U.S. patent application number 11/217036 was filed with the patent office on 2007-03-01 for disposal bag and system for disposing of sanitary products.
Invention is credited to Wanda Walton Jackson, Frances W. Mayfield, Thomas Glenn Merrill, Joseph Mitchell, Debra N. Welchel.
Application Number | 20070045325 11/217036 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37021776 |
Filed Date | 2007-03-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070045325 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jackson; Wanda Walton ; et
al. |
March 1, 2007 |
Disposal bag and system for disposing of sanitary products
Abstract
A system for disposal of sanitary products adapted for use with
a sanitary disposal unit, is provided. The system includes a
plurality of bags. Each bag has an inner surface, an outer surface
and an edge providing an opening into the bag. The system also
includes a bag frame which includes an upper perimeter and at least
one leg. The bag frame is configured to be positioned in a holding
area of a sanitary disposal unit. The bag frame is configured to
hold a plurality of bags while holding the edge of one of the
plurality of bags coupled to the upper perimeter of the frame. The
frame is configured to hold the one bag in an opened position such
that the one bag and frame cooperate to prevent sanitary products
from falling between the bag and a sidewall of the sanitary
disposal unit. When the one bag is removed from frame when the bag
is filled, the one bag is configured to fold together to seal to
itself to provide a closure.
Inventors: |
Jackson; Wanda Walton;
(Alpharetta, GA) ; Welchel; Debra N.; (Woodstock,
GA) ; Mitchell; Joseph; (Alpharetta, GA) ;
Merrill; Thomas Glenn; (Cumming, GA) ; Mayfield;
Frances W.; (Marietta, GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
401 NORTH LAKE STREET
NEENAH
WI
54956
US
|
Family ID: |
37021776 |
Appl. No.: |
11/217036 |
Filed: |
August 31, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/495.11 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65F 1/0006 20130101;
B65F 2240/164 20130101; B65F 1/062 20130101; B65F 1/1415
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/495.11 |
International
Class: |
B65D 25/14 20060101
B65D025/14 |
Claims
1. A system for disposal of sanitary products adapted for use with
a sanitary disposal unit, the system comprising: a plurality of
bags, each bag having an inner surface, an outer surface and an
edge providing an opening into the bag; and a bag frame including
an upper perimeter and at least one leg, the bag frame configured
to be positioned in a holding area of a sanitary disposal unit, bag
frame configured to hold a plurality of bags while holding the edge
of one of the plurality of bags coupled to the upper perimeter of
the frame, the frame configured to hold the one bag in an opened
position such that the one bag and frame cooperate to prevent
sanitary products from falling between the bag and a sidewall of
the sanitary disposal unit.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the bag includes a bonding
material.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the bonding material releasably
couples the bag to the frame.
4. The system of claim 2, wherein the bonding material couples the
bag frame when it is removed from the frame and folded
together.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the system includes an odor
sorbing material.
6. The system of claim 5, wherein the odor sorbing material
includes an activated carbon.
7. The system of claim 5, wherein the odor sorbing material is
disposed on a sheet of paperboard which is disposed in the bag.
8. The system of claim 5, wherein the odor sorbing material is
disposed on at least a portion of the bag.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the bag in its opened extended
position on the frame prevents sanitary products from falling
between the bag and a sidewall of the sanitary disposal unit.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein when the bag is removed from the
frame and the bag is folded together it seals and provides a
closure.
11. The system of claim 1, wherein the bag frame includes a holder
pivotally coupled thereto.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the holder is positioned over
the perimeter of the frame to hold the upper end of the bag on the
perimeter.
13. A system for disposal of sanitary products adapted for use with
a sanitary disposal unit, the system comprising: a plurality of
bags, each bag having an inner surface, an outer surface and an
edge providing an opening into the bag; a bag frame including an
upper perimeter and at least one leg, the bag frame configured to
be positioned in a holding area of a sanitary disposal unit, bag
frame configured to hold a plurality of bags while holding the edge
of one of the plurality of bags coupled to the upper perimeter of
the frame, the frame configured to hold the one bag in an opened
position such that the one bag and frame cooperate to prevent
sanitary products from falling between the bag and a sidewall of
the sanitary disposal unit; and a holder coupled to the bag frame,
wherein the holder is configured to be positioned over the upper
edge of the one bag on the upper perimeter of the bag frame.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein the bag includes a bonding
material.
15. The system of claim 14, wherein the bonding material releasably
couples the bag to the frame.
16. The system of claim 15, wherein the bonding material couples
the bag frame when it is removed from the frame and folded
together.
17. The system of claim 13, wherein the system includes an odor
sorbing material.
18. The system of claim 17, wherein the odor sorbing material
includes an activated carbon.
19. The system of claim 17, wherein the odor sorbing material is
disposed on a sheet of paperboard which is disposed in the bag.
20. The system of claim 17, wherein the odor sorbing material is
disposed on at least a portion of the bag.
21. The system of claim 13, wherein the bag in its opened extended
position on the frame prevents sanitary products from falling
between the bag and a sidewall of the sanitary disposal unit.
22. The system of claim 13, wherein when the bag is removed from
the frame and the bag is folded together it seals and provides a
closure.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The current sanitary napkin disposal bins used in public
bath room facilities use paper, cellophane or plastic bags which
are loosely placed in the bins. The plastic bags, even when placed
over the upper edge of the bin, often slips down into the bin when
the bag becomes filled. Paper and/or cellophane bags frequently
collapse or fold inward, allowing sanitary products and the like to
be disposed between the bag and a wall of the bin, thereby soiling
the bin.
[0002] Removal of sanitary products creates a problem as well.
Maintenance staff must remove the bag, the sanitary products which
have fallen between the bag and the wall of the bin. Further,
maintenance personnel must then clean the bin before placing a new
bag in the bin, so that the bin does not become malodorous. Bag
removal and bin cleaning are hazardous activities for maintenance
personnel, who must handle with care sanitary products and other
refuse contaminated with body fluids and the like.
[0003] An improved disposal bag and system for disposing of
sanitary products would be desirable. Such a bag would desirably be
configured so that it did not slip down into the bin, resulting in
sanitary products and/or other materials being deposited between
the bag and the wall of the bin. Desirably, such a bag would
provide a structure which would hold the bag in place on the bin.
In addition, such a bag would desirably provide a safe and easy way
for maintenance personnel to remove the bag and seal it. Further,
such a disposal bag would provide odor absorbent material to reduce
or eliminate odor therein.
DEFINITIONS
[0004] As used herein, the terms "sanitary products" include, but
are not limited to, feminine napkins, tampons, colostomy bags,
ileostomy bags, male incontinence pads, baby diapers, disposable
training pants for children, adult incontinence products including
pads, disposable underwear, and so forth.
[0005] As used herein, the term "fasteners" means devices that
fasten, join, connect, secure, hold, or clamp components together.
Fasteners include, but are not limited to, screws, nuts and bolts,
rivets, snap-fits, tacks, nails, loop fasteners, and interlocking
male/female connectors, such as fishhook connectors, a fish hook
connector includes a male portion with a protrusion on its
circumference. Inserting the male portion into the female portion
substantially permanently locks the two portions together.
[0006] As used herein, the term "couple" includes, but is not
limited to, joining, connecting, fastening, linking, or associating
two things integrally or interstitially together.
[0007] As used herein, the term "configure" or "configuration"
means to design, arrange, set up, or shape with a view to specific
applications or uses. For example: a military vehicle that was
configured for rough terrain; configured the computer by setting
the system's parameters.
[0008] As used herein, the term "hinge" refers to a jointed or
flexible device that connects and permits pivoting or turning of a
part to a stationary component. Hinges include, but are not limited
to, metal pivotable connectors, such as those used to fasten a door
to frame, and living hinges. Living hinges may be constructed from
plastic and formed integrally between two members. A living hinge
permits pivotable movement of one member in relation to another
connected member.
[0009] As used herein, the term "substantially" refers to something
which is done to a great extent or degree; for example,
"substantially covered" means that a thing is at least 95%
covered.
[0010] As used herein, the term "alignment" refers to the spatial
property possessed by an arrangement or position of things in a
straight line or in parallel lines.
[0011] As user herein, the terms "orientation" or "position" used
interchangeably herein refer to the spatial property of a place
where or way in which something is situated; for example, "the
position of the hands on the clock."
[0012] As used herein, the term "sanitary disposal unit" refers to
a unit provided on or in a wall or other structure of a public
bathroom, that is, in the stall of each area containing a toilet,
which is configured to receive sanitary products.
[0013] These terms may be defined with additional language in the
remaining portions of the specification.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] In response to the difficulties and problems discussed
above, a system for disposal of sanitary products adapted for use
with a sanitary disposal unit, is provided. The system includes a
plurality of bags. Each bag has an inner surface, an outer surface
and an edge providing an opening into the bag. The system also
includes a bag frame which includes an upper perimeter and at least
one leg. The bag frame is configured to be positioned in a holding
area of a sanitary disposal unit. The bag frame is configured to
hold a plurality of bags while holding the edge of one of the
plurality of bags coupled to the upper perimeter of the frame. The
frame is configured to hold the one bag in an opened position such
that the one bag and frame cooperate to prevent sanitary products
from falling between the bag and a sidewall of the sanitary
disposal unit. When the one bag is removed from frame when the bag
is filled, the one bag is configured to fold together to seal to
itself to provide a closure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of one of a
plurality of disposal bags stretched over a perimeter of a bag
frame, showing the front of the frame;
[0016] FIG. 2 is perspective view of the disposal bags and bag
frame of FIG. 1 but showing the plurality of bags disposed at the
back of the frame;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a side view of the bags and bag frame of FIGS. 1
and 2;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the bag frame with a
plurality of bags positioned on the attachment flange;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a side view of the disposal bag and frame
positioned in a sanitary disposal unit;
[0020] FIG. 6 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 1 but showing a
holder pivotably mounted to the bag frame, the holder in an upright
position; and
[0021] FIG. 7 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 2, but showing
the holder of FIG. 6 in its mounted position over the upper edge of
the bag positioned on the frame.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] Reference will now be made in detail to one or more
embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in
the drawings. Each example and embodiment is provided by way of
explanation of the invention, and is not meant as a limitation of
the invention. For example, features illustrated or described as
part of one embodiment may be used with another embodiment to yield
still a further embodiment. It is intended that the invention
include these and other modifications and variations as coming
within the scope and spirit of the invention.
[0023] Referring to FIGS. 1-7- in general, a bag frame 10 is shown
in FIGS. 1 and 2 which is commonly used in a sanitary disposal unit
(FIG. 5) which is mounted to or formed into a wall or similar
structure in a public bath room. One such sanitary disposal unit is
designated by the numeral 12. The sanitary disposal unit may
include a bin (not shown). The bag holding frame 10 desirably
replaces the bin. Alternatively, the bag frame 10 fits within the
bin (not shown). The sanitary disposal unit desirably includes a
cover or door 14 and a holding area 16 configured to hold the bag
frame 10.
[0024] The bag frame 10, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, is desirably,
but not by way of limitation tubular, and it is formed from light
weight plastic, metal, cardboard, paperboard, or any combination
thereof. It includes a perimeter 18 providing an opening 19 that
desirably is generally rectangular in shape. The bag frame 10
desirably includes at least one leg, and in this instance a pair of
legs 20 are provided. The bag holding frame 10 includes an
attachment flange 22 which is coupled to the perimeter 18. The bag
frame 10 operates as a structure to hold a plurality of disposal
bags 40, which are desirable releasable coupled to the attachment
flange 22. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the present
configuration of bag frame 10 is but one non-limiting example
thereof. Any configuration that operates as shown and/or described
herein may be used.
[0025] The disposal bag 40 may be formed as one continuous unit
having a shape which generally follows the rectangular shape and
opening of the bag holder frame 10, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-3.
Alternatively, the bag 40 may be formed from one or two
substantially flat panels which are heat sealed together to provide
a generally rectangular bag 40 (FIG. 4). The bag 40 includes an
outer surface 42 and an inner surface 43. The bag 40 may also
includes a first side 44 and a second side 45. An opening 46 is
desirably provided along an upper edge 48 of an upper end 49 of the
bag 40. The upper edge 48 is desirably coupled to both the
attachment flange 22 and the perimeter 18 of the bag holding frame
10. The configuration of the bag 40 is non-limiting, and any
configuration for the bag may be used.
[0026] The disposal bag 40 is one of a plurality of disposal bags
40. The plurality of the bags 40 desirably each include a tab 50
having an opening therein 52 which permits the plurality of bags 40
to be coupled to the bag holding frame 10, as shown in FIGS.
2-3.
[0027] Each bag 40 each desirably includes a bonding material 68
(FIG. 4) which is desirably positioned on an outer surface 42 of
the bag 40 and the bonding material 68 is desirably positioned at
least opposite the tab 50 and adjacent-the upper edge 48. In
addition, the bag 40 desirably includes a bonding material 68
disposed around the opening 46 on the inner surface 43 of the bag
40. The bonding material 68 may include, for example, but not by
way of limitation, an adhesive, such as a pressure sensitive
adhesive, a cohesive adhesive, such as a latex, and so forth. When
a pressure sensitive adhesive is used, it is desirably covered by a
release strip 70 (FIGS. 1 and 2).
[0028] Each new bag 40 in the plurality of bags desirably is
positioned such that its outer surface 42 near its upper edge 48 is
positioned over the perimeter 18 of the bag frame 10. When the bag
40 becomes filled, the release strips 70 on the inner surface 43
near the upper end 49 are removed and deposited in the bag 40. The
tab 50 is lifted from the attachment flange 22, and the upper end
49, for example, the first and second sides 44, 45 of the bag 40
are pressed together along the upper end 49 so that the bonding
material 68 provides closure and sealing of the bag 40. The bonding
material 68 on the inner surface 43 of the bag 40 adheres to itself
to create a secure closure of the bag 40.
[0029] Each bag 40 desirably includes an odor sorbing material
disposed on or in the bag 40. A sheet of cardboard or paperboard 74
may be treated with an odor sorbing material and included in or on
the bag 40. Alternatively, the treated sheet of paperboard 74 may
be positioned as a header (not shown) upon which the plurality of
bags are held and/or attached together on the bag frame 10.
Desirably, such a sheet of paperboard 74, as illustrated in FIG. 1,
will be configured slightly smaller than a lower end 76 of the bag
40 so that the sheet of paperboard 74 will automatically fall to
the lower end 76 of the bag.
[0030] The sheet of paperboard 74 is desirably treated with an odor
sorbing material such as activated carbon. One such activated
carbon is NUCHAR SA activated carbon from Westco Corporation, New
York, N.Y. For example, to provide such a sheet of paperboard 72, a
mixture of 100 grams sodium silicate at 38.3% solids and 19.2 grams
of activated carbon is dispersed in 20 grams of water. A final
coating formulation having a solids of about 41% was obtained with
the solids content consisting of about 33% carbon and 67% binder.
The carbon concentration of the coating was about 14%. This
formulation was applied to an uncoated side of paperboard. Such as
PRINTKOTE bleached paperboard (available from Westvaco Corporation,
New York, N.Y.) using a No. 12 wire wound rod at a coat weight of
about 26 lbs/ream (ream size 3000 ft.sup.2) to a miminal thickness
of about 1.2 mils. The weight of carbon in the applied coating was
about 3.8 mg/in.sup.2
[0031] Starch or polyvinyl alcohol may be used as the binder
system. Coating formulations useful in the present invention
desirably have a solids content of from about 30-45% depending upon
the method of application. Coat weights may range from 3-26
lbs/ream, and the activated carbon content of the coating may range
from about 20-95%, depending upon the degree of odor absorption
desired. One method of applying activated carbon to paperboard is
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,540,916, to Parks, which is hereby
incorporated by reference herein for all purposes. Another method
of applying activated carbon to articles is disclosed in U.S. Pat.
No. 6,417,424 to Bewick-Sonntag et al., which is hereby
incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.
[0032] Moreover, adhesives, such as pressure sensitive adhesives,
may also be used as the binder system. Such a binder permits the
activated carbon to be applied to plastics and/or polymers. As
such, for example, but not by way of limitation, the inner surface
43 of the bag 40, or at least a portion thereof, may be treated
with an activated carbon coating. Other activated carbon
treatments, such as activated carbon ink, may be used as well for
any portion of the bag 40.
[0033] A holder 80 may be used to assist in holding the upper edge
48 of the bag 40 on the perimeter 18 of the bag frame 10, as
illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7. The holder 80 is desirably pivotably
coupled to the bag frame 10. The holder 80 is desirably a generally
rectangular structure or closely follows the shape of the perimeter
18 of the bag frame 10. The holder includes an upper surface 82, a
lower surface 84 which contacts the perimeter 18, and an outer
perimeter 86. The lower surface 84 may include grooves (not shown)
to permit the holder 80 to sit firmly on the perimeter 18 of the
bag frame 10. When the bag 40 becomes filled, the holder 80 assists
in retaining the bag 40 on the perimeter 18 of the bag frame 10 by
providing weight and friction against the upper end 49 of the bag
40 so that the bag 40 does not pull away from the bag frame 10.
When the bag 40 is to be removed, the holder 80 desirably pivots
upward, away from the bag frame 10 so that the bag 40 may be
removed from the perimeter 18 thereof.
[0034] The bag 40 may be formed partially or completely from
plastic, such as a polymer film. Preferably, the bag 40 is formed
to be substantially non-permeable to liquids. The holder 80, or a
portion thereof, may be formed from metal, plastic, cardboard, and
so forth. Desirably, the bag frame 10 and bag 40 provide a system
90 which is a disposable one-use system of disposal of sanitary
products.
[0035] In a method of use, a plurality of disposable bags 40 which
are coupled together desirably via there tabs 50 are provided. A
bag frame 10 is also desirably provided. The bags 40 are coupled to
the bag frame 10 via positioning the openings 52 in the tabs 50
over the attachment flange 22 (FIG. 4). A first bag is disposed on
the perimeter 18 of the bag holder 10 by disposing its outer
surface 42 adjacent its upper edge 48 over the perimeter 18 of the
bag holder 10 (FIGS. 1-3).
[0036] The holder 80 is then positioned over the perimeter 18 of
the bag frame 10 so that the holder is positioned against the upper
edge 48 of the bag 40. This positioning, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7,
provides a wide opening 46 into the bag 40. The bag frame 10 is
desirably positioned in the sanitary disposal unit 12 such that the
bag frame 10 is positioned against sidewalls 88 of the sanitary
disposal unit 12. In this position, the bag frame 10 prevents a
user from inadvertently disposing sanitary products between the bag
and a wall of the sanitary disposal unit 12 or bin therein (not
shown), because the perimeter 18 of the bag frame 10 along with the
holder 80 substantially horizontally fills the holding area 16 of
the sanitary disposal unit 12. In this manner, the bag frame 10 is
configured to hold the bag 40 in an opened position such that the
bag 40 and bag frame 10 cooperate to prevent sanitary products from
falling between the bag 40 and a wall of the sanitary disposal unit
12.
[0037] When the bag 40 is full, maintenance personnel easily lift
the holder 80 and detach the bag via the tab 50 from the remaining
plurality of empty bags 40. The release strips positioned adjacent
the inner surface 43 of the upper end 49 are removed and disposed
in the bag 40, and the two sides 44, 45 are pressed together. In
this manner, the bag is configured to seal itself to provide a
closure to the bag 40. In the meantime, the next bag 40 in the
plurality of bags 40 is desirably positioned over the bag frame 10,
as previously described.
[0038] While the present invention has been described in connection
with certain preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the
subject matter encompassed by way of the present invention is not
to be limited to those specific embodiments. On the contrary, it is
intended for the subject matter of the invention to include all
alternatives, modifications and equivalents as can be included
within the spirit and scope of the following claims.
* * * * *