GB2302680A

GB2302680A - Container for dispensing used bags

Info

Publication number: GB2302680A
Application number: GB9520677A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Susan Della Clay
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1995-06-27
Filing date: 1995-10-10
Publication date: 1997-01-29
Anticipated expiration: 2015-10-10
Also published as: GB9513063D0; GB9520677D0; GB2302680B

Abstract

A container in the form of a plastic or paper bag 10 having a top opening 12 and a pair of opposed handles 20, also has a second reinforced opening 14 formed in its bottom wall for dispensing used bags. The opening 14 is surrounded by a two-part reinforcing ring 16 comprising a pair of annular flanges 30 and 32 which are mutually opposed on opposite sides of the bag wall. The two parts of the reinforcing ring are releasably secured together by a taper fit (Fig 2), or screw-threading of the parts, or pins snap engaging sockets. The bag can be used to hold used bags, dusters and similar household items which are inserted through the top opening 12 and removed through the opening 14 when required.

Description

RECYCLING BAGS TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to the recycling of bags and like containers.

BACKGROUND Plastic bags are widely used for containing and carrying numerous items, but once their initial purpose has been served they are usually discarded. Such bags are inconvenient to store, and even if they are stored in a suitable container it is difficult to retrieve them without pulling other unwanted bags from the container.

If people could be encouraged to re-use such bags, it would help to conserve the natural resources from which the bags are manufactured.

The present invention seeks to provide means for encouraging the re-use of bags and like containers, which is patentably different from any existing means.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention proposes that a bag or like flexible container having a top opening is further provided with a second opening through which items stored in the container can be withdrawn, the second opening being surrounded by a two-part reinforcing member, the two parts of which are mutually connected through the container wall.

Thus, the container can easily be filled with used bags or other items by inserting them through the top opening to provide a neat and inexpensive storage facility. When one of the items is required it can be withdrawn through the second opening without disturbing the other contents.

The two parts are preferably connected by a releasable engagement so that the reinforcing member can be removed and re-used with another container if required.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The following description and the accompanying drawings referred to therein are included by way of non-limiting example in order to illustrate how the invention may be put into practice. In the drawings: Figure 1 is a general view of a bag adapted as a recycling container in accordance with the invention, and Figures 2 to 4 show three possible forms of reinforcing ring for use with the container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Referring to Fig. 1, a carrier bag 10 has a normal top opening 12 with a pair of opposed handles 20 on opposite sides of the top opening. The bag additionally has a second opening 14 formed in its bottom wall, surrounded by a two-part reinforcing ring 16, examples of which are shown in Fig.s 2 to 4.

The two parts a and b of each ring comprise a pair of generally annular flanges 30 and 32 which are mutually opposed on opposite sides of the bag wall. The parts are further provided with means for releasably securing the two flanges together. In the ring of Fig. 2, the flanges are secured by taper-fit male and female parts 34 and 35 whereas in Fig. 3 male and female parts 38 and 39 are engaged by coarse screw threads. In Fig. 4 the one of the flanges 30 is provided with axially extending pins 42 which snap engage into sockets 44 in the opposed flange 32.

The two halves of the ring will be engaged through the flexible wall of the bag so that the wall is held taut within the circumference of the ring. An incision is them made in wall, inside the ring, to form the second opening 40.

The bag can be used to hold further bags and other suitable household items (e.g. dusters) which are inserted through the top opening 12. The bag can conveniently be suspended by the handles 20, so that the bags can be removed through the opening 14 when required.

The rings may be provided in a range of sizes, e.g. 120mm, 100mm and 50mm diameter.

It will be appreciated that the ring could be inserted into a side wall of the bag instead of the bottom wall. Also, the ring could be inserted into a strong paper bag instead of a plastic bag.

* * * * * * * *

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A bag or like flexible container having a top opening and which is further provided with a second opening through which items stored in the container can be withdrawn, the second opening being surrounded by a twopart reinforcing member, the two parts of which are mutually connected through the container wall.
2. A bag or like container according to Claim 1, in which the two parts of the reinforcing member are connected by a releasable engagement.
3. A bag or like container according to Claim 2, in which said releasable engagement is provided by taper-fit male and female parts.
4. A bag or like container according to Claim 2, in which said releasable engagement is provided by male and female parts having a screwthreaded engagement.
5. A bag or like container according to Claim 2, in which said releasable engagement is provided by snap-engagement of the two parts.
6. A bag or like container according to any preceding claim, in which the two parts of the reinforcing member comprise a pair of annular flanges which are mutually opposed on opposite sides of the container wall.
7. A bag or like container substantially as described with reference to Figures 1 and 2, 3 or 4 of the drawings.

* * * * * * * *