U.S. patent application number 11/380700 was filed with the patent office on 2007-03-01 for disposal bag and support 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 | 20070045483 11/380700 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37508306 |
Filed Date | 2007-03-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070045483 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Johnson; Shannon Marie ; et
al. |
March 1, 2007 |
Disposal Bag And Support System
Abstract
A system for disposal of refuse is disclosed. The system
includes a support and a plurality of bags associated with the
support such that a first bag is held open to receive refuse and
another bag is readily available to replace the first bag when the
first bag is filled and removed. The support of the system is
configured to be folded into a flat configuration.
Inventors: |
Johnson; Shannon Marie;
(Smyrna, GA) ; Tramontina; Paul Francis;
(Alpharetta, 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: |
37508306 |
Appl. No.: |
11/380700 |
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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11380700 |
Apr 28, 2006 |
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11215908 |
Aug 31, 2005 |
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11380700 |
Apr 28, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
248/99 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65F 1/1415 20130101;
B65F 1/0006 20130101; B65F 2220/12 20130101; B65F 1/062 20130101;
B65F 2220/1066 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/099 |
International
Class: |
B65B 67/04 20060101
B65B067/04 |
Claims
1. A system for disposal of refuse, the system comprising: a
support; and a plurality of bags, where the support comprises an
upper support surface and at least one leg where each bag of the
plurality of bags comprises an upper edge, a closed end, and an
open end, where the plurality of bags are associated with the
support such that an individual bag of the plurality of bags is
held in an opened position to receive refuse thereinto, where each
bag of the plurality of bags is detachable and removeable such that
when the open bag is filled with refuse the bag is detached and
removed and another bag is held in an opened position to receive
refuse thereinto, until all bags of the plurality are removed, and
where the support is configured to be folded into a folded
configuration.
2. The system of claim 1, where the support is configured to be
erected manually from the folded configuration.
3. The system of claim 1, where the support is configured to
self-erect from the folded configuration.
4. The system of claim 3, where the system is adapted to fit within
a waste disposal unit and prevent refuse from falling between the
system and an interior wall of such a waste disposal unit.
5. The system of claim 3, where the support is configured to hold
the plurality of bags, where the support couples the upper edge of
the open bag to the upper support surface of the support, and where
the support is configured to hold the bag in the opened
position.
6. The system of claim 5, where the support comprises a holder
pivotally coupled thereto.
7. The system of claim 6, where the holder is positioned over the
upper support surface of the support to hold the open end of the
bag on the upper support surface.
8. The system of claim 1, where the plurality of bags comprises a
continuous web of bags, where the closed end of preceding bags are
attached to the open end of subsequent bags.
9. The system of claim 8, where the continuous web of bags
comprises a roll of bags.
10. The system of claim 8, further comprising a container, where
the container comprises a dispensing opening, and where the
container is adapted to contain the continuous web of bags and
dispense said web through the dispensing opening of the
container.
11. The system of claim 8, further comprising a dispensing opening
through which the continuous web of bags is dispensed.
12. The system of claim 3, further comprising a frame, where the
plurality of bags are attached to the frame and each individual bag
of the plurality of bags is held open for the disposal of refuse
thereinto, and where each individual bag of the plurality of bags
is nested within each other and inside an outermost bag.
13. The system of claim 12, where the frame comprises a bonding
material on an underside of the frame, the bonding material facing
the upper support surface of the support.
14. The system of claim 12, where the frame further comprises a
plurality of laminate frames, where each laminate frame is attached
to an individual bag.
15. The system of claim 12, where each individual bag of the
plurality of bags comprises a tab, where the tab is configured to
facilitate removal of the individual bag from the frame when the
tab is pulled.
16. The system of claim 12, where the frame comprises a frame
indicia.
17. The system of claim 12, where each individual bag of the
plurality of bags further comprises a line of weakness, where the
line of weakness facilitates the removal of the individual bags
from the frame.
18. The system of claim 12, further comprising an odor control
enhancement provided by the frame.
19. The system of claim 14, 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 for
disposal, the frame is configured to fold together, close off and
seal the opening of the laminate frame.
20. The system of claim 12, where the frame further comprises a
cinch, where the cinch is configured to secure the frame to the
upper support surface of the support.
21. The system of claim 1, where at least one of the individual
bags of the plurality of bags comprises a pull indicia.
22. The system of claim 1, further comprising an odor control
enhancement provided by the plurality of bags.
23. The system of claim 1, further comprising an odor control
enhancement provided by the support.
24. The system of claim 1, where the individual bags of the
plurality of bags further include a bonding material that closes
and seals the individual bags for disposal.
25. A system for disposal of refuse, the system comprising: a
support comprising an upper support surface and at least one leg;
and a plurality of bags; where the plurality of bags are associated
with the support such that one bag of the plurality of bags is held
in an opened position to receive refuse and when the one bag is
removed, another bag of the plurality of bags is readily available
for disposal of refuse thereinto, and where the support is
configured to be folded into a folded configuration, restrained in
such a folded configuration and when unrestrained to self-erect
into an erect configuration.
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 August 31, 2005, in
the name of Joseph Mitchell et al.; which are both incorporated
herein by reference in their entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Disposable bags are commonly used to collect refuse in a
various settings and for a multitude of applications. Whether it is
in public facilities, restrooms, kitchens, offices or other
settings where refuse is generated, disposable bags are commonly
used to collect refuse. Such bags are commonly used as liners for
trash cans, waste bins, or other similar waste disposal units. The
disposable bags, in such applications, are meant to protect the
waste disposal unit from being fouled by any refuse so that the
waste disposal unit does not require the frequent cleaning than
would be needed if no such liner was used. This is particularly
true in instances where the refuse may be wet or contain liquid.
Such liners also make the collection and disposal of the refuse
contained in a waste disposal unit more cleanly and convenient.
[0003] In use, such disposable bags are placed within the waste
disposal unit in such a way that refuse is directed into the bag
and does not fall between the bag and the interior side walls of
the waste disposal unit. Where a plastic or flexible disposable bag
is used as a liner, the top of the bag is often folded over the
open periphery of the waste bin, or is otherwise secured near the
top of such a bin. In other applications, such as sanitary napkin
disposal bins used in public bath room facilities, paper,
wax-coated paper, cellophane or plastic bags are often loosely
placed in the bins, and rely on the structure of the bag to keep
the bag upright and open to receive refuse.
[0004] However, such applications for disposable bags are often
deficient. Plastic bags, even when placed over the upper edge of
the bin, often slip down into the bin when the bag becomes filled.
Additionally, plastic bags placed over the top periphery of waste
bins often trap air between the bag and the bin. Such trapped air
displaces space that is needed for waste within the bag and when
more waste is disposed in the bin the trapped air often displaces
and dislodges the bag from the periphery of the bin. In
applications where paper or cellophane bags are used, such 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.
[0005] Removal of the disposable bags also creates problems. In
use, the user must remove the bag and any refuse which may have
fallen between the bag and the wall of the bin. Further, the user
must then clean the bin before placing a new bag in the bin, so
that the bin does not become malodorous. Such bag removal and
cleaning is often a dirty, odorous, and unpleasant activity of the
user. In commercial settings, 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.
[0006] With the removal of each full bag, another empty bag must be
secured in place prior to the waste disposal unit being ready to
receive more refuse. Each time a new bag lo is placed in the unit
is another instance when the bag may be placed improperly such that
refuse falls between the bag and the interior walls or the waste
disposal unit. 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 a user to perform. In instances where
maintenance personnel are servicing the waste disposal units of an
entire facility, the time it takes to place a new bag in the waste
disposal unit incrementally increases the time the maintenance
personnel needs to take in cleaning the entire facility.
[0007] Such problems are experienced in both 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, yard, or bathroom such that refuse falls between the
outside of the bag and the bin.
[0008] Finally, all of the discussion thus far has been addressed
to bags that are being used with an existing waste disposal unit,
i.e., a trash can, a waste bin, recessed wall refuse container and
the like. Such waste disposal units can be cumbersome to move to
new locations or dispose of when they become damaged or
exceptionally fouled. Replacement of such waste disposal units may
be expensive. Additionally, such waste disposal units are not
convenient for disposal of refuse in a temporary location or for a
discrete period of time.
Definitions
[0009] 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
things, discarded sanitary products, kitchen waste, office waste,
bathroom waste, household waste, yard and garden debris, and the
like.
[0010] 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.
[0011] 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.
[0012] As used herein, the term "couple" includes, but is not
limited to, joining, connecting, lo fastening, linking, or
associating two things integrally or interstitially together.
[0013] 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.
[0014] 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.
[0015] 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.
[0016] 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.
[0017] 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."
[0018] 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.
[0019] 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.
[0020] These terms may be defined with additional language in the
remaining portions of the specification.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0021] In light of the problems and issues discussed above, it is
desired to have an improved disposal bag system for disposing of
refuse is desired. It would be desirable for such a system to
provide a new empty disposal bag upon removal of an 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. Finally, it is desired
to have an easily transportable waste disposal system that may be
placed wherever such a system is needed. Such a waste disposal
system would desirably be used with an existing waste disposal unit
or as a replacement of such a unit.
[0022] The present invention is directed to a system for disposal
of refuse, including a support and a plurality of bags associated
with the support such that one bag of the plurality of bags is held
in an opened position to receive refuse and when the one bag is
removed, another bag of the plurality of bags is readily available
for disposal of refuse. The support has an upper support surface
and at least one leg and is configured to be folded into a folded
configuration. In some embodiments, from the folded configuration,
the support may be erected manually or in other embodiments the
support may self-erect from the folded configuration. The system
may be adapted to fit within a waste disposal unit and prevent
refuse from falling between the system and the interior walls of
the waste disposal unit.
[0023] In some embodiments, the support may be configured to hold
the plurality of bags while holding the upper edge of the one bag
of the plurality of bags coupled to the upper support surface of
the support, the support configured to hold the one bag in an
opened position. Such a system may further include a holder
pivotally coupled to the support and such a holder may be
positioned over the upper support surface of the support to hold
the open end of a bag on the upper support surface.
[0024] In other embodiments, the plurality of bags may be a
continuous web of bags where the closed end of preceding bags are
attached to the open end of the subsequent bag. Such a web of bags
may be a roll of bags. Additionally, the web of bags may be
contained and dispensed from a container.
[0025] Another embodiment of the system includes a frame to which
the plurality of bags are attached in a nested configuration and
are held open for the disposal of refuse. Such frames may have
bonding material to attach them to the upper support surface of the
support, may be made of a plurality of laminate frames, have frame
indicia, provide an odor control enhancement, have a cinch to
secure the frame to the upper support surface, or any combination
of such features. The bags attached to such frames may have tabs
and, or alternative, may have lines of weakness to facilitated
removal of the bags from such frames.
[0026] In various embodiments, the bags of the plurality of bags
may have pull indicia, an lo odor control enhancement, a bonding
material to close and seal the bags for disposal, or any
combination of such features. Additionally, in some embodiments,
the support may provide an odor control enhancement.
[0027] The present invention is also directed to a system for
disposal of refuse, including a support and a plurality of bags
associated with the support, where the support is configured to be
folded and restrained in a folded configuration, but will
self-erect into an erect configuration when unrestrained.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a support of the present
invention in a folded configuration;
[0029] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the support of FIG. 1B in
an erected configuration, along with a plurality of bags, according
to the present invention;
[0030] FIG. 2 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 1B and showing
a holder pivotably mounted to the support, the holder in an upright
position;
[0031] FIG. 3A is a perspective of another disposal system of the
present invention in a restrained, folded configuration;
[0032] FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the disposal system of FIG.
3B in an unrestrained and self-erected configuration;
[0033] FIG. 4 is a perspective, exploded view of a multiple
laminate frame and bag assembly with a support, according the
present invention;
[0034] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another disposal system
according to the present invention;
[0035] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another disposal system
according to the present invention and illustrating various bag
enhancements; and
[0036] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another disposal system of
the present invention, the bag assembly having a flexible
frame.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0037] 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.
[0038] 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
refuse disposal applications. However, such examples are not
intended to be limiting. Such concepts are applicable to not only
to the specific refuse disposal applications discussed, but also to
any waste disposal application that relies on refuse bags.
[0039] The disposal systems 30 of the present invention are
generally illustrated in FIGS. 1A-7. The system 30 provides a
plurality of bags 20 associated with a support 10. The support 10
has at least one leg 12 and an upper support surface 14 such that
when the support 10 is in its erected configuration, as shown in
FIGS.1B. 2, 3B, and 4-7, a bag 20 of the plurality of bags 20 may
be held open to receive refuse. When such a bag 20 is filled with
refuse, the filled bag 20 may be removed from the support 10, and
another bag 20 is ready to be held open on the support 10 to
receive the subsequent refuse.
[0040] The bags 20 may be provided in various formats, but all
formats are associated with the support 10 in that one of the bags
20 is held up and open to readily accept refuse into such an open
bag 20 and the rest of the plurality of bags 20 are held ready to
replace the open bag 20 once it is filled. Such an association of
bags 20 with the support may be individual bags 20 all held in
reserve by the support 10 (FIGS. 1A and 1B), a web 55 of bags
supplied along with and kept proximate to the support 10 (FIGS. 3A,
3B and 5), bags 20 provided on a frame 70,130 that is supported by
the support 10, or any other configuration where a plurality of
bags 20 are kept with the support 10 in such a way that the bags 20
are associated with the support 10, as discussed above.
[0041] In general, the support 10 of the system 30 of the present
invention has an upper support surface 14 and at least one leg 12.
The upper support surface 14 both supports the bags 20 and holds
the bags 20 open during the disposal of refuse. Thus the upper
support surface 14 defines the opening 17 of the support 10. Such
an upper support surface 14 may be a fully enclosed perimeter 15,
as shown in FIGS.1B. 3B, 5, 6 and 7, or may be discrete portions of
the support 10 on which the bags 20 rest atop, such as shown in
FIG. 4.
[0042] The support 10, as illustrated in FIGS. 1A-7, 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 10 are
dependent upon the desired use, design of the support 10, general
design choice, and intended durability. One skilled in the art
would understand how different materials would be appropriate for
specific design criteria.
[0043] The support 10 may have one or more legs 12 that elevate the
upper support lo surface 14 for disposal of refuse. As shown in
FIGS.1B. 2, 6 and 7, the support 10 may have multiple legs 12.
Alternatively, the support 10 may only have a single leg 12. For
example, the support 10 shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B is a helical
compression spring design where the leg 12 is a single continuous
portion of the support 10 that extends between the base 53 and the
upper support surface 14 and elevates that upper support surface 14
above the base 53. Similarly, the support 10 may have one
continuous leg 12 that is designed to both act as a base and
elevate the upper support surface 14. In a example of a system 30
that could be used outdoors (i.e., for yard and garden waste and
debris), a single leg 12 may act as a stake that may be driven into
the ground to support an upper support surface 14 and the plurality
of bags 20 associated with the support 10.
[0044] The leg(s) 12 of the support 10 may have a foot 13 at the
end of the leg 12 to provide a discrete base for the support 10
(FIG. 4). Alternatively, the support 10 may have a full base 53,
such as shown in the designs illustrated in FIGS. 3B and 5.
However, as discussed above, however, the support 10 may be
designed to not have a foot 13 or a base 52 (e.g., the leg 12 may
function as a spike that is driven into the ground).
[0045] The support 10 of the system 30 is additionally designed to
make shipping and transport of the support 10 simple and
convenient. This is accomplished by the support 10 being designed
to fold down into a folded configuration, such as shown in FIGS. 1A
and 3A. As used herein, a "folded configuration" refers to a
configuration of the support 10 that is folded to take up less
space than when the support 10. Where the support 10 is fully
unfolded into its erected configuration. As shown in FIG. 1A, the
folded configuration takes up less room than the fully erected
system 30, as shown in FIG. 1B. The folded configuration of the
system 30 of FIGS. 1A and 1B only takes up the space that is
inherent due to the dimensions of the support 10 itself, including
overlapping legs 12.
[0046] In the systems 30 shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2, 4, 6, and 7, the
support 10 is designed to be folded by hinges 16 that connect the
upper support surface 14 and the legs 12 of the support 10. In such
designs the legs 12 may be folded up to the underside of the upper
support surface 14. In the system 30 of FIGS. 3A and 3B, where the
support 10 is a helical compression spring-type design, the folded
configuration is acquired by pressing the upper support surface 14
toward the base 53. The spring design support 10 is thus put in a
compressed, folded state (FIG. 3A). The folded configuration of a
system 30 of the type shown in FIG. 5, is formed by pressing down
each of the mesh walls 19 of the support 10 toward the base 53.
[0047] Other systems 30 according to the present invention may have
a folded configuration, as discussed here, or may have different
folded configuration as determined by the unique configurations of
each particular system 30. In all such cases, the folded
configuration puts the support 10 in a configuration that takes up
less space than when the same support is fully erected, as
necessary for the system 30 to be used for disposal of refuse.
[0048] From its folded configuration, the support 10 of the present
invention needs to be unfolded into its erect configuration for
system 30 to be used for disposal of refuse. The support 10 may be
designed to be unfolded manually such that the user would
manipulate the leg(s) 12 from the folded configuration to the erect
configuration. Alternatively, the support 10 may be configured to
self-erect.
[0049] Such a self-erecting support 10 would include springs,
elastic members, or other structure, that is biased to the desired
erect configuration necessary to support the assembly 10 and hold
the bags 20 open for disposal of refuse. As such, the self-erecting
support 10 may need to be restrained to hold it in a substantially
flat configuration and when unrestrained would return to its
unrestrained open and erect configuration during use. For example,
the support 10 illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B is a helical
compression spring design. It is designed to be biased to the erect
configuration shown in FIG. 3B. In such a system 30, one or more
clasps 51 would be required to keep the support 10 restrained in
the folded (or compressed) configuration, shown in FIG. 3A.
[0050] The size and shape of the system 30 may be any size and
shape as appropriate for the desired use. The systems 30
illustrated in the figures are shown as generally rectangular,
square or circular in shape, but they may be any shape, symmetrical
or asymmetrical, that is appropriate for the intended location,
desired use, design choice, or any combination of such factors.
[0051] Similarly, the support 10 may be any size desired. The
support 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.
[0052] The bags 20 of the system 30 may be formed as one continuous
unit having a shape which generally follows the rectangular shape
and opening 17 of the support 10, as illustrated in FIGS. 1A to 7.
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. An opening 32 is desirably
provided along an upper edge 48 of an upper end 49 of the bag 20.
The configuration of the bag 20 is non-limiting, and any
configuration for the bag 20 may be used.
[0053] The bags 20 may be made of any material that is appropriate
for the application lo 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.
[0054] The number of bags 20 used with a particular system 30 is
dependant on the desired use of such a system 30 and is a function
of the particular use, convenience and design choice. For example,
the number of bags for a particular system 30 may be the number of
bags 20 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 system 30 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.
[0055] The bags 20 may be small enough to be used as a replacement
for the bins commonly used in sanitary disposal units in public
restrooms or may large enough to be used outdoors to collect yard
debris. The bags 20 may be any size, shape and design as is
appropriate for the particular intended use of the system 30.
[0056] The plurality of bags 20 may provided to the system 30 a
variety of formats as appropriate for the intended use of the
system 30 and the particular support 10 used. For example, as shown
in FIGS. 1A, 1B and 2, the bags 20 may a collection of individual
bags 20 each having a tab portion 50 and a tab portion opening 52.
The tab portion opening 52 of such may be used to secure the bags
20 to an attachment flange 18 present on the upper support surface
14 of that particular support 10.
[0057] Another bag format, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the
bags 20 may be provided to the system 30 in a nested configuration
and attached to a frame 70,130 that supports the bags 20 upon the
upper support surface 14. Similarly, the bags 20 may be
individually associated with laminate frames 41 and configured into
a nested configuration, as shown in FIG. 4.
[0058] Finally, the bags 20 may alternatively be provided to the
system 30 as a continuous web 55 of bags 20. In such a web 55, the
closed end of a preceding bag is lo attached to the open end 32 of
the following bag, such as shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B and 5. In such
systems 30, when one bag 20 is filled and removed from the system
30, it is removed from the end of the web 55, and the following bag
20 is then ready to be used to receive refuse. At any point during
use, the closed end of the bag 20 receiving refuse will be attached
to the web 55.
[0059] Such a continuous web 55 of bags 20 may be provided as a
roll 56 of bags 20 (FIG. 5), in fan-folded format, or any other
format as is known in providing an continuous web. Regardless of
format, the continuous web 55 of bags 20 may be contained and
dispensed from a container 61 having a dispensing opening 63, as
shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B.
[0060] Additionally, while the dispensing opening 63 shown in FIGS.
3A and 3B is associated with a container 61, the dispensing opening
63 may alternatively be a portion of the support 10, or a component
attached to the support 10, through which the web 55 of bags may be
dispensed without a container 61. In either case, the dispensing
opening 63 may provide additional functionality to the system 30.
By way of non-limiting examples, the dispensing opening 53 may be
sized and shaped to help partially restrict the flow of the web 55
through the opening 63, help separate the bags 20 upon removal of a
filled bag 20, hold the open end of a subsequent bag 20 once the
preceding bag is removed, or may be configured for any combination
of such functionalities.
[0061] The bags 20 of the system 30 of the present invention may be
provided as discussed here or they may be provided in other formats
as are known. The formats discussed are only intended to be
exemplary and are not intended to be limiting. The bags 20 may be
provided to the system 30 in any format that provides a plurality
of bags such that when a bag 20 is filled with refuse, it may be
removed and another bag 20 is readily available for disposal of
refuse.
[0062] Additional functionality may be present in, on, or
associated with the bags 20 of the present invention. For example,
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. 6) which is desirably positioned on a surface of the bag
20 near the opening 32 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.
[0063] The bags 20 may have a tab 93 that aids in removing a
particular bag 20 from the system 30. Such a tab 93 may
additionally help securely close the bag. The tab 93 may be lo 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 could be tied together to close the bag 20.
[0064] Similarly, drawstrings, ties, or other such similar
components may be present on or associated with the bags 20 to aid
in the secure closure and disposal of bags 20 filled with
refuse.
[0065] Another additional functionality could be an odor sorbing
material that is disposed on or in each of the bags 20. 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
[0066] 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.
[0067] 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. Other activated carbon
treatments, such as activated carbon ink, may be used as well for
any portion of the bags 20.
[0068] The bag 20 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 charge when an inner bag of the plurality of
bags 20 is being removed from the plurality of bags 20. To overcome
this static attraction of bags, the bags 20 may have an anti-static
treatment or may be made of a reduced static-susceptible material
such as ultra low density polyethylene.
[0069] 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.
[0070] 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.
[0071] More particularly, an exemplary system 30 of the present
invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1A, 1B and 2, and includes a
support 10 having a upper support surface 14 providing an opening
17 that desirably is generally rectangular in shape. The support 10
desirably includes at least one leg 12. In this particular
instance, a pair of legs 12 is provided. The support 10 includes an
attachment flange 18 which is coupled to the upper support surface
14. The support 10 operates as a structure to hold a plurality of
disposal bags 20, which are desirable releasably coupled to the
attachment flange 18. The plurality of the bags 20 desirably each
include a bag tab 50 having an bag tap opening therein 52 which
permits the plurality of bags 20 to be coupled to the support 10,
as shown in FIGS. 1B and 2.
[0072] Each new bag 20 in the plurality of bags desirably is
positioned such that its outer surface 27 near its upper edge 48 is
positioned over the perimeter 15 of the upper support surface 14 of
the support 10. When the bag 20 becomes filled, the release strips
36 covering the bonding material 105 on the inner surface 25 near
the upper end 49 of the bag 20 are removed and deposited in the bag
20. The bag tab 50 is lifted from the attachment flange 18, and the
sides of the bag 20 near the upper end 49 are pressed together so
that the bonding material 105 provides closure and sealing of the
bag 20.
[0073] A holder 80 may be used to assist in holding the bag 20 on
the upper support surface 14 of the support 10, as illustrated in
FIG. 2. The holder 80 is desirably pivotably coupled to the support
10. The holder 80 is shown as a generally rectangular structure
that closely follows the shape of the upper support surface 14 of
the support 10. The holder 80 includes a lower surface 84 which
contacts the upper support surface 14. The lower surface 84 may
include grooves (not shown) to permit the holder 80 to sit firmly
on the upper support surface 14 of the support 10. When the bag 20
becomes filled, the holder 80 assists in retaining the bag 20 on
the upper support surface 14 of the support 10 by providing weight
and friction against the upper end 49 of the bag 20 so that the bag
20 does not pull away from the upper support surface 14. When the
bag 20 is to be removed, the holder 80 desirably pivots upward,
away from the upper support surface 14 so that the bag 20 may be
removed therefrom.
[0074] The holder 80, or a portion thereof, may be formed from
metal, plastic, cardboard, and so forth.
[0075] In a method of use, a plurality of disposable bags 20 which
are coupled together desirably via there bag tabs 50 are provided.
A support 10 is also desirably provided. The bags 20 are coupled to
the support 10 via positioning the bag tab openings 52 in the bag
tabs 50 over the attachment flange 18. A first bag is disposed on
the upper support surface 14 of the support 10 by disposing its
outer surface 27 adjacent its upper edge 48 over the perimeter 15
of the upper support surface 14 of the support 10. The holder 80 is
then positioned over the perimeter 18 of the support 10 so that the
holder is positioned against the upper edge 48 of the bag 20.
[0076] When the bag 20 is full, the user can easily lift the holder
80 and detach the bag 20 via the bag tab 50 from the remaining
plurality of empty bags 20. The release strips positioned adjacent
the inner surface 25 of the upper end 49 are removed and disposed
in the bag 20, and the sides of the bag are pressed together. In
this manner, the bag 20 is configured to seal itself to provide a
closure to the bag 20. In the meantime, the next bag 20 in the
plurality of bags 20 is desirably positioned over the support 10,
as previously described.
[0077] Another exemplary system 30 of the present invention is
illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B. In this particular system 30, the
support 10 is a helical (or coil) compression spring design having
a circular upper support surface 14, a circular base 53, and a
helical leg 12 that extends between the upper support surface 14
and the base 53. Such a support 10, may be a single, continuous
tubular design or may be separate pieces that are joined together
by any method or means as are known to join the particular
materials used to make the individual pieces of such a support 10.
The base 53 includes the bottom turn of the coil design and a
circular piece that covers the area within that bottom turn of the
coil.
[0078] The helical compression spring design of the support of
FIGS. 3A and 3B is biased toward the erect configuration of FIG. 3B
and is the shape the support 10 will assume when it is
unrestrained. The folded configuration, shown in FIG. 3A, is
obtained by compressing the spring design and restraining the
support 10 with a clasp 51 attached to the base 53. The support 10
is more convenient to transport and store in this folded
configuration. Prior use of the system 30, the support 10 is
unrestrained by removing the clasp 51 thus allowing the support 10
to self-erect to the erect configuration of FIG. 3B.
[0079] The plurality of bags 20, in the system 30 of FIGS. 3A and
3B, are provided as a continuous web 55 of bags 20 contained within
a container 61, and dispensed through a dispensing opening 63 in
the top of the container 61. The container 61 may be releaseably
attached to the base 53, such that the container 61 may be held in
place during use, but may easily be removed once the web 55 of bags
20 is consumed and replaced with a new container 61 with a new web
55 of bags 20. Such attachment to the base 53 may be accomplished
with a pressure sensitive adhesive, double-sided tape,
hook-and-loop fasteners, or some other similar type of
fastener.
[0080] In a method of use, the web 55 of bags 20 is pulled from the
container 61 and a first bag 20 is disposed on the upper support
surface 14 of the bag holder 10 by disposing its outer surface 27
adjacent its upper edge 48 over the perimeter 15 of the upper
support surface 14 of the support 10. When the bag 20 is full, the
user can detach the bag 20 from the continuous web 55 of bags and
the next bag 20 is desirably position over the support 10, as
previously described.
[0081] Another exemplary system 30 of the present invention is
illustrated in FIG. 5. The system 30 shown in FIG. 5 is similar in
operation to the system 30 as shown and described for FIGS. 3A and
3B. The plurality of bags 20 is provided to the system 30 as a
continuous web 55 of bags in a roll 56 format. A roll holder 57
connected to the base 53 of the support 10, is used to hold the
roll 56 in place during use of the system 30.
[0082] The support 10 of FIG. 5 is generally cube-shaped with an
opening 17 at the top defined by the upper support surface 14, a
base 53, and legs 12 and mesh side walls 19 on all four sides that
extend between the base 53 and the upper support surface 14. The
four joints where the legs 12 meet the base 53 and the four joints
where the legs 12 and sides of the upper support surface 14 meet
are all flexible such that the support 10 may be folded down and
restrained in a folded configuration, with the meshed side wall 19
folded and proximate to the base 53. Prior to use, the support 10
is relieved of the restraint and biasing within those same joints
will self-erect, or "pop-up", the support into its erect
configuration for use.
[0083] In the a similar manner of use as discussed above, the roll
56 is pulled such that a first bag 20 is disposed on the upper
support surface 14 of the bag holder 10 by disposing its outer
surface 27 adjacent its upper edge 48 over the perimeter 15 of the
upper support surface 14 of the support 10. When the bag 20 is
full, the user can detach the bag 20 from the roll 56 of bags and
the next bag 20 is desirably position over the support 10, as
previously described.
[0084] The support 10 as shown and described in FIG. 5, is
desirably made of mesh sides 17 of nylon mesh with the legs 12 and
the sides of the upper support surface 14 made of flexible rods
enclosed within nylon sleeves. Such a support 10 is similar in
design to pop-up nylon laundry hampers as are known.
[0085] FIGS. 4, 6 and 7, illustrate yet another exemplary disposal
system 30 according to the present invention. The system 30
includes a plurality of bags 20 that are provided attached to a
frame 70 that is adapted rest upon the upper support surface 14 of
a support 10. The bags 20 are attached to the frame 70 in a nested
configuration. Such a nested configuration refers to the bags 20
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 held open to receive refuse. 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 70, and the subsequent bag 22 is then available for
use as it is held open by the frame 70. 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.
[0086] In such a nested configuration, the outermost bag 23 may be
removed from the frame 70 in the same manner as the previous bags
or it may be disposed along with the frame 70. Additionally, the
outermost bag 23 may be 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.
[0087] Bags 20 are attached to the frame 70 and are individually
removable when filled. Bags 20 are attached to the frame 70 by any
means as is known in the art to attach bags 20 to the frame 70. For
example, the bags 20 may be adhered to each other and the last bag
adhered to the frame 70. Alternatively, the bags 20 may be attached
to the frame 70 by fasteners, at various points about the frame 70.
As another example, the bags 20 may be thermally sealed to the
frame 70. The bags may alternatively be attached by any other type
of fastener that is appropriate for the materials used for the bags
and the frame 70. Any of such attachment methods or means may be
used individually or in combination.
[0088] Additionally, it may be desired to attach the bags 20 to the
frame 70 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 70 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 70.
[0089] The bags 20, may additionally have tabs 93 that facilitate
easy and cleanly removal bags 20 filled with refuse. As shown in
FIGS. 6 and 7, such tabs 93 provide the user with a surface to grab
on to in order to pull the bag free of the frame 70. 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 70.
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 70.
[0090] 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.
[0091] 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 set of bags 20 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 new
bags 20 should 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 a
system 30.
[0092] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the frame 70 may be generally
rectangular in shape, however, the frame 70 may be any size and
shape as is appropriate for particular desired use. For example,
the frame 70 may be rectangular, square, elliptical, circular, or
any other shape, symmetrical or asymmetrical, that is desired and
is appropriate for the upper support surface 14 that it will rest
upon.
[0093] The frame 70 may be made from any material that is
appropriate to attach and support the plurality of bags 20 of the
system 30. The materials of the frame 70 may be rigid as shown in
FIGS. 4 and 6, or may be flexible as shown in FIG. 7. It is
intended that the frame 70 will be disposable and that the
materials used to make the frame 70 will be appropriate for such
disposal. Typically, the frame 70 will be make from heavy paper
cardstock or plastic, however, the frame 70 may be made from any
material that will support the plurality of bags 20.
[0094] In same manner as discussed for the bags 20, odor control
functionality may additionally, or alternatively, be incorporated
into the frame 70 or on to the surface of the frame 70 of the
present invention.
[0095] The frame 70 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 70. 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 20 of
the plurality of bags 20 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.
[0096] The frame 70 may also be designed to include disposal
functionality. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the frame 70 may be
formed such that each opposed end portions of the frame 70 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 70 so
that the frame 70 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 70 to fold. The frame 70 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 frame 70. When a pressure sensitive
adhesive is used, it is desirably covered by a release strip 117.
When the assembly is removed, the frame 70 is configured to fold
inward along a direction indicated by the arrows. Desirably,
release strips 117 are removed and deposited in the bag, and the
frame 70 is folded inward so that the upper surface of the frame 70
adheres to itself to create a secure closure of the assembly.
[0097] Additionally functionality may be added to the frame 70 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, or any other message, or
combination of messages, that are desired to be communicated to the
user.
[0098] 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 of laminate frames 41. Similarly,
the base frame 40 may have a frame indicia 47; when such a base
frame 40 indicia was visible, the user would know that a new
assembly of laminate frames 41 should be installed.
[0099] 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.
[0100] The frames 70 shown in the variations of FIGS. 4 and 6, all
illustrate frames 70 that need to be rigid enough to be capable of
being supported by the upper support surface 14 of the support 10.
However, the frame may alternatively be a flexible frame 130, as
shown in FIG. 7. 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.
[0101] As shown in FIG. 7, the flexible frame 130, may fit over the
periphery 15 of the upper support surface 14 of the support 10.
Additionally, the flexible frame 130 may also have a cinch 133 that
helps secure the flexible frame 130 to the upper support surface 14
of the support 10. 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 that secures the flexible
frame 130 in place while in use.
[0102] 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.
* * * * *