container

Abstract

A container. The container comprises a container wall and a container floor that form a bag-holding surface, the container wall also forming a rim, and at least one bag holder attached to the bag-holding surface, each bag holder configured to hold a portion of a bag.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a container. More particularly, the present invention relates to a container or bin for use with a vacuum cleaner used to clean surfaces contaminated with potentially dangerous dust.

Background Art

[0002] Vacuum cleaners, such as motorized vacuum cleaners, have been widely used for a long time for cleaning outdoor and indoor surfaces. Motorized vacuum cleaners often include at least one frame that supports a cleaning brush and a rear or front collection bin for receiving the dust collected by the cleaning brush.

[0003] Using a vacuum cleaner in an environment where potentially dangerous dust or debris is present often exposes the user to dangerous or harmful particles. For example, using a vacuum cleaner in a construction environment can expose the user to harmful dust particles known as respirable crystalline silica (RCS). Prolonged and heavy exposure to RCS can cause severe respiratory disorders and lead to respiratory health problems such as silicosis, lung diseases, lung cancer, and other serious respiratory diseases.

[0004] Existing vacuum cleaners may release potentially dangerous dust into the environment after emptying the hopper or bin or container of the vacuum cleaner. For example, the user may transfer the contents of the hopper or bin to a designated dust bin, which can release at least some of the potentially dangerous dust into the environment and then be inhaled by the user or nearby people.

[0005] The present invention has been made to reduce at least some of the above problems.

Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a bag holder is provided for attachment to the bag-holding surface of a container, comprising a cavity having a bag-receiving opening configured to receive each portion of a bag.

[0007] Preferably, the bag holder comprises an elastic and flexible portion attached to the rim of the bag receiving opening.

[0008] Preferably, the elastic and flexible portion comprises one or more elastic and flexible tabs.

[0009] Preferably, the bag holder is equipped with an adhesive lining.

[0010] A container is provided, comprising a container wall and a container floor forming a bag-holding surface, wherein the container wall also forms a rim, and at least one bag holder attached to the bag-holding surface, wherein each bag holder is configured to hold a portion of a bag.

[0011] The "bag-holding surface" can be understood as the surface of a container that is adapted to be at least partially covered by the bag during use.

[0012] The "rim" can be understood as a portion of the container formed by the container wall that can fold down the opening of the bag when in use. The rim may also be formed by the upper and side edges of the side wall.

[0013] The container may contain any suitable material. For example, the material of the container may be polyethylene. The container may be transparent, translucent, or opaque. The container may be any suitable size. For example, the container may have a height of 38 centimeters, a width of 82 centimeters, and a length of 142 centimeters.

[0014] The bag may be any non-rigid container of a suitable size for use with the container or bin of the present invention. Preferably, the opening of the bag is sized such that at least a portion of the opening can be folded over at least a portion of the rim. For example, the bag may have a height of 91 cm, a width of 82 cm, and a length of 142 cm. The bag may contain any suitable material, such as polyethylene. The bag may be transparent, translucent, or opaque.

[0015] The present invention may advantageously provide means for easily attaching bags to containers. The present invention may also advantageously provide means for easily removing bags from containers after collecting potentially hazardous waste or debris from an environment, such as an indoor or outdoor surface at a construction site. Advantageously, removing bags from containers may be safer than existing containers or bins used with vacuum cleaners, as bags can be closed and sealed before removal from the bin to facilitate the containment of potentially hazardous waste or debris. In particular, bags can be sealed after use and before disposal, for example, using cable ties to close the opening of the bag.

[0016] At least one bag holder can advantageously provide a means to prevent the bag from detaching from the container during use, when there is no debris to weigh down the bag. In particular, the bag holder can hold each part of the bag (e.g., a portion of the bag material) and prevent the bag from detaching from the container through this part of the bag. This can have particular utility when a vacuum component close to the container is activated, as at least one bag holder can prevent the bag from being sucked into a vacuum component.

[0017] Preferably, each of the at least one bag holders comprises a cavity having a bag receiving opening configured to receive each portion of the bag. The cavity can advantageously provide volume for receiving and holding each portion of the bag. A larger cavity can advantageously increase the volume of each portion of the bag held by the bag holder, thereby advantageously increasing the holding force of the bag holder.

[0018] Preferably, each of the bag retainers comprises an elastic and flexible portion attached to the rim of the bag receiving opening. The elastic and flexible portion preferably provides minimal resistance along a first direction into the cavity and substantial resistance along a second direction out of the cavity. In this way, a portion of the bag can be easily inserted into the cavity. A substantially large force may be required to remove a portion of the bag from the cavity. Thus, the elastic and flexible portion can advantageously provide a means for easily inserting a portion of the bag into each bag receiving opening while preventing, for example, a portion of the bag from escaping from the bag receiving opening when a vacuum is applied.

[0019] Preferably, the elastic and flexible portion comprises one or more elastic and flexible tabs. Preferably, the tabs are configured to provide minimal resistance along a first direction into the cavity and substantial resistance along a second direction out of the cavity. In this way, a portion of the bag can be easily inserted into the cavity. Substantially large force may be required to remove a portion of the bag from the cavity. Thus, the elastic and flexible tabs can advantageously provide means for easily inserting a portion of the bag into each bag receiving opening, while preventing, for example, a portion of the bag from escaping from the bag receiving opening when a vacuum is applied.

[0020] In some embodiments, at least one bag holder is detachable from the bag-holding surface of the container. Advantageously, at least one bag holder can be easily fixed to an existing container. Alternatively, at least one bag holder is fixed to the bag-holding surface. Further alternatively, at least one bag holder and the bag-holding surface are manufactured as an integrated unit.

[0021] Preferably, at least one bag holder is provided with an adhesive lining. Advantageously, the bag holder can be easily attached to and / or removed from the container.

[0022] Preferably, the container wall comprises a first side wall, a second side wall opposite the first side wall, and a rear wall connecting the first and second side walls. In this way, the opening of the container may be formed by at least a partially cut front wall and at least a partially cut roof. Advantageously, the bag can be easily attached to the container. Further advantageously, the bag can easily accept potentially hazardous waste or debris.

[0023] Preferably, at least one bag holder comprises a first pair of bag holders positioned on opposing side walls of the container. Advantageously, the first pair of bag holders can at least partially prevent the bags from shrinking, bulging, or deforming in any way that would hinder the capture of waste during use. More advantageously, the first pair of bag holders can prevent the bags from detaching from the container during use.

[0024] Preferably, at least one bag holder comprises a second pair of bag holders positioned on the opposing side walls of the container at a different location from the first pair of bag holders. Advantageously, the second pair of bag holders can further prevent the bags from shrinking during use. Even more advantageously, the second pair of bag holders can prevent the bags from coming loose from the container during use.

[0025] Preferably, the first pair of bag retainers are disposed proximate to the first corners of the respective side walls, and the second pair of bag retainers are disposed proximate to the second corners of the respective side walls. In this way, each pair of bag retainers may be disposed at different corners of the side walls. Advantageously, such an arrangement may further prevent the bag from shrinking during use. More advantageously, such an arrangement may prevent the bag from coming off the container during use.

[0026] Preferably, the first corner is the upper rear corner and the second corner is the lower front corner. Advantageously, such an arrangement may at least partially prevent the bag from shrinking, swelling, or deforming in any way that would interfere with garbage capture during use. More advantageously, such an arrangement may maximize the usable volume of the bag for collecting garbage and minimize restrictions on the entrance of the container.

[0027] Preferably, the floor comprises at least one floor bag retainer. Thereby, the bag may be prevented from coming off the floor portion of the bag retaining surface. Advantageously, the bag may be further prevented from shrinking during use. More advantageously, at least one floor bag retainer may prevent the bag from coming off the container during use.

[0028] Preferably, at least one floor bag retainer comprises a pair of floor bag retainers positioned proximate to different corners of the floor. In this way, the arrangement of the floor bag retainers at different corners of the floor may impart tension to a significant portion of the bag between the portions of the bag held by the respective floor bag retainers. Advantageously, the arrangement of the floor bag retainers at different corners of the floor may further reduce bag shrinkage and increase the non-shrunken volume of the bag.

[0029] Preferably, each of the pair of floor bag retainers is positioned proximate to the first rear corner and the second rear corner, respectively.

[0030] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of assembling a container according to the second aspect of the present invention, the method comprising: preparing at least one bag holder according to the first aspect of the present invention; and attaching the at least one bag holder to respective positions on a bag holding surface.

[0031] In some embodiments, preparing at least one bag holder includes removing an adhesive backing.

[0032] It should be understood that any feature described herein as suitable for incorporation into one or more aspects or embodiments of the present invention is intended to be generalized across all aspects and embodiments of the present invention. Other aspects of the present invention will be understood by those skilled in the art in light of the description, claims and drawings of the present invention. The foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the claims.

[0033] Reference will now be made to the following figures, which illustrate the invention by way of example only.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0034] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of a container according to a first aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an enlarged front view of the bag holding surface of the container of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a front view of a side of the bag holding surface of the container of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an upper perspective view of a bag holder used in the container of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a lower perspective view of the bag holder of FIG. 4.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0035] FIG. 1 shows a front view of a bin or container 100. The container 100 is configured to allow waste, such as hazardous dust, to be disposed of in a safe manner.

[0036] The container 100 comprises container walls 102, 104, 106 and a container floor 108 that form a bag-holding surface, the container walls 102, 104, 106 also forming a rim 110, and at least one bag holder 112 attached to the bag-holding surface, each bag holder 112 configured to hold a portion of a bag (not shown). Figure 2 shows an enlarged front view of the bag-holding surface of the container 100. Figure 3 shows a front view of the side wall 102 of the container 100.

[0037] The bag-holding surface is the surface of the container 100 to which the bags are attached or arranged. In other words, the bag-holding surface is the surface of the container 100 that is adapted to be at least partially covered by the bags during use. Ideally, the bags are at least partially adapted to the shape of the bag-holding surface in order to maximize the collection and storage of waste. That is, the bags should shrink in various parts of the bag by the smallest amount. The bag holder 112 facilitates this conformation, as will be further described below.

[0038] The rim 110 is a portion of the container 100 formed by the container walls 102, 104, and 106, over which the bag opening may be folded when in use. As seen in Figures 1 to 3, the rim is formed by the upper and side edges of the side walls 102, 104. The rim 110 has a lip over which the bag can be folded. It is preferable to select a bag with dimensions such that the perimeter of the bag opening can be folded over the entire rim 110, although the bag opening can be considered to be able to be folded over a portion of the rim 110. For example, the bag opening may be folded over the upper edges of the side walls 102, 104 so that the sides of the bag fill the space between the side edges of the side walls 102, 104.

[0039] Figure 4 shows an upper perspective view of the bag holder 112. Figure 5 shows a lower perspective view of the bag holder 112.

[0040] The bag holder 112 comprises a cavity having a bag receiving opening 114 on its upper side. The bag receiving opening 114 is configured to receive each portion of the bag. The bag holder 112 also comprises an elastic and flexible tab 116 attached to the rim of the bag receiving opening 114, which at least partially closes it. The tab 116 is molded to allow a portion of the bag to pass into the cavity, while resisting a portion of the bag passing through the cavity. In this way, the bag holder 112 receives and holds each portion of the bag by allowing a portion of the bag to enter the cavity and resisting a portion of the bag to be removed from the cavity. Note that the tab does not completely prevent a portion of the bag from coming out of the cavity, for example, when the bag is used to collect debris from a vacuum cleaner, so that the bag can be removed for further disposal of the debris.

[0041] The bag holder 112 is detachable from the bag-holding surface of the container 100. In this embodiment shown in Figure 5, the bag holder 112 is detachable by an adhesive backing 118. The adhesive backing 118 includes a removable sheet for protecting the adhesive surface of the adhesive backing 118 when not in use. The removable sheet can be removed from the adhesive surface before attaching the bag holder 112 to the bag-holding surface. The adhesive surface contains a pressure-sensitive adhesive.

[0042] In alternative embodiments, the bag holder 112 may be detachable by other means. For example, the container 100 may have a bag holder receiving section (not shown) incorporated into the bag holding surface. The bag holder 112 may be mechanically connected to the bag holder receiving section to keep the bag holder in place. The bag holder receiving section may be positioned in a predetermined location, or it may be detachable and repositionable itself. The use of the bag holder receiving section may provide a means to ensure that the bag holder 112 is positioned appropriately.

[0043] In a further alternative embodiment, the bag holder 112 is mechanically fixed to the bag holding surface. For example, the bag holder 112 is fixed to the bag holding surface via screws or bolts.

[0044] This detachability of the bag holder 112 provides a means for rearranging the position of the bag holder 112 on the bag holding surface as needed. In particular, the bag holder 112 may be a separate component from the container 100, and its detachability allows the bag holder 112 to be mounted in an appropriate position on the container 100.

[0045] In the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 3, at least one bag holder 112 comprises a first pair of bag holders 112A and 112B positioned on opposing side walls 102 and 104 of the container 100. The first pair of bag holders 112A and 112B are positioned at opposing locations on the opposing side walls 102 and 104 of the container 100. In particular, the first pair of bag holders 112A and 112B are positioned close to the first corners of the respective side walls 102 and 104. The first corners are the upper rear corners of the respective side walls 102 and 104. Specifically, bag holder 112A is positioned close to the upper rear or rear corner of side wall 102, and bag holder 112B is positioned close to the upper rear or rear corner of side wall 104. This position of bag holders 112A and 112B maximizes the bag capacity and minimizes the loose portion of the bag that expands towards a vacuum during use.

[0046] At least one bag retainer also comprises a second pair of bag retainers 112C, 112D positioned on opposing side walls 102, 104 of the container 100 in a different location from the first pair of bag retainers 112A, 112B. The second pair of bag retainers 112C, 112D are positioned close to the second corners of the respective side walls 102, 104. The second corners are the lower front corners of the respective side walls 102, 104. In particular, bag retainer 112C is positioned close to the lower front corner of side wall 102, and bag retainer 112D is positioned close to the lower front corner of side wall 104. This position of bag retainers 112C, 112D also maximizes bag capacity and minimizes the loose portion of the bag that expands towards vacuum during use.

[0047] At least one bag holder 112 comprises at least one floor bag holder 112E, 112F. At least one floor bag holder 112E, 112F comprises a pair of floor bag holders 112E, 112F positioned close to different corners of the container floor 108. Specifically, bag holder 112E is positioned close to a first rear corner of the container floor 108, and bag holder 112F is positioned close to a second rear corner of the container floor 108. This positioning of bag holders 112E, 112F also maximizes bag capacity and minimizes loose portions of the bag that expand towards vacuum during use.

[0048] This distribution of the bag holder 112 biases and maintains the bag in its intended shape during use. In particular, since the bag holder 112 holds each part of the bag, these parts remain in the same position during use, and therefore the bag itself also maintains nearly the same shape during use, rather than shrinking or folding. By maintaining its shape during use, shrinkage of the bag at the opening is minimized, thus maximizing the bag's capture area.

[0049] The advantage of placing bag holders in these positions is that it can reduce the amount of loose bag material and, therefore, reduce the amount of bag material that may expand under vacuum pressure, for example. Thus, it is possible to maximize the use of the container opening and the container volume.

[0050] Although the embodiment in Figure 1 shows six bag holders 112, it will be understood that various numbers of bag holders 112 may be used. Furthermore, various arrangements of bag holders 112 may be used.

[0051] To assemble the device, a bag holder 112 is prepared. For example, to prepare a bag holder 112 having an adhesive lining 118, the removable sheet is removed so that the bag holder 112 can be attached to the container 100. The bag holder 112 is attached to the container 100 in the position described above in relation to Figures 1 to 3. Thus, the container 100 is ready for use. Each part of the bag is inserted into its respective bag holder 112, and the opening of the bag is folded over the rim 110. The container 100 with the bag attached can then be used with the vacuum cleaner. After use with the vacuum cleaner, the bag can be unfolded from the rim 110, and a cable tie or the like is used to close the opening of the bag. Subsequently, the bag is removed by applying a pulling force to each part of the bag held by the bag holder and removing that part. The bag can then be safely disposed of.

[0052] The descriptions provided herein pertain to specific implementations. It should be understood that the descriptions provided herein are intended to enable those skilled in the art to create and use any subject matter as defined herein by the subject matter of the claims.

[0053] The subject matter of the claims is intended to include modifications of the claimed implementations, including parts of the claimed implementations and combinations of elements of different implementations, rather than being limited to the implementations and examples provided herein. It should be understood that in developing such implementations, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints that may vary from implementation to implementation. Furthermore, it should be understood that while such development efforts may be complex and time-consuming, they are nevertheless routine design, fabrication, and manufacturing tasks for those skilled in the art who are interested in the present invention.

[0054] Various implementations are referenced in detail, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings and figures. In the embodiments for carrying out the invention, numerous specific details are described in order to provide a complete understanding of the invention as provided herein. However, the invention as provided herein may be carried out without these specific details. In some other examples, well-known methods, procedures, components, circuits, and networks are not described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the details of the embodiments.

[0055] While terms such as "first," "second," etc., are used in this specification to describe various elements, it should be understood that these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish any element from another. For example, the first element can be called the second element, and similarly, the second element can be called the first element. The first element and the second element are both elements, but they should not be considered the same element.

[0056] The terms used in the description of the invention provided herein are for the purpose of describing specific implementations and are not intended to limit the invention provided herein. As used in the description of the invention provided herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural form unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “and / or” as used herein refer to and encompass any possible combination of one or more of the related enumerated items. The terms “includes,” “including,” “comprises,” and / or “comprising,” as used herein, specify the presence of the described features, integers, steps, actions, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, actions, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0057] While the foregoing applies to various implementations of the technologies described herein, other and further implementations may be devised in accordance with the present invention, as the following claims may be determined. Although the subject matter is described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological actions, it should be understood that the subject matter as defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or actions described above. Rather, the specific features and actions described above are disclosed as exemplary forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

1. A bag holder for attachment to the bag-holding surface of a container, wherein the bag holder is A bag holder having a cavity with bag receiving openings configured to receive each part of the bag.

2. The bag holder according to claim 1, further comprising an elastic and flexible portion attached to the rim of the bag receiving opening.

3. The bag holder according to claim 2, wherein the elastic and flexible portion comprises one or more elastic and flexible tabs.

4. A bag holder according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising an adhesive lining.

5. It is a container, A container wall and container floor that form a bag holding surface, wherein the container wall also forms a rim, At least one bag holder attached to the bag holding surface, wherein each bag holder is configured to hold a respective portion of the bag, and A container equipped with [the following features].

6. The container according to claim 5, wherein each of the at least one bag holders comprises a cavity having a bag receiving opening configured to receive the respective portion of the bag.

7. The container according to claim 6, wherein each of the at least one bag holders comprises an elastic and flexible portion attached to the rim of the bag receiving opening.

8. The container according to claim 7, wherein the elastic and flexible portion comprises one or more elastic and flexible tabs.

9. The container according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the at least one bag holder is detachable from the bag-holding surface of the container.

10. The container according to claim 9, wherein the at least one bag holder is provided with an adhesive lining.

11. The aforementioned container wall, The first side wall and The second side wall opposite to the first side wall, The rear wall connecting the first and second side walls and A container according to any one of claims 5 to 10, comprising:

12. The container according to claim 11, wherein the at least one bag holder comprises a first pair of bag holders arranged on opposing side walls of the container.

13. The container according to claim 12, wherein the at least one bag holder also comprises a second pair of bag holders positioned on the opposing side walls of the container at a different location from the first pair of bag holders.

14. The container according to claim 13, wherein the first pair of bag holders are positioned close to the first corners of each of the side walls, and the second pair of bag holders are positioned close to the second corners of each of the side walls.

15. The container according to claim 14, wherein the first corner is an upper rear corner and the second corner is a lower front corner.

16. The container according to any one of claims 5 to 15, wherein the at least one bag holder comprises at least one floor bag holder.

17. The container according to claim 16, wherein the at least one floor bag holder comprises a pair of floor bag holders positioned in close proximity to different corners of the container floor.

18. The container according to claim 17, wherein the pair of floor bag holders are positioned close to the first rear corner and the second rear corner, respectively.

19. A method for assembling a container according to any one of claims 5 to 18, A step of preparing at least one bag holder according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The steps include: attaching the at least one bag holder to each position on the bag holding surface; Methods that include...

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the step of preparing the at least one bag holder includes the step of removing the adhesive lining.

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