US20090154842A1 - Disposal Bag Support System - Google Patents
Disposal Bag Support System Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20090154842A1 US20090154842A1 US11/956,548 US95654807A US2009154842A1 US 20090154842 A1 US20090154842 A1 US 20090154842A1 US 95654807 A US95654807 A US 95654807A US 2009154842 A1 US2009154842 A1 US 2009154842A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- frame
- bags
- bag
- disposal
- open end
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D33/00—Details of, or accessories for, sacks or bags
- B65D33/001—Blocks, stacks or like assemblies of bags
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B67/00—Apparatus or devices facilitating manual packaging operations; Sack holders
- B65B67/12—Sack holders, i.e. stands or frames with means for supporting sacks in the open condition to facilitate filling with articles or materials
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65F—GATHERING OR REMOVAL OF DOMESTIC OR LIKE REFUSE
- B65F1/00—Refuse receptacles; Accessories therefor
- B65F1/04—Refuse receptacles; Accessories therefor with removable inserts
- B65F1/06—Refuse receptacles; Accessories therefor with removable inserts with flexible inserts, e.g. bags or sacks
- B65F1/062—Refuse receptacles; Accessories therefor with removable inserts with flexible inserts, e.g. bags or sacks having means for storing or dispensing spare bags
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B67/00—Apparatus or devices facilitating manual packaging operations; Sack holders
- B65B67/12—Sack holders, i.e. stands or frames with means for supporting sacks in the open condition to facilitate filling with articles or materials
- B65B2067/1294—Holders for multiple sacks
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65F—GATHERING OR REMOVAL OF DOMESTIC OR LIKE REFUSE
- B65F2210/00—Equipment of refuse receptacles
- B65F2210/102—Absorbing means
- B65F2210/1026—Absorbing means for smelling substances
Definitions
- Waste disposal bins are common in most commercial and residential environments that people encounter on a daily basis. They can be found in office buildings, retail spaces, public restrooms, and in the bathrooms, kitchens and offices of most homes. To keep such reusable bins clean, and to aid in the ultimate disposal of the waste contained by such bins, it is a common practice to place a trash bag or liner in the bin. When the bag or liner is filled with waste, it is removed, and a new bag or liner is placed in the bin.
- the use of such waste bags or liners often present problems that can defeat the purpose of their use.
- waste can end up in the bin rather than in the bag.
- sanitary napkin disposal bins commonly used in public restroom facilities use paper, wax-coated paper, cellophane or plastic bags which are loosely placed in the bins.
- Plastic bags even when placed over the upper edge of the bin, often slip down into the bin when the bag becomes filled. Paper and/or cellophane bags frequently collapse or fold inward, allowing sanitary products and other waste to fall between the bag and a wall of the bin, thereby soiling the bin.
- the term “waste” 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. The term “waste” may be used interchangeably with the term “refuse.”
- sanitary products includes, but is 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.
- fasteners refers to 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.
- Couple includes, but is not limited to, joining, connecting, fastening, linking, or associating two things integrally or interstitially together.
- configure 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; one may configure a computer by setting the system's parameters.
- 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.
- alignment refers to the spatial property possessed by an arrangement or position of things in a straight line or in parallel lines.
- 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.”
- waste disposal bin refers to a unit provided in a commercial or residential setting which is configured to receive waste.
- waste disposal bins 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.
- sanitary disposal unit refers to a unit provided on or in a wall or other structure of a public restroom, which is configured to receive sanitary products.
- an improved disposal bag system for disposing of waste.
- Such a system would desirably be configured so that the disposal bag(s) did not slip down into the bin, resulting in waste being deposited between the bag(s) and the wall of the bin.
- such a system would provide a structure to hold bags in place within the bin.
- it would be desirable that such a system provide a new empty disposal bag upon removal of a used disposal bag.
- such a disposal bag system provide the user with additional functionalities to enhance the shipping and storage of the system, enhance the operation of the system, and improve the system in use.
- the present disclosure is directed to a disposal bag support system.
- the system includes a disposable tubular frame and a plurality of bags coupled to the frame.
- the frame is made of a plurality of panels that define an interior space and that is open on both ends. Additionally, the frame is configured to hold one of the bags in an open position, making the bag ready to receive waste.
- the plurality of bags are positioned within the interior space such that the bodies of the bags are protected by the panels of the frame.
- the frame may be collapsible.
- the present disclosure is also directed to a system for disposal of waste adapted for use within an existing waste disposal bin.
- the system includes a frame and a plurality of bags coupled to the frame.
- the frame has a flattened storage configuration and may be manipulated into an erected disposal configuration.
- the bags may be positioned within an interior space of the frame such that the frame substantially protects the bags.
- the frame In the erected disposal configuration, the frame is capable of holding one of the bags in an open position, making the bag ready to receive waste.
- Such a frame is adapted for use with an existing waste disposal bin. In its erected disposal configuration within the waste disposal bin, the frame prevents waste from falling between the frame and the interior walls of the bin.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a disposal bag support system, in a flattened storage configuration, according to the present disclosure
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the disposal bag support system of FIG. 1 , in an erected disposal configuration
- FIG. 3A is a top view of the system of FIG. 1 , with the plurality of bags removed from the interior space of the frame;
- FIG. 3B is a bottom view of the system of FIG. 1 , with the plurality of bags within the interior space of the frame;
- FIG. 3C is a top view of the system of FIG. 2 , with the plurality of bags removed from the interior space of the frame;
- FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a disposal bag support system in a flattened storage configuration prior to being manipulated into its erected disposal configuration, according to the present disclosure
- FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the system of FIG. 4A manipulated into its erected disposal configuration for insertion into an existing waste disposal bin (shown in phantom lines);
- FIG. 4C is a perspective view of the system of FIGS. 4A and 4B , held in its erected disposal configuration within a waste disposal bin (shown in phantom lines) and with a bag held in an open position ready to receive waste; and
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a disposal bag support system according to the present disclosure.
- the system of disposal of the present disclosure may be used for any waste disposal needs.
- the present disclosure discusses and illustrates the system in terms of the specific needs and application for use in sanitary product disposal and other specific waste disposal applications.
- such examples are not intended to be limiting.
- Such concepts are applicable to not only to the specific waste disposal applications discussed, but also to any waste disposal application that relies on refuse bags.
- a plurality of bags 50 are provided coupled to a frame 20 that is adapted to fit within an existing waste disposal bin 80 .
- the system 10 initially may be in a flattened storage configuration 12 with the bags 50 protected inside the frame 20 .
- the system 10 in the flattened storage configuration 12 may then be manipulated to put the system 10 in its erected disposal configuration 14 .
- Such manipulation may be any type of action that reconfigures the frame 20 from its flattened storage configuration 12 to its erected disposal configuration.
- such manipulation may be the application of force along the direction as indicated by the arrows 100 in FIGS. 4A and 4B .
- the system 10 may then be placed in an existing waste disposal bin 80 , as illustrated in FIGS. 4B and 4C .
- the frame 20 is adapted to fit within existing waste disposal bins 80 such that waste does not fall between the frame 20 and the interior walls 82 of the waste disposal bin 80 .
- the system 10 shown in FIGS. 4A , 4 B, and 4 C is held in its erected disposal configuration 14 , with the first bag 51 in its open position 60 , by the interior walls 82 of the waste disposal bin 80 .
- the opening 54 of the first bag 51 of the plurality of bags 50 may be pulled over the first periphery 34 of the frame 20 to put the first bag 51 in its open position 60 , as shown in FIG. 4C .
- the first bag 51 In its open position 60 , the first bag 51 is able to receive any waste that is disposed.
- the first bag 51 When the first bag 51 is filled, it may be removed from the plurality of bags 50 and frame 20 and the next bag is then available for disposal of waste.
- the frame 20 is made of a plurality of panels coupled to each other along their edges to provide the frame 20 with a generally tubular form.
- the frame 20 has a first open end 32 at the upper end of the frame 20 .
- the upper edges of the panels of the frame 20 define a first periphery 34 that circumscribes the first open end 32 of the frame 20 .
- the first periphery 34 may circumscribe the first open end 32 at a single vertical level or, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the first periphery 34 may include multiple vertical levels, as dictated by the upper edges of the panels that make up the particular frame 20 .
- the frame 20 has a second open end 36 present at the lower end of the frame 20 , opposite the first open end 32 .
- the lower edges of the panels of the frame 20 define a second periphery 38 that circumscribes the second open end 36 of the frame 20 .
- the second periphery 38 may circumscribe the second open end 36 at a single vertical level, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , or it may include multiple vertical levels, as dictated by the lower edges of the panels that make up the particular frame 20 .
- the front panels 22 are separated by lines of weakness 44 .
- Such lines of weakness 44 may be creases, lines of perforations, areas of weakened materials, scoring, or any other weakening, or combination of such weaknesses that allows the panels to fold or bend along such a line 44 .
- Such bending or folding along the lines of weakness 44 allow the frame 20 to be manipulated into a different overall shape or configuration.
- the left front panel 22 c , the center front panel 22 a , and the right front panel 22 b all form the front face of the frame 20 and the side panel 24 makes up the side of the frame 20 .
- the lines of weakness 44 allow the frame 20 to bend along the lines 44 such that the frame 20 may be manipulated into the erected disposal configuration 14 , as shown in FIG. 2 .
- the center front panel 22 a makes up the front face of the frame 20
- the right front panel 22 b , the side panel 24 , and a rear panel 26 (not visible in FIG. 1 ) make up a side of the frame 20 .
- the panels 22 , 24 , 26 may be separate panels that are joined along their edges such that the joint between panels makes up the lines of weakness 44 . It is more preferred that the frame 20 be made from a single, contiguous sheet material that is folded into a tubular frame 20 structure. However, it is contemplated that a combination of such construction methods may be used to construct the frame 20 of the present disclosure.
- the frame 20 of the system 10 may be adapted to fit within the waste disposal bin 80 with which the system 10 is to be used. That is, the frame 20 may be sized and shaped appropriately to fit the size and shape of a particular waste disposal bin 80 . When properly fit within the waste disposal bin 80 , the system 10 will prevent refuse from falling between the frame 20 and the interior side walls 82 of the waste disposal bin 80 .
- the frame 20 may be generally rectangular in shape.
- the frame 20 may be any size and shape as is appropriate for a particular waste disposal bin 80 .
- the frame 20 may be rectangular, square, elliptical, circular, or any other shape, symmetrical or asymmetrical, that is desired to fit into a particular shape of waste disposal bin 80 .
- the frame 20 may include a multitude of such lines of weakness 44 , forming a greater number of slimmer panels 122 , such that the frame 20 may be adapted to fit within a variety of waste disposal bin 80 shapes.
- the frame 20 may be of a size and shape to fit within a waste disposal bin 80 ; 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 a frame 20 may be configured, sized and shaped to work with an existing waste disposal bin 80 or possibly replace such a waste disposal bin 80 .
- the frame 20 may also be configured to conform to the interior walls 82 of a particular waste disposal bin 80 . Such conformation may simply be accomplished by matching the width of frame panels and placement of lines of weakness 44 to the appropriate dimensions and shape of a particular bin 80 .
- such conformation include a frame 20 configuration, as shown in FIGS. 4A , 4 B, and 4 C, where the frame is structurally biased to the flattened storage configuration 12 .
- force 100 must be applied to manipulate the frame 20 into its erect disposal configuration 14 .
- Continued application of such force 100 is necessary to maintain the erect disposal configuration 14 until the frame 20 is inserted into the bin 80 .
- the interior walls 82 of the bin 80 prevent the frame 20 from returning to its base flattened storage configuration 12 .
- the biased configuration of the frame 20 may be accomplished through a particular configuration of panels, placement of lines of weakness 44 , types of lines of weakness 44 , or combinations thereof. Such a configuration may also include the use of frame materials, such as some plastics, that would naturally conform to the general shape of an existing waste disposal bin 80 . One skilled in the art would understand how such construction variables may be easily configured in various ways to provide such a frame 20 that would conform to an existing waste disposal bin 80 .
- the plurality of panels form the tubular structure of the frame 20 , with a first open end 32 , an second open end 36 , and an interior space 30 between the opposing open ends 32 , 36 .
- the frame 20 may be designed such that when in its flattened storage configuration 12 the interior space 30 of the frame 20 is just large enough to store and protect the plurality of bags 50 . This is shown in perspective view of FIG. 1 and in the bottom view (looking up through the second open end 36 ) of FIG. 3B .
- Such a design minimizes the amount of frame material used and provides a substantially flat system 10 that may be efficiently shipped and conveniently stored.
- the frame 20 to protect the plurality of bags 50 from any potential damage during shipping or storage.
- the plurality of bags 50 may be coupled to the frame 20 on the interior or exterior surface of the frame 20 .
- the frame 20 illustrated in FIGS. 1 , 2 , 3 A, 3 B and 3 C, show the bags 50 coupled to the exterior of the frame 20 by fasteners 64 .
- the bags 50 are then flipped over the top of the frame 20 and into the first open end 32 to reside in the interior space 30 .
- the frames 20 illustrated in FIGS. 4A , 4 B, 4 C and 5 show the plurality of bags coupled the interior surface of the frame 20 . In either case, the bags 50 lie substantially within the interior space 30 , protected by the panels that constitute the frame 20 .
- the detachable section 58 of the bags 50 is attached on the rear of the frame 20 and extends over the first periphery 34 and into the interior space 30 of the frame 20 . While the detachable sections 58 of the bags 50 are exposed outside the frame 20 , the vast majority of the body 52 of the bags 50 is protected within the interior space 30 of the frame 20 ; the bags 50 are substantially protected by the frame. Without the protection of the frame 20 , the plurality of bags 50 (or individual bags of the plurality) may be soiled, torn, snagged, or otherwise damaged during shipping. Such damage may result in wasted bags or may require the use of extraneous packaging that is not necessary in the presently disclosed frame 20 .
- FIGS. 1 and 2 and FIGS. 3A and 3C illustrate the increase in size of the interior space 30 by manipulation of the frame 20 from the flattened storage configuration 12 and the erected disposal configuration 14 .
- Another way of looking at the increase in the interior space 30 is to consider the area circumscribed by the peripheries 34 , 38 of the open ends 32 , 36 .
- FIGS. 3A and 3C both illustrate a top view of the frame 20 looking down on the first periphery 34 .
- the plurality of bags 50 in both FIGS. 3A and 3C are shown as removed from their ultimate position within the interior space 30 of the frame 20 .
- the first area is defined as the area circumscribed the first periphery 34 , it is obvious that the first area increases dramatically when the frame 20 is manipulated from a flattened storage configuration 12 ( FIG. 3A ) to an erected disposal configuration 14 ( FIG. 3C ).
- the frame 20 may include additional features that aid in its operation.
- the frame 20 may be tapered from the first open end 32 down to the second open end 36 .
- the second periphery 38 would be smaller than the first periphery 34 ; the first area defined by the first periphery 34 would be greater than the second area defined by the second periphery 38 .
- the frame 20 may include a frame extension 46 to help couple the opening 54 of an individual bag 51 to the first periphery 34 and hold the bag 51 in its open position 60 during the disposal of waste.
- a frame extension 46 may be a contiguous extension of the panels 22 or it may be an additional piece of material attached to the frame 20 .
- the frame extension 46 may be designed to extend slightly higher than the upper rim of the waste disposal bin 80 to further aid in the positioning of a bag 51 while the frame 20 is within the particular bin 80 .
- Such a frame extension 46 may rise up along first periphery 34 higher than the rest of the periphery 34 or, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , may be a segment along the periphery 34 that is separated from the rest of the periphery 34 by segments of the periphery 34 that are at a lower height.
- the frame extension 46 may have a useful or unique shape, such as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 .
- the bags 50 may be designed to take advantage of such frame extensions 46 .
- the bags 50 may include a downward-facing pocket 56 near the opening 54 of each bag. Such a pocket 56 may then be configured to snugly fit upon the frame extension 46 to keep the bag 51 in a open position 60 during waste disposal.
- the frame 20 may include additional features that assist in holding a bag 51 in the open position 60 on the frame 20 while the system 10 is in use.
- One such feature may be the inclusion of one or more notches 48 , close to the first open end 32 .
- notches 48 are present on either side of the frame extension 46 proximate to the first periphery 34 .
- the notches 48 are within the face of the panels 122 themselves.
- the opening 54 of a bag 51 held over the first periphery 34 may be secured by insertion of the opening 54 into the notches 48 .
- the frame 20 may be made from any material that is appropriate to couple with and support the plurality of bags 50 of the system 10 . It is intended that the frame 20 will be disposable and that the materials used to make the frame 20 will be appropriate for such disposal. Typically, the frame 20 will be made from corrugate, heavy paper cardstock or plastic, however, the frame 20 may be made from any material that will support the plurality of bags 50 .
- the term “disposable” refers to frames 20 that are so relatively inexpensive to the consumer that they may be discarded if they become soiled or otherwise unusable after only one or a few uses. It is intended that the frame 20 will be disposed when all of the bags 50 have been utilized and removed from the frame 20 . However, the frame 20 may be made to accept refill sets of bags such that a single frame 20 may be used for multiple sets of bag bundles 50 . For such a refillable frame 20 , the frame 20 would still be made of materials that would be economical for a user to dispose of the frame 20 , rather than clean it or repair it, if it became soiled or needed repair.
- the bags 50 are coupled to the frame 20 and are individually removable when filled. Bags 50 are coupled to the frame 20 by any means as is known in the art to attach bags 50 to the frame 20 .
- the bags 50 may be adhered to each other and the last bag adhered to the frame 20 .
- the bags 50 may be thermally sealed to the frame 20 .
- the bags 50 may be attached to the frame 20 by fasteners 64 , such as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3C .
- the bags 50 may be coupled by any type of fastener 64 that is appropriate for the materials used for the bags 50 and the frame 20 . Any of such attachment methods or means may be used individually or in combination.
- the bags 50 may have perforations 62 , as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , such that an individual bag may be torn from the plurality of bags 50 without disturbing the attachment of the plurality of bags 50 with the frame 20 .
- the bags 50 may include a detachable section 58 coupled with the body 52 of the bag along a line of perforations 62 .
- the detachable sections 58 of each of the bags 50 may be the portion of the bags 50 that is coupled to the frame 20 and would remain with the frame 20 after the individual bags 51 are removed.
- the bags 50 may be made of any material that is appropriate for the application and the waste that is typically to be disposed of in such bags.
- bags or waste receptacle liners are made from plastics such as polyethylene (LDPE, LLDPE), polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and other similar materials.
- the bags 50 may be made of a single ply of material or may be made from multiple plies of similar or dissimilar materials. Additionally, the bags 50 may be made from composites of films, nonwoven materials, woven materials, or combinations thereof.
- the bags 50 may incorporate elastic materials.
- the bags 50 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 bags 50 may be attached to the frame 20 in a nested configuration.
- a nested configuration refers to the bags being situated such that all but an outermost bag is fitted inside another of the plurality of bags 50 .
- the plurality of bags 50 would then be held in an open position 60 such that the innermost bag would be exposed at the first open end 32 of the system 10 .
- Subsequent bag(s) would be sequentially fitted around the innermost bag in a nested configuration.
- the bag is removed from the frame 20 and the subsequent bag is then available for use as it is held open by the frame 20 .
- All of the bags of the plurality of bags 50 may be the same type of bags or different types of bags may be present within the plurality.
- the number of bags 50 used along with a particular system 10 is dependant on the desired use of such a system 10 and is a function of the particular use, convenience and design choice.
- the number of bags for a particular system 10 may be the number of bags 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.
- any number of bags may be effectively used in the systems 10 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.
- Odor sorbing material could be disposed on the surface of the bags 50 , within each of the bags 50 , or within the bag substrate.
- a sheet of cardboard or paperboard may be treated with an odor sorbing material and included in or on the bags 50 .
- Such a sheet of paperboard may be treated with an odor sorbing material such as activated carbon.
- odor control functionality may additionally, or alternatively, be provided by the frame 20 .
- Such frame odor control functionality may be incorporated into the substrate of the frame 20 , be included on the surface of the frame 20 , or otherwise provided by the frame 20 of the present invention.
- additional functionalities may be added to the bags 50 , the frame 20 , or to both.
- the bags 50 or the frame 20 may have an anti-viral or anti-bacterial treatment associated within or on the bags 50 or frame 20 . Such treatments may help reduce the bacteria or virus levels within the system 10 .
- Another possible functionality for the bags of the present invention is the incorporation of superabsorbent materials into the bags.
- 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.
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Abstract
A disposal bag support system is disclosed. The system includes a tubular frame and a plurality of bags, which are coupled to the frame. The frame is configured to hold a bag in an open position for the bag to receive waste. A frame that may be configured to be manipulated between a flattened storage configuration and an erected disposal configuration is also disclosed.
Description
- Waste disposal bins are common in most commercial and residential environments that people encounter on a daily basis. They can be found in office buildings, retail spaces, public restrooms, and in the bathrooms, kitchens and offices of most homes. To keep such reusable bins clean, and to aid in the ultimate disposal of the waste contained by such bins, it is a common practice to place a trash bag or liner in the bin. When the bag or liner is filled with waste, it is removed, and a new bag or liner is placed in the bin. However, the use of such waste bags or liners often present problems that can defeat the purpose of their use.
- If such a bag is not placed properly in the bin, or if the bag becomes dislodged in use, waste can end up in the bin rather than in the bag. For example, sanitary napkin disposal bins commonly used in public restroom facilities use paper, wax-coated paper, cellophane or plastic bags which are loosely placed in the bins. Plastic bags, even when placed over the upper edge of the bin, often slip down into the bin when the bag becomes filled. Paper and/or cellophane bags frequently collapse or fold inward, allowing sanitary products and other waste to fall between the bag and a wall of the bin, thereby soiling the bin.
- With such a bag failure, maintenance staff must remove the bag and any sanitary products, or other refuse, which may have fallen between the bag and the wall of the bin. Further, maintenance personnel must then clean the bin before placing a new bag in the bin, so that the bin does not become malodorous. Bag removal and bin cleaning are hazardous activities for maintenance personnel, who must carefully handle 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 disposal bin being ready to receive more disposed sanitary products and other waste. Each time a new bag is placed in the bin is another instance when the bag may be placed improperly. In addition to the increased probability of incorrect bag installation, placing a new bag in the bin is an extra step for the maintenance personnel to perform. This extra step incrementally increases the time that maintenance personnel take in servicing facility.
- Such problems also exist for other waste disposal systems. The problems discussed for sanitary disposal units are also experienced in other commercial and residential settings. Just as custodial staff have issues with liners and bags collapsing in sanitary disposal units, similar problems occur with liners and bags 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 or bathroom such that refuse falls between the liner bag and the interior walls of the bin.
- As used herein, the term “waste” 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. The term “waste” may be used interchangeably with the term “refuse.”
- As used herein, the term “sanitary products” includes, but is 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” refers to 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.
- As used herein, the term “couple” includes, but is not limited to, joining, connecting, 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; one may configure a computer by setting the system's parameters.
- 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 bin” refers to a unit provided in a commercial or residential setting which is configured to receive waste. Such waste disposal bins 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 restroom, which is configured to receive sanitary products.
- These terms may be defined with additional language in the remaining portions of the specification.
- In light of the problems and issues discussed above, it is desired to have an improved disposal bag system for disposing of waste. Such a system would desirably be configured so that the disposal bag(s) did not slip down into the bin, resulting in waste being deposited between the bag(s) and the wall of the bin. Desirably, such a system would provide a structure to hold bags in place within the bin. Furthermore, it would be desirable that such a system provide a new empty disposal bag upon removal of a used disposal bag. Further, it would be desired that such a disposal bag system provide the user with additional functionalities to enhance the shipping and storage of the system, enhance the operation of the system, and improve the system in use.
- The present disclosure is directed to a disposal bag support system. The system includes a disposable tubular frame and a plurality of bags coupled to the frame. The frame is made of a plurality of panels that define an interior space and that is open on both ends. Additionally, the frame is configured to hold one of the bags in an open position, making the bag ready to receive waste. In some embodiments, the plurality of bags are positioned within the interior space such that the bodies of the bags are protected by the panels of the frame. In some embodiments, the frame may be collapsible.
- The present disclosure is also directed to a system for disposal of waste adapted for use within an existing waste disposal bin. The system includes a frame and a plurality of bags coupled to the frame. The frame has a flattened storage configuration and may be manipulated into an erected disposal configuration. In the flattened storage configuration, the bags may be positioned within an interior space of the frame such that the frame substantially protects the bags. In the erected disposal configuration, the frame is capable of holding one of the bags in an open position, making the bag ready to receive waste. Such a frame is adapted for use with an existing waste disposal bin. In its erected disposal configuration within the waste disposal bin, the frame prevents waste from falling between the frame and the interior walls of the bin.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a disposal bag support system, in a flattened storage configuration, according to the present disclosure; -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the disposal bag support system ofFIG. 1 , in an erected disposal configuration; -
FIG. 3A is a top view of the system ofFIG. 1 , with the plurality of bags removed from the interior space of the frame; -
FIG. 3B is a bottom view of the system ofFIG. 1 , with the plurality of bags within the interior space of the frame; -
FIG. 3C is a top view of the system ofFIG. 2 , with the plurality of bags removed from the interior space of the frame; -
FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a disposal bag support system in a flattened storage configuration prior to being manipulated into its erected disposal configuration, according to the present disclosure; -
FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the system ofFIG. 4A manipulated into its erected disposal configuration for insertion into an existing waste disposal bin (shown in phantom lines); -
FIG. 4C is a perspective view of the system ofFIGS. 4A and 4B , held in its erected disposal configuration within a waste disposal bin (shown in phantom lines) and with a bag held in an open position ready to receive waste; and -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a disposal bag support system according to the present disclosure. - 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 disclosure may be used for any waste disposal needs. For simplicity, the present disclosure discusses and illustrates the system in terms of the specific needs and application for use in sanitary product disposal and other specific waste disposal applications. However, such examples are not intended to be limiting. Such concepts are applicable to not only to the specific waste disposal applications discussed, but also to any waste disposal application that relies on refuse bags.
- Referring to
FIGS. 1-5 in general, a plurality ofbags 50 are provided coupled to aframe 20 that is adapted to fit within an existingwaste disposal bin 80. As shown inFIG. 4A , thesystem 10 initially may be in a flattenedstorage configuration 12 with thebags 50 protected inside theframe 20. Thesystem 10 in the flattenedstorage configuration 12 may then be manipulated to put thesystem 10 in its erecteddisposal configuration 14. Such manipulation may be any type of action that reconfigures theframe 20 from its flattenedstorage configuration 12 to its erected disposal configuration. For example, such manipulation may be the application of force along the direction as indicated by the arrows 100 inFIGS. 4A and 4B . Thesystem 10 may then be placed in an existingwaste disposal bin 80, as illustrated inFIGS. 4B and 4C . Theframe 20 is adapted to fit within existingwaste disposal bins 80 such that waste does not fall between theframe 20 and theinterior walls 82 of thewaste disposal bin 80. Thesystem 10 shown inFIGS. 4A , 4B, and 4C is held in its erecteddisposal configuration 14, with thefirst bag 51 in itsopen position 60, by theinterior walls 82 of thewaste disposal bin 80. - The
opening 54 of thefirst bag 51 of the plurality ofbags 50, may be pulled over thefirst periphery 34 of theframe 20 to put thefirst bag 51 in itsopen position 60, as shown inFIG. 4C . In itsopen position 60, thefirst bag 51 is able to receive any waste that is disposed. When thefirst bag 51 is filled, it may be removed from the plurality ofbags 50 andframe 20 and the next bag is then available for disposal of waste. - As illustrated in
FIGS. 1 to 5 , theframe 20 is made of a plurality of panels coupled to each other along their edges to provide theframe 20 with a generally tubular form. Specifically, theframe 20 has a firstopen end 32 at the upper end of theframe 20. The upper edges of the panels of theframe 20 define afirst periphery 34 that circumscribes the firstopen end 32 of theframe 20. Thefirst periphery 34 may circumscribe the firstopen end 32 at a single vertical level or, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 , thefirst periphery 34 may include multiple vertical levels, as dictated by the upper edges of the panels that make up theparticular frame 20. - Similarly, the
frame 20 has a secondopen end 36 present at the lower end of theframe 20, opposite the firstopen end 32. The lower edges of the panels of theframe 20 define asecond periphery 38 that circumscribes the secondopen end 36 of theframe 20. As discussed for thefirst periphery 34, thesecond periphery 38 may circumscribe the secondopen end 36 at a single vertical level, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 , or it may include multiple vertical levels, as dictated by the lower edges of the panels that make up theparticular frame 20. - For the
frame 20 illustrated inFIGS. 1 , 2, 3A, 3B and 3C, thefront panels 22 are separated by lines ofweakness 44. Such lines ofweakness 44 may be creases, lines of perforations, areas of weakened materials, scoring, or any other weakening, or combination of such weaknesses that allows the panels to fold or bend along such aline 44. Such bending or folding along the lines ofweakness 44 allow theframe 20 to be manipulated into a different overall shape or configuration. - In the flattened
storage configuration 12 ofFIG. 1 , the leftfront panel 22 c, thecenter front panel 22 a, and the rightfront panel 22 b all form the front face of theframe 20 and theside panel 24 makes up the side of theframe 20. The lines ofweakness 44 allow theframe 20 to bend along thelines 44 such that theframe 20 may be manipulated into the erecteddisposal configuration 14, as shown inFIG. 2 . In the erecteddisposal configuration 14, solely thecenter front panel 22 a makes up the front face of theframe 20, while the rightfront panel 22 b, theside panel 24, and a rear panel 26 (not visible inFIG. 1 ) make up a side of theframe 20. - The
panels weakness 44. It is more preferred that theframe 20 be made from a single, contiguous sheet material that is folded into atubular frame 20 structure. However, it is contemplated that a combination of such construction methods may be used to construct theframe 20 of the present disclosure. - The
frame 20 of thesystem 10 may be adapted to fit within thewaste disposal bin 80 with which thesystem 10 is to be used. That is, theframe 20 may be sized and shaped appropriately to fit the size and shape of a particularwaste disposal bin 80. When properly fit within thewaste disposal bin 80, thesystem 10 will prevent refuse from falling between theframe 20 and theinterior side walls 82 of thewaste disposal bin 80. - As shown in
FIGS. 1 and 4 , theframe 20 may be generally rectangular in shape. However, theframe 20 may be any size and shape as is appropriate for a particularwaste disposal bin 80. For example, theframe 20 may be rectangular, square, elliptical, circular, or any other shape, symmetrical or asymmetrical, that is desired to fit into a particular shape ofwaste disposal bin 80. As shown inFIG. 5 , theframe 20 may include a multitude of such lines ofweakness 44, forming a greater number ofslimmer panels 122, such that theframe 20 may be adapted to fit within a variety ofwaste disposal bin 80 shapes. - The
frame 20 may be of a size and shape to fit within awaste disposal bin 80; 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 aframe 20 may be configured, sized and shaped to work with an existingwaste disposal bin 80 or possibly replace such awaste disposal bin 80. - The
frame 20 may also be configured to conform to theinterior walls 82 of a particularwaste disposal bin 80. Such conformation may simply be accomplished by matching the width of frame panels and placement of lines ofweakness 44 to the appropriate dimensions and shape of aparticular bin 80. - Alternatively, or in addition, such conformation include a
frame 20 configuration, as shown inFIGS. 4A , 4B, and 4C, where the frame is structurally biased to the flattenedstorage configuration 12. In such aframe 20, force 100 must be applied to manipulate theframe 20 into itserect disposal configuration 14. Continued application of such force 100 is necessary to maintain theerect disposal configuration 14 until theframe 20 is inserted into thebin 80. Once inserted into thebin 80, theinterior walls 82 of thebin 80 prevent theframe 20 from returning to its base flattenedstorage configuration 12. - The biased configuration of the
frame 20 may be accomplished through a particular configuration of panels, placement of lines ofweakness 44, types of lines ofweakness 44, or combinations thereof. Such a configuration may also include the use of frame materials, such as some plastics, that would naturally conform to the general shape of an existingwaste disposal bin 80. One skilled in the art would understand how such construction variables may be easily configured in various ways to provide such aframe 20 that would conform to an existingwaste disposal bin 80. - The plurality of panels form the tubular structure of the
frame 20, with a firstopen end 32, an secondopen end 36, and aninterior space 30 between the opposing open ends 32, 36. Theframe 20 may be designed such that when in its flattenedstorage configuration 12 theinterior space 30 of theframe 20 is just large enough to store and protect the plurality ofbags 50. This is shown in perspective view ofFIG. 1 and in the bottom view (looking up through the second open end 36) ofFIG. 3B . Such a design minimizes the amount of frame material used and provides a substantiallyflat system 10 that may be efficiently shipped and conveniently stored. - Such a design also allows the
frame 20 to protect the plurality ofbags 50 from any potential damage during shipping or storage. The plurality ofbags 50 may be coupled to theframe 20 on the interior or exterior surface of theframe 20. Theframe 20 illustrated inFIGS. 1 , 2, 3A, 3B and 3C, show thebags 50 coupled to the exterior of theframe 20 byfasteners 64. Thebags 50 are then flipped over the top of theframe 20 and into the firstopen end 32 to reside in theinterior space 30. Theframes 20 illustrated inFIGS. 4A , 4B, 4C and 5 show the plurality of bags coupled the interior surface of theframe 20. In either case, thebags 50 lie substantially within theinterior space 30, protected by the panels that constitute theframe 20. - For the
frame 20 shown inFIGS. 1 , 2, 3A, 3B and 3C, thedetachable section 58 of thebags 50 is attached on the rear of theframe 20 and extends over thefirst periphery 34 and into theinterior space 30 of theframe 20. While thedetachable sections 58 of thebags 50 are exposed outside theframe 20, the vast majority of thebody 52 of thebags 50 is protected within theinterior space 30 of theframe 20; thebags 50 are substantially protected by the frame. Without the protection of theframe 20, the plurality of bags 50 (or individual bags of the plurality) may be soiled, torn, snagged, or otherwise damaged during shipping. Such damage may result in wasted bags or may require the use of extraneous packaging that is not necessary in the presently disclosedframe 20. - When the
frame 20 is in its erecteddisposal configuration 14 the volume of the interior 30 increases to accommodate thefirst bag 51 of theplurality 50 so that it may receive a full measure of waste before being removed from thesystem 10.FIGS. 1 and 2 andFIGS. 3A and 3C illustrate the increase in size of theinterior space 30 by manipulation of theframe 20 from the flattenedstorage configuration 12 and the erecteddisposal configuration 14. Another way of looking at the increase in theinterior space 30 is to consider the area circumscribed by theperipheries FIGS. 3A and 3C both illustrate a top view of theframe 20 looking down on thefirst periphery 34. (It should be noted that for the clarity of this discussion, the plurality ofbags 50 in bothFIGS. 3A and 3C are shown as removed from their ultimate position within theinterior space 30 of theframe 20.) If the first area is defined as the area circumscribed thefirst periphery 34, it is obvious that the first area increases dramatically when theframe 20 is manipulated from a flattened storage configuration 12 (FIG. 3A ) to an erected disposal configuration 14 (FIG. 3C ). - Additionally, the
frame 20 may include additional features that aid in its operation. First, to aid in insertion of theframe 20 into awaste disposal bin 80 and to help theframe 20 retain its erecteddisposal configuration 14, theframe 20 may be tapered from the firstopen end 32 down to the secondopen end 36. In such aframe 20, thesecond periphery 38 would be smaller than thefirst periphery 34; the first area defined by thefirst periphery 34 would be greater than the second area defined by thesecond periphery 38. - Secondly, the
frame 20 may include a frame extension 46 to help couple theopening 54 of anindividual bag 51 to thefirst periphery 34 and hold thebag 51 in itsopen position 60 during the disposal of waste. As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 , such a frame extension 46 may be a contiguous extension of thepanels 22 or it may be an additional piece of material attached to theframe 20. The frame extension 46 may be designed to extend slightly higher than the upper rim of thewaste disposal bin 80 to further aid in the positioning of abag 51 while theframe 20 is within theparticular bin 80. - Such a frame extension 46 may rise up along
first periphery 34 higher than the rest of theperiphery 34 or, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 , may be a segment along theperiphery 34 that is separated from the rest of theperiphery 34 by segments of theperiphery 34 that are at a lower height. To aid in accepting abag 51, to help hold such abag 51, for mere aesthetics, or a combination thereof, the frame extension 46 may have a useful or unique shape, such as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 . Finally, while only a single frame extension 46 is shown, it may be advantageous to include multiple frame extensions 46. - Additionally, the
bags 50 may be designed to take advantage of such frame extensions 46. For example, thebags 50 may include a downward-facingpocket 56 near theopening 54 of each bag. Such apocket 56 may then be configured to snugly fit upon the frame extension 46 to keep thebag 51 in aopen position 60 during waste disposal. - Thirdly, the
frame 20 may include additional features that assist in holding abag 51 in theopen position 60 on theframe 20 while thesystem 10 is in use. One such feature may be the inclusion of one ormore notches 48, close to the firstopen end 32. For example, in theframe 20 ofFIGS. 1 and 2 ,notches 48 are present on either side of the frame extension 46 proximate to thefirst periphery 34. In theframe 20 ofFIG. 5 , thenotches 48 are within the face of thepanels 122 themselves. In either example, theopening 54 of abag 51 held over thefirst periphery 34 may be secured by insertion of theopening 54 into thenotches 48. - The
frame 20 may be made from any material that is appropriate to couple with and support the plurality ofbags 50 of thesystem 10. It is intended that theframe 20 will be disposable and that the materials used to make theframe 20 will be appropriate for such disposal. Typically, theframe 20 will be made from corrugate, heavy paper cardstock or plastic, however, theframe 20 may be made from any material that will support the plurality ofbags 50. - As used herein, the term “disposable” refers to
frames 20 that are so relatively inexpensive to the consumer that they may be discarded if they become soiled or otherwise unusable after only one or a few uses. It is intended that theframe 20 will be disposed when all of thebags 50 have been utilized and removed from theframe 20. However, theframe 20 may be made to accept refill sets of bags such that asingle frame 20 may be used for multiple sets of bag bundles 50. For such arefillable frame 20, theframe 20 would still be made of materials that would be economical for a user to dispose of theframe 20, rather than clean it or repair it, if it became soiled or needed repair. - The
bags 50 are coupled to theframe 20 and are individually removable when filled.Bags 50 are coupled to theframe 20 by any means as is known in the art to attachbags 50 to theframe 20. For example, thebags 50 may be adhered to each other and the last bag adhered to theframe 20. As another example, thebags 50 may be thermally sealed to theframe 20. Alternatively, thebags 50 may be attached to theframe 20 byfasteners 64, such as shown inFIGS. 3A and 3C . Thebags 50 may be coupled by any type offastener 64 that is appropriate for the materials used for thebags 50 and theframe 20. Any of such attachment methods or means may be used individually or in combination. - Additionally, it may be desired to couple the
bags 50 to theframe 20 so that thebags 50 are easily and individually releasable from theplurality 50 once theindividual bag 51 is filled with refuse. Thebags 50 may haveperforations 62, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 , such that an individual bag may be torn from the plurality ofbags 50 without disturbing the attachment of the plurality ofbags 50 with theframe 20. Thebags 50 may include adetachable section 58 coupled with thebody 52 of the bag along a line ofperforations 62. Thedetachable sections 58 of each of thebags 50 may be the portion of thebags 50 that is coupled to theframe 20 and would remain with theframe 20 after theindividual bags 51 are removed. - The
bags 50 may be made of any material that is appropriate for the application and the waste that is typically to be disposed of in such bags. Typically such bags or waste receptacle liners are made from plastics such as polyethylene (LDPE, LLDPE), polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and other similar materials. Thebags 50 may be made of a single ply of material or may be made from multiple plies of similar or dissimilar materials. Additionally, thebags 50 may be made from composites of films, nonwoven materials, woven materials, or combinations thereof. Thebags 50 may incorporate elastic materials. Thebags 50 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
bags 50 may be attached to theframe 20 in a nested configuration. Such a nested configuration refers to the bags being situated such that all but an outermost bag is fitted inside another of the plurality ofbags 50. Furthermore, the plurality ofbags 50 would then be held in anopen position 60 such that the innermost bag would be exposed at the firstopen end 32 of thesystem 10. Subsequent bag(s) would be sequentially fitted around the innermost bag in a nested configuration. When the innermost bag is filled with waste, the bag is removed from theframe 20 and the subsequent bag is then available for use as it is held open by theframe 20. All of the bags of the plurality ofbags 50 may be the same type of bags or different types of bags may be present within the plurality. - The number of
bags 50 used along with aparticular system 10 is dependant on the desired use of such asystem 10 and is a function of the particular use, convenience and design choice. For example, the number of bags for aparticular system 10 may be the number of bags 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 thesystems 10 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. - Additional functionality could be added with an odor control functionality that is provided by the
bags 50. Odor sorbing material could be disposed on the surface of thebags 50, within each of thebags 50, or within the bag substrate. For example, a sheet of cardboard or paperboard may be treated with an odor sorbing material and included in or on thebags 50. Such a sheet of paperboard may be treated with an odor sorbing material such as activated carbon. - In same manner as discussed above for the
bags 50, odor control functionality may additionally, or alternatively, be provided by theframe 20. Such frame odor control functionality may be incorporated into the substrate of theframe 20, be included on the surface of theframe 20, or otherwise provided by theframe 20 of the present invention. - In various embodiments, additional functionalities may be added to the
bags 50, theframe 20, or to both. For example thebags 50 or theframe 20 may have an anti-viral or anti-bacterial treatment associated within or on thebags 50 orframe 20. Such treatments may help reduce the bacteria or virus levels within thesystem 10. - 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.
- 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 (20)
1. A disposal bag support system, the system comprising:
a disposable tubular frame, said frame comprising a plurality of panels configured to define an interior space, a first open end, a first periphery circumscribing said first open end, and a second open end opposing said first open end; and
a plurality of bags, where each bag of said plurality comprises a body and an opening;
where said plurality of bags is coupled to said frame, and
where said frame is configured to hold one bag of said plurality of bags in an open position.
2. The system of claim 1 , where said plurality of bags is positioned within said interior space of the frame such that said frame substantially protects said bodies of said plurality of bags.
3. The system of claim 1 , where each bag comprises a detachable section coupled to said body, and where said detachable sections are coupled to said frame.
4. The system of claim 1 , where said plurality of bags comprises a plurality of nested bags sequentially positioned one inside another.
5. The system of claim 1 , where at least one of said panels comprises a notch proximate said first periphery and where said notch is configured to hold said one bag in said open position.
6. The system of claim 1 , where at least one of said panels comprises a frame extension along said first opening.
7. The system of claim 6 , where each bag comprises a pocket proximate said opening and where said pocket is configured to cooperate with said frame extension to hold said one bag in said open position.
8. The system of claim 1 , where said frame is collapsible.
9. A system for disposal of waste adapted for use within an existing waste disposal bin, the system comprising:
a frame, said frame comprising a plurality of panels configured to define an interior space, a first open end, and a first periphery circumscribing said first open end; and
a plurality of bags, where each bag of said plurality comprises a body and an opening;
where said plurality of bags is coupled to said frame,
where said frame comprises a flattened storage configuration and an erected disposal configuration and where said frame is configured to be manipulated between said flattened storage configuration and said erected disposal configuration,
where said erected disposal configuration comprises said frame configured to hold said one bag of said plurality of bags in an open position, and
where said frame is adapted for use with an existing waste disposal bin such as to prevent waste from falling between said frame and an interior wall of an existing waste disposal bin.
10. The system of claim 9 , where said flattened storage configuration comprises said plurality of bags positioned within said interior space of said frame such that said frame substantially protects said bodies of said plurality of bags.
11. The system of claim 9 , where said erected disposal configuration further comprises said frame configured to conform to interior walls of an existing waste disposal bin.
12. The system of claim 11 , where said frame is biased to said flattened storage configuration and is configured to be held in said erected disposal configuration by interior walls of an existing waste disposal bin.
13. The system of claim 9 , where said frame further comprises a second open end opposing said first open end and a second periphery circumscribing said second open end, and where said second periphery is smaller than the first periphery such that the frame is tapered between the first open end and the second open end.
14. The system of claim 9 , where the first periphery circumscribes and defines a first area, where said first area is larger when said frame is in said erected disposal configuration than when said frame is in said flattened storage configuration.
15. The system of claim 9 , where each bag comprises a detachable section coupled to said body and said detachable sections are coupled to said frame.
16. The system of claim 9 , where said plurality of bags comprises a plurality of nested bags sequentially positioned one inside another.
17. The system of claim 9 , where at least one of said panels comprises a notch proximate said first periphery and where said notch is configured to hold said one bag in said open position.
18. The system of claim 9 , where at least one of said panels comprises a frame extension along said first opening.
19. The system of claim 18 , where each bag comprises a pocket proximate said mouth and where said pocket is configured to cooperate with said frame extension to hold said one bag in said open position.
20. The system of claim 9 , further comprising a reusable waste disposal bin.
Priority Applications (2)
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US11/956,548 US20090154842A1 (en) | 2007-12-14 | 2007-12-14 | Disposal Bag Support System |
PCT/IB2008/055056 WO2009077903A1 (en) | 2007-12-14 | 2008-12-02 | Disposal bag support system |
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US11/956,548 US20090154842A1 (en) | 2007-12-14 | 2007-12-14 | Disposal Bag Support System |
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US8277426B2 (en) | 2009-09-30 | 2012-10-02 | Wilcox Heather J | Male urinary incontinence device |
IT201600131321A1 (en) * | 2016-12-27 | 2018-06-27 | Revaz Tasoyti | DEVICE FOR THE DISTRIBUTION AND STORAGE OF BAGS, BAGS, ENVELOPES AND SIMILARS, IN PARTICULAR FOR THE UNDERGROUND AND BAG TO BE USED IN SUCH A DEVICE |
US11524841B2 (en) | 2020-12-18 | 2022-12-13 | San Jamar, Inc. | Collapsible trash bin assembly |
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Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US8277426B2 (en) | 2009-09-30 | 2012-10-02 | Wilcox Heather J | Male urinary incontinence device |
IT201600131321A1 (en) * | 2016-12-27 | 2018-06-27 | Revaz Tasoyti | DEVICE FOR THE DISTRIBUTION AND STORAGE OF BAGS, BAGS, ENVELOPES AND SIMILARS, IN PARTICULAR FOR THE UNDERGROUND AND BAG TO BE USED IN SUCH A DEVICE |
US11524841B2 (en) | 2020-12-18 | 2022-12-13 | San Jamar, Inc. | Collapsible trash bin assembly |
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WO2009077903A1 (en) | 2009-06-25 |
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