GB2472436A

GB2472436A - Portable bag dispenser

Info

Publication number: GB2472436A
Application number: GB0913735A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Hazvineyi Masango
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-08-06
Filing date: 2009-08-06
Publication date: 2011-02-09
Anticipated expiration: 2029-08-06
Also published as: GB0913735D0; GB2472436B

Abstract

A portable bag dispenser comprises a roll of bags 108 of width w, a cartridge 102 and a container 121. The cartridge comprises an open-ended c-shaped tube of at least length w for housing the roll of bags, the tube having an opening 106 extending from one end 104 to the other 104 for allowing the outermost bag to protrude through. The container is formed from two sections 122a, 122b that can be joined together and separated. When the container is joined together it encloses the cartridge and when it is separated the cartridge can be removed. The container comprises: a housing around the c-shaped tube; two ends 125 to prevent the roll of bags from being displaced through an open end of the cartridge; a longitudinal aperture 126 of length at least w that is parallel to the cartridge opening so that a bag protruding through the cartridge opening can protrude through the aperture; and a support means 123 on its inside for distributing the torque applied to the cartridge as a bag is pulled out by a user. The cartridge is less than 15cm long (preferably between 7.5 and 12.5 cm long and more preferably 10cm long).

Description

Small Bag Dispenser

Background of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to bag dispenser systems, and more particularly relates to a dispenser system for disposable bags, for the hygienic disposal of sanitary napkins and the like.

Description of the Prior Art

[1] The present invention relates generally to a plastic bag dispenser and more specifically to a bag dispenser using a continuous roll of bags enclosed in a dispenser.

[21 The following prior art patents are also directed

towards the present state of bag dispenser field.

[3] United States Patent 7,273,193 to Slocum, et al, is directed to a plastic bag roll, dispensing container and service rack combination that allows easy docking and positioning of a dispensing carton into a service rack mountable for varied configurations. The dispensing container is specifically crafted to house a roll of plastic bags. A bag is drawn from the center of the role, pulled along the feed pathway and threaded through the dispensing apertures. The electrostatic binding of the individual bags is balanced against the drag generated along the feed pathway and dispensing apertures to insure smooth and accurate disbursement of a single, hygienically safe plastic bag.

[41 United States Patent 7,255,254 to Tan is directed to a self-contained dispenser apparatus configured to dispense a continuous feed of plastic bag material wound in a coreless roll thereof. The dispenser apparatus includes a base portion defining an opening into a receiving bay thereof. A cover assembly is removably mountable to the base portion, and includes an end cover portion positioned over the opening to enclose the careless roll therein. A dispensing slot extends through the end cover that enables one end of plastic bag material to continuously feed therethrough. The cover assembly further includes a cutting assembly positioned proximate the dispensing slot to enable severing of the plastic bag material [5] United States Patent 6,739,114 to Shaffer discloses a feminine hygiene disposal unit for sanitary receipt and disposal of used sanitary products. The unit has a disposal bag dispenser, at least one disposal bag, a receptacle, and a liner for the receptacle. This liner having a lid flap having an opening therethrough, this lid flap being supported through use of a pair of sandwiching flanges for sandwiching the lid flap in a generally horizontal orientation.

[6] United States Patent No. 6,450,380 to Simhaee discloses a dispenser for dispensing plastic bags which are wound on a hollow cylindrical core. The dispenser is an integral molded plastic device having a bottom panel and upstanding sidewalls which are biased toward each other and which include stub axles adapted to receive the opposite ends of the core on which the roll is wound. The sidewalls apply a braking force to the ends of the core. The core fits tightly onto the stub axles to provide an additional braking force in order to prevent free wheeling of the roll as the individual bags are dispensed.

[71 United States Patent 5,950,818 to Paulsen is directed to a dispenser which is mountable within a bathroom and which includes an interior deodorizing means and which contains a multiplicity of rolled disposable bags wherein the disposable bags include an antibacterial agent contained within their interior and wherein said disposable bags are serially numbered to indicate to the user when the dispenser may need to be refilled with a new roll of disposable bags and furthermore wherein said dispenser provides a hinged slotted top which provides a replacement means for replacing the rolled disposal scented bags. Furthermore the dispensing unit deodorizing means provides a means for placing a small amount of deodorant material on an exterior surface of said disposable bags preventing noxious odors when the bags are placed into a trash container.

[8] Clearly, a need has arisen for a bag dispenser that fits neatly into a pocket or handbag. The dispenser should be operable with only one hand while it may be held with the other hand, and it should be able to hold a roll of disposable bags.

The disposable bags are for disposing of waste, for example, used sanitary towels or other small items of litter. The present invention fulfills these needs and provides solutions and further related advantages as described in the following summary.

Brief Summary of the Invention

[9] In the present invention, a dispenser is disclosed comprising a container, a cartridge and a roll of bags. The inner cartridge houses the continuous roll of bags. It is designed to be a simple C-shaped tube, such as a rectangle of firm substance rolled to the form a C. The tube has open ends. The container houses, supports and protects the cartridge, and has an aperture through which the protruding bag can be dispensed. In one embodiment, perforations between bags enable a user to easily tear off a dispensed bag. The user can store the dispenser in her pocket or handbag. The dispenser is made of a right and a left part, and these snap apart to enable the cartridge to be changed when the bags are all used. The right and left parts are snapped together to house a full cartridge. In use, a user grasps the dispenser with one hand, and with the other hand pulls out a length of joined bags until a whole bag is dispensed. If the bag is joined to the next bag with a perforation, she manually tears along the perforation line to release the bag. A portion of the next bag is left extending through the aperture. The bags are closeable, for example, they may have a press-seal so that they may be sealed simply pressing the top edges together.

[10] Advantages of the portable bag dispenser are the small pocket size, which is particularly useful as it can be discretely carried around by a user. This is useful in particular for disposing of sanitary towels, or other small items of litter. The bags have a press-seal so that they can be closed and their contents kept private. In a preferred embodiment, the bags are opaque and/or have a printed design so that their contents cannot be viewed and the bag has a pretty appearance.

Brief Description of the Several Views of the Drawing [11] The invention will now be described with reference to the following drawings in which: [12) Figure 1 shows an view of a cartridge according to the present invention.

[13] Figure 2 shows the cartridge loaded with a roll of bags of the present invention.

[14] Figures 3a and 3b show a container of the present invention.

[15] Figure 4 shows the container and the cartridge of the present invention together.

[16) Figure 5 shows one example of the present invention in operation.

Detailed Description of the Invention

[171 With reference now to Figure 1, a portable bag dispenser is disclosed. The dispenser includes a roll of bags, a cartridge, and a container.

[18] With reference to Figure 1, cartridge 102 is a C-shaped tube, for longitudinally housing a roll of bags. Cartridge 102 has two open ends 104 and a length (the shortest distance between ends 104) of at least length w. Cartridge 102 features opening 106 extending from one end 104 to other end 104.

[19] With reference to Figure 2, cartridge 102 is shown, housing roll of bags 108. Roll of bags 108 preferably includes opaque, semi-opaque, or printed bags, so that their contents cannot easily be discerned. The bags further preferably have a press-seal, so that they may easily be closed by the user.

Alternatively, the bags may have any type of seal, for example a zip-type seal. The bags may have an adhere-seal, for example the bag, or just the top part of the bag, may be made of a substance that adheres when pressed together, this forms a partial or complete seal. Alternatively, the bags may have long handles that may be knotted together to close the bag, or any type of closing method known in the art.

[20] The bags in roll of bags 108 may be connected to one another, for example, with perforations between bags, or the bags may be separate from one another, for example, arranged with the last portion of a first bag overlapping the first portion of a second bag. The bags may be folded with any type of folding known in the art, for example: C folded, double gate folded, letter folded, or barrel folded.

[21] The bags may be made of any bag material known in the art, for example, but not limited to: the bags may be made of Biothene tm biodegradable polythene, or of an oxo-biodegradable polymer or df polyethylene.

[22] The outermost bag of roll of bags 108 is the most accessible, and is to be removed first. Roll of bags 108 fits into cartridge 102, and has a width w, that, as mentioned is preferably equal to or less than the length of cartridge 102, in other words, roll of bags 108 preferably does not extend beyond ends 104 but is completely housed within cartridge 102.

[23] A first portion 110, of the outermost bag of roll of bags 108, protrudes through opening 106.

[24] With reference now to Figures 3a and 3b a back and front view respectively of container 121 is shown. Container 121 is made of two sections 122a and l22b. These two sections can be joined together or separated; when joined together, container 121 is formed, able to house and enclose cartridge 102. When separated, a user may remove cartridge 102 from container 121, for example, a user may wish to remove a cartridge when all the bags have been used. A user may further insert cartridge 102 into container 121 when sections ll2a and l22b are separated, for example a user may wish to insert a new cartridge 102 that houses a full roll of bags 108 when an old one has been depleted.

[25] Section 122a and section 122b each have a click-closed mechanism part 128a and l28b respectively, together, parts 128a and 128b form a click-closed mechanism. Pressure applied by the user to push sections ll2a and 112b together act to close the click-closed mechanism. Pressure applied to pull sections 112a and 112b apart, separate the click-closed mechanism and allow container 121 to be opened. A little leverage applied between sections 112a and ll2b assists direct pressure in pulling sections 112a and ll2b apart. The click-closed mechanism is well known in the art, and is similar to how many pen lids are retained in position on the pen. "Click-closed mechanism", is used herein to include any similar simple mechanism that functions to allow a user to easily open and close sections ll2a and ll2b.

[261 Container 121 has the following features. It provides housing for cartridge 102. Container 121 has two ends 125, thus protecting roll of bags 108 from being displaced through an open end of cartridge 102. Container 121 further has a longitudinal aperture 126, preferably not quite reaching container ends 125.

Aperture 126 preferably has a length of at least w, so that a bag protruding through cartridge opening 106 can easily protrude through aperture 126 too. Aperture 126 is parallel to opening 106 of cartridge 102 (when cartridge 102 is inserted into container 121) [27] Container 121 also has support means 123 on the inside of container 121 to hold cartridge 102 in position and for distributing the torque applied to cartridge 102 as a bag is pulled out by a user, to make it easier to pull out a bag.

Support means 123 preferably consists of protrusions from the inside of sections l22a and 122b, defining boundaries of cartridge 102. These are designed to hold cartridge 102 firmly in radial and axial alignment with container 121. When a bag is pulled out by the user, roll of bags 108 will rotate, but cartridge 102 will stay substantially still.

[28] Container 121 optionally has depressions 124 (not limited to specific locations) . These are intended for beauty and for improved grip, for example, to help a user apply pressure to hold the container still while pulling out and removing a bag; and to help a user pull sections 122a and 122b apart in order to exchange cartridges. Container 121 also may contain logo 129, such as the word "Sasshy" or another brand name, this helps a user to know easily which refill cartridge to buy, and also provides an advertising opportunity to a manufacturer.

[29] Container 121 has been shown, for example, in Figures 3a and 3b, to be in the shape of a double tapered cylinder, with a center diameter at juncture 128b greater than the diameter at ends 125. This is a preferred embodiment of the invention, as it is smooth to hold and easy to apply leverage to open and close.

Alternately however, container 121 could be in the form of a regular cylinder, with an even diameter throughout the length (measured from one end 125 to the other) [30] In another possibility, container 121 can be a prism, for example having a hexagonal cross section, and an even cross-sectional width (diameter) across the whole container length. In a further possibility, container 121 can be a double tapered prism, such as with a hexagonal cross section, but with a wider cross section at juncture 128b than at ends 125.

[31] With reference now to Figure 4, sections 122a and 122b of container 121 are shown, in a separated position, with an empty cartridge 102 inserted into section 122a. This arrangement represents for example, if bags of roll of bags 108 have all been used from cartridge 102, and the cartridge is now to be removed and replaced with a different cartridge 102.

[32] Aperture 126 is parallel to opening 106 of cartridge 102. In a preferred embodiment, replacement cartridges 102 will be available, preloaded with roll of bags 108, with a protruding portion 110 of a first bag (as shown in Figure 2) already extending from cartridge opening 106. In order to replace cartridges 102, the user can separate sections 122a and 122b from one another, and manually replace cartridge 102. The user will arrange (new) cartridge 102 so that cartridge opening 106 is parallel to container aperture 126, and arrange the protruding portion 110 of a first bag, to extend through both opening 106 and aperture 126.

[33] With reference now to Figure 5, the assembled dispenser is shown in use, this example is shown only for descriptive purposes and not to limit the invention or possible maneuvers in any way. A user grasps container 121 in left hand 152 and pulls on the protruding portion 110 (not shown) of bag 142 with right hand 154. The user pulls until the whole of bag 142 is removed from container 121, and also continues pulling until a protruding portion of second bag 146 is extended through aperture 126. The user tears along perforations 144 if bags 142 and 146 have been joined by perforations. Container 121 is replaced in the pocket or handbag with the protruding portion of second bag 146 still extending, so that bag 146 may easily be removed when required.

[34] With regard to sizes, the length of container 121 is preferably small enough to fit into a pocket or handbag. In a first embodiment, the length is substantially 10cm, measured between ends 125. Equally preferably however, container 121 may instead have a length of anything between 7.5 -12.5cm. Less preferably but also within the scope of the invention, the length of container 121 may be between 5 and 15cm.

[35] In a first embodiment, as described above, container 121 is wider at the center than at ends 125. For example it may have a widest diameter of approximately 36mm.

[36] Container 121 can be fabricated from any material known in the art suitable for its designated functions, for example but not limited to a polyamide with a sprayed metal finish, or of a vacuum metalised acrylonitrile butadiene styrene polymer.

[37] Cartridge 102 can be made with any material known in the art. In a non-limiting example, it may be made of any polymer or a biopolymer. Alternatively, it may be made of a recycled paper pulp product, for example of the type that can be hot pressed. In a preferred embodiment, the cartridge is made of a recycled paper pulp product and further includes an improved surface finish and an embossed logo.

[38] The invention has been described with many details and specificities, however these should not be seen as limiting the scope of the invention in any way, this should be determined only from the appended claims.

Claims

Claims 1. A portable bag dispenser for personal use, comprising a roll of bags, a cartridge, and a container; wherein said roll of bags comprises bags arranged in a roll, and wherein an outermost bag of said roll is most accessible, and wherein said roll of bags has a width w, and; wherein said cartridge comprises a C-shaped tube, for longitudinally housing said roll of bags, wherein said tube is at least of length w, and is open at both ends, and has an opening extending from one end of the tube to the other for allowing a first portion of the outermost bag of said roll to protrude through; and wherein said container is formed from two sections that can be joined together and separated, so that when joined together, a container is formed able to enclose said cartridge, and when separated, said cartridge may be removed from or inserted into said container by a user; and wherein said container comprises: housing around said C-shaped tube; and two ends, for protecting the roll of bags from being displacement through an open end of said cartridge; and a longitudinal aperture in said housing, with a length of at least w, parallel to the opening of said cartridge when inserted, so that a bag protruding through the cartridge opening can protrude through said aperture; and support means on the inside of said container, for distributing the torque applied to said cartridge as a bag is pulled out by a user; and wherein said container length is less than 15cm.
2. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein said container is a cylinder.
3. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein said container is a double tapered cylinder.
4. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein said container is a prism.
5. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein said container is double tapered prism.
6. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein said container comprises depressions around the outside of said housing for improved grip.
7. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein said container has a length of between 7.5 and 12.5cm.
8. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein said container has a length of 10cm.
9. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein said container has a widest diameter of approximately 36mm.
10. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein said container is made of a polyamide with a sprayed metal finish
11. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein said container is made of a polyamide with a sprayed metal-look finish.
12. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein said container is made of vacuum metalised acrylonitrile butadiene styrene polymer.
13. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein said cartridge is made of a recycled paper pulp product.
14. The dispenser of claim 12 wherein said recycled paper pulp product is of the type that can be hot pressed, and wherein said cartridge further comprises an improved surface finish and an embossed logo.
15. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein said cartridge is made of a polymer or a biopolymer.
16. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein said cartridge has a length that is less than the inner length of said housing and is between 6.5 and 11 cm.
17. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein said bags are manufactured in Biothene tm biodegradable polythene.
18. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein the bags of made of an oxo-biodegradable polymer or polyethylene.
19. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein said bags are opaque.
20. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein said bags have a printed design.
21. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein said roll of bags comprises a length of joined bags that have perforations between bags.
22. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein said roll of bags comprises bags whose ends overlap.
23. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein said roll of bags comprises bags that have a press-seal.
24. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein said roll of bags comprises bags that have an adhere-seal.
25. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein said roll of bags comprises bags that have long handles that can be knotted closed.
26. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein said roll of bags comprises bags that are folded in a form selected from the group consisting of: C folded, double gate folded, letter folded, or barrel folded.
27. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein said support comprises protrusions from the inside of said housing defining boundaries of said cartridge, for holding said cartridge firmly in radial and axial alignment with said container.