Patent Publication Number: US-2005127087-A1

Title: Disposable portable bags and dispenser pouch

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
      This application claims the benefit of provisional patent application U.S. Ser. No. 60/528,420 filed on Dec. 10, 2003. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
      This invention is directed generally to bags or liners that collect items and, more specifically, bags or liners that are contained within a dispenser pouch.  
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      The use of thermoplastic bags or liners for a number of household and industrial uses has gained wide acceptance. Many of these bags are constructed from a simple structure having two layers of thermoplastic film that are joined along three sides and having a mouth opening formed along the fourth side. This basic structure has been adapted to a wide range of sizes and configurations that vary with the intended end use of the bag.  
      These bags or liners are often used to collect waste or garbage. Such garbage bags or liners are often used to collect waste that can produce odors unpleasant to a user. Often these bags or liners are needed in locations where it is inconvenient to carry a bulky, large dispenser of trash bags or liners. Sometimes, the need for such bags or liners arises unexpectedly.  
      Therefore, there is a need for bags or liners located in a dispensing system that may be carried in a small space such as, for example, a purse, backpack, briefcase, or a glove compartment of a car.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      According to one embodiment, a dispensing pouch comprises at least one polymeric bag or liner and a polymeric dispensing section. The at least one polymeric bag or liner comprises first and second body panels joined along a pair of opposing sides and a bottom bridging the sides to form an open mouth. The joined first and second body panels form an interior space for collecting items. The polymeric dispensing section is adapted to receive and contain the at least one polymeric bag or liner. The dispensing section is adapted to form an opening to access the at least one polymeric bag or liner. The dispensing section is limited to a predetermined size for enhanced portability. Accordingly, the dispensing pouch can be carried in a small space, such as, for example, a purse, backpack, briefcase or glove compartment of a car. In accordance with one embodiment, the predetermined size of the dispensing section is a length less than about 4 inches and a width less than about 4 inches.  
      According to another embodiment, a dispensing pouch comprises at least one polymeric bag or liner and a polymeric dispensing section. The at least one polymeric bag or liner comprises first and second body panels joined along a pair of opposing sides and a bottom bridging the sides so as to form an open mouth. The joined first and second body panels form an interior space for collecting items. The polymeric dispensing section is adapted to receive and contain the at least one polymeric bag or liner. The dispensing section is adapted to form an opening to access the at least one polymeric bag or liner. The dispensing section is limited to a predetermined size for enhanced portability. Accordingly, the dispensing pouch can be carried in a small space. In accordance with one embodiment, the predetermined size of the dispensing section is an area less than about 15 square inches.  
      According to a further embodiment, a dispensing pouch comprises at least one polymeric bag or liner and a polymeric dispensing section. The at least one polymeric bag or liner comprises first and second body panels joined along a pair of opposing sides and a bottom bridging the sides so as to form an open mouth. The joined first and second body panels form an interior space for collecting items. The polymeric dispensing section is adapted to receive and contain the plurality of bags or liners. The dispensing section has a removable window formed therein to assist in accessing the plurality of bags or liners and a flap to cover the removable window. The dispensing section is limited to a predetermined size for enhanced portability. Accordingly, the dispensing pouch can be carried in a small space. The predetermined size of the dispensing section includes, for example, a length less than about 4 inches and a width less than about 4 inches.  
      According to a yet another embodiment, a dispensing pouch comprises at least one polymeric bag or liner and a polymeric dispensing section. The at least one polymeric bag or liner comprises first and second body panels joined along a pair of opposing sides and a bottom bridging the sides so as to form an open mouth. The joined first and second body panels form an interior space for collecting items. The polymeric dispensing section is adapted to receive and contain the plurality of bags or liners. The dispensing section has a removable window formed therein to assist in accessing the plurality of bags or liners and a flap to cover the removable window. The dispensing section is limited to a predetermined size for enhanced portability. Accordingly, the dispensing pouch can be carried in a small space. The predetermined size of the dispensing section includes, for example, an area less than about 15 square inches.  
      According to a method of using a dispensing pouch, at least one polymeric bag or liner and a polymeric dispensing section is provided. The polymeric dispensing section is adapted to receive and contain the at least one polymeric bag or liner. The at least one polymeric bag or liner comprises first and second body panels joined along a pair of opposing sides and a bottom bridging the sides so as to form an open mouth. The joined first and second body panels form an interior space for collecting items. The dispensing section has a removable window formed therein and a flap to cover the removable window. The dispensing section is limited to a predetermined size for enhanced portability. In accordance with one embodiment, the dispensing section has a length less than about 4 inches and a width less than about 4 inches. The flap is grasped and moved to an open position so as to remove the removable window from a remainder of the dispensing section, which results in an opening being formed in the dispensing section. The at least one polymeric bag or liner is grasped and removed from the opening.  
      According to another method of using a dispensing pouch, at least one polymeric bag or liner and a polymeric dispensing section is provided. The polymeric dispensing section is adapted to receive and contain the at least one polymeric bag or liner. The at least one polymeric bag or liner comprises first and second body panels joined along a pair of opposing sides and a bottom bridging the sides so as to form an open mouth. The joined first and second body panels form an interior space for collecting items. The dispensing section has a removable window formed therein and a flap to cover the removable window. The dispensing section is limited to a predetermined size for enhanced portability. In accordance with one embodiment, the dispensing section has an area less than 15 square inches. The flap is grasped and moved to an open position so as to remove the removable window from a remainder of the dispensing section, which results in an opening being formed in the dispensing section. The at least one polymeric bag or liner is grasped and removed from the opening. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
      Other advantages of the invention will become apparent on reading the following detailed description and on reference to the drawings.  
       FIG. 1   a  is an elevational view of a completed bag according to one embodiment;  
       FIG. 1   b  is an elevational view of a completed bag according to another embodiment;  
       FIG. 2   a  is an elevational view of a completed bag according to a further embodiment;  
       FIG. 2   b  is a perspective view of a completed bag according to yet a further embodiment;  
       FIG. 3   a  is an elevational view of the dispensing pouch in a closed position according to one embodiment;  
       FIG. 3   b  is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line  3   b - 3   b  in  FIG. 3   a ; and  
       FIG. 4  is an elevational view of the dispensing pouch in an open position according to one embodiment. 
    
    
      While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawing and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed but, on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.  
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENT  
      The present invention is a combination of bags and liners in a dispensing system. Some examples of bags or liners include waste bags, food bags, and storage bags. In one embodiment, the dispensing system holds a plurality of bags and dispenses them one at a time.  
      The present invention uses bags or liners and a few non-limiting examples of bags are shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Referring initially to  FIG. 1   a , a thermoplastic bag  10  is depicted. The bag  10  is formed from a single flexible thermoplastic sheet folded upon itself and comprises first and second opposing body panels  12 ,  14 . Body panels  12 ,  14  are fixedly connected to each other along a pair of sides  16 ,  18  and a bottom  20  that extends between the pair of sides  16 ,  18 . The bag includes an open mouth  22  opposite of the bottom  20 . The joined body panels  12 ,  14  form an interior space for collecting items.  
      Alternatively, the bag  10  may be formed from separate thermoplastic sheets where the first and second opposing body panels are sealed after being initially separated so as to form the pair of sides and the bottom (i.e., sealed on three sides). Alternatively, the bag  10  may be formed from a single flexible thermoplastic sheet having a side fold, a seal on the side opposite the side fold, and an end seal.  
      Referring to  FIG. 1   b , a thermoplastic bag  50  is depicted according to another embodiment. The bag  50  is formed from a single flexible thermoplastic sheet folded upon itself and comprises first and second opposing body panels  52 ,  54 . Body panels  52 ,  54  are fixedly connected to each other along a pair of sides  56 ,  58  and a bottom  60  that extends between the pair of sides  56 ,  58 . The bag includes an open mouth  62  opposite of the bottom  60 . The open mouth  62  includes a plurality of handles  64  to assist the user in holding the bag. The plurality of handles may also assist the user in placing and maintaining the bag in a desired location. These type of handled bags may be referred to as grocery bags. The joined body panels  52 ,  54  form an interior space for collecting items.  
      Alternatively, the bag  50  may be formed from separate thermoplastic sheets where the first and second opposing body panels are sealed after being initially separated so as to form the pair of sides and the bottom (i.e., sealed on three sides). Alternatively, the bag  50  may be formed from a single flexible thermoplastic sheet having a side fold, a seal on the side opposite the side fold, and an end seal.  
      The bags or liners may include a tie feature that assists in (a) closing the bag or liner securely, (b) forming a handle for carrying the bag or liner to be disposed and/or (c) facilitating the opening of the bag or the liner. For example, a bag  110  of  FIG. 2   a  is depicted in the layflat condition and includes one type of tie feature. The term layflat condition is defined as the bag in a collapsed condition before it has been opened for filling.  
      The bag  110  of  FIG. 2   a  is formed from a single flexible thermoplastic sheet folded upon itself and comprises a first opposing body panel  112  and a second opposing body panel  114 . The first body panel  112  does not overlap with the shape of the leading edge of the bag mouth contained in the second body panel  114 . Consequently, at least some portion of the first body panel  112  does not overlap the second body panel  114  and at least some portion of the second body panel  114  does not overlap the first body panel  112 . Body panels  112 ,  114  are fixedly connected to each other along a pair of sides  116 ,  118  and a bottom  120  which extends between the pair of sides  116 ,  118 .  
      Alternatively, the bag  110  may be formed from separate thermoplastic sheets wherein the first and second opposing body panels are sealed after being initially separated so as to form the pair of sides and the bottom (i.e., sealed on three sides). Alternatively, the bag  110  may be formed from a single flexible thermoplastic sheet having a side fold, a seal on the side opposite the side fold, and an end seal.  
      The bag  110  includes integral tie members  122 ,  124  that are formed by the non-overlapping portions described above. More details about the bag  110  and methods of making the same can be obtained from U.S. Pat. No. 5,611,627, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. Other examples of bags having tie features include U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,890,736, 5,041,317, 5,246,110, 5,683,340 and 5,709,641.  
      Alternatively, the bags or liners may include a separate closure means in the form of a plastic or metal tie device. Such devices are well known and require that the neck of the bag be bunched together by the user. For example, referring to  FIG. 2   b , a bag  150  is depicted that is formed from at least one flexible thermoplastic sheet. The bag  150  includes a first opposing body panel  152  and a second opposing body panel  154 . Body panels  152 ,  154  are fixedly connected to each other along a pair of sides  156 ,  158  and a bottom  160  which extends between the pair of sides  156 ,  158 . A mouth portion  162  of the bag  150  is located opposite of the bottom  160  and includes continuous strips  164 ,  166  located in a hem. Examples of such a bag are depicted in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,558,463 and 4,624,654, which are incorporated by reference in its entirety. A further example is depicted in U.S. Pat. No. 6,059,458, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety and discloses a bag with a drawtape within a hem.  
      According to another embodiment, the bags or liners may include a structure that is in communication with the interior portion thereof and is adapted to mask and/or neutralize odors. One example of a structure that masks and/or neutralizes odor is a scented structure.  
      The odor-masking and/or neutralizing structure may be in the form of a patch, tape and/or pouch according to one embodiment. The selection of a patch, tape or pouch is often dependant on the material being used. For example, a powder (e.g., minerals containing chemistry) is often placed in an air-permeable pouch because it is often difficult to embed powders in a patch. One example of a powder that may be used is baking soda that absorbs odor. A patch or tape may be used with a scented odor or fragrance because of the ability of the odor or fragrance to embed therein. Tape generally includes an adhesive, a patch-like component and a release system such as a scented structure.  
      A scented patch, tape or pouch may be formed by one or more scented aromas. For example, some non-limiting examples of aromas include citronella, pine, flowery, citrus, limonene, and substituted esters such as METAZENE®.  
      The patch, tape or pouch that masks and/or neutralizes odor may be made of polymeric materials including thermoplastic materials. It is contemplated that the patch, tape or pouch may be made of polyolefinic materials such as polyethylenes, polypropylenes, polystyrenes, and combinations thereof. Another example of a material that may be used in forming the patch, tape or pouch is ethyl methyl acrylate (EMA). The patch, tape or pouch may be formed of a porous non-woven material (e.g., gauze) that allows an active ingredient such as a desired scent to be released.  
      It is contemplated that additional layers may be added to the patch, tape or pouch, such as a barrier layer. For example, a barrier layer may be added that comprises a polymeric material such as an ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), polyvinylidene chloride layer (PVDC), polyester, nylon, cyclic olefin copolymers, or combinations thereof.  
      Other layers are contemplated such a scent-enhancing layer. A scent-enhancing layer may enhance delivery of a scent with increasing humidity. Increasing humidity often results in a corresponding increase in bacteria growth that results in increased odors. One example of a scent-enhancing layer is polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH).  
      The odor-masking and/or neutralizing structure may include additional material to enhance scent concentration in the interior portion of the bag. For example, the patch, tape or pouch may include perlite (a naturally occurring silicous rock) to increase the scent concentration. Perlite is desirable to use because of reasons such as its ability to retain scent, stability, and surface area. Additional non-limiting examples of material that may enhance the scent include microspheres, talc, silicon, silicate, vermiculite, diatomaceous earth, or combinations thereof including the previously mentioned PVOH and perlite. One example of a silicate that may be used is an aluminum silicate. Thus, one layer of the structure may include a fragrance (e.g., a liquid fragrance), a scent-enhancing mineral, and a polymeric resin (e.g., LLDPE).  
      The bag or liner may include more than one structure that masks and/or neutralizes odor therein. For example, the bag or liner may include two or three structures that mask and/or neutralize odor.  
      A patch, tape or pouch (e.g., a scented patch, tape or pouch) may vary in size and is dependent on factors such as the desired amount of scent, the particular scent being used, the number of patches, tapes, or pouches being used in the bag or liner, and the size of the bag or liner. The dimensions of the patch, tape or pouch are generally from about 1×1 inch to about 1×2 inches. The thicknesses of the patches, tapes or pouches may vary in the present invention but are generally from about 2 to about 10 mils and, more specifically, from about 3 to about 5 mils.  
      The patch, tape or pouch may include an optional peelable cover. The peelable cover covers at least a portion of the patch or tape and may cover the entire patch or tape that is exposed in the interior of the bag or liner. The peelable cover prevents or inhibits the odor-masking and/or neutralizing material from escaping the patch or tape in its initial position. The peelable cover is removed by a user from the patch or tape to enhance or begin the release of the odor-masking and/or neutralizing material from the patch or tape. One example of the peelable cover is a barrier layer such as EVOH or PVDC.  
      It is contemplated that the patch, tape or pouch may further include anti-oxidants. Anti-oxidants assist in preventing or slowing the breakdown of another material by oxygen. The use of anti-oxidants preferably prevents or inhibits undesirable aromas from items such as food. Some contemplated anti-oxidants include iron and vitamin E.  
      To assist in destroying, preventing or inhibiting growth of micro-organisms, it is contemplated that the patch, tape or pouch may further include anti-microbials. Some contemplated anti-microbials include chlorine dioxide, triclosan, allyl isothiocyanate, natural oils, such as cinnamon, peppermint, or spearmint.  
      It is contemplated that the tape, patch or pouch may include animal repellants, insect repellants, or combinations thereof. Examples of animal or insect repellants include natural oils such as cinnamon, peppermint, or spearmint. It is also contemplated that the tape, patch or pouch may be a plant-respiratory regulator. For example, the tape, patch or pouch may include an ethylene absorber or emitter.  
      It is contemplated that the bag or liner may contain a tape, patch or tape that includes odor-masking an/or neutralizing structure, anti-oxidants, anti-microbials, animal repellants, insect repellants, plant-respiratory regulators, and combinations thereof.  
      According to a further embodiment, the bag or liner may include odor-masking an/or neutralizing agents, anti-oxidants, anti-microbials, animal repellants, insect repellants, plant-respiratory regulators, and combinations thereof in at least one of its opposing body panels. The bag or liner may include odor-masking an/or neutralizing agents, anti-oxidants, anti-microbials, animal repellants, insect repellants, plant-respiratory regulators, and combinations thereof in both opposing body panels.  
      The bags or liners, such as bags  10 ,  50 ,  110 ,  150  are formed by any thermoplastic material suitable for storage or collecting items. The bags or liners are of a small portable size and, more specifically, are generally less than about a 3 gallon size. The bags or liners generally have a length less than about 15 inches and a width less than about 15 inches. One non-limiting example is a bag or liner having a length of 12 inches and a width of 10 inches.  
      The bags or liners are formed from polymeric materials. One example of a polymeric material is a polyolefinic materials. Non-limiting examples of polyolefinic materials include polyethylenes, polypropylenes, polystyrene and combinations thereof. For example, some types of polyethylenes materials include high density polyethylenes, low density polyethylenes, linear low density polyethylenes and combinations thereof. It is also contemplated that materials such as polyethylene terephthalates may be used in forming the bags or liners of the present invention.  
      The thicknesses of the bags or liners may vary in the present invention but are generally from about 0.2 mil to about 3 mils and, more specifically, from about 0.3 mil to about 1.5 mil. The bags or liners may be used in combination with appropriately sized receptacles, including trash receptacles.  
      The bags or liners, such as bags  10 ,  50 ,  110 , or  150 , are used in combination with a dispensing pouch. A plurality of bags or liners is placed within the dispensing pouch. The number of bags or liners included in the dispensing pouch may vary, but the number is generally from about 6 to about 12 bags. It is contemplated, however, that the dispensing pouch may contain more or less bags or liners, including one bag or liner. The dispensing pouch has at least one bag or liner. The plurality of bags or liners may be individually placed and folded in the dispensing pouch. Such bags or liners are removed by the user one at a time. It is contemplated, however, that the plurality of bags or liner may be in the form of interconnected bags or liners that are folded within the dispensing pouch.  
      One example of a dispensing pouch is depicted in  FIGS. 3-4 . A dispensing pouch  200  of  FIG. 3   a , which is the closed position, comprises a dispensing section  210  and an optional header section  240 . The dispensing section  210  and the optional header section  240  are separated by, for example, a perforation line  242 .  FIG. 4  depicts the dispensing pouch  200  in an open position.  
      The dispensing section  210  comprises a first body panel  212 , a second body panel  214 , and a flap  216 . The flap  216  moves from the remainder of the dispensing section  210  to create an opening therein. The flap  216  is moveable between a closed and open position ( FIGS. 3   a  and  4 , respectively) and the at least one bag or liner may be removed when the flap  216  is in the open position. To assist the user in closing the flap  216 , a resealable adhesive strip may be attached to the dispensing section  210 . One example of a resealable strip that may be used is a two-sided resealable adhesive strip  218  shown in  FIG. 3 . The adhesive strip  218  comprises first adhesive strip portions  218   a  and a second adhesive strip portion  218   b . One commercial example of such a two-sided resealable adhesive strip is 3M&#39;s Double-Stick tape. The dispensing section  210  of  FIG. 3  includes a removable window  220  forward in the second body panel  214  to access the at least one bag or liner therein. The window  220  may be removed by the user tearing it from the remainder of the second body panel  214  via a perforation  222 .  
       FIG. 3   b  depicts a cross-sectional view taken generally along line  3   b - 3   b  of  FIG. 3   a . In  FIG. 3   b , the adhesive strip portion  218   b  is attached to the flap  216  and the removable window  220 . The flap  216  covers the removable window  220 . When moving the flap  216  to the open position of  FIG. 4 , the removable window  220  is removed from the remainder of the second body panel  214 , resulting in an opening  224  being formed in the second body panel  214  to access the at least one bag or liner. In the closed position, the flap  216  covers the opening  224  formed in the second body panel  214 . The adhesive strip portions  218   a  assist in maintaining the flap  216  in a closed position by adhering to the second body panel  214 .  
      The dispensing section  210  includes opposing sides  226 ,  228 , a bottom  230 , and a top  232 . The opposing sides  226 ,  228 , the bottom  230 , and the top  232  are sealed or folded so as to contain the at least one bag or liner therein. Referring to  FIG. 3   b , an interior space  234  is formed between the first and second body panels  212 ,  214  that will contain at least one bag.  
      The optional header section  240  assists in displaying the dispensing pouch with at least one bag or liner at the point of retail sale. The optional header section  240  may form an aperture  244  that is adapted to receive an extension or rod therethrough. Such an extension or rod holds a plurality of dispensing pouches at the point of retail sale. If the optional header section  240  is used, it may be removed by having the user tear generally along the perforation line  242 . If the perforation line  242  is not present, the optional header section  240  may be removed by cutting it from the dispensing section  210 . The optional header section  240  may be sealed at opposing sides  246 ,  248 , and a top  250 .  
      The dispensing section  210  of the dispensing pouch generally has a length L less than about 4 inches and a width W less than about 4 inches. The dispensing section  210  of the dispensing pouch  200  typically has a length L less than about 3 inches and a width W less than about 3 inches. The dispensing section  210  of the dispensing pouch  200  generally has an area (length×width) less than about 15 inches. The dispensing section  210  of the dispensing pouch  200  typically has an area (length×width) less than 10 inches.  
      The dispensing section  210  is formed from polymeric materials. One example of a polymeric material is a polyolefinic materials. Non-limiting examples of polyolefinic materials include polyethylenes, polypropylenes, polystyrene and combinations thereof. For example, some types of polyethylenes materials include high density polyethylenes, low density polyethylenes, linear low density polyethylenes and combinations thereof. It is also contemplated that materials such as polyethylene terephthalates may be used in forming the bags or liners of the present invention.  
      The optional header section  240  may be formed from polymeric materials. One example of a polymeric material is a polyolefinic materials. Non-limiting examples of polyolefinic materials include polyethylenes, polypropylenes, polystyrene and combinations thereof. For example, some types of polyethylenes materials include high density polyethylenes, low density polyethylenes, linear low density polyethylenes and combinations thereof. It is also contemplated that materials such as polyethylene terephthalates, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or cellophane may be used in forming the bags or liners of the present invention.  
      While particular embodiments and applications of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the precise construction and compositions disclosed herein and that various modifications, changes, and variations may be apparent from the foregoing descriptions without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.