Disposable bag for particularized waste

Abstract

A disposable bag for particularized waste is disclosed, having a sheet of stretchable material and an integrated web structure and associated rib elements in the sheet of stretchable material for structural support of the bag. A second disposable bag for particularized waste is disclosed, having an elongated sheet of stretchable material and first and second closure flaps formed on opposite sides of the elongated sheet of stretchable material for enclosing the waste. A third disposable bag for particularized waste is disclosed, having a corrugated structure integrated in a sheet of stretchable material to allow the sheet of stretchable material to expand.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to bags commonly used to contain and dispose of various items, and more particularly to bags having an integrated structural support system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Disposable or expendable bags for disposing waste are generally made of polymeric materials, such as polyethylene. This material is relatively inexpensive to manufacture. Disposable “plastic garbage bags” are seen in an almost unlimited number of applications. Disposable bags are commonplace in today's society, seen in the home and the workplace in almost every setting.

Many disposable bags are characterized by a flexible or stretchable material, such as a polyethylene material. Disposable bags may use one of several known mechanisms to close. One such method uses a common twist tie. A recent number of relatively new innovations has focused on the closure systems associated with disposable bags. One such method uses a drawstring mechanism which draws together an opening in the bag.

These recent innovations, however, have not addressed long-standing design flaws associated with utilizing a simple disposable bag in a specialized situation. For example, it is extremely difficult to enclose waste which is elongated in nature with an ordinary bag. Lengthy clippings of yard waste, for example, will often puncture the thin walls of polyethylene of the bag and protrude outwards.

In addition, recent innovations in garbage bag designs have focused on the flexibility associated with the polymeric material, allowing the bag to stretch to accommodate additional weight. These designs, however, are costly to implement and complex in nature.

A need exists for a bag which allows for disposal of particularized waste, such as elongated yard waste. In addition, a need exists for a cost-effective disposable bag which provides integrated structural support for heavy waste.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, the present invention is a bag for waste disposal, comprising a sheet of stretchable material and a web structure integrated into the sheet of stretchable material for providing structural support of the bag.

In another embodiment, the present invention is a bag for waste disposal, comprising an elongated sheet of stretchable material and first and second closure flaps formed on opposite sides of the elongated sheet of stretchable material for enclosing the waste.

In another embodiment, the present invention is a bag for disposing waste, comprising a sheet of stretchable material and a corrugated structure integrated into the sheet of stretchable material to allow the sheet of stretchable material to expand.

In another embodiment, the present invention is a bag for waste disposal comprising a sheet of stretchable material and a support apparatus integrated into the elongated sheet of stretchable material for providing structural support.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a bag for disposing waste;

FIG. 2 illustrates a bag for disposing waste in a second embodiment and an example of waste placement in the bag;

FIG. 3 illustrates a bag for disposing waste in a third embodiment and example of closing the bag;

FIG. 4 illustrates a bag for disposing waste in a fourth embodiment and an example of tying handles to close the bag;

FIG. 5 illustrates a web structure integrated in a bag for disposing waste with associated rib elements;

FIG. 6 illustrates a second embodiment of a web structure integrated in a bag for disposing waste with associated rib elements;

FIG. 7a illustrates a length adjustment mechanism for use in a web structure in a bag for disposing waste;

FIG. 7b illustrates a second embodiment of a length adjustment mechanism for use in a web structure in a bag for disposing waste;

FIG. 8 illustrates a corrugated structure integrated in a bag for disposing waste;

FIG. 9a illustrates a segment of a corrugated structure to be integrated into a bag for disposing waste;

FIG. 9b illustrates a side-view of a segment of a corrugated structure to be integrated into a bag for disposing waste.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is described in one or more embodiments in the following description with reference to the Figures, in which like numerals represent the same or similar elements. While the invention is described in terms of the best mode for achieving the invention's objectives, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents as supported by the following disclosure and drawings.

Turning to FIG. 1, an exemplary bag for waste disposal is shown. Bag 10 includes sheets of stretchable material joined together to attain the depicted shape. Sheet of stretchable material 12 can include a polymeric material which is capable of being stretched, flexed or bent. For purposes of the present application, the terms “stretched” or “stretchable” includes terms such as “flexed” or “flexible”. The material in sheet 12 can be capable of being stretched repeatedly. Additionally, sheet 12 can be pliable or compliant. Sheet 12 can be deformable. For example, an item of waste may cause sheet 12 to stretch to accommodate its size or weight.

Sheet 12 can use a variety of means to connect to another sheet 12 in order to form bag 10. Bag 10 can be formed from a sheet 12 folded upon sheet 12 along a fold line and bonded to sheet 12 along side seams. Bag 10 can be folded along other fold lines and bonded along other seams. Alternatively, bag 10 can have a unitary construction where one sheet 12 is formed and molded to the desired shape. Finally, bag 10 can be constructed from a continuous tube of sheet 12 material. Using a continuous tube of material can eliminate some seams and provide strength.

Sheet 12, and by incorporation, bag 10 can be constructed from various suitable compositions and materials. Sheet 12 may include polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), aluminum foil, coated (waxed, etc.) and uncoated paper, coated nonwovens and substantially permeable materials such as scrims, meshes, wovens, nonwovens, or perforated or porous films, whether predominantly two-dimensional in nature or formed into three dimensional structures. Sheet 12 can include a single composition or layer or may be a composite structure of multiple materials or layers.

Sheet 12 can include materials such as fabrics or non-polymeric materials that have properties similar to conventional polymeric materials. Sheet 12 can include biodegradable material. Sheet 12 can include recycled material, such as recycled milk containers. Sheet 12 can be fabricated from polymers created from renewable resources, such as limonene oxide obtained from citrus peels. Finally, sheet 12 can include a combination of man-made, biodegradable, recycled or renewable materials.

Once the desired materials incorporated into sheet 12 are manufactured in any desirable and suitable manner, making up all or part of the materials to be utilized for the bag 10 body, bag 10 can be then constructed in any known and suitable fashion such as those known in the art for making such bags 10 in commercially available form. Heat, mechanical, or adhesive sealing technologies may be utilized to join various components or elements of bag 10 to themselves or to each other. In addition, bag 10 can be thermoformed, blown, or otherwise molded rather than using traditional bonding techniques to construct bag 10 bodies from a web or sheet 12 of material.

Bag 10 can have a number of sizes, depending on the respective application. In the depicted embodiment, bag 10 is shown to be elongated in nature. In other words, bag 10 can have a rectangular shape. An elongated bag 10 can serve a variety of types of applications. For example, a user can insert clippings of roses or similar waste which are elongated in nature. Elongated waste in a typical spherical disposable bag will tend to put excessive force on a specific pressure point, causing the bag to rupture and the elongated waste to protrude through the bag. By utilizing an elongated shape, a user can more effectively accommodate and dispose of elongated waste.

Returning to FIG. 1, bag 10 has an opening 14 defined by a periphery 16. Opposite the opening 14 is the bottom 13 of the bag. Although a bag 10 having only one opening 12 is illustrated, bags 10 can have more than one opening 14 of like or unequal sizes. Bag 10 can have an opening 14 with an accompanying tapering periphery 16, so that opening 14 is larger than bottom 13 to better accept waste being inserted in bag 10.

Bag 10 is shown with corresponding closure flaps 17. Closure flaps 17 are formed from a portion of sheet 12 and are located on opposite sides of bag 10. Closure flaps 17 are intended to help enclose waste which is placed inside bag 10. Closure flaps 17 can create a trough-like formation which allows a user to place in and enclose an end of the disposed waste. For example, a user can place elongated rose clippings underneath closure flaps 17 to hold the rose clippings in place by slightly lifting closure flaps 17 upwards using a hand or by using the waste itself to lift closure flaps 17 upwards in order to place the waste under closure flaps 17 and inside bag 10.

As shown in FIG. 1, a portion of sheet 12 is formed into handles 18. Handles 18 can include a solid portion of sheet 12, or can have a small opening to allow a user to place a portion of a hand for carrying. For additional strength for carrying bag 10, handles 18 can have a reinforcing ring around the small opening.

Handles 18 can allow a user to carry the bag to another location. For example, a user may insert a small amount of yard waste into bag 10. The yard waste may not fill bag 10 completely. The user may wish to carry bag 10 to another site where additional waste is located, such as a nearby pile of clippings. The user then carries open bag 10 using handles 18 to the secondary location.

Once a user has completely filled bag 10, handles 18 may be bound together to close the bag 10. A simple overhand knot is effective, although any knot that draws the bag 10 closed can be used. The stretchable nature of sheet 12 allows a knot, and therefore, bag 10 to be closed tightly in response to force exerted by a user.

Returning to the depicted example, adhesive straps 19 are shown. Adhesive straps 19 are optional, additional closure mechanisms that help to close opening 14 in bag 10. Since, in the present example, bag 10 is elongated, adhesive straps 19 can help to close bag 10 in conjunction with tying handles 18 as previously discussed.

Turning to FIG. 2, bag 10 is again seen in an example. Elongated waste 15 is seen being inserted in bag 10. Elongated waste 15 is easily accommodated by the elongated nature of bag 10. Waste 15 can be laid horizontally as shown and enclosed by bag 10. For purposes of illustration, closure flaps 17, handles 18 and adhesive straps 19 are again shown.

Turning to FIG. 3, bag 10 is again seen in an example. FIG. 3 demonstrates how periphery 16 is brought together to close opening 14 in bag 10. Adhesive straps 19 are folded down to secure opposite sides of periphery 16.

FIG. 4 continues to show the closure process of bag 10 in an example. Handles 18 are tied in overhand knot 21. Adhesive straps 19 are shown secured to opposing sides of bag 10. Bag 10 can now be again carried using handles 18 to a disposal site.

Turning now to FIG. 5, bag 10 is again seen in an example. Bag 10 again has an associated sheet 12 of polymeric material. Bag 10 is depicted having a web structure 20. Web structure 20 can have a number of associated rib elements 22. Rib elements 22 can be raised, in comparison to the remainder of sheet 12. Rib elements 22 can be embossed, debossed or a combination of both. Rib elements 22 can be integrated in sheet 12. For example, a tougher, more durable piece of polyethylene may be inserted between pieces of sheet 12. Rib elements 22 can vary in size (length, width and depth). For example, rib elements 22 can include lengths of fibrous filament similar in appearance and durability to fishing line. Rib elements 22 can be manufactured by any commercially acceptable method known in the art. Web structure 20 and associated rib elements 22 can include a stronger, more durable material than surrounding material. In another example, rib elements 22 can include multiple plies of sheet 12 material.

Web structure 20 and associated rib elements 22 can provide structural support of bag 10. For example, a heavy object might normally pierce a portion of bag 10, causing additional stress on bag 10 at the piercing point. The weight of the object may then cause bag 10 to tear, drawing the object out until bag 10 is torn and the object has fallen out of bag 10. Web structure 20 and associated rib elements 22 can work to evenly distribute a load created by a heavy object across a length of sheet 12 or the entire bag 10. In addition, if an object does pierce bag 10 and begin to protrude outwards, web structure 20 can act as a support mechanism, preventing an object from protruding further outside bag 10 and avoiding a complete structural failure of bag 10.

Turning to FIG. 6, bag 10 is again seen in another example. Again, a web structure 20 and rib elements 22 are shown. Here, as previously, rib elements can provide structural support to bag 10. In one example, rib elements 22 can have a length adjustment mechanism. Examples of a length adjustment mechanism appear in FIGS. 7a and 7b. Turning to FIG. 7a, length adjustment mechanism 24 is depicted. Length adjustment mechanism 24 has an inner, cylindrical-shaped segment 26 which slides into an outer, cylindrical-shaped segment 28. Mechanism 24 can also include rectangular-shaped segments or other similar segments which allow an interior segment to insert into an exterior segment.

Mechanism 24 has tabs 30 which are located on opposite sides of inner segment 26. As pressure from the load of an object placed inside bag 10 draws bag 10 apart, bag 10 is subjected to elongation forces which are illustrated by arrows 32. Elongation forces draw inner segment 26 out from outer segment 28. As bag 10 expands and elongation continues, segments 26 and 28 are drawn further apart. Finally, tabs 30 reach stoppers 34 which are located at the inside periphery of outer segment 28. Stoppers 34 keep mechanism 24 from expanding and elongating further.

Turning to FIG. 7b, mechanism 24 is again shown in a different example. Inner segment 26 and outer segment 28 is again seen. Tab 30 is shown as an enlarged spherically-shaped attachment to inner segment 26. Again, elongation forces draw inner and outer segments apart as shown by arrows 32. Outer segment 28 has a narrow neck 36. Mechanism 24 extends until tab 30 rests against neck 36, preventing further extension of mechanism 24.

Returning to FIG. 6, web structure 20 is shown integrated into bag 10 along the bottom of bag 10. The integration of web structure 20 into bag 10 along the bottom of bag 10 allows for a inclusion of a number of rib elements 22. Again, rib elements 22 can include length adjust mechanisms 24. As the bottom of bag 10 is elongated due to force from the load of an object, mechanisms 24 expand to allow bag 10 to expand. At the same time, mechanisms 24 can provide additional structural support. If bag 10 were to be punctured by an object, rib elements 22 and associated mechanisms 24 distribute the load evenly across the bottom of bag 10. Additionally, the object is held in place by rib elements 22 and not allowed to further protrude through bag 10.

Turning to FIG. 8, bag 10 is again shown in another example. A corrugated structure 38 is shown integrated into the bottom 13 of bag 10. Corrugated structure 38 is shown in more detail in FIGS. 9a and 9b, following.

Turning to FIG. 9a, corrugated structure 38 is shown as a portion of sheet 12 material which is preformed into a series of ridges and valleys 40. Ridges and valleys 40 are pre-formed closely together. FIG. 9a shows ridges and valleys 40 in their original, closely-bound state. In a function similar to that of a flexible soda straw, forces shown by arrows 32 draw ridges and valleys 40 apart. Corrugated structure 38 then expands, allowing bag 10 to expand to accommodate larger and/or heavier waste.

Turning to FIG. 9b, corrugated structure 38 is again shown in greater detail in a side-view, in an expanded state. Ridges and valleys 40 are again shown. Forces shown by arrows 32 have drawn ridges and valleys 40 apart from each other.

In one example, corrugated structure 38 can have an elasticized sheet 12 material which can allow ridges and valleys 40 to return to a previous, closely-bound state. For example, a user may insert an object of waste which exerts forces 32 to draw ridges and valleys 40 apart. In turn, bag 10 expands to accommodate the waste object. The user then uses handles 18 to carry bag 10 to another location, where the object is removed. Elasticized material then draws ridges and valleys 40 closer together, returning bag 10 to a previous state and reducing the size of bag 10. In another example, corrugated structure 38 can have a combination of stronger, more durable, elasticized material.

While one or more embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated in detail, the skilled artisan will appreciate that modifications and adaptations to those embodiments may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A bag for waste disposal, comprising:

a sheet of stretchable material; and

a web structure integrated in the sheet of stretchable material for providing structural support of the bag.

2. The bag according to claim 1, wherein the web structure is disposed over a surface of the sheet of stretchable material.

3. The bag according to claim 1, wherein the web structure has a plurality of rib elements integrated in the sheet of stretchable material for providing structural support of the bag.

4. The bag according to claim 3, wherein the rib elements include a length adjustment mechanism coupled between sections of the rib elements to allow the web structure to expand.

5. The bag according to claim 1, further including a handle formed with a portion of the sheet of stretchable material and configurable for closing the bag.

6. A bag for waste disposal, comprising:

an elongated sheet of stretchable material; and

first and second closure flaps formed on opposite sides of the elongated sheet of stretchable material for enclosing the waste.

7. The bag according to claim 6, wherein a portion of the elongated sheet of stretchable material forms a handle configurable for closing the bag.

8. The bag according to claim 6, wherein the elongated sheet of stretchable material further includes a web structure integrated in the elongated sheet of stretchable material for providing structural support.

9. The bag according to claim 8, wherein the web structure has a plurality of rib elements for providing structural support.

10. The bag according to claim 9, wherein the rib elements include an length adjustment mechanism to allow the web structure to expand.

11. The bag according to claim 6, wherein the elongated sheet of stretchable material further includes a corrugated structure integrated in the elongated sheet of stretchable material to allow the corrugated structure to expand.

12. A bag for disposing waste, comprising:

a sheet of stretchable material; and

a corrugated structure integrated in the sheet of stretchable material to allow the sheet of stretchable material to expand.

13. The bag according to claim 12, wherein a portion of the elongated sheet of stretchable material forms a handle configurable for closing the bag.

14. The bag according to claim 12, wherein the corrugated structure is disposed over a surface of the sheet of stretchable material.

15. The bag according to claim 12, further including a plurality of rib elements integrated in the sheet of stretchable material for providing structural support.

16. The bag according to claim 15, wherein the rib elements include a length adjustment mechanism to allow the rib elements to expand.

17. The bag according to claim 15, wherein a portion of the sheet of stretchable material is formed into an adhesive strap configurable for closing the bag.

18. A bag for waste disposal, comprising:

a sheet of stretchable material; and

a support apparatus integrated into the elongated sheet of stretchable material for providing structural support.

19. The bag according to claim 18, wherein the support apparatus has a plurality of rib elements for providing structural support.

20. The bag according to claim 19, wherein the plurality of rib elements are arranged in a web pattern.

21. The bag according to claim 19, wherein the rib elements further include a length adjustment mechanism to allow the rib elements to expand.