bag

Abstract

Bags (10, 20, 30, 40), in particular garbage bags, for fixing to an emptyable container (81, 86, 87), comprising a bag body (2) with an opening (4) limited by an opening edge (3), wherein a fastening element (5) is arranged adjacent to the opening edge (3), characterized in that the fastening element (5) is designed as an elastic band which is firmly connected around the perimeter to the bag body (2) and exerts a preload on the bag body (2), so that the opening (4) has a cross-sectional area that is automatically narrowed in the rest state compared to the maximally expanded state.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a bag, in particular a garbage bag, for fixing to an emptyable container.

[0002] Modern cordless handheld vacuum cleaners are mostly bagless. The vacuumed dust is collected in an integrated plastic cylinder, which is emptied by opening a flap. However, when this flap is opened over a trash can, the dust falls out uncontrollably and stirs up as a cloud of fine dust. This distributes dust particles throughout the room, settling particularly on hands, floors, furniture, and clothing. This is especially problematic with pet hair, fine household dust, and allergens. Furthermore, the dust remains in the integrated plastic cylinder and threatens to fall out again when the flap is opened.

[0003] This problem affects not only handheld vacuum cleaners, but also other devices with emptyable containers, such as paper shredders, workshop extractors, industrial vacuum cleaners, leaf blowers or garden vacuum cleaners.

[0004] A portable waste bin is known from CN 217674701 U, comprising a container, a lid that closes the container, and a waste bag. An elastic seal is attached to the inside of the lid, creating an airtight seal for hygienic purposes. Furthermore, a pressure plate is provided on the outside of the lid, to which a locking buckle is attached. The waste bin is closed by engaging the locking buckle with a self-locking mechanism on the container. However, the waste bag itself lacks any means of securing it, so it can slip or detach from the container during emptying. This poses a risk of uncontrolled dust escaping and becoming a cloud of fine dust.

[0005] WO 2023 / 153793 A1 describes a stationary, electrically operated docking station with a dust bag, designed for the automatic emptying of the dust container of cordless vacuum cleaners. However, this solution requires permanent installation and an external power supply, making it costly and location-dependent.

[0006] KR 101199358 B1 describes an automatic emptying system for robotic vacuum cleaners, in which the robot's dust container is automatically emptied via a docking station. This system also requires a stationary, electrically powered infrastructure.

[0007] These known solutions either do not represent a simple and universally applicable solution for dust-free emptying or require a costly and structurally complex infrastructure that cannot function without external electrical energy.

[0008] One object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the type described above. In particular, a cost-effective and / or structurally simple solution is to be provided that enables low-dust, hygienic, and / or controlled emptying of emptyable containers. Additionally or alternatively, a solution is to be provided that is universally applicable with various devices, especially cordless handheld vacuum cleaners, paper shredders, workshop dust extractors, industrial vacuum cleaners, leaf blowers, garden vacuums, or similar devices. Furthermore, a solution is preferably to be provided that enables secure attachment to an emptyable container and simultaneously forms a closed transition between the container and the waste bag, thus preventing dust from escaping into the environment. At the very least, an alternative to the known methods is to be provided.

[0009] The problem is solved according to the invention by a bag having the features of the independent claim. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0010] The present invention therefore relates to a bag, in particular a garbage bag, for fixing to an emptyable container, wherein an emptyable container is understood to be in particular a cylindrical or rectangular dust container of a cordless handheld vacuum cleaner, a robotic vacuum cleaner, a paper shredder, a workshop extraction system or a leaf vacuum cleaner.

[0011] The bag comprises a body with an opening defined by a rim, and a fastening element is positioned adjacent to the rim. This fastening element is an elastic band, such as a rubber band. The elastic band is firmly attached to the bag body around its entire circumference. This connection can be achieved, for example, by welding the elastic band, while stretched, into a folded plastic film forming the bag body on both sides. Other suitable joining techniques include ultrasonic welding, gluing, and sewing.

[0012] The elastic band exerts a preload on the bag body. This preload refers to the restoring force introduced into the elastic band by connecting it in its stretched state. After the stretch is released, this force contracts the elastic band, gathering the plastic film of the bag body into uniform folds in the area of ​​the fastening element. As a result, the opening has a smaller cross-sectional area at rest compared to its maximum expansion. The maximum expansion is reached when the elastic band is stretched against its restoring force, for example, when the bag is pulled onto the emptying container.

[0013] Thus, the bag according to the invention can remain closed automatically without external force and can only be placed over the emptyable container by manually pulling it open, whereupon the fastening element automatically tightens around the container and fixes the bag to the container in a non-slip manner.

[0014] In other words, the present invention relates to a bag, in particular a garbage bag, which has a permanently welded-in elastic band, for example a rubber band. This elastic band enables a self-closing, non-slip fixation of the bag to emptyable containers, in particular to dust containers of vacuum cleaners. Before the emptying process, the bag is placed over the closed dust container of the vacuum cleaner, whereupon the elastic band automatically tightens around the dust container and holds the bag securely in place. As a result, the contents fall into the bag in a controlled manner after the lid of the dust container is opened following the bag's fixation.

[0015] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the bag body has a crimp in the area of ​​the fastening element, created by the contraction of the fastening element. The crimp is the direct result of connecting the fastening element to the bag body. The crimp also causes the flat material of the bag body in the area of ​​the fastening element to be gathered together, so that it protrudes as little as possible, or not at all, which could be perceived as visually disturbing by the user and / or could lead to unintended contact between protruding material of the bag body and other objects, potentially damaging and tearing the bag body.

[0016] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the section of the bag body narrowed by the fastening element has a smaller cross-sectional area than adjacent sections. This results in an increased contact force at the point of the fastening element, which holds the bag to the emptyable container and prevents axial slippage of the bag downwards or away from the opening edge.

[0017] Preferably, the fastening element is positioned up to 10 cm from the opening edge. For example, the fastening element can be located directly at the opening edge, allowing the bag to close automatically when at rest. In particular, the distance is approximately 3 to 8 cm, ensuring sufficient film material of the bag body is present between the fastening element and the opening edge to form a uniform crimp and reliably secure the bag to the emptying container without the opening edge itself being affected by the tension. The exact distance may vary depending on the bag size and application.

[0018] According to a further aspect of the invention, the fastening element has a restoring force sufficient to securely fix the bag to the emptyable container, even when filled with a weight of up to approximately 10 kg. This ensures that the bag remains firmly attached to the container even when completely full and does not slip off before the opening is closed. The exact restoring force can vary depending on the bag size and application, with a minimum filling weight of approximately 10 g being a suitable factor for many applications.

[0019] According to a further aspect of the invention, the opening is provided with a sealing element. This sealing element comprises, for example, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, nylon, and natural or synthetic textile fibers. This enables the bag to be tightly sealed after emptying, preventing the collected dust from escaping uncontrollably and allowing for hygienic disposal of the filled bag. Accordingly, the user can first empty the bag using the fastening element as described above and then, after separating the device and the bag, completely close the opening, which is already narrowed by the fastening element but still open, to securely and completely contain the collected contents inside the bag. This can be achieved using a suitable fastening element as a sealing element, or alternatively, by a separate or...additional locking element, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0020] According to a further aspect of the invention, the closing element is designed as the fastening element. In this case, the fastening element has a dual function. On the one hand, the fastening element holds the bag securely to the emptyable container; on the other hand, after the bag is removed from the container, it automatically closes the opening by means of its restoring force. A separate closing element for closing the opening is therefore no longer strictly necessary. This reduces the number of components of such a bag according to the invention, resulting in simplified and more cost-effective manufacturing.

[0021] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the closing element is designed as a drawstring which is arranged in a hem at or adjacent to the opening. Pulling the free ends of the drawstring allows the opening to be tightly closed after emptying. This method, familiar to users of conventional garbage bags, offers intuitive and easy operation.

[0022] Preferably, the fastening element is arranged between the sealing element and the closed end of the bag body opposite the opening. In this case, the sealing element is, for example, positioned above the fastening element directly at the edge of the opening. This allows the user, after removing the bag from the emptyable container, to directly grasp the sealing element and close the opening without touching or moving the fastening element.

[0023] Alternatively, the sealing element is positioned between the fastening element and the closed end of the bag body opposite the opening. In this case, the fastening element is located, for example, above the sealing element, directly at the edge of the opening. This allows the entire volume of the bag body below the fastening area to be available for holding the contents of the emptyable container.

[0024] According to a further aspect of the invention, the bag body has a double layer of material in the area of ​​the fastening element. This is created, for example, by folding the plastic film of the bag body around the fastening element during the process of joining it to the bag body, so that the fastening element is enclosed by the plastic film on both sides. This distributes the tensile force of the fastening element across two layers of film, which increases the tear resistance at the point of greatest mechanical stress without requiring additional reinforcing strips.

[0025] According to another aspect of the invention, the bag body comprises plastic. In particular, polyethylene or polypropylene are suitable plastic materials. These materials offer good tear resistance, are easy to weld, and can be manufactured cost-effectively.

[0026] Alternatively, the bag body can be made of paper, resulting in a biodegradable and more environmentally friendly version. A combination of plastic and paper is also possible.

[0027] Preferably, the bag body is transparent. This allows the user to visually check the fill level of the bag at any time and verify that the bag is correctly positioned on the emptyable container without having to remove the bag.

[0028] According to another aspect of the invention, the fastening element comprises natural rubber, synthetic rubber, elastane, or silicone. These materials exhibit high elasticity, sufficient resilience, and good processability.

[0029] Furthermore, the bag is designed as a disposable bag. As a disposable product, the bag can be manufactured cost-effectively from simple materials, enabling widespread availability and economical use.

[0030] Some exemplary embodiments and further advantages of the invention are shown and explained in more detail below in connection with the following figures, purely schematically and not to scale. These figures show: Fig. 1 a schematic side view of a bag according to the invention in a first embodiment; Fig. 2 a schematic sectional view of the bag according to the invention as shown in the illustration of the Fig. 1; Fig. 3 a schematic side view of a bag according to the invention in a second embodiment; Fig. 4 a schematic side view of an arrangement with a bag according to the first embodiment and an emptyable container of a handheld vacuum cleaner; Fig. 5 a schematic side view of an arrangement with a bag according to a third embodiment and a removable container of another handheld vacuum cleaner; and Fig. 6 a schematic side view of an arrangement with a bag according to a fourth embodiment and an emptyable container of a paper shredder.

[0031] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of a bag 10 according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0032] The bag 10, for example, is designed as a garbage bag for attachment to an emptyable container of a cordless handheld vacuum cleaner. The bag 10 comprises a bag body 2 made of a transparent plastic film, preferably polyethylene. The transparency of the plastic film is optional. The wall thickness of the plastic film is approximately 20 to 40 µm. The bag body 2 is welded on two sides and has a closed end and an opening 4, which is bounded by an opening rim 3, see, for example, [reference]. Fig. 1 and Fig. 2.

[0033] A fastening element 5, designed as an elastic band, is positioned approximately 5 cm from the opening edge 3. The elastic band is firmly attached to the bag body 2 around its entire circumference and exerts a pre-tension on the bag body 2. This is achieved, for example, by first stretching the elastic band to a defined length. In this stretched state, it is then welded on both sides into the folded plastic film of the bag body 2. Folding the plastic film around the elastic band creates numerous loop-shaped structures. After the welding process, the tension on the elastic band is released, causing it to contract again. Consequently, the previously formed loop-shaped structures in the plastic film also contract, resulting in a wrinkling of the bag body 2 at the weld points, see, for example, [reference]. Fig. 2. The crimping creates a narrowed section 6a with a smaller cross-sectional area than the adjacent sections 6b and 6c. The upper section 6b is located between the opening edge 3 and the fastening element 5. The lower section 6c extends from the fastening element 5 to the closed end of the bag body 2 and, for example, receives the emptied contents from a dust container.

[0034] The bag 10 further includes a closure element 7, which is designed as a drawstring. The closure element 7 is located closer to the opening edge 3 than the fastening element 5. The closure element 7 is guided through a hem and serves to close the opening 4. Suitable materials for the closure element 7 include, for example, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, nylon, and natural or synthetic textile fibers.

[0035] Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic side view of a bag 20 according to a second embodiment of the invention. Fig. 3 are identical or similar components with the same reference symbols as in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 is designated.

[0036] Bag 20 differs from bag 10 according to Fig. 1 or Fig. 2 by the fact that the fastening element 5 is arranged closer to the opening edge 3 than the closing element 7, thereby closing the opening 4. The section 6a, which is drawn together by the fastening element 5, has a smaller cross-sectional area than the other sections of the bag body 2. Furthermore, in Fig. 3 a ripple is visible around the edge of the opening 3, which is created by the contraction of the fastening element 5.

[0037] Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic side view of an arrangement with a bag 10 according to the first embodiment and a handheld vacuum cleaner 80. Identical or similar components are indicated by the same reference numerals as in the Fig. Designated 1 to 3.

[0038] The bag 10 is fixed around a, for example, cylindrical, emptyable container 81 by means of the fastening element 5. This container 81 and a handle 82 are components of the handheld vacuum cleaner 80. The container 81 has an open flap 83 through which the vacuumed dust 84, for example, dust, passes through the opening 4 into the bag body 2. After the bag 10 is removed from the handheld vacuum cleaner 80, the latter returns to its initial state. Fig. 1 or Fig. 2 back, whereby the opening 4 is closed by the closing element 7.

[0039] Fig. Figure 5 shows a schematic side view of an arrangement with a bag 30 according to a third embodiment and a removable container 85 of another handheld vacuum cleaner. Identical or similar components are indicated by the same reference numerals as in the Fig. Designated 1 to 4.

[0040] The bag 30 according to the third embodiment differs from the first and second embodiments in that it has only one fastening element 5, which closes the opening 4. The closing element 7 is omitted, since the fastening element 5 performs both functions – fastening and closure. This requires a particularly high clamping force for the fastening element 5, which can be achieved by selecting materials with high elasticity. The fastening element 5 is connected to the bag body 2 at a distance of approximately 5 cm from the edge of the opening 3, for example by heat sealing. The fastening element 5 serves to fix the bag 30 to the, for example, cylindrical dust container 86 of the removable container 85. The cylindrical dust container 86 is an emptyable container within the meaning of the present invention.Once the bag 30 is fixed to the dust container 86, the vacuumed dust 84 can enter the bag body 2.

[0041] Fig. Figure 6 shows a schematic side view of an arrangement comprising a bag 40 according to a fourth embodiment of the invention and a collection container 87 of a paper shredder. Identical or similar components are designated with the same reference numerals as in the Fig. Designated 1 to 5.

[0042] The bag 40 according to the fourth embodiment differs from the previously described embodiments in that the fastening element 5 is arranged directly at the opening edge 3. The closing element 7 is omitted in the fourth embodiment, as in the third embodiment. Providing the fastening element 5 directly at the opening edge 3 has the advantage that the entire filling volume of the bag body 2 is utilized. The shredded paper enters the bag body 2 through the opening 4. The bag 40 is fixed to the outer edges of the collection container 87, which may be rectangular or square, by the fastening element 5. This collection container 87 is a refillable container within the meaning of the present invention.

[0043] The combination of the fastening element 5 with the sealing element 7 can vary depending on the application. For the same application, the same bags 10, 20, 30, 40 can also be provided in different sizes. The bags 10, 20, 30, 40 can also be used as reusable products, whereby after emptying, the bags 10, 20, 30, 40 can be sealed and reused for the next emptying process. However, single-use is preferable for hygienic reasons. REFERENCE MARK LIST (Part of the description) 10 bags according to a first embodiment 20 bags according to a second embodiment 30 bags according to a third embodiment 40 bags according to a fourth embodiment 2 bag bodies 3 Opening edge 4 Opening 5 Fastening element 6a narrowed section 6b, 6c adjacent sections 7. Locking element 80 handheld vacuum cleaners 81 cylindrically shaped, emptyable containers 82 Handle 83 flap 84 vacuumed dust 85 removable containers 86 dust containers 87 collection containers 88 shredded paper QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] CN 217674701 U

[0004] WO 2023 / 153793 A1

[0005] KR 101199358 B1

[0006]

Claims

[1] Bags (10, 20, 30, 40), in particular garbage bags, for fixing to an emptyable container (81, 86, 87), comprising a bag body (2) with an opening (4) bounded by an opening edge (3), wherein a fastening element (5) is arranged adjacent to the opening edge (3), characterized by , that the fastening element (5) is designed as an elastic band which is firmly connected around the perimeter to the bag body (2) and exerts a preload on the bag body (2) so that the opening (4) in the rest state has a cross-sectional area that is automatically narrowed compared to the maximally expanded state. [2] Bags (10, 20, 30, 40) according to claim 1, wherein the bag body (2) has a crimp in the area of ​​the fastening element (5) produced by the contraction of the fastening element (5). [3] Bag (10, 20, 30, 40) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the section (6a) of the bag body (2) narrowed by the fastening element (5) has a smaller cross-sectional area than adjacent sections (6b, 6c). [4] Bags (10, 20, 30, 40) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening element (5) is arranged at a distance of up to 10 cm from the opening edge (3). [5] Bags (10, 20, 30, 40) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening element (5) has a restoring force sufficient to fix the bag (10, 20, 30, 40) in a non-slip manner to an emptyable container (81, 86, 87) when filled with a weight of up to 10 kg. [6] Bags (10, 20, 30, 40) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the opening (4) is provided with a closing element (7). [7] Bags (10, 20, 30, 40) according to claim 6, wherein the closing element (7) is designed as the fastening element (5). [8] Bag (10, 20, 30, 40) according to claim 6, wherein the closing element (7) is designed as a drawstring which is arranged in a hollow hem at or adjacent to the opening (4). [9] Bags (10, 20, 30, 40) according to claim 8, wherein the fastening element (5) is arranged between the closing element (7) and the closed end of the bag body (2) opposite the opening (4). [10] Bags (10, 20, 30, 40) according to claim 8, wherein the closing element (7) is arranged between the fastening element (5) and the closed end of the bag body (2) opposite the opening (4). [11] Bags (10, 20, 30, 40) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the bag body (2) has a double layer of material in the area of ​​the fastening element (5). [12] Bags (10, 20, 30, 40) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the bag body (2) comprises plastic, in particular polyethylene or polypropylene, or paper. [13] Bag (10, 20, 30, 40) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the bag body (2) is transparent. [14] Bags (10, 20, 30, 40) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening element (5) comprises natural rubber, synthetic rubber, elastane or silicone. [15] Bags (10, 20, 30, 40) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the bag (10, 20, 30, 40) is designed as a disposable bag.

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