Patent Publication Number: US-2023159267-A1

Title: Refuse bag liner system and methodology

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     The present application claims the benefit of, and priority to, provisional Application Serial No. 63/282,233, filed on Nov. 23, 2021, the entire contents of which is incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Technical Field 
     The present disclosure relates to a refuse bag liner system, and, more particularly, relates to a low-profile refuse bag liner system capable of storing and sequentially distributing multiple trash bag liners within a trash or refuse container. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Typically, a supply of trash or refuse can liner bags is stored in a residential or commercial facility in a variety of locations including cabinetry, closets and/or other storage components. Storage in various locations leads to searching cupboards and closets to locate the liner supply and requires multiple trips to re-line trash receptacles throughout the facility. In addition, the liner bags are usually packaged in a container or carton, in bulk, presenting obstacles with respect to usage of valuable storage capacity within the facility. 
     SUMMARY 
     Accordingly, the present disclosure is directed to a refuse bag liner system which obviates disadvantages of known trash bag storage methodologies. In accordance with one illustrative embodiment, a refuse liner system for use with a refuse container comprises a cartridge positionable within a refuse container. The cartridge includes an outer casing and a cover mountable with respect to the outer casing. The cover defines a cover passage extending therethrough. The refuse liner system further comprises a plurality of liner bags at least partially disposed in the outer casing. The liner bags are arranged in relation to the cover to permit sequential removal of the liner bags through the cover passage to enable lining of the refuse container with a selected liner bag. 
     The cover may include a closure member positioned adjacent the cover passage and movable between open and closed conditions. 
     In certain aspects, the outer casing is configured to be secured to the refuse container. The outer casing includes a base, and the base has a securement member configured to be secured to a surface of the refuse container. The securement member may include an adhesive strip. The adhesive strip may include a first adhesive side for securement to the base of the outer casing and a second adhesive side for securement to the surface of the refuse container. 
     In other illustrative embodiments, the liner bags are arranged in a coiled configuration in the outer casing of the cartridge. The liner bags may be separate and independent whereby adjacent liner bags are disposed in at least partial overlapping relation. Removal of one liner bag through the cover passage causes a second subsequent liner bag to be at least partially exposed through the cover passage. In other alternate embodiments, the liner bags are connected to each other, and separable along respective score lines. 
     In certain aspects, each liner bag is folded upon itself to form a plurality of superposed panel portions. Each liner bag may be folded upon itself to form a z-shaped arrangement of panel portions. Other folded arrangements are also contemplated. 
     In certain embodiments, the cartridge is a single-use cartridge, and disposed upon depletion of the liner bags. 
     In another illustrative embodiment, the refuse liner system includes an enclosure configured to receive the cartridge and the liner bags and an enclosure lid coupled to the enclosure. The enclosure lid is movable between a first position permitting loading of the cartridge within the enclosure and a second condition enclosing the cartridge within the enclosure. The enclosure lid may be configured to be secured relative to the enclosure when in the second position. A securement member for securing the enclosure to the refuse container may be provided. 
     The refuse liner system may include at least two cartridges and associated liner bags. 
     In another illustrative embodiment, a refuse system comprises a refuse container defining a bottom wall and side walls extending from the bottom wall where the side walls are arranged to define a cavity beneath the bottom wall. The bottom wall has a wall passage therethrough for passage of liner bags. A cartridge is at least partially positionable in the cavity beneath the bottom wall of the refuse container. The cartridge has an outer casing and a plurality of liner bags at least partially disposed in the outer casing. The liner bags are arranged in relation to the cover to permit sequential removal of the liner bags through the wall passage of the bottom wall of the refuse container to enable lining of the refuse container with a selected liner bag. The wall passage of the bottom wall of the refuse container may be defined by a plurality of inwardly extending finger projections dimensioned to assist in separation of the individual liner bags. 
     In another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, a method comprises:
     positioning a cartridge within a refuse container where the cartridge includes an outer casing and a cover mountable with respect to the outer casing where the cover has a cover passage extending therethrough;   removing an individual liner bag of a plurality of liner bags at least partially disposed in the outer casing through the cover passage; and   lining the refuse container with the individual liner bag.   

    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Various embodiments of the present disclosure are described hereinbelow with references to the drawings, wherein: 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view illustrating the refuse liner system with a liner bag cartridge being positioned within a refuse container in accordance with one or more illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  2    is a perspective view illustrating the liner bag cartridge secured to the base of the refuse container in accordance with one or more illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS.  3 - 5    are perspective views illustrating a sequence of using a liner bag of the liner bag cartridge in association with the refuse container to enclose refuse in accordance with one or more illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  6    is a perspective view of another embodiment of the refuse liner system including an outer enclosure in an open condition and a liner bag cartridge being positioned within the outer enclosure in accordance with one or more illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  7    is a perspective view of the refuse liner system illustrating the outer enclosure in a closed condition enclosing the liner bag cartridge in accordance with one or more illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  8    is a perspective view of the refuse liner system illustrating the cartridge base of the liner bag cartridge and an arranged set of liner bags positioned relative to the cartridge base in accordance with one or more illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  9    is a perspective view of a packaging system including the outer enclosure and one or more arranged sets of liner bag cartridges positioned within a packaging wrap in accordance with one or more illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  10    is a perspective view of one methodology of forming the arranged set of liner bags of the liner bag cartridge in accordance with one or more illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  10 A  is an enlarged view of the area of detail identified in  FIG.  10    illustrating the methodology of folding of the liner bags of the arranged set of liner bags in accordance with one or more illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  10 B  is a cross-sectional view illustrating another methodology of folding of the liner bags of the arranged set of liner bags in accordance with one or more illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  11    is a perspective view of another embodiment of a continuous perforated liner bag set in accordance with one or more illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  11 A  is a perspective view of the continuous perforated liner bag set of  FIG.  11    illustrating separation of an individual liner bag along a separation line in accordance with one or more illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  12    is a perspective view of another embodiment of a single use liner bag cartridge in accordance with one or more illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  13    is a second perspective view of the single use liner bag cartridge of  FIG.  12    illustrating a double-sided foam adhesive for securing to the refuse container in accordance with one or more illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  14    is a perspective view of a packaging system including one or more single use liner bag cartridges of  FIGS.  11 - 13    positioned within a packaging wrap in accordance with one or more illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  15    is a perspective view of another embodiment of a recyclable single use liner bag cartridge in accordance with one or more illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  16    is a perspective view of a multiple recyclable single use liner bag cartridge system of  FIG.  15    in accordance with one or more illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  17    is a perspective view of another embodiment of a refuse system including a refuse container defining a lower cavity beneath the refuse container and a cartridge at least partially positionable the lower cavity and having a plurality of liner bags in accordance with one or more illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  18    is a perspective view of the cartridge of the refuse system of  FIG.  17    in accordance with one or more illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring now to the drawing figures wherein like reference numerals identify similar or like components throughout the several views,  FIGS.  1 - 5    illustrate the refuse liner system in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. The refuse liner system provides a system and methodology for continual supply and storage of trash liner bags for a refuse container. More specifically, the refuse liner system is a sleek, low-profile design, configured to be disposed in a variety of shaped trash or refuse containers including, without limitation, round, square, oblong and oval. Installation of the refuse liner system is quick and easy, typically requiring disposition of a cartridge of the refuse liner system relative to the refuse container, and in illustrative embodiments, securing the cartridge to a surface of the refuse container. In conjunction with the refuse container, the refuse liner system reduces clutter and frees up storage space in cabinetry or the like otherwise used for conventional liner bags and packaging. 
       FIG.  1    illustrates the refuse liner system  1  in accordance with one illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure. The refuse liner system  1  is intended for use with a refuse container  10  including a bottom wall  12  and side walls  14  extending from the bottom wall  12 . Although depicted as tapered in configuration, the refuse container  10  may be any of shape including rectangular, oval, circular etc., and may range in size and height. The refuse liner system  1  includes a cartridge system  100  which, in  FIG.  1   , is shown being positioned within the refuse container  10 . In general, and as depicted in the sequence of operation depicted in  FIGS.  2 - 5   , the cartridge system  100  is positioned within the refuse container  100 , and in illustrative embodiments, secured to the bottom wall  12  of the refuse container  10 . ( FIG.  2   ) Liner bags  200  as a component of the cartridge system  100  are arranged to be individually dispensed from an opening  102  in the cartridge system  100  and positioned to line the refuse container  10  to capture refuse dispensed by one or more users. The liner bags  200  may be individual unattached bags or attached and separated along a score or perforated lines defined between adjacent liner bags  200 . The liner bags  200  may include one or more stretchable draw strings  202  to secure the opening of the liner bag  200  prior to or subsequent to its removal from the refuse container  10  as depicted in  FIG.  5   . The liner bags  200  may include opposing tabs  204  to facilitate engagement by the user, for example, during removal from the cartridge system  100 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  6  and  7   , one illustrative embodiment of the refuse liner system of the present disclosure will be described. In accordance with this embodiment, the liner system  300  includes an outer enclosure  302  and a cartridge  304  which is positionable within the outer enclosure  302 . The outer enclosure  302  has an enclosure lid  306  mounted to the outer enclosure  302 . The outer enclosure  302  and the enclosure lid  306  may be fabricated from any suitable material including thermoplastics or the like and molded via conventional thermoforming processes or injection molding techniques. The enclosure lid  306  is pivotally mounted to the outer enclosure  302  along a hinge  308  and is adapted to pivot between a first or open condition ( FIG.  6   ) to permit insertion or removal of the cartridge  304  and a second or closed condition ( FIG.  7   ) enclosing the cartridge  304 . The outer enclosure  302  and the enclosure lid  306  include corresponding structure configured to releasably secure the enclosure lid  306  in the second condition. In illustrative embodiments, the outer enclosure  302  includes a peripheral edge  310  and the enclosure lid  306  includes a corresponding inner peripheral ledge  312  which is dimensioned to snap into the peripheral edge  310  (for example, establish a frictional or tolerance fit) to secure the enclosure lid  306  to the outer enclosure  302 . Other mechanisms for securing the enclosure lid  306  to the outer enclosure  302  in the second condition are also envisioned. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS.  6  and  7   , the enclosure lid  306  of the outer enclosure  302  includes a lid passage  314  in communication with the interior of the outer enclosure  302 . The lid passage  314  may take any shape or form and may be, in illustrative embodiments, an opening, slit, port or the like extending through the enclosure lid  306 . A flap  316  may be mounted to the enclosure lid  306  and movable to selective cover and expose the lid passage  314 . The flap  316  may be adhered to the enclosure lid  306  or be integrally formed with the enclosure lid  306  during manufacture. The flap  316  may be moved in the direction of directional arrow “k” to expose the lid passage  314  and manipulated in the reverse direction to cover the lid passage  312 . The flap  316  may include an adhesive or the like at least along a perimeter of the flap  316  to releasably secure to the enclosure lid  306  and cover the lid passage  312 . 
     The liner system  300  is configured, in illustrative embodiments, to be secured to the refuse container  10  ( FIG.  1   ). By securing the liner system  300  to the refuse container  10 , the outer enclosure  302  and the cartridge  304  are maintained at the bottom wall  12  of the refuse container  10  presenting a low profile without interfering with disposal of the refuse in the refuse container  10 . Moreover, the liner system  300  is readily stored inside the refuse container  10  obviating the need for additional storage capacity to store liner bags in, for example, cabinetry, cupboards or the like. In illustrative embodiments, the liner system  300  includes a securement member, identified schematically by reference numeral  318 , in  FIGS.  6  and  7   . The securement member  318  may be an adhesive strip, for example, a double-sided adhesive strip, with one side secured to the bottom wall  320  of the outer enclosure  302 , and the other side secured to the bottom wall  12  of the refuse container  10 . ( FIG.  2   ) The adhesive characteristics of the securement member  318  may be selected to sufficiently secure the outer enclosure  302  to the refuse container  10 , and also permit removal of the outer enclosure  302  and the cartridge  304  when the liner bags are exhausted. Other securement member  318  types are also envisioned including a bayonet coupling, snap fit, or the like. 
     With reference to  FIGS.  6  and  8   , the cartridge  304  includes a cartridge base  322  and a plurality of liner bags  324  supported by the cartridge base  322 . The cartridge base  322  may be fabricated from paperboard, cardboard a polymeric material or the like, and may include a center member  326  depending upwardly to facilitate support of the liner bags  324 . In illustrative embodiments, the center member  326  is a cut out in the cartridge base  322  which is arranged in the upward position depicted in  FIG.  8   . The liner bags  324  are arranged in a coiled configuration and are supported by the cartridge base  322 . The liner bags  324   may be in the form of plastic disposal bags with or without tie offs. The liner bags  324  may be connected to each other with adjacent liner bags  324  separable along perforated score lines  328  or may be independent and not connected to each other. In the coiled configuration, the center member  326  of the cartridge base  322  is received within an opening  330  formed by the coiled configuration of the liner bags  324  to maintain the liner bags  324  on the cartridge base  322  and permit the liner bags  324  to uncoil upon removal of a selected liner bag  324 . 
       FIG.  9    illustrates an enclosure  302  and a plurality of cartridges  304  packaged with an outer wrap  350  as a replacement kit for supply of the liner system  300 . Upon exhaustion of the liner bags  324  from a given cartridge  304 , the empty cartridge  304  can be removed by moving the enclosure lid  306  to the open condition, removing the empty cartridge  304  and replacing a new cartridge  304  from the kit into the outer enclosure  302 . The enclosure lid  306  may be selectively closed thereby securing the new cartridge  304  with the liner bags  324  within the enclosure  302  for use in the manner discussed hereinabove. 
       FIG.  10    illustrates an alternate arrangement of liner bags for use with the liner system. In this illustrative embodiment, the liner bags  400  are independent and separate from each other. The liner bags  400  are wrapped in a coiled configuration with adjacent liner bags  400  in at least partial overlapping relation. The liner bags  400  may include drawstrings  402 . At least twenty-five (25) liner bags  400  are within the coiled roll although more or less than twenty-five (25) bags are also envisioned. In use, removal of one liner bag  400  through an opening (for example, opening  102  in the cartridge  100  or lid passage  312  of the enclosure lid  306 ) will cause the next adjacent liner bag  400  to advance via, for example, and without limitation, a frictional relationship established between the overlapping portions of the adjacent liner bags  400  and/or drawstrings  402 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIG.  10    and in the enlarged isolated view of  FIG.  10 A , the liner bags  400  are folded upon each other prior to being wrapped in a coil such that the liner bags defined panel portions in superposed or overlapping relation. In one illustrative embodiment, the folding is continuous to form a “z-shaped” configuration or accordion fold. Other folded arrangements are also envisioned such as, for example, a gate fold depicted in  FIG.  10 B , a twisted configuration, rolled configuration etc. 
     In illustrative embodiments, the diameter “m” of the rolled liner bags  400  may range from about four (4) to about ten (10) inches, for example, about five (5) inches or about eight (8) inches. The thickness “t” of the rolled liner bags  400  may range from about 0.5 inches to about 1.5 inches, for example, about one (1) inch. 
       FIGS.  11  and  11 A  illustrate another embodiment of the of the liner system of the present disclosure. The liner system includes a continuous roll  470  of individual liner bags  472  with adjacent individual liner bags  472  connected to each other along perforated score lines  474 . Upon removal of a liner bag  472 , through an opening (for example, opening  102  in the cartridge  100  or lid passage  312  of the enclosure lid  306 ), the liner bag  472  may be separated along the score line  474  through the exertion of separation forces (depicted as reference numeral  476 ) as depicted in  FIG.  11 A . In addition, advancement of the given liner bag  472  will cause the next successive liner bag  472  to be presented through the cartridge opening via the connected relationship of the continuous roll  470  of individual liner bags  472 . 
       FIGS.  12  and  13    illustrate another illustrative embodiment of the liner system of the present disclosure. In accordance with this embodiment, the liner system  500  is intended for single use application and may be used without the enclosure  302 . The liner system  500  includes the cartridge  502  and liner bags  504  disposed within the cartridge  502 . The cartridge  502  may include a cover  506  having an openable flap  508  pre-formed in the cover  506  to form a port permitting access to the liner bags  504 . The flap  508  moves in the direction of directional arrow “z” to permit access to the liner bags  504 . The flap  508  may include an adhesive to secure the flap  508  to the cover if desired. The cartridge  502  may include a securement member  510  secured to the bottom wall  512  of the cartridge  502 . The securement member  510  may be an adhesive, for example, a double-sided adhesive or any other securement or fastener capable of releasably securing to the bottom wall  12  of the refuse container  10 . Other securement arrangements are also envisioned including, for example, a bayonet coupling, snap fit, etc. 
       FIG.  14    illustrates the liner system  500  of  FIGS.  12  and  13    as part of a kit including multiple cartridges  502  with liner bags  504  enclosed in a carton  550  or the like. 
       FIG.  15    illustrates a liner system  600  having a cartridge  602  in the form of a folded carton. A trash bag coil or roll  604  contained within the folded carton is accessed via a die-cut, or other port or opening  606 . Preferably, double stick adhesive is used to adhere the cartridge to the bottom of the trash can, but other forms of adhesive are within the scope of the invention. The preferred use of pulp or paper in the construction of the folded carton is advantageous to recycling streams, as it can be easily recycled.  FIG.  16    illustrates multiple cartridge systems  600  coupled together as a replacement kit  650 . The replacement kit  650  may include an outer wrap  652  to enclose the multiple cartridge systems  600 . 
       FIGS.  17  and  18    depict another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure. The system  700  includes refuse container  702  including defining a bottom wall  704  and a side wall(s)  706  extending from the bottom wall  704 . The side walls  706  are arranged to suspend the bottom wall  704  to define a cavity  708  beneath the bottom wall  704 . A cartridge  710  is at least partially positionable in the cavity  708  beneath the bottom wall  704  of the refuse container  702  and has a plurality of liner bags  712 . The bottom wall  704  of the refuse container  702  includes an opening or wall passage  714 . In illustrative embodiments, the wall passage  714  is defined by a plurality of inwardly extending finger projections  716  arranged to define a star-finished wall passage  714 . The finger projections  716  are configured and dimensioned to assist in separation of the individual liner bags  712  upon withdrawal from the cartridge  710 . 
     The cartridge  710  includes an outer casing  718  and a releasable cartridge cover  720 . The liner bags  712  are at least partially disposed in the outer casing  712 . The liner bags  712  may be arranged in relation to the wall passage  714  of the refuse container  702  to permit sequential removal of the liner bags  712  through the wall passage  714  of the bottom wall  704  of the refuse container  702  to enable lining of the refuse container  702  with a selected liner bag  712 . 
     In illustrative embodiments, the cartridge system is provided that is a sleek, low-profile, modern design, fitting in various shape trash cans from round to square to oblong to oval. Different sized bags are provided offered to accommodate common-sized trash cans such as a small bathroom, tall kitchen, and full-size. Installation is quick and easy by removing the adhesive backing and sticking to any trash can’s bottom. Working as a system inside the trash can, the cartridge reduces clutter and frees up storage space otherwise used for conventional liner bags and packaging. The cartridge may include features that allow the cartridge to be adhered to the bottom of the trash can such as double stick adhesive, or other types of adhesives, such as, for example, polymer adhesives at base of unit to adhere the cartridge to the bottom of the trash can. 
     Trash can liner bags are dispensed from a low-profile package adherable to the bottom of various size trash cans. The packaged liner bags are conveniently placed inside the trash can and accessed as needed to re-line the can after removing a filled bag. In addition, the low-profile volume of the packaging requires a minimum amount of space in the bottom of the trash can. Therefore, the bags are folded more times than typically to achieve a low profile when coiled into a roll in the manufacturing process. Each dispenser package will contain a coiled roll of a number of bags, for example, 25 bags, although this number can be greater or smaller. The bags are accessible from an opening or port in the packaging. One type of opening could be, for example, a die-cut port centrally located on the packaging, although other types of openings and configurations are possible. As one liner bag is dispensed from the center of the coil, a subsequent bag will follow, allowing convenient access when needed. Trash bags advance through the access port by the adherence of friction to the previous trash bag. Extra folding of the trash bags creates a space-saving size that can discreetly be placed at the bottom of the trash can. Bags can be accessed and dispensed where they are needed from the trash can itself. Dispensing from the center of the coil allows subsequent trash bags to follow and pre-stage for convenient access. An alternate configuration includes a continuous perforated roll. Each liner bag may optionally include a poly drawstring for tying off when filled. The drawstring, if included may have elasticity conforming to the rim of various size trash cans. Optionally, tabs on either side of the bag may be accessible via opening to pull/tie bag prior to disposal. 
     In one illustrative embodiment, a cartridge and refill system comprise a refillable clamshell, such as a thermoformed clamshell and trash bag refills in coil or rolls. An integral hinge within the thermoform clamshell, if provided, allows for a one-piece construction, although two-piece constructions are also possible. The clamshell tub and lid using a snap, or other closure can be opened, refilled, and closed numerous times. The clamshell cartridge adheres to the bottom of the trash can via double-stick foam adhesive, or other suitable adhesives. The center access port is preferably achieved as a perforated die-cut. Secondary packaging may contain both a clamshell cartridge and one or more refills. 
     In another illustrative embodiment, a single-use cartridge system comprises a form-fill-and-seal cartridge. The primary package or cartridge may comprise a thermoformed tub, trash bag coil or roll, and pulp, paper, or plastic lidding material with a die-cut, or other type of access port. Double stick adhesive, or other suitable adhesives are used to adhere the cartridge to the bottom of the trash can. 
     In yet another illustrative embodiment, a secondary packaging cartridge system comprises a folded carton. A trash bag coil or roll contained within the folded carton is accessed via a die-cut, or other port or opening. Preferably, double stick adhesive is used to adhere the cartridge to the bottom of the trash can, but other forms of adhesive are within the scope of the invention. The preferred use of pulp or paper in the construction is advantageous to recycling streams, as it can be easily recycled. 
     In one other illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, a cartridge and trash can system includes a cartridge refill containing trash bags and a purposefully designed trash which work together as a dispensing system. The trash can will have an elevated bottom where a bag cartridge can be slipped under and remain hidden from view. Trash bags are accessed as needed through a hole in the bottom of the trash can. The shape of the dispensing hole will preferably contain finger features that will assist in bag separation as they are dispensed. The refill cartridge construction will preferably be a form-fill-and-seal thermoform with lidding material. Production of the trash can in various manufacturing methods include thermoforming processes, injection molded plastic, stamped and or formed metal, or basket weaving construction in natural or synthetic materials. 
     In other illustrative embodiments, the liner bags and cartridge packaging may be made from a variety of suitable polymers or other materials including polypropylene, polyethylene or compostable or biodegradable plant-based material, such as, for example, material made from corn. The thermoform cartridge can be made from a variety of suitable polymers or other materials such as, for example, PET recyclable plastic or plant-based materials. The folded carton can be made from cardboard, paperboard, clay coated chipboard or solid bleached sulfate cardboard, or other suitable materials 
     Although the illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure have been described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, the above description, disclosure, and figures should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of particular embodiments. It is to be understood, therefore, that the disclosure is not limited to those precise embodiments, and that various other changes and modifications may be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the disclosure.