Abstract:
Provided is a bag with an adhesive tape that allows for disposing or securing the bag to the receptacle, and is designed to be compatible with the manufacturing process.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    Plastic bags such as trash bags are used almost by everyone in society. There are two common problems with such bags. 
         [0002]    First, retaining a plastic bag such as a trash bag in a container is a challenge. Different devices have been designed and are added as part of the container for retaining the bag. U.S. 2005/0129335 discloses “adhesive disposed on the exterior surface of the trash bin liner” that is “configured to releasably adhere to a trash bin.” The problem with this approach is that it uses an adhesive to attach the bag to the trash can, and a user first has to make sure that the bag is put all the way inside the trash container without tangling up the bag with the adhesive and that the bag is attached to the correct part of the trash can. This approach consumes too much time. 
         [0003]    The second problem with trash bags is their disposal. The bag manufacturers have also added strings to allow the closing of the bag after use and before disposal. The strings are added raw material, may make the manufacture of the bags more complicated, and may pose danger to animals in landfills. U.S. Pat. No. 4,008,851 discloses the use of “a strip of adhesive tape” to loop around the puckered end of the bag. There are two problems with the approach taken in this patent. First, the patent does not solve the problem associated with retaining a bag in a trash can. Second, the approach taken is not practical in a manufacturing process of a bag. 
         [0004]    A problem exists in the prior art for a bag that can be retained in a trash container and can be disposed, and yet be compatible with the manufacturing process and minimize use of raw materials. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    In one embodiment, the present invention provides a flexible bag with a single opening for disposing comprising: 
         [0006]    a) a bag with a single opening and sides that are made by attaching two pieces of water proof material together; and 
         [0007]    b) an elongated flexible tape with adhesive that can be exposed by stripping a cover on said adhesive, said tape being attached up to about 7 inches from the opening of the bag, said tape having a first end and a second end, wherein the tape is permanently attached to the bag in between the first and second ends so that the first end of the tape is inside of the bag and the second end of the bag is outside of the bag and the permanent attachment is where the two pieces of the material meet and the attachment anchors the first and second ends, 
         [0008]    wherein a user can flip over top of the bag in a container and minimize any bag excess by using the first end of the tape that is flipped to the outside and can dispose of the bag by using the second end outside of the bag to enclose the bag. The cover can have adhesive and be permanently attached at one end to the tape so that removing the cover will result in a one piece adhesive comprised of the tape and the cover. The cover may not have an adhesive and is not attached to the tape other than through the adhesive. The tape and any attached cover with adhesive can have a total length of about 4 to about 10 inches or about 2 to about 7 inches on the outside and about 1 to 3 inches on the inside. The tape can have a width of about 0.5 inch to about 1.5 inch. The bag can be made of two pieces that are welded together or two pieces that are welded together with the tape in one welding step. The two pieces of material can be a single piece that is folded to obtain two pieces. The folded portion in the embodiment is the bottom of the bag. The bag can be made of two rectangular pieces that are welded together on three of the four sides. The bag can be made of a piece that is folded and is welded only on the sides. The bag can be plastic. The bag can have a volume of about 3 to about 65 gallons. The bag can have a height of about 10 to about 70 inches. The bag can have a width of about 10 to about 45 inches. 
         [0009]    In one embodiment the present invention provides a flexible bag with a single opening for disposing comprising: 
         [0010]    a) a bag with a single opening and sides that are made by attaching two pieces of water proof material together; and 
         [0011]    b) an elongated flexible tape with adhesive that can be exposed by stripping a cover on said adhesive, said tape being attached up to about 7 inches from the opening of the bag, said tape having a first end and a second end, wherein first end of the tape is permanently attached where the two pieces of the material meet so that the first end of the tape is attached to the bag and anchors the tape with the second end that is either inside or outside of the bag; 
         [0012]    wherein a user, if the tape is inside of the bag can flip over top of the bag in a container and minimize any bag excess by using the second end of the tape that is flipped to the outside, and if the tape is outside of the bag, can dispose of the bag by using the second end outside of the bag to enclose the bag. 
         [0013]    The tape can be only on the inside or outside or both. The tape can be made from one piece when on both inside and outside. 
         [0014]    In one embodiment the present invention provides a method of manufacturing the bag as described above comprising providing two rectangular pieces of flexible material, as two separate pieces or a single sheet that is folded to obtain two joined pieces, and welding the two pieces together with a tape in between the two pieces so the tape gets attached between the two pieces. 
         [0015]    In one embodiment the present invention provides a method of disposing garbage comprising placing the bag as described above in a container, flipping over the top of the bag so the tape on the inside is on the outside, removing the cover on the tape now on the outside to expose the adhesive on the tape, minimizing excess of the bag in relation to the container with the exposed tape, removing the attached tape and un-flipping the top so that the bag is straight, removing the adhesive on the tape that is on the outside, closing the bag with the tape on the outside, disposing of the bag. 
         [0016]    In another embodiment, the tape has a distinguishing feature such as a color or description of content to guide how the bag should be disposed. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0017]      FIG. 1A  illustrates a garbage bag ( 1 ) made of two pieces of plastic joined together ( 2 ) and an elongated flexible tape with adhesive and a strippable cover also with adhesive ( 4 ) anchored at where the two pieces join each other ( 2 ). 
           [0018]      FIG. 1B  illustrates the garbage bag of  FIG. 1A  in a garbage container ( 3 ) in which the top of the bag is flipped so the flexible tape adhesive and the strippable cover ( 4 ) are underneath the flipped edge. 
           [0019]      FIG. 1C  illustrates the garbage bag of  FIG. 1B  when it is time for disposal, where the top is straightened and the cover is stripped to obtain the elongated flexible tape ( 6 ) and the cover ( 7 ), both of which have adhesive on the inside. 
           [0020]      FIG. 1D  illustrates bag ( 1 ) puckered near its top and the open elongated flexible tape ( 6 ) and the cover ( 7 ) are wrapped around the puckered end. 
           [0021]      FIG. 1E  illustrates bag ( 1 ) with the top fully enclosed ( 8 ) with the elongated flexible tape. 
           [0022]      FIG. 2A  illustrates a bag ( 1 ) made from two pieces that are joined together ( 2 ), where an elongated flexible tape with adhesive and a strippable cover also with adhesive ( 5 ) are inside of the bag and are anchored at where the two pieces join each other ( 2 ). 
           [0023]      FIG. 2B  illustrates the bag of  FIG. 2A  with the top flipped over so that the elongated flexible tape ( 9 ) with adhesive and a strippable cover ( 10 ) are on the outside. 
           [0024]      FIG. 2C  illustrates the bag put in a container ( 3 ) with its top flipped over, where the elongated tape ( 9 ) and the cover ( 10 ) are used to eliminate bag excess and adhesive applied so the bag does not slip and fall in the container. 
           [0025]      FIG. 2D  illustrates ( 1 ) a bag with its top ( 11 ) gathered for disposal. The elongated tape ( 9 ) and the cover ( 10 ) are now on the inside and no longer visible. 
           [0026]      FIG. 3A  illustrates a bag ( 1 ) with two pieces joined together ( 2 ), the bag having an elongated tape and a cover that is anchored ( 12 ) in between the two pieces with a portion ( 4 ) on the outside and another portion on the inside ( 5 ), providing a tape with an adhesive and a strippable cover both on the inside and outside. 
           [0027]      FIG. 3B  is the bag of  FIG. 3A  with the top flipped over and the tape and the cover on the inside now being on the outside ( 5 ), and vice versa. 
           [0028]      FIG. 3C  illustrates the bag of  FIG. 3B  where the tape ( 9 ) and the cover ( 10 ) are stripped and used to eliminate bag excess when put over the container ( 3 ) and retaining the bag in the container. 
           [0029]      FIG. 3D  illustrates disposal of the bag of  FIG. 3C  where the top is straightened and the tape on the outside ( 6 ) and the cover ( 7 ) are stripped so to tie the bag. 
           [0030]      FIG. 3E  illustrates the bag of  3 D where the tape ( 6 ) and the cover ( 7 ) are wrapped around the puckered end. 
           [0031]      FIG. 3F  illustrates the bag of  3 E where the tape ( 6 ) and the cover ( 7 ) are completely wrapped around the puckered end. 
           [0032]      FIG. 4  illustrates a close up of the bag of  3 A where the bag ( 1 ) is made of two pieces joined at ( 2 ) and a single elongated tape anchored at where the two bags are joined ( 2 ) with a tape ( 6 ) and a cover ( 7 ) on the outside and a tape ( 9 ) and a cover ( 10 ) on the inside. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0033]    The present invention provides for a simple and effective way of retaining a bag, particularly a garbage bag, and sealing its top prior to disposal. This approach is compatible with how bags are manufactured, which is by welding two pieces together (usually the two pieces are the result of folding one sheet to obtain two pieces for welding) to make the side of the bag. A bag manufacturer can make the bag without any need for the pull strings or additional welding required for the pull strings pocket. The application of an elongated flexible tape as described eliminates the need for the pull strings which are ineffective, tear, and a hazard for the birds once in the land fill. The elimination of the pull strings and any other method/device for closing the bag makes this concept cost effective while providing a new level of convenience and sanitation. 
         [0034]    An elongated flexible tape (EFT) ( 6 , 9 ) with adhesive, of different sizes and colors, based on the size, material and color of the bag ( 1 ), is pre-attached in the manufacturing process. The EFT ( 6 , 9 ) is made of an elongated tape with adhesive, preferably with adhesive only on the side of the tape facing the bag. A cover ( 7 , 10 ) is strippable and attached to the EFT ( 6 , 9 ) so that the adhesive is not exposed. The cover ( 7 , 10 ) is preferably continuous with the EFT ( 6 , 9 ) and is simply made from a single piece of tape ( 4 , 5 ) where the first part makes the EFT ( 6 , 9 ) and the continuous second part (the cover) ( 7 , 10 ) is flipped over to cover the EFT ( 6 , 9 ). In this embodiment, the cover preferably also contains an adhesive that faces the bag in an open position. In another embodiment (not illustrated), the cover ( 7 , 10 ) is separate from the EFT (not continuous), does not contain an adhesive, and is discarded after being stripped, removed from the EFT. The EFT ( 6 , 9 ) can be attached to the inside or outside of the bag, or both, based on application and cost consideration. 
         [0035]    The EFT ( 6 , 9 ) can be both on the inside and outside of the bag ( FIGS. 3 and 4 ). This embodiment provides a flexible bag ( 1 ) a bag with a single opening and sides that are made by attaching two pieces of water proof material together; and b) an elongated flexible tape with adhesive ( 6 , 9 ) that can be exposed by stripping a cover ( 7 , 10 ) on said adhesive, said tape being attached up to about 7 inches from the opening of the bag, said tape having a first end ( 4 ) and a second end ( 5 ), wherein the tape is permanently attached ( 12 ) to the bag in between the first and second ends so that the first end of the tape is inside of the bag ( 5 ,  9 ) and the second end of the tape is outside of the bag ( 4 , 6 ) and the permanent attachment is where the two pieces of the material meet ( 2 ) and the attachment anchors ( 12 ) the first and second ends, wherein a user can flip over top of the bag in a container ( 3 ) and minimize any bag excess ( FIG. 3C ) by using the first end of the tape ( 9 ) that is flipped to the outside and can dispose of the bag by using the second end ( 6 ) outside of the bag to enclose the bag. 
         [0036]    A single piece of tape (FIG.  4 —the tape is comprised of ( 6 ), ( 7 ), ( 9 ), ( 10 )) can be attached at the point where the two bags are welded together ( 2 ), preferably during the manufacturing process. The attachment acts as an anchor ( 12 ) for the tape for both inside and outside of the bag. There is an EFT ( 9 ) attached at the anchor on the inside and a cover ( 10 ) that covers the EFT, and an EFT ( 6 ) attached to the anchor on the outside and a cover ( 7 ) that covers the EFT on the outside. 
         [0037]    The EFT can be only on the inside of the bag ( FIG. 2 ), with the EFT ( 9 ) attached to the bag ( 1 ) where the two pieces are welded together ( 2 ). In this embodiment, the EFT (and the cover with or without adhesive) is used in the same way as described above except that there is no EFT present for disposing of the bag. The EFT ( 9 ) and the cover ( 10 ) are used to eliminate bag excess with the top of the bag flipped over ( FIG. 2C ). 
         [0038]    When the bag is placed in the container ( 3 ), the bag top is flipped over ( FIG. 2C ) the edge of the container and the EFT is applied. This is the EFT on the inside of the bag that is flipped over to the outside. The EFT (and the cover if a cover is used with adhesive) that is now on the outside is used to eliminate the excess portion of the bag and retain the bag in the container. 
         [0039]    The EFT can be only on the outside of the bag ( FIG. 1 ), with the EFT ( 6 ) (illustrated with cover ( 7 )) attached to the bag where the two pieces are welded together ( 2 ). In this embodiment, the EFT (and the cover with or without adhesive) is used in the same way as described above except that there is no EFT on inside of the bag.  FIG. 1B  illustrates the EFT ( 4 ) underneath the top being flipped over. 
         [0040]    When the bag is ready for disposal, the bag is straightened ( FIG. 1C ). The EFT on the outside is used to secure and close the bag, preferably by first puckering the bag and wrapping the EFT (and any adhesive cover) around the bag ( 8 ). 
         [0041]    The use of the EFT ( 4 ,  5 ) also lends itself for use with any size bag ( 1 ), and shape of container ( 3 ) holding the bag. Closing the bag with the EFT can also eliminate the unpleasant odors due to improper closure of the bag with current use of pull strings. This will add a great benefit where bags are stored in public places prior to pick up by the sanitation company. The present invention provides a solution to the problems/challenges, and is simple, cost effective, and sanitary. It is, however, possible to use the EFT with strings or other devices. 
         [0042]    The bag is made from a material that is sufficiently flexible so that its top can wrap around the container and subsequently be removed and sealed. The bag is preferably made from water proof materials that do not allow water to travel through. The water proof material to make the bags is typically plastic, either bio-degradable, or non-biodegradable plastic. 
         [0043]    The two pieces that are welded together that make the sides of the bag can be manufactured differently, The two pieces that make the bag have two straight sides ( FIG. 1A ,  2 A,  3 A) that are parallel to each other and are welded together (such as with a heating process that makes the plastic melt and join each other upon cooling). The other two sides make the opening and the bottom. The opening side, which can be straight or have shapes that help in enclosure, is not welded together. The bottom can be welded together or can be made by folding a single sheet, so that the bottom does not need to be welded. 
         [0044]    The volume of the bag is preferably about 3 to about 65 gallons. The bag can have a height of about 10 to about 70 inches and a width of about 10 to about 45 inches. The EFT and any attached cover with adhesive can have a total length of about 4 to about 10 inches or about 2 to about 7 inches on the outside and about 1 to 3 inches on the inside. The width of the tape or the cover can be about 0.5 inch to about 1.5 inch. 
         [0045]    The EFT is added to the top portion, preferably the top 20% of the bag (single or multiple applications) in the manufacturing process ( FIG. 1A ,  2 A). The EFT can be attached to the bag via different manufacturing processes. One possible option is to weld the bag seem over the middle of a once piece EFT with one end toward the inside and the other end toward the outside of the bag. 
         [0046]    The following step may be carried out to manufacture and use the bag: 
         [0047]    a) The bag manufacturer will make the bag without any need for the pull strings or additional welding required for the pull strings pocket, but these could also theoretically be added to the bag; 
         [0048]    b) The EFT is added to the top portion of the bag (single or multiple applications) in the manufacturing process. One possible option would be to weld the bag seem over the middle of a once piece EFT with one end toward the inside and the other end toward the outside of the bag; 
         [0049]    c) The user will place the bag in the container and flip over the edge of the container to the outside; 
         [0050]    d) The user will peel back (strippable cover) the inside EFT and attach the EFT and the cover to the bag after the excess bag is taken up in the bag material; 
         [0051]    e) When the bag is ready to be removed, the user will gather up the top of the bag, peel back the outside EFT, and secure with the EFT around the perimeter of the gathered top; 
         [0052]    f) The bag is ready for disposal. 
         [0053]    The manufacturing and use of such as bag does not need to add any changes to the packaging of the bag and will only require a slight change in the manufacturing process. The addition of an external device or special container is not necessary. 
         [0054]    The primary focus will be on bags made for dispensing of trash and other goods even though it is applicable to all fields and applications. The actual material and other specification of the EFT are to be figured out by working with the manufacturers. 
         [0055]    In another embodiment, the EFT has a distinguishing feature such as a particular color or writing that indicate what the content is or how the bag should be disposed. For example, the color green would signify recycling. Or red color would signify medical waste. Or yellow would signify regular trash.