SANITARY SYSTEM AND METHOD

Abstract

A system may include a bag including a side and an opening. The system may also include an attachment joined to the side of the bag where the attachment is manipulated by a hand inserted into the opening of the bag.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of co-pending U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/765,271, filed 15 Feb. 2013 (Agent Docket No. JAS3(P)). The present application and the application identified above include identical inventorship.

BACKGROUND

The disclosure relates to the field of sanitary systems.

Generally, sanitary systems attempt to improve the conditions that aid in protecting the health of an individual and/or group. More in particular, sanitary systems address precautions against disease, cleanliness, and/or the like.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a system may include a bag including a side and an opening. The system may also include an attachment joined to the side of the bag where the attachment is manipulated by a hand inserted into the opening of the bag.

The attachment may include a separation-area that enables a user to divide the attachment into two pieces. The separation-area may comprise perforations, scoring, fasteners, reduction fabrication, fusion jointing, and/or adhesion jointing.

The bag and/or the attachment may comprise a liquid resistant material. The side may be at least 1 inch to 16 inches long. The attachment may be able to withstand at least 3 inch-pounds of applied force before deflecting.

The bag may be pulled over the attachment without the attachment being separated from the bag. The bag may comprise a plurality of bags and the attachment may comprise a plurality of attachments, and each attachment may be joined to a respective bag to form a unit where each unit is joined to at least one other unit.

Another aspect is a method, which may include sizing a bag to receive a user's hand through an opening of the bag. The method may also include joining an attachment to a side of the bag where the attachment is manipulated by the user's hand to gather a target. The method may further include enabling the bag to be pulled over the attachment and the target by the user without the user touching the target.

The method may additionally include providing a separation-area that enables the user to divide the attachment into two pieces to aid the user in gathering the target. The method may also include making the separation-area comprise at least one of perforations, scoring, fasteners, reduction fabrication, fusion jointing, and adhesion jointing.

The method may further include making the bag and/or the attachment comprise a liquid resistant material. The method may additionally include making the side at least 1 inch to 16 inches long.

The method may also include making the attachment withstand at least 3 inch-pounds of applied force before deflecting. The method may further include sizing the bag to be pulled over the attachment without the attachment being separated from the bag.

The method may additionally include making the bag comprise a plurality of bags and the attachment comprise a plurality of attachments, and each attachment is joined to a respective bag to form a unit where each unit is joined to at least one other unit.

Another aspect is an alternative method, which may include providing a bag sized to receive a user's hand through an opening of the bag. The method may also include providing an attachment joined to a side of the bag where the attachment is manipulated by the user's hand to gather a target. The method may further include providing the bag as enabled to be pulled over the attachment and the target by the user without the user touching the target.

The method may also include providing a separation-area that enables the user to divide the attachment into two pieces to aid the user in gathering the target. The method may further include providing at least one of the bag and the attachment as comprising a liquid resistant material. The method may additionally include providing that the bag is able to be pulled over the attachment without the attachment being separated from the bag.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top-view illustration of a sanitary system in accordance with various embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a top-view illustration of the attachment of FIG. 1 being manipulated.

FIG. 3 is a side-view illustration of the sanitary system of FIG. 1 with the attachment being manipulated.

FIG. 4 is a side-view illustration of the sanitary system of FIG. 1 with the attachment being manipulated.

FIG. 5 is a side-view illustration of the sanitary system of FIG. 1 with the target inside the bag.

FIG. 6 is a top-view illustration of the attachment of FIG. 1 being joined to the bag.

FIG. 7 is a top-view illustration of the attachment of FIG. 1 joined to the bag.

FIG. 8 is a top-view illustration of the sanitary system of FIG. 1 joined together.

FIG. 9 is a side-view illustration of the sanitary system of FIG. 1 alone.

FIG. 10 is a top-view illustration of an alternative sanitary system in accordance with various embodiments.

FIG. 11 is a top-view illustration of the sanitary system of FIG. 10 with the attachment being manipulated.

FIG. 12 is a top-view illustration of the sanitary system of FIG. 10 with the attachment being separated.

FIG. 13 is a top-view illustration of the sanitary system of FIG. 10 with the target manipulating the target.

FIG. 14 is a top-view illustration of the bag of FIG. 10 being pulled over the attachment.

FIG. 15 is a side-view illustration of the sanitary system of FIG. 1 with the target inside the bag.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating method aspects according to various embodiments.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating method aspects according to the method of FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating method aspects according to the method of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating method aspects according to the method of FIG. 16.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating method aspects according to the method of FIG. 16.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating method aspects according to the method of FIG. 16.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating method aspects according to the method of FIG. 16.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating method aspects according to the method of FIG. 16.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating method aspects according to various embodiments.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating method aspects according to the method of FIG. 24.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating method aspects according to the method of FIG. 24.

FIG. 27 is a block diagram illustrating in accordance with various embodiments of FIG. 24.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments are shown. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

With reference now to FIGS. 1-7, a load bearing system 10 is initially described. In one embodiment, the system 10 includes a bag 12 including a side 14 and an opening 16. The system 10 also includes an attachment 18 joined to the side 14 of the bag 12 where the attachment is manipulated by a hand 20 inserted into the opening 16 of the bag.

The attachment 18 is joined to the bag 12 by adhesion (e.g. FIG. 6), fasteners, fusion jointing, and/or the like, for example. In one embodiment, the attachment 18 is used to aid in moving a target 19 into the bag 12. The target 19 comprises food products, medical products, animal waste, medical waste, and/or the like.

With additional reference to FIGS. 10-15, in one embodiment, the attachment 18 includes a separation-area 22 that enables a user 24 to divide the attachment into two pieces 26a and 26b. In another embodiment, the separation-area 22 comprises perforations, scoring, fasteners, reduction fabrication, fusion jointing, and/or adhesion jointing.

Reduction fabrication comprises producing the attachment as one thickness and the separation-area 22 as a thinner dimension, for example. Fusion jointing comprises the attachment components as one thickness that are fused together to make the attachment 18 at the separation-area 22, which results in a thinner dimension at the separation-area, for instance. Adhesion jointing comprises joining the attachment components together to form the attachment 18 with an adhesive that fails at a pre-selected threshold, for example.

In one embodiment, the bag 12 and/or the attachment 18 comprises a liquid resistant material. For example, the attachment 18 comprises plastic, waxed paper, coated fiberboard, and/or the like.

In one embodiment, the side 14 is at least 1 inch to 16 inches long. In another embodiment, the attachment 18 is able to at least withstand 3 inch-pounds of applied force before deflecting. In other words, the attachment 18 is rigid enough to be free standing on its edge. In another embodiment, the attachment 18 deflects under 50 foot-pounds of applied force.

In one embodiment, the bag 12 is pulled over the attachment 18 without the attachment being separated from the bag as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 14. In another embodiment and as illustrated in FIG. 8, the bag 12 comprises a plurality of bags and the attachment 18 comprises a plurality of attachments, and each attachment may be joined to a respective bag to form a unit 28 where each unit is joined to at least one other unit. In another embodiment, the bag 12 and attachment 18 are unattached to anything else as illustrated in FIG. 9.

Another aspect is a method, which is now described with reference to flowchart 30 of FIG. 16. The method begins at Block 32 and may include sizing a bag to receive a user's hand through an opening of the bag at Block 34. The method may also include joining an attachment to a side of the bag where the attachment is manipulated by the user's hand to gather a target at Block 36. The method may also include enabling the bag to be pulled over the attachment and the target by the user without the user touching the target at Block 38. The method ends at Block 40.

In another method embodiment, which is now described with reference to flowchart 42 of FIG. 17, the method begins at Block 44. The method may include the steps of FIG. 16 at Blocks 34, 36, and 38. The method may additionally include providing a separation-area that enables the user to divide the attachment into two pieces to aid the user in gathering the target at Block 46. The method ends at Block 48.

In another method embodiment, which is now described with reference to flowchart 50 of FIG. 18, the method begins at Block 52. The method may include the steps of FIG. 17 at Blocks 34, 36, 38, and 46. The method may additionally include making the separation-area comprise at least one of perforations, scoring, fasteners, reduction fabrication, fusion jointing, and adhesion jointing at Block 54. The method ends at Block 56.

In another method embodiment, which is now described with reference to flowchart 58 of FIG. 19, the method begins at Block 60. The method may include the steps of FIG. 16 at Blocks 34, 36, and 38. The method may additionally include making the bag and/or the attachment comprise a liquid resistant material at Block 62. The method ends at Block 64.

In another method embodiment, which is now described with reference to flowchart 66 of FIG. 20, the method begins at Block 68. The method may include the steps of FIG. 16 at Blocks 34, 36, and 38. The method may additionally include making the side at least 1 inch to 16 inches long at Block 70. The method ends at Block 72.

In another method embodiment, which is now described with reference to flowchart 74 of FIG. 21, the method begins at Block 76. The method may include the steps of FIG. 16 at Blocks 34, 36, and 38. The method may additionally include making the attachment withstand 3 inch-pounds of applied force before deflecting at Block 78. The method ends at Block 80.

In another method embodiment, which is now described with reference to flowchart 82 of FIG. 22, the method begins at Block 84. The method may include the steps of FIG. 16 at Blocks 34, 36, and 38. The method may additionally include sizing the bag to be pulled over the attachment without the attachment being separated from the bag at Block 86. The method ends at Block 88.

In another method embodiment, which is now described with reference to flowchart 90 of FIG. 23, the method begins at Block 92. The method may include the steps of FIG. 16 at Blocks 34, 36, and 38. The method may additionally include making the bag comprise a plurality of bags and the attachment comprise a plurality of attachments, and each attachment is joined to a respective bag to form a unit where each unit is joined to at least one other unit at Block 94. The method ends at Block 96.

Another aspect is an alternative method, which is now described with reference to flowchart 96 of FIG. 24. The method begins at Block 98 and may include providing a bag sized to receive a user's hand through an opening of the bag at Block 100. The method may also include providing an attachment joined to a side of the bag where the attachment is manipulated by the user's hand to gather a target at Block 102. The method may also include providing the bag as enabled to be pulled over the attachment and the target by the user without the user touching the target at Block 104. The method ends at Block 106.

In another method embodiment, which is now described with reference to flowchart 108 of FIG. 25, the method begins at Block 110. The method may include the steps of FIG. 24 at Blocks 100, 102, and 104. The method may additionally include providing a separation-area that enables the user to divide the attachment into two pieces to aid the user in gathering the target at Block 112. The method ends at Block 114.

In another method embodiment, which is now described with reference to flowchart 116 of FIG. 26, the method begins at Block 118. The method may include the steps of FIG. 24 at Blocks 100, 102, and 104. The method may additionally include providing at least one of the bag and the attachment as comprising a liquid resistant material at Block 120. The method ends at Block 122.

In another method embodiment, which is now described with reference to flowchart 124 of FIG. 27, the method begins at Block 126. The method may include the steps of FIG. 24 at Blocks 100, 102, and 104. The method may additionally include providing that the bag is able to be pulled over the attachment without the attachment being separated from the bag at Block 128. The method ends at Block 130.

In one embodiment, the attachment 18 includes a shovel edge to aid in loading the target. In other words the attachment 18 has a shape similar to a shovel such as square edge, pointed edge, and/or the like.

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, aspects may be embodied as a system and/or method. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the embodiments. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the embodiments and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

While the preferred embodiment has been described, it will be understood that those skilled in the art, both now and in the future, may make various improvements and enhancements which fall within the scope of the claims which follow. These claims should be construed to maintain the proper protection for the embodiments first described.

Aspects of the embodiments are described above with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods and systems (apparatus) according to the embodiments. The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems and methods according to various embodiments. It should also be noted that, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the embodiments. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the embodiments and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

While the preferred embodiment has been described, it will be understood that those skilled in the art, both now and in the future, may make various improvements and enhancements which fall within the scope of the claims which follow. These claims should be construed to maintain the proper protection for the embodiments first described.

Claims

1. A system comprising:

a bag including a side and an opening; and

an attachment joined to the side of the bag where the attachment is manipulated by a hand inserted into the opening of the bag.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the attachment includes a separation-area that enables a user to divide the attachment into two pieces.

3. The system of claim 2 wherein the separation-area comprises at least one of perforations, scoring, fasteners, reduction fabrication, fusion jointing, and adhesion jointing.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein at least one of the bag and the attachment comprises a liquid resistant material.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein the side is at least 1 inch to 16 inches long.

6. The system of claim 1 wherein the attachment can withstand at least 3 inch-pounds of applied force before deflecting.

7. The system of claim 1 wherein the bag can be pulled over the attachment without the attachment being separated from the bag.

8. The system of claim 1 wherein the bag comprises a plurality of bags and the attachment comprises a plurality of attachments; and wherein each attachment is joined to a respective bag to form a unit where each unit is joined to at least one other unit.

9. A method comprising:

sizing a bag to receive a user's hand through an opening of the bag;

joining an attachment to a side of the bag, the attachment manipulated by the user's hand to gather a target; and

enabling the bag to be pulled over the attachment and the target by the user without the user touching the target.

10. The method of claim 9 further comprising providing a separation-area that enables the user to divide the attachment into two pieces to aid the user in gathering the target.

11. The method of claim 10 further comprising making the separation-area comprise at least one of perforations, scoring, fasteners, reduction fabrication, fusion jointing, and adhesion jointing.

12. The method of claim 9 further comprising making at least one of the bag and the attachment comprise a liquid resistant material.

13. The method of claim 9 further comprising making the side at least 1 inch to 16 inches long.

14. The method of claim 9 further comprising making the attachment withstand at least 3 inch-pounds of applied force before deflecting.

15. The method of claim 9 further comprising sizing the bag to be pulled over the attachment without the attachment being separated from the bag.

16. The method of claim 9 further comprising making the bag comprise a plurality of bags and the attachment comprise a plurality of attachments; and wherein each attachment is joined to a respective bag to form a unit where each unit is joined to at least one other unit.

17. A method comprising:

providing a bag sized to receive a user's hand through an opening of the bag;

providing an attachment joined to a side of the bag where the attachment is manipulated by the user's hand to gather a target; and

providing the bag as enabled to be pulled over the attachment and the target by the user without the user touching the target.

18. The method of claim 17 further comprising providing a separation-area that enables the user to divide the attachment into two pieces to aid the user in gathering the target.

19. The method of claim 17 further comprising providing at least one of the bag and the attachment as comprising a liquid resistant material.

20. The method of claim 17 further comprising providing that the bag is able to be pulled over the attachment without the attachment being separated from the bag.