Self-standing disposable bag

Abstract

A self-standing disposable receptacle comprises a bin fabricated from disposable material which is rigid enough to be self standing. A plastic sheath is attached to either the inner or outer wall surfaces of the bin. The plastic sheath is provided with handles so that the receptacle may be tied when filled.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention generally relates to trash receptacles. More specifically, the present invention is drawn to a self-standing, disposable trash and/or garbage receptacle comprising a formed bin having a flexible upper portion, which upper portion may be tied to close the receptacle.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] Most homes and commercial establishments employ permanent bins or cans positioned at various locations to collect trash and/or garbage. If it is desired to collect trash and/or garbage at an additional location, another bin must be acquired (purchased). The usual scenario is to line the bin with a plastic bag, which bag is tied at the top and removed from the bin for disposal when full. In some instances the plastic bag is hung from a wall or door or otherwise propped up in an unsightly manner. For convenience, the bins and bags come in many complimentary sizes. As witness to this, note the array of liner bags of different sizes which can be purchased from grocery stores, drug stores etc. The convenience of having a disposable bin which is self-standing and employs the tie-up abilities of plastic bags would certainly be a desirable addition to the art.

[0005] Self-standing bags are well known in the prior art, examples which are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,249,286 (Palmer), U.S. Pat. No. 4,848,930 (Williams et al.), U.S. Pat. No. 5,158,371 (Moravek) and Japanese Patent number 4-87950. It is noted that none of the instant patents disclose any means to tie the bags prior to disposal.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 3,902,541 (Wardwell) discloses a free-standing plastic bag having tie-up drawstring. A framework is sandwiched between layers of plastic to provide rigidity. This structural arrangement is relatively expensive to fabricate.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 4,764,029 (Abblett) shows a disposable, collapsible, free-standing trash receptacle having tie-up tabs. It is noted that a complicated and expensive pleating procedure must be utilized to make the receptacle.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 4,837,849 (Erickson et al.) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,788,378 (Thomas) disclose free-standing bags for storing food. The bags are equipped with reclosable sealing structure.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 4,979,547 (Hoerner) shows a support sleeve adapted to be inserted in a flexible bag for supporting the same. The sleeve is to be removed after the bag is filled.

[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,022,767 (Cardulla) discloses a hoop structure adapted for insertion in a bag for support thereof.

[0011] British Patent number 2 226 541 A shows a free standing bag which requires heat sealing means to close its upper end.

[0012] None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singularly or in combination, is seen to disclose the uncomplicated, easy-to-use, self-standing, disposable receptacle as will subsequently be described and claimed in the instant invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The receptacle of the present invention is simplistic in that it is fabricated from only two components. The components comprise a formed bottom portion made from inexpensive, disposable material and an upper portion of inexpensive, flexible plastic material. The bottom and top portions are attached in a manner to form a free-standing, open-top receptacle. Flexible handles are formed on the upper portion so that the receptacle may be easily closed and tied. As contemplated, the receptacle may be made in many sizes for convenience, and many configurations for aesthetic considerations. Like-sized receptacles may be displayed and sold in a stacked array or the receptacles may be folded in a collapsible state so that a user may have an ample supply of receptacles available. Although the preferred use is that of a trash receptacle, it is apparent that the instant invention could be utilized as a carry-all or the like, if desired.

[0014] The use of the instant invention no longer limits the number of trash receptacle locations to the number of permanent trash bins.

[0015] Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to provide a disposable, trash and/or garbage containing receptacle.

[0016] It is another object of the invention to provide a disposable, trash and/or garbage containing receptacle, which receptacle is free-standing.

[0017] It is a further object of the invention to provide a disposable, trash and/or garbage containing receptacle, which receptacle is fabricated from inexpensive materials.

[0018] Still another object of the invention is to provide a disposable, trash and/or garbage containing receptacle, which receptacle may be fabricated in various sizes and configurations.

[0019] It is an object of the invention to provide improved elements and arrangements thereof for the purposes described which are dependable and fully effective in accomplishing their intended purposes.

[0020] These and other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] FIG. 1 is an environmental, perspective view of a self-standing disposable receptacle according to the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a self-standing, disposable receptacle according to the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a self-standing, disposable receptacle according to the present invention

[0024] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a self-standing, disposable receptacle according to the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 5 is an exploded, perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a self-standing, disposable receptacle according to the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of a self-standing, disposable receptacle according to the present invention.

[0027] Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0028] The preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 1 and indicated generally at 10. Receptacle 10 comprises a bin 12 (shown in phantom lines) fabricated from inexpensive material such as the stiff paper used to make disposable cups. Other materials may be utilized if the materials are inexpensive and stiff enough to form a self-standing structure. The materials must also be safely disposable. Although configured as a lattice-work cylinder, it is obvious that bin 12 could be made in other shapes and/or designs. Bin 12 is encased in a thin sheath 14. Sheath 14 is made from plastic material which is formed with handle members 14a. Besides being used to carry, handles 14a are also utilized to close and tie the receptacle. Sheath 14 is attached to bin 12 by any convenient and efficient means (glue, tape, tacks, etc.). The sheath may be made from transparent or opaque plastic.

[0029] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, sheath 14 is positioned inside bin 12. This arrangement requires a secure attachment of the bin and sheath to prevent separation when the receptacle is lifted by the handles 14a.

[0030] To save material it is not necessary that the sheath totally encase the bin. An embodiment of this concept is illustrated in FIG. 3 which shows sheath 16 surrounding and attached to only the outer surfaces of the upper portion of bin 12a. Sheath 16 is provided with handles 16a for purposes as described above. It is understood that the sheath may be attached to the inner surfaces instead of the outer surfaces of the bin.

[0031] Another material saving receptacle is illustrated in FIG. 4, wherein bin 18 is a simple skeletal framework with no bottom or side walls and is totally encased in plastic sheath 20. Sheath 20 functions as the bottom wall and sidewalls of the receptacle.

[0032] In many instances (kitchen use, for example) a user may desire a closure member for the receptacle. FIG. 5 shows a bin 22 having a foldable lid 24 thereon. Bin 22 is positioned inside of a plastic sheath 26 having handles 26a.

[0033] The embodiment of FIG. 6 shows a skeletal-type bin 28 (shown in phantom lines) encased in a sheath 30. As indicated above, the sheath may be attached to the bin in any convenient manner. Bin 28 is provided with a lid 28a. An opening 28b is formed in the lid so that trash may easily and conveniently be deposited therein. Handles 32 are provided with holes 32a so that the bin may be hung from a wall peg or the like. In the instant embodiment, the excess sheath portion (not shown) may simply drape around the sides of the bin.

[0034] It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A self-standing, disposable trash receptacle comprising:

a bin, said bin having sidewalls with inner surfaces and outer surfaces, a bottom wall and an open top;

said sidewalls and bottom wall fabricated from a safely disposable material having enough rigidity to be self-standing;

a plastic sheath, said plastic sheath having an upper portion and a lower portion;

said plastic sheath being attached to said sidewalls; and

handle members formed on said upper portion of said plastic sheath.

2. A self-standing, disposable trash receptacle as recited in claim 1, wherein said plastic sheath totally encases said bin, said plastic sheath attached to said outer surfaces of said sidewalls.

3. A self-standing, disposable trash receptacle as recited in claim 2, wherein a foldable lid is disposed and attached to said bin at said open top.

4. A self-standing, disposable trash receptacle as recited in claim 1, wherein said plastic sheath is positioned adjacent said inner surfaces of said sidewalls and attached thereto.

5. A self-standing, disposable trash receptacle as recited in claim 1, wherein said plastic sheath partially encases said bin, said plastic sheath attached to said outer surfaces of said sidewalls.

6. A self-standing, disposable trash receptacle comprising:

a bin, said bin fabricated as a skeletal framework having outer surfaces, open sides and an open bottom and an open top;

said framework fabricated from a safely disposable material having enough rigidity to be self-standing;

a plastic sheath, said plastic sheath having an upper portion and a lower portion;

a lid disposed on said skeletal framework;

an opening formed in said lid;

said plastic sheath encasing said skeletal framework and attached thereto; and

handle members formed on said bin adjacent said lid.

7. A self-standing, disposable trash receptacle as recited in claim 6, wherein said plastic sheath totally encases said bin, said plastic sheath attached to said outer surfaces of said framework and wherein said plastic sheath forms a bottom wall and sidewalls for said receptacle.

8. A self-standing, disposable trash receptacle as recited in claim 7, wherein holes are formed in said handle members.