USRE48199E1 - Containment bag for use in a commercial disposal container - Google Patents

Abstract

A non-self supporting containment bag used in conjunction with a dumpster container. The bag has a center opening that extends across the top of the bag, substantially centered on the top of the bag. The top of the bags is formed with sufficient spare material at the ends of the rectangular shaped bag to allow the top to be inverted over the sides of the container. The opening when closed, has sufficient material to form opposing triangular folds that extends above the top of the bag and the top of the container, when the bag is lining the container.

Description

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/960,032 filed on Dec. 3, 2010, (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,562,212) which application was a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 11/464,114, filed on Aug. 11, 2006 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,845,511) which is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 11/473,673 filed on Jun. 23, 2006 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,499,953), all of which this application claims priority to and which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to containment bags used with large dumpster style disposal containers in the storage, transportation and disposal of wastes.

PRIOR ART

In plant renovations or other type of construction or cleanup projects, wastes are generated and stored in large on-site dumpster-containers, such as rolloff containers, end dump containers, and gondola rail car containers. When hazardous materials (such as tank cleaning sludge, wet or dry waste materials, chemical plant by-products, rail wastes, high heat wastes), odorous materials, or fine particulate matter (for instance, incinerator ashes, powders, asbestos materials) are to be stored in an onsite dumpster container for later transportation and disposal, it is desirable to line the container to protect the container from exposure to the materials and to make later disposal easier. Currently, either large sheets of plastic are used to line the container or container bags are utilized. The existing container bags have openings that are closable using a series of ties or cords. Given the large size of the containers, closing the series of ties can be a time consuming chore. Further, the ties fail to make an effective closure, allowing small particle materials to leak.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention consists of non-self supporting containment bag constructed with a single top opening, with sufficient spare material at the ends of the rectangular shaped bag to allow the top to be inverted over the sides of the container. The opening is then closed. The bag may include a plurality of pick-up or attachment loops or handles may also be attached to the outer bag material. The bag may additionally have an internal lining.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide a simple easily installable liner for a dumpster container that is sealable.

It is another object to provide a liner for use in a dumpster container having attachment or pick-up handles.

It is another object of the invention to provide a containment bag for use in a dumpster container having a secondary liner on the interior of the containment bag.

It is an object to the invention to have an easily manufactured bag from a single piece of fabric, including a multilayered piece of fabric.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a rolloff container.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an end dump container.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a gondola rail car container.

FIG. 4 shows a series of prior art container bags.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the containment bag invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the containment bag invention.

FIG. 7A is a plan view of the single sheet construction.

FIG. 7B is a plan view of the folded sheet ofFIG. 7A.

FIG. 7C is a perspective view of the cylinder formed by joining the sides of the sheet inFIG. 7B.

FIG. 7D is a perspective view of the cylinder inFIG. 7C with a bottom seam.

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the bag ofFIG. 7D with a flattened bottom.

FIG. 8B is a top view of the bag ofFIG. 8A.

FIG. 8C is a perspective view of the bag ofFIG. 8A with the triangular folds removed.

FIG. 8D is a top view of the bag inFIG. 8C.

FIG. 9A is a plan view of the single piece construction removing fabric before assembly.

FIG. 9B is a plan view of a two piece construction embodiment having a separate bottom.

FIG. 9C is a plan view of a two piece construction using two overlapping panels.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the completed bag ofFIG. 8 with the top zipper closed.

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of the competed bag ofFIG. 10 placed in a container with the top zippered closed.

FIG. 11B is a perspective view of the completed bag ofFIG. 10 in a container with the top open and inverted.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a two layer single piece construction having two closable tops.

FIG. 13A is a is a side view of one embodiment of an edge strip.

FIG. 13B is a top view of another embodiment of an edge stripFIG. 13C is a side view of another embodiment of an edge strip.

FIG. 14A is a prospective view of a lined bag with lining detached above the edge strip, where the liner extends above the exterior bag fabric.

FIG. 14B is a perspective view of the bag ofFIG. 14A where the top portion of the liner has been folded inside bag exterior.

FIG. 15A is a plan view of the single piece double layered fabric composed showing an inner zipper and outer zipper. The view is an interior facing view.

FIG. 15B is a top view showing of a double zippered bag showing the relationship of the zippers.

FIG. 16 is a prospective view of one embodiment of a closed liner bag depicting one embodiment of a linking strap between the triangular folds after folding across the bag top.

FIG. 17 is a prospective view of one embodiment of a liner bag depicting attachment of the linking strap shown inFIG. 16.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Three existing dumpster type containers are shown inFIGS. 1-3: a roll off container (FIG. 1), an end-dump container (FIG. 2) and a rail car gondola (FIG. 3). These containers range in size from 67′×10′×6′ for a rail gondola to 16′×8′×4′ for an end dumpster container. Shown inFIG. 4 are typical prior art container bags.FIG. 4a shows a singlespout container bag100 having a series ofgrab loops101. Thegrab loops101 are used to attach and support the container bag to a dumpster container. Thesingle spout104 provides access to the interior of the bag for loading materials into the container bag. After loading, the single spout would be tied shut with a suitable tie, such as a rope. The spout type bag can come with multiple spout configurations as shown inFIG. 4d.

FIG. 4b shows a prior art cigartop bag300. The cigartop bag300 has atop opening301, which is closable by acover304 having a series ofties302 located around the periphery of thetop opening301.Ties302 attach toloops303.FIG. 4c shows a prior art bread bagstyle container bag400. The bread bag style is similar to the cigar top bag except the opening in the cigar top bag is located on the end instead of the top. Again, the opening is closable by tying a series ofties402 to a matching series ofloops403. Also shown is a series of handles, shown here shown asloops404, for attaching and supporting the container bag to a disposal container. Prior art bags are generally constructed of polypropylene and may have aninterior lining409, such as a polyethylene barrier attached to the interior of the bag shell.

Shown inFIG. 5 iscontainment bag1.Containment bag1 is made of a non-self supporting material and is designed to be inserted in a commercial dumpster container. Thecontainment bag1 may be made of woven or non-woven materials with a 3-6 oz woven polypropylene preferred. Other materials such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC, reinforced or non-reinforced), woven or non-woven polyethylene or other suitable materials, such as woven fiberglass may be used. The bag material may also be coated, such as woven or non-woven polypropylene bag having a polyethylene or polypropylene coating placed on the interior or exterior of the bag.

The bag should have anopening2 that is closable.Bag opening2 should be placed on the bag for ease of loading and storage of materials and, in some instances, for ease of removal of the stored materials. For instance, the bag shown inFIG. 5 has two closable openings, one positioned on the top of thebag3, and one positioned on the side of thebag4. The two openings are shown for demonstration purposes. In the standard embodiment, a container bag will have a single opening. As shown, the openings are closable with a closing means, such as a zipper. A preferred zipper is a #10 coil nylon zipper, with two pulls positioned on the zipper tracks. Other zipper or zipper types can be used.

Also shown are support handles5. The support handles5 can serve two purposes: (1) to attach the bag to the container, and thereby support the bag for fill; and, in some instances, (2) to assist in moving or removal of the bag from the container.Handles5 can be loops, such as double D-ring straps or 2-inch loops, or lines or ties, and can be made from suitable materials, such as polypropylene or polyester webbing. When used to attach the bag to the container, the handles will attach to points on the container, generally, at least one handle on each corner (seeFIGS. 1 and 2 showing containers having a fabric top attached to the container with handles).

Additionally, thebag1 may incorporate a separate inner liner10 (not shown). Inner liners are useful when the stored materials are wet or liquids. Suitable material can be low-density polyethylene, with 6-10 mil thickness being preferred. One such liner is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,110,005, herein incorporated by reference. Inner liner may be sewn to the outer bag, or attached by other means, for instance heat-sealed to the outer bag.

Shown inFIG. 6 is another embodiment of thecontainer bag4.Bag4 is shown having a single top opening, closable with a zipper. Also shown areloops5 on one side of the top and a series of straps6 on the opposite topside. As shown, the matching loops are D-ring loops7. The straps are of length sufficient to cross the top surface of the bag and tie into loops on the opposite top side. The straps may be tied into or coupled to straps positioned on the opposite side instead of tied into D-rings. When so secured, these straps help resist “flapping” of the bag top during transport in an open container, such as a railcar gondola.

As can be seen, when the bag ofFIGS. 5 and 6 is opened, the container top opening is substantially aligned with the bag opening. This alignment provided for access to the container interior from anywhere along the container top edge.

Another bag design that provides access to the entire interior of the container is a single centered zippered bag, having excess material on the top surface to allow the top to be folded over the top edge of the container, in an inside out relationship. The following is a description of the construction of such a bag using a single sheet of material (or a single sheet of multilayered materials.

A preferred means of construction is to build the bag from asingle fabric sheet1005 or a single multilayer fabric sheet. The multiple sheets can be coextensive when laid on top of one another, or the innermost fabric can be shorter in height than that of the outermost fabric if it is not desired to have the top of the resulting bag lined. Additionally, multilayered designs are possible. For ease of explanation, construction will be described using a single sized multilayer fabric piece, with two side edges1001A and1001B, abottom edge1001C, and atop edge1001D, as shown inFIG. 7A. Using a single fabric piece constructed in the present manner, the resulting constructed bag will have a center opening on the bag top, preferably closable with azipper1070, such as shown inFIG. 10. To construct the bag with a zippered opening, one side of azipper chain1005 is attached one of the long edges of the fabric, shown inFIG. 7A, at the top edge. Generally, a sewn attachment is preferred, and to form a seam. It is preferred that the edges of the fabric on the seam be folded over about 1.5-2 inches to create extra strength at the seam. This is desirable for all seams in the bag or liner.

Also attached lengthwise and parallel to the half zipper chain is astrap band1006. In the present embodiment, this strip is positioned so that when the bag is complete, thestrap band1006 is positioned at or near the top edge of the completed bag. Thestrap band1006 can be eliminated depending if top closure straps are not needed. If the strap band is not used, it is still desired, in a multilayered fabric embodiment, to place a stitch along a horizontal line at or near the location that will become the top edge of the completed bag. Such a stitch or join will keep the inner liner top from separating from the outer liner top and collapsing into the bag interior.

For instance, to form an 8′4″×8′10′ bag, a single or multilayer fabric piece of 12′×14′6′ is used. To construct the bag, the single piece ofbag fabric1001 has the two ends1001A and1001B joined together, creating an opened top and bottom oblong cylinderFIG. 7C. The bottom edge of thecylinder1001C (the edge opposite that having the zipper edge) is closed by attaching (preferably a sewn attachment) the opposing sides of the bottom edge of the cylinder (e.g. flatten the cylinder, creating two opposed sides, and attach the opposed sides). SeeFIG. 7D. The resulting structure resembles an open end toothpaste tube, with aseam1008 running across the tube's bottom and up oneside1007. It is preferred that the tube like structure be created in a single step: thefabric piece1001 is folded to align edges1001A and1001B, and a join (such as by sewing) edges1001A and100B together, and the opposing sides of the foldedbottom edge1001C joined together, creating abottom seam1008 and single side seam1007 (seeFIG. 7B).

If a rectangular box like structure is desired for the bottom, the bottom closed end of the tube structure is flattened inwardly, with excess bottom fabric forming two triangular shaped flaps1010A and1010B that extend outwardly from the tube bottom (seeFIGS. 8A and 8B). It is preferred that the triangular folds1010A and1010B be formed so that the bottom seam or join1008 forms the perpendicular bisector of the triangular flaps1010A and B (seeFIG. 8B). Each triangular flap1010A and1010B is cut or sheared off and the cut edges joined (preferably by sewing) creating two bottom edge seams,1011A and1011B. The resulting structure now approximates a rectangularly shaped open top box structure, having twolong sidewalls1020, twoshorter endwalls1030 and a bottom1040. SeeFIG. 8C. As seen inFIG. 8D, the bottom of the structure has a seam running down the center of the bottom1008 and along the two edges of the bottom1031 adjacent the endwalls. In the preferred embodiment, one of theendwalls1030 has aseam1007 running from the top to the bottom edge (seeFIG. 8C). Thefabric1050 that will form these triangular folds can be removed or excised from the single fabric piece prior to assembly (such as shown inFIG. 9A), but this is not preferred, as it makes seam alignment during construction more critical for quality control. Alternatively, instead of removing these triangular folds, the folds could be folded up and attached to the end walls or folded down and attached to the bottom of the structure. In many instances, the bottom structure can remain a tube like structure, without adjustments for rectangular shape.

As described above, an open top boxlike or (tubelike) structure is constructed from a single fabric sheet. Alternatively, this same structure may be formed from two fabric pieces, the first fabric piece forming the sidewalls of the structure having the ½zipper chain1005 attached andstrap band1006 attached. A separate bottom is then sewn in, such as shown inFIG. 9B, but this is not preferred.

The next step is to form the top of the bag. Along the opentop edge1001D of theboxlike structure1060 is the single side of azipper chain1005. The opposing sides of the open top are now operationally joined into a closable opening by attaching a zipper slide to the two half zipper chains, creating afunctional zipper1070. Two zipper slides may be added if desired. Zipper stops are added at the two opposing ends of the zipper to maintain the zipper slide on the resultingzipper1070. A #10 nylon coil zipper has been employed. The zippered top, when closed, again creates a toothpaste tube-like top end. The top end is pushed inwardly, again creating two triangular folds1060A and1060B on the top1080 of the box shaped bag with the zipper bisecting the two triangular folds. SeeFIG. 10. As shown inFIG. 10, boxlike bag structure now has thestrap band1006 positioned adjacent or near the top periphery of the edge forming thetop portion1080 of the bag.

These top triangular flaps,1060A and1060B, are designed to allow the top, when unzipped along the centerline, to be inverted “inside out” thereby allowing thetop portion1080 be folded over the edges of the container or frame that the bag is placed in, thereby exposing the interior of the bag, and the exposed opening is substantially aligned with the open top of the container or frame. The bag is now ready for loading. (SeeFIGS. 11A and B showing a container with bag placed inside). As described, the top opening of the bag has a zipper closure device, but other closure means could be used, such as ties, loops, Velcro, etc.

When used for debris, the bag may include an inner support liner30, lining all or part of the interior. The liner can be constructed in multiple layers of differing fabrics or materials for strength, puncture resistance, water resistance, or other desired physical properties. Generally, the inner liner will be a nonwoven layer and the outer layer a woven material. Sandwiched between the two layers may be a liquid impervious material. A preferred material for the innermost layer is non-woven polypropylene of various weights. One embodiment uses a 16oz weight material. A preferred material for the outermost layer is a woven polypropylene: a typical weight is 6.0 oz. The outer woven polypropylene layer may have a coating on one side (generally the exterior side) of polyethylene, such as 1-2 mills thickness. A layer impervious to water and other liquids that can be used is a polyethylene material, such as 6-10 mil thickness. Other materials such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC, reinforced or non-reinforced), woven or non-woven polyethylene or other suitable materials, such as woven fiberglass, may be used.

When using a multilayered construction, each of the layers may each have separate closure means, such as separate zippers, such as shown inFIG. 14A. If two zippers are used, the liner and exterior fabric can be attached near the zippers, or only joined at theedge strip1006, or joined between the edge strip and the zippers. If joined or attached at the edge strip or substantially below the zippers, the liner and exterior fabric remain as separate flaps above the topmost join or connection between the inner and outer fabrics. Each can have a half zipper chain1005A and1005B attached, as shown inFIG. 12. The liner may be cut slightly shorter (2-4 inches) then the topmost fabric (the “topmost” fabric is that fabric that will form the exterior facing fabric), allowing both the liner and outer fabric to be zippered shut separately. Alternatively, both inner and outer lining can be joined together when the ½ chain zipper is added if the inner liner is cut shorter (1-2 inches) or the innerzipper ½ chain2050 is attached about 1-2 inches below the top edge (seeFIGS. 15A and B). The separation of the inner ½chain zipper2050 from the outer ½chain zipper2060 provides enough freedom between the two zippers on the assembled bag to allow closure of the inner then closure of the outer completed zipper.

Also, theinner liner3010 may be cut longer, and not attached to theouter fabric3000 near thetop zipper chain1007. It is preferred, however, that the inner liner be attached to the outer fabric near the top edge or at the edge strip (is so equipped). The enclosure is formed with the inner liner (zippered or not)3010 extending above the top of the outer fabric3000 (seeFIG. 14 A). The inner liner30010 extending above the join or seam where the two liners are connected strip is then folded into the interior of the enclosure. SeeFIG. 14B showing the connection at the edge strip. The top of the bag is then assembled as described above. In use, both exterior and interior fabric is folded inside out near the top section to overlap the container. After the container is filled, the inner liner is re-inverted and can be closed (by zipper if so equipped or the material gathered and tied, etc) or just folded over the debris in the bag. The outer fabric is then re-inverted, and zippered shut.

Theedge strip1006, if attached, may be used as a means of attaching the bag support handles5 (if so equipped) and to provide a place to affix or attach top straps, it the bag is so equipped (thehandles5 may be separately attached to the bag, such as shown on the bag depicted inFIG. 6). One version of theedge strip1006 is shown inFIG. 13A. As shown, it is a single wide webbing band (about 2 inches wide polyester webbing) withslits1061 positioned along a line offset from the band center line. The band is sewn to the bag near the bag top edge, and theslits1061 in the band are positioned to accommodate top straps and/or support handles. Top straps and support handles can be equipped with clip end to clip into the slits, or the top straps and/or support handles could be threaded through and tied to the slit, or a top strap positioned on each opposing side of the edge strip, and joined across the top of the bag, such as with a snap clip, carabiner, etc. or simply tied to one another.

Instead of a single band with slits as shown inFIG. 13A, theedge strip1006 can be constructed from two bands, one a straight band1006A that will be attached to the bag's side and end walls, and as second band1006B that is attached to the first band1006A leaving undulations creating openings between the first and second bands. A top view is of this two band arrangement is shown inFIG. 13B. Alternatively, theedge strip1006 may be a single band withgrommets1009 instead of slits positioned periodically therethrough (FIG. 13C), to clip or tied support handles or top straps to the edge strip. The edge strip may be constructed from 1.5-2.5 inch polypropylene or polyester webbing, 1.5-2.5 inch elastic knitted latex webbing, or other suitable material, such a polyethylene, polypropylene or nylon.

The two triangular shaped folds may be secured to each other with a linkingstrap2000 or other type of connector, such as a linear connector (rope, strap or band, bungy cord, etc), to allow the triangular shaped folds be drawn down toward one another and secured to one another or to the top of the container, adjacent to the closed top portion of the containment bag. SeeFIGS. 16 and 17.

It is intended that the following claims be interpreted as covering all such alterations and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (9)

The invention claimed is:

1. A containment bag for use in a dumpster container having a plurality of sidewalls defining a top and a bottom, said bottom being closed, said top being substantially open for accepting bulk materials, said plurality of sidewalls including two opposing endwalls, and said bottom defining a dumpster container interior, said containment bag comprising a bag adapted to fit within and line the interior of said dumpster container, said containment bag having a top portion substantially alignable with said top of said dumpster container, said containment bag further having a top edge alignable with the open top of said dumpster container when said containment bag is positioned in and lining a dumpster container, said containment bag having a closable opening positioned on said top portion and said closable opening substantially centered on said top portion, said containment bag top portion being adapted to form two opposing triangular shaped folds that extend above said top of said dumpster container when said closable opening is closed; and when said closable opening is opened, and said triangular shaped folds are unfolded, said closable opening on said top portion of said containment bag can be substantially aligned with the open top of a dumpster container when said containment bag is positioned in and lining the dumpster container, said top portion, when said closable opening is opened and said triangular folds are unfolded, is adapted to be inverted inside out over said top of said dumpster container; said containment bag being configured to allow said top portion triangular shaped folds to be positioned and retained in a folded position immediately adjacent the remaining portion of said top portion of said containment bag when said containment bag is loaded and said closable opening is closed, wherein said closable opening has two terminal ends, said containment bag further having a linear connector attachable to said bag top near said two terminal ends of said closable opening, said linear connector adapted to draw said terminal ends of said closable opening toward one another thereby drawing said top portion triangular shaped folds towards one another in order to position and retain said triangular shaped folds in a folded position immediately adjacent the remaining portion of said top portion of said containment bag when said containment bag is loaded and said closable opening is closed.

2. The containment hag according toclaim 1 wherein said containment bag further has a lining positioned on said interior surface of said containment bag.

3. The containment bag according toclaim 2 wherein said liner further has a top portion having a second separate closeable opening substantially centered on said liner top portion.

4. The containment bag according toclaim 2 wherein said liner and said bag are joined to each other near said opening.

5. The containment bag according toclaim 1 further having a series of handles positioned near said top portion.

6. The containment bag according toclaim 1 adapted to fit into the interior of a dumpster container selected from the set of roll off containers, gondola rail car containers and end dump containers and the dumpster container includes a sidewall of at least four feet in height.

7. The containment bag according toclaim 1 wherein said containment bag is constructed of a woven material.

8. A containment bag according toclaim 7 wherein woven material is woven polypropylene.

9. A containment bag for use in a dumpster container having a plurality of sidewalls defining a top and a bottom, said bottom being closed, said top being substantially open for accepting bulk materials, said plurality of sidewalls including two opposing endwalls, and said bottom defining a dumpster container interior, said containment bag comprising a bag configured to fit within and line the interior of said dumpster container, said containment bag having a top portion substantially alignable with said top of said dumpster container, said containment bag further having a top edge alignable with the open top of said dumpster container when said containment bag is positioned in a dumpster container, said containment bag having a closable opening positioned on said top portion and said closable opening substantially centered on said top portion, said containment bag top portion being configured to form two opposing triangular shaped folds that extend above said top of said dumpster container when said closable opening is closed; and when said closable opening is opened, and said triangular shaped folds are unfolded, said closable opening on said top portion of said containment bag can be substantially aligned with the open top of a dumpster container when said containment bag is positioned in the dumpster container, said top portion, when said closable opening is opened and said triangular folds are unfolded, is configured to be inverted inside out over said top of said dumpster container; said containment bag being configured to allow said top portion triangular shaped folds to be positioned and retained in a folded position immediately adjacent the remaining portion of said top portion of said containment bag when said containment bag is loaded and said closable opening is closed, wherein said closable opening has two terminal ends, said containment bag further having linking straps attachable to said top of said bag configured to secure said two opposing triangular shaped folds to each other in a position adjacent to said top portion of said containment bag.

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