US20070045483A1 - Disposal Bag And Support System - Google Patents

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.

Description

• 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 August31,2005, in the name of Joseph Mitchell et al.; which are both incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
BACKGROUND
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.”
• 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.
• 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.
• These terms may be defined with additional language in the remaining portions of the specification.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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
• FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a support of the present invention in a folded configuration;
• FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the support ofFIG. 1B in an erected configuration, along with a plurality of bags, according to the present invention;
• FIG. 2 is a perspective view similar toFIG. 1B and showing a holder pivotably mounted to the support, the holder in an upright position;
• FIG. 3A is a perspective of another disposal system of the present invention in a restrained, folded configuration;
• FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the disposal system ofFIG. 3B in an unrestrained and self-erected configuration;
• FIG. 4 is a perspective, exploded view of a multiple laminate frame and bag assembly with a support, according the present invention;
• FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another disposal system according to the present invention;
• FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another disposal system according to the present invention and illustrating various bag enhancements; and
• FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another disposal system of the present invention, the bag assembly having a flexible frame.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• 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.
• 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.
• Thedisposal systems30 of the present invention are generally illustrated inFIGS. 1A-7. Thesystem30 provides a plurality ofbags20 associated with asupport10. Thesupport10 has at least oneleg12 and anupper support surface14 such that when thesupport10 is in its erected configuration, as shown inFIGS.1B.2,3B, and4-7, abag20 of the plurality ofbags20 may be held open to receive refuse. When such abag20 is filled with refuse, the filledbag20 may be removed from thesupport10, and anotherbag20 is ready to be held open on thesupport10 to receive the subsequent refuse.
• Thebags20 may be provided in various formats, but all formats are associated with thesupport10 in that one of thebags20 is held up and open to readily accept refuse into such anopen bag20 and the rest of the plurality ofbags20 are held ready to replace theopen bag20 once it is filled. Such an association ofbags20 with the support may beindividual bags20 all held in reserve by the support10 (FIGS. 1A and 1B), aweb55 of bags supplied along with and kept proximate to the support10 (FIGS. 3A, 3B and5),bags20 provided on aframe70,130 that is supported by thesupport10, or any other configuration where a plurality ofbags20 are kept with thesupport10 in such a way that thebags20 are associated with thesupport10, as discussed above.
• In general, thesupport10 of thesystem30 of the present invention has anupper support surface14 and at least oneleg12. Theupper support surface14 both supports thebags20 and holds thebags20 open during the disposal of refuse. Thus theupper support surface14 defines theopening17 of thesupport10. Such anupper support surface14 may be a fullyenclosed perimeter15, as shown inFIGS.1B.3B,5,6 and7, or may be discrete portions of thesupport10 on which thebags20 rest atop, such as shown inFIG. 4.
• Thesupport10, as illustrated inFIGS. 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 thesupport10 are dependent upon the desired use, design of thesupport10, general design choice, and intended durability. One skilled in the art would understand how different materials would be appropriate for specific design criteria.
• Thesupport10 may have one ormore legs12 that elevate the uppersupport lo surface14 for disposal of refuse. As shown inFIGS.1B.2,6 and7, thesupport10 may havemultiple legs12. Alternatively, thesupport10 may only have asingle leg12. For example, thesupport10 shown inFIGS. 3A and 3B is a helical compression spring design where theleg12 is a single continuous portion of thesupport10 that extends between the base53 and theupper support surface14 and elevates thatupper support surface14 above thebase53. Similarly, thesupport10 may have onecontinuous leg12 that is designed to both act as a base and elevate theupper support surface14. In a example of asystem30 that could be used outdoors (i.e., for yard and garden waste and debris), asingle leg12 may act as a stake that may be driven into the ground to support anupper support surface14 and the plurality ofbags20 associated with thesupport10.
• The leg(s)12 of thesupport10 may have afoot13 at the end of theleg12 to provide a discrete base for the support10 (FIG. 4). Alternatively, thesupport10 may have afull base53, such as shown in the designs illustrated inFIGS. 3B and 5. However, as discussed above, however, thesupport10 may be designed to not have afoot13 or a base52 (e.g., theleg12 may function as a spike that is driven into the ground).
• Thesupport10 of thesystem30 is additionally designed to make shipping and transport of thesupport10 simple and convenient. This is accomplished by thesupport10 being designed to fold down into a folded configuration, such as shown inFIGS. 1A and 3A. As used herein, a “folded configuration” refers to a configuration of thesupport10 that is folded to take up less space than when thesupport10. Where thesupport10 is fully unfolded into its erected configuration. As shown inFIG. 1A, the folded configuration takes up less room than the fully erectedsystem30, as shown inFIG. 1B. The folded configuration of thesystem30 ofFIGS. 1A and 1B only takes up the space that is inherent due to the dimensions of thesupport10 itself, including overlappinglegs12.
• In thesystems30 shown inFIGS. 1A, 1B,2,4,6, and7, thesupport10 is designed to be folded byhinges16 that connect theupper support surface14 and thelegs12 of thesupport10. In such designs thelegs12 may be folded up to the underside of theupper support surface14. In thesystem30 ofFIGS. 3A and 3B, where thesupport10 is a helical compression spring-type design, the folded configuration is acquired by pressing theupper support surface14 toward thebase53. Thespring design support10 is thus put in a compressed, folded state (FIG. 3A). The folded configuration of asystem30 of the type shown inFIG. 5, is formed by pressing down each of themesh walls19 of thesupport10 toward thebase53.
• Other systems30 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 eachparticular system30. In all such cases, the folded configuration puts thesupport10 in a configuration that takes up less space than when the same support is fully erected, as necessary for thesystem30 to be used for disposal of refuse.
• From its folded configuration, thesupport10 of the present invention needs to be unfolded into its erect configuration forsystem30 to be used for disposal of refuse. Thesupport10 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, thesupport10 may be configured to self-erect.
• Such a self-erectingsupport10 would include springs, elastic members, or other structure, that is biased to the desired erect configuration necessary to support theassembly10 and hold thebags20 open for disposal of refuse. As such, the self-erectingsupport10 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, thesupport10 illustrated inFIGS. 3A and 3B is a helical compression spring design. It is designed to be biased to the erect configuration shown inFIG. 3B. In such asystem30, one ormore clasps51 would be required to keep thesupport10 restrained in the folded (or compressed) configuration, shown inFIG. 3A.
• The size and shape of thesystem30 may be any size and shape as appropriate for the desired use. Thesystems30 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.
• Similarly, thesupport10 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 asupport10 may be configured, sized and shaped to work with an existing waste disposal unit or alternatively replace such a waste disposal unit.
• Thebags20 of thesystem30 may be formed as one continuous unit having a shape which generally follows the rectangular shape and opening17 of thesupport10, as illustrated inFIGS. 1A to7. Alternatively, thebags20 may be formed from one or two substantially flat panels which are heat sealed together to provide a generally rectangular bag. Each of thebags20 includes anouter surface27 and aninner surface25. Anopening32 is desirably provided along anupper edge48 of anupper end49 of thebag20. The configuration of thebag20 is non-limiting, and any configuration for thebag20 may be used.
• Thebags20 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. Thebags20 may be made of a single ply of material or may be made from multiple plies of similar or dissimilar materials. Additionally, thebags20 may be made from composites of films, nonwoven materials, woven materials, or combinations thereof. Thebags20 may incorporate elastic materials. Thebags20 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.
• The number ofbags20 used with aparticular system30 is dependant on the desired use of such asystem30 and is a function of the particular use, convenience and design choice. For example, the number of bags for aparticular system30 may be the number ofbags20 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 thesystem30 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.
• Thebags20 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. Thebags20 may be any size, shape and design as is appropriate for the particular intended use of thesystem30.
• The plurality ofbags20 may provided to the system30 a variety of formats as appropriate for the intended use of thesystem30 and theparticular support10 used. For example, as shown inFIGS. 1A, 1B and2, thebags20 may a collection ofindividual bags20 each having atab portion50 and atab portion opening52. The tab portion opening52 of such may be used to secure thebags20 to anattachment flange18 present on theupper support surface14 of thatparticular support10.
• Another bag format, as illustrated inFIGS. 6 and 7, thebags20 may be provided to thesystem30 in a nested configuration and attached to aframe70,130 that supports thebags20 upon theupper support surface14. Similarly, thebags20 may be individually associated withlaminate frames41 and configured into a nested configuration, as shown inFIG. 4.
• Finally, thebags20 may alternatively be provided to thesystem30 as acontinuous web55 ofbags20. In such aweb55, the closed end of a preceding bag is lo attached to theopen end32 of the following bag, such as shown inFIGS. 3A, 3B and5. Insuch systems30, when onebag20 is filled and removed from thesystem30, it is removed from the end of theweb55, and the followingbag20 is then ready to be used to receive refuse. At any point during use, the closed end of thebag20 receiving refuse will be attached to theweb55.
• Such acontinuous web55 ofbags20 may be provided as aroll56 of bags20 (FIG. 5), in fan-folded format, or any other format as is known in providing an continuous web. Regardless of format, thecontinuous web55 ofbags20 may be contained and dispensed from acontainer61 having a dispensingopening63, as shown inFIGS. 3A and 3B.
• Additionally, while the dispensingopening63 shown inFIGS. 3A and 3B is associated with acontainer61, the dispensingopening63 may alternatively be a portion of thesupport10, or a component attached to thesupport10, through which theweb55 of bags may be dispensed without acontainer61. In either case, the dispensingopening63 may provide additional functionality to thesystem30. By way of non-limiting examples, the dispensingopening53 may be sized and shaped to help partially restrict the flow of theweb55 through theopening63, help separate thebags20 upon removal of a filledbag20, hold the open end of asubsequent bag20 once the preceding bag is removed, or may be configured for any combination of such functionalities.
• Thebags20 of thesystem30 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. Thebags20 may be provided to thesystem30 in any format that provides a plurality of bags such that when abag20 is filled with refuse, it may be removed and anotherbag20 is readily available for disposal of refuse.
• Additional functionality may be present in, on, or associated with thebags20 of the present invention. For example, thebags20 of the present invention may have one or more features that aid in the closure and disposal of thebag20 containing refuse. In one option, eachbag20 may include a bonding material105 (FIG. 6) which is desirably positioned on a surface of thebag20 near theopening32 of thebag20. Thebonding material105 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. Thebonding material105, may additionally be covered by a release strip that would protect thebonding material105 prior to use and could be removed when it is desired to securely close thebag20.
• Thebags20 may have atab93 that aids in removing aparticular bag20 from thesystem30. Such atab93 may additionally help securely close the bag. Thetab93 may be lo of a length to tie off a bag that has been twisted closed at its opening. Alternatively, more than onetab93 may be present and such tabs could be tied together to close thebag20.
• Similarly, drawstrings, ties, or other such similar components may be present on or associated with thebags20 to aid in the secure closure and disposal ofbags20 filled with refuse.
• Another additional functionality could be an odor sorbing material that is disposed on or in each of thebags20. A sheet of cardboard orpaperboard107 may be treated with an odor sorbing material and included in or on thebags20. The sheet ofpaperboard107 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 ofpaperboard107, 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 ft²) to a nominal thickness of about 1.2 mils. The weight of carbon in the applied coating was about 3.8 mg/in²
• 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.
• 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, theinner surface25 of thebags20, 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 thebags20.
• Thebag20 itself may be treated or may be made of material that allows for easy removal of an individual bag from the plurality ofbags20. One problem often encountered with nested materials is the tendency ofbags20 to be attracted to each other, due to static electric charge when an inner bag of the plurality ofbags20 is being removed from the plurality ofbags20. To overcome this static attraction of bags, thebags20 may have an anti-static treatment or may be made of a reduced static-susceptible material such as ultra low density polyethylene.
• 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.
• 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.
• More particularly, anexemplary system30 of the present invention is illustrated inFIGS. 1A, 1B and2, and includes asupport10 having aupper support surface14 providing anopening17 that desirably is generally rectangular in shape. Thesupport10 desirably includes at least oneleg12. In this particular instance, a pair oflegs12 is provided. Thesupport10 includes anattachment flange18 which is coupled to theupper support surface14. Thesupport10 operates as a structure to hold a plurality ofdisposal bags20, which are desirable releasably coupled to theattachment flange18. The plurality of thebags20 desirably each include abag tab50 having an bag tap opening therein52 which permits the plurality ofbags20 to be coupled to thesupport10, as shown inFIGS. 1B and 2.
• Eachnew bag20 in the plurality of bags desirably is positioned such that itsouter surface27 near itsupper edge48 is positioned over theperimeter15 of theupper support surface14 of thesupport10. When thebag20 becomes filled, the release strips36 covering thebonding material105 on theinner surface25 near theupper end49 of thebag20 are removed and deposited in thebag20. Thebag tab50 is lifted from theattachment flange18, and the sides of thebag20 near theupper end49 are pressed together so that thebonding material105 provides closure and sealing of thebag20.
• Aholder80 may be used to assist in holding thebag20 on theupper support surface14 of thesupport10, as illustrated inFIG. 2. Theholder80 is desirably pivotably coupled to thesupport10. Theholder80 is shown as a generally rectangular structure that closely follows the shape of theupper support surface14 of thesupport10. Theholder80 includes alower surface84 which contacts theupper support surface14. Thelower surface84 may include grooves (not shown) to permit theholder80 to sit firmly on theupper support surface14 of thesupport10. When thebag20 becomes filled, theholder80 assists in retaining thebag20 on theupper support surface14 of thesupport10 by providing weight and friction against theupper end49 of thebag20 so that thebag20 does not pull away from theupper support surface14. When thebag20 is to be removed, theholder80 desirably pivots upward, away from theupper support surface14 so that thebag20 may be removed therefrom.
• Theholder80, or a portion thereof, may be formed from metal, plastic, cardboard, and so forth.
• In a method of use, a plurality ofdisposable bags20 which are coupled together desirably via therebag tabs50 are provided. Asupport10 is also desirably provided. Thebags20 are coupled to thesupport10 via positioning thebag tab openings52 in thebag tabs50 over theattachment flange18. A first bag is disposed on theupper support surface14 of thesupport10 by disposing itsouter surface27 adjacent itsupper edge48 over theperimeter15 of theupper support surface14 of thesupport10. Theholder80 is then positioned over theperimeter18 of thesupport10 so that the holder is positioned against theupper edge48 of thebag20.
• When thebag20 is full, the user can easily lift theholder80 and detach thebag20 via thebag tab50 from the remaining plurality ofempty bags20. The release strips positioned adjacent theinner surface25 of theupper end49 are removed and disposed in thebag20, and the sides of the bag are pressed together. In this manner, thebag20 is configured to seal itself to provide a closure to thebag20. In the meantime, thenext bag20 in the plurality ofbags20 is desirably positioned over thesupport10, as previously described.
• Anotherexemplary system30 of the present invention is illustrated inFIGS. 3A and 3B. In thisparticular system30, thesupport10 is a helical (or coil) compression spring design having a circularupper support surface14, acircular base53, and ahelical leg12 that extends between theupper support surface14 and thebase53. Such asupport10, 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 asupport10. Thebase53 includes the bottom turn of the coil design and a circular piece that covers the area within that bottom turn of the coil.
• The helical compression spring design of the support ofFIGS. 3A and 3B is biased toward the erect configuration ofFIG. 3B and is the shape thesupport10 will assume when it is unrestrained. The folded configuration, shown inFIG. 3A, is obtained by compressing the spring design and restraining thesupport10 with aclasp51 attached to thebase53. Thesupport10 is more convenient to transport and store in this folded configuration. Prior use of thesystem30, thesupport10 is unrestrained by removing theclasp51 thus allowing thesupport10 to self-erect to the erect configuration ofFIG. 3B.
• The plurality ofbags20, in thesystem30 ofFIGS. 3A and 3B, are provided as acontinuous web55 ofbags20 contained within acontainer61, and dispensed through a dispensingopening63 in the top of thecontainer61. Thecontainer61 may be releaseably attached to thebase53, such that thecontainer61 may be held in place during use, but may easily be removed once theweb55 ofbags20 is consumed and replaced with anew container61 with anew web55 ofbags20. Such attachment to the base53 may be accomplished with a pressure sensitive adhesive, double-sided tape, hook-and-loop fasteners, or some other similar type of fastener.
• In a method of use, theweb55 ofbags20 is pulled from thecontainer61 and afirst bag20 is disposed on theupper support surface14 of thebag holder10 by disposing itsouter surface27 adjacent itsupper edge48 over theperimeter15 of theupper support surface14 of thesupport10. When thebag20 is full, the user can detach thebag20 from thecontinuous web55 of bags and thenext bag20 is desirably position over thesupport10, as previously described.
• Anotherexemplary system30 of the present invention is illustrated inFIG. 5. Thesystem30 shown inFIG. 5 is similar in operation to thesystem30 as shown and described forFIGS. 3A and 3B. The plurality ofbags20 is provided to thesystem30 as acontinuous web55 of bags in aroll56 format. Aroll holder57 connected to thebase53 of thesupport10, is used to hold theroll56 in place during use of thesystem30.
• Thesupport10 ofFIG. 5 is generally cube-shaped with anopening17 at the top defined by theupper support surface14, abase53, andlegs12 andmesh side walls19 on all four sides that extend between the base53 and theupper support surface14. The four joints where thelegs12 meet thebase53 and the four joints where thelegs12 and sides of theupper support surface14 meet are all flexible such that thesupport10 may be folded down and restrained in a folded configuration, with themeshed side wall19 folded and proximate to thebase53. Prior to use, thesupport10 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.
• In the a similar manner of use as discussed above, theroll56 is pulled such that afirst bag20 is disposed on theupper support surface14 of thebag holder10 by disposing itsouter surface27 adjacent itsupper edge48 over theperimeter15 of theupper support surface14 of thesupport10. When thebag20 is full, the user can detach thebag20 from theroll56 of bags and thenext bag20 is desirably position over thesupport10, as previously described.
• Thesupport10 as shown and described inFIG. 5, is desirably made of mesh sides17 of nylon mesh with thelegs12 and the sides of theupper support surface14 made of flexible rods enclosed within nylon sleeves. Such asupport10 is similar in design to pop-up nylon laundry hampers as are known.
• FIGS. 4, 6 and7, illustrate yet anotherexemplary disposal system30 according to the present invention. Thesystem30 includes a plurality ofbags20 that are provided attached to aframe70 that is adapted rest upon theupper support surface14 of asupport10. Thebags20 are attached to theframe70 in a nested configuration. Such a nested configuration refers to thebags20 being situated such that all but anoutermost bag23 is fitted inside another of the plurality ofbags20. Furthermore, the plurality ofbags20 are held in an open configuration such that theinnermost bag21 is held open to receive refuse. Subsequent bag(s)22 are fitted around theinnermost bag21 in a nested configuration. When theinnermost bag21 is filled, it is removed from theframe70, and thesubsequent bag22 is then available for use as it is held open by theframe70. All of the bags of the plurality ofbags20 may be the same type of bags or different types of bags may be present within the plurality.
• In such a nested configuration, theoutermost bag23 may be removed from theframe70 in the same manner as the previous bags or it may be disposed along with theframe70. Additionally, theoutermost bag23 may be stronger bag than the other bags that are nested within theoutermost bag23 or may have a reinforcing liner such that if the bags nested within theoutermost bag23 were to fail, the refuse would ultimately be contained within theoutermost bag23.
• Bags20 are attached to theframe70 and are individually removable when filled.Bags20 are attached to theframe70 by any means as is known in the art to attachbags20 to theframe70. For example, thebags20 may be adhered to each other and the last bag adhered to theframe70. Alternatively, thebags20 may be attached to theframe70 by fasteners, at various points about theframe70. As another example, thebags20 may be thermally sealed to theframe70. The bags may alternatively be attached by any other type of fastener that is appropriate for the materials used for the bags and theframe70. Any of such attachment methods or means may be used individually or in combination.
• Additionally, it may be desired to attach thebags20 to theframe70 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 theframe70 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 theframe70.
• Thebags20, may additionally havetabs93 that facilitate easy and cleanlyremoval bags20 filled with refuse. As shown inFIGS. 6 and 7,such tabs93 provide the user with a surface to grab on to in order to pull the bag free of theframe70. Additionally,such tabs93 may be associated with a line ofweakness91 to further facilitate the removal of thebags20 from theframe70. Such a line ofweakness91, may be perforations, areas of weakened material, scoring or other such means as to allow thebags20 to be torn from theframe70.
• Additionally, pullindicia103 may be associated with thetabs93. 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. Thepull indicia103 may be used to help the user locate thetab93, indicate the function of thetab93, and help the user differentiate theindividual tabs93 of the plurality ofbags20.
• Alternatively, or additionally, indicia may be used on thetabs93, or on the bags themselves, to help the custodial staff determine if a new set ofbags20 should be installed or will need to be installed soon. For example, theoutermost bag23 may be a different color, or have a differently coloredtab93, than that of the other bags and thus indicate to the custodial staff thatnew bags20 should be installed. One skilled in the art would be able to see how different indicia could be used on thetabs93, or on thebags20, to communicate a desired message to the user of such asystem30.
• As shown inFIGS. 4 and 6, theframe70 may be generally rectangular in shape, however, theframe70 may be any size and shape as is appropriate for particular desired use. For example, theframe70 may be rectangular, square, elliptical, circular, or any other shape, symmetrical or asymmetrical, that is desired and is appropriate for theupper support surface14 that it will rest upon.
• Theframe70 may be made from any material that is appropriate to attach and support the plurality ofbags20 of thesystem30. The materials of theframe70 may be rigid as shown inFIGS. 4 and 6, or may be flexible as shown inFIG. 7. It is intended that theframe70 will be disposable and that the materials used to make theframe70 will be appropriate for such disposal. Typically, theframe70 will be make from heavy paper cardstock or plastic, however, theframe70 may be made from any material that will support the plurality ofbags20.
• In same manner as discussed for thebags20, odor control functionality may additionally, or alternatively, be incorporated into theframe70 or on to the surface of theframe70 of the present invention.
• Theframe70 may be a single, unitary piece or it may made up of a plurality of individual laminate frames41 that are plied together to form theframe70. Alternatively, as shown inFIG. 4, individual laminate frames41 may be plied upon asingle base frame40. In these laminate frame executions, theindividual bags20 of the plurality ofbags20 would each be attached to one of these individual laminate frames41. Each of these individual laminate frames41 and individual bag assemblies could then be removed upon the filling of the individual bag.
• Theframe70 may also be designed to include disposal functionality. For example, as shown inFIG. 6, theframe70 may be formed such that each opposed end portions of theframe70 is formed to include a hinge or foldable portion, desirably aliving hinge113. The foldable portion may be scored, folded and/or notched in middle to each opposed end portion of theframe70 so that theframe70 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 theframe70 to fold. Theframe70 desirably includes abonding material115 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 theframe70. When a pressure sensitive adhesive is used, it is desirably covered by arelease strip117. When the assembly is removed, theframe70 is configured to fold inward along a direction indicated by the arrows. Desirably, release strips117 are removed and deposited in the bag, and theframe70 is folded inward so that the upper surface of theframe70 adheres to itself to create a secure closure of the assembly.
• Additionally functionality may be added to theframe70 or the laminate frames41 to improve the ease of removal or alternatively, or additionally, communicate a desired message to the user. For example, as shown inFIG. 4, the laminate frames41 may have frame tabs43 that provide the user with a portion of theparticular laminate frame41 that can be easily grasped to remove thatframe41. Such frame tabs43 may additionally havetab indicia45 that help differentiate the frame tabs43, indicate to the user where they need to pull to remove theframe41, indicate the number of laminate frames41 remaining, or any other message, or combination of messages, that are desired to be communicated to the user.
• Similarly, or alternatively, the laminate frames41 may haveframe indicia47 associated with theframe41 to indicate a message to the user.Such frame indicia47 may be located at distinct locations on individual laminate frames41 or may be located on theentire laminate frame41. For example, as shown inFIG. 4, the laminate frames41 haveframe indicia47 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 frames41. Similarly, thebase frame40 may have aframe indicia47; when such abase frame40 indicia was visible, the user would know that a new assembly of laminate frames41 should be installed.
• Whether they are on the frame tabs43, on the laminate frames41, or both,such frame indicia47 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.
• Theframes70 shown in the variations ofFIGS. 4 and 6, all illustrateframes70 that need to be rigid enough to be capable of being supported by theupper support surface14 of thesupport10. However, the frame may alternatively be aflexible frame130, as shown inFIG. 7. Such aflexible frame130 may be made of the same materials as thebags20 or may be made of some similar flexible material. Theflexible frame130 may be made of an elastic material.
• As shown inFIG. 7, theflexible frame130, may fit over theperiphery15 of theupper support surface14 of thesupport10. Additionally, theflexible frame130 may also have acinch133 that helps secure theflexible frame130 to theupper support surface14 of thesupport10. Such acinch133, may be an elastic band, a draw string capable of being pulled tight, crimping of a portion of theflexible frame130, or some other similar means or method associated with theflexible frame130 that secures theflexible frame130 in place while in use.
• 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.

Claims (25)

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 ofclaim 1, where the support is configured to be erected manually from the folded configuration.

3. The system ofclaim 1, where the support is configured to self-erect from the folded configuration.

4. The system ofclaim 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 ofclaim 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 ofclaim 5, where the support comprises a holder pivotally coupled thereto.

7. The system ofclaim 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 ofclaim 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 ofclaim 8, where the continuous web of bags comprises a roll of bags.

10. The system ofclaim 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 ofclaim 8, further comprising a dispensing opening through which the continuous web of bags is dispensed.

12. The system ofclaim 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 ofclaim 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 ofclaim 12, where the frame further comprises a plurality of laminate frames, where each laminate frame is attached to an individual bag.

15. The system ofclaim 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 ofclaim 12, where the frame comprises a frame indicia.

17. The system ofclaim 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 ofclaim 12, further comprising an odor control enhancement provided by the frame.

19. The system ofclaim 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 ofclaim 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 ofclaim 1, where at least one of the individual bags of the plurality of bags comprises a pull indicia.

22. The system ofclaim 1, further comprising an odor control enhancement provided by the plurality of bags.

23. The system ofclaim 1, further comprising an odor control enhancement provided by the support.

24. The system ofclaim 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.

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