Bag roll cassette, and method of using the same

Abstract

To provide a novel bag roll.SOLUTION: There is disclosed a bag including a tubular body comprising a top open end and a bottom closed end. The tubular body has a larger aperture diameter at the open end. The tubular body is narrowed to a narrower aperture diameter adjacent to the bottom closed end. The tubular body in a flat two-folded state comprises a pair of side edges extending from a top edge to a bottom edge. The top edge defines the top open end. The bottom edge defines the bottom closed end. The pair of side edges are substantially parallel to each other at a first portion adjacent to the top edge.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 62 / 577,469, filed October 26, 2017, which is incorporated herein by reference, and U.S. Patent Application No. 62 / 734,014, filed September 20, 2018, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to bag rolls for use in waste disposal units such as trash cans, pails, compost bins, and the like. [Background technology]

[0003] Processing units such as trash cans, pails, compost bins, and recycling bins are conventionally configured to support bags. For convenient and cost-effective packaging, the bags are usually part of a bag roll, with the bags interconnected one after the other. In certain configurations, the bag roll is stored at the bottom of a pail or wire rack, with the free end of the bag roll elevated and supported openly on the top of the pail or wire rack. Thus, when a bag is full of waste or other items, the filled bag is removed and replaced with the next bag on the bag roll, which is unfolded to receive the waste. However, as the bags fill with waste, they increase in volume and can be difficult to remove from the pail or wire rack, especially if the filled bag must be pulled upwardly from the pail. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a novel bag roll. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a bag including a tubular body with a top open end and a bottom closed end, the tubular body having a larger open diameter at the open end and narrowing to a narrower open diameter adjacent the bottom closed end, 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, the pair of side edges being generally parallel to each other at a first portion adjacent the top edge.

[0006] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, for example, the pair of side edges are generally parallel to each other at the second portion adjacent to the bottom edge.

[0007] Still further, according to the first embodiment, for example, the pair of side edges form a tapered portion from the first portion to the second portion.

[0008] Still further, according to the first embodiment, for example, the device further includes at least one weld seam causing a narrowing in the tapered portion and the second portion.

[0009] Still further, according to a first embodiment, for example, a pair of said at least one weld seam causes a narrowing in said tapered portion and said second portion.

[0010] Still further, according to the first embodiment, the device may further include a cutout, for example adjacent the weld seam.

[0011] Still further, according to the first embodiment, for example, the device further includes at least one weld seam causing a narrowing in the tapered portion and the second portion.

[0012] Still further, according to a first embodiment, for example, a pair of said at least one weld seam causes a narrowing in said tapered portion and said second portion.

[0013] Still further, according to the first embodiment, for example, the device may further include a flap adjacent the at least one weld seam, the flap being excluded from the open end.

[0014] Still further, according to the first embodiment, for example, said tubular body is made of at least two film layers.

[0015] Still further, according to a first embodiment, for example, at least one of the layers is ethylene vinyl alcohol.

[0016] Still further, according to the first embodiment, for example, at least one of said layers is made of at least one of polyethylene, bioplastic, polylactic acid, starch-based, plant-based.

[0017] Still further, according to the first embodiment, for example, the top edge in the flat folded state has a sinusoidal waveform.

[0018] Still further, according to the first embodiment, for example, the bottom edge in the flat folded state has a sinusoidal waveform.

[0019] Still further, according to the first embodiment, for example, the bag is configured to be suspended on a tubular bag support of a processing unit, the tubular bag unit having an inner circumference C s and wall thickness T, and open diameter D is Follow TIFF2023179536000002.tif6103.

[0020] Still further, according to the first embodiment, for example, the relationship between the flattened two-fold width WA of the larger open diameter and the narrower open diameter is: It is represented as TIFF2023179536000003.tif670.

[0021] Still further, according to the first embodiment, for example, the bag is configured to be suspended on a tubular bag support of a processing unit, the tubular bag support having a circumference Co The bag comprises: It has a flattened two-fold width WA with a larger open diameter according to TIFF2023179536000004.tif673.

[0022] Still further, according to the first embodiment, for example, the bag is configured to be suspended on a tubular bag support of a processing unit, the tubular bag support having an inner circumference C s and a wall thickness T, the bag comprising: It has a flattened two-fold width WA with a larger open diameter according to TIFF2023179536000005.tif6130.

[0023] According to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a bag roll comprising a plurality of bags according to the first embodiment, the bags being connected end-to-end from a bottom edge of a first bag in the bag roll to a top edge of a second bag in the bag roll.

[0024] Further, according to the second embodiment, for example, the bag roll is in a receptacle in a cassette body, and the free end of the bag roll exits the cassette body through a top opening provided in the receptacle.

[0025] According to a third embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a bag roll for hanging on a tubular bag support of a processing unit, said tubular bag support having an inner circumference C S and a wall thickness T, the bag roll including a plurality of bags joined end-to-end from bottom to top, each of the bags having: A bag roll is provided having an open diameter D according to TIFF2023179536000006.tif698.

[0026] Further, according to a third embodiment, for example, the bag is made of a continuous tubular body separated by a welded seam and a tear line at the bottom edge of each of the bags.

[0027] Still further, according to a third embodiment, for example, the tubular body is made of at least two film layers.

[0028] Still further, according to a third embodiment, for example, at least one of the layers is ethylene vinyl alcohol.

[0029] Still further, according to a third embodiment, for example, at least one of said layers is made of at least one of polyethylene, bioplastic, polylactic acid, starch-based, plant-based.

[0030] Still further, according to a third embodiment, for example, the top edge of each of the bags in a flat, folded-over state has a sinusoidal waveform.

[0031] Still further, according to a third embodiment, for example, the bottom edge of each of said bags in a flat, two-folded state has a sinusoidal waveform.

[0032] According to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a bag roll including a plurality of bags joined end-to-end from bottom to top, the plurality of bags having a larger section adjacent a top open end and a narrower section adjacent a bottom closed end, the relationship between the flattened two-fold width WA of the larger section and the flattened two-fold width WC of the narrower section being: A bag roll is provided, represented as TIFF2023179536000007.tif567.

[0033] Further, according to a fourth embodiment, for example, the bag is made of a continuous tubular body separated by a welded seam and a tear line provided at the bottom edge of each of the bags.

[0034] Still further, according to the fourth embodiment, for example, the bag roll of claim 29, wherein the tubular body is made of at least two film layers.

[0035] Still further, according to a fourth embodiment, for example, at least one of the layers is ethylene vinyl alcohol.

[0036] Still further, according to a fourth embodiment, for example, at least one of said layers is made of at least one of polyethylene, bioplastic, polylactic acid, starch-based, plant-based.

[0037] Still further, according to the fourth embodiment, the bag of claim 28, for example, wherein a top edge of each of the bags in a flat, folded-over state has a sinusoidal waveform.

[0038] Still further, according to the fourth embodiment, for example, the bottom edge of each of said bags in a flat, folded-over state has a sinusoidal waveform.

[0039] According to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a bag roll for hanging on a tubular bag support of a processing unit, said tubular bag support having a circumference C o the bag roll including a plurality of bags connected end-to-end from bottom to top, each of the bags adjacent at least a top open end of the bag; A bag roll is provided having a flattened two-fold width WA according to TIFF2023179536000008.tif668.

[0040] Further, according to a fifth embodiment, for example, the bag is made of a continuous tubular body separated by a welded seam and a tear line provided at the bottom edge of each of the bags.

[0041] Still further, according to the fifth embodiment, for example, the bag roll of claim 36, wherein the tubular body is made of at least two film layers.

[0042] Still further, according to a fifth embodiment, for example, at least one of the layers is ethylene vinyl alcohol.

[0043] Still further, according to the fifth embodiment, the bag of claim 37, for example, wherein at least one of the layers is made of at least one of polyethylene, bioplastic, polylactic acid, starch-based, and plant-based.

[0044] Still further, according to a fifth embodiment, for example, the top edge of each of the bags in a flat, two-folded state has a sinusoidal waveform.

[0045] Still further, according to a fifth embodiment, for example, the bottom edge of each of said bags in a flat, folded-over state has a sinusoidal waveform.

[0046] According to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a bag roll for hanging on a tubular bag support of a processing unit, said tubular bag support having an inner circumference C S and a wall thickness T, the bag roll including a plurality of bags joined end-to-end from bottom to top, each of the bags having: A bag roll is provided having at least a top open end with a flattened double width WA according to TIFF2023179536000009.tif6129.

[0047] Further, according to a sixth embodiment, for example, the bag is made of a continuous tubular body separated by a welded seam and a tear line provided at the bottom edge of each of the bags.

[0048] Still further, according to a sixth embodiment, for example, said tubular body is made of at least two film layers.

[0049] Still further, according to a sixth embodiment, for example, at least one of the layers is ethylene vinyl alcohol.

[0050] Still further, according to a sixth embodiment, for example, at least one of said layers is made of at least one of polyethylene, bioplastic, polylactic acid, starch-based, plant-based.

[0051] Still further, according to a sixth embodiment, for example, the top edge of each of the bags in a flat, two-folded state has a sinusoidal waveform.

[0052] Still further, according to a sixth embodiment, for example, the bottom edge of each of said bags in a flat, folded-over state has a sinusoidal waveform. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0053] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bag roll according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the bag roll of FIG. 1 with the bags removed from the bag roll. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a bag roll cassette according to the present disclosure, including, for example, the bag roll of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the bag roll cassette of FIG. 3 in a disassembled waste disposal unit. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the bag roll cassette and waste disposal unit of FIG. 4. [Figure 6] 2A-2C are plan views of the top edge outline of the bag roll of FIG. 1. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a bag of a bag roll according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bag roll according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bag roll according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0054] Referring to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1-3, a bag roll cassette is generally designated 10 (FIG. 3). Bag roll cassette 10 may have a bag roll 20 wound on a tube 30 and inserted into a cassette body 40 (FIG. 3). Bag roll 20 according to the present disclosure may or may not be associated with tube 30 and / or cassette body 40.

[0055] The bag roll 20 is shown in more detail in Figures 1 and 2. The bag roll 20 may be made of a film of a plastic material. For example, depending on the intended use, the plastic material may be a plastic such as polyethylene (LDPE, LLDPE, or HDPE), bioplastic, or polylactic acid, to name a few possible materials. It is also conceivable to add a functional layer to the plastic film, such as ethylene vinyl alcohol, so that the film forms an odor barrier, or to add a nylon layer to reinforce the bag. The film may also be biodegradable and / or compostable, such as a starch- or plant-based material.

[0056] The bag roll 20 may be in the form of a length of tubular film with weld lines and perforations defining a plurality of end-to-end interconnected bags, such as those shown at 20′, 20″, etc. The tubular film may be accumulated on the roll in a zigzag pattern or the like. As a result, the bag roll 20 has a pair of panels 21 lying on top of each other and joined at side edges 22, but because of the thinness of the film, appears as a continuous sheet as in FIGS. 1 and 2 . In one embodiment, this is referred to as a flat bifold state of the bag, in which the bag has two folds, one on each side edge 22, and no gussets. Although the bags in the bag roll 20 may have gussets in accordance with the present invention, the lateral dimensional shape of the bag may be described herein as being in a flat bifold state. This can be interpreted to mean that even if the bag roll 20 has gussets, the dimensions are for the lateral dimensions of the bag as if the bag were in a flat, bi-folded state. Even though the bags described herein are not packaged or sold in a bi-folded state (the bag may have more folds, e.g., folded over on itself), the flat, bi-folded state is when the bag lies flat on a surface with two lateral folds—the two side edges—between the top and bottom edges. Furthermore, the bags are referred to as unstretched. This can be interpreted to mean that the bags are in their initial state on the bag roll 20 before a user handles them before placing them on a processing unit, which may require some elastic or plastic deformation. Although the initial state of the bags on the bag roll 20 may have been plastically stretched during manufacturing, the state of the bags on the bag roll 20 is referred to as unstretched despite this stretched state.

[0057] The side edges 22 of each bag extend from the top edge 23 to the bottom edge 24 of each bag, such as bag 20'. In an end-to-end connection of bag roll 20, the bags are interconnected such that the bottom edge 24 of a leading bag in bag roll 20 is connected to the top edge 23 of a trailing bag, as opposed to a bag roll in which either the bottom or top edges of adjacent bags are interconnected. The side edges 22 are shown as having an outline that may include a straight segment 22A, a tapered segment 22B, and another straight segment 22C, each adjacent the top edge 23. The straight segment 22C extends from the tapered segment 22B to the bottom edge 24 of the bag. Although the name "straight" is used for segment 22C, the side edges may taper from the maximum geometric dimension of the bag. The expression "straight segment 22C" is used herein for purposes of differentiation and not limitation. Thus, the bag may have three distinct sections, i.e., from the top to the bottom of a bag such as bag 20′, a larger hooking section 20A, a tapered section 20B, and a narrower processing section 20C. In one embodiment, the bag is without tapered section 22B, thus transitioning directly from the larger hooking section 22A to the narrower processing section 22C. Although straight sections 22A are shown as being parallel to each other, they may taper toward the bottom edge 24. Similarly, although straight sections 22C are shown as being parallel to each other, they may taper toward the bottom edge 24. 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 different angles, i.e., one for section 20A and one for section 20C, without section 20B. In another embodiment, the bag 20' (whether part of a roll 20 or not) has straight segments 22A that are parallel or near-parallel to each other and then taper beyond the larger hooking section 20A.In yet another embodiment, the bags of the bag roll 20 may have a constant width and be straight from the top edge 23 to the bottom edge 24, as shown in FIG. 7. For clarity, the widths described herein are flat widths as shown in FIG. 1, i.e., when the bags of the roll are folded flat in two with the panels 21 coplanar. The larger hooking section 20A has a width WA that is greater than the width WC of the narrower processing section 20C, i.e., WA > WC. When the segments 22A and 22C are parallel, as in FIGS. 1 and 2, the widths WA and WC may be constant throughout most or all of the sections 22A and 22C, respectively. When the segments 22A and 22C taper toward the bottom edge 24, the larger hooking section 20A has a minimum width WA that is greater than the maximum width WC of the narrower section 20C. For example, the width ratio is: 0. TIFF2023179536000010.tif16170

[0058] A bag such as bag 20A has a length L, which can be divided into sections LA, LB, and LC, representing the heights of sections 20A, 20B, and 20C, respectively. According to one embodiment, LC is at least twice the length of LA, i.e., LC > 2LA. According to another embodiment, including tapered section 22B, LC is at least twice the combined length of LA and LB, i.e., LC > 2 (LA + LB). LA can be separated into LA1 and LA2 when top edge 23 defines a recess or protrusion, as described in more detail below. LA2 is the portion of section 20A below such recess or protrusion.

[0059] Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 6(A)-(C), the top edge 23 has a different outline. In FIG. 1, the outline of the top edge 23 is a concave sinusoidal wave segment. Other outlines are shown in FIGS. 6(A)-(C), such as (A) a straight segment, (B) a convex sinusoidal wave segment, and (C) a concave triangular wave segment. Because the bags in the roll 20 are a pair of overlapping panels 21 as in FIG. 1, when the panels 21 are separated from each other to open the bag at the top edge 23, the non-straight outlines in FIGS. 1 and 6(A)-(C) each form a pair of flaps that can be used to form a knot to close and attach the bag. Because the bags are interconnected end-to-end in the bag roll 20, with adjacent bags connected bottom to top, as described above, the bottom edge 24 has a shape complementary to the top edge 23. Stated differently, if the outline of the top edge 23 is a concave sinusoidal wave, the bottom edge 24 is a convex sinusoidal wave, and so on.

[0060] To give the side edges 22 the above-described shape, a continuous seam 25 may extend from one side edge 22 to the other to laterally connect the panels 21. This continuous seam 25 includes the portion that forms the bottom closed end of the bags 20', 20", etc. Alternatively, the bag may have separate weld seams 25, i.e., a weld seam for the side edges and a weld seam for the bottom closed end. For simplicity, the expression "welded seams 25" is used in the plural, although there may be a singular continuous seam 25, e.g., U-shaped. The welded seam 25 may also connect the panels 21 to form the bottom edge 24, i.e., the closed bottom end of the bag roll 20. In FIG. 1, the welded seam 25 terminates in the larger hooking section 20A, but the welded seam 25 may also extend to the top edge 23. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the straight segment 22A of the larger hooking section 20A is a double fold of the tubular film, as described above for the flat, two-fold state. Thus, according to one embodiment, the welded seam 25 is periodically created in the flat, two-fold state—a straight, continuous tube—a continuous tubular body, and the portion of the film laterally outside the welded seam 25 may be trimmed to form the shape of FIG. 1.

[0061] A perforation line 26 is punched at the junction between the bottom edge 24 of a first bag, such as 20′, a leading bag, and the top edge 23 of the next bag in the bag roll 20, such as 20″, a trailing bag. It may consist of a series of spaced perforations along an outline that follows the outlines of the bottom and top edges 23 and 24. The perforations 26 are adjacent to the welded seam 25 and form a weakened portion of the back roll 20 that, upon tearing, results in the separation of one of the bags, such as 20′ in FIGS. 1 and 2 . In one embodiment, the perforation line 26 and the cutout of the welded seam 25 are made by die cutting.

[0062] 3, for example, the bag roll 20 may be inserted into a cassette body 40, which is a receptacle from the bag roll 20. The cassette body 40 may have a slit 41 or similar opening, such as a top opening, through which the free end of the bag roll 20 extends. Although the cassette body 40 is shown as having a rectangular parallelepiped shape, other shapes are contemplated, such as a rectangular prism, a cylinder, etc.

[0063] 4 and 5, the bag roll 20, either as part of a cassette (FIG. 4) or as just the bag roll 20 (FIG. 5), i.e., the bag roll 20 without the cassette body, is received in a disposal unit 50. The expression "disposal unit" is used herein to encompass trash cans, diaper pails, compost bins, recycling bins, garbage pails, and the like. The disposal unit 50 may have a base 51 from which protrudes an upright wall 52. The upright wall 52 is shown in FIG. 4 in the form of a cylindrical tube, but may have other shapes, for example, with square sections, oval sections, and the like. 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. Various connection configurations, such as quick connect mechanisms, fasteners, and the like, may be present. A cover 53 is attached to the top of the upright wall 52. The cover 53 may have a downwardly projecting rim 53A that may be adapted to be in close proximity to or in contact with the bag to ensure that the bag remains suspended in the processing unit 50, as shown in FIG. 5. Additionally, the central opening of the cover 53, as shown in FIG. 4, may be closed by a trap door 54 (also known as a lid) that is hinged to the remainder of the cover 53. The trap door 54 opens or closes top access to the internal cavity 55 of the processing unit 50. The trap door 54 may be spring-loaded or operated by a pedal mechanism or the like. Additionally, although not shown, any suitable form of closure mechanism (translational, rotational) may be provided at the internal cavity 55 or elsewhere on the processing unit 50 to squeeze and seal the bag.

[0064] The processing unit 50 has a tubular bag support 56 adjacent to the cover 53. In one embodiment, the tubular bag support 56 may have any suitable shape and is shown as being cylindrical with a circular cross-section. Other possible cross-sectional shapes include, non-exhaustively, square, rectangular, oval, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, etc. Thus, the term "tubular" in reference to the tubular bag support 56 covers these many shapes. The tubular bag support 56 has a height H s , inner circumference C s , outer circumference C o , and a wall thickness T. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the tubular bag support 56 is circular with an inner diameter D and an inner circumference C s is πD s The perimeter C is equal to o is π(D s +2T). In another embodiment, the processing unit 50 has two or more hooks that act as bag supports 56. Figure 5 can be interpreted as two elongated straight or curved hooks 56 shown in cross section.

[0065] A funnel 57 is located below the tubular bag support 36 in the upright orientation of the processing unit 50. The funnel 57 has a central opening which may have the same shape as the tubular bag support 56. Thus, in FIG. 4, the funnel 57 has a circumference C F and inner diameter D F The funnel 57 has a truncated cone shape with a central circular opening having a height H F In one embodiment, the funnel 57 is directly below the tubular bag support 56, such that the height from the top edge of the tubular bag support 56 to the edge of the central opening of the funnel 57 is: H T =H C +H S In one embodiment, the funnel 57 is spaced apart from the tubular bag support 56, thereby allowing H Tmay include a value for spacing along the vertical axis of the container 50. The funnel 57 centers waste or similar items placed within the unfolded bag so that the bag remains generally compact as it is filled. Thus, the funnel 57 may facilitate removal of a filled bag from the top of the processing unit 50, i.e., by the user pulling it upward.

[0066] As seen in FIGS. 4 and 5 , the bag roll cassette 10 or bag roll 20 is positioned at the bottom of the processing unit 50. In one embodiment, a connection arrangement is provided for the bag roll cassette 10 or bag roll 20 to be held by the base 51; however, the bag roll cassette 10 or bag roll 20 may simply be placed on the base 51 and remain at the bottom of the processing unit 50 by gravity. The free end of the bag roll 20 extends upward so that the larger hooked section 20A of the bag 20′ is partially folded back onto the tubular bag support 56. In doing so, the open end of the bag 20′ is held open to allow objects to be dumped into the bag 20′. The remainder of the bag 20′, including the narrower processing section 20C, extends into the interior cavity of the container 50. While the bag 20′ is attached to the tubular bag support 56, the bag 20′ remains connected to the bag roll 20 as shown in FIG. 4 .

[0067] TIFF2023179536000011.tif16170

[0068] TIFF2023179536000012.tif38170

[0069] In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the narrower processing section 20C of the bag 20' is preferably aligned with or below the bottom edge of the funnel 57. In fact, the narrower processing section 20C is configured to facilitate removal of the filled bag by upward withdrawal, despite the presence of the funnel 57 and closure mechanism (not shown). Thus, the bags in the roll 20 are aligned such that (LA + LB) > H T +H S The bags in the roll 20 should also comply with the 1.5H standard for bags having the outlines of Figures 1 and 6(A) and (B). S <LA2<2H S 6, so that subsection LA2 of section 20A of the bag, when tensioned, covers at least half of the circumference of tubular bag support 56. When the bag has the outline of FIG. 6, the bags in roll 20 also have a 1.5H S <LA<2H S so that section 20A of the bag, when tensioned, covers at least half of the circumference of tubular bag support 56.

[0070] 5149. Thus, even when filled with an object, the bags of the roll 20 can be withdrawn from the container 50 from the top, i.e., through the funnel 57 and the tubular bag support 56. In doing so, the next bag of the bag roll 20 is withdrawn upward, its top end generally aligned with the tubular bag support 56 as the filled bag exits the container 50 from the top. The filled bag is removed from the roll 20 of bags, and the next bag of the bag roll 20 is suspended from the tubular bag support in the manner shown in FIG.

[0071] It is noted that the bag roll cassette 10 and / or bag roll 20 can be used in any other processing unit, with or without the same components as the processing unit 50 of Figures 4 and 5. Although the processing unit 50 is provided as an exemplary container configuration adapted for use with the bag roll cassette 10 and / or bag roll 20, it will be apparent that variations of the processing unit 50 can be used with the bag roll cassette 10 and / or bag roll 20.

[0072] Referring to FIG. 8, another embodiment of a bag roll 20 is shown. The bag roll 20 is similar to the bag roll of FIG. 1, but without cutouts on the sides of the weld seam 25. Thus, when laid flat as in FIG. 8, the bags 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 the weld seam 25, the inside dimensions of the bags at WC, e.g., with respect to the inner diameter, are the same as in the embodiment of FIG. 1. In fact, because the open bag has an inner diameter due to the presence of the weld seam 25, the open diameter of the bag of FIG. 8 is the same as the open diameter of the bag of FIG. 1. Flaps are formed on the exterior of the weld seal 25. For example, The description provided above for bag 20′ of FIG. 8 extends to the bag of FIG. 8 , except for the cutout at weld seam 25. While in all embodiments described herein two side portions are shown in the drawings, there could be a single side portion for weld seam 25 (i.e., only one extending along side edge 22) to achieve the narrowing described herein. Bag 20′ of FIG. 8, or any of the drawings, could also appear as a standalone unit, i.e., not part of a bag roll.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 9, another embodiment of a bag roll 20 is shown. The bag roll 20 is similar to the bag roll 20 of FIG. 8, except that the weld seam 2 does not form a tapered portion 20B. When laid flat, i.e., folded flat in two, as in FIG. 9, the bags 20′, 20″, etc. 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 the weld seam 25, the internal dimensions of the bags at WC, e.g., with respect to the inner diameter, are the same as in the embodiment of FIG. 1. There is a step formed by the weld seam 25, which causes a reduction in the open diameter at the transition between section A and section B. In fact, the open bag has an internal narrowing due to the presence of the weld seam 25, so the open diameter of the bag of FIG. 9 is smaller than that of the bag of FIG. 1. TIFF2023179536000015.tif61700.95WA. The description provided above for bag roll 20 of FIG. 1 extends to the bag of FIG. 9, except for the cutout at weld seam 25. Bag 20′ of FIG. 9, or any of the figures, can also appear as a stand-alone unit, i.e., not part of a bag roll. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 10 Bag Roll Cassette 20 bag roll 20' Bag 20'' Bag Hooking section larger than 20A 20B Tapered Section 20C Narrower processing section Panel 21 22 Side edge 22A straight segment 22B Tapered Segment 22C straight segments 23 Apical margin 24 Bottom edge 25 Welded Seam 26 Perforation line 30 tubes 40 Cassette body 41 Slit 50 processing units 51 Base 52 Upright wall 53 Cover 54 Trapdoor 55 inner cavity 56 Tubular bag support 57 Funnel

Claims

1. 1. A bag for use with a processing unit, comprising: The processing unit includes a base, an upstanding wall protruding from the base, an inner cavity, a cover defining a central opening, and an inner periphery C over the inner cavity configured to openly suspend the bag. S a bag support having an open cross section, and a bag support member located below the bag support and having the inner periphery C S Smaller inner circumference C F and a trap door hinged to the remainder of the cover and configured to open and close a top access to the inner cavity, the bag includes a tubular body with a top open end and a bottom closed end; the tubular body in the flattened, bi-folded state has 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; the tubular body having a hooking section and a handling section; a portion of the hooking section configured to fold back onto the bag support when the bag is suspended, and the processing section configured to extend into the inner cavity; the tubular body has a larger open lateral dimension in the hooking section and a smaller open lateral dimension in the processing section, the unstretched flat fold width (WA) of the larger open lateral dimension being greater than the unstretched flat fold width (WC) of the smaller open lateral dimension; When the bag is hung on the bag support, the hooking section is positioned so that the inner periphery C of the open cross section of the bag support is S along the inner circumference C of the funnel F and the processing section extends below the funnel within the internal cavity of the processing unit.

2. 2. The bag of claim 1, wherein the processing unit has two or more hooks that act as the bag supports, the two or more hooks having a thickness T, and the open cross section being defined between the two or more hooks.

3. The bag according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pair of side edges are generally parallel to each other at least in the hooking section.

4. The bag according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the pair of side edges form a tapered portion from the hooking section to the processing section.

5. The bag of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least one weld seam causes a narrowing in the processing section, forming the smaller open lateral dimension of the processing section.

6. 6. The bag of claim 5, wherein a pair of said at least one welded seam creates said narrowing.

7. The bag of claim 5 , wherein the bag further includes a flap adjacent the at least one weld seam, the flap being formed outwardly of the weld seam.

8. The bag according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the top open end and the bottom closed end are straight edges extending from one side edge to the other.

9. The bag according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the relationship between the unstretched flat two-fold width (WA) of the larger open lateral dimension and the unstretched flat two-fold width (WC) of the smaller open lateral dimension is expressed as 0.60WA≦WC≦0.95WA.

10. 10. The bag of claim 9, wherein the relationship between the unstretched flat bi-fold width (WA) of the larger open lateral dimension and the unstretched flat bi-fold width (WC) of the smaller open lateral dimension is expressed as 0.65WA≦WC≦0.85WA.

11. The unstretched flat bi-fold width (WC) of the smaller open lateral dimension of the processing section is: WC≦C F The bag according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the bag is represented by a weight per square meter.

12. 12. The bag of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the tubular body is made of at least two film layers, optionally at least one of the layers being made of at least one of ethylene vinyl alcohol, polyethylene, bioplastic, polylactic acid, starch-based, plant-based.

13. The bag support has a wall thickness T, and the unstretched flat bi-fold width (WA) of the larger open lateral dimension is: p / 2(C) S / π+2T)≦WA≦1.05π / 2 The bag according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. 14. A bag roll comprising a plurality of bags according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the plurality of bags are joined end-to-end from the bottom closed end of a first bag of the bag roll to the top open end of a second bag of the bag roll.

15. 15. The bag roll of claim 14, wherein the bag roll is in a receptacle in a cassette body, the receptacle having a top opening for allowing a free end of the bag roll to exit the receptacle.

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