Apparatus and system for bottomless waste disposal bag

A reusable dumpster bag that can be rolled and unrolled for storage and setup, and is configured to be emptied via the bottom of the bag. The dumpster bag has four sides defining an open top portion and an open bottom portion. A rear side of the dumpster bag is configured to wrap around the open bottom portion of the bag to define a temporary bottom surface adjacent to the open bottom portion. Strapping is disposed on the rear side of the dumpster bag and extends from an upper portion of the dumpster bag along the length of the rear side of the bag, wraps around the open bottom portion of the bag, and is removably secured to one or more attachment portions on the front side of the bag. The rear side of the bag can be selectively released via a quick release shackle having a pull cord.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to the field of dumpsters and bulk dry storage containers; in particular, an apparatus and system for a bottomless waste disposal and bulk storage bag apparatus and system.

BACKGROUND

Large trash containers, known as dumpsters, are commonly used at construction and residential sites where large quantities of trash are generated. Public health and environmental pollution issues necessitate the safe collection, containment, transportation, and disposal means of solid wastes. Problems occur with metal dumpsters during the emptying of the trash inside of dumpsters by the accidental dispersal of the trash as it is being discharged into the hopper of the front loading truck as well as problems stemming from the decay of the dumpster itself over time. Use of metal dumpsters requires lead time for placement of an order and delivery of the same which can result in unwanted delays in the commencement of work. Further, traditional metal dumpsters are heavy and expensive to lease or to purchase. Acquisition and maintenance of a metal dumpster can increase costs as well as force work stoppage.

In recent years, a number of solutions have emerged for bulk waste disposal bags as a cost effective alternative to traditional metal dumpsters. One such example is U.S. Pat. No. 7,798,712 entitled “Large Capacity Waste Disposal Bag,” which discloses a large capacity waste disposal bag including loops attached to it. One set of loops may be used to raise and lower the bag during transportation. Another set of loops may be connected to adjacent loops to support and maintain the bag in an upright, open position. In another embodiment, a large capacity waste disposal bag includes pockets attached to it. When support members are inserted into the pockets the bag is supported and maintained in an upright, open position.

Another such example is U.S. Pat. No. 8,322,924 entitled “Trash Collection and Removal System,” which discloses a trash collection and removal system that includes a flexible, foldable heavy-duty dumpster bag configured to engage with specially designed clamps that are secured onto the tines of a front loader truck and that engage with the dumpster bag by means of connecting and receiving pipes, and International Application No. WO2007/108833A2, entitled “Bulk Material Handling System and Apparatus, published Sep. 27, 2007, which comprises a PVC pipe rim stays and sewn-in corner stay panels.

While these prior art solutions do generally provide a solution for reduced cost and improved ease of setup when compared to traditional steel dumpster solutions, the use of flexible/foldable bulk waste disposal apparatuses has given rise to additional problems. Namely, flexible/foldable bulk waste disposal bags are difficult to empty compared to traditional steel dumpsters. These bags must be inverted in order to empty their contents, which is challenging to accomplish since the bags lack structural integrity and contents often get stuck and tangled during the process of emptying the bags. Special equipment is generally needed in order to empty these bags and recover them for reuse.

Certain solutions have attempted to solve the problem of emptying of flexible/foldable bulk waste disposal bags. An example of such attempts can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 9,174,810 entitled “Waste Bag Use Methods and Apparatus,” which discloses a method for using a dumpster bag, the bag comprising: a flexible bag member including a bottom and a sidewall structure extending upward from the bottom to a rim; and a plurality of loops. The method comprises: engaging a hoist to a group of the loops; using the hoist to lift the bag containing contents; releasing the hoist from one or more of the loops; and using the hoist to again lift the bag to discharge the contents from the bag. Despite devising a solution to tip the bag to one side, U.S. Pat. No. 9,174,810 still requires the bag to be substantially inverted, at least on one side, in order to empty its contents. This requires specialized equipment and is difficult to perform in practice.

What is needed, therefore, is a flexible/foldable bulk waste disposal bag that is faster and safer to empty than prior art solutions for waste disposal and bulk storage bags. Through applied effort, ingenuity, and innovation, Applicant has identified a number of deficiencies and problems with waste disposal and bulk storage bags. Applicant has developed a solution that is embodied by the present invention, which is described in detail below.

SUMMARY

An object of the present disclosure is a reusable dumpster bag that can be rolled and unrolled for storage and setup, and is configured to be emptied via the bottom of the bag. The dumpster bag has four sides defining an open top portion and an open bottom portion. A rear side of the dumpster bag is configured to wrap around the open bottom of the bag to define a temporary bottom surface adjacent to the open bottom portion. Strapping is disposed on the rear side of the dumpster bag and extends from the upper portion of the dumpster bag along the length of the rear side of the bag, wraps around the open bottom portion of the bag, and is removably secured to one or more attachment portions on the front side of the bag. The strapping creates structural integrity for the temporary bottom surface portion of the bag to enable the bag to be loaded with trash or other dry material and lifted via one or more lifting straps coupled to an upper portion of the bag. A quick release shackle is coupled to the strapping, and a pull cord is attached to the quick release shackle. The contents of the bag may be emptied by pulling the pull cord to disengage the quick release shackle. Once the quick release shackle is disengaged, the rear side of the dumpster bag is released, thereby disengaging the temporary bottom surface of the bag defined by wrapping the rear side of the bag around the open bottom portion of the bag. The contents of the bag are evacuated through the open bottom portion of the bag, and the bag may be again set up for further use.

Another object of the present disclosure is a method for using a containment apparatus, the containment apparatus comprising a front panel, a right side panel, a left side panel, and a rear panel being coupled together to define an interior portion comprising an open top and an open bottom, the rear panel having a flap being configured to extend across an area of the open bottom and around at least a lower portion of the front panel; at least one strap disposed on a surface of the rear panel; and, at least one connecting portion disposed on a surface of the front panel, the method comprising extending the flap of the rear panel across the area of the open bottom and around at least a lower portion of the front panel; interfacing the at least one strap with at least one connecting portion; lifting the waste disposal bag via a plurality of loops disposed on an upper surface of the waste disposal bag; disconnecting the at least one strap from at least one connecting portion using a pull cord; and, extending the flap of the rear panel to expose the open bottom of the waste disposal bag.

Another object of the present disclosure is a method for using a waste disposal bag, the waste disposal bag comprising a front panel, a right side panel, a left side panel, and a rear panel being coupled together to define an interior portion comprising an open top and an open bottom, the rear panel having a flap being configured to extend across an area of the open bottom and around at least a lower portion of the front panel; one or more straps disposed on a surface of the rear panel; and, at least two loops disposed on a surface of the front panel, the method comprising extending the flap of the rear panel across the area of the open bottom and around at least a lower portion of the front panel; interfacing a first strap of the one or more straps with a first loop of the at least two loops; interfacing a second strap of the one or more straps with a second loop of the at least two loops; removably coupling the first strap to the second strap; lifting the waste disposal bag using a plurality of loops disposed on an upper surface of the waste disposal bag; disconnecting the first strap from the second strap using a pull cord; and, extending the flap of the rear panel to expose the open bottom of the waste disposal bag.

Specific embodiments of the present disclosure provide for a waste disposal apparatus comprising a front panel, a left side panel, a right side panel, and a rear panel, the front panel and the right side panel being partially coupled together along approximately half of a left edge of the right side panel, the rear panel and the right side panel being partially coupled together along approximately half of a right edge of the right side panel, the front panel and the left side panel being partially coupled together along approximately half of a right edge of the left side panel, the rear panel and the left side panel being partially coupled together along approximately half of a left edge of the left side panel, the front panel, the left side panel, the right side panel, and the rear panel being coupled together to define an open top portion and an open bottom portion; a first connecting strap and a second connecting strap coupled to an upper edge of the front panel, the first connecting strap and the second connecting strap each comprising an upper loop and a lower loop; a first pair of straps coupled to an outer surface of the rear panel from an upper edge of the rear panel to a lower edge of the rear panel, the first pair of straps being coupled together at a first end to define a loop and being coupled together to overlap at a second end; a second pair of straps coupled to an outer surface of the rear panel adjacent to the first pair of straps from the upper edge of the rear panel to the lower edge of the rear panel, the second pair of straps being coupled together at a first end to define a loop and being coupled together to overlap at a second end, the rear panel, the first pair of straps, and the second pair of straps being configured to extend across the open bottom portion and around a portion of the front panel to define a bottom surface, the second end of the first pair of straps being configured to extend through the lower loop of the first connecting strap, and the second end of the second pair of straps being configured to extend through the lower loop of the second connecting strap, the second end of the first pair of straps and the second end of the second pair of straps being configured to be removably coupled together.

Further specific embodiments of the present disclosure provide for a waste disposal apparatus comprising a front side wall, a right side wall, a left side wall, and a rear side wall being coupled together to define an interior portion comprising an open top and an open bottom, the right side wall having a flap being configured to extend over a right portion of the open bottom, the left side wall having a flap being configured to extend over a left portion of the open bottom, and the rear side wall having a flap being configured to extend across an area of the open bottom and around at least a lower portion of the front side wall; at least one pair of loops disposed on the front side walls; at least one pair of straps coupled to the rear side walls and being configured to interface with the at least one pair of loops, the at least one pair of straps being configured to be removably coupled together when interfaced with the least one pair of loops; and, at least two lifting loops disposed on an upper portion of the front side wall, and at least two lifting loops disposed on an upper portion of the rear side wall.

Still further specific embodiments of the present disclosure provide for a waste disposal system comprising a foldable storage bag, the foldable storage bag comprising a front side wall, a right side wall, a left side wall, and a rear side wall being coupled together to define an interior portion comprising an open top and an open bottom, the right side wall having a flap being configured to extend over a right portion of the open bottom, the left side wall having a flap being configured to extend over a left portion of the open bottom, and the rear side wall having a flap being configured to extend across an area of the open bottom and around at least a lower portion of the front side wall; at least one pair of loops disposed on the front side wall; at least one pair of straps coupled to the rear side walls and being configured to interface with the at least one pair of loops, the at least one pair of straps being configured to be removably coupled together when interfaced with the at least one pair of loops; at least two lifting loops disposed on an upper portion of the front side wall, and at least two lifting loops disposed on an upper portion of the rear side wall; at least one quick release shackle removably coupled to the at least one pair of straps when interfaced with the at least one pair of loops; and, a pull cord operably engaged with the quick release shackle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “coupled,” “connected,” or “responsive” to another element, it can be directly coupled, connected, or responsive to the other element, or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly coupled,” “directly connected,” or “directly responsive” to another element, there are no intervening elements present. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

It will be understood that, although the terms “first,” “second,” etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. Thus, a first element could be termed a second element without departing from the teachings of the present embodiments. Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which these embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly-used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for a fabric waste disposal or dry storage bag with an open top and open bottom. The waste disposal bag of the present disclosure may be constructed of polypropylene fabric with polypropylene strapping disposed on at least a rear panel of the waste disposal bag. The waste disposal bag may be comprised of a front panel, a left side panel, a right side panel, and a rear panel. The panels may be sewn together at an upper portion of each panel to define corners of the bag and may be disconnected at a lower portion of each panel to define a flap portion along the lower half of each panel. The flap portion of the right side panel, the left side panel, and the front panel may be folded inward toward the area defining the open bottom portion. When folded toward the area defining the open bottom, the flap portion of the right side panel, the left side panel, and the front panel may define a temporary bottom surface. The flap portion of the rear panel may be approximately double the length of the flap portion of the right side panel and the left side panel. The flap portion of the rear panel may be wrapped under the area defining the open bottom of the bag, and around a portion of the front panel. Strapping may be disposed on the length of the rear panel from an upper portion of the rear panel to a lower portion of the rear panel. When the rear panel is wrapped around the bottom portion of the bag, the straps may be interfaced with one or more connecting portions being disposed on the front panel. The strapping may be selectively coupled together at an end portion via a quick release shackle to temporarily secure the rear panel around the open bottom portion. When the strapping is interfaced with the one or more connecting portions, and the strapping is secured together via the quick release shackle, the bag is configured to receive trash and/or other contents. The bag may be lifted via one or more loops disposed on an upper portion of the bag and may be lifted via a crane for emptying into a dumpster. The contents of the waste disposal bag may be emptied by pulling on a pull cord attached to the quick release shackle. The pull cord may disengage the quick release shackle, thereby causing the strapping to slide out of the one or more connecting portions disposed on the front panel. With the strapping disengaged from the one or more connecting portions disposed on the front panel, the weight of the bag's contents causes the flaps of the rear panel, front panel, right side panel, and left side panel to be displaced, and the contents of the bag to be evacuated out of the open bottom portion of the bag. Upon emptying the bag, the bag may be lowered from the crane and reconfigured for the next use.

Referring now toFIG. 1, a perspective view of a waste disposal bag100is shown. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a waste disposal bag100is comprised of a rear panel102, a right panel104, a front panel106, and a left panel108. Front panel106is partially coupled along a right edge of front panel106to a left edge of the right panel104, such that approximately the upper half of the length of the right edge of front panel106and upper half of the length of the left edge of the right panel104are coupled together; and the lower half of the length of the right edge of front panel106and lower half of the length of the left edge of the right panel104are disconnected to define a flap portion. Likewise, front panel106is partially coupled along an upper portion of the left edge of front panel106to an upper portion of the right edge of left panel108. Rear panel102is partially coupled along an upper portion of its edges to an upper portion on right panel104at a first side and left panel108at a second side. Rear panel102, right panel104, front panel106, and left panel108are coupled together to define an open top area124at an upper end and an open bottom area126at a lower end. Connecting strap114and connecting strap116may be coupled to an upper portion of front panel106adjacent to open top area124. Lifting strap110and lifting strap112may be coupled to an upper portion of rear panel102adjacent to open top area124. Strap202, strap204, strap206, and strap208(seeFIG. 2) may be coupled to an exterior surface of rear panel102. Strap202and strap204may overlap and be coupled together at an end214; and, strap206and strap208may overlap and be coupled together at an end212. A sleeve118may be disposed over end214of strap202and strap204; and, a sleeve120may be disposed over the end212of strap206and strap208. A grommet122amay extend through the sleeve118and end214, and a grommet122bmay extend through sleeve120and end212. Rear panel102, right panel104, front panel106, and left panel108may be constructed of polypropylene fabric or similar material; and, straps202,204,206, and208may be constructed of polypropylene strapping or similar strapping material.

Referring now toFIGS. 2A and 2B, a side plan view of waste disposal bag100is shown. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a detailed view of rear panel102is shown. Rear panel102may comprise lifting strap110and lifting strap112coupled to an upper end of rear panel102. Straps208and206may extend from an upper end of rear panel102to a lower end of rear panel102. Strap206may be substantially aligned with lifting strap112from the upper end to the lower end of rear panel102. Strap208may extend outward at an angle from lifting strap112toward an outer edge of rear panel102from reinforcing area222to reinforcing area224; and, may extend downward from reinforcing area224parallel to strap206to the lower end of rear panel102. Straps202and204may extend from an upper end of rear panel102to a lower end of rear panel102. Strap204may be substantially aligned with lifting strap110from the upper end to the lower end of rear panel102. Strap202may extend outward at an angle from lifting straps110toward an outer edge of rear panel102from reinforcing area222to reinforcing area224, and may extend downward from reinforcing area224parallel to strap204to the lower end of rear panel102. Reinforcing stitching222amay be disposed on straps208and206at reinforcing area202. Reinforcing stitching224amay be disposed on strap208at reinforcing area224. Reinforcing stitching224bmay be disposed on strap206at reinforcing area224. Reinforcing stitching226amay be disposed on strap208at reinforcing area226. Reinforcing stitching226amay be disposed on strap206at reinforcing area226. Reinforcing stitching222bmay be disposed on straps204and202at reinforcing area222. Reinforcing stitching224cmay be disposed on strap204at reinforcing area224. Reinforcing stitching224dmay be disposed on strap202at reinforcing area224. Reinforcing stitching226dmay be disposed on strap202at reinforcing area226. Reinforcing stitching226cmay be disposed on strap204at reinforcing area226. Strap208and strap206may be overlapped and coupled together to define strap end212. Strap204and strap202may be coupled together at strap end214. Sleeve120may be disposed over strap end212, and sleeve118may be disposed over strap end214. Grommet122bmay extend through sleeve120and strap end212, and grommet122amay extend through strap end214and sleeve118(as shown inFIGS. 3A, 3B and 2B). According to an embodiment, grommets122aand122bmay be configured to have a diameter in the range of about 1 inch to about 1.5 inches.

Referring now toFIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C, a perspective view and plan view of waste disposal bag apparatus100is shown. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the lower portion of right panel104, the lower portion of front panel106, and the lower portion of left panel108are folded to define a bottom surface of open bottom area126. The lower portion or flap of right panel104is folded inward toward open bottom area126, and the lower portion or flap of left panel108is folded inward toward open bottom area126. The lower portion or flap of front panel106is folded backward toward open bottom area126. Once the lower portions of front panel106, right panel104, and left panel108are folded inward toward open bottom area126, then rear panel102is wrapped around open bottom area126to front panel106to define a temporary bottom surface of open bottom area126.

Referring now toFIGS. 5A and 5B, a functional view and a plan view of waste disposal bag100is shown. According to an embodiment of the present invention, connecting strap114is comprised of upper loop502and lower loop508, and connecting strap116is comprised of upper loop504and lower loop506. Connecting strap114may be coupled to front panel106via reinforcing stitching510, and connecting strap116may be coupled to front panel106via reinforcing stitching512. As discussed inFIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C, rear panel102is wrapped around waste disposal bag100such that a bottom edge of rear panel102is in contact with front panel106. Rear panel102is removably coupled to front panel106via strap end212, and strap end214. Strap end212and sleeve120are threaded through lower loop506from the lateral side to the medial side of lower loop506. Strap end214and sleeve118are threaded through lower loop508from the lateral side to the medial side of lower loop508. Strap end212and strap end214are pulled together to meet at an approximate midline of front panel106. Strap end212is positioned to overlap strap end214such that grommet122aand grommet122bare aligned. Quick release shackle55is coupled to grommet122aand grommet122bsuch that strap end212and strap end214are retained in a fixed position. Pull cord45is operably coupled to a release mechanism of quick release shackle55.

Referring now toFIG. 6A, a perspective view of waste disposal bag100is shown. According to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown inFIGS. 5A and 5B, waste disposal bag100is shown in an engaged configuration. Waste disposal bag100may further comprise a pole602, pole604, pole606, and pole608coupled to each respective corner of waste disposal bag100in order to provide rigidity to waste disposal bag100when empty or partially filled. In an alternative embodiment, poles602,604,606, and608are substituted with elongated structural inserts that may be constructed of a rigid plastic or polymeric material. The elongated structural inserts may interface with a receiving pocket or channel disposed on the surface of waste disposal bag. An upper end and a lower end of each structural insert interfaces with an upper surface and a lower surface of each receiving pocket or channel to apply pressure to the corner perimeters of waste disposal bag100and provide structural integrity such that the corners of waste disposal bag100are configured to stand upright during use of waste disposal bag100. As described above, rear panel102defines a temporary bottom surface of waste disposal bag100, when configured in an engaged configuration as shown inFIG. 6A. When in an engaged position, a user of waste disposal bag100may fill waste disposal bag100with waste, debris, or other bulk material(s) in order to dispose of or store such items. Waste disposal bag100may be lifted by connecting a hoist to lifting straps110and112and upper loop502and upper loop504. When waste disposal bag100is lifted via lifting straps110and112and upper loop502and upper loop504, pressure is applied to straps202,204,206, and208via lifting straps110and112at a first end and via upper loop502and upper loop504at a second end. This creates a cinching or tightening effect such that rear panel102is secured along open bottom area126of waste disposal bag100when lifted during use.

Referring now toFIGS. 6B and 6C, a perspective view of waste disposal bag100is shown, according to alternative embodiments of the present disclosure. Referring now toFIG. 6B, waste disposal bag100bis comprised of a single retaining strap614extending the entire length of rear panel102. Strap614may be selectively attached to a front surface of panel106via quick release shackle55. Alternatively, retaining strap614may extend from right panel104to left panel108, or vice versa. As described above, pull cord45is operably coupled to a release mechanism of quick release shackle55. In another alternative embodiment, and referring now toFIG. 6C, waste disposal bag100cdoes not incorporate any straps disposed on rear panel102. Instead, rear panel102comprises rings or grommets620aand620bdisposed on a bottom edge of rear panel102. Front panel106may comprise connecting straps616aand616b. Rear panel102may be temporarily coupled to front panel106to define a temporary bottom surface of waste disposal bag100cby coupling ring620ato connecting strap616avia a remote release shackle618a, and coupling ring620bto connecting strap616bvia a remote release shackle618b. Remote release shackles618aand618bmay be configured to be operably engaged with a remote control to remote release coupling ring620afrom connecting strap616aand coupling ring620bfrom connecting strap616b.

Referring now toFIG. 7, a functional view of a waste disposal bag system700is shown. According to an embodiment of the present invention, waste disposal bag100is lifted via hoist, chain(s), strap(s) or other lifting apparatus77attached to crane71of dump truck, crane truck, box truck, grapple truck, dumpster, and/or trailer75. Crane71positions waste disposal bag100over dump bed73. As shown inFIG. 8A, lifting apparatus77may include one or more hooks that interface with upper loop502and upper loop504and lifting straps110and112(not shown inFIG. 8A). A user may remove quick release shackle55from grommet122aand grommet122bby pulling pull cord45, as shown inFIGS. 7 and 8B. As shown inFIG. 9, upon releasing quick release shackle55(not shown), the contents of waste disposal bag100are evacuated out of the open bottom portion of waste disposal bag100into dump bed73. As shown inFIG. 10, waste disposal bag100may be removed from lifting apparatus77(not shown) and setup again for use, as described above.

Referring now toFIG. 11, a process flow diagram of a method of use for a storage bag is shown. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a user unfolds a waste disposal bag for setup1102. A user extends a flap of the rear panel of the waste disposal bag back around and across an area defining an open bottom of the waste disposal bag, and around a portion of the front panel1104. A user interfaces a first strap being coupled to the rear panel of the waste disposal bag with the first loop disposed on the front panel of the waste disposal bag1106. The user interfaces a second strap being coupled to the rear panel of the waste disposal bag with the second loop disposed on the front panel of the waste disposal bag1108. The user removably couples the first strap with the second strap via a quick release shackle1110. The bag is now configured to receive contents, and the user may proceed to fill the bag with desired contents; for example, waste from a construction site. When the waste disposal bag is full, a user connects a hoist to a plurality of loops disposed on an upper portion of the waste disposal bag and may lift the waste disposal back via a crane arm attached to a dump truck1112. Optionally, the crane operator may weigh the contents of the waste disposal bag using a crane scale or dynamometer1118and may generate an invoice for the user of the bag according to the weight of the bag1120. A user may proceed to empty the waste disposal bag by disconnecting the first strap from the second strap using a pull cord operably engaged with the quick release shackle1114. Upon disconnecting the first strap and the second strap via the pull cord, the flap of the rear panel will become disconnected from the front panel and will fall away to expose the open bottom of the waste disposal bag1116. The contents of the waste disposal bag will be concurrently evacuated via the open bottom of the waste disposal bag upon disconnecting the rear panel from the front panel1122.

The present invention may comprise a number of alternative embodiments, including but not limited to, the embodiments shown and described inFIGS. 12-15. Referring now toFIG. 12, a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of waste disposal bag100fis shown. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, waste disposal bag100fis comprised of rear panel1202, right panel1204, front panel1206, and left panel1208. Rear panel1202and front panel1206may comprise a plurality of overlapping flaps defining a zipper-like portion1210. The plurality of overlapping flaps may include a plurality of loops to receive a retaining rod1212, which may extend from right panel1204to left panel1208and may interface with the plurality of overlapping flaps in order to temporarily couple rear panel1202to front panel1206to define a bottom surface of waste disposal bag100f. A user may disconnect rear panel1202from front panel1206to expose the open bottom of waste disposal bag100fby removing retaining rod1212.

Referring now toFIG. 13, a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of waste disposal bag100gis shown. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, waste disposal bag100gis comprised of rear panel1302, right panel1304, front panel1306, and left panel1308. Rear panel1302, right panel1304, front panel1306, and left panel1308may be configured such that an upper portion of each panel is coupled together to define a rectangular open top1314, and a lower portion of each panel is tapered in shape and coupled together to define an elongated open bottom1310. A first retaining ring1312amay be disposed on a first end of elongated open bottom1310and second retaining ring1312bmay be disposed on a second end of elongated open bottom1310. The lower portion of rear panel1302, right panel1304, front panel1306, and left panel1308may be rolled to define a temporary bottom surface of waste disposal bag100g. Retaining ring1312aand retaining ring1312bmay be pulled to meet together at an approximate midpoint of waste disposal bag100g, and coupled together using a quick release shackle or other temporary retaining mechanism. A user may expose elongated open bottom1310by disengaging the quick release shackle or other temporary retaining mechanism and unrolling the lower portion of rear panel1302, right panel1304, front panel1306, and left panel1308.

Referring now toFIG. 14, a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of waste disposal bag100dis shown. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, waste disposal bag100dis comprised of rear panel1402, right panel1404, front panel1406, and left panel1408. According to an embodiment, rear panel1402may include a retaining device1414, right panel1404may include a retaining device1416, front panel1406may include a retaining device1418, and/or left panel1408may include a retaining device1412. One of the panels, for example right panel1404, may include a retaining strap1410. Retaining devices1412,1414,1416, and/or1418may comprise a ring, grommet, hook, strap, fastener, and/or some combination thereof. A lower flap of rear panel1402, right panel1404, front panel1406, and left panel1408may be folded inward to define a temporary bottom surface of waste disposal bag100d, and each of the retaining rings1412,1414,1416, and/or1418may be interfaced with retaining strap1410and temporarily secured in place via a quick release shackle55. Quick release shackle may be disengaged via pull cord45, thereby releasing retaining devices1412,1414,1416, and/or1418from retaining strap1410and disconnecting rear panel1402, right panel1404, front panel1406, and left panel1408to expose the open bottom of waste disposal bag100d.

Referring now toFIG. 15, a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of waste disposal bag100eis shown. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, waste disposal bag100eis comprised of rear panel1502, right panel1504, front panel1506, and left panel1508. A first track1510amay be disposed along a lower edge of front panel1506, and a second track1510bmay be disposed along a lower edge of rear panel1502. A roller1514with a crank1516may be coupled to right panel1504or left panel1508. A retractable surface1512may be engaged with roller1514and interfaced with track1510aand track1510b. Retractable surface1512may be extended to define a temporary bottom surface of waste disposal bag100e, or may be rolled around roller1514via crank1516to expose an open bottom area of waste disposal bag100e.

The present disclosure includes that contained in the appended claims as well as that of the foregoing description. While embodiments of the present disclosure have been described using an illustrative commercial use case of waste/trash collection and disposal, it is understood that such use case is made for the purpose of illustration to aid in the understanding of the present invention. Embodiments of the present disclosure may be used to collect any assortment of dry contents that a user might wish to collect and retain. Although this invention has been described in its exemplary forms with a certain degree of particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure of has been made only by way of example and numerous changes in the details of construction and combination and arrangement of parts may be employed without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. In view of the foregoing, it is intended that the invention covers modifications and variations of this disclosure within the scope of the following claims and their equivalents.