Bucket bag configuration

Abstract

A bag adapted for use in a waste disposal unit, the waste disposal unit having a bag support for hanging the bag in an open state to define a central opening having a cross-sectional area CA, the bag support defining a hanging perimeter HP along the central opening, the peripheral contour of the HP being greater than the peripheral contour of the CA, the bag having a tubular body, the tubular body of the open bag defining an interior volume for containing an object, the tubular body having a first compartment including an upper open end and at least a second compartment including a lower closed end, the first compartment being stretchable from an unstretched state to a stretched state, when the bag is opened, the first compartment having an opening cross-sectional area in the unstretched state that is less than the cross-sectional area CA, and in the stretched state the opening cross-sectional area is at least equal to the cross-sectional area CA.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 411,362, filed September 29, 2022, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] (Technical field) This application relates to bags and bag rolls for use in waste disposal units such as trash cans, pails, composters, and the like. [Background technology]

[0003] Processing units, such as trash cans, buckets, composting containers, and recycling bins, are traditionally configured to accommodate bags. For convenient and cost-effective packaging, the bags are typically part of a bag roll, with the bags interconnected. In certain configurations, the bag roll is stored in the bottom of a bucket or wire rack, with the free ends of the bag roll elevated and supported in an open position on the top of the bucket or wire rack. Thus, when a bag is filled with waste or other items, the filled bag can be removed and the next bag in the roll can be unfolded to receive the waste. However, as the bags fill with waste, their volume increases, which can make them difficult to remove from the bucket or wire rack, especially if the filled bag is pulled upwardly from the bucket. Furthermore, conventional bags may not hold securely in an open position if they do not fit evenly within a particular processing unit. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE It is an object of the present disclosure to provide novel bags, bag rolls, and / or cassettes for dispensing waste bags. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to one aspect, a bag suitable for use in a waste treatment unit is provided. The waste treatment unit has a bag support part for hanging the bag in an open state. The bag support part defines a central opening for receiving the bag. The central opening has a cross-sectional area CA, and the cross-sectional area CA has a first maximum dimension WD and a second maximum dimension DD perpendicular to the first maximum dimension WD, and DD is at least 70% of WD. The bag support part defines a latching peripheral part HP along the central opening, and the peripheral contour of HP is larger than the peripheral contour of CA. The waste receiving volume has a height dimension UH extending from the bag support part to the bottom of the treatment unit. The bag includes a tubular body having an upper open end and a lower closed end. The tubular body of the open bag defines an internal volume for packing objects. The tubular body has a first section including the upper open end and at least a second section including the lower closed end. The first section is stretchable from an unstretched state to a stretched state. When the bag is opened, in the unstretched state, the first section has an opening cross-sectional area smaller than the cross-sectional area CA, and in the stretched state, the opening cross-sectional area is at least equal to the cross-sectional area CA.

[0006] According to a further aspect as described above, for example, the second section has an opening cross-sectional area of at most 0.95CA.

[0007] According to a further aspect as described above, for example, the tubular body has a length L extending from the upper open end to the lower closed end, and the length L is greater than the height dimension UH.

[0008] According to a further aspect as described above, for example, the length L follows 1.05UH ≦ L ≦ 1.25UH.

[0009] According to a further aspect as described above, for example, the tubular body in a flat double-folded state has a pair of side edges extending in the direction from the upper edge to the lower edge. The upper edge defines the upper open end, and the lower edge defines the lower closed end. The upper open end has a flat double-fold width WA following 0.9POL / 2 ≦ WA < POL / 2, where POL is defined as the contour of the latching peripheral part HP.

[0010] According to a further aspect as described above, for example, the side edges are parallel from the upper open end to the lower closed end.

[0011] Further according to the above aspect, for example, the tubular body in a flat, bi-folded state has a pair of side edges extending from the upper edge to the lower edge, the upper edge defining an upper open end, and a welded seam extending from at least one of the side edges to the lower closed end to form a tapered portion in the second compartment, the tapered portion providing a reduced opening cross-sectional area of ​​the bag in the second compartment.

[0012] Further according to the above aspect, for example, the bag further includes a flap adjacent the weld seam, the flap extending between the weld seam and one of the side edges.

[0013] Further according to the above embodiment, for example, the tubular body is made from at least two layers of film.

[0014] Further according to the above aspect, for example, the first compartment and the second compartment are made from a film of a compostable material.

[0015] According to another aspect, there is provided a bag suitable for use in a waste disposal unit having a bag support for hanging the bag in an open position, the bag support defining a central opening of the waste disposal unit and having a cross-sectional area CA, the cross-sectional area CA having a first maximum dimension WD and a second maximum dimension DD perpendicular to the first maximum dimension WD, DD being at least 70% of WD, the bag support defining a hanging perimeter HP along the central opening, the peripheral contour of HP being greater than the peripheral contour of CA, and a waste receiving volume extending from the bag support to the disposal unit. The bag has a height dimension UH extending to the bottom of the knit, and the bag comprises a tubular body having an upper open end and a lower closed end, the tubular body of the bag being openable from the upper open end to define an accessible interior volume, the tubular body having a first compartment including the upper open end and at least a second compartment including the lower closed end, the first compartment being stretchable from an unstretched state to a stretched state, the first compartment in the unstretched state having an opening cross-sectional area of ​​at most 0.95 CA, and the first compartment in the stretched state having an opening cross-sectional area at least equal to the opening cross-sectional area of ​​the HP without rupturing.

[0016] Furthermore, according to the above aspect, for example, the second compartment has an opening cross-sectional area of up to 0.95CA.

[0017] Furthermore, according to the above aspect, for example, the tubular body has a length L extending from an upper open end to a lower closed end, and the length L follows 1.05UH ≦ L ≦ 1.25UH.

[0018] Furthermore, according to the above aspect, for example, the tubular body in a flat double-folded state has a pair of side edges extending in the direction from the upper edge to the lower edge, the upper edge defines the upper open end, the lower edge defines the lower closed end, the upper open end has a flat double-fold width WA following 0.9POL / 2 ≦ WA < POL / 2, and POL is defined as the contour of the latching peripheral portion HP.

[0019] Furthermore, according to the above aspect, for example, the tubular body in a flat double-folded state has a pair of side edges extending in the direction from the upper edge to the lower edge, the upper edge defines the upper open end, and a welding seam extends from at least one of the side edges to the lower closed end to form a tapered portion in the second compartment, and the tapered portion causes a decrease in the opening cross-sectional area of the bag in the second compartment.

[0020] Furthermore, according to the above aspect, for example, the bag further includes a flap adjacent to the welding seam, and the flap extends between the welding seam and one of the side edges.

[0021] Furthermore, according to the above aspect, for example, in order to obtain a cross-sectional area of the upper open end that is at least equal to the cross-sectional area defined by the latching peripheral portion HP without breaking, the first compartment is stretchable from an unstretched state to a stretched state within the plastic deformation range.

[0022] Furthermore, according to the above aspect, for example, in the stretched state, in order to obtain a cross-sectional area HPA defined by the latching peripheral portion HP following 1.01CA ≦ HPA ≦ 1.2CA, the first compartment is stretchable within the plastic deformation range.

[0023] According to another aspect, there is provided a bag suitable for use in a waste disposal unit, the waste disposal unit having a bag support for hanging the bag in an open state, the bag support defining a central opening for receiving the bag, a hanging perimeter HP extending along the central opening, the central opening having a cross-sectional area CA with a first maximum dimension WD and a second maximum dimension DD perpendicular to the first maximum dimension WD, DD being at least 70% of WD, the bag comprising a tubular body having an upper open end and a lower closed end, the tubular body of the bag in an open state defining an interior volume for containing an object, the interior volume decreasing longitudinally between the upper open end and the lower closed end, the tubular body being stretchable laterally to expand the upper open end, the tubular body having a first compartment including the upper open end and a second compartment including the lower closed end, the first compartment having a width and a circumferential elongation to break in a flat, bi-folded state selected to have an open cross-sectional area between 90% and 100% of the cross-sectional area CA in an unstretched state.

[0024] Further according to the above aspect, for example, the waste disposal unit has a waste receiving volume having a height dimension UH extending from the bag support to the bottom of the disposal unit, and the bag has a length L extending from the upper open end to the lower closed end, wherein the length L is in accordance with 1.05UH≦L≦1.25UH.

[0025] Further according to the above aspect, for example, the first section can be stretched within a plastic deformation range from an unstretched state to an extended state in which the cross-sectional area of ​​the upper open end is at least equal to the cross-sectional area defined by the hook peripheral portion HP without breaking.

[0026] According to another aspect, a bag roll is provided comprising a plurality of bags according to any of the preceding aspects, the bags being connected end-to-end from a lower edge of a first bag in the bag roll to an upper edge of a second bag in the bag roll.

[0027] According to another aspect, there is provided a bag dispensing cassette comprising a tubular film defining a plurality of bags as defined in any of the preceding aspects, and a receptacle surrounding at least a portion of the plurality of bags, the plurality of bags being connected end-to-end from a lower edge of a first bag to an upper edge of a second bag, and the tubular film being stacked in a folded or multi-fold configuration.

[0028] According to another aspect, a method of placing a bag in a bucket is provided, the method including: positioning a closed end of the bag in the bucket through a central opening of the bucket; deforming a top end of the bag from an unstretched state to hook the bag onto a bag support at the top end of the bucket so that the top end of the bag opens; and depositing waste into the bag through the top open end, wherein the closed end of the bag rests against the bottom of the bucket, thereby supporting the weight of the waste by the bucket.

[0029] Further, according to the above aspect, for example, deforming the upper end of the bag from an unstretched state includes deforming the upper end of the bag within a plastic deformation range.

[0030] Further according to the above aspect, for example, deforming the upper end of the bag from the unstretched state includes deforming the bag at different positions corresponding to different fastening members of the bucket. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bag roll according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 2 is a perspective view of a bag dispensing cassette according to the present disclosure, including, for example, the bag roll of FIG. 1; [Figure 3] 3 is a perspective view of the bag-dispensing cassette of FIG. 2 positioned in a disconnected waste disposal unit. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the bag-dispensing cassette and waste disposal unit of FIG. 3. [Figure 4A] 4 is a perspective view of a bag support of the waste disposal unit of FIG. 3 according to one variant. [Figure 5A]2 is a plan view of the top edge contour for the bags of the bag roll of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 5B] 2 is a plan view of the top edge contour for the bags of the bag roll of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 5C] 2 is a plan view of the top edge contour for the bags of the bag roll of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a bag roll as shown in FIG. 1 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 10 is a perspective view of a dispensing cassette with bags such as those shown in the bag roll of FIGS. 1 and 6 in an alternative stacking configuration; FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] Referring to the drawings, and particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2, a bag dispensing cassette is generally designated 10 (FIG. 2). The bag dispensing cassette 10 may have a bag roll 20, which may be wound onto a tube 30 (as shown in FIG. 1) or rolled up on itself (i.e., without a tube) and inserted into a cassette body 40. Also, a bag roll 20 according to the present disclosure may or may not include a tube 30 and / or a cassette body 40. While the figures show a bag roll 20, the bags in either figure may be provided individually, i.e., not as part of a roll, or may be provided in a zigzag pattern (folds), such as a continuous bagging film arranged in a folded state (FIG. 7). For simplicity, the term "bag roll" is used herein, but any description relating to bags in the form of a bag roll may equally apply to a folded bagging film that is not in a roll.

[0033] The bag roll 20 is shown in detail in FIG. 1 . In at least some embodiments, the bag roll 20 can be made of a film(s) of a biodegradable and / or compostable material, such as a starch-based or plant-based material. For example, depending on the intended use and / or waste to be treated (e.g., kitchen waste, food scraps, ripe food), the film material can include a biocomposite material including at least some combination of cellulose fibers, lignocellulosic fibers, hemicellulose, lignin, pectin, polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), and poly(β-caprolactone) (PCL). Other film materials, such as non-biodegradable and / or non-compostable materials, are also contemplated. For example, in some embodiments, the film material can include plastics such as polyethylene (LDPE, LLDPE, or HDPE), bioplastics, and polylactic acid, to name a few of many possible materials. It is also contemplated that the film may include additional functional layers, such as ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) to provide an odor barrier, a nylon layer to reinforce the bags, or a natural fiber layer to provide a moisture / liquid barrier. In some embodiments, portions of bag roll 20 may be made of different materials, such as different biodegradable and / or compostable materials or plastic materials, to provide different mechanical properties (e.g., different levels of extensibility, modulus, tensile strength, elongation at break, etc.), chemical properties (e.g., fluid impermeability / permeability, such as gas impermeability or liquid impermeability), and / or other properties described above, at selected locations / sections along the length and / or width of bag roll 20. However, in at least some embodiments, these properties may be uniform (or substantially uniform, i.e., within 10% variation) along bag roll 20 and / or the sections defining each bag 20' of bag roll 20, as described below.

[0034] Bag roll 20 may be in the form of a length of tubular film with weld lines and tear perforations separating a plurality of end-to-end interconnected bags, as shown at 20', 20", etc. The tubular film may be stacked in a roll or in a zigzag pattern, etc. As a result, due to the thinness of the film, bag roll 20 may appear to be a continuous sheet, as shown in FIG. 1, but bag roll 20 has a pair of panels 21 superimposed on one another and joined at side edges 22. In one embodiment, this is referred to as a flat, bi-fold state of the bag, in which the bag has two folds, one on each side edge 22, and no gussets. Thus, side edges 22 may be folds rather than welded seams. While bags in bag roll 20 may have gussets in accordance with the present disclosure, the lateral dimensions of the bags may be described herein as being in a flat, bi-fold state. This is because bag roll 20 may have gussets. Even if the bag has a crease, the dimensions can be interpreted to mean that the lateral dimensions are relative to the bag as if it were in a flat, bi-folded state. Even though the bags described herein are not packaged or sold in a flat, bi-folded state (which may have more creases, for example, when folded), the flat, bi-folded state refers to the state in which the bag is laid flat on a surface with two side creases (two side edges) between the top and bottom edges. Furthermore, the bags are referred to as being in an unstretched or unstretched state. This can be interpreted to mean that the bags are in the initial state of the bag roll 20 prior to a user's handling and placement of the bags in a processing unit, which may involve some degree of elastic and / or plastic deformation. Bags in the initial state of the bag roll 20 may have been plastically pre-stretched during manufacture, but despite such pre-stretching, the state of the bags in the bag roll 20 is said to be unstretched.

[0035] 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 contrast to end-to-end connections in bag rolls in which the bottom or top edges of adjacent bags are interconnected, the bags are interconnected such that the bottom edge 24 of the leading bag in bag roll 20 is connected to the top edge 23 of the succeeding bag. When laid flat, i.e., in a flat, folded state, the bags 20', 20", etc., of bag roll 20 have a constant width. For example, as shown, the side edges 22 are parallel to one another for the entire length of the bags from bag roll 20. However, it is also contemplated that the bags may taper from the top edge 23 to the bottom edge 24.

[0036] In variants, a bag may have two, three, four, or more distinct compartments. Alternatively, a bag may not have such distinct compartments. As shown, each bag, such as bag 20′, has an upper compartment 20A, also referred to as the hooking compartment, a middle compartment 20B, also referred to as the processing compartment, and a lower compartment 20C, also referred to as the closed-end compartment. As shown, upper compartment 20A, middle compartment 20B, and lower compartment 20C extend in order from upper edge 23 to lower edge 24, without any separation lines. Middle compartment 20B and lower compartment 20C can be considered a single, continuous compartment, including the lower end of bag 20′, for example, if the dimensions and / or properties of these compartments are the same from upper compartment 20A to the lower end of bag 20′. In other words, middle compartment 20B and lower compartment 20C can have the same characteristics as one another in terms of extensibility and / or dimensions (e.g., width), or other properties, and thus can be considered a single compartment of bag 20′.

[0037] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the bags 20′, 20″ do not taper from the upper end 23 to the lower end 24. The upper section 20A transitions directly into the middle section 20B without narrowing in width. In some variations, there may be a narrowed (bottleneck) section between the upper section 20A and the middle section 20B.

[0038] In the illustrated embodiment, the bags in the bag roll 20 have a constant width and are straight from the top end 23 to the bottom end 24. For clarity, the widths described herein are flat widths as shown in FIG. 1 , i.e., the widths when the bags in the roll are in a flat, bi-folded state with the panels 21 coplanar. Although the term "straight" is used in this context, the side edges may be tapered. The term "straight" is used herein for differentiation purposes and is not limiting. For example, the side edges 22 of the top section 20A are shown as straight and parallel in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, but in other embodiments may taper toward the bottom edge 24 and still be considered "straight." Similarly, the side edges 22 of the middle section 20B are shown as straight and parallel in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, but may taper toward the bottom edge 24 and still be considered "straight." In yet other embodiments, side edges 22 can taper at a continuous angle continuously from top edge 23 to bottom edge 24, or at two (or more) different angles, i.e., one angle for section 20A, another angle for section 20B, and yet another angle for section 20C. In another embodiment, bag 20' (whether part of roll 20 or not) has side edges 22 that are parallel or near-parallel to each other in top section 20A and then taper beyond top section 20A, although this taper is optional.

[0039] The width of the top section 20A is WA, and the width of the middle section 20B is WB, and in the pre-installed, flat, bi-folded state of the bag, the widths WA and WB are substantially constant throughout most or all of the sections 20A and 20B, respectively. The side edges 22 of the top section 20A and the middle section 20B are parallel, as shown in FIG. 1. If the sections 20A and 20B taper toward the bottom edge 24, as in some variations, the minimum width WA of the top section 20A may be greater than the average width WB along the middle section 20B. For example, the width ratio is 0.60 WA≦WB(average)≦0.99 WA. In another embodiment, the width ratio is 0.65 WA≦WB(average)≦0.85 WA. However, in the unstretched configuration shown in FIG. 1, WA and WB may be equal.

[0040] A bag, such as bag 20′, has a length (L) that can be divided as LA, LB, and LC to represent the heights of compartments 20A, 20B, and 20C, respectively, if present (although this may not be the case in some embodiments described herein). When used with a waste disposal unit, upper compartment 20A does not extend below bag support 56, and waste or other objects within bag 20′ are essentially contained within the bag volume defined by either or both of middle and lower compartments 20B and 20C. According to one embodiment, LB is at least three times the length of LA, i.e., LB > 3LA. In other words, length LA may be less than one-third of length LB. In one embodiment, this relative dimensioning of LA and LB may correspond to length LA being between 5% and 20% of length LB (or LB + LC). In certain embodiments, length LA is between 5% and 10% of length LB (or LB + LC). In another embodiment including lower section 20C, LB+LC is at least three times the length LA, i.e., LB+LC>3LA. Length LA may be relatively small relative to LB and / or LB+LC. These relative dimensions of sections 20A, 20B, and 20C of bag 20' may be particularly relevant when one section is designed to stretch more or less than the other sections, as in some variations of bag 20' described herein, for example. However, in embodiments in which the stretch characteristics are uniform along the length of bag 20' and the dimensions or interior volume ZZ (described below) of bag 20' are constant, such length segments LA, LB, and LC need only be substantially present.

[0041] If upper edge 23 defines a recess or protrusion, as described in more detail below, LA can be divided into LA1 and LA2, which is the portion of section 20A below such recess or protrusion (FIGS. 5B and 5C).

[0042] With reference to Figures 1 and 5A-5C, the upper edge 23 can have different profiles. In Figure 1, the profile of the upper edge 23 is a straight profile. Figures 5A-5C show exemplary profiles, such as (A) a straight profile, (B) a convex sinusoidal profile, and (C) a concave arc profile. Because the bags in the roll 20 are a pair of overlapping panels 21 as shown in Figure 1 when in an arbitrary flat, bifolded state, when the panels 21 are separated from each other and the bag is opened at the upper edge 23, the non-straight profiles of Figures 5B and 5C, each forming a pair of flaps, can be used to form a knot for closing the bag. In the bag roll 20, the bags are interconnected end to end, and the lower and upper edges of adjacent bags are connected as described above, so the lower edge 24 has a shape complementary to the upper edge 23. In other words, if the profile of the upper edge 23 is a concave sinusoidal wave, the lower edge 24 is a convex sinusoidal wave, etc.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 1 , a weld seam (or simply "seam") 25 extends from one side edge 22 to the other side edge 22 to connect panels 21. Weld seam 25 can be formed by any suitable welding or adhesive method, such as heat welding, and is therefore referred to herein as a weld seam, although other types of joining, such as gluing, are also contemplated. As shown, weld seam 25 includes a portion that defines the bottom closed end of bags 20', 20", etc.

[0044] In the embodiment of Figure 1, the side edges 22 of the top section 20A and the middle section 20B are two folds of tubular film as described above with respect to the flat, folded-in-place state, which folds define the boundaries between the panels 21. In Figure 1, the bottom section 20C includes a weld seam 25 that extends at an angle from a weld seam 25 along the bottom edge 24 to the side edge 22. For brevity, the term "weld seam 25" may be used in the plural, although there may be a single, continuous weld seam 25 that includes multiple connections. When the weld seam 25 defines a taper, as in Figure 1, the length LC of the section 20C with such a taper may be a fraction of the length LB, e.g., 5LC, so as not to unduly reduce the interior volume of the bag. <LBである。

[0045] In the illustrated embodiment, when laid flat, i.e., folded flat in half, the bags 20′, 20″, etc. of the bag roll 20 have a constant width. For example, the side edges 22 are parallel to one another along the entire length of the bags from the bag roll 20. However, because the lower section 20C has one or two weld seams 25 that are offset inwardly from its edge section, in one embodiment where the weld seams 25 are optional, the internal dimensions of the bags at WC decrease (e.g., in terms of internal diameter / volume) in the lower section 20C. As shown, in the lower section 20C, the weld seams 25 define a tapered section, i.e., a decrease in the internal diameter / volume of the bag toward the bottom edge 24. This decrease in internal diameter / volume occurs as the bag approaches the bottom edge 24 of the bag in the lower section 20C, as shown in bag 20′. The weld seam 25 defines a convergence of the weld seam 25 toward the weld seam 25 extending along the weld seam 25'. Tapering the inner diameter / internal volume of the bag in the lower section 20C can eliminate (or at least limit) the tendency of waste inside the bag to accumulate at the bottom corners of the bag if the lower section 20C does not have a tapered portion. In at least some cases, such bottom corner waste accumulation can prevent removal of the waste-filled bag from the top of the processing unit (as discussed in more detail below). However, this tapering using the weld seam 25 in the lower section 20C is optional. Such a taper could extend from the upper edge 23 to the lower edge 24, thereby causing the interior volume of the bag 20' to decrease longitudinally from the upper edge 23 of the bag 20' to the closed end of the bag 20'.

[0046] In embodiments where a weld seam 25 is present, a flap is formed outside the weld seam 25 in the lower section 20C, as in FIG. 1 . As shown, the weld seam 25 (or a portion of the continuous weld seam 25) extends at an angle relative to the side edge 22 of the lower section 20C, creating a taper in the inner opening diameter and thereby defining the flap. As can be seen, a triangular-shaped flap 21A extends between the weld seam 25 and the side edge 22 of the lower section 20C of the bag 20′. The flap can also have other shapes, such as a curved chevron. Unlike the two sides shown, the weld seam 25 may have only one side (i.e., extending only along one side edge 22 of the lower section 20C) and still achieve the narrowing described herein. The bag 20′ of FIG. 1 (or the entire figure) may also be provided as an individual unit (i.e., not as part of a bag roll).

[0047] Thus, according to one embodiment, weld seams 25 are periodically created in the straight, continuous tube in the folded-flat state. In at least some embodiments as shown, weld seams 25 define the lower closed end of the bag and the tapered interior dimension of the bag's lower section 20C. In some embodiments, weld seam(s) 25 can extend along one middle edge section 22B, while the other middle edge section 22B is partially or completely defined by a fold, as described above for the folded-flat state. This may equally apply to the side edge sections 22 of the upper section 20A. In other embodiments, weld seam(s) 25 can extend along both side edges 22 (i.e., the upper section 20A and / or the middle section 20B). Weld seam(s) 25 may extend to the top edge 23 or to the upper section 20A, among other possibilities.

[0048] A tear-off perforation line 26 is punched at the junction between the lower edge 24 of the first bag, i.e., a leading bag, such as 20', and the upper edge 23 of the next bag, i.e., a trailing bag, such as 20", in the bag roll 20. The tear-off perforation line 26 may be defined by a series of spaced apart holes that follow a contour that mimics the contours of the lower edge 24 and the upper edge 23. The tear-off perforation line 26, adjacent the weld seam 25, forms a weakened portion of the bag roll 20 that, upon tearing, results in separation of one bag, such as 20' in FIGS. 1 and 2. As shown, the tear-off perforation line 26 at the junction between the leading bag and the trailing bag, such as bag 20' and bag 20", is offset from the weld seam 25 that extends along the lower edge 24. The strip of material extending between the lower edge 24 and the tear-off perforation line 26 may be referred to as a flap, as discussed above. In some embodiments, such a flap between bottom edge 24 and tear-off perforation line 26 may be absent or minimal. This is true, for example, when tear-off perforation line 26 is aligned or nearly aligned with weld seam 25 that forms the bottom closed end of the bag. In one embodiment, the tear-off perforation line 26 and the side cutouts of weld seam 25 are made by die cutting. In Figure 1, the dotted lines between compartments 20A and 20B and between compartments 20B and 20C are not perforation lines but are merely present in the figure as imaginary lines that distinguish compartments 20A, 20B, and 20C (if such compartments are present in bag 20).

[0049] 2, bag roll 20 may optionally be inserted into cassette body 40, e.g., a receptacle from bag roll 20. Cassette body 40 may have a slit 41 or similar opening, such as a top opening, through which the free ends of bag roll 20 extend. While cassette body 40 is shown as having a rectangular parallelepiped geometry, other shapes are contemplated, such as a square prism, a cylinder, etc.

[0050] 3 and 4, the bag roll 20 is housed in the processing unit 50 as part of a cassette 10 (FIG. 2), as a bag roll 20 alone (FIG. 1), i.e., without the cassette body 40, or as individual bags 20'. The term "processing unit" is used herein to include trash cans, diaper pails, compost or recycling bins, wastebaskets, and the like. The processing unit 50 can have a base 51 from which protrudes an upright wall(s) 52. The upright wall 52 is in the form of a tube (i.e., annular), and while it is circular in FIG. 3, it can have other shapes, such as a square cross section, an oval cross section, 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 processing unit 50. Another possibility is that the upright wall 52 can be lifted out of engagement with the base 51. 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 define a central opening with a downwardly projecting rim 53A that may be in close proximity to or contact with the bag, as shown in FIG. 4, to ensure that the bag remains suspended in the processing unit 50. Additionally, the central opening of the cover 53 shown in FIG. 3 may be closed by a trap door 54 (also known as a lid) hinged to the remainder of the cover 53. The trap door 54 opens and closes the top entrance to the internal cavity 55 of the processing unit 50. The trap door may be spring-loaded, operated by a pedal mechanism, or the like. Also, although not shown, any suitable form of closure mechanism (translational, rotational) may be provided in the internal cavity 55 or elsewhere in the processing unit 50 to squeeze the bag closed.

[0051] The processing unit 50 has a bag support 56 adjacent to the cover 53. In one embodiment, the bag support 56 can have any suitable shape and is shown as cylindrical with a circular cross-section. Other possible cross-sectional shapes include, but are not limited to, square, rectangular, oval, squircle, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, etc. Thus, when the bag support is referred to as a tubular bag support, the term "tubular" is inclusive of these multiple shapes.

[0052] The bag support 56 defines a central opening XX for receiving the bag 20′. The central opening XX defined by the bag support 56 has a cross-sectional area CA. The cross-sectional area CA can have any suitable contour, such as circular, squircle, or oval, to name a few possible contours. The bag support 56 extends along the central opening XX and defines a hook perimeter HP that secures the upper section 20A of the bag 20′ to the processing unit 50. When the bag 20′ is stretched taut on the bag support 56, it can hang open along the hook perimeter HP. As shown, the cross-sectional area CA has a smaller peripheral contour than the hook perimeter HP, taking into account the wall thickness T of the bag support 56. This is because the hook perimeter HP defined by the bag support 56 is radially outward of the peripheral contour of the cross-sectional area CA. The compatibility of the bag 20′ with and installation on the processing unit and bag support 56 will be discussed in more detail below. While FIG. 4 depicts the latching perimeter HP with a smooth appearance, the bag support 56 can have hooks, protrusions, or similar protruding members that function as hooks or catches for the bag 20′, thereby defining a non-smooth or non-continuous latching perimeter HP around the bag support 56. For example, FIG. 4A depicts a variation of the bag support 56. As shown, the bag support 56 can include a plurality of (here, four) protruding members 56H spaced apart from one another around a central opening XX. As shown, the central opening XX has a generally rectangular shape with rounded corners. The protruding members 56H protrude upward and outward from each of the rounded corners. The protruding members 56H can be hooks, tongues, or similar protrusions. In the illustrated embodiment, the protruding members 56H are hooks extending outward from the base of the bag support 56. The hooks may have a curved profile, such as a curvature resembling rounded corners from which the hooks protrude, but this is optional. The hooks may curve outward as shown, but this is the only possible option. In other cases, the hooks may flare outward in a straight line without curvature. While the hooking perimeter HP is shown as oval in shape (i.e., rectangular with rounded corners), other shapes are contemplated.For example, although the side edges of the hooking periphery HP are shown as being straight, the side edges of the hooking periphery HP may also be concave, taking into account that the bag 20 suspended from the protruding member 56H may stretch only at the four corners.

[0053] In at least some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4A , the opening cross-sectional area CA of the central opening XX of the bag support 56 has a maximum width dimension WD and a maximum depth dimension DD perpendicular to the maximum width dimension WD, and the central opening XX is formed and sized such that its cross-sectional area CA has a maximum depth dimension DD that is at least 70% of its maximum width dimension WD, i.e., in the range of 70% to 100%, inclusive. These dimensions are the maximum dimensions of the central opening XX in two perpendicular directions, and can extend in a plane perpendicular to the central axis of the central opening XX (e.g., a plane generally parallel to the ground on which the processing unit 50 stands). Exemplary shapes of the cross-sectional area CA that follow this relationship include rectangular, oval, squirrel-shaped, elliptical, square, or circular. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area CA can be sized and formed such that its depth dimension DD is equal to its width dimension WD (±5%).

[0054] In at least some embodiments, the latch perimeter HP defines a cross-sectional area (or "footprint") in the latch plane parallel to the cross-sectional area CA of the central opening XX. The cross-sectional area defined by the latch perimeter HP satisfies 1.01 CA≦HP≦1.2 CA.

[0055] Returning to reference to FIG. 4, the bag support 56 has a height H S , inner circumference or inner cross-sectional dimension C S , the outer periphery length or outer cross-sectional dimension C, also called the outline of the hook peripheral portion HP O , and a wall thickness T. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the bladder support 56 has an inner diameter D S It is a circle with an inner perimeter of C S is πD S Equal to the circumference C O is π(D S+2T). In other embodiments, the processing unit 50 has two or more hooks that function as the bag support 56, as shown in FIG. 4A. FIG. 4 can also be interpreted as showing two elongated, straight or curved hooks 56H in cross section. Such hooks are also present in the exemplary processing device described in U.S. Patent Application No. 11 / 323,263, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. In embodiments where such hooks 56H are present, the height Hs can be the height of the hook measured from the base of the hook to the protruding end or protruding edge of the hook. The dimensions Ds, Cs, Co (or POL), and T mentioned above can correspond to the maximum distance between opposing hooks (Ds), the contour (Cs) extending along the inner surface (facing inward toward the central opening of the bag support 56) and interconnecting the ends of the opposing hooks, the contour (Co, POL) measured as the chord length forming a closed loop around the hook, and the maximum thickness (T) of each hook, respectively.

[0056] The funnel portion 57 may optionally be located below the bag support portion 56 in the upright direction of the processing unit 50, but may not be present. The funnel portion 57 has a central opening that may have the same shape as the bag support portion 56. Thus, in FIG. 3, the funnel portion 57 has a perimeter C F and inner diameter D F The funnel portion 57 has a truncated cone shape with a central circular opening having a height of H F In one embodiment, the funnel portion 57 is located directly below the bag support portion 56 and has a height H from the upper edge of the bag support portion 56 to the edge of the central opening of the funnel portion 57. T is H T =H F +H S In one embodiment, the funnel portion 57 is spaced apart from the bag support portion 56 and is H Tmay include a spacing value along the vertical axis of the processing unit 50. The funnel portion 57 centrally collects waste or similar items contained in deployed bags, keeping the bags generally tightly packed when full. Thus, in some embodiments, the funnel portion 57 may facilitate removal of filled bags from the top of the processing unit 50, i.e., by a user pushing them upward. For example, in embodiments where the processing unit 50 is as described in U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 277,361, the maximum distance between opposing hooks may be greater than the distance of the central opening defined by the bag support portion 56 through which the bags extend within the interior volume of the processing unit 50.

[0057] With further reference to FIG. 3 , the internal cavity 55 of the processing unit 50 extends from the bag support 56 to the bottom of the processing unit 50. The processing unit 50 has a waste receiving volume capable of accommodating the bags 20′ when full. Such waste receiving volume extends from the bag support 56 within the internal cavity 55. The waste receiving volume has a height dimension UH extending from the top of the bag support 56 (e.g., the top-most position of the bag support 56, such as the plane on which the top-most position(s) reside) to the bottom of the processing unit 50. The bottom of the processing unit 50 can be defined by the surface on which the bags 20′ rest when full of waste. Such height dimension UH may be referred to as the “effective height” of the processing unit 50, in the sense that it is the maximum height dimension of the volume within the processing unit 50 that can be occupied by waste accumulated in the bags 20′ when the bags 20′ are supported within the processing unit 50 during use. In one embodiment, the height dimension UH is between 16 inches and 20 inches. In certain embodiments, the height dimension UH is 18 inches ± 1 inch. In some applications, such as kitchen waste applications, the height dimension UH is selected to maximize the volumetric capacity of the treatment unit 50 and maintain the overall height of the treatment unit 50 below standard countertop height or kitchen cabinet height (e.g., 30 inches ± 5 inches), thereby maintaining an appropriate height clearance between the bag support 56 and the top of the cabinet or countertop during use. This may be advantageous in at least some typical use cases, such as when the treatment unit 50 is stored within a kitchen cabinet or under a kitchen counter. For these same reasons, the height dimension UH represents a significant proportion of the overall height of the treatment unit 50 (e.g., 80% or more of the overall height of the treatment unit 50). In a variant, the length (top to bottom, also referred to as the height) of the bag 20′ is equal to between 1.05 UH and 1.25 UH (inclusive), ensuring that the bag 20′ is hooked onto the bag support 56, seated at the bottom of the treatment unit 50, and supported by the treatment unit 50.

[0058] As can be seen in FIG. 3 , the bag dispensing cassette 10 or bag roll 20 is positioned at the bottom of the processing unit 50. In one embodiment, a connection arrangement is provided so that the bag dispensing cassette 10 or bag roll 20 is held by the base 51; however, the bag dispensing cassette 10 or bag roll 20 can simply be placed on the base 51 and secured to the bottom of the processing unit 50 by gravity. The free ends of the bag roll 20 extend upward, and the upper section 20A of the bag 20′ is partially folded over the bag support 56. This keeps the upper open end of the bag 20′ open, allowing waste objects to enter and exit the internal volume ZZ of the bag 20′ through the upper open end. The remainder of the bag 20′, including the middle section 20B and the lower section 20C, extends into the internal cavity 55 of the processing unit 50 through the central opening XX of the bag support 56. The bags 20' are attached to the bag support 56, but in embodiments where the bags 20' are part of the bag roll 20, they remain connected to the bag roll 20, as shown in Figure 3. In embodiments where such a bag dispensing cassette 10 is present, the height dimension UH of the volume within the processing unit 50 that can be occupied by waste accumulated within the bags 20' when the bags 20' are supported within the processing unit 50 can be measured from the topmost position of the bag support to the bottommost position within the interior cavity 55 that is unobstructed to receive waste and is above or to the side of the bag dispensing cassette 10.

[0059] The bag 20' is configured to be suspended in an open state from the bag support 56 of the processing unit 50. The dimensions of the bag 20' in an unstretched state and the mechanical properties of such bag 20' are selected to ensure that the bag 20' can be suspended from the bag support 56 of the processing unit 50 disclosed herein, remain suspended from the bag support 56 when filled with an appropriate amount of waste, and be easily removed from the processing unit 50 when loaded with waste.

[0060] The elastic and / or plastic deformation of the bags 20, 20', 20" (hereinafter referred to as bag 20) occurs when the upper section 20A is placed on the bag support 56 and stretched taut (e.g., partially folded over the bag support 56), thereby widening the open cross-sectional area of ​​the upper section 20A. This is because the dimensions of the bag 20 are smaller than the dimensions of the hanging periphery HP when rolled or before being hung on the bag support 56. The elastic and / or plastic deformation can help secure the upper section 20A of the bags 20', 20" to the bag support 56 without additional components (e.g., drawstrings, bands, clips, clamps, etc.). For example, when used in the processing unit 50 disclosed herein, low-effort (or effortless) manual stretching by a user, i.e., stretching without excessive force and / or mechanical assistance, can be envisioned. For example, the upper section 20A, which is elastically and / or plastically stretched to acquire peripheral dimensions identical to the peripheral contour of the latching periphery HP of the bag support portion 56, can enable the bag 20', 20" to be held by the bag support portion 56 without breaking when the bag 20', 20" is filled with waste (e.g., up to 7 kg of waste) and pulled downward by the weight of the waste.

[0061] When the bag 20′ is opened to its maximum unstretched open cross-sectional area YY, in at least some embodiments, the open cross-sectional area YY at the top section 20A and anywhere along the length of the bag 20′ is at most 0.95 CA. The top section 20A can stretch elastically and / or plastically at a given tensile load across the length of the bag 20′ without rupturing, attaining a stretched state and expanding the open cross-sectional area YY of the bag 20′ at the top section 20A to at least an area defined by the latching perimeter HP (as shown in FIG. 4 ) without rupturing. As described further below, the maximum unstretched open cross-sectional area YY of the bag 20 and the mechanical properties of the bag 20 can be selected based on the size and / or shape of the bag support 56 of the processing unit 50 to enable proper latching of the top section 20A to the bag support 56 while controlling / limiting the volumetric expansion of the bag 20 within the internal cavity 55 of the processing unit 50 when waste is placed in the bag 20. The bag support 56 and the bag 20 can be parameterized / matched to one another to form a uniform arrangement. Furthermore, in at least some embodiments, the bag 20' is desirably supported at its lower closed end (i.e., the bag 20' rests on a bottom surface) even though its upper open end is supported by the bag support 56. Thus, the initial dimensions of the bag 20' and the mechanical properties of the film of the bag 20 can be selected, based on the dimensions and shape of the bag support 56 (and funnel 57, if present) and the processing unit 50, such that a load manually applied by a user to hang the bag 20 requires the film to elastically and / or plastically stretch laterally, in the upper section 20A of the bag 20, while the remainder of the bag 20 exhibits little or no elastic and / or plastic lateral expansion as a result of the weight and volume of waste contained therein. In other words, the bag 20' is selected so that its upper portion does not deform (e.g., plastically or elastically) and tear when hooked onto the bag support portion 56, but provides sufficient resistance to deformation of its lower portion when waste is received.By controlling / limiting the volumetric expansion of the bag 20 in the middle section 20B and / or the lower section 20C that may occur due to the weight of the waste, the maximum opening cross-sectional area YY of the bag 20' in these sections 20B, 20C when loaded with a given threshold amount of waste is kept equal to at most the opening cross-sectional area CA of the central opening XX or the opening cross-sectional area of ​​the funnel section 57 (if present), thereby facilitating upward removal of the loaded bag 20' from the processing unit 50. In an unstretched state, the cross-sectional area of ​​the bag 20' may be between 0.85 CA and 0.99 CA, although it may be outside this range. Furthermore, the bag 20' is selected to extend longitudinally (i.e., in the height direction of the waste treatment unit 50) from the bag support 56 (e.g., the uppermost position of the bag support 56) to the bottom of the waste treatment unit 50 a distance greater than the height dimension UH (described above), such that its upper open end is supported by the bag support 56 (e.g., by folding at least a portion of the upper section 20A of the bag 20' over the bag support 56) and remains supported from below when loaded with waste. In at least some embodiments, the length L of the bag 20' complies with, but may be outside of, the range 1.05UH≦L≦1.25UH. A length L of the bag 20' within this range can ensure a bag length sufficient to allow the upper open end of the bag 20' to hook onto the bag support 56 and support the lower closed end of the bag 20' from below within the interior cavity 55.

[0062] In one embodiment, at least the upper section 20A has a width WA in a flat, bi-folded state selected such that in an unstretched state, its open cross-sectional area YY is between 90% and 100% of the open cross-sectional area of ​​the central opening XX of the bag support 56. In one embodiment, the bag 20' has a width WA of 0.9C in the upper section 20A such that the bag 20' remains suspended from the bag support 56. O / 2≦WA≦(C OIt can have a given unstretched and horizontally flat double-fold width WA represented by ( / 2). When the bag is not circular when unfolded, for example when the bag support portion 56 is not circular, the bag can be made to follow the relationship of 0.9POL / 2 ≦ WA < POL / 2, where POL is the contour of the latching peripheral edge HP of the bag support portion 56 taken at the position where the upper section 20A of the bag 20' is fixed to the bag support portion 56, and WA is the unstretched and horizontally flat double-fold width WA. When the bag support portion 56 is circular, the bag 20' will take a circular shape when hooked onto the bag support portion 56 as shown in FIG. 3. The diameter D in the unstretched state at the opening of the bag 20' in FIG. 3 can be expressed as 0.9(C O / π) ≦ D < (C O / π). In at least some embodiments, such a contour evaluation position is, as described above with respect to FIG. 4, the position of two or more hooks defined by the bag support portion 56, and in that case, such a contour can be evaluated as the chord length forming a closed loop around the two or more hooks. Next, the upper section 20A can be stretched elastically (i.e., within the elastic deformation range) and / or plastically (i.e., within the plastic deformation range) without breaking, to widen the opening cross-sectional area of the upper section 20A and / or its upper open end, and the upper section 20A can be partially bent over the bag support portion 56 and fixed onto the bag support portion 56 by mechanical retention. In one variant form, the upper part of the bag 30 needs to be stretched within the plastic deformation range and hooked onto the bag support portion 56.

[0063] The yield strength, elongation at break, and / or tensile strength of bag 20 can be selected so that bag 20 will not rupture when stretched transversely to the peripheral dimension of bag support 56 and loaded with waste (e.g., up to 7 kg of waste), even though the stretching may cause plastic deformation of bag 20 at bag support 56. For example, in at least some embodiments, a bag such as bag 20 is stretched transversely to the peripheral dimension of bag support 56 to secure upper section 20A of bag 20′ to bag support 56, after which bag 20′ can be loaded with up to 4 kg of waste (or loaded with such weight before bag 20′ is secured) without rupture at upper section 20A or any other section of bag 20′.

[0064] A low circumferential yield strength in at least the upper section 20A of the bags 20', 20" can allow for effortless manual stretching of the bags 20', 20" when placing and / or removing the bags from the bag support 56. A high tensile strength of the bag 20' can limit tearing of the bag 20' when pulled taut by a user on the bag support 56 of a processing unit to expand the upper section 20A of the bag 20' from an unstretched state to a stretched state and / or during manual placement of the bag 20'. For similar reasons as above, the break elongation across the length of the bag 20', i.e., the allowable stretch before the film breaks, can be such that when stretched to the desired dimensions for attachment to the bag support 56, the integrity of the film is not affected to the point where the bag breaks in the upper section 20A.

[0065] In at least some embodiments, the yield strength, elongation at break, and / or tensile strength of bag 20' can be uniform (or substantially uniform, i.e., within 10% variation) only circumferentially along its length L. The uniformity of the yield strength, elongation at break, and / or tensile strength can be multidirectional, e.g., uniform in both the circumferential and longitudinal directions, in at least some other embodiments. Measurement of these properties in various sections of the tubular film can be performed using standardized test method(s), where applicable, such as those specified in ASTM standards.

[0066] Variations of the bladders 20', 20'' are presented below.

[0067] In one variation, the tubular film in the top section 20A has a breaking elongation greater than the breaking elongation of the tubular film in the middle section 20B. For example, in one embodiment, the breaking elongation of the tubular film in the top section 20A is between 105% and 200% of the breaking elongation of the tubular film in the middle section 20B. Additionally or alternatively, the tubular film in the top section 20A can have a yield strength less than the yield strength of the middle section 20B. That is, when a given tensile load, e.g., 10 pounds, is applied to the tubular film in the top section 20A, the top section 20A can stretch elastically or plastically without breaking, whereas the middle section 20B cannot. For example, in some cases, the yield strength of the tubular film in the top section 20A is between 50% and 95% of the yield strength of the middle section 20B. The difference in yield strength between the top section 20A and the middle section 20B can be selected to reduce the tendency to unnecessarily stretch the middle section 20B when stretching the top section 20A. Additionally or alternatively, the tubular film of the top section 20A can have a lower modulus of elasticity than the middle section 20B. For example, in some cases, the ratio of the tubular film modulus between the top section 20A and the middle section 20B is between 3:10 and 9:10, sometimes between 4:10 and 8:10, and sometimes between 5:10 and 7:10. In other embodiments, the ratio of the tubular film modulus between the top section 20A and the middle section 20B can be less than 3:10. In embodiments in which a section or the entire tubular film includes layers of different materials, the modulus or yield strength is the "composite" modulus or yield strength of the tubular film including the composite material layers. The elongation at break and other properties described above can be taken in the circumferential or peripheral direction across the length of the tubular film. Measurement of these properties in various sections of the tubular film can be performed using standardized test method(s), where applicable, such as those specified in ASTM standards.

[0068] While the above compares property differences for certain variations of upper section 20A and middle section 20B, in other variations, upper section 20A can be compared to lower section 20C. In some variations, the comparative properties and values ​​described above with respect to upper section 20A and middle section 20B can be the same when considering upper section 20A and lower section 20C. For example, this may be the case in embodiments where middle section 20B and lower section 20C have the same composition and / or mechanical properties.

[0069] In one variation, the tubular film in the upper and middle sections 20A and 20B includes an EVOH layer to form an odor barrier. In fact, the EVOH layer can extend into the lower section 20C to maximize the odor barrier. In some cases, the EVOH layer can be omitted in the upper section 20A but present in the middle and lower sections 20B and 20C. When filled with waste, a bag such as bag 20′ can be closed by tying the top opening of bag 20′, with the upper section 20A remaining above the knot (i.e., the upper section 20A does not contact the waste); depending on the intended use, odor control in the upper section 20A may be optional. In one variation, the tubular film in the upper section 20A includes LLDPE, and the tubular films in the middle and lower sections 20B and 20C include HDPE, with or without one or more LLDPE layers.

[0070] In one variation, it may be desirable to have only the top section 20A adapted to stretch, or to have the top section 20A be substantially more extensible than the middle section 20B (and / or the bottom section 20C), as opposed to having to stretch or otherwise deform (elastically or plastically) the entire bag 20', including the middle section 20B and the bottom section 20C, during loading of the bag with waste. As noted above, such differences in extensibility can be achieved by different thicknesses, different materials, different numbers of material layers in one or more sections of the bag, and / or by surface treatments applied to selected sections of the tubular film (e.g., only the top section 20A and not the middle section 20B and / or the bottom section 20C).

[0071] In a variant, the lack of (or limitation of) elasticity and / or extensibility of the middle section 20B and / or the lower section 20C when filled with waste may facilitate pulling the filled bags upward and removing them, despite the presence of the funnel 57 and the closure mechanism (not shown) and / or opening in the bag support 56 through which the waste can pass as it is disposed of in the bag 20'. Due to the funnel 57, the bags in the roll 20 may have a width WB≦C. F 4. The bag roll 20 can have a given unstretched, flat, bi-fold width WB, represented by WB / 2. As mentioned above, the middle section 20B can be inextensible or significantly less extensible than the upper section 20A. Thus, even when filled with objects, the bags in the roll 20 can be pulled from the top, i.e., through the funnel 57 and the bag support 56, out of the processing unit 50. In this way, the next bag in the bag roll 20 is pulled upward, with its top edge generally coincident with the bag support 56 as the filled bag exits the processing unit 50 from the top. Upon exiting the processing unit 50, the filled bag is separated from the bag roll 20, and the next bag in the roll 20 is suspended on the bag support 56 in the manner shown in FIG. 4. In an embodiment of the processing unit 50 without the funnel 57, the bags in the roll 20 can have a given unstretched, flat, bi-fold width WB such that WB≦C. S It should be understood that the intermediate section 20B may have a width of 1 / 2. Thus, for a given processing unit 50 without, for example, a funnel section 57, the waste volume per length of tubular film may be maximized.

[0072] Referring to FIG. 6, another variation of the bags on the bag roll 120 for the bag dispensing cassette 10 is shown schematically. The characteristics of the tubular film described above, including various properties such as extensibility, elongation at break, and yield strength, are equally applicable to the exemplary bag roll of FIG. 6. As shown, the bag roll 120 can be wound around a tube 130 and inserted into a cassette body, such as the cassette body 40 (of FIG. 2). The bag roll 120 may also include or not include the tube 130 and / or the cassette body 40. The bag roll 120 can be made from a tubular film of a plastic material. For example, depending on the intended application, the film material can be a plastic such as polyethylene (LDPE, LLDPE, or HDPE), bioplastic, or polylactic acid, to name a few of the many possible materials. It is also contemplated that the plastic film can include functional layers, such as ethylene vinyl alcohol to form an odor barrier or a nylon layer to reinforce the bags. The film can also be made of biodegradable and / or compostable materials, such as starch- or plant-based materials.

[0073] As shown, and as similarly described with respect to other embodiments, bag roll 120 may be in the form of a length of tubular film with weld lines and tear perforations separating a plurality of interconnected end-to-end bags, as shown as 120', 120", etc. Any of the bags 120' may be utilized alone and not be part of an interconnected series or roll of bags. The tubular film may be stacked in a roll, in a zigzag pattern (folded) (FIG. 7), in multiple folds, etc. Any of the bag embodiments described herein may be in a roll, folded, or multiple folds. As a result, due to the thinness of the film, bag roll 120 may appear to be a continuous sheet, as shown in FIG. 6, but bag roll 120 has a pair of panels 121 superimposed on one another and joined at side edges 122. In one embodiment, this is referred to as a flat, bi-folded state of the bag, where the bag has two folds, one on each side edge 122. The bag roll 120 has creases and no gussets. The side edges 122 can be folds because the bags are made of tubular film. In other words, the bag roll 120 can be a continuous tubular length of film that is flattened to define the side edges 122. Thus, although a pair of panels 121 is described, the boundary between the panels 121 can be a fold line that forms the side edges 122. While the bags in the bag roll 120 according to the present disclosure can have gussets, the lateral dimensions of the bags can be described herein as being in a flat, bi-folded state. This can be interpreted to mean that even if the bag roll 20 has gussets, the dimensions are relative to the lateral dimensions of the bags as if they were in a flat, bi-folded state. Even though the bags described herein are not packaged or sold in a flat, bi-folded state, the flat, bi-folded state is the state in which the bags are laid flat on a surface with two side folds (two side edges) between the top and bottom edges.

[0074] Additionally, the bags are referred to as unstretched, which may be interpreted to mean that the bags are in their initial state in bag roll 120 prior to a user's handling and placement in a processing unit, which placement may involve some degree of elastic and / or plastic deformation. The bags in their initial state in bag roll 120 may have been plastically pre-stretched during manufacture, but despite this pre-stretching, the state of the bags in bag roll 120 is said to be unstretched.

[0075] The side edges 122 of each bag extend with a weld seam from the top edge 123 to the bottom edge 124 of each bag, such as bag 120′. In one embodiment, the side edges 122 are fold lines (i.e., resulting from the folding of the panels), but may be weld seams. In contrast to end-to-end connection of the bag roll 120 in which the bottom or top edges of adjacent bags are interconnected, the bags are interconnected such that the bottom edge 124 of the leading bag 120′ in the bag roll 120 is connected to the top edge 123 of the trailing bag 120″. To impart the above-described shape to the side edges 122, the weld seam 125 can be a continuous seam extending from one side edge 122 to the other, connecting the panels 121 laterally, or it can have segments. This weld seam 125 includes the portion that defines the bottom closed end of the bags 120′, 120″, etc. In the example of FIG. 6, the bottom closed end of bag 120', 120", etc. includes a double seam section 125' or segment. As shown, double seam section 125' has two parallel seams extending transversely to the length of the tubular film. In some embodiments, there may be more than two seams, and thus a multi-seam section having more than two seams in the bottom closed end is contemplated.

[0076] Alternatively, the bags may have separate weld seams 125, i.e., a weld seam(s) for the side edges 122 and a weld seam for the bottom closed end. For simplicity, the term "weld seams 125" is used in the plural, although a single continuous seam 125 may exist, e.g., in a U-shape. The weld seams 125 may be interpreted as weld seam segments of one continuous weld seam 125. The seam 125 may be formed by any suitable welding or attachment method, such as heat welding, and is therefore referred to herein as a weld seam, although other types of bonding, such as gluing, are also contemplated. The weld seam 125 may also connect the panels 121 to define the bottom edge 124, i.e., the bottom closed end, of the bags in the bag roll 120. The weld seam 125 may also extend to the top edge 123, although in FIG. 6, the weld seam 125 terminates at the larger top section 120A. 6, the straight sections 122A of the larger upper section 120A are the two folds of the tubular film described above with respect to the flat folded state, which folds define the boundaries between the panels 121. Thus, according to one embodiment, weld seams 125 are periodically made in the straight continuous tube in the flat folded state, and the film portions laterally outward of the weld seams 125 can be trimmed, as shown to form flaps 121A.

[0077] When laid flat, as shown in FIG. 6 , the bags in bag roll 120 have a constant width. For example, side edges 122 are parallel to one another along the entire length of the bags from bag roll 120. However, due to the presence of weld seam 125, the interior dimensions of the bags decrease from top edge 123 to bottom edge 124, as described below. Outside seam 125, bag 120 defines flap 121A that does not form part of the interior of the bag; larger objects that fit into the bag cannot fit through flap 121A. Side edges 122 are shown as each having a contour that may include a straight section 122A adjacent top edge 123. Weld seam 125 then defines tapered section 122B, which may or may not be present, another straight section 122C, and / or another tapered section 122D. Tapered section 122D extends from straight section 122C to bottom edge 124 of the bag. Section 122D can be straight or curved, tapering (i.e., decreasing in cross-sectional dimension) from top to bottom. While the term "straight" is used for section 122C, the side edges can taper from the largest dimension of the WC to bottom edge 124. The term "straight section 122C" is used herein for purposes of differentiation and is non-limiting. Thus, a bag may have four distinct and separate sections, i.e., from top to bottom of a bag such as bag 120', a larger upper section 120A, a tapered section 120B, a main storage section 120C, and a narrower processing section 120D, although fewer combinations of separate sections may also be present. In one embodiment, the bag does not have tapered section 120B and / or straight section 122C, and thus transitions directly from the larger upper section 120A to the narrower processing section 120D. While straight sections 122A are shown as being parallel to one another, they may taper toward bottom edge 124. Similarly, straight sections 122C are shown as being parallel to one another, but they may taper toward bottom edge 124. In still other embodiments, seams 125 defining side edges 122 may taper at a continuous angle continuously from top edge 123 to bottom edge 124, or may taper at two different angles, i.e., at a first angle for section 120A and another angle for section 120D, and no angle for sections 120B or 120C.In another embodiment, bag 120' (whether part of roll 120 or not) has straight sections 122A that are parallel or near-parallel to each other and then tapers beyond larger upper section 120A. For clarity, widths described herein are flat widths as described above, i.e., the widths when the roll of bags is in a flat, bi-folded state with panels 121 coplanar. Larger upper section 120A has a width WA that is greater than the width WC of main storage compartment 120C, i.e., WA > WC. When sections 122A and 122C are parallel, as in FIG. 6, widths WA and WC can be constant throughout most or all of sections 120A and 120C, respectively. When sections 122A and 122C taper toward bottom edge 124, the minimum width WA of larger upper section 120A is greater than the maximum width WC of main storage compartment 120C. For example, the width ratio is 0.60 WA < WC < 0.95 WA. In another embodiment, the width ratio is 0.65WA≦WC≦0.85WA. In one embodiment, sections 122A are parallel to one another, while sections 122C taper toward bottom edge 124 (and may be mirror images of one another, with or without curves (i.e., arcuate or not)). The narrower processing section 120D has a minimum width WD that is less than the width WC of main storage section 120C, such that 0.50WC≦WD≦0.98WC. In one embodiment, WA is equal to 30.0 cm±6.0 cm, and the length L is 77.0 cm+20.0 cm / −20.0 cm.

[0078] A bag such as bag 120 has a length L, which may be segmented as LA, LB, LC, and LD, representing the heights of sections 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 tapered section 120B, LC is at least twice the combined length of LA and LB, i.e., LC > 2(LA + LB). If upper edge 123 defines a recess or protrusion as described above with respect to Figures 5B-5C, LA may be divided into LA1 and LA2. LA2 is the portion of section 120A below such recess or protrusion. In one embodiment, LC is at least equal to the length of LD, i.e., LC = LD, but may be at least 10% longer, i.e., LC > 1.1LD, or even longer, e.g., according to the relationship LC > 3LD. According to one embodiment, 0.30L > LD > 0.15L minimizes the reduction in opening diameter. As shown in the previous figures, the bag 120 is filled as it exits the opening of the waste disposal device 10, so tapering of the bag 120 towards the bottom edge 124 facilitates removal of the bag from the device 10.

[0079] The upper edge 123 can have a different profile. In FIG. 6, the profile of the upper edge 123 is a straight segment. Other profiles are contemplated. Because the bags are interconnected end-to-end in the bag roll 120 and the lower and upper edges of adjacent bags are connected as described above, the lower edge 124 has a complementary shape to the upper edge 123. In other words, if the profile of the upper edge 123 is a concave sinusoidal wave, the lower edge 124 is a convex sinusoidal wave, etc.

[0080] A tear-off perforation line 126 is punched at the junction between the bottom edge 124 of the first bag, i.e., leading bag, such as 120′, and the top edge 123 of the next bag, i.e., 120″, in the bag roll 120. The tear-off perforation line 126 may be defined by a series of spaced apart holes that follow a contour that mimics the contours of the bottom edge 123 and top edge 124. The tear-off perforation line 126, adjacent the weld seam 125, forms a weakened portion of the bag roll 120 that will result in separation of one bag as a result of a tearing action. In one embodiment, the tear-off perforation line 126 and the cutouts in the sides of the weld seam 125 are made by die cutting.

[0081] It is noted that the bag dispensing cassette 10 and / or bag roll 20, 120 can be used in any other processing unit, with or without the same components as the processing unit 50 of Figures 3 and 4. Although the processing unit 50 is provided as an exemplary container configuration adapted for use with the bag dispensing cassette and / or bag roll 20, 120, further variations of the processing unit 50 can be used with the bag dispensing cassette 10 and / or bag roll 20, 120 as well.

[0082] Various aspects of the method of installing and / or using bags in a waste disposal unit can be gleaned from the above description of the waste disposal unit, bag dispensing cassette, bag roll and bags. For example, a user having a waste disposal unit such as waste disposal unit 50 described above may be provided with bags (20, 20', 20") in the form of a single bag or as part of a bag roll or the like. The user may unfold the bag roll to release one bag from the bag roll. The closed end of the bag may be positioned within waste disposal unit 50 by threading a length of the bag through a central opening (XX) of waste disposal unit 50. The top end of the bag may be deformed from its unstretched state to hook onto a bag support, such as various embodiments of bag support 56, at the top of waste disposal unit 50 so that the top end of the bag is open and can receive waste therein. The user may then (immediately or at a later time) place waste (or other objects) into the bag through the top open end of the bag. The waste in the bag may be supported by waste disposal unit 50 by the closed end of the bag seating against the bottom of waste disposal unit 50. In at least some cases, the bag may be stretched from its unstretched state to The deformation of the bag at its upper end to allow the bag to remain attached to all of the hooks or attachment sections of the bag support 56 is within the range of plastic deformation. The upper open end of the bag can be stretched to obtain an open cross-sectional area at the upper open end at least equal to the hooking perimeter HP defined by the bag support 56. In at least some cases, a user can optionally pull the bag laterally to unfold or at least partially open the bag and simultaneously hook the bag onto one hook (56H). By partially unfolding and / or stretching, a user can fold the upper open end of the bag over one or more hooks (56H) and then further unfold and / or stretch the upper open end of the bag to obtain a stretched state that allows the bag to remain attached to all of the hooks or attachment sections of the bag support 56. In other words, deforming the upper end of the bag from an unstretched state can include deforming the bag at different locations corresponding to different attachment members of the bucket. Other aspects of how the bag is used and / or installed in a waste disposal unit will be apparent from the above description. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 20 bag roll 20' bag 40 Cassette body 50 processing units 51 Base 52 Upright wall 53 Cover 53A rim 54 Trapdoor 55 Internal cavity 56 Bag support part 57 Funnel section D Unstretched diameter of bag opening HP hook edge UH Height dimension of waste receiving volume

Claims

1. 1. A bag suitable for use in a waste disposal unit, the waste disposal unit having a bag support for hanging the bag in an open position, the bag support defining a central opening for receiving the bag, the central opening having a cross-sectional area CA, the cross-sectional area CA having a first maximum dimension WD and a second maximum dimension DD perpendicular to the first maximum dimension WD, DD being at least 70% of WD, the bag support defining a peripheral latching edge HP along the central opening, the peripheral contour of HP being greater than the peripheral contour of CA, a waste receiving volume having a height dimension UH extending from the bag support to a bottom of the disposal unit, the bag comprising: A tubular body having an upper open end and a lower closed end Equipped with the tubular body of the open bag defines an interior volume for containing an object; the tubular body having a first compartment including the upper open end and at least a second compartment including the lower closed end, the first compartment being stretchable from an unstretched state to a stretched state, and when the bag is opened: In the unstretched state, the first compartment has an open cross-sectional area that is smaller than the cross-sectional area CA; In the stretched state, the opening cross-sectional area is at least equal to the cross-sectional area CA.

2. 10. The bag of claim 1, wherein the second compartment has an opening cross-sectional area of ​​at most 0.95 CA.

3. The bag according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the tubular body has a length L extending from the upper open end to the lower closed end, the length L being greater than the height dimension UH.

4. 4. The bag of claim 3, wherein the length L satisfies 1.05UH≦L≦1.25UH.

5. 5. The bag according to claim 1, wherein the tubular body in a flat, two-fold state has a pair of side edges extending from an upper edge to a lower edge, the upper edge defining the upper open end, and the lower edge defining the lower closed end, the upper open end having a flat two-fold width WA satisfying 0.9POL / 2≦WA<POL / 2, where POL is defined as the contour of the hooking peripheral edge HP.

6. 6. The bag of claim 5, wherein the side edges are parallel from the top open end to the bottom closed end.

7. 5. The bag of claim 1, wherein the tubular body in its flat, bi-folded state has a pair of side edges extending from an upper edge to a lower edge, the upper edge defining the upper open end, and a welded seam extending from at least one of the side edges to the lower closed end to form a tapered portion in the second compartment, the tapered portion providing a reduced cross-sectional area of ​​the opening of the bag in the second compartment.

8. 8. The bag of claim 7, further comprising a flap adjacent the weld seam, the flap extending between the weld seam and one of the side edges.

9. The bag of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the tubular body is made from at least two layers of film.

10. 8. The bag of claim 1, wherein the first compartment and the second compartment are made from a film of compostable material.

11. 1. A bag suitable for use in a waste disposal unit, the waste disposal unit having a bag support for hanging the bag in an open position, the bag support defining a central opening of the waste disposal unit and having a cross-sectional area CA, the cross-sectional area CA having a first maximum dimension WD and a second maximum dimension DD perpendicular to the first maximum dimension WD, DD being at least 70% of WD, the bag support defining a peripheral hanging edge HP along the central opening, the peripheral outline of HP > the peripheral outline of CA, a waste receiving volume having a height dimension UH extending from the bag support to a bottom of the disposal unit, the bag comprising: A tubular body having an upper open end and a lower closed end Equipped with the tubular body of the bag is openable to define an interior volume accessible through the open top end; the tubular body has a first section including the upper open end and at least a second section including the lower closed end, the first section being stretchable from an unstretched state to a stretched state; the first section in an unstretched state has an open cross-sectional area of ​​at most 0.95 CA; The bag wherein the first section in the stretched state has an opening cross-sectional area at least equal to the opening cross-sectional area of ​​the HP without rupturing.

12. 12. The bag of claim 11, wherein the second compartment has an opening cross-sectional area of ​​at most 0.95 CA.

13. 13. The bag of claim 11 or 12, wherein the tubular body has a length L extending from the upper open end to the lower closed end, the length L satisfying 1.05UH≦L≦1.25UH.

14. 14. The bag according to claim 11, wherein the tubular body in a flat, two-fold state has a pair of side edges extending from an upper edge to a lower edge, the upper edge defining the upper open end, and the lower edge defining the lower closed end, the upper open end having a flat two-fold width WA satisfying 0.9POL / 2≦WA<POL / 2, where POL is defined as a contour of the hooking peripheral edge HP.

15. 15. The bag of claim 11, wherein the tubular body in its flat, folded-over state has a pair of side edges extending from an upper edge to a lower edge, the upper edge defining the upper open end, and a welded seam extending from at least one of the side edges to the lower closed end to form a taper in the second compartment, the taper providing a reduced cross-sectional area of ​​the opening of the bag in the second compartment.

16. 16. The bag of claim 15, further comprising a flap adjacent the weld seam, the flap extending between the weld seam and one of the side edges.

17. 17. The bag of claim 11, wherein the first section is stretchable from the unstretched state to the stretched state within a plastic deformation range to obtain a cross-sectional area of ​​the upper open end at least equal to the cross-sectional area defined by the latching periphery HP without rupturing.

18. 18. The bag of claim 17, wherein in the stretched state, the first section is stretchable within the plastic deformation range to obtain a cross-sectional area HPA defined by the latching periphery HP according to 1.01 CA≦HPA≦1.2 CA.

19. 1. A bag suitable for use in a waste disposal unit, the waste disposal unit having a bag support for hanging the bag in an open position, the bag support defining a central opening for receiving the bag and a peripheral hooking edge HP extending along the central opening, the central opening having a cross-sectional area CA with a first maximum dimension WD and a second maximum dimension DD perpendicular to the first maximum dimension WD, DD being at least 70% of WD, the bag comprising: A tubular body having an upper open end and a lower closed end Equipped with the tubular body of the bag in the open state defines an interior volume for containing an object, the interior volume decreasing longitudinally between the upper open end and the lower closed end; The tubular body is stretchable laterally to widen the upper open end, the tubular body having a first compartment including the upper open end and a second compartment including the lower closed end, the first compartment having a width and circumferential elongation at break in a flat, bi-folded state selected to have an open cross-sectional area between 90% and 100% of the cross-sectional area CA in an unstretched state.

20. 20. The bag of claim 19, wherein the waste disposal unit has a waste receiving volume having a height dimension UH extending from the bag support to a bottom of the disposal unit, and the bag has a length L extending from the upper open end to the lower closed end, wherein the length L is in accordance with 1.05UH≦L≦1.25UH.

21. 21. The bag of claim 19 or 20, wherein the first section is stretchable within a plastic deformation range from the unstretched state to an extended state in which the opening cross-sectional area of ​​the upper open end is at least equal to the cross-sectional area defined by the latching periphery HP without tearing.

22. 22. A bag roll comprising a plurality of bags according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the bags are 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.

23. 23. A bag dispensing cassette comprising a tubular film defining a plurality of bags as defined in any one of claims 1 to 22 and a receptacle surrounding at least a portion of the plurality of bags, wherein the plurality of bags are connected end to end from the lower edge of a first of the bags to the upper edge of a second of the bags, and the tubular film is stacked in a fan-folded or multi-folded configuration.

24. A method of placing a bag in a bucket, comprising: positioning the closed end of the bag within the bucket through a central opening of the bucket; deforming the upper end of the bag from an unstretched state, and hooking the bag onto a bag support portion at the upper end of the bucket so that the upper end of the bag opens; dumping waste into the bag through the top open end, the weight of the waste being supported by the bucket by seating the closed end of the bag on the bottom of the bucket; A method comprising:

25. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein deforming the top end of the bag from the unstretched state comprises deforming the top end of the bag within a plastic deformation range.

26. 26. The method of claim 24 or 25, wherein deforming the top end of the bag from the unstretched state includes deforming the bag at different locations corresponding to different latching members of the bucket.

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