U.S. patent application number 11/380694 was filed with the patent office on 2007-03-01 for disposal bag assembly and disposal system.
Invention is credited to Wanda Walton Jackson, Shannon Marie Johnson, Frances W. Mayfield, Thomas Glenn Merrill, Joseph Mitchell, Paul Francis Tramontina, Debra N. Welchel.
Application Number | 20070045326 11/380694 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37603304 |
Filed Date | 2007-03-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070045326 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tramontina; Paul Francis ;
et al. |
March 1, 2007 |
Disposal Bag Assembly And Disposal System
Abstract
A system for disposal of refuse adapted for use within a waste
disposal unit is disclosed. The system includes a frame and a
plurality of bags, nested within each other and within an outermost
bag, where the bags are attached to the frame and are held open for
the disposal of refuse thereinto. A disposal bag assembly for
disposal of refuse is also disclosed.
Inventors: |
Tramontina; Paul Francis;
(Alpharetta, GA) ; Johnson; Shannon Marie;
(Smyrna, GA) ; 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: |
37603304 |
Appl. No.: |
11/380694 |
Filed: |
April 28, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11217036 |
Aug 31, 2005 |
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11380694 |
Apr 28, 2006 |
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11215908 |
Aug 31, 2005 |
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11380694 |
Apr 28, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
220/495.11 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65F 2240/164 20130101;
B65F 1/062 20130101; B65F 1/1415 20130101; B65F 2240/132 20130101;
B65F 1/0006 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/495.11 |
International
Class: |
B65D 25/14 20060101
B65D025/14 |
Claims
1. A system for disposal of refuse adapted for use within a waste
disposal unit, the system comprising: a frame; and a plurality of
bags, where each individual bag of the plurality of bags is nested
within each other and inside an outermost bag, where said plurality
of bags is attached to said frame and each bag of said plurality of
bags is held open for the disposal of refuse thereinto, where each
individual bag of the plurality of bags is detachable and
removeable such that when an open bag is filled with refuse, the
bag is detatched and removed and another bag is held open for the
disposal of refuse thereinto, until all bags of the plurality are
removed, and where the frame is configured to fit within a waste
disposal unit such as to prevent refuse from falling between the
frame and an interior wall of such a waste disposal unit.
2. The system of claim 1, where the frame is adapted to rest upon a
flange within a waste disposal unit.
3. The system of claim 2, where the frame comprises a bonding
material on an underside of the frame, the bonding material facing
the flange.
4. The system of claim 1, further comprising at least one
disposable flange that is installed on an upper interior space of a
waste disposal unit, where the frame rests upon the flange.
5. The system of claim 4, where the frame comprises a bonding
material on an underside of the frame, the bonding material facing
the flange.
6. The system of claim 1, where the frame further comprises at
least one frame extension.
7. The system of claim 6, where the frame extension comprises a
bonding material that releasably attaches the frame extension to a
waste disposal unit.
8. The system of claim 1, where the frame comprises a plurality of
laminate frames, where each laminate frame is attached to an
individual bag of the plurality of bags.
9. The system of claim 1, where at least one of the individual bags
of the plurality of bags comprises a pull indicia.
10. The system of claim 9, where the individual bags within the
plurality of bags each comprise a tab configured to facilitate
removal of the individual bag from the frame when the tab is
pulled.
11. The system of claim 1, where the frame comprises a frame
indicia.
12. The system of claim 1, where the individual bags of the
plurality of bags each comprises a line of weakness, where the line
of weakness facilitates the removal of the individual bag from the
frame.
13. The system of claim 1, further comprising an odor control
enhancement.
14. The system of claim 13, where the odor control enhancement is
provided by the frame.
15. The system of claim 13, where the odor control enhancement is
provided by the bags.
16. The system of claim 8, where the individual laminate frames
each comprise at least one bonding material portion where the
individual laminate frames are configured to be folded, and where
when an individual laminate frame is removed from the system, the
frame is configured to fold together, close off and seal the
opening of the laminate frame.
17. The system of claim 1, where each individual bag of the
plurality of bags further comprises a bonding material, where the
bonding material is configured to close and seal the individual bag
for disposal.
18. The system of claim 1, where the frame further comprises a
cinch, where the cinch is configured to secure the frame to a waste
disposal unit.
19. A system for disposal of refuse adapted for use within a waste
disposal unit having an open periphery, the system comprising: a
frame; a plurality of bags, where each bag is nested within each
other and within an outermost bag; and a support that holds the
frame and the plurality of bags near an open periphery of a waste
disposal unit; where said plurality of bags is attached to said
frame and each individual bag of plurality of bags is each held
open for the disposal of refuse thereinto, where each individual
bag of the plurality of bags is detachable and removeable such that
when an open bag is filled with refuse, the bag is detatched and
removed and another individual bag is held open for the disposal of
refuse thereinto, until all bags of the plurality are removed, and
where the frame is configured for use with a waste disposal unit
such as to prevent refuse from falling between the frame and an
interior wall of such a waste disposal unit.
20. The system of claim 19, where the support comprises an upper
perimeter and at least one leg.
21. The system of claim 20, where the support is configured to fold
into a folded configuration.
22. The system of claim 21, where the support is configured to
self-erect from the folded configuration.
23. The system of claim 20, where the frame further comprises a
cinch configured to secure the frame to the upper perimeter of the
support.
24. A disposal bag assembly for disposal of refuse, the assembly
comprising a frame and a plurality of bags, where each individual
bag of the plurality of bags is nested within each other and within
an outermost bag, and where the plurality of bags is attached to
the frame such that a first bag is held open for the disposal of
refuse thereinto and where upon the removal of the first bag,
another nested bag is provided for ready disposal of refuse, until
all bags of the plurality of bags are removed.
Description
[0001] This application is a Continuation-In-Part (CIP) application
of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/217,036, entitled "Disposal Bag And
System For Disposing Of Sanitary Products" and filed on Aug. 31,
2005, in the name of Wanda W. Jackson et al.; and U.S. application
Ser. No. 11/215,908, entitled "Disposal Bag And System For
Disposing Of Sanitary Products" and filed on Aug. 31, 2005, in the
name of Joseph Mitchell et al.; which are both incorporated herein
by reference in their entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The current sanitary napkin disposal bins used in public
bath room facilities use paper, wax-coated 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.
[0003] Removal of a bag filled with refuse creates a problem as
well. Maintenance staff must remove the bag and any sanitary
products, or other refuse, which may 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.
[0004] With the removal of each full bag, another empty bag must be
secured in place prior to the disposal bin being ready to receive
more disposed sanitary products. Each time a new bag is placed in
the bin is another instance when the bag may be placed improperly
such that sanitary products fall between the bag and the interior
walls or the bin. In addition to the increased probability of
incorrect bag installation or poor placement, placing a new bag in
the bin is an extra step for the maintenance personnel to perform,
incrementally increasing the time the maintenance personnel needs
to take in cleaning an entire facility.
[0005] Such problems also exist for other refuse disposal systems.
The problems discussed for sanitary disposal units are also
experienced in commercial and residential settings. Just as
custodial staff have issues with liner bags collapsing in sanitary
disposal units, similar problems occur with liners slipping down
inside of bathroom refuse bins, office paper bins, and the like.
Similarly, consumers have problems with trash bags slipping off of
the waste bins in the kitchen, home, office or bathroom such that
refuse falls between the liner bag and the interior walls of the
bin.
DEFINITIONS
[0006] As used herein, the term "refuse" refers to something that
is discarded as worthless, useless, or used up. It is generally
directed to rubbish, trash, garbage, and may include, among other
thing, discarded sanitary products, kitchen waste, office waste,
bathroom waste, household waste, yard and garden debris, and the
like.
[0007] As used herein, the term "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.
[0008] 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.
[0009] As used herein, the term "couple" includes, but is not
limited to, joining, connecting, fastening, linking, or associating
two things integrally or interstitially together.
[0010] 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.
[0011] 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.
[0012] 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.
[0013] 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.
[0014] 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."
[0015] As used herein, the term "waste disposal unit" refers to a
unit provided in a commercial or residential setting which is
configured to receive refuse. Such waste disposal units include,
disposal units such as sanitary disposal units, residential
bathroom waste bins, residential kitchen refuse bins, commercial
office waste bins, garbage cans, and the like.
[0016] 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.
[0017] These terms may be defined with additional language in the
remaining portions of the specification.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0018] In light of the problems and issues discussed above, it is
desired to have an improved disposal bag system for disposing of
refuse. Such a system would desirably be configured so that the
disposal bag(s) did not slip down into the bin, resulting in refuse
being deposited between the bag(s) and the wall of the bin.
Desirably, such a system would provide a structure which would hold
bags in place on the bin. Furthermore, it would be desirable of
such a system provided a new empty disposal bag upon removal of the
used disposal bag. In addition, such a system would desirably
provide a safe and easy way for maintenance personnel to remove
used disposal bags and seal them. Further, it would be desired that
such a disposal bag system provide the user with additional
functionalities to enhance the operation of the system, improve the
system in use, and make the disposal of the refuse clean and
easy.
[0019] The present invention is directed to a system for disposal
of refuse adapted for use within a waste disposal unit. The system
includes a frame and a plurality of bags, where individual bags of
the plurality are nested within each other and inside an outermost
bag. The bags are attached to the frame and are held open for the
disposal of refuse thereinto and where upon the removal of a bag,
until the outermost bag, the system provides another open bag for
ready disposal of refuse. Additionally, the frame is adapted to fit
within the waste disposal unit such as to prevent refuse from
falling between the frame and the interior walls of the waste
disposal unit.
[0020] In various embodiments, the frame may have additional
features or characteristics that facilitate use of the system,
improve disposability of the system, or otherwise enhance the
system. For example, the system may be adapted to fit within the
waste disposal unit and rest upon a flange within the waste
disposal unit or the system may alternatively include a flange that
is installed within the waste disposal unit and upon which the
frame may rest. In various embodiments, the frame may have a
bonding material that keeps the frame in place during use, frame
extensions, a cinch that secures the frame to a waste disposal
unit, may be made of a plurality of laminate frames, may be
foldable and have a closure bonding material, or any combination of
such features.
[0021] In the same way, the bags may have additional features or
characteristics that facilitate their use, improve the
disposability of the bags, or otherwise enhance the bags. In
various embodiments, the bags may have pull indicia, tabs, frame
indicia, lines of weakness to facilitate removal from the frame,
closure bonding material, odor control enhancements, or any
combination of such features.
[0022] The present invention is also related to a system for
disposal of refuse adapted for use within a waste disposal unit,
where the system includes a frame, a plurality of bags nested
within each other and within an outermost bag, and a support that
holds the frame and plurality of bags near the open periphery of
the waste disposal unit. The support may have a upper perimeter and
at least one leg. Such a support may also be capable of being
folded into a folded configuration and in some examples may be
configured to self-erect from such a folded configuration.
[0023] Finally, the present invention is also directed to a
disposal bag assembly for disposal of refuse, the assembly
comprising a frame and a plurality of bags, where the individual
bags of the plurality are nested within each other and within an
outermost bag, and where the plurality of bags are attached to the
frame such that a first bag is held open for the disposal of refuse
thereinto and where upon the removal of the first bag provides
another bag open for ready disposal of refuse.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a frame and bags assembly
according to the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the frame and bags
assembly of FIG. 1 taken along the line 2-2;
[0026] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another frame and bag
assembly according to the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 4 is a perspective, exploded view of a multiple
laminate frame and bag assembly according to the present
invention;
[0028] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the bag system of the
present invention showing the system in place within a waste
disposal bin with a cutaway in the bin to show the frame of the bag
system resting on a flange within the disposal bin;
[0029] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the bag system and bin
of FIG. 5 taken along the line 6-6;
[0030] FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view of the top of a waste
disposal bin with one flange of the bag system of the present
invention applied to the side of the bin according to the present
invention and showing the installation of a second flange;
[0031] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a support structure and bag
system according to the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another bag system of the
present invention showing various bag enhancements;
[0033] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another bag system of the
present invention showing a frame disposal embodiment; and
[0034] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another bag system of the
present invention having a flexible frame.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0035] 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.
[0036] The system of disposal of the present invention may be used
for any refuse disposal needs. For simplicity the invention is
discussed and illustrated in terms of the specific needs and
application for use in sanitary product disposal and other specific
waste disposal applications. However, such examples are not
intended to be limiting. Such concepts are applicable to not only
to the specific waste disposal applications discussed, but also to
any waste disposal application that relies on refuse bags.
[0037] Referring to FIGS. 1-11 in general, a plurality of bags 20
are provided attached to a frame 30 that is adapted to fit within a
waste disposal unit. The bags 20 are nested within each other with
the innermost bag 21 open for waste to be disposed into. When the
innermost bag 21 is filled, it is removed from the frame 30 and the
next bag 22 is then available for disposal of refuse. The frame 30
is adapted to fit within existing waste disposal units such that
refuse does not fall between the frame 30 and the interior walls of
the waste disposal unit.
[0038] Bags 20 are attached to the frame 30 and are individually
removable when filled. Bags 20 are attached to the frame 30 by any
means as is known in the art to attach bags 20 to the frame 30. For
example, the bags 20 may be adhered to each other and the last bag
adhered to the frame 30. Alternatively, the bags 20 may be attached
to the frame 30 by fasteners 35, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, at
various points about the frame 30. As another example, the bags may
be thermally sealed to the frame 30. Such a thermal seal 36 is
shown as the frame attachment in FIGS. 5 and 6. The bags 20 may
alternatively be attached by any type of fastener that is
appropriate for the materials used for the bags 20 and the frame
30. Any of such attachment methods or means may be used
individually or in combination.
[0039] Additionally, it may be desired to attach the bags 20 to the
frame 30 so they are easily and individually releasable from the
plurality of bags upon the bag being filled with refuse. For
example, the bag may be intermittently sealed to the frame 30 such
that individual bags may be easily removed when appropriate.
Alternatively, the bags may have perforations such that the bags
may be torn from the plurality of bags without disturbing the
attachment of the plurality of bags to the frame 30.
[0040] The frame 30 of the assembly 10 is sized appropriately to
fit within the waste disposal unit with which the assembly 10 is to
be used. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the frame 30 may be generally
rectangular in shape. However, the frame 30 may be any size and
shape as is appropriate for particular waste disposal units. For
example, the frame 30 may be rectangular, square, elliptical,
circular, or any other shape, symmetrical or asymmetrical, that is
desired. When properly fit within the waste disposal unit, and near
the open end of the waste disposal unit, the system will prevent
refuse from getting between the frame 30 and the interior side
walls of such a disposal unit.
[0041] The frame 30 may be made from any material that is
appropriate to attach and support the plurality of bags 20 of the
assembly 10. The materials of the frame 30 may be rigid as shown in
FIGS. 1 and 3, or may be flexible as shown in FIG. 11. It is
intended that the frame 30 will be disposable and that the
materials used to make the frame 30 will be appropriate for such
disposal. Typically, the frame 30 will be make from heavy paper
cardstock or plastic, however, the frame 30 may be made from any
material that will support the plurality of bags 20.
[0042] The frame 30 may be a single, unitary piece or it may made
up of a plurality of individual laminate frames 41 that are plied
together to form the frame 30. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 4,
individual laminate frames 41 may be plied upon a single base frame
40. In these laminate frame executions, the individual bags of the
plurality of bags would each be attached to one of these individual
laminate frames 41. Each of these individual laminate frames 41 and
individual bag assemblies could then be removed upon the filling of
the individual bag.
[0043] Additional functionality could be added to the frame 30 to
enhance the performance or capability of the frame 30. As shown in
FIG. 3, frame extensions could extend the frame to, or beyond, the
periphery of the waste disposal unit in which the assembly 10 is
used. Such end extensions 37 or side extension 38 could be added to
the frame 30 to help ensure that refuse is directed into the bags
20, rather than between the frame 30 and the interior walls of the
waste disposal unit. Additionally, a bonding material 39 may be
present on the underside of such frame extensions 37, 38 to help
secure the extensions in place on the interior side walls of the
waste disposal unit. Such adhesive may be a pressure sensitive
adhesive, double sided tape or some other similar bonding materials
39 that would releasably attach the extension to the interior walls
of the waste disposal unit. Such a bonding material 39 would have
enough attachment strength to hold the frame extensions 37, 38 in
place while allowing the frame 30 to be removed from the waste
disposal unit at the end of the useful life of the assembly 10.
[0044] Additionally functionality may be added to the frame 30 or
the laminate frames 41 to improve the ease of removal or
alternatively, or additionally, communicate a desired message to
the user. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the laminate frames 41
may have frame tabs 43 that provide the user with a portion of the
particular laminate frame 41 that can be easily grasped to remove
that frame 41. Such frame tabs 43 may additionally have tab indicia
45 that help differentiate the frame tabs 43, indicate to the user
where they need to pull to remove the frame 41, indicate the number
of laminate frames 41 remaining in the assembly 10, or any other
message, or combination of messages, that are desired to be
communicated to the user.
[0045] Similarly, or alternatively, the laminate frames 41 may have
frame indicia 47 associated with the frame 41 to indicate a message
to the user. Such frame indicia 47 may be located at distinct
locations on individual laminate frames 41 or may be located on the
entire laminate frame 41. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the
laminate frames 41 have frame indicia 47 that differentiate the
individual laminate frames from each other. As such, if the user
saw a letter "A" on the frame they would know that they had several
laminate frame and bag assemblies available before they would have
to replace the entire assembly 10. Similarly, the base frame 40 may
have an frame indicia 47; when such a frame indicia 47 was visible
on the base frame 40, the user would know that a new assembly 10
should be installed.
[0046] Whether they are on the frame tabs 43, on the laminate
frames 41, or both, such frame indicia 47 may be any word(s),
numeral(s), line(s), symbol(s), picture(s), physical shape(s),
color(s), texture(s) and/or combination(s) thereof, and so forth,
which communicates to the user a desired message. One skilled in
the art would be able to see how various indicia types and
locations could be used to communicate a desired message to the
user of the disposal system of the present invention.
[0047] It is intended that the frame 30 supports the plurality of
bags 20 in such a way as to hold the bags open for the disposal of
refuse thereinto. To facilitate such a use of the assembly 10, the
frame 30 needs to support the plurality of bags 20 in such away as
to keep the frame 30 close to the periphery 53 of the waste
disposal unit bin 50. Some typical bins, such as the bin 50 shown
in FIGS. 5 and 6, include a strengthening strut 57. Such struts 57
are molded into the bin 50 to provide greater strength and rigidity
to the bin 50. These struts 57 may be on the ends 51 of the bins
50, as shown in FIG. 5, may be on the sides 52 of the bin 50, or
they may be on both the sides 52 and the ends 51.
[0048] Often, such strengthening struts 57 will not extend all the
way to the periphery 53 of the bin 50 and thus will provide a
flange 55 at some point in the interior of the bin 50 near the
periphery 53 of the bin 50. In such bins 50, the frame 30 of the
assembly may be sized and shaped appropriately such that the frame
30 may rest upon and be supported by such a flange 55. Additional
security could be added by including a bonding material, such as an
adhesive, double-sided tape or fastener, on the underside surface
34 of the frame 30 and in the area that the frame 30 come into
contact with such a flange 55 within a bin 50. Such a bonding
material may be covered with a protective peel strip that may be
removed immediately prior to installation of the assembly 10 within
the desired bin 50.
[0049] In bins 50 where there is no flange 55, the disposal system
of the present invention may include a disposable flange 70, as
shown in FIG. 7. Such a disposable flange 70, may be adapted to be
installed on an interior wall 59 of a bin 50 in order to support
the assembly 10 on the top surface 73 of the flange 70. As shown in
FIG. 7, the disposable flange 70 would be installed near the
periphery 53 of the bin 50 by any method or means appropriate to
securely hold the disposable flange 70 in place while it supports
the assembly 10 and any refuse within the bags during use. For
example, as shown in FIG. 7, the disposable flange 70 may have an
adhesive 77 present on the back 75 of the flange 70 which may be
used to secure the flange in its installed position 71 on the
interior wall 59 of the bin 50.
[0050] The disposable flange 70 is shown in FIG. 7 as two pieces
that are installed on the interior side walls 59 of the bin 50.
However, different configurations of disposable flange(s) 70 may be
used to support the assembly 10 of the present invention. For
example, instead of being located on the side walls of the bin 50,
the flanges 70 may be present on the end walls, in the corners, or
combinations of the sides, ends and corners. Alternatively, such a
disposable flange 70 may be a single piece that extends about the
entire periphery of the bin 50. One skilled in the art would be
able to provide an appropriate number and configuration of such
disposable flanges 70 to meet the particular needs of the
particular bin 50 and the assembly 10 that is to be used.
[0051] Another way of keeping the assembly 10 of the present
invention close to the opening of the waste disposal unit is by the
use of a support 80. As shown in FIG. 8, such as support 80 would
have an upper surface 83, on which the frame 30 could rest upon and
be supported by and at least one leg 53 that raises the frame 30 up
to the opening of the waste disposal unit and additionally provides
room for refuse to be deposited into the bags 20. Additionally, the
support 80 may have a foot 87 to provide a base for the support 80.
The upper surface 83 of the support 80 may be a single continuous
leg or may be multiple legs 85, as shown in FIG. 8.
[0052] Such a support 80 may be configured to fit within a bin of a
waste disposal unit or it may be designed as a replacement to such
a bin. Additionally, the support 80 may be designed such that it
can be folded down into a folded configuration to take of less room
during shipping and storage prior to installation and use. As used
herein, a "folded configuration" would be a configuration in which
the support 80 is folded down such that it takes up less space than
when in use, but will take up the space that is inherent due to the
dimensions of the support 80 itself, including overlapping legs 85
and feet 87, if present.
[0053] In systems where the support 80 is configured to be folded
into a folded configuration, the support 80 may be configured to be
unfolded through manually manipulation or it may be designed to
self-erect. Such a self-erecting support 80 would include springs,
elastic members, or other structure, that is biased to the desired
configuration necessary to support the assembly 10 and hold the
bags 20 open for disposal of refuse. As such, the self-erecting
support 80 may need to be restrained to hold it in a folded
configuration and when unrestrained may return to its unrestrained
open configuration during use.
[0054] The support 80, as illustrated in FIG. 8, is desirably
tubular, but is not limited to such a structure. It may be formed
from light-weight plastic, metal, cardboard, paperboard, or any
combination thereof. The materials used for the support 80 are
dependent upon the desire use, design of the support 80, general
design choice, and intended durability. One skilled in the art
would understand how different materials would be appropriate with
such a particular set of criteria.
[0055] Finally, the size and shape of the support 80 may be any
size and shape as appropriate for the desired use. The systems 80
illustrated in FIG. 8 is shown as generally rectangular in shape,
but it may be any shape, symmetrical or asymmetrical, that is
appropriate for the intended location, desired use, design choice,
or any combination of such factors. The support 80 may be of a size
and shape to fit with bin of a waste disposal unit; it may be small
enough to replace the bin in a sanitary disposal unit; it may be
large enough to replace a trash bin in a home or a commercial
setting; it may be large enough to be used outdoors to collect yard
debris; or the support may be any other size adequate for the
specific intended use. Such a support 10 may be configured, sized
and shaped to work with an existing waste disposal unit or
alternatively replace such a waste disposal unit.
[0056] The frames 30 shown in the variations of FIGS. 1, 4, and 5,
all illustrate frames 30 that need to be rigid enough to be
supported by a flange 55, a disposable flange 70, or support 80, as
appropriate for the desired execution. However, the frame may
alternatively be a flexible frame 130, as shown in FIG. 11. Such a
flexible frame 130 may be made of the same materials as the bags 20
or may be made of some similar flexible material. The flexible
frame 130 may be made of an elastic material.
[0057] As shown in FIG. 11, the flexible frame 130, may fit over
the open end of the waste disposal unit 140. Alternatively, the
flexible frame 130 may be fit over the open end of a bin 50 within
a waste disposal unit or over a support 80, such as shown in FIG.
8. In any of those executions, the flexible frame 130 may also have
a cinch 133 that helps secure the flexible frame 130 to the waste
disposal unit 140 or support 80. Such a cinch 133, may be an
elastic band, a draw string capable of being pulled tight, crimping
of a portion of the flexible frame 130, or some other similar means
or method associated with the flexible frame 130 configured to
secure the flexible frame 130 in place while in use.
[0058] The bags 20 may be formed as one continuous unit having a
shape which generally follows the rectangular shape and opening of
the frame 30, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4. Alternatively, the
bags 20 may be formed from one or two substantially flat panels
which are heat sealed together to provide a generally rectangular
bag. Each of the bags 20 includes an outer surface 27 and an inner
surface 25. The configuration of the bags 20 is non-limiting, and
any configuration for the bag may be used.
[0059] The bags 20 may be made of any material that is appropriate
for the application and the refuse that is typically to be disposed
of in such bags. Typically such refuse bags or waste receptacle
liners are made from plastics such as polyethylene (LDPE, LLDPE),
polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and other similar
materials. The bags 20 may be made of a single ply of material or
may be made from multiple plies of similar or dissimilar materials.
Additionally, the bags 20 may be made from composites of films,
nonwoven materials, woven materials, or combinations thereof. The
bags 20 may incorporate elastic materials. The bags 20 may be
puncture resistant. Different materials, substrate weights and
thicknesses, elasticity, composite materials, and the like may be
used in various combinations to provide the end user with a bag
having the desired strength, flexibility, weight, puncture
resistance, or other desired attributes.
[0060] The bags 20 are attached to the frame 30 in a nested
configuration. Such a nested configuration refers to the bags being
situated such that all but an outermost bag 23 is fitted inside
another of the plurality of bags 20. Furthermore, the plurality of
bags 20 are held in an open configuration such that the innermost
bag 21 is exposed at the open end 12 of the assembly 10. Subsequent
bag(s) 22 are fitted around the innermost bag 21 in a nested
configuration. When the innermost bag 21 is filled, it is removed
from the frame 30 and the subsequent bag 22 is then available for
use as it is held open by the frame 30. All of the bags of the
plurality of bags 20 may be the same type of bags or different
types of bags may be present within the plurality.
[0061] In such a nested configuration, the outermost bag 23 may be
removed from the frame 30 in the same manner as the previous bags
or it may be disposed along with the frame 30. Additionally, the
outermost bag 23 may be a stronger bag than the other bags that are
nested within the outermost bag 23 or may have a reinforcing liner
such that if the bags nested within the outermost bag 23 were to
fail, the refuse would ultimately be contained within the outermost
bag 23.
[0062] The number of bags 20 used along with a particular assembly
10 is dependant on the desired use of such a assembly 10 and is a
function of the particular use, convenience and design choice. For
example, the number of bags for a particular assembly 10 may be the
number of bags as are commonly removed during normal custodial
intervals. If custodial staff empties a waste receptacle unit twice
a day during a work week, it may be desired that the assemblies be
equipped with ten bags. One skilled in the art would see that any
number of bags may be effectively used in the assemblies 10 of the
present invention and would understand the balance between having
enough bags to gain the efficiency of not having to replace bags
with every disposal of a bag and having so many bags that the space
for refuse is unacceptably limited.
[0063] The bags 20 of the assemblies 10 of the present invention,
may additionally have tabs 93 that facilitate easy and cleanly
removal bags 20 filled with refuse. As shown in FIG. 8, such tabs
93 may be near the opening of the bags 20 and provide the user with
a surface for the custodial staff to grab on to in order to pull
the bag free of the frame 30. Additionally, such tabs 93 may be
associated with a line of weakness 91 to further facilitate the
removal of the bags 20 from the frame 30. Such a line of weakness
91, may be perforations, areas of weakened material, scoring or
other such means as to allow the bags 20 to be torn from the frame
30.
[0064] Additionally, pull indicia 103 may be associated with the
tabs 93. Such indicia may be any word(s), numeral(s), line(s),
symbol(s), picture(s), physical shape(s), color(s), texture(s)
and/or combination(s) thereof, and so forth, which communicates to
the user a desired message. The pull indicia 103 may be used to
help the user locate the tab 93, indicate the function of the tab
93, and help the user differentiate the individual tabs 93 of the
plurality of bags 20.
[0065] Alternatively, or additionally, indicia may be used on the
tabs 93, or on the bags themselves, to help the custodial staff
determine if a new assembly 10 should be installed or will need to
be installed soon. For example, the outermost bag 23 may be a
different color, or have a differently colored tab 93, than that of
the other bags and thus indicate to the custodial staff that the
assembly 10 should be removed and a new assembly 10 may be
installed. One skilled in the art would be able to see how
different indicia could be used on the tabs 93, or on the bags 20,
to communicate a desired message to the user of such an assembly
10.
[0066] The bags 20 shown in FIGS. 1 to 10, all show assemblies 10
in which the bags extend to near the edges of the frame 30.
However, the bags may alternatively extend beyond the edges of
frames 30. In such assemblies 10 the bags may extend beyond where
the bags are attached to the frame 30 by a fastener 35, adhesive,
thermal seal 36 or other manner of attachment. Such an extension of
the bag beyond the frame 30 may increase the ease of removal of an
individual bag from a frame 30 and may improve the cleanliness of
such a removal.
[0067] Additionally, the bags 20 of the present invention may have
one or more features that aid in the closure and disposal of the
bag 20 containing refuse. In one option, each bag 20 may include a
bonding material 105 (FIG. 9) which is desirably positioned on a
surface of the bag 20 near the opening of the bag 20. The bonding
material 105 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. The bonding
material 105, may additionally be covered by a release strip that
would protect the bonding material 105 prior to use and could be
removed when it is desired to securely close the bag 20.
[0068] As discussed above, the bags 20 may have a tab 93 that aids
in removing a particular bag from the frame 30. Such a tab 93 may
additionally help securely close the bag. The tab 93 may be of a
length to tie off a bag that has been twisted closed at its
opening. Alternatively, more than one tab 93 may be present and
such tabs 93 could be tied together to close the bag 20.
[0069] The bag itself may be treated or may be made of material
that allows for easy removal of an individual bag from the
plurality of bags 20. One problem often encountered with nested
materials is the tendency of bags 20 to be attracted to each other,
due to static electric charges when an inner bag of the plurality
of bags 20 is being removed from the plurality of bags. To overcome
this static attraction of bags, the bags may have an anti-static
treatment or may be made of a reduced static-susceptible material
such as ultra low density polyethylene.
[0070] As shown in FIG. 9, the bags 20 may have a draw string 109
associated with the opening of the bags 20. When the bag 20 is
removed from the frame 30, the draw string 109 may then be pulled
to close the open end of the bag 20. Such a draw string 109 may be
the same material as the bag 20, plastic, string, or other material
as is common for such draw strings 109.
[0071] The frame 30 may also be designed to include disposal
functionality. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the frame 30 may
be formed such that each opposed end portions of the frame 30 is
formed to include a hinge or foldable portion, desirably a living
hinge 113. The foldable portion may be scored, folded and/or
notched in middle to each opposed end portion of the frame 30 so
that the frame 30 folds as shown and/or described herein.
Therefore, as used herein, "foldable portion" includes both a hinge
and a scored, folded and/or notched area which permits each end
portion of the frame 30 to fold. The frame 30 desirably includes a
bonding material 115 such as, 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, that is disposed
on at least a portion of the upper surface 33. When a pressure
sensitive adhesive is used, it is desirably covered by a release
strip 117. When the assembly is removed, the frame 30 is configured
to fold inward along a direction 101. Desirably, release strips 117
are removed and deposited in the bag, and the frame 30 is folded
inward so that the upper surface 33 of the frame 30 adheres to
itself to create a secure closure of the assembly.
[0072] Additional functionality could be added with an odor control
functionality that is provided by the bags 20. Odor sorbing
material could be disposed on the surface of the bags 20, within
each of the bags 20, or within the bag substrate. For example, a
sheet of cardboard or paperboard 107 may be treated with an odor
sorbing material and included in or on the bags 20. The sheet of
paperboard 107 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 107, 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 nominal thickness of about
1.2 mils. The weight of carbon in the applied coating was about 3.8
mg/in.sup.2
[0073] 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.
[0074] 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
25 of the bags 20, or at least a portion thereof, may be treated
with an activated carbon coating.
[0075] Other activated carbon treatments, such as activated carbon
ink, may be used as well for any portion of the bags 20.
[0076] In same manner as discussed above for the bags, odor control
functionality may additionally, or alternatively, be provided by
the frame 30. Such frame odor control functionality may be
incorporated into the substrate of the frame 30, be included on the
surface of the frame 30, or otherwise provided by the frame 30 of
the present invention.
[0077] In various embodiments, additional functionalities may be
added to the bags For example the bags may have an anti-viral or
anti-bacterial treatment associated within or on the bags. Such
treatments may help reduce the bacteria or virus levels within the
bags.
[0078] Another possible functionality for the bags of the present
invention is the incorporation of superabsorbent materials into the
bags. Such superabsorbents could be added as a substrate to the
bags or may be incorporated into the walls of the bags so to absorb
any free liquid that may be present in the bags.
[0079] It will be appreciated that the foregoing examples and
discussion, given for purposes of illustration, are not to be
construed as limiting the scope of this invention, which is defined
by the following claims and all equivalents thereto.
* * * * *