US20090060397A1

US20090060397A1 - Disposal bag for diapers and other refuse and method

Info

Publication number: US20090060397A1
Application number: US11/847,057
Authority: US
Inventors: James Allegro, Jr.
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-08-29
Filing date: 2007-08-29
Publication date: 2009-03-05

Abstract

A disposal bag (1) having a rear panel (9) having a front face (22) and a rear face (23), a bottom edge (13) and at least two side edges (14) and a front panel (6) connected to the rear panel (9) along the edges (13 and 14) to form a pocket (15). A flap (7) extends from the rear panel (9) and has located thereon an adhesive (21) to permit a user to removably secure the disposal bag (1) to a surface (3), such as the surface of a diaper changing table (2). Designs (5) and/or indicia (20) may be located on the front and/or rear panels (6 and/or 9) of the disposal bag (1). To use, a person first secures the adhesive (21) to a surface (3). Then, the user places trash (24), which may be soiled diapers (16) and/or other refuse (10), into the pocket (15). The user then detaches the adhesive (21) from the surface (3) and seals the adhesive (21) to the front panel (9) to enclose the trash (24) within the disposal bag (1).

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to disposal bags, more specifically, a disposal bag for diapers and other refuse and method that permits a user to quickly and easily discard a soiled diaper and/or other refuse.
When caring for a baby, changing diapers is oftentimes the most dreaded and disliked activity of all. Not only is one dealing with human waste, which is inherently unsanitary, but is doing so on a frequent basis, oftentimes up to twelve times a day when caring for a newborn.
In addition, the baby being changed oftentimes dislikes the diaper changing act as much as the person doing the changing as the baby is exposed to air cooler than he/she prefers. Moreover, the baby especially dislikes being maneuvered during diaper changing when he/she is tired.
To change a baby, a person must first obtain a clean diaper and place the baby on a flat surface for changing, which is usually a diaper changing table that is elevated a predetermined distance above a floor surface. Then, the soiled diaper is removed and usually the baby is cleaned. The clean diaper is then placed onto the baby and is secured. Finally, the soiled diaper is discarded into a diaper disposal device, diaper disposal pail or other disposal device, which is usually located near the diaper changing area.
Due to the stress on both the caregiver and baby, many caregivers attempt to make the diaper changing process as quickly as possible so as to minimize the stress on both the caregiver and the baby. However, disposal of the soiled diaper is usually a “two-handed” task as many diaper disposal devices and pails require lifting of a lid with one hand and twisting or holding of the diaper disposal device with another hand. As the caregiver should always maintain at least one hand on the baby during diaper changing sessions, the caregiver should place the baby back into his/her crib or onto a safe area and then dispose of the soiled diaper, thus making the diaper changing process even longer. Although some caregivers attempt to leave the baby on the diaper changing table in order to “quickly” dispose of the soiled diaper and return to the baby, such is never advisable as the baby may roll off the changing table and become injured. As a general rule, at least one hand should always remain on the baby whenever the changing his/her diaper.
Thus, there exists a need for a disposal bag for diapers and other refuse and method that permits a user to safely, quickly and easily discard a soiled diaper and/or other refuse with one hand while permitting a user to maintain the other hand on a baby or have the other hand free.
The relevant prior art includes the following patents:


Patent No.
(U.S. unless stated otherwise)	Inventor	Issue Date

5,887,942	Allegro, Jr.	Mar. 30, 1999
2002/0029546	Gould	Mar. 14, 2002
2006/0280385	McGinnis	Dec. 14, 2006
2,861,735	Faltin	Nov. 25, 1958
4,513,445	Kamp	Apr. 23, 1985
Des. 391,846	Triggs	Mar. 10, 1998
5,913,606	Nicholson	Jun. 22, 1999
4,154,323	Sneider	May 15, 1979
3,214,080	Wolfson	Oct. 26, 1965

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The primary object of the present invention is to provide a disposal bag for diapers and other refuse and method that permits a user to discard a soiled diaper and/or other refuse with one hand while permitting the user to maintain the other hand on a baby or have the other hand free.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a disposal bag for diapers and other refuse and method that is easy to use.
An even further object of the present invention is to provide a disposal bag for diapers and other refuse and method that permits a user to quickly discard a soiled diaper.
An even further object of the present invention is to provide a disposal bag for diapers and other refuse and method that permits a user to quickly discard refuse.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a disposal bag for diapers and other refuse and method that is convenient to use.
An even further object of the present invention is to provide a disposal bag for diapers and other refuse and method that promotes safety.
The present invention fulfills the above and other objects by providing a disposal bag for diapers and other refuse having a rear panel having a front face and a rear face of a predetermined size and shape, a bottom edge and at least two side edges and a front panel of a predetermined size and shape connected to the rear panel along the bottom and side edges to form a pocket. A flap extends a predetermined distance from the rear panel and has located thereon a securing means to permit a user to removably secure the diaper disposal bag to a surface. The securing means may be located on the rear panel front face or rear panel rear face. In addition, designs and/or indicia may be located on the front and/or rear panels of the diaper disposal bag.
To use the disposal bag of the present invention, a person first secures the securing means to a surface, which may be the topside, underside or side of a diaper changing table or to any surface in general. Then, the user places a predetermined amount of trash, which may be soiled diapers and/or other refuse, into the pocket. The user then detaches the securing means from the surface and seals the securing means to the front panel to enclose the trash within the diaper disposal bag.
The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention should become even more readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawings wherein there is shown and described illustrative embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following detailed description, reference will be made to the attached drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a disposal bag of the present invention secured to a diaper changing table;

FIG. 2 is a front view of a disposal bag of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of a disposal bag of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the disposal bag of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a side plan view of the disposal bag of the present invention secured to an underside of a surface;

FIG. 6 is a side plan view of the disposal bag of the present invention secured to a topside of a surface;

FIG. 7 is a rear view of an alternate disposal bag of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a side view of the alternate disposal bag of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a side plan view of the alternate disposal bag of the present invention secured to an underside of a surface;

FIG. 10 is a side plan view of the alternate disposal bag of the present invention secured to a topside of a surface;

FIG. 11 is a side plan view of the alternate disposal bag of the present invention secured to a side of a surface;

FIG. 12 is a side plan view of the disposal bag of the present invention having an alternate securing means secured to a side of a surface;

FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of the disposal bag of the present invention having an alternate securing means;

FIG. 14 is a front plan view of the disposal bag of the present invention secured to a headrest; and

FIG. 15 is a side plan view of the sealed disposal bag of the present invention containing soiled diapers and refuse.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

For purposes of describing the preferred embodiment, the terminology used in reference to the numbered components in the drawings is as follows:
1. disposal bag, generally 15. pocket
2. diaper changing table 16. soiled diaper
3. surface 17. topside
4. changing pad 18. underside
5. design 19. headrest
6. front panel 20. indicia
7. flap 21. adhesive
8. covering 22. front face
9. rear panel 23. baby
10. refuse 24. trash
11. securing means 25. side
12. rear face 26. hook type material
13. bottom edge 27. loop type material
14. side edge
With reference to FIG. 1, a front perspective view of a disposal bag of the present invention secured to a diaper changing table is shown. The disposal bag, generally 1, is secured to a surface 3 to permit a user to safely, quickly and easily discard trash 24, such as soiled diapers 16 and/or other refuse 10, within the disposal bag 1 as shown in FIGS. 5, 6, 9, 10 and 12. Preferably, the disposal bag 1 is secured to a surface 3 of a diaper changing table 2 so as to be conveniently located adjacent to a changing pad 4 utilized in the diaper changing process. The disposal bag 1 may include at least one design 5 located thereon to give the disposal bag 1 an aesthetically-pleasing appearance. The disposal bag 1 includes a pocket 15 for the acceptance and retention of soiled diapers 16 and/or other refuse 10 within the disposal bag 1. In this manner, a person may remove a soiled diaper from a baby 23 and discard the soiled diaper into the nearby disposal bag 1 without having to use both hands for the discarding of the trash 24. Thus, a person may retain one hand on the baby 23 at all times or, in the alternative, have the other hand free.
Next, FIG. 2 shows a front view of a disposal bag of the present invention. The disposal bag 1 includes a front panel 6 of a predetermined size and shape and a rear panel 9 of a predetermined size and shape wherein a flap 7 extends a predetermined distance from the rear panel 9. The rear panel 9 includes a bottom edge 13 and two opposing side edges 13 which join together with the front panel 6 to form a pocket 15 for the acceptance and retention of trash. A removable covering 8 masks a predetermined amount of securing means 11, which is preferably adhesive 21, located on the flap 7. The adhesive 21 is of such a composition that it will not leave a residue on the surface 3 it is secured thereto, but will withstand holding a predetermined amount weight within the disposal bag 1 when secured to a surface 3. In addition to a design 5 or in lieu thereof, at least one indicia 20, which may be a brand name, logo, advertisement or other word(s) or design(s), may be located on the front panel 6 of the disposal bag 1.
With respect to FIG. 3, a top perspective view of a disposal bag of the present invention is shown. The disposal bag 1 is flexible so as to encompass a predetermined amount of trash 24 therein, such as soiled diapers 16 and/or refuse 10 (as shown in FIGS. 5, 6, 9, 10 and 12). The rear panel 9 includes a front face 22 that is adjacent to the front panel 6 when the disposal bag 1 is empty.
FIG. 4 shows a side view of the disposal bag of the present invention. The disposal bag 1 has a rear panel 9 secured along its bottom edge 13 and side edges 14 to a front panel 6 so as to form a pocket 15 for acceptance of various items. The rear panel 9 has a front face 22 and a rear face 12 wherein the front face 22 is nearest to the front panel 6. The flap 7 extends from the rear panel 9 a predetermined distance and includes a securing means 11 located on the rear panel 9 front face 22.
Next, FIG. 5 shows a side plan view of the disposal bag of the present invention secured to an underside of a surface. The disposal bag 1 is secured to a surface 3 having a topside 17 and an underside 18. When the securing means 11 is secured to the underside 18, the flap7 is substantially located on the underside 18 of the surface 3 and the disposal bag 1 is suspended from the surface 3. Because the front panel 6 faces away from the surface 3 while the rear panel 9 faces towards the surface 3, the pocket 15 is accessible for a person to insert trash 24, such as a soiled diaper 16 or any other refuse 10 therein, quickly and easily.
In the alternative, FIG. 6 shows a side plan view of the disposal bag of the present invention secured to a topside of a surface. The disposal bag 1 is secured to the topside 17 of the surface 3 such that the flap 7 is folded over itself in order to permit the securing means 11 to be secured to the topside 17 of the surface 3. Once again, however, because the front panel 6 faces away from the surface 3 while the rear panel 9 faces towards the surface 3, the pocket 15 is accessible for a person to insert trash 24, such as a soiled diaper 16 or any other refuse 10 therein, quickly and easily.
With reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, varying views of an alternate disposal bag of the present invention are shown. The disposal bag 1 includes a front panel 6 and a rear panel 9 secured to one another along the bottom edge 13 and side edges 14, a flap7 and a securing means 11 as disclosed above; however, the securing means 11 is located on the rear face 12 of the rear panel 9 as opposed to the front face 22.
Next, FIGS. 9, 10 and 11 show side views of the alternate disposal bag of the present invention secured to various locations on a surface. The disposal bag 1 may be secured to the topside 17, underside 18 or side 25 of a surface 3. Once again, however, because the front panel 6 faces away from the surface 3 while the rear panel 9 faces towards the surface 3, the pocket 15 is accessible for a person to insert trash 24, such as a soiled diaper 16 or any other refuse 10 therein, quickly and easily.
FIG. 12 shows a side plan view of the disposal bag of the present invention having an alternate securing means secured to a side of a surface. The disposal bag 1 has a securing means 11 which may be loop type material 27 which is removably attachable to a hook type material 26 located on the surface 3.
Next, FIG. 13 shows a top perspective view of the disposal bag of the present invention having an alternate securing means. Rather than having the securing means 11 being adhesive 21, the securing means 11 may be hook and loop type material 26 and 27 wherein the loop type material 27 is preferably located on the flap 7 and the hook type material 26 is preferably located on the front panel 6. In this manner, a user is able to removably secure the disposal bag 1 to a surface having a corresponding loop type material 26 located thereon and seal the disposal bag 1 by sealing the hook type material 27 to the loop type material 26 located on the front panel 6. In the alternative, the loop type material 26 may be located on the flap 27 and the hook type material 27 may be located on the front panel 6 and the surface 3 (not shown). Moreover, alternate securing means 11, including but not limited to buttons, snaps and zippers, may be utilized.
With respect to FIG. 14, a front plan view of the disposal bag of the present invention secured to a vehicle headrest 19 is shown. Although the disposal bag 1 is preferably secured to a surface 3 of a diaper changing table 2, the disposal bag 1 may be secured to any surface 3, including the surface 3 of a headrest 19 in a vehicle, the surface 3 of a vehicle dashboard (not shown), the surface 3 a wall (not shown), the surface 3 of a countertop or any other surface 3 wherein one desires to place a disposal bag 1 for disposal of trash 24, such as soiled diapers 16 and/or other refuse 10.
Finally, FIG. 15 shows a side plan view of the sealed disposal bag of the present invention containing soiled diapers and refuse therein. After securing the disposal bag 1 to a surface 3 and once a predetermined amount of trash 24, such as soiled diapers 16 and/or refuse 10, is located within the pocket 15 of the disposal bag 1, the disposal bag 1 is detached from the surface 3 and sealed by securing the securing means 11 onto the front panel 6. Once the soiled diapers 16 and/or refuse 10 is/are enclosed within the pocket 15, the disposal bag 1 may be thrown out in a conventional garbage can. Then, a person may secure a new disposal bag 1 onto the surface 3 for future use.
Because the disposal bag 1 of the present invention permits a person to access the pocket 15 quickly and easily, he/she may use only one hand when discarding trash 24, such as a soiled diaper 16 and/or refuse 10, and sealing the disposal bag 1 shut. In addition, because the disposal bag 1 is sealed closed, the odors from the trash 24 is minimized.
To assist in the reduction of odors, the disposal bag 1 may include fragrance or an odor-killing substance. Moreover, the disposal bag 1 may be made of a biodegradable material so as to be environmentally friendly.
The use of the present invention will allow a person to safely, quickly and easily discard a soiled diaper and/or other refuse with one hand while permitting a user to maintain the other hand on a baby or, in the alternative, have the other hand free.
It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement of parts herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and drawings.

Claims

1. A disposal bag securable to a surface for collecting diapers and other refuse therein, said disposal bag comprising:

a rear panel having a predetermined size and shape;

said rear panel having a front face and a rear face;

a bottom edge located on said rear panel;

at least two side edges located on said rear panel;

a flap extending from said rear panel a predetermined distance;

a front panel having a predetermined size and shape;

an pocket formed by said front panel being secured to said rear panel along said bottom edge and said at least two side edges; and

a securing means located on said flap wherein said securing means is removably attachable to a surface.

2. The disposal bag of claim 1 further comprising:

a removable covering located on said securing means.

3. The disposal bag of claim 1 further comprising:

at least one design located on said front panel.

4. The disposal bag of claim 2 further comprising:

at least one design located on said front panel.

5. The disposal bag of claim 1 further comprising:

at least one indicia located on said front panel.

6. The disposal bag of claim 2 further comprising:

at least one design located on said front panel.

7. The disposal bag of claim 3 further comprising:

at least one design located on said front panel.

8. The disposal bag of claim 4 further comprising:

at least one design located on said front panel.

9. The disposal bag of claim 1 wherein:

said securing means is adhesive.

10. The disposal bag of claim 2 wherein:

said securing means is adhesive.

11. The disposal bag of claim 1 wherein:

said securing means is hook type material.

12. The disposal bag of claim 11 further comprising:

at least one loop type material located on said front panel.

13. The disposal bag of claim 1 wherein:

said securing means is a loop type material.

14. The disposal bag of claim 13 further comprising:

at least one loop type material located on said front panel.

15. The disposal bag of claim 1 wherein:

said surface is an underside of a diaper changing table.

16. The disposal bag of claim 1 wherein:

said surface is a topside of a diaper changing table.

17. The disposal bag of claim 1 wherein:

said surface is a side of a diaper changing table.

18. The disposal bag of claim 2 wherein:

said surface is an underside of a diaper changing table.

19. The disposal bag of claim 2 wherein:

said surface is a topside of a diaper changing table.

20. The disposal bag of claim 2 wherein:

said surface is a side of a diaper changing table.

21. The disposal bag of claim 1 wherein:

said surface is a headrest.

22. The disposal bag of claim 2 wherein:

said surface is a headrest.

23. The disposal bag of claim 1 wherein:

said at least one securing means is located on said flap rear panel front face.

24. The disposal bag of claim 1 wherein:

said at least one securing means is located on said flap rear panel rear face.

25. A disposal bag securable to a surface for collecting diapers and other refuse therein, said disposal bag comprising:

a rear panel having a predetermined size and shape;

said rear panel having a front face and a rear face;

a bottom edge located on said rear panel;

at least two side edges located on said rear panel;

a flap extending from said rear panel a predetermined distance;

a front panel having a predetermined size and shape;

an pocket formed by said front panel being secured to said rear panel along said bottom edge and said at least two side edges;

a predetermined amount of adhesive located on said flap wherein said adhesive is removably attachable to a surface of a diaper changing table; and

a removable covering located on said adhesive.

26. The disposal bag of claim 25 wherein:

said surface is an underside of a diaper changing table.

27. The disposal bag of claim 25 wherein:

said surface is a topside of a diaper changing table.

28. The disposal bag of claim 25 wherein:

said surface is a side of a diaper changing table.

29. The disposal bag of claim 25 further comprising:

at least one indicia located on said front panel.

30. The disposal bag of claim 25 further comprising:

at least one design located on said front panel.

31. The disposal bag of claim 29 further comprising:

at least one design located on said front panel.

32. The disposal bag of claim 29 wherein:

said at least one adhesive is located on said flap rear panel front face.

33. The disposal bag of claim 29 wherein:

said at least one adhesive is located on said flap rear panel rear face.

34. A method for using a disposal bag securable to a surface for collecting diapers and other refuse therein, said disposal bag comprising a rear panel having a predetermined size and shape; said rear panel having a front face and a rear face; a bottom edge located on said rear panel; at least two side edges located on said rear panel; a flap extending from said rear panel a predetermined distance; a front panel having a predetermined size and shape; an pocket formed by said front panel being secured to said rear panel along said bottom edge and said at least two side edges; and a securing means located on said flap wherein said securing means is removably attachable to a surface, said method comprising the steps of:

a. securing said securing means to a surface;

b. placing a predetermined amount of trash into said pocket;

c. detaching said securing means from said surface; and

d. sealing said securing means to said front panel to enclose said predetermined amount of trash within said pocket.

35. The method of claim 34 wherein:

said surface is a diaper changing table.

36. The method of claim 34 wherein:

said securing means is secured to an underside of said surface.

37. The method of claim 34 wherein:

said securing means is secured to a topside of said surface.

38. The method of claim 34 wherein:

said securing means is secured to a side of said surface.

39. The method of claim 35 wherein:

said securing means is secured to an underside of said diaper changing table.

40. The method of claim 36 wherein:

said securing means is secured to a topside of said diaper changing table.

41. The method of claim 36 wherein:

said securing means is secured to a side of said diaper changing table.

42. The method of claim 34 wherein:

said surface is a headrest.