Abstract:
A system for the collection and containment of vacuumed dust and debris, and more particularly to waste disposal bags for placement over a portion of a bagless vacuum cleaner, and into which the waste contents of the vacuum cleaner are emptied includes a bag body with a projecting portion and a relatively less projecting portion, an opening which is constricted about a portion of the bagless vacuum cleaner, and a light-tack adhesive strip facing the vacuum cleaner for temporarily affixing the bag thereto. The projecting portion serves as a flap that is folded over the opening to seal the bag once the bag is separated from the vacuum cleaner.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/703,324 filed Sep. 20, 2012. 
     
    
     FIELD 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to a disposal system for vacuumed dust and debris using sealable bags. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Bagless vacuum cleaners are increasingly popular for a variety of reasons which include the ability to visually inspect vacuumed contents, and the ability of the vacuum cleaner to maintain suction even when the dust and debris canister is full. Such vacuum cleaners however, can be messy when emptied. Dust and debris can become compacted in the vacuum cleaner. Agitating the vacuum cleaner vigorously over a waste bin in order to free the contents only makes matters worse by inducing fine particles of dust; some under 1 micron, to become airborne. Allergic sensitization, allergic reactions, exacerbation of asthma, and other health problems can be triggered by such airborne dust. It would be desirable to provide a disposal system that avoids spreading dust and debris. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    The present invention relates generally to a system for the collection and containment of vacuumed dust and debris, and more particularly to waste disposal bags for placement over a portion of a bagless vacuum cleaner, and into which the waste contents of the vacuum cleaner are emptied. In particular embodiments presented herein, when a bag opening encircles the portion of a vacuum cleaner, a tightening means for cinching the bag such that it stays connected to the vacuum cleaner can be transversely applied across or around the bag. The tightening means can be tape strip which partly or wholly encircles the bag, rubber banding partly or wholly encircling the bag, or any elastomeric or adhesive material partly or wholly encircling the bag. One embodiment described herein possesses a section of tape that is transversely applied across a bag that has been partially folded against itself once it is mounted to a waste container of a vacuum cleaner. The tape secures the fold and serves to restrict the bag opening encircling a waste containing portion of the bagless vacuum cleaner which is either connected to (in situ), or separated from the vacuum cleaner. Once waste has been transferred from the vacuum cleaner, the bag is separated therefrom, and the bag opening is sealed by pulling a portion of the opening having a section of pressure sensitive adhesive, over the bag opening. 
         [0005]    In one aspect of the present invention, a bag opening  200  possesses both a projecting portion and a relatively less projecting portion. On the inner facing side of the projecting portion is at least one, and preferably two light-tack adhesive bands which are exposed by peel-way strips. Prior to applying the bag to a waste container of a vacuum cleaner, one of two adhesive bands on the projecting portion is exposed by removing a peel away strip. When pulling the bag opening over the waste container, one of the exposed light-tack adhesive bands is pressed against the body of the vacuum cleaner. To completely encircle the waste container, the bag is folded against itself as shown in  FIG. 6 , and adhesive strap  270   c  is placed across the fold line(s)  231  to cinch the bag opening about the waste container. When waste transfer is complete, (1) the previously applied light-tack adhesive band is separated from the bag, (2) the bag is detached from the waste container, (3) a second adhesive band on the projecting portion is exposed, and (4) the projecting portion is folded over and adhered to portions of the bag adjacent the non-projecting portion. 
         [0006]    In another aspect of the present invention, a waste transfer and disposal bag has an opening that is flared somewhat like a funnel with an elasticized waist below the opening. The flared portion is grasped by a user in order to pull the elasticized waist over a portion of a vacuum cleaner. The elasticized waist receives, and fully encircles a portion of the vacuum cleaner; typically that portion which leads to the waste compartment, to prevent dust from escaping and becoming airborne. A bag sealing means includes an adhesive strip exposed by a peel-away backing on a portion of the flared opening which is pressed against another portion of the bag in order to seal the opening. 
         [0007]    In yet another aspect of the present invention, an elasticized waist resides below the opening, producing a flared section comprised of projecting and non-projecting portions which are grasped by a user in order to pull the elasticized waist over a portion of a vacuum cleaner for emptying of vacuumed contents. When the waste transfer is complete, the bag is separated from the vacuum cleaner and a sealing means including an adhesive strip, preferably on a surface of the projecting portion, is folded over and adhered to portions of the bag adjacent the non-projecting portion. 
         [0008]    The waste disposal bag of the present invention can include a handle or handles which comprise any portion of the bag extending above the bag opening. 
         [0009]    It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that elastic or inelastic bands, flat bands constructed of paper or other material having adhesive portions extending transversely over fold line(s) or gathers produced when bunching or reducing the bag opening to snuggly encircle a waste container can be employed without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the body of the transfer and disposal bag can be any material such as plastic, paper, plastic and paper laminates, non-woven synthetics, biodegradable compositions, or any combination of the foregoing whether of single or multiple ply construction. Bags can be produced with or without gussets. Bag manufacture can employ among other processes, blow molding, heat sealing, sonic welding, folding, laminating and gluing together at seams, if any are present. 
         [0010]    It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that any elastic material such as flat or cylindrical bands, elastic thread with Lycra® or other suitable material whether natural or synthetic, can be used to produce the elasticized waist of the bag without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Elastic stitching can be applied over circumferential elastic banding to attach the banding to the plastic bag, or elastic materials can be bonded directly to the bag through adhesive means which can include spray application of an elastomer over the elastic materials. The elastic elements can be bonded to the bag in various ways, such as the exemplary methods enumerated in U.S. Pat. No. 6,921,202 to Raterman, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, or by elastic elements sandwiched between relatively non-elastic regions of the bag to constrict the bag opening. One method of attaching a rubber band circumferentially about a bag is to place the bag over a supportive frame that will maintain the bag in a flattened aspect and attach an elastic element to the outer surface of the bag using any suitable attachment means, whether by gluing, heat bonding or by stitching the elastic element to the bag. In any case, it is not intended that this disclosure limit the present invention to any one means of producing an elastic waist for fitting over and conforming to a portion of a vacuum cleaner. 
         [0011]    The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying figures wherein the scale depicted is approximate. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]      FIG. 1  is a plan view of one embodiment of a waste transfer and disposal bag according to the present invention in which the body of the bag has been flattened to show the upper projecting portion  210  with upper lip  212   a,  and the lower portion  211  bordered by lip  212   b.    
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a plan view of the embodiment shown in ( FIG. 1 ) after filling with debris and separated from a waste container, in which lower lip  212   b  is pulled up over lower adhesive band  270   b;    
           [0014]      FIGS. 3 and 4  are sequential plan views of one sealing operation for the embodiment shown in ( FIG. 2 ) after filling with debris and separated from a waste container, in which a corner of the projecting portion  210  is pulled over exposed adhesive band  270   a;    
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is a plan view of an embodiment of a waste transfer and disposal bag according to the present invention in which the body of the bag has been flattened to show the upper projecting portion  210  with adhesive bands  270   a,    270   b  which are exposed via peel-away strips  272 , upper lip  212   a,  and the lower portion  211  bordered by lip  212   b.    
           [0016]      FIG. 6  depicts a preparatory step prior to attaching waste disposal bag  100  to a portion of a vacuum cleaner in which the lower adhesive band is exposed by peeling away strip  272 , and the bag is partially folded over itself to reduce opening  200 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  in a view taken from projecting side  210 , shows the embodiment of ( FIGS. 1-6 ) attached to a waste containing portion of a vacuum cleaner; 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  in a view taken from lower side  211 , shows the embodiment of ( FIGS. 1-6 ) attached to a waste containing portion of a vacuum cleaner; 
           [0019]      FIG. 9  is a view taken from projecting side  210 , of the waste and debris exiting the waste container of a vacuum cleaner into the bag; 
           [0020]      FIG. 10  depicts the bag having been removed from the vacuum cleaner with peel away strip  272  being removed from top adhesive band  270   a  in preparation for bag sealing; 
           [0021]      FIGS. 11 and 12  are plan views of the embodiment shown in ( FIGS. 1-6 ) illustrating an alternative sealing operation, and showing respectively, flap  210  folded over top opening to seal the bag, and the reverse side of ( FIG. 11 ) showing corners c′ and d′ wrapped around the bag and brought together. 
           [0022]      FIG. 13  is a plan view of a waste transfer and disposal bag according to the present invention in which the body of the bag has been flattened and stretched to show the position of an elasticized waist, indicated by the zig-zag lines; 
           [0023]      FIG. 14  shows the bag of ( FIG. 13 ) in which the elasticized waist is relaxed, constricting the bag and forming gathers; 
           [0024]      FIG. 15   a  shows an exemplary method of forming an elasticized waist about the waste transfer and disposal bag according to the present invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 15   b  shows another exemplary method of forming an elasticized waist about the waste transfer and disposal bag according to the present invention; 
           [0026]      FIG. 15   c  shows still another exemplary method of forming an elasticized waist about the waste transfer and disposal bag according to the present invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 15   d  shows yet another exemplary method of forming an elasticized waist about the waste transfer and disposal bag according to the present invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 15   e  shows yet another exemplary method of forming an elasticized waist with multiple rows of elastic material such as threading, banding or flocking, about the waste transfer and disposal bag that are printed on, stitched, glued, fused, sonically welded, laminated, or otherwise applied to the bag to produce a constricting effect when the bag opening is placed over a part of a vacuum cleaner; 
           [0029]      FIG. 16  is a plan view of a waste transfer and disposal bag according to the present invention in which the body of the bag has been flattened and stretched to show the relative position of elasticized waist  220 , in which elastic element  240  is a flat elastic band circumferentially affixed to the bag; 
           [0030]      FIG. 17  shows the bag of ( FIG. 16 ) in which the elasticized waist is relaxed, constricting the bag and forming gathers; 
           [0031]      FIGS. 17   a  and  17   b  show a portion of the bag doubled against itself and stitched or heat sealed to form a channel for an elastic element; 
           [0032]      FIG. 18  is a longitudinal view looking directly into opening  200  of a waste and disposal bag according to the present invention; 
           [0033]      FIG. 19  is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  4 ′- 4 ′ of ( FIG. 18 ) showing bag opening  200  having a lower non-projecting portion transitioning to projecting portion  210 ; 
           [0034]      FIG. 20  is a side view of a waste transfer and disposal bag according to the present invention showing a flaring portion above the elasticized waist  220  of the bag; 
           [0035]      FIG. 21  is a side view of a filled waste transfer and disposal bag according to the present invention in which projecting portion  210  occludes the opening 
           [0036]      FIG. 22  depicts opening  200  and waist  220  of the waste transfer and disposal bag according to the present invention encircling a portion of a vacuum cleaner; 
           [0037]      FIG. 23  shows the bag of ( FIG. 22 ) with dust and debris transferred from the bagless vacuum cleaner; 
           [0038]      FIG. 24  is a front view of the bag shown in ( FIGS. 22 and 23 ) with projecting portion  210  pulled over bag opening  200  and adhered to an opposite side of the bag; 
           [0039]      FIG. 25  is a plan view of a flattened and stretched waste transfer and disposal bag with handles according to the present invention; 
           [0040]      FIG. 26  shows bag of ( FIG. 25 ) in a relaxed state; 
           [0041]      FIG. 27  shows bag of ( FIG. 25 ) in a relaxed state with the projecting portion  210  with adhesive strip  270  pulled over and sealing the opening; 
           [0042]      FIG. 28  shows bag being grasped by the flared portion; 
           [0043]      FIG. 29  shows bag being pulled over a detached waste canister from a bagless vacuum cleaner. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Reference Listing 
       [0000]    
       
           100  bag 
           200  opening 
           210  projecting portion 
           211  lower portion 
           212   a  upper lip 
           212   b  lower lip 
           220  elasticized waist 
           230  gather 
           231  fold line 
           232  overlay 
           240  elastic element 
           250  gusset 
           270  adhesive 
           270   a  upper adhesive band 
           270   b  lower adhesive band 
           270   c  cinching adhesive strap 
           271  release strip 
           272  peel-away strip 
           273  tab 
           280  handle 
           300  vacuum cleaner 
           400  debris 
       
     
       Definitions 
       [0066]    In the following description, the term “bag” refers to a bag which is sized and shaped for placement over a waste containment portion, or waste container, of a bagless vacuum cleaner. Bagless vacuum cleaners typically possess a waste and debris canister with or without an access flap for emptying vacuumed waste. The bag of the present invention is sized and shaped to accept, encircle, and conform to at least a waste containing portion of a bagless vacuum cleaner which is either in-situ or separated from the vacuum cleaner. Unless otherwise explained, any technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The singular terms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Similarly, the word “or” is intended to include “and” unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of this disclosure, suitable methods and materials are described below. The term “comprises” means “includes.” All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes. In case of conflict, the present specification, including explanations of terms, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting. 
         [0067]    Referring generally to  FIGS. 1-29 , a transfer and disposal system for dust and debris which is particularly suited for bagless vacuum cleaners includes bag  100  with opening  200  having a projecting portion  210  terminating in upper lip  212   a,  and a non-projecting portion terminating in a lower lip  212   b.  Gathers  230  or fold lines  231  may be produced about the bag circumference whereby the opening diameter is reduced in order to encircle and conform to a portion of a bagless vacuum cleaner  300 . 
         [0068]    Turning to  FIGS. 1-12  a preferred embodiment includes a cinching means comprising an adhesive band that is affixed over fold lines of the bag once the bag diameter has been reduced. When the vacuum cleaner and bag are coupled, dust and debris contained in the vacuum cleaner are transferred to the bag. Once the bag and vacuum cleaner are separated, in part by un-cinching the bag, a sealing means is provided comprising at least one adhesive band  270   a  which is preferably on the projecting portion  210  of the bag which is folded over the bag opening. 
         [0069]      FIG. 1  is a plan view showing projecting portion  210  and lower portion with lip  212   b.  Two adhesive bands; upper band  270   a,  and lower band  270   b  are covered with peel-away strips  272 . A third adhesive strap  270   c  has an adhesive face toward release strip  271  which is similar to the peel-away strips  272  and permanently attached to the bag body.  FIG. 2  is a plan view of the embodiment shown in ( FIG. 1 ) after filling with debris and separated from a waste container, in which lower lip  212   b  is pulled up over lower adhesive band  270   b,  thus forming a first seal of the bag opening.  FIGS. 3 and 4  are sequential views of one sealing operation for the embodiment shown in ( FIG. 2 ) after it is filled with debris and separated from a waste container, and in which a corner c′ of the projecting portion  210  is pulled over to adhere exposed adhesive band  270   a  to the bag body. 
         [0070]      FIG. 5  is a plan view of an embodiment of a waste transfer and disposal bag according to the present invention in which the body of the bag has been flattened to show the upper projecting portion  210  with adhesive bands  270   a,    270   b  which are exposed via peel-away strips  272 , upper lip  212   a,  and the lower portion  211  bordered by lip  212   b.    FIG. 6  depicts a step prior to attaching waste disposal bag  100  to a portion of a vacuum cleaner in which lower adhesive band  270   b  is exposed by peeling away strip  272 , and the bag is then partially folded  231  over itself to reduce opening  200 . 
         [0071]      FIGS. 7-9  shows an exemplary configuration for coupling the bag  100  to a vacuum cleaner.  FIG. 7  shows the projecting portion  210  with adhesive strips facing the vacuum cleaner. Bottom strip  270   b  can been exposed to adhere to the vacuum cleaner&#39;s surface.  FIG. 8  shows the configuration from side opposite ( FIG. 7 ), and depicts a portion of the bag folded  231  over itself to shape and size the opening  200  to the particular vacuum cleaner. Adhesive strap  270   c  is placed across fold line  231  to cinch the opening about the vacuum cleaner.  FIG. 9  shows waste  400  transferred from the vacuum cleaner to the bag. 
         [0072]      FIG. 10  shows adhesive strap  270   c  having been detached from the bag in order to disconnect the bag from the vacuum cleaner. Peel-away strip  272  is removed to expose the top adhesive band  270   a  in preparation for sealing. 
         [0073]      FIGS. 11 and 12  in one sealing configuration, shows a first side of the bag in which (1) the top lip  212   a  of the projecting portion pulled over to occlude the opening  200 , and on the opposite side, (2) corners c′ and d′ wrapped around the bag and brought together. Note that dotted lines in  FIGS. 11 and 12  represent lower lip  212   b  beneath projecting portion  210 . 
         [0074]    Turning to  FIGS. 13-29 , a transfer and disposal system for dust and debris includes bag  100  with opening  200  having a projecting portion  210  terminating in upper lip  212   a,  and a non-projecting portion terminating in a lower lip  212   b.  An elasticized waist  220  in a relaxed state forms gathers  230  about the bag circumference whereby the opening diameter is reduced, and in a stretched state allows the waist to encircle and conform to a portion of a bagless vacuum cleaner  300 . When the vacuum cleaner and bag are coupled, dust and debris contained in the vacuum cleaner are transferred to the bag. Once the bag and vacuum cleaner are separated, a sealing means is provided comprising an adhesive strip which is preferably on the projecting portion of the bag. 
         [0075]      FIG. 13  depicts a waste transfer bag with an elasticized waist portion  220 . It should be understood that the  FIG. 13  does not represent a normal state of the bag, but schematically shows the relative positions of the bag elements if the bag were to be stretched and flattened, such as between two panes of glass. Once the circumferential elasticized waist is applied, the bag assumes the relaxed state shown in  FIG. 14 . The elasticized waist produces gathers in immediately adjacent sections, and a flaring above the waist. Regarding  FIG. 14 , it should be noted that the grid pattern shown on projecting portion  210  is a visual device to help distinguish the projecting portion form the lower portion. Both portions are flared and together (1) serve as a guide to inserting a portion of a vacuum cleaner and (2) provides a user with easily gripped regions for positioning the waist  220  over a portion of a vacuum cleaner. Regarding the flared portion, the projecting and non-projecting portions transition from one to the other, and are therefore contiguous. 
         [0076]      FIGS. 15   a - 15   d  show various exemplary methods for producing an elasticized waist  220 . In  FIG. 15   a,  a flat elastic element  240 , is attached to the inside or outer surface of the bag by stitching which is indicated in the broken zig-zag pattern.  FIG. 15   b  shows a zig-zag pattern formed by a bonded elastic element(s) such as a cylindrical rubber strands arranged in a zig-zag pattern which can be heat bonded or otherwise adhered to the bag circumference by glue or spraying a coating of an elastomer over the strands.  FIG. 15   c  shows a flat elastic band shown in dotted line on the outer surface of the bag, yet beneath an strip overlay  232  bonded to the bag&#39;s surface which secures the elastic member to the bag. Likewise,  FIG. 15   d  shows a zig-zag pattern formed by an elastic strand shown in dotted line beneath an applied strip overlay. The overlay can be the same material as the bag body, such as polyethylene or cellophane which is glued or heat sealed over the elastic element. While it is preferable that the elastic elements completely encircle the bag to form a continuous waist, the elastic elements and bonding means can be applied in multiple non-connecting sections about the circumference of the bag. 
         [0077]      FIG. 16  shows waste disposal bag  100  in a flattened aspect possessing a flat elastic member  240  which can be one or more elastic elements, such as rubber bands about the circumference of the bag producing an elasticized waist  220 .  FIG. 17  shows the bag of ( FIG. 16 ) in a relaxed state producing a constricted waist. Regarding  FIG. 17 , the grid pattern shown on projecting portion  210  is a visual device to help distinguish the projecting portion  210  from the lower portion.  FIG. 17   a  is cross-sectional views taken along lines  3 ′- 3 ′ of  FIG. 16 , depicting a possible configuration for the elasticized waist in which a portion of the bag is doubled back and adhered to itself to form a channel resembling a casing for the elastic element.  FIG. 17   b  is another possible configuration showing the channel formed on the inside of the bag. 
         [0078]      FIG. 18  is a view looking directly into the opening of a waste and disposal bag according to the present invention.  FIG. 19  is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  4 ′- 4 ′ of ( FIG. 18 ), and best shows projecting portion  210  as it relates to bag opening  200  and elasticized waist  220 . The transition between upper and lower portions of the opening can be curved, or any transition profile between the respective portions of the opening possessing suitable tear resistance can be used. 
         [0079]      FIG. 20  and  FIG. 21  are side views showing respectively, a waste transfer and disposal bag  100  before and after filling. While the projecting portion has an adhesive region  270  which is preferably covered by a peel-away strip (not shown), it is intended that the adhesive region can be of any size up to entirely covering a side of the projecting portion, or positioned on another portion of the bag adjacent lower lip  212   b.  After filling the bag, projecting portion  210  is folded over the opening. Although  FIG. 21  shows a gap (at top) between the projecting and lower portions, this would not ordinarily be the case, because the projecting portion can adhere to any adjacent region of the bag and completely occlude the bag&#39;s opening. 
         [0080]      FIG. 22  shows waste transfer and disposal bag  100  in which elasticized waist  220  has been pulled over an end of a waste filled bagless vacuum cleaner  300 . In some vacuum cleaners a movable flap covers the waste compartment, while in others the waste compartment can be completely separated from the vacuum cleaner. In any case, the elasticized waist fits snugly over the vacuum cleaner or a portion thereof during waste transfer to eliminate spillage and airborne dust.  FIG. 23  shows the bag with transferred waste from the vacuum cleaner.  FIG. 24  shows the bag when separated from the vacuum cleaner and sealed. 
         [0081]      FIGS. 25-27  shows waste disposal bag  100  with handles  280  which can be any part of the bag projecting beyond the opening.  FIG. 28  is a perspective view showing the constricted waist and the flaring of the bag opening.  FIG. 29  shows the bag being pulled over a detached waste canister of a bagless vacuum in which the elasticized waist conforms to the shape of the canister. The bag is mounted over a portion of a vacuum cleaner by grasping the flared section on both sides of the bag in order to stretch the elasticized waist over the vacuum cleaner. 
         [0082]    It should be understood that the drawings and detailed description herein are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive manner, and are not intended to be limiting to the particular forms and examples disclosed. For example, modifications to the bag structure such as the minimum and maximum diameter of opening  200  in order to accommodate a particular make and model of vacuum cleaner as well as the type of closure element(s) used to cinch and therefore temporarily reduce the opening for snug fitting about a vacuum cleaner body, as well as the type of elastic elements used for the waist and the particular method of applying the elastic elements to the bag can be altered as required without departing from the scope of the invention. The bag itself can be rectangular when seen in a plan orientation, or any other shape for fitment about a vacuum cleaner that will suggest itself to a person of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention encompass any further modifications, sealing configurations consistent with the disclosed bag structure, changes, rearrangements, substitutions, alternatives, design choices, and embodiments as would be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of this disclosure, and which fall within the spirit and scope of the following claims.