Abstract:
The present invention relates generally to shredder waste management systems. Specifically, this invention discloses a shredder waste management system with a universal shredder waste bag that can be used in various sized shredders. In addition, this invention discloses various mechanisms for securing a shredder waste bag in a shredder.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention relates generally to shredder waste management systems. Specifically, this invention discloses a universal shredder waste bag that can be used in various sized shredders. In addition, this invention discloses various mechanisms for securing a shredder waste bag in a shredder. 
         [0003]    2. Background Information 
         [0004]    With increased privacy concerns, shredders have become an integral part in both homes and businesses. Though originally used to destroy paper products, shredders are now used to shred other forms of media that hold information, such as compact discs. In addition, credit cards and other plastic products are commonly shredded. 
         [0005]    Conventional shredders have a waste basket or base for collecting material that is shredded. In order to dispose of the shredded material, either the entire base has to be carried to a trash bin, or the contents of the base have to be transferred to a bag, which is then carried to a trash bin. Any person who has transferred shredded material from a shredder base to a bag is well aware of the mess that oftentimes occurs during the transfer. 
         [0006]    Since current shredders do not have a mechanism for securing a waste bag, some users may try to secure a waste bag by lodging it between the base and the housing. In order to ensure secureness, a significant portion of the waste bag must hang over the base. Such an arrangement is unsightly. 
         [0007]    The present invention remedies these deficiencies and discloses various universal shredder waste bags and shredder housing configurations which allow a shredder bag to secure to a shredder housing. 
         [0008]    One preferred embodiment of the claimed invention provides this by incorporating an adhesive on the upper part of the shredder bag on the inner surface of the bag such that the adhesive can secure to the underside of the shredder housing. Other preferred embodiments include an elastic band or string on the upper part of the shredder bag which can secure to a notch or ridge on the underside of the shredder housing. 
         [0009]    Another preferred embodiment of the claimed invention discloses various attachment mechanisms which secure a shredder bag directly to the underside of the shredder housing. Yet another preferred embodiment discloses coupling mechanisms which secure a bag between the base and housing. 
         [0010]    From the preceding descriptions, it is apparent that the devices currently being used have significant disadvantages and/or limitations. Thus, important aspects of the technology used in the field of invention remain amenable to useful refinement. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    The present invention relates to an apparatus that satisfies the need for a shredder waste management system. 
         [0012]    In one preferred embodiment, a shredder bag has an adhesive placed on the upper part of the shredder bag and on the inner surface around the periphery of the bag such that the adhesive can secure to the underside of the shredder housing. Other preferred embodiments include an elastic band or string running around the periphery of the upper part of the shredder bag. This elastic or string can then be used to secure to a notch or ridge on the underside of the shredder housing. 
         [0013]    Other preferred embodiments of the claimed invention disclose various attachment mechanisms which secure a shredder bag directly to the underside of the shredder housing. A clip on the underside of the housing can be used to secure a shredder bag. Instead of a clip, a hole into which a portion of the bag is inserted and secured can be located on the underside of the housing. 
         [0014]    In yet other preferred embodiments, coupling mechanisms are disclosed which secure a bag between the base and housing. 
         [0015]    All of the foregoing operational principles and advantages of the present invention will be more fully appreciated upon consideration of the following detailed description with reference to the drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]    The features and advantages of this invention are better understood with regard to the following drawings, description, and claims. The drawings consist of the following: 
           [0017]      FIG. 1  is a cross-sectional view of a shredder waste management system embodying features of this invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  is an exploded cross-sectional view of a shredder waste management system embodying features of this invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of a shredder waste management system embodying features of this invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  is cross-sectional view of a shredder waste management system embodying features of this invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of a shredder waste management system embodying features of this invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  is an exploded cross-sectional view of a shredder waste management system embodying features of this invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 7   a  is cross-sectional view of a shredder waste management system embodying features of this invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 7   b  is an exploded view of an attachment mechanism embodying features of this invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0025]    The essential elements of a shredder are comprised of a housing  1 , a shredder mechanism  2  which is located inside the housing  1 , and a base  3  which supports the housing and collects the shredded material. The housing  1  has an opening or throat  4  that leads to the shredding mechanism  2 . Material to be shredded is then fed through the throat  4  and into the shredding mechanism  2 . 
         [0026]    This invention discloses various universal shredder waste bags and shredder housing configurations which allow a shredder bag to secure to a shredder housing. 
         [0027]      FIGS. 1 and 2  disclose a preferred embodiment whereby the shredder housing  1  and base  3  couple to secure a shredder bag  5 . The shredder housing  1  has a female receptacle  6  which receives the base  3  and secures the shredder bag  5  between the housing  1  and the base  3 . Preferably the female receptacle  6  runs around the periphery of the housing  1  such that the shredder bag  5  may be secured between the female receptacle  6  and the base  1 . 
         [0028]      FIG. 3  discloses another preferred embodiment whereby the shredder housing  1  and base  3  couple to secure the shredder bag  5 . In this embodiment, the housing  1  has an outer extension  7  around the periphery of the housing  1 . The base  3  has an inner extension  8  that runs just inside the periphery of the base  3 . Around the periphery of the base  3  and just to the outside of the inner extension  8  is a platform  9  which the housing outer extension  7  rests upon when the housing  1  is placed on the base  3 . The shredder bag  5  is secured between the outer extension  7  of the housing  1  and the inner extension  8  of the base  3 . Preferably, the width of the platform  9  is equivalent to the width of the housing outer extension  7  such that the two couple relatively seamlessly. 
         [0029]      FIG. 4  discloses another preferred embodiment whereby the underside of the housing  1  has at least one clip  10  that secures the shredder bag  5  to the housing  1 . There are preferably at least two clips  10  located at approximately opposite sides of the housing  1 . It should be appreciated that although this preferred embodiment discloses at least one clip  10 , multiple clips  10  may be located at various location on the underside of the housing. Additionally, one long clip  10  could also run along the periphery of the underside of the housing  1 . 
         [0030]      FIGS. 5 and 6  disclose another preferred embodiment whereby the underside of the housing  1  has at least one groove  11  which helps secure the upper portion of the shredder bag  5 . As with the clip, it should be appreciated that although this preferred embodiment discloses two grooves  11  on opposite sides, multiple grooves  11  may be located at various location on the underside of the housing  1 , or one long groove  11  could run along the periphery of the underside of the housing  1 . 
         [0031]    To facilitate attachment, a shredder bag is disclosed with an upper portion towards the top opening of the shredder bag and a lower portion towards the bottom closed end of the shredder bag. In addition, the shredder bag has an inner surface  5 ( a ) onto which shredded elements fall, and an outer surface  5 ( b ). See  FIG. 3 . The upper portion may contain string  12  or elastic that runs around the periphery of the shredder bag  5  which assists in securing the bag into the groove  11 . In yet another preferred embodiment, the shredder bag has at least one adhesive placed on the upper portion of the shredder bag on the inner surface of the bag such that the adhesive can secure to the underside of the shredder housing (not shown). Preferably, two pieces of adhesive can be placed at opposite ends or one long piece of adhesive may run around the periphery of the inner surface of the bag. 
         [0032]      FIGS. 7   a  and  7   b  disclose another preferred embodiments whereby the underside of the housing  1  has at least one aperture  13  into which a portion of the shredder bag  5  is placed and thus secured. As seen in  FIG. 7   b  the aperture  13  can have a point or hook  14  which can pierce and assist in securing the shredder bag. Although the preferred embodiment discloses two apertures on opposite sides, multiple apertures may be located at various location on the underside of the housing. 
         [0033]    Although the present invention has been described in detail with respect to certain preferred versions thereof, other versions are possible. Therefore, the scope of the claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained herein.