elements include a
length adjustment mechanism coupled between sections of the rib
elements to allow the web structure to expand.
5. The bag according to claim 1, further including a handle formed
with a portion of the sheet of stretchable material and
configurable for closing the bag.
6. A bag for waste disposal, comprising: an elongated sheet of
stretchable material; and first and second closure flaps formed on
opposite sides of the elongated sheet of stretchable material for
enclosing the waste.
7. The bag according to claim 6, wherein a portion of the elongated
sheet of stretchable material forms a handle configurable for
closing the bag.
8. The bag according to claim 6, wherein the elongated sheet of
stretchable material further includes a web structure integrated in
the elongated sheet of stretchable material for providing
structural support.
9. The bag according to claim 8, wherein the web structure has a
plurality of rib elements for providing structural support.
10. The bag according to claim 9, wherein the rib elements include
an length adjustment mechanism to allow the web structure to
expand.
11. The bag according to claim 6, wherein the elongated sheet of
stretchable material further includes a corrugated structure
integrated in the elongated sheet of stretchable material to allow
the corrugated structure to expand.
12. A bag for disposing waste, comprising: a sheet of stretchable
material; and a corrugated structure integrated in the sheet of
stretchable material to allow the sheet of stretchable material to
expand.
13. The bag according to claim 12, wherein a portion of the
elongated sheet of stretchable material forms a handle configurable
for closing the bag.
14. The bag according to claim 12, wherein the corrugated structure
is disposed over a surface of the sheet of stretchable
material.
15. The bag according to claim 12, further including a plurality of
rib elements integrated in the sheet of stretchable material for
providing structural support.
16. The bag according to claim 15, wherein the rib elements include
a length adjustment mechanism to allow the rib elements to
expand.
17. The bag according to claim 15, wherein a portion of the sheet
of stretchable material is formed into an adhesive strap
configurable for closing the bag.
18. A bag for waste disposal, comprising: a sheet of stretchable
material; and a support apparatus integrated into the elongated
sheet of stretchable material for providing structural support.
19. The bag according to claim 18, wherein the support apparatus
has a plurality of rib elements for providing structural
support.
20. The bag according to claim 19, wherein the plurality of rib
elements are arranged in a web pattern.
21. The bag according to claim 19, wherein the rib elements further
include a length adjustment mechanism to allow the rib elements to
expand.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates in general to bags commonly
used to contain and dispose of various items, and more particularly
to bags having an integrated structural support system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Disposable or expendable bags for disposing waste are
generally made of polymeric materials, such as polyethylene. This
material is relatively inexpensive to manufacture. Disposable
"plastic garbage bags" are seen in an almost unlimited number of
applications. Disposable bags are commonplace in today's society,
seen in the home and the workplace in almost every setting.
[0003] Many disposable bags are characterized by a flexible or
stretchable material, such as a polyethylene material. Disposable
bags may use one of several known mechanisms to close. One such
method uses a common twist tie. A recent number of relatively new
innovations has focused on the closure systems associated with
disposable bags. One such method uses a drawstring mechanism which
draws together an opening in the bag.
[0004] These recent innovations, however, have not addressed
long-standing design flaws associated with utilizing a simple
disposable bag in a specialized situation. For example, it is
extremely difficult to enclose waste which is elongated in nature
with an ordinary bag. Lengthy clippings of yard waste, for example,
will often puncture the thin walls of polyethylene of the bag and
protrude outwards.
[0005] In addition, recent innovations in garbage bag designs have
focused on the flexibility associated with the polymeric material,
allowing the bag to stretch to accommodate additional weight. These
designs, however, are costly to implement and complex in
nature.
[0006] A need exists for a bag which allows for disposal of
particularized waste, such as elongated yard waste. In addition, a
need exists for a cost-effective disposable bag which provides
integrated structural support for heavy waste.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In one embodiment, the present invention is a bag for waste
disposal, comprising a sheet of stretchable material and a web
structure integrated into the sheet of stretchable material for
providing structural support of the bag.
[0008] In another embodiment, the present invention is a bag for
waste disposal, comprising an elongated sheet of stretchable
material and first and second closure flaps formed on opposite
sides of the elongated sheet of stretchable material for enclosing
the waste.
[0009] In another embodiment, the present invention is a bag for
disposing waste, comprising a sheet of stretchable material and a
corrugated structure integrated into the sheet of stretchable
material to allow the sheet of stretchable material to expand.
[0010] In another embodiment, the present invention is a bag for
waste disposal comprising a sheet of stretchable material and a
support apparatus integrated into the elongated sheet of
stretchable material for providing structural support.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates a bag for disposing waste;
[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates a bag for disposing waste in a second
embodiment and an example of waste placement in the bag;
[0013] FIG. 3 illustrates a bag for disposing waste in a third
embodiment and example of closing the bag;
[0014] FIG. 4 illustrates a bag for disposing waste in a fourth
embodiment and an example of tying handles to close the bag;
[0015] FIG. 5 illustrates a web structure integrated in a bag for
disposing waste with associated rib elements;
[0016] FIG. 6 illustrates a second embodiment of a web structure
integrated in a bag for disposing waste with associated rib
elements;
[0017] FIG. 7a illustrates a length adjustment mechanism for use in
a web structure in a bag for disposing waste;
[0018] FIG. 7b illustrates a second embodiment of a length
adjustment mechanism for use in a web structure in a bag for
disposing waste;
[0019] FIG. 8 illustrates a corrugated structure integrated in a
bag for disposing waste;
[0020] FIG. 9a illustrates a segment of a corrugated structure to
be integrated into a bag for disposing waste;
[0021] FIG. 9b illustrates a side-view of a segment of a corrugated
structure to be integrated into a bag for disposing waste.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] The present invention is described in one or more
embodiments in the following description with reference to the
Figures, in which like numerals represent the same or similar
elements. While the invention is described in terms of the best
mode for achieving the invention's objectives, it will be
appreciated by those skilled in the art that it is intended to
cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be
included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by
the appended claims and their equivalents as supported by the
following disclosure and drawings.
[0023] Turning to FIG. 1, an exemplary bag for waste disposal is
shown. Bag 10 includes sheets of stretchable material joined
together to attain the depicted shape. Sheet of stretchable
material 12 can include a polymeric material which is capable of
being stretched, flexed or bent. For purposes of the present
application, the terms "stretched" or "stretchable" includes terms
such as "flexed" or "flexible". The material in sheet 12 can be
capable of being stretched repeatedly. Additionally, sheet 12 can
be pliable or compliant. Sheet 12 can be deformable. For example,
an item of waste may cause sheet 12 to stretch to accommodate its
size or weight.
[0024] Sheet 12 can use a variety of means to connect to another
sheet 12 in order to form bag 10. Bag 10 can be formed from a sheet
12 folded upon sheet 12 along a fold line and bonded to sheet 12
along side seams. Bag 10 can be folded along other fold lines and
bonded along other seams. Alternatively, bag 10 can have a unitary
construction where one sheet 12 is formed and molded to the desired
shape. Finally, bag 10 can be constructed from a continuous tube of
sheet 12 material. Using a continuous tube of material can
eliminate some seams and provide strength.
[0025] Sheet 12, and by incorporation, bag 10 can be constructed
from various suitable compositions and materials. Sheet 12 may
include polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC),
polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), aluminum foil, coated
(waxed, etc.) and uncoated paper, coated nonwovens and
substantially permeable materials such as scrims, meshes, wovens,
nonwovens, or perforated or porous films, whether predominantly
two-dimensional in nature or formed into three dimensional
structures. Sheet 12 can include a single composition or layer or
may be a composite structure of multiple materials or layers.
[0026] Sheet 12 can include materials such as fabrics or
non-polymeric materials that have properties similar to
conventional polymeric materials. Sheet 12 can include
biodegradable material. Sheet 12 can include recycled material,
such as recycled milk containers. Sheet 12 can be fabricated from
polymers created from renewable resources, such as limonene oxide
obtained from citrus peels. Finally, sheet 12 can include a
combination of man-made, biodegradable, recycled or renewable
materials.
[0027] Once the desired materials incorporated into sheet 12 are
manufactured in any desirable and suitable manner, making up all or
part of the materials to be utilized for the bag 10 body, bag 10
can be then constructed in any known and suitable fashion such as
those known in the art for making such bags 10 in commercially
available form. Heat, mechanical, or adhesive sealing technologies
may be utilized to join various components or elements of bag 10 to
themselves or to each other. In addition, bag 10 can be
thermoformed, blown, or otherwise molded rather than using
traditional bonding techniques to construct bag 10 bodies from a
web or sheet 12 of material.
[0028] Bag 10 can have a number of sizes, depending on the
respective application. In the depicted embodiment, bag 10 is shown
to be elongated in nature. In other words, bag 10 can have a
rectangular shape. An elongated bag 10 can serve a variety of types
of applications. For example, a user can insert clippings of roses
or similar waste which are elongated in nature. Elongated waste in
a typical spherical disposable bag will tend to put excessive force
on a specific pressure point, causing the bag to rupture and the
elongated waste to protrude through the bag. By utilizing an
elongated shape, a user can more effectively accommodate and
dispose of elongated waste.
[0029] Returning to FIG. 1, bag 10 has an opening 14 defined by a
periphery 16. Opposite the opening 14 is the bottom 13 of the bag.
Although a bag 10 having only one opening 12 is illustrated, bags
10 can have more than one opening 14 of like or unequal sizes. Bag
10 can have an opening 14 with an accompanying tapering periphery
16, so that opening 14 is larger than bottom 13 to better accept
waste being inserted in bag 10.
[0030] Bag 10 is shown with corresponding closure flaps 17. Closure
flaps 17 are formed from a portion of sheet 12 and are located on
opposite sides of bag 10. Closure flaps 17 are intended to help
enclose waste which is placed inside bag 10. Closure flaps 17 can
create a trough-like formation which allows a user to place in and
enclose an end of the disposed waste. For example, a user can place
elongated rose clippings underneath closure flaps 17 to hold the
rose clippings in place by slightly lifting closure flaps 17
upwards using a hand or by using the waste itself to lift closure
flaps 17 upwards in order to place the waste under closure flaps 17
and inside bag 10.
[0031] As shown in FIG. 1, a portion of sheet 12 is formed into
handles 18. Handles 18 can include a solid portion of sheet 12, or
can have a small opening to allow a user to place a portion of a
hand for carrying. For additional strength for carrying bag 10,
handles 18 can have a reinforcing ring around the small
opening.
[0032] Handles 18 can allow a user to carry the bag to another
location. For example, a user may insert a small amount of yard
waste into bag 10. The yard waste may not fill bag 10 completely.
The user may wish to carry bag 10 to another site where additional
waste is located, such as a nearby pile of clippings. The user then
carries open bag 10 using handles 18 to the secondary location.
[0033] Once a user has completely filled bag 10, handles 18 may be
bound together to close the bag 10. A simple overhand knot is
effective, although any knot that draws the bag 10 closed can be
used. The stretchable nature of sheet 12 allows a knot, and
therefore, bag 10 to be closed tightly in response to force exerted
by a user.
[0034] Returning to the depicted example, adhesive straps 19 are
shown. Adhesive straps 19 are optional, additional closure
mechanisms that help to close opening 14 in bag 10. Since, in the
present example, bag 10 is elongated, adhesive straps 19 can help
to close bag 10 in conjunction with tying handles 18 as previously
discussed.
[0035] Turning to FIG. 2, bag 10 is again seen in an example.
Elongated waste 15 is seen being inserted in bag 10. Elongated
waste 15 is easily accommodated by the elongated nature of bag 10.
Waste 15 can be laid horizontally as shown and enclosed by bag 10.
For purposes of illustration, closure flaps 17, handles 18 and
adhesive straps 19 are again shown.
[0036] Turning to FIG. 3, bag 10 is again seen in an example. FIG.
3 demonstrates how periphery 16 is brought together to close
opening 14 in bag 10. Adhesive straps 19 are folded down to secure
opposite sides of periphery 16.
[0037] FIG. 4 continues to show the closure process of bag 10 in an
example. Handles 18 are tied in overhand knot 21. Adhesive straps
19 are shown secured to opposing sides of bag 10. Bag 10 can now be
again carried using handles 18 to a disposal site.
[0038] Turning now to FIG. 5, bag 10 is again seen in an example.
Bag 10 again has an associated sheet 12 of polymeric material. Bag
10 is depicted having a web structure 20. Web structure 20 can have
a number of associated rib elements 22. Rib elements 22 can be
raised, in comparison to the remainder of sheet 12. Rib elements 22
can be embossed, debossed or a combination of both. Rib elements 22
can be integrated in sheet 12. For example, a tougher, more durable
piece of polyethylene may be inserted between pieces of sheet 12.
Rib elements 22 can vary in size (length, width and depth). For
example, rib elements 22 can include lengths of fibrous filament
similar in appearance and durability to fishing line. Rib elements
22 can be manufactured by any commercially acceptable method known
in the art. Web structure 20 and associated rib elements 22 can
include a stronger, more durable material than surrounding
material. In another example, rib elements 22 can include multiple
plies of sheet 12 material.
[0039] Web structure 20 and associated rib elements 22 can provide
structural support of bag 10. For example, a heavy object might
normally pierce a portion of bag 10, causing additional stress on
bag 10 at the piercing point. The weight of the object may then
cause bag 10 to tear, drawing the object out until bag 10 is torn
and the object has fallen out of bag 10. Web structure 20 and
associated rib elements 22 can work to evenly distribute a load
created by a heavy object across a length of sheet 12 or the entire
bag 10. In addition, if an object does pierce bag 10 and begin to
protrude outwards, web structure 20 can act as a support mechanism,
preventing an object from protruding further outside bag 10 and
avoiding a complete structural failure of bag 10.
[0040] Turning to FIG. 6, bag 10 is again seen in another example.
Again, a web structure 20 and rib elements 22 are shown. Here, as
previously, rib elements can provide structural support to bag 10.
In one example, rib elements 22 can have a length adjustment
mechanism. Examples of a length adjustment mechanism appear in
FIGS. 7a and 7b. Turning to FIG. 7a, length adjustment mechanism 24
is depicted. Length adjustment mechanism 24 has an inner,
cylindrical-shaped segment 26 which slides into an outer,
cylindrical-shaped segment 28. Mechanism 24 can also include
rectangular-shaped segments or other similar segments which allow
an interior segment to insert into an exterior segment.
[0041] Mechanism 24 has tabs 30 which are located on opposite sides
of inner segment 26. As pressure from the load of an object placed
inside bag 10 draws bag 10 apart, bag 10 is subjected to elongation
forces which are illustrated by arrows 32. Elongation forces draw
inner segment 26 out from outer segment 28. As bag 10 expands and
elongation continues, segments 26 and 28 are drawn further apart.
Finally, tabs 30 reach stoppers 34 which are located at the inside
periphery of outer segment 28. Stoppers 34 keep mechanism 24 from
expanding and elongating further.
[0042] Turning to FIG. 7b, mechanism 24 is again shown in a
different example. Inner segment 26 and outer segment 28 is again
seen. Tab 30 is shown as an enlarged spherically-shaped attachment
to inner segment 26. Again, elongation forces draw inner and outer
segments apart as shown by arrows 32. Outer segment 28 has a narrow
neck 36. Mechanism 24 extends until tab 30 rests against neck 36,
preventing further extension of mechanism 24.
[0043] Returning to FIG. 6, web structure 20 is shown integrated
into bag 10 along the bottom of bag 10. The integration of web
structure 20 into bag 10 along the bottom of bag 10 allows for a
inclusion of a number of rib elements 22. Again, rib elements 22
can include length adjust mechanisms 24. As the bottom of bag 10 is
elongated due to force from the load of an object, mechanisms 24
expand to allow bag 10 to expand. At the same time, mechanisms 24
can provide additional structural support. If bag 10 were to be
punctured by an object, rib elements 22 and associated mechanisms
24 distribute the load evenly across the bottom of bag 10.
Additionally, the object is held in place by rib elements 22 and
not allowed to further protrude through bag 10.
[0044] Turning to FIG. 8, bag 10 is again shown in another example.
A corrugated structure 38 is shown integrated into the bottom 13 of
bag 10. Corrugated structure 38 is shown in more detail in FIGS. 9a
and 9b, following.
[0045] Turning to FIG. 9a, corrugated structure 38 is shown as a
portion of sheet 12 material which is preformed into a series of
ridges and valleys 40. Ridges and valleys 40 are pre-formed closely
together. FIG. 9a shows ridges and valleys 40 in their original,
closely-bound state. In a function similar to that of a flexible
soda straw, forces shown by arrows 32 draw ridges and valleys 40
apart. Corrugated structure 38 then expands, allowing bag 10 to
expand to accommodate larger and/or heavier waste.
[0046] Turning to FIG. 9b, corrugated structure 38 is again shown
in greater detail in a side-view, in an expanded state. Ridges and
valleys 40 are again shown. Forces shown by arrows 32 have drawn
ridges and valleys 40 apart from each other.
[0047] In one example, corrugated structure 38 can have an
elasticized sheet 12 material which can allow ridges and valleys 40
to return to a previous, closely-bound state. For example, a user
may insert an object of waste which exerts forces 32 to draw ridges
and valleys 40 apart. In turn, bag 10 expands to accommodate the
waste object. The user then uses handles 18 to carry bag 10 to
another location, where the object is removed. Elasticized material
then draws ridges and valleys 40 closer together, returning bag 10
to a previous state and reducing the size of bag 10. In another
example, corrugated structure 38 can have a combination of
stronger, more durable, elasticized material.
[0048] While one or more embodiments of the present invention have
been illustrated in detail, the skilled artisan will appreciate
that modifications and adaptations to those embodiments may be made
without departing from the scope of the present invention as set
forth in the following claims.
* * * * *