Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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DISPOSABLE PORTABLE BAGS AND DISPENSER POUCH
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention is directed generally to bags or liners that collect items and,
more
specifically, bags or liners that are contained within a dispenser pouch.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The use of thermoplastic bags or liners for a number of household and
industrial uses
has gained wide acceptance. Many of these bags are constructed from a simple
structure
having two layers of thermoplastic film that are joined along three sides and
having a mouth
opening formed along the fourth side. This basic structure has been adapted to
a wide range
of sizes and configurations that vary with the intended end use of the bag.
These bags or liners are often used to collect waste or garbage. Such garbage
bags
or liners are often used to collect waste that can produce odors unpleasant to
a user. Often
these bags or liners are needed in locations where it is inconvenient to carry
a bulky, large
dispenser of trash bags or liners. Sometimes, the need for such bags or liners
arises
unexpectedly.
Therefore, there is a need for bags or liners located in a dispensing system
that may
be carried in a small space such as, for example, a purse, backpack,
briefcase, or a glove
compartment of a car.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to one embodiment, a dispensing pouch comprises at least one
polymeric
bag or liner and a polymeric dispensing section. The at least one polymeric
bag or liner
comprises first and second body panels joined along a pair of opposing sides
and a bottom
bridging the sides to form an open mouth. The joined first and second body
panels form an
interior space for collecting items. The polymeric dispensing section is
adapted to receive
and contain the at least one polymeric bag or liner. The dispensing section is
adapted to
form an opening to access the at least one polymeric bag or liner. The
dispensing section is
limited to a predetermined size for enhanced portability. Accordingly, the
dispensing pouch
can be carried in a small space, such as, for example, a purse, backpack,
briefcase or glove
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compartment of a car. In accordance with one embodiment, the predetermined
size of the
dispensing section is a length less than about 4 inches and a width less than
about 4 inches.
According to another embodiment, a dispensing pouch comprises at least one
polymeric bag or liner and a polymeric dispensing section. The at least one
polymeric bag or
liner comprises first and second body panels joined along a pair of opposing
sides and a
bottom bridging the sides so as to form an open mouth. The joined first and
second body
panels form an interior space for collecting items. The polymeric dispensing
section is
adapted to receive and contain the at least one polymeric bag or liner. The
dispensing
section is adapted to form an opening to access the at least one polymeric bag
or liner. The
dispensing section is limited to a predetermined size for enhanced
portability. Accordingly,
the dispensing pouch can be carried in a small space. In accordance with one
embodiment,
the predetermined size of the dispensing section is an area less than about 15
square inches.
According to a further embodiment, a dispensing pouch comprises at least one
polymeric bag or liner and a polymeric dispensing section. The at least one
polymeric bag or
liner comprises first and second body panels joined along a pair of opposing
sides and a
bottom bridging the sides so as to form an open mouth. The joined first and
second body.
panels form an interior space for collecting items. The polymeric dispensing
section is
adapted to receive and contain the plurality of bags or liners. The dispensing
section has a
removable window formed therein to assist in accessing the plurality of bags
or liners and a
flap to cover the removable window. The dispensing section is limited to a
predetermined
size for enhanced portability. Accordingly, the dispensing pouch can be
carried in a small
space. The predetermined size of the dispensing section includes, for example,
a length less
than about 4 inches and a width less than about 4 inches.
According to a yet another embodiment, a dispensing pouch comprises at least
one
polymeric bag or liner and a polymeric dispensing section. The at least one
polymeric bag or
liner comprises first and second body panels joined along a pair of opposing
sides and a
bottom bridging the sides so as to form an open mouth. The joined first and
second body
panels form an interior space for collecting items. The polymeric dispensing
section is
adapted to receive and contain the plurality of bags or liners. The dispensing
section has a
removable window formed therein to assist in accessing the plurality of bags
or liners and a
flap to cover the removable window. The dispensing section is limited to a
predetermined
size for enhanced portability. Accordingly, the dispensing pouch can be
carried in a small
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space. The predetermined size of the dispensing section includes, for example,
an area less
than about 15 square inches.
According to a method of using a dispensing pouch, at least one polymeric bag
or
liner and a polymeric dispensing section is provided. The polymeric dispensing
section is
adapted to receive and contain the at least one polymeric bag or liner. The at
least one
polymeric bag or liner comprises first and second body panels joined along a
pair of opposing
sides and a bottom bridging the sides so as to form an open mouth. The joined
first and
second body panels form an interior space for collecting items. The dispensing
section has a
removable window formed therein and a flap to cover the removable window. The
dispensing section is limited to a predetermined size for enhanced
portability. In accordance
with one embodiment, the dispensing section has a length less than about 4
inches and a
width less than about 4 inches. The flap is grasped and moved to an open
position so as to
remove the removable window from a remainder of the dispensing section, which
results in
an opening being formed in the dispensing section. The at least one polymeric
bag or liner is
grasped and removed from the opening.
According to another method of using a dispensing pouch, at least one
polymeric bag
or liner and a polymeric dispensing section is provided. The polymeric
dispensing section is
adapted to receive and contain the at least one polymeric bag or liner. The at
least one
polymeric bag or liner comprises first and second body panels joined along a
pair of opposing
sides and a bottom bridging the sides so as to form an open mouth. The joined
first and
second body panels form an interior space for collecting items. The dispensing
section has a
removable window formed' therein and a flap to cover the removable window. The
dispensing section is limited to a predetermined size for enhanced
portability. In accordance
with one embodiment, the dispensing section has an area less than 15 square
inches. The flap
is grasped and moved to an open position so as to remove the removable window
from a
remainder of the dispensing section, which results in an opening being formed
in the
dispensing section. The at least one polymeric bag or liner is grasped and
removed from the
opening.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Other advantages of the invention will become apparent on reading the
following
detailed description and on reference to the drawings.
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FIG. 1 a is an elevational view of a completed bag according to one
embodiment;
FIG. 1b is an elevational view of a completed bag according to another
embodiment;
FIG. 2a is an elevational view of a completed bag according to a further
embodiment;
FIG. 2b is a perspective view of a completed bag according to yet a further
embodiment;
FIG. 3a is an elevational view of the dispensing pouch in a closed position
according
to one embodiment;
FIG. 3b is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line 3b-3b in FIG. 3a;
and
FIG. 4 is an elevational view of the dispensing pouch in an open position
according
to one embodiment.
While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative
forms,
specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawing
and will
herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that it is
not intended to
limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed but, on the contrary,
the intention is to
cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the
spirit and scope of the
invention as defined by the appended claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE H~LUSTRATED EMBODIMENT
The present invention is a combination of bags and liners in a dispensing
system.
Some examples of bags or liners include waste bags, food bags, and storage
bags. In one
embodiment, the dispensing system holds a plurality of bags and dispenses them
one at a
time.
The present invention uses bags or liners and a few non-limiting examples of
bags are
shown in FIGs. l and 2. Referring initially to FIG. 1 a, a thermoplastic bag
10 is depicted.
The bag 10 is formed from a single flexible thermoplastic sheet folded upon
itself and
comprises first and second opposing body panels 12, 14. Body panels 12, 14 are
fixedly
connected to each other along a pair of sides 16, 18 and a bottom 20 that
extends between
the pair of sides 16, 18. The bag includes an open mouth 22 opposite of the
bottom 20. The
joined body panels 12, 14 form an interior space for collecting items.
Alternatively, the bag 10 may be formed from separate thermoplastic sheets
where
the first and second opposing body panels are sealed after being initially
separated so as to
form the pair of sides and the bottom (i.e., sealed on three sides).
Alternatively, the bag 10
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may be formed from a single flexible thermoplastic sheet having a side fold, a
seal on the side
opposite the side fold, and an end seal.
Referring to FIG. 1b, a thermoplastic bag 50 is depicted according to another
embodiment. The bag 50 is formed from a single flexible thermoplastic sheet
folded upon
itself and comprises first and second opposing body panels 52, 54. Body panels
52, 54 are
fixedly connected to each other along a pair of sides 56, 58 and a bottom 60
that extends
between the pair of sides 56, 58. The bag includes an open mouth 62 opposite
of the bottom
60. The open mouth 62 includes a plurality of handles 64 to assist the user in
holding the
bag. The plurality of handles may also assist the user in placing and
maintaining the bag in a
desired location. These type of handled bags may be referred to as grocery
bags. The joined
body panels 52, 54 form an interior space for collecting items.
Alternatively, the bag 50 may be formed from separate thermoplastic sheets
where
the first and second opposing body panels are sealed after being initially
separated so as to
form the pair of sides and the bottom (i.e., sealed on three sides).
Alternatively, the bag 50
may be formed from a single flexible thermoplastic sheet having a side fold, a
seal on the side
opposite the side fold, and an end seal.
The bags or liners may include a tie feature that assists in (a) closing the
bag or liner
securely, (b) forming a handle for carrying the bag or liner to be disposed
andlor (c)
facilitating the opening of the bag or the liner. For example, a bag 110 of
FIG. 2a is depicted
in the layflat condition and includes one type of tie feature. The term
layflat condition is
defined as the bag in a collapsed condition before it has been opened for
filling.
The bag 110 of FIG. 2a is formed from a single flexible thermoplastic sheet
folded
upon itself and comprises a first opposing body panel 112 and a second
opposing body panel
114. The first body panel 112 does not overlap with the shape of the leading
edge of the bag
mouth contained in the second body panel 114. Consequently, at least some
portion of the
first body panel 112 does not overlap the second body panel 114 and at least
some portion of
the second body panel 114 does not overlap the first body panel 112. Body
panels 112, 114
are fixedly connected to each other along a pair of sides 116, 118 and a
bottom 120 which
extends between the pair of sides 116, 118.
Alternatively, the bag 110 may be formed from separate thermoplastic sheets
wherein
the first and second opposing body panels are sealed after being initially
separated so as to
form the pair of sides and the bottom (i.e., sealed on three sides).
Alternatively, the bag 110
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may be formed from a single flexible thermoplastic sheet having a side fold, a
seal on the side
opposite the side fold, and an end seal.
The bag 110 includes integral tie members 122, 124 that are formed by the non-
overlapping portions described above. More details about the bag 110 and
methods of
making the same can be obtained from U.S. Patent No. 5,611,627, which is
incorporated by
reference in its entirety. Other examples of bags having tie features include
U. S. Patent Nos.
4,890,736, 5,041,317, 5,246,110, 5,683,340 and 5,709,641.
Alternatively, the bags or liners may include a separate closure means in the
form of a
plastic or metal tie device. Such devices are well known and require that the
neck of the bag
be bunched together by the user. For example, referring to FIG. 2b, a bag 150
is depicted
that is formed from at least one flexible thermoplastic sheet. The bag 150
includes a first
opposing body panel 152 and a second opposing body panel 154. Body panels 152,
154 are
fixedly connected to each other along a pair of sides 156, 158 and a bottom
160 which
extends between the pair of sides 156, 158. A mouth portion 162 of the bag 150
is located
opposite of the bottom 160 and includes continuous strips 164, 166 located in
a hem.
Examples of such a bag are depicted in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,558,463 and
4,624,654, which are
incorporated by reference in its entirety. A further example is depicted in
U.S. Patent No.
6,059,458, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety and discloses a
bag with a
drawtape within a hem.
According to another embodiment, the bags or liners may include a structure
that is
in communication with the interior portion thereof and is adapted to mask
and/or neutralize
odors. One example of a structure that masks and/or neutralizes odor is a
scented structure.
The odor-masking and/or neutralizing structure may be in the form of a patch,
tape
and/or pouch according to one embodiment. The selection of a patch, tape or
pouch is often
dependant on the material being used. For example, a powder (e.g., minerals
containing
chemistry) is often placed in an air-permeable pouch because it is often
difficult to embed
powders in a patch. One example of a powder that may be used is baking soda
that absorbs
odor. A patch or tape may be used with a scented odor or fragrance because of
the ability of
the odor or fragrance to embed therein. Tape generally includes an adhesive, a
patch-like
component and a release system such as a scented structure.
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A scented patch, tape or pouch may be formed by one or more scented aromas.
For
example, some non-limiting examples of aromas include citronella, pine,
flowery, citrus,
limonene, and substituted esters such as METAZENE~.
The patch, tape or pouch that masks andlor neutralizes odor may be made of
polymeric materials including thermoplastic materials. It is contemplated that
the patch, tape
or pouch may be made of polyolefinic materials such as polyethylenes,
polypropylenes,
polystyrenes, and combinations thereof. Another example of a material that may
be used in
forming the patch, tape or pouch is ethyl methyl acrylate (EMA). The patch,
tape or pouch
may be formed of a porous non-woven material (e.g., gauze) that allows an
active ingredient
such as a desired scent to be released.
It is contemplated that additional layers may be added to the patch, tape or
pouch,
such as a barrier layer. For example, a barrier layer may be added that
comprises a polymeric
material such as an ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), polyvinylidene chloride
layer (PVDC),
polyester, nylon, cyclic olefin copolymers, or combinations thereof.
Other layers are contemplated such a scent-enhancing layer. A scent-enhancing
layer
may enhance delivery of a scent with increasing humidity. Increasing humidity
often results
in a corresponding increase in bacteria growth that results in increased
odors. One example
of a scent-enhancing layer is polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH).
The odor-masking and/or neutralizing structure may include additional material
to
enhance scent concentration in the interior portion of the bag. For example,
the patch, tape
or pouch may include perlite (a naturally occurring silicous rock) to increase
the scent
concentration. Perlite is desirable to use because of reasons such as its
ability to retain scent,
stability, and surface area. Additional non-limiting examples of material that
may enhance
the scent include microspheres, talc, silicon, silicate, vermiculite,
diatomaceous earth, or
combinations thereof including the previously mentioned PVOH and perlite. One
example of
a silicate that may be used is an aluminum silicate. Thus, one layer of the
structure may
include a fragrance (e.g., a liquid fragrance), a scent-enhancing mineral, and
a polymeric
resin (e.g., LLDPE).
The bag or finer may include more than one structure that masks and/or
neutralizes
odor therein. For example, the bag or liner may include two or three
structures that mask
and/or neutralize odor.
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A patch, tape or pouch (e.g., a scented patch, tape or pouch) may vary in size
and is
dependent on factors such as the desired amount of scent, the particular scent
being used, the
number of patches, tapes, or pouches being used in the bag or liner, and the
size of the bag
or liner. The dimensions of the patch, tape or pouch are generally from about
1 x 1 inch to
about 1 x 2 inches. The thicknesses of the patches, tapes or pouches may vary
in the present
invention but are generally from about 2 to about 10 mils and, more
specifically, from about
3 to about 5 mils.
The patch, tape or pouch may include an optional peelable cover. The peelable
cover
covers at least a portion of the patch or tape and may cover the entire patch
or tape that is
exposed in the interior of the bag or liner. The peelable cover prevents or
inhibits the odor-
masking and/or neutralizing material from escaping the patch or tape in its
initial position.
The peelable cover is removed by a user from the patch or tape to enhance or
begin the
release of the odor-masking and/or neutralizing material from the patch or
tape. One
example of the peelable cover is a barrier layer such as EVOH or PVDC.
It is contemplated that the patch, tape or pouch may fizrther include anti-
oxidants.
Anti-oxidants assist in preventing or slowing the breakdown of another
material by oxygen.
The use of anti-oxidants preferably prevents or inhibits undesirable aromas
from items such
as food. Some contemplated anti-oxidants include iron and vitamin E.
To assist in destroying, preventing or inhibiting growth of micro-organisms,
it is
contemplated that the patch, tape or pouch may further include anti-
microbials. Some
contemplated anti-microbials include chlorine dioxide, triclosan, allyl
isothiocyanate, natural
oils, such as cinnamon, peppermint, or spearmint.
It is contemplated that the tape, patch or pouch may include animal
repellants, insect
repellants, or combinations thereof. Examples of animal or insect repellants
include natural
oils such as cinnamon, peppermint, or spearmint. It is also contemplated that
the tape, patch
or pouch may be a plant-respiratory regulator. For example, the tape, patch or
pouch may
include an ethylene absorber or emitter.
It is contemplated that the bag or liner may contain a tape, patch or tape
that includes
odor-masking an/or neutralizing structure, anti-oxidants, anti-microbials,
animal repellants,
insect repellants, plant-respiratory regulators, and combinations thereof.
According to a further embodiment, the bag or liner may include odor-masking
an/or
neutralizing agents, anti-oxidants, anti-microbials, animal repellants, insect
repellants,
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plant-respiratory regulators, and combinations thereof in at least one of its
opposing body
panels. The bag or liner may include odor-masking an/or neutralizing agents,
anti-oxidants,
anti-microbials, animal repellants, insect repellants, plant-respiratory
regulators, and
combinations thereof in both opposing body panels.
The bags or fivers, such as bags 10, 50, 110, 150 are formed by any
thermoplastic
material suitable for storage or collecting items. The bags or liners are of a
small portable
size and, more specifically, are generally less than about a 3 gallon size.
The bags or fivers
generally have a length less than about 15 inches and a width less than about
15 inches. One
non-limiting example is a bag or liner having a length of 12 inches and a
width of 10 inches.
The bags or liners are formed from polymeric materials. One example of a
polymeric
material is a polyolefinic materials. Non-limiting examples of polyolefinic
materials include
polyethylenes, polypropylenes, polystyrene and combinations thereof. For
example, some
types of polyethylenes materials include high density polyethylenes, low
density
polyethylenes, linear low density polyethylenes and combinations thereof. It
is also
contemplated that materials such as polyethylene terephthalates may be used in
forming the
bags or liners of the present invention.
The thicknesses of the bags or liners may vary in the present invention but
are
generally from about 0.2 mil to about 3 mils and, more specifically, from
about 0.3 mil to
about 1.5 mil. The bags or liners may be used in combination with
appropriately sized
receptacles, including trash receptacles.
The bags or liners, such as bags 10, 50, 110, or 150, are used in combination
with a
dispensing pouch. A plurality of bags or liners is placed within the
dispensing pouch. The
number of bags or liners included in the dispensing pouch may vary, but the
number is
generally from about 6 to about 12 bags. It is contemplated, however, that the
dispensing
pouch may contain more or less bags or liners, including one bag or liner. The
dispensing
pouch has at least one bag or liner. The plurality of bags or liners may be
individually placed
and folded in the dispensing pouch. Such bags or liners are removed by the
user one at a
time. It is contemplated, however, that the plurality of bags or liner may be
in the form of
interconnected bags or liners that are folded within the dispensing pouch.
One example of a dispensing pouch is depicted in FIGs. 3-4. A dispensing pouch
200
of FIG. 3 a, which is the closed position, comprises a dispensing section 210
and an optional
header section 240. The dispensing section 210 and the optional header section
240 are
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separated by, for example, a perforation line 242. FIG. 4 depicts the
dispensing pouch 200
in an open position.
The dispensing section 210 comprises a first body panel 212, a second body
panel
214, and a flap 216. The flap 216 moves from the remainder of the dispensing
section 210 to
create an opening therein. The flap 216 is moveable between a closed and open
position
(FIGs. 3a and 4, respectively) and the at least one bag or liner may be
removed when the flap
216 is in the open position. To assist the user in closing the flap 216, a
resealable adhesive
strip may be attached to the dispensing section 210. One example of a
resealable strip that
may be used is a two-sided resealable adhesive strip 218 shown in FIG. 3. The
adhesive strip
218 comprises first adhesive strip portions 218a and a second adhesive strip
portion 218b.
One commercial example of such a two-sided resealable adhesive strip is 3M's
Double-Stick
tape. The dispensing section 210 of FIG. 3 includes a removable window 220
forward in the
second body panel 214 to access the at least one bag or liner therein. The
window 220 may
be removed by the user tearing it from the remainder of the second body panel
214 via a
perforation 222.
FIG. 3b depicts a cross-sectional view taken generally along line 3b-3b of
FIG. 3a.
In FIG. 3b, the adhesive strip portion 218b is attached to the flap 216 and
the removable
window 220. The flap 216 covers the removable window 220. When moving the flap
216
to the open position of FIG. 4, the removable window 220 is removed from the
remainder of
the second body panel 214, resulting in an opening 224 being formed in the
second body
panel 214 to access the at least one bag or liner. In the closed position, the
flap 216 covers
the opening 224 formed in the second body panel 214. The adhesive strip
portions 218a
assist in maintaining the flap 216 in a closed position by adhering to the
second body panel
214.
The dispensing section 210 includes opposing sides 226, 228, a bottom 230, and
a
top 232. The opposing sides 226, 228, the bottom 230, and the top 232 are
sealed or folded
so as to contain the at least one bag or liner therein. Referring to FIG. 3b,
an interior space
234 is formed between the first and second body panels 212, 214 that will
contain at least
one bag.
The optional header section 240 assists in displaying the dispensing pouch
with at
least one bag or liner at the point of retail sale. The optional header
section 240 may form an
aperture 244 that is adapted to receive an extension or rod therethrough. Such
an extension
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or rod holds a plurality of dispensing pouches at the point of retail sale. If
the optional
header section 240 is used, it may be removed by having the user tear
generally along the
perforation line 242. If the perforation line 242 is not present, the optional
header section
240 may be removed by cutting it from the dispensing section 210. The optional
header
section 240 may be sealed at opposing sides 246, 248, and a top 250.
The dispensing section 210 of the dispensing pouch generally has a length L
less than
about 4 inches and a width W less than about 4 inches. The dispensing section
210 of the
dispensing pouch 200 typically has a length L less than about 3 inches and a
width W less
than about 3 inches. The dispensing section 210 of the dispensing pouch 200
generally has
an area (length x width) less than about 15 inches. The dispensing section 210
of the
dispensing pouch 200 typically has an area (length x width) less than 10
inches.
The dispensing section 210 is formed from polymeric materials. One example of
a
polymeric material is a polyolefinic materials. Non-limiting examples of
polyolefinic
materials include polyethylenes, polypropylenes, polystyrene and combinations
thereof. For
example, some types of polyethylenes materials include high density
polyethylenes, low
density polyethylenes, linear low density polyethylenes and combinations
thereof. It is also
contemplated that materials such as polyethylene terephthalates may be used in
forming the
bags or liners of the present invention.
The optional header section 240 may be formed from polymeric materials. One
example of a polymeric material is a polyolefinic materials. Non-limiting
examples of
polyolefinic materials include polyethylenes, polypropylenes, polystyrene and
combinations
thereof. For example, some types of polyethylenes materials include high
density
polyethylenes, low density polyethylenes, linear low density polyethylenes and
combinations
thereof. It is also contemplated that materials such as polyethylene
terephthalates, polyvinyl
chloride (PVC) or cellophane may be used in forming the bags or liners of the
present
invention.
While particular embodiments and applications of the present invention have
been
illustrated and described, it is to be understood that the invention is not
limited to the precise
construction and compositions disclosed herein and that various modifications,
changes, and
variations may be apparent from the foregoing descriptions without departing
from the spirit
and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
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