Bag construction for a bucket

Abstract

A bag for waste disposal is disclosed. The bag has a tubular body with a top open end and a bottom closed end, the tubular body having a first section adjacent the top open end and at least a second section adjacent the bottom closed end. The first section has greater stretchability than the second section. The tubular body in a flat, two-fold condition has a pair of side edges extending from a top edge to a bottom edge, the top edge defining the top open end, the bottom edge defining the bottom closed end.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 112,976, filed November 12, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to bag rolls used in waste disposal units such as trash cans, bins, food waste bins, etc. Background Technology

[0004] Disposal units such as bins, cans, food waste bins, and recyclable waste bins are conventionally constructed as supporting bags. For convenient and cost-effective packaging, the bags are typically part of a roll of bags in which the bags are interconnected. In a particular configuration, the bag roll is stored at the bottom of the can or metal rack, and the free end of the bag roll is raised to be supported and opened at the top of the can or metal rack. Thus, when a bag is full of waste or other items, the full bag can be removed so that the next bag in the roll can be unrolled to receive the waste. However, when bags are full of waste, their volume increases, and they can be difficult to remove from the can or metal rack, especially when a full bag is being pulled upwards from the can. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a novel bag roll and / or box for distributing waste bags.

[0006] According to a first aspect, a bag is provided, comprising: a tubular body having a top open end and a bottom closed end, the tubular body having a first segment adjacent to the top open end and at least a second segment adjacent to the bottom closed end, the first segment having greater stretchability than the second segment, and the tubular body in a flattened, bifolded state having a pair of side edges extending from a top edge to a bottom edge, the top edge defining the top open end and the bottom edge defining the bottom closed end.

[0007] According to a second aspect, a bag is provided, comprising: a tubular body having a top open end and a bottom closed end, the tubular body having a first segment adjacent to the top open end and at least a second segment adjacent to the bottom closed end, the first segment having surface features only in the first segment, the first segment being such that the first segment has greater stretchability than the second segment, and the tubular body in a flattened bifolded state having a pair of side edges extending from a top edge to a bottom edge, the top edge defining the top open end and the bottom edge defining the bottom closed end.

[0008] According to a third aspect, a bag is provided, comprising: a tubular body having a top open end and a bottom closed end, the tubular body having a first segment adjacent to the top open end and at least a second segment adjacent to the bottom closed end, the first segment having corrugations defined in a material of the tubular body, the corrugations being only in the first segment of the tubular body starting from the top open end, such that the first segment has greater stretchability than the second segment, and the tubular body in a flattened, bifolded state having a pair of side edges extending from a top edge to a bottom edge, the top edge defining the top open end and the bottom edge defining the bottom closed end.

[0009] According to any of the above aspects, for example, the surface feature is defined by a surface pattern comprising an array of shallow recesses formed in the tubular body in the first segment.

[0010] According to any of the above aspects, for example, the surface features include one of circular, rhomboid and honeycomb shallow depressions.

[0011] According to any of the above aspects, for example, the surface feature includes at least one peripheral extension line of embossed areas spaced apart from each other by non-embossed areas.

[0012] According to any of the above aspects, for example, the surface feature includes corrugations extending in a direction from the top open end to the bottom closed end.

[0013] According to any of the above aspects, for example, the surface feature includes corrugations that extend from the top open end along the entire length of the first segment but not in the second segment.

[0014] According to any of the above aspects, for example, the surface features include corrugations and the inherent gap spaces of the corrugations, defining a pattern of adjacent thinner and thicker regions of the tubular body in the first segment.

[0015] According to any of the above aspects, for example, surface features are distributed across the entire surface of the tubular body in the first segment.

[0016] According to any of the above aspects, for example, the corrugations extend from the top opening end along the entire length of the first segment, but not in the second segment.

[0017] According to any of the above aspects, for example, corrugations are formed on the entire surface of the tubular body in the first segment.

[0018] According to any of the above aspects, for example, the tubular body in the first segment has a greater elongation at break than the tubular body in the second segment.

[0019] According to any of the above aspects, for example, the tubular body in the first segment has a breaking elongation between 105% and 200% of the breaking elongation of the tubular body in the second segment.

[0020] According to any of the above aspects, for example, the tubular body in the first segment has a yield strength that is less than the yield strength of the tubular body in the second segment.

[0021] According to any of the above aspects, for example, the tubular body in the first segment has a yield strength between 50% and 95% of the yield strength of the tubular body in the second segment.

[0022] According to any of the above aspects, for example, the tubular body in the first segment has an elastic modulus that is smaller than that of the tubular body in the second segment.

[0023] According to any of the above aspects, for example, the first segment is a top segment and the second segment is a middle segment, the tubular body also has a bottom segment defining a closed bottom end, the top segment has a length LA, the middle segment has a length LB, and the bottom segment has a length LC, the length LA being less than LB+LC.

[0024] According to any of the above aspects, for example, the first segment has a length LA extending from the top open end, and the second segment extends from the first segment to the bottom closed end, the second segment having a length LB, the length LA being between 5% and 20% of the length LB.

[0025] According to any of the above aspects, for example, the first segment has a length LA extending from the top open end, and the second segment extends from the first segment to the bottom closed end, the second segment having a length LB, the length LA being between 5% and 10% of the length LB.

[0026] According to any of the above aspects, for example, the first segment has a length LA extending from the top open end, and the second segment extends from the first segment to the bottom closed end, the second segment having a length LB, the length LA being less than one-third of the length LB.

[0027] According to another aspect, a bag roll is provided, comprising: a plurality of bags according to any of the foregoing, wherein the bags are connected end-to-end and connected from the bottom edge of a first bag in the bag roll to the top edge of a second bag in the bag roll.

[0028] According to another aspect, a bag dispensing box is provided, which includes a bag roll and a reservoir for at least a portion of the closed bag roll.

[0029] According to another aspect, a bag dispensing box is provided, comprising a tubular film defining a plurality of bags according to any one of the above and a reservoir that closes at least a portion of the plurality of bags, the plurality of bags being connected end-to-end and connected from the bottom edge of a first bag to the top edge of a second bag, the tubular film being stacked in a fan-shaped or multi-folded configuration. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a bag roll according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 2 It includes, for example Figure 1 A perspective view of a bag roll box according to the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 3 In an incomplete waste disposal unit Figure 2 A perspective view of the bag roll box;

[0033] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Cross-sectional view of the bag roll and waste disposal unit;

[0034] Figure 5 A to Figure 5 C is Figure 1 A plan view of the top edge outline of the bag roll;

[0035] Figure 6 Such as according to another embodiment of this disclosure Figure 1 A perspective view of the bag roll; and

[0036] Figure 7 It is a type of material with a different stacking structure, such as Figure 1 and Figure 6 A perspective view of the film dispensing box of the bags in the bag roll. Detailed Implementation

[0037] Refer to the accompanying drawings, and more specifically to... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The bags and rolls are generally shown in groups of 10. Figure 2 The bag roll box 10 may have a bag roll 20, which is wound onto the tube 30 (e.g., ...). Figure 1 (as shown in the figures), and inserted into the box body 40. The bag roll 20 according to this disclosure may or may not have a tube 30 and / or a box body 40. Although the figures show the bag roll 10, the bags in any of the figures may be provided separately (i.e., not part of the roll) or in a zigzag pattern (fan-shaped folds). Figure 7 ).

[0038] Bag roll 20 Figure 1 The following is shown in more detail. Bag roll 20 can be made of a film of plastic material. For example, depending on the intended use, the plastic material can be a plastic such as polyethylene (LDPE, LLDPE, or HDPE), bioplastics, polylactic acid, to name just a few of the many possible materials. It is also conceivable to add a functional layer such as ethylene-vinyl alcohol (EVOH) to the plastic film to enable the film to form an odor barrier, or to add a nylon layer to reinforce the bag. The film can also be a biodegradable and / or compostable material, such as starch-based or plant-based materials. As detailed below, portions of bag roll 20 can be made of different materials (such as different plastic materials), thereby obtaining different mechanical properties (e.g., different levels of stretchability, modulus of elasticity, tensile strength, elongation at break, etc.), chemical properties (e.g., fluid impermeability / permeability, such as gas impermeability or liquid impermeability, etc.) and / or other properties as described above can be obtained longitudinally and / or laterally along selected locations / segments of bag roll 20.

[0039] The bag roll 20 can be in the form of a section of tubular film, having weld lines defining multiple bags interconnected end-to-end and tear-through perforations, as shown as 20', 20”, etc. The tubular film can be stacked on the roll in a zigzag pattern or the like. Due to the thinness of the film, the bag roll 20 can therefore look like... Figure 1 The continuous sheet material in the bag roll 20, although the bag roll 20 has a pair of panels 21 overlapping each other and joined at side edges 22. In embodiments, this is referred to as the flat bifold state of the bag: the bag has two creases, i.e., one crease at each side edge 22, and no gussets. Although the bag in the bag roll 20 may have gussets according to this disclosure, the lateral dimensions of the bag can be described herein as being in a flat bifold state. This can be understood to mean that even if the bag roll 20 has gussets, the dimensions refer to the lateral dimensions of the bag as if it were in a flat bifold state. Even though the bag described herein may not be packaged or sold in a flat bifold state (it may have even more creases, such as folded on itself), a flat bifold state is a state in which the bag lies flat on a surface so as to have two lateral creases between the top and bottom edges—the two side edges. Furthermore, it is mentioned that the bag is unstretched. This can be understood to mean that the bag is in its initial state on the bag roll 20 before being mounted on a disposal unit (which may require some elastic or plastic deformation) and before being handled by a user. The bags in their initial state on bag roll 20 may have been plastically pre-stretched during manufacturing, but despite this pre-stretching, their state on bag roll 20 is also referred to as unstretched.

[0040] Each bag's side edge 22 extends from the top edge 23 of each bag, such as bag 20', to the bottom edge 24. In the end-to-end connection of the bag roll 20, the bags are interconnected such that the bottom edge 24 of the leading bag in the bag roll 20 connects to the top edge 23 of the trailing bag, contrasting with bag rolls where the bottom or top edges of adjacent bags are interconnected. When laid flat, i.e. in a flat, double-folded state, the bags 20', 20" etc. of the bag roll 20 have a constant width. For example, as shown, the side edges 22 are parallel to each other along the entire length of the bags from the bag roll 20. However, it is also contemplated to provide a tapered section from the top edge 23 to the bottom edge 24 within the bag.

[0041] The bag may have two, three, or more distinct sections. As shown, each bag, such as bag 20', has a top section 20A, which may be referred to as a hook section, a middle section 20B, which may be referred to as a disposal section, and a bottom section 20C, which may be referred to as a closing end section. The middle section 20B or the bottom section 20C can be optional, as the middle section 20B and the bottom section 20C can be considered the same section, for example, when the dimensions and / or characteristics of these sections are identical from the top section 20A to the bottom of the bag 20'. In other words, the middle section 20B and the bottom section 20C may not have distinctive features relative to each other when it comes to the stretchability and / or dimensions (e.g., width) or other characteristics of the middle section 20B and the bottom section 20C. As shown, the top section 20A, the middle section 20B, and the bottom section 20C extend sequentially from the top edge 23 to the bottom edge 24, without any dividing lines. However, at least the top segment 20A has different mechanical and / or chemical properties than the middle segment 20B and / or the bottom segment 20C. The top segment 20A has greater stretchability than the middle segment 20B and / or the bottom segment 20C. For example, when the bag 20' is opened to its maximum opening diameter, the top segment 20A can be non-permanently (i.e., elastically) stretched or plastically stretched without tearing under a given tensile load in a direction transverse to the length of the bag 20' (which may correspond to the circumferential or peripheral direction of the bag 20'), to enlarge the opening diameter of the bag 20' at the top segment 20A, while the middle segment 20B remains unstretched if the same given tensile load is applied to it. In at least some applications of the bag 20', this stretching of the top segment 20A can allow the top segment 20A to be supported by the bag support 56 of the disposal unit 50. Figure 3 The appropriate hooks on the bag (which will be described in further detail below) and the minimal to no stretching of the middle section 20B allow for better control of the maximum volume and / or space occupied by the bag 20' within the disposal unit 50 when the bag 20' is filled with waste.

[0042] In at least some embodiments where bags 20, 20' can be elastically stretched in a stretched (elastic) state, when the top segment 20A is mounted and tightened on the bag support 56 (e.g., partially folded on the tubular bag support 56, as shown below) Figure 4 (As described in further detail) When the top segment 20A abuts against the bag support 56, it applies a contractile force (due to elastic recovery), which secures the top segment 20A of the bags 20, 20' to the bag support 56 without the need for additional components (e.g., drawstrings, straps, clips, clamps, etc.). For example, for use in the disposal unit 50 disclosed herein, a suitable balance can be envisioned between bag holding force and manual stretching by the user with limited (or no) inconvenience. When the bags 20, 20' are stuffed with waste (e.g., up to 4 kg of waste) and pulled downward by the weight of the waste, the top segment 20A, which imparts the desired level of contractile force, can provide hold of the bags on the bag support 56. The elasticity of the top segment 20A allows for manual stretching of the bags 20, 20' with limited inconvenience when attaching and / or removing the bags from the bag support 56. In some embodiments, the mechanical hold or bag holding force at the top segment 20A can be provided by the geometry and / or shape of the tubular bag support 56 without such a contractile force due to elastic recovery. In this case, when the bag 20' is filled with waste (e.g., up to 4 kg of waste) and pulled downward by the weight of the waste, it can still be mechanically held in place by the features of the tubular bag support 56 that engages with the top section 20A.

[0043] In at least some embodiments, the difference in stretchability of the top segment 20A relative to the middle segment 20B and / or the bottom segment 20C can be defined by the difference in elasticity of the tubular film in the top segment 20A relative to the middle segment 20B and / or the bottom segment 20C. For example, in an embodiment, the top segment 20A is made of an elastically stretchable film, while the remainder of the bag 20 is not. When compared to the remainder of the bag 20', the top segment 20A can define an elastic band forming part of the bag. The top segment 20A can be an LLDPE variant. In contrast, the remainder of the bag 20' can be made of a film that does not stretch elastically when waste is received into the bag or when tension is applied to the lower part of the bag. For example, the difference in elasticity can be achieved by making the thickness of the top segment 20A less than the thickness of the middle segment 20B and / or the bottom segment 20C. In some embodiments, for example, the top segment 20A may have a thickness between 50% and 95% of the thickness of the middle segment 20B, between 75% and 95% in some specific cases, and between 85% and 95% in some even more specific cases. As another example, elastic bands of material may be embedded between the material layers forming the top segment 20A. Depending on the manufacturing process, the top segment 20A may be welded to the remainder of the bag 20, for example, via ultrasonic welding. Adhesives may be used as another possibility.

[0044] As yet another example, the difference in elasticity and / or stretchability between the top segment 20A and the middle segment 20B can be achieved by applying a surface treatment to the top segment 20A but not to the rest of the bag 20. The surface treatment may include one or more surface features. Examples of such surface treatments are... Figure 1 It is shown at positions 23A and 23B in the diagram.

[0045] like Figure 1 As shown, exemplary surface feature 23A is defined by a surface pattern, such as an embossed, pre-stretched, or deformed region of the tubular film in the top segment 20A. In some embodiments, the surface pattern may define an embossed region surrounded by a smooth surface region that defines the contour of the embossed region. In embodiments, the surface pattern may include one or more peripheral extension lines of embossed, pre-stretched, or deformed regions spaced apart from each other by untreated regions (e.g., non-embossed, non-pre-stretched, non-deformed) to force the top segment 20A to undergo elastic and / or plastic deformation when a tensile load is applied in the region defined by the surface pattern in a direction transverse to the length L of the bag 20. In embodiments, the surface pattern may include an array of shallow recesses (e.g., circular, diamond, honeycomb) formed into the tubular film.

[0046] like Figure 1As shown, exemplary surface feature 23B is defined by corrugations extending in the direction of the tubular film length (or bag length). As illustrated, the corrugations may extend from the top end along the entire length LA of the top segment 20A, but not in the middle segment 20B. In other embodiments, the corrugations may extend in the peripheral direction (i.e., the direction transverse to the length L of the bag 20). In still other embodiments, the surface feature may include corrugations extending in more than one direction (such as in the direction of the bag length L and the direction transverse to the length of the bag). According to embodiments, the corrugations may have a uniform or non-uniform width. The corrugations and the inherent gap spaces between them can define a pattern of adjacent thinner and thicker regions of the tubular film.

[0047] Exemplary surface features 23A and 23B illustrate some possibilities, although other surface features can be envisioned to enhance the stretchability in the top segment 20A, unlike the other segments of the bag 20. For example, surface features 23A, 23B may be uniformly or non-uniformly distributed in the top segment 20A, spread across the entire surface of the top segment 20A, or defined in selected locations in the top segment 20A.

[0048] In embodiments where the tubular film comprises multiple material layers, surface features can be obtained by defining regions in the top segment 20A that have fewer material layers than other regions. Accordingly, stretching can be promoted in some regions of the top segment 20A relative to other regions of the top segment 20A.

[0049] As another example, such a surface treatment may be applied only to the middle section 20B and / or the bottom section 20C, i.e., the top section 20A does not have such a surface treatment, thereby reducing the stretchability of the middle section 20B / them.

[0050] The surface treatments and / or surface features described herein can be obtained, for example, by extruding a tubular film (or a segment thereof) between complementary plates or between the rolls of a rotary press. Such rolls can be knurled or ribbed rolls to mechanically imprint the surface features into the material of the tubular film. Such a process can be performed, for example, by cold rolling, with or without heating the plates or rolls. Other manufacturing processes are conceivable, such as defining surface features by heating portions of the tubular film (e.g., by roll or planar embossing).

[0051] In at least some embodiments, the tubular film in the top segment 20A has a greater elongation at break than the intermediate segment 20B (i.e., the allowable elongation until the film breaks). For example, in one embodiment, the elongation at break of the tubular film in the top segment 20A is between 105% and 200% of the elongation at break of the tubular film in the intermediate segment 20B. Alternatively or additionally, the tubular film in the top segment 20A may have a yield strength less than the yield strength of the intermediate segment 20B. That is, under a given tensile load (e.g., 10 psi) applied to the tubular film in the top segment 20A, the top segment 20A may be elastically or plastically stretched without tearing, while the intermediate segment 20B may not be stretched. For example, in some cases, the yield strength of the tubular film in the top segment 20A is between 50% and 95% of the yield strength of the intermediate segment 20B. The difference in yield strength between the top segment 20A and the middle segment 20B can be selected to limit the tendency for the middle segment 20B to be undesirably stretched when the top segment 20A is stretched. Alternatively, the tubular film in the top segment 20A may have a lower elastic modulus than that in the middle segment 20B. For example, in some cases, the elastic modulus of the tubular film in the top segment 20A relative to the elastic modulus of the tubular film in the middle segment 20B has a ratio between 3:10 and 9:10, where in some cases this ratio is between 4:10 and 8:10, and where in some cases this ratio is between 5:10 and 7:10. In other embodiments, the ratio of the elastic modulus of the tubular film in the top segment 20A relative to the elastic modulus of the tubular film in the middle segment 20B may be less than 3:10. In embodiments where the tubular film (or its segments or the entirety) comprises layers of different materials, the elastic modulus or yield strength is the “composite” elastic modulus or yield strength of the tubular film comprising the composite material layers. Elongation at break and other properties discussed above can be measured in the circumferential or peripheral direction transverse to the length of the tubular film. Measurements of these properties in the various segments of the tubular film can be performed using, for example, standardized test methods specified in applicable ASTM standards.

[0052] Although the top segment 20A and the middle segment 20B have been compared above in terms of differences in characteristics, the top segment 20A can also be compared with the bottom segment 20C. In at least some embodiments, the comparative characteristics and values ​​discussed above regarding the top segment 20A and the middle segment 20B may be the same when considering the top segment 20A and the bottom segment 20C. For example, this may occur in embodiments where the middle segment 20B and the bottom segment 20C have the same composition and / or mechanical properties.

[0053] In one embodiment, the tubular film in the top segment 20A and the middle segment 20B includes an EVOH layer for forming an odor barrier. In practice, the EVOH layer may extend in the bottom segment 20C to maximize the odor barrier. In other embodiments, the EVOH layer may be omitted in the top segment 20A but is present in the middle segment 20B and the bottom segment 20C. When filled with waste, a bag, such as bag 20', can be closed by knotting the top open end of bag 20' with the top segment 20A remaining above the knot (i.e., the top segment 20A is not in contact with the waste). Therefore, odor control in the top segment 20A may be optional depending on the intended use. In a particular embodiment, the tubular film in the top segment 20A comprises LLDPE, and the tubular films in the middle segment 20B and the bottom segment 20C comprise HDPE, with or without one or more layers of LLDPE.

[0054] In an embodiment, while filling the bag with waste, it is desirable to make only the top segment 20A suitable for stretching, or to make the top segment 20A significantly more stretchable than the middle segment 20B (and / or the bottom segment 20C), rather than stretching or otherwise deforming (elastically or plastically) the entire bag 20', including the middle segment 20B and the bottom segment 20C. This can facilitate the removal of the bag from the disposal unit 50, as described further below. As discussed above, this difference in stretchability can be achieved through different thicknesses, different materials, different numbers of material layers in one or more segments of the bag, and / or surface treatments applied to selected segments of the tubular film (such as, for example, applied only to the top segment 20A, and not to the middle segment 20B and / or the bottom segment 20C).

[0055] In the depicted embodiment, the bag has no tapering section and therefore transitions directly from the top section 20A to the middle section 20B. Alternatively, a tapering (bottleneck) middle section may exist between the top section 20A and the middle section 20B.

[0056] In the depicted embodiment, the bag of bag roll 20 is straight from top edge 23 to bottom edge 24 and has a constant width. For clarity, the width described herein is as follows: Figure 1 The flat width of the roll refers to the flat, double-folded state in which the panels 21 are coplanar. Although the term "straight" is used in this context, the side edges may taper. The expression "straight" is used herein in a non-limiting manner for distinguishing purposes. For example, in other embodiments, although in Figure 1 and Figure 2In the embodiments shown, it is straight and parallel, but the side edge 22 at the top segment 20A may taper toward the bottom edge 24 while still being considered "straight". Similarly, although in Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some embodiments, the side edges 22 are shown as straight and parallel, but the side edges 22 at the middle segment 20B may taper toward the bottom edge 24 while still being considered "straight". In yet another embodiment, the side edges 22 may taper continuously from the top edge 23 to the bottom edge 24 at a continuous angle or at two (or more) different angles (i.e., one for segment 20A, another for segment 20B, and one for segment 20C). In another embodiment, the bag 20′ (whether or not part of roll 20) has side edges 22 that are parallel or quasi-parallel to each other at the top segment 20A, and then tapers beyond the top segment 20A.

[0057] Before the bag is installed, in its flat, double-folded state, the top segment 20A has a width WA and the middle segment 20B has a width WB, wherein widths WA and WB are substantially constant in most or all of segments 20A and 20B, respectively. The side edges 22 in the top segment 20A and the middle segment 20B are as follows... Figure 1 The segments 20A and 20B are parallel as shown in the middle. If segments 20A and 20B taper towards the bottom edge 24 (not shown), then the top segment 20A has a minimum width WA greater than the average width WB measured along the middle segment 20B. For example, the width is as follows: 0.60WA ≤ WB (average) ≤ 0.99WA. In another embodiment, the width is as follows: 0.65WA ≤ WB (average) ≤ 0.85WA.

[0058] The bag, such as bag 20', has a length L, which can be segmented into LA, LB, and LC to represent the heights of segments 20A, 20B, and 20C, respectively. According to an embodiment, LB is at least three times the length of LA, i.e., LB > 3LA. In other words, the length LA can be less than one-third of the length LB. In an embodiment, this relative size of LA and LB can correspond to a length LA having between 5% and 20% of the length LB (or LB+LC). In a particular embodiment, the length LA is between 5% and 10% of the length LB (or LB+LC). Minimizing the size of LA relative to the total length L of bag 20' and / or maximizing the length LB allows a larger volume of bag 20' to be dedicated to receiving waste without (or substantially without) stretching, while having a top segment 20A of sufficient length LA to facilitate mounting of the top segment 20A on the tubular bag support 50. According to another embodiment including the bottom segment 20C, LB+LC is at least three times the length LA (LB+LC > 3LA). The length LA can be relatively small relative to LB and / or LB+LC. When used with a waste disposal unit, the top section 20A may not extend beyond the tubular bag support 56, such that waste or other objects inside the bag 20' can be contained within the volume of the bag, which is surrounded by either or both of the middle section 20B and the bottom section 20C, but not by the top section 20A.

[0059] As detailed below, if the top edge 23 defines a recess or a convex portion, then LA can be divided into LA1 and LA2. LA2 is the portion of segment 20A below such a recess or convex portion ( Figure 5 B and Figure 5 C).

[0060] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 5 A to Figure 5 C, the top edge 23 can have different contours. Figure 1 In the middle, the outline of the top edge 23 is a straight outline. Figure 5 A to Figure 5 C illustrates exemplary profiles, such as (A) a straight profile, (B) a convex sine wave profile, and (C) a concave arc profile. Figure 1 In this case, since the bag of roll 20 is a pair of overlapping panels 21, when the panels 21 are separated to open the bag at the top edge 23, Figure 5 B and Figure 5The non-straight contours of C each form a pair of flaps, which can be used to form a knot to attach the bag to the closure. Since the bags are interconnected end-to-end in the middle of the bag roll 20 as described above, with adjacent bags connected at the top to the bottom, the bottom edge 24 has a shape complementary to the top edge 23. In other words, if the contour of the top edge 23 is a concave sine wave, then the bottom edge 24 is a convex sine wave, and so on.

[0061] As shown, a weld (or simply “seam”) 25 extends from one side edge 22 to the other to connect panels 21. The weld 25 can be formed by any suitable welding or bonding method (such as thermal welding, etc.), hence referred to herein as a weld, although other types of connections, such as gluing, are conceivable. As shown, the weld 25 includes a portion defining the bottom closed end of bags 20', 20”, etc.

[0062] exist Figure 1 In this embodiment, the side edges 22 of the top segment 20A and the middle segment 20B are two creases in the tubular film as described above for a flat, double-folded state, the creases defining the boundary between the panels 21. Figure 1 In the middle, the bottom section 20C includes a weld 25 extending at an angle from the bottom edge 24 to the side edge 22. For simplicity, although a single continuous weld 25 comprising multiple connecting parts may exist, the expression "weld 25" may be used in the plural form. When weld 25 is defined as... Figure 1 When the tapered section is in the middle, the section 20C with such a tapered section has a length LC as part of the length LB, for example 3LC < LB, so as not to excessively reduce the volume of the bag.

[0063] When laid flat, i.e. in a flat, double-folded state, the bags 20', 20" of the bag roll 20 have a constant width. For example, the side edges 22 are parallel to each other along the entire length of the bag from the bag roll 20. However, due to the presence of a weld 25 offset inward from the edge section 22C in the bottom section 20C, the internal dimensions of the bag at WC—for example, in terms of the inner diameter—decrease in the bottom section 20C. As shown, in the bottom section 20C, the weld 25 defines a tapering section toward the bottom edge 24, i.e., the bag... The inner diameter is reduced. This reduction in inner diameter limits the convergence of the weld 25 in the bottom section 20C toward the weld 25 extending along the bottom edge 24 of the bag, as shown on the bag 20'. The tapering of the inner diameter of the bag in the bottom section 20C can eliminate (or at least limit) the tendency for waste inside the bag to accumulate in the bottom corners of the bag when the bottom section 20C does not have a tapering. In at least some cases, waste accumulation in such bottom corners may hinder the removal of a waste-stuffed bag through the top of the disposal unit (described in detail below).

[0064] A flap is formed outside the weld 25 in the bottom segment 20C. As shown, the weld 25 (or a portion of a continuous weld 25) extends at an angle relative to the side edge 22 of the bottom segment 20C to form a tapering portion of the inner opening diameter, thereby defining the flap. As can be seen, the triangular flap extends along the weld 25 along the side edge 22 of the bottom segment 20C of the bag 20'. The flap may have other shapes such as a curved herringbone shape. In all embodiments described herein, instead of the two side portions shown in the figures, the weld 25 may have a single side portion (i.e., only one side portion extending along one side edge 22 of the bottom segment 20C), and also achieves the narrowing described herein. Figure 1 Alternatively, all the bags 20' in the diagram can be separate units, i.e., not part of the bag roll.

[0065] Therefore, according to embodiments, weld seams 25 are periodically formed in a straight, continuous tube (continuous tubular body) in a flattened, double-folded state. In at least some embodiments, as shown, weld seams 25 define the closed bottom end of the bag and the tapered internal dimensions in the bottom segment 20C of the bag. In some embodiments, weld seams(s) 25 may extend along one of the intermediate edge segments 22B, while the other intermediate edge segment 22B is partially or entirely defined by creases, as described above for the flattened, double-folded state. This can be similarly applied to the top edge segment 22A. In some other embodiments, weld seams(s) 25 may extend along both side edges 22 (i.e., top segment 22A and / or intermediate segment 22B). As a different possibility, weld seams(s) 25 may extend to the top edge 23 or the top segment 20A.

[0066] A tearable perforated line 26 is perforated at the junction between the bottom edge 24 of the first bag (such as a 20' leading bag) and the top edge 23 of the subsequent bag in the bag roll 20 (such as a 20" trailing bag). The tearable perforated line 26 may be defined by a series of spaced perforations along a contour mimicking the contours of the bottom edge 24 and the top edge 23. The tearable perforated line 26 is adjacent to the weld 25 and forms a weakened portion of the bag roll 20, resulting in one of the bags (such as a 20") being torn due to the tearing action. Figure 1 and Figure 2The separation of bag 20'). As shown, the tearable perforated line 26 at the junction between the leading bag and the trailing bag (such as bag 20' and bag 20") deviates from the weld 25 extending along the bottom edge 24. As discussed above, the strip of material extending between the bottom edge 24 and the tearable perforated line 26 may be referred to as a flap. In some embodiments, such a flap between the bottom edge 24 and the tearable perforated line 26 may be absent or minimal. This could be due to situations such as the tearable perforated line at 26 being aligned or nearly aligned with the weld 25 forming the closed bottom end of the bag. In embodiments, the tearable perforated line 26 and the cut at the side of the weld 25 are achieved by die-cutting.

[0067] refer to Figure 2 The bag roll 20 can be inserted into the box body 40, which is, for example, a reservoir for the bag roll 20. The box body 40 may have a slit 41 or a similar opening, such as a top opening, through which the free end of the bag roll 20 extends. The box body 40 is shown as having a cuboid geometry, although other shapes, such as rectangular prisms, cylinders, etc., are also considered.

[0068] Now for reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 Bag roll 20 is part of box 10. Figure 3 ) or individually as a bag roll 20 ( Figure 4 (i.e., without the box body 40) is received in the disposal unit 50. The term "disposal unit" as used herein includes trash cans, diaper bins, food waste bins, recyclable waste bins, litter bins, etc. The disposal unit 50 may have a base 51 from which (multiple) upright walls 52 extend. The upright walls 52 are... Figure 3 The tube is in the form of a cylindrical tube, but can have other shapes, such as a square cross-section, an elliptical cross-section, etc. Although not shown, a hinged door may be part of the upright wall 52 to provide access to the interior of the disposal unit 50. As another possibility, the upright wall 52 may be raised to disengage from the base 51. Various connection configurations may be present, such as quick-connect mechanisms, fasteners, etc. A cover 53 is mounted on top of the upright wall 52. The cover 53 may define a central opening with a downwardly extending edge 53A that can be very close to or in contact with the bag to ensure that the bag remains suspended to the disposal unit 50, such as... Figure 4 Like in the middle. Furthermore... Figure 3The central opening of the cover 53 shown can be closed by a flap door 54 (also referred to as a lid), which is hinged to the remainder of the cover 53. The flap door 54 opens or closes to the top passage of the cavity 55 of the disposal unit 50. It can be spring-biased or operated by a pedal mechanism, etc. Additionally, although not shown, any suitable form of closing mechanism (translation, rotation) can be provided in the cavity 55 or other locations on the disposal unit 50 to squeeze and close the bag.

[0069] The disposal unit 50 has a tubular bag support 56 adjacent to the cover 53. In embodiments, the annular bag support 56 can have any suitable shape and is shown as a cylinder with a circular cross-section. Other possible cross-sectional shapes include (non-exhaustive) squares, rectangles, ellipses, elliptical squares, pentagons, hexagons, octagons, etc. Therefore, the expression "tubular" in the tubular bag support 56 encompasses these various shapes. The tubular bag support 56 has a height H s Inner circumference C s , outer perimeter C O and wall thickness T. In Figure 3 In one embodiment, the tubular bag support 56 has an inner diameter D S A circle with an inner circumference C S Equal to πD S Perimeter C O It can be represented as π(D) S +2T). In another embodiment, the disposal unit 50 has two or more hooks that act as bag supports 56. Figure 4 This can be interpreted as having two elongated straight or curved hooks 56, shown in cross-section. Such hooks also exist in exemplary waste disposal devices described in International Patent Application No. PCT / CA2019 / 051346, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. In embodiments where such hooks are present, height H... S The height H of the hook can be from the bottom of the hook to the protruding end or edge of the hook. s The size D discussed above s C S C O T and T can respectively correspond to the maximum distance (D) between the relative hooks. s ), and the outline extending along the inner surface (towards the center opening of the tubular bag support 56) and the interconnecting ends of the opposite hooks (C s ), measuring the profile (C) to form a closed loop around the hook, with the chord length as the measurement. O ) and the maximum thickness (T) of each hook.

[0070] The funnel 57 may optionally be positioned below the tubular bag support 56 in the upright orientation of the disposal box 50, but it may also be absent. The funnel 57 has a central opening, which may have the same shape as the tubular bag support 56. Therefore, in Figure 3 In the middle, funnel 57 has a truncated conical shape, which has a central circular opening with a circumference C. F and inner diameter D F The height of funnel 57 is shown as H. F In this embodiment, the funnel 57 is located directly below the tubular bag support 56, whereby the height H from the top edge of the tubular bag support 56 to the edge of the central opening of the funnel 57 is... T As follows: H T =H F +H s In this embodiment, the funnel 57 is spaced apart from the tubular bag support 56, thereby H T The spacing values ​​may include those along the vertical axis of the container 50. The funnel 57 centers the waste or similar items stored in the unfolded bag so that the bag remains substantially compact when full. Therefore, in some embodiments, the funnel 57 may facilitate removal of the full bag from the top of the disposal unit 50 (i.e., by an upward pull from the user). In embodiments of the disposal unit 50, such as those described in, for example, International Patent Application No. PCT / CA2019 / 051346, the maximum distance between the relative hooks may be greater than the distance of the central opening defined by the tubular bag support 56 through which the bag extends within the internal volume of the disposal unit 50.

[0071] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As observed, the bag roll 10 or bag roll 20 is disposed in the bottom of the disposal unit 50. In the embodiment, a connection structure is provided for holding the bag roll 10 or bag roll 20 by the base 51, although the bag roll 10 or bag roll 20 can simply be stored on the base 51 and held in the bottom of the disposal unit 50 by gravity. The free end of the bag roll 20 extends upward so that the top segment 20A of the bag 20' is partially folded onto the tubular bag support 56. In this way, the top open end of the bag 20' remains open so that objects can be poured into the bag 20'. The rest of the bag 20' (including the middle segment 20B and the bottom segment 20C) extends into the cavity 55 of the box 50. When the bag 20' is attached to the tubular bag support 56, it remains connected to the bag roll 20, as Figure 3 As shown in the image.

[0072] In order for the bag 20' to remain suspended to the tubular bag support 56, the bag 20' may have a given unstretched, laterally flattened bi-fold width WA in the top segment 20A, which is represented as follows: 0.9C o / 2≤WA≤(C o / 2).

[0073] If the tubular bag support 56 is circular, then the bag 20' will adopt a circular shape when suspended from the tubular bag support 56, as in Figure 3 As in the middle. At the opening of the bag 20' in its unstretched state. Figure 3 The diameter D can be expressed as 0.9 (C s / π+2T)≤D≤(C s / π+2T). If the bag is not circular when unfolded, for example, if the tubular bag support 56 is not circular, then the bag may conform to the following relationship: 0.9POL / 2≤WA≤POL / 2, where POL is the profile of the tubular bag support 56 measured at the location where the top segment 20A of the bag 20' is fixed to the tubular bag support 56, and where WA is the unstretched, laterally flattened bi-fold width WA. In at least some embodiments, this location for measuring the profile is at two or more hooks defined by the tubular bag support 56, as described above regarding Figure 4 The discussed profile can be measured as the chord length forming a closed loop around two or more hooks. The top segment 20A can then be elastically or plastically stretched without tearing to enlarge the diameter D and / or its top opening, such that the top segment 20A can be partially folded onto the tubular bag support 56, and then released in embodiments where elastic recovery is possible to secure the top segment 20A to the bag support 56 using the elastic recovery force, or simply mechanically held by two or more hooks engaging with the top segment 20A.

[0074] To maximize the waste volume per unit length of tubular film, a 20-roll bag can meet the requirement LA < H. T +H S In having Figure 5 B and Figure 5 In the case of bags with a C-shaped outline, a roll of 20 bags can also conform to 1.5H. S ≤LA2≤2H S This ensures that, when stretched, the sub-segment of the length LA2 of the bag segment 20A covers at least half of the outer circumference of the tubular bag support 56. Although the dimension LA2 is consistent with H... S This is part of the relevant expression above, but the expression above can also be applied to size LA1. If the bag has Figure 1 and Figure 5The outline of A, then a 20-roll bag can also conform to 1.5H. S ≤LA≤2H S This ensures that when the bag section 20A is tightened, it covers at least half of the outer circumference of the tubular bag support 56.

[0075] Despite the presence of the funnel 57 and the closing mechanism (not shown) and / or the opening in the tubular bag support 56 (through which waste can pass when discarded into bag 20'), the lack (or limited) elasticity and / or stretchability in the middle section 20B and / or the bottom section 20C when full of waste can facilitate removal of the full bag by pulling upwards. Due to the funnel 57, the bag of roll 20 can have a given unstretched, laterally flattened bifold width WB, expressed as follows: WB ≤ C F / 2. As mentioned above, the middle section 20B may be non-stretchable, or significantly less stretchable than the top section 20A. Therefore, even when full, the bags in roll 20 can be pulled out of the box 50 from the top (i.e., via the funnel 57 and the tubular bag support 56). This pulls subsequent bags in roll 20 upwards, and as the full bag leaves the box 50 from the top, its tip is substantially aligned with the tubular bag support 56. Once out of the box 50, the full bag detaches from roll 20, and subsequent bags in roll 20 are... Figure 4 The bag is suspended to the tubular bag support 56 as shown. It should be understood that in embodiments of the disposal unit 50 without the funnel 57, the bag of roll 20 may have a middle section 20B having a given unstretched, laterally flattened bi-fold width WB as expressed below: WB ≤ C s / 2. Accordingly, for example, for a given treatment unit 50 without funnel 57, the waste volume per unit length of tubular membrane can be maximized.

[0076] refer to Figure 6 Another exemplary bag roll for bag roll cassette 10 is generally shown at 120. The characteristics of tubular films discussed above, including different properties such as stretchability, elongation at break, and yield strength, can be similarly applied to... Figure 6 An exemplary bag roll. As shown, the bag roll 120 is wound onto the tube 130 and can be inserted into, for example, ( Figure 2The bag roll 120 may or may not have a tube 130 and / or a box body 40. The bag roll 120 may be made of a tubular film of plastic material. For example, depending on the intended use, the plastic material may be plastic, such as polyethylene (LDPE, LLDPE, or HDPE), bioplastics, polylactic acid, to name just a few of the many possible materials. It is also conceivable to add a functional layer such as ethylene-vinyl alcohol to the plastic film to enable the film to form an odor barrier, or to add a nylon layer to reinforce the bag. The film may also be a biodegradable and / or compostable material, such as starch-based or plant-based materials.

[0077] As shown in the figure, and as similarly described with respect to other embodiments, bag roll 120 may be in the form of a section of tubular film having weld lines defining a plurality of bags interconnected end-to-end and tear perforations, as shown as 120', 120", etc. Any of the bags 120' may be obtained individually and is not part of a series or roll of interconnected bags. The tubular film may be in a zigzag pattern (fan-folded) Figure 7 The bags are stacked on the roll using methods such as multiple folds. Although the bag roll 120 has a pair of panels 121 that overlap each other and are connected at the side edges 122, the bag roll 120 therefore looks like... Figure 6 The continuous sheet material. In embodiments, this is referred to as the flat bifolded state of the bag: the bag has two creases, i.e., one crease at each side edge 122, and no corner braces. The side edges 122 can be folded because the bag can be made of tubular film. In other words, the bag roll 120 can be a continuous tubular film segment that is flat and thus defines the side edges 122. Therefore, even though a pair of panels 121 are described, the boundary between the panels 121 can be the fold lines forming the side edges 122. Although the bag in the bag roll 120 can have corner braces according to this disclosure, the lateral dimensions of the bag can be described herein as being in a flat bifolded state. This can be understood to mean that even though the bag roll 120 has corner braces, the dimensions refer to the lateral dimensions of the bag as if it were in a flat bifolded state. Although the bags described herein may not be packaged or sold in a flat bifolded state, a flat bifolded state is a state in which the bag lies flat on a surface so as to have two lateral creases—two side edges—between the top edge and the bottom edge.

[0078] Furthermore, it is mentioned that the bags are unstretched. This can be understood as meaning that the bags are in their initial state on bag roll 120 before being mounted on the disposal unit (which may require some elastic or plastic deformation) and before being handled by the user. Bags in their initial state on bag roll 120 may have been plastically pre-stretched during manufacturing, but despite this pre-stretching, their state on bag roll 120 is also referred to as unstretched.

[0079] Each bag's side edge 122 extends from the top edge 123 of each bag, such as bag 120', having a weld 125, to the bottom edge 124. In embodiments, the side edges 122 are fold lines (i.e., created by panels folded onto themselves), although they can be welds. In the end-to-end connection of bag rolls 120, the bags are interconnected such that the bottom edge 124 of the leading bag 120' in the bag roll 120 connects to the top edge 123 of the trailing bag 120”, contrasting with bag rolls where the bottom or top edges of adjacent bags are interconnected. To give the side edges 122 the aforementioned shape, the weld 125 can be a continuous seam extending from one side edge 122 to another to laterally connect the panels 121, or it can have segments. The continuous seam 125 includes a portion defining the bottom closed end of bags 120', 120”, etc. Figure 6 In the examples, the bottom closure of bags 120', 120" and the like includes a double-seam portion 125' or section. As shown, the double-seam portion 125' has two parallel slits extending transversely to the length of the tubular film. In some embodiments, more than two slits may be present, such that a multi-seam portion with more than two slits can be conceived at the bottom closure.

[0080] Alternatively, the bag may have individual welds 125, namely, multiple welds for the side edges 122 and one weld for the bottom closure end. For simplicity, the term "weld 125" is used in the plural form, although a single continuous weld 125, for example, in a U-shape, may exist. A weld 125 can be interpreted as a weld section of a continuous weld 125. The weld 125 can be formed by any suitable welding or bonding method (such as thermal welding, etc.), and is therefore referred to herein as a weld, although other types of connections, such as gluing, are contemplated. The weld 125 may also connect the panel 121 to define the bottom edge 124, i.e., the closed bottom end of the bag roll 120. The weld 125 may also extend to the top edge 123, although... Figure 6 In the middle, weld 125 terminates at the larger top section 120A. Figure 6In one embodiment, the straight section 122A of the larger top segment 120A consists of two creases in the tubular film as described above for the flat, double-folded state, the creases defining the boundary between the panels 121. Therefore, according to the embodiment, welds 25 are periodically formed in a straight, continuous tube (continuous tubular body) in the flat, double-folded state, and portions of the film on the laterally outer side of the welds 125 can be cut off, although they are shown as forming flaps 121A.

[0081] When Figure 6When laid flat as described above, the bag of bag roll 120 has a constant width. For example, the side edges 122 are parallel to each other along the entire length of the bag from bag roll 120. However, due to the presence of weld 125, the internal dimensions of the bag decrease from the top edge 123 to the bottom edge 124, as described below. On the outside of weld 125, bag 120 defines a flap 121A that does not form part of the bag interior because a larger object penetrating bag 120 cannot be placed in flap 121A. The side edges 122 are shown as each having a profile that may include a straight segment 122A adjacent to the top edge 123. Thus, weld 125 defines a tapered segment 122B, another straight segment 122C, and / or another tapered segment 122D that may not be present. Tapered segment 122D extends from straight segment 122C to the bottom edge 124 of the bag. Segment 122D can be a straight line or a curve that tapers from top to bottom (i.e., the cross-sectional dimension decreases). Although the term "straight" is used for section 122C, the side edges can taper from the maximum size WC all the way to the bottom edge 124. The expression "straight section 122C" is used herein in a non-limiting manner for distinguishing purposes. Thus, the bag can have four distinct individual sections, although combinations of fewer individual sections are possible, namely a larger top section 120A, a tapered section 120B, a main storage section 120C, and a narrower disposal section 120D, from the top to the bottom of the bag (such as bag 120'). In an embodiment, the bag does not have a tapered section 120B and / or a straight section 122C, and therefore transitions directly from the larger top section 120A to the narrower disposal section 120D. Although shown parallel to each other, straight section 122A may taper towards the bottom edge 124. Similarly, although shown parallel to each other, straight section 122C may taper towards the bottom edge 124. As yet another embodiment, the seam 125 defining the side edge 122 may taper continuously from the top edge 123 to the bottom edge 124 at a continuous angle or at two different angles (i.e., one for section 120A and another for section 120D, without sections 120B or 120C). In another embodiment, the bag 120' (whether or not part of the roll 120) has straight sections 122A that are parallel or quasi-parallel to each other, and then tapers beyond the larger top section 120A. For clarity, the widths described herein are flat widths as described above, i.e., the bag of the roll is in a flat, double-folded state in which the panels 121 are coplanar. The larger top section 120A has a width WA greater than the width WC of the main storage section 120C, i.e., WA > WC. If sections 122A and 122C are as in Figure 6If the segments 122A and 122C are parallel, then the widths WA and WC can be constant in most or all of the segments 120A and 120C, respectively. If the segments 122A and 122C taper towards the bottom edge 124, then the larger top segment 120A has a minimum width WA greater than the maximum width WC of the main storage segment 120C. For example, the widths are as follows: 0.60WA ≤ WC ≤ 0.95WA. In another embodiment, the widths are as follows: 0.65WA ≤ WC ≤ 0.85WA. In this embodiment, segments 122A are parallel to each other, while segments 122C taper toward the bottom edge 124 (and may be a mirror image of the other, with or without curves (i.e., they may or may not be arcuate). The minimum width WD of the narrower disposal segment 120D is less than the width WC of the main storage segment 120C, as follows: 0.50WC≤WD≤0.98WC. In this embodiment, WA is equal to 30.0cm + 6.0cm, and has a length L equal to 77.0cm + 20.0cm / -20.0cm.

[0082] The bag, such as bag 120, has a length L, which can be segmented into LA, LB, LC, and LD to represent the heights of segments 120A, 120B, 120C, and 120D, respectively. According to one embodiment, LC is at least twice the length of LA, i.e., LC > 2LA. According to another embodiment including the tapered segment 120B, LC is at least twice the length of the combination of LA and LB, i.e., LC > 2(LA + LB). If the top edge 123 is as described above... Figure 5 B to Figure 5 As detailed in C, if a recess or convex portion is defined, LA can be divided into LA1 and LA2. LA2 is the portion of segment 120A below such a recess or convex portion. According to an embodiment, LC is at least equal to the length of LD, i.e., LC = LD, but can be at least 10% longer, i.e., LC > 1.1LD, or even longer, such as according to the relationship LC > 3LD. According to an embodiment, 0.30L > LD > 0.15L to minimize the reduction in opening diameter. When the bag 120 is filled as it exits from the throat of the waste disposal device 10, as shown in the previous figure, the bag 120 tapers to the bottom edge 124 to facilitate removal of the bag from the device 10.

[0083] The top edges 123 can have different profiles. Figure 6 In this configuration, the top edge 123 has a straight segment profile. Other profiles are conceivable. Since the bags are interconnected end-to-end in the middle of the bag roll 120 when adjacent bags are connected at the bottom to the top, as described above, the bottom edge 124 has a shape complementary to the top edge 123. In other words, if the profile of the top edge 123 is a concave sine wave, then the bottom edge 124 is a convex sine wave, and so on.

[0084] A tearable perforated line 126 is perforated at the junction between the bottom edge 124 of a first bag (such as a leading bag 120') and the top edge 123 of a subsequent bag in the bag roll 120 (such as a trailing bag 120"). The tearable perforated line 126 may be defined by a series of spaced perforations along a contour mimicking the contours of the bottom edge 123 and the top edge 124. The tearable perforated line 126 is adjacent to the weld 125 and forms a weakened portion of the bag roll 120, resulting in the separation of one of the bags due to the tearing action. In an embodiment, the tearable perforated line 126 and the cut at the side of the weld 125 are achieved by die cutting.

[0085] It should be noted that bag roll cassette 10 and / or bag rolls 20, 120 can be used in any other disposal unit, which may or may not have the same features as those used in other disposal units. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The same components as the disposal unit 50. The disposal unit 50 is provided as an exemplary box construction suitable for use with bag roll cassette 10 and / or bag rolls 20, 120; however, variations of the disposal unit 50 may also be used with bag roll cassette 10 and / or bag rolls 20, 120.

Claims

1. A bag comprising: A tubular body having an open top end and a closed bottom end. The tubular body has a top segment adjacent to the top open end and at least a bottom segment adjacent to the bottom closed end. The tubular body has surface features only in the top segment, such that the top segment has greater stretchability than the bottom segment. The tubular body, in its flat, bi-folded state, has a pair of side edges extending from a top edge to a bottom edge, each defined by a crease in the tubular body extending along the entire length of the bag from the top edge to the bottom edge. The top edge defines the top open end, and the bottom edge defines the bottom closed end. The surface features include one or more of the following: Surface pattern, the surface pattern comprising an array of shallow recesses formed in the top section into the tubular body; One of the following: circular, rhomboid, and honeycomb-shaped shallow concave shapes; Through at least one outer extension line of the embossed areas that are separated from each other by non-embossed areas; A wavy pattern extending in the direction from the top open end to the bottom closed end.

2. The bag according to claim 1, wherein, The surface feature includes corrugations that extend from the top opening end along the entire length of the top section, but not in the bottom section.

3. The bag according to claim 1, wherein, The surface features include corrugations and the inherent gap spaces of the corrugations, the corrugations defining a pattern of adjacent thinner and thicker regions of the tubular body in the top section.

4. The bag according to claim 1, wherein, The surface features are distributed across the entire surface of the tubular body in the top section.

5. The bag according to claim 1, wherein, The top segment is joined to the bottom segment via a weld between the top segment and the bottom segment, and the top segment is made of a material having different stretchability characteristics than the bottom segment.

6. The bag according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The tubular body in the top section has a greater elongation at break than the tubular body in the bottom section.

7. The bag according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The tubular body in the top section has an elongation at break between 105% and 200% of the elongation at break of the tubular body in the bottom section.

8. The bag according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The tubular body in the top section has a yield strength that is less than the yield strength of the tubular body in the bottom section.

9. The bag according to claim 8, wherein, The tubular body in the top section has a yield strength between 50% and 95% of the yield strength of the tubular body in the bottom section.

10. The bag according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The tubular body in the top section has an elastic modulus that is smaller than that of the tubular body in the bottom section.

11. The bag according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The top segment is a top segment, and the bottom segment is a middle segment. The tubular body also has a bottom segment defining the closed bottom end. The top segment has a length LA, the middle segment has a length LB, and the bottom segment has a length LC. The length LA is less than LB + LC.

12. The bag according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The top segment has a length LA extending from the top open end, and the bottom segment extends from the top segment to the bottom closed end, the bottom segment having a length LB, the length LA being between 5% and 20% of the length LB.

13. The bag according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The top segment has a length LA extending from the top open end, and the bottom segment extends from the top segment to the bottom closed end, the bottom segment having a length LB, the length LA being between 5% and 10% of the length LB.

14. The bag according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The top segment has a length LA extending from the top open end, and the bottom segment extends from the top segment to the bottom closed end, the bottom segment having a length LB, the length LA being less than one-third of the length LB.

15. A bag comprising: A tubular body having an open top end and a closed bottom end. The tubular body has a top section adjacent to the top open end and at least a bottom section adjacent to the bottom closed end. The top section is joined to the bottom section via a weld between the top section and the bottom section. The top section is made of a material having different stretchability characteristics than the bottom section, such that the top section has greater stretchability than the bottom section. The tubular body in a flat, bi-folded state has a pair of side edges extending from a top edge to a bottom edge, each side edge being defined by a crease in the tubular body extending along the entire length of the bag from the top edge to the bottom edge, the top edge defining the top open end and the bottom edge defining the bottom closed end.

16. A bag roll, comprising: A plurality of bags according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the bags are connected end to end and are connected from the bottom edge of the first bag in the bag roll to the top edge of the second bag in the bag roll.

17. A bag dispensing box comprising a bag roll as claimed in claim 16 and a reservoir for closing at least a portion of the bag roll.

18. A bag dispensing box comprising a tubular film defining a plurality of bags according to any one of claims 1 to 15 and a reservoir closing at least a portion of the plurality of bags, the plurality of bags being connected end-to-end and connected from the bottom edge of a first bag to the top edge of a second bag, the tubular film being stacked in a fan-shaped or multi-fold configuration.

Images